MVHS Office Named For Logandale Couple

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

A well-beloved principal of the past was honored last week at the Moapa Valley High School. Former MVHS principal Dr. Larry Moses and his wife, Jean, were celebrated at a special ceremony on Wednesday, February 24 held at the front entrance of the school’s administrative office.

In the ceremony, the MVHS office was renamed as the Doc and Jean Moses Administrative Office.
“Multiple community members are to blame for us being here tonight,” joked current MVHS Principal Hal Mortensen. “They kept recommending to honor Dr. Moses by naming a part of the school after him. And it was a good idea.”

Moses was appreciative for the recognition, but insisted that any success during his 7 year stretch as principal was because of outstanding staff and a supportive community.

Moses paraphrased a quote by Sir Isaac Newton stating, “And ordinary man standing ont he shoulders of a giant can see further than the giant. But this in no way diminishes the height of the giant.”

“When I became principal of Moapa Valley High School, I had many giant’s shoulders to stand on,” Moses said.
“I thank you all so much,” Moses added. “It is indeed an honor and it was a night of wonderful remembrance.”

Moses served as MVHS principal from 1991 to 1997. During his leadership, he helped raise the overall excellence of the high school to national attention, including being named in the top 10% in the nation by Redbook magazine.

After his retirement, Moses remained an influential person in the community. He served on the Moapa Valley Community Education Advisory Board, on School Organizational Teams (SOTs), on the Overton Power District board as well as fulfilling many more service opportunities with the church, education, and community. Moses has also been writing weekly columns for the Progress since 2007.

Last week’s event started with good weather and a gathering of about 75 attendees for whom the Moseses had had an impact on their lives. The audience included former MVHS principals, former staff members, teachers and students who were part of the MVHS community during the years Moses was principal.

“No other people deserve this more and it has been a long time coming,” stated MVHS Principal Hal Mortensen.

The tribute ceremony involved speakers such as former teachers Merril Staheli, Brian Lefler, Denise O’Toole, Jack Nelson, Ronald Dalley, Sherry Whitney, Gary Batchelor, Kay Batchelor, Jeff Keel, Jeff Jensen, and Travis Griffiths. A number of family friends spoke.

Then time was given to former students including Clark Hardy, former Student Body President Don Whipple, Kelby Robison, and Shane Hickman.

Memorable stories recited included the innovative techniques of inspiring students that Moses employed such as giving out Gold Stars, personal notes of encouragement on every students’ report cards, knowing every student by name, attending community events that involved students, and more.

There was even a story about how firm Dr. Moses could be told by Don Whipple who related how the student council featured a huge pet snake in a pep assembly.

“We didn’t get permission for that,” Whipple recalled. “And I learned pretty fast how firm Dr. Moses could be. I got in trouble but at least it hyped up the students for our game.”

Other stories included hiring and interviewing procedures, the capability to handle some of the “rough” staff during lunch breaks, and more. Both Dr. Moses and Jean Moses were described as “loving and integral parts of the community.”

Former coach and teacher Gary Batchelor spoke of the integral part that Jean had played in Dr. Moses’ management style.

“Not a lot of people know that Doc Moses had a rough start in life,” Batchelor said. “Being twice an orphan he was bounced around a lot and probably came out a little rough around the edges. I think we have Jean to thank for smoothing him up a bit. There would be no Doc Moses without Jean!”

About 15 minutes into the hour-long ceremony, the wind picked up. But people stayed on, wanting to pay their respects and give their accolades to this beloved school administrator.

The event finished with statements from Dr. Moses and then an unveiling of a new banner above the entrance doors and a bronzed plaque on the wall just south of the doors.

“This has been so awesome to see everyone and give tribute to one of the best men ever to walk this valley,” stated Brian Lefler, who worked as an English teacher under Moses.