By MAGGIE MCMURRAY
Moapa Valley Progress
Ute Perkins Elementary School kids will be returning this year to see a new face on the first day of school. Principal Holly Lee has been appointed to replace Hal Mortensen. Mortensen moved earlier this year to serve as principal of Moapa Valley High School earlier this year.
Lee is no stranger to the area. She was born and raised in St. George, UT, and graduated from Dixie High School. She went on to graduate from SUU with a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in reading and English.
Lee began her teaching career in Washington County, UT, teaching English as a Second Language. After several years she moved to Las Vegas where she taught reading improvement at Fay Herron Elementary.
Later, she moved out to Bunkerville and taught 1st and 2nd grade at Joseph L Bowler Elementary. She worked there for several years before returning to Las Vegas to teach in the regional professional development program and the school improvement department for CCSD. Overall, Lee brings over 18 years of experience as a teacher and 3 years of experience as an administrator to the principal position at Perkins.
Lee also brings a great love of children and reading with her. “I am so excited!” she said. “I can’t wait until the kids come to school. I can’t wait to see their smiles and their joy at seeing their friends and teachers. I can’t wait to see their potential. They have so much to offer us and I love them.”
Lee says that one of her favorite children’s books describes how she feels about the upcoming year. It is called, “I Wish You More,” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. “Just like in the book, I wish the kids more raindrops on their noses, more poems in their pockets, more wishes than no’s,” she said. “I want them to know they can do anything and to not let anyone ever tell them ‘no’.”
Lee says that her favorite hobby is reading, especially in the genres of young adult and historical fiction. She also loves to go to movies and visit with friends. She loves hiking and says that she is really up for about anything. She has two daughters and currently lives in Las Vegas.
“The best place on earth to be is in a school,” Lee said. “It is a place with books and information where you can learn and be with your friends all at the same time. There is no better place on earth.”
