Author: Amy Veloz

For Desiree L. Veloz, education is not just a career—it’s a calling. Currently serving as the Principal of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), Mrs. Veloz’s journey into education began in 2006 at Rosemary Clarke Middle School, where she taught 7th-grade English. Despite entering the classroom with no prior teaching experience and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism – Public Relations with an English major, she quickly fell in love with teaching. “I fell in love with the teaching and learning process and inspiring students,” she recalls. A few years later, Mrs. Veloz transitioned to PVHS, where she discovered her true passion:…

Stepping into the role of principal at Rosemary Clarke Middle School (RCMS), April Sutton brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future. Having graduated from Pahrump Valley High School in 2003, Mrs. Sutton has come full circle, returning to her roots to lead and inspire the next generation of students in her hometown. Mrs. Sutton’s journey into education was shaped by her passion for academics and the influence of powerful mentors. Initially pursuing pre-law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she found her true calling in education after humbling experiences in her law classes. “I…

Manse Elementary School is excited to welcome Elizabeth “Liz” Gilligan, who was appointed as the principal on November 1, 2023. With a rich background and a passion for education, Mrs. Gilligan brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the school. Reflecting on her journey to becoming an educator, Mrs. Gilligan shared, “From a young age, I aspired to become a teacher, a goal I pursued shortly after graduating high school.” However, life initially took her on a different path, leading her to a career in call center management within the banking and wireless industries. This unexpected detour…

Kimberley and Dan Loveless, co-owners of Our Place, a specialty coffee house in Pahrump, have been bringing a unique blend of warmth and quality to the community since their official opening on January 15th. The Loveless family, including daughter Kasi Custard who is part of the Leadership team at Our Place, have created a haven for locals to gather, sip, and celebrate. Having moved to Pahrump from Vegas nine months ago, Dan and Kimberely were driven by a deep-rooted desire to provide a space for connection and enjoyment. “We wanted this community to have somewhere to go,” Kimberley shared. The…

Ms. Lilliana Robledo, the newly appointed principal of Mt Charleston Elementary School, brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of passion to her role. With 17 years in education, her journey has been diverse, spanning from working with preschool students to providing in-home therapy for children with developmental delays. Ms. Robledo’s early career included roles as a long-term substitute teacher and a service coordinator, where she connected families with essential resources. These experiences, combined with her time teaching in early childhood inclusion classrooms, led her to pursue a second Master’s degree in administration. “I became a change agent…

Christian Mott, a 2022 graduate of PVHS, has embarked on an inspiring journey that combines hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning. Reflecting on his high school years, Christian fondly remembers his freshman year during the last game of the regular soccer season. “We played Del Sol at home with the biggest crowd we ever had, and the winner of the game got to go to regionals. We ended up winning that game, and I’ll never forget how much that meant to me and the rest of the guys on the field,” he recalls with pride. This victory was…

Tyson Hollis, a proud alumnus of PVHS, has a journey marked by resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to his community. Reflecting on his high school days, Tyson fondly recalls the joy of watching others succeed. “Although I was involved in many clubs, teams, and programs, perhaps my fondest memories were watching others excel,” he shares. Encouraging his shy and introverted brother to participate in sports and activities, Tyson witnessed him flourish into a leader. His sister Nicky’s achievements in softball and her educational success remain sources of immense pride for Tyson. Tyson’s career journey began under challenging circumstances. After…

As the new season approaches, the Pahrump Valley High School cross country team, led by head coach Erik Odegard, is setting its sights high. “This year is going to be filled with high expectations,” Odegard shares. With a large number of returning athletes on both the boys’ and girls’ teams, the coach is looking forward to combining their experience with the enthusiasm of a sizable group of newcomers. The girls’ team, coming off a regional win last year, aims to repeat that success. “The girls won the region last year, and I am looking for them to repeat that this…

As the new school year approaches, the Nye County School District (NCSD) is urging parents and guardians to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance for their children. Regular attendance is crucial for students’ academic and social success, and the district is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of school days in a year, can significantly impact a student’s educational journey. It can lead to loss of credits, retention, and a higher likelihood of dropping out. Recognizing these risks, NCSD has developed several programs and initiatives to…

At Pahrump Valley High School, the tennis program is more than just a sports team; it’s a family. Head Coach Michael DelaRosa, who has been at the helm for five years, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the game that has transformed the tennis program. Coach DelaRosa, known for his patient and methodical coaching style, has high hopes for this season, emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. “The players just play the best they could for how many days, months, years they’ve been practicing tennis,” says Coach DelaRosa, setting the tone for a season focused…