By Stephanie Bunker
Moapa Valley Progress
The Moapa Valley Seniors looked sharp for the Senior Scholarship and Awards night held last Wednesday, May 23 at the school auditorium.
Moapa Valley High School principal Grant Hanevold pointed out that the local school is one of few high schools to continue to hold a Senior Awards and Scholarship program. This is due to the continued support from the community, he said.
“The thing that is special about our Senior Scholarship and Awards program is that the scholarships come from grandparents, and businesses down the street,” Hanevold said.
Hanevold welcomed the parents, grandparents, and friends to the program in recognizing the seniors hard work throughout their four years of high school. He thanked Rendal Esplin, Genielle Ozaki, and Marianne Kimmel for putting the program together.
During the evening, many scholarships and awards were given by community members, foundations and local businesses.
Kathrine Hannig presented the Grant M. Bowler Pursuit of Excellence Award to Allysa Zerkle. Hannig reminisced about when she, herself, was young and received the same award. Although she is Grant Bowler’s daughter, she insisted she didn’t get it because of that.
Student Council Awards were awarded by student government counselor Charlie Cooper. Students who received the award had served as part of the Student Council during the past year as students. Cooper expressed the close bond he feels with the group of students this year. The awards went to Student Body President John Rockenbach, Rachel Dalley, Kaylee Barlow, Madysen Messer, Kaitlyn Oglesby, Allyssa Zerkle, and Jessica Vallet
MVHS Athletics Director, Matt Messer presented special athletic awards to students who had excelled in the area of various sports at the school this year. The female athlete of the year was awarded to Ashley Noto. The male athlete of the year was given to Shane Teril. Ashley Noto and Jake Rebman received the three sports in four years award. Finally, the Lloyd J. Draayer Memorial Scholarship also went to Ashley Noto.
There were many other scholarships given from local businesses, memorials, grandparents, and clubs.
The Lin’s Marketplace scholarship was awarded to Tyler Winzenried. Allsum Insurance awarded a scholarship to Kaylee Barlow. The McDonalds Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Nicole Blake, Erica Combs, Jovan Romero and Madison Watts. Overton Power District awarded five scholarships to Kaylee Barlow, Pam Mecham, Kaitlyn Oglesby, John Rockenbach and Alyssa Zerkle. Tiffany’s Pies and Subs awarded scholarships to Stephanie Haun, Brandon Johnson, McCall Smith, Alexa Seely, JanaLee Weatherford and Pamela Mecham. The Mesa View Home Care Future Medical Care Professional scholarship was awarded to Brandon Johnson and McKenzie Hoy.
The recipients for the schools special “M” Powered award were Kaylee Barlow, Rebekah Caldwell, Ema Cook, Rachel Dalley, Pamela Mecham, Madysen Messer, Kaitlyn Oglesby, John Rockenbach, Alexa Seely, Bryanna Sheldon, Jessica Vallet, JanaLee Weatherford, Tyler Winzenried and Austyn Zobrist.
“This is all a testament of the supportiveness of this community to see how much they give to the outgoing senior class each year,” said Principal Hanevold.
