By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
Homecoming Week at Moapa Valley High School is steeped in tradition. And next week’s celebration will be no exception. The week will be packed full of fun activities for both MVHS students and the whole community.
This year’s MVHS Homecoming Theme is “Home of the Free, Because of the Brave.” It is a tribute to veterans and first-responders.
In keeping with that theme MVHS will be posthumously honoring one local hero who was an intricate and immense part of the community for many years. The Grand Marshal selected for the 2021 MVHS Homecoming Parade and game will be Joseph Perez who passed away in July of this year as he was performing his patriotic mission of maintaining the American colors of freedom.
Since Joe is no longer alive, his widow Aileena Perez will be riding in the parade in honor of her husband.
The Homecoming parade has been set for Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 5 pm. A Homecoming Pep Assembly will begin immediately following the parade on Jeff Keel Football Field.
Long time Moapa Valley resident and Pirate supporter Joe Perez, age 54, died on July 3, 2021. He grew up in California and married Aileena Nelson Perez in 1986. The couple had three beautiful daughters: Ariel, Marissa, and Felicia; and three grandchildren.
Joe held various jobs and gave much service throughout his life. He was a recruiter for the United States Marine Corp and served in the National Guard. After September 11, 2001, he was deployed to Monterey, California, then served a tour in Iraq in 2003, returning home after being injured. He received an Honorable Medical Discharge in 2005.
Joe was involved in many organizations such as the local Volunteer Fire Department in Logandale, National Park Service, Las Vegas Elks Lodge, Boy Scouts of America, the VFW, the American Legion, the Wounded Warrior Project and the Semper Fi Foundation. He also served for a time on the Moapa Valley Town Advisory Board, and as Vice President of the PTO at Grant Bowler Elementary School.
Joe is remembered for the countless hours of service with these organizations and his work honoring and supporting veterans. Many veterans in the Moapa Valley area would request that Joe play TAPS on the bugle at their funeral.
Another great joy of Joe’s was being a stand-in for Santa Claus at various community events. He especially loved presiding at Reindeer Run event at Grant Bowler Elementary School and other events.
Aileena graduated from Moapa Valley High School in 1986. She previously worked as a medical assistant, stood by Joe during his years of military and community service, and is standing in for him next week as the MVHS community honors her husband as the Grand Marshall for the 2021 Homecoming Parade.
MVHS Student Body President Emily Matheson stated, “I got chills when I realized who it was going to be for the Grand Marshal. With all of his service to our country and our community it was very fitting for him to be the special guest with the Homecoming theme honoring our veterans and first responders.”
The rest of the week is also filled with exciting events. On Monday, Oct. 11, the traditional Powder Puff Football game will be played beginning at 6:30 pm.
On Tuesday night, a Drive-In Movie will be shown in the Senior parking lot at the school following the last sports game that evening.
The Homecoming Football Game is on Friday, October 15 with Tailgate party starting at 5:00 pm. The Pirate football team takes the field against Clark High School at 7:00 pm.
The Homecoming Dance will be held on Saturday evening, Oct. 16 beginning at 8:00 pm. Due to COVID, the dance will be held outdoors in the MVHS quad.
“We are all excited (but very stressed planning) to have a ‘regular-ish’ Homecoming this year,” said Matheson. “There have been a lot of COVID protocols and unexpected changes we have had to make. But it is great to truly celebrate Pirate Pride along with our real heroes.”
