In accordance with our tradition, The Progress would like to spotlight a few of the seniors from the upcoming graduating classes at Moapa Valley High School and Virgin Valley High School. Unfortunately, we can’t feature everyone in the classes. But we hope to give just a sampling of the remarkable young people coming from our communities.
By ELISE DALLEY
The Progress
MVHS senior Nick Hoy has created many memorable moments within the walls of Moapa Valley High School. Now with the arrival of graduation, he said that he is just a bit sad to say goodbye to all the wonderful friends he has made. But he is also excited to begin the next stage of life.
Nick has contributed much to MVHS and is always a good friend to all the people he comes in contact with.
One of Nick’s favorite parts of his senior year was the MVHS Prom.
On the other hand, he said that he really hasn’t had very many lows during high school. “I have just enjoyed my senior year to its fullest potential,” he said.
Nick has been involved heavily in all the activities he could be; especially within the last two years of high school. He played on the MVHS tennis team for all four years of high school, and he has played on the boys volleyball team for the past three years.
He has also held various leadership and student council positions and done all that he could to instill that his legacy remains at MVHS.
Asked what advice he has for incoming freshmen, Nick said, “This is stupid and everyone says this, but just enjoy high school and make the most of the next four years. It goes by so unbelievably fast.”
With graduation less than a week away, MVHS senior class members are feeling more and more apprehensive to begin the next chapter of their lives. Senior Shaylee Adams is one of the many who will be moving on to the next phase of life, as her career at the Moapa Valley High School is coming to a close.
Throughout her high school years, Shaylee has been known for her welcoming and friendly personality. Shaylee is always willing to strike up a conversation with anyone she meets and make others feel loved. She always has a smile on her face and whenever she laughs, others can’t help laughing with her.
Shaylee has shown intense Pirate Pride and involvement in various activities such as FFA, student council, National Honor Society and the MVHS tennis team. This year she served as the girls tennis team captain and an officer in the FFA.
Shaylee has kept busy in these various activities but she knows it has taught her valuable lessons.
“I know that these organizations and teams taught skills that will help me later on in life,” she explained.
Shaylee says she had really loved her senior year. “I’ve had some really great experiences out here that I’ll never forget,” she said. “It’s had its lows, like cramming for tests. But there are many more highs, like cheering with the student section at games.”
To the incoming freshman, Shaylee advises, “Get involved and choose to love learning. High school will be whatever you make it!”
Upon graduation, Shaylee plans to attend BYU in Provo, UT where she will major in biology and continue to share her laughter with all those around her.
By HECTOR RUIZ
The Progress
Charismatic and outgoing, Isaac Cortes has become a favorite amongst many VVHS seniors this year.
Isaac said that his high school experience was one of chaos, suspense, and confusion. These emotions, although shared by many seniors, are able to highlight his experience on a personal level.
The experience of lockdown left a lasting impact on his experience. “Catching up with people after 1-2 years of being in hybrid learning was hard,” he said.
Isaac also said that he had to catch up in studies as well. He felt he was in a state of stagnancy. Although he was very involved, school became hard for him,
“I’m a hands-on learner so online school was the most difficult for me,” Isaac said.
He brings up memories of being in his automotive class and being able to learn about the car and work on it having real-world experience to his lessons. Along with auto, Isaac held leadership positions both in soccer and student council. He coached the junior league for soccer and held representative office in student council.
When asked about his influences during high school, Isaac responded that there was no particular person that impacted him but, rather, a myriad of people including Mrs Zarndt, Mr Davis, Minette Santos and Martin Lara.
He states that just being around people with differing ideas inspired him to be more open to learning.
The best advice he could give about high school is to “be open to wisdom and people giving you constructive criticism and don’t come to high school with a big ego.”
Isaac’s after school plans are highly entrepreneurial. Although he is going into the military after graduation, he wants to eventually be his own boss. He would like to have a business in something like the night life industry.
Isaac also has aspirations of becoming a law enforcement officer; and specifically a federal agent or part of the secret service. He said he would also be happy with being a school officer as he’d love to be around the younger generations and be able to impart his wisdom on them.
Reminiscing on these last four years, Isaac states that his last prom was his favorite memory as well as the sobering moment that made him realize how close to graduation he truly was.
“These 4 years feel like forever until you realize they go by quickly,” he said.
By TYRA LUDVIGSON
The Progress
Travis Terry is a shining star at Virgin Valley High School. As a graduating senior Terry has definitely left his mark on Virgin Valley.
Travis moved to Mesquite at the start of his freshman year and began his journey through Virgin Valley High School.
As a freshman, he quickly became involved with the performing arts. He joined the VVHS choir and was also casted as male lead, Seymour, in the high school’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” This was an impressive feat as a freshman. His talent on the stage remained throughout all his high school years as he ended his senior year with “Cafe Murder.”
Travis’ time spent with the arts has inspired his future career. He plans on attending the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) to major in music education.
“The teachers that I’ve had throughout my life, specifically in the arts, have made me want to have that same influence and impact on others,” he said.
Travis has taken the opportunity to positively impact others while in high school. He accepted his nomination for HOPE Squad, a suicide-prevention club. He also joined the VVHS INTERACT service club.
Travis was also elected as junior and senior class secretary in student government. These roles allowed him to attend the Nevada Association of Student Council as both a delegate and a junior council leader for all three levels (mid-level, zone, and state) – a goal he set out to accomplish for a long time!
Travis shared the best piece of advice, a lesson he learned from his time spent in high school: “A lot of things aren’t as big of a deal as they seem,” he said. “It’s best to take a deep breath and look at it from a different angle.”
Travis is excited for graduation and for what the future holds!
