This is the final installment in a series where, The Progress spotlights a few of the outstanding seniors from area high schools. The positivity, resiliency and uplifting outlook of the Class of 2022 is contagious. The Progress wishes them the best of luck as they venture into the world.
By JENNA RHUDE
The Progress
Nannabah (Nani) Lena Belle Tom is the daughter of Christella Yepa and Shane Tom. She is a proud Native American and a member of the Moapa Band of Paiutes.
Nani has enjoyed playing basketball and softball while in high school.
She plans on attending Dixie State University in St. George, Utah in the fall. N
“My biggest influence would have to be my family and friends,” Nani said. “They’re always there for me, they push me to always move forward.”
Nani couldn’t narrow down one specific high school memory as her favorite. She recalls, “Every moment I’ve spent with my friends at Moapa Valley High School were my favorite memories.”
Her favorite quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Tomorrow is a new day.”
Ethan Garlick is the son of DeWayne and Suzanne Garlick. His hobbies include playing tennis, the high school band, hanging out with friends and playing video games. He says that the biggest influence in life is his Church and his parents.
After high school Ethan plans to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then attend college.
Ethan’s favorite high school memory is hanging out with friends from the theater department after the plays. “It was always enjoyable hanging out with them,” he said.
His favorite quote comes from Master Yoda: “Do or do not, there is no try.”
Alexavier “Alex” Villezcas is the son of Arthur and Cortnie Villezcas.
He is a black belt in Tang Soo Do Karate. He loves video games, playing guitar, and robotics.
After high school Alex plans on serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After that he is hoping to attend trade school.
Alex said that his parents are his biggest influence. “No one has influenced my decisions, shaped who I am, or helped me decide who I want to be more than my family,” he said.
Alex’s favorite high school memory is competing in robotics tournaments with his friends.
Alex shares his favorite quote from Sonic the Hedgehog: “Every world has its end. That’s why we gotta live life to the fullest in the time we have. At least that’s what I figure.”
Lydia K Wakefield is the daughter of Ty and Jamie Wakefield.
She has enjoyed participating in Student Council as secretary, Honor Society vice president, a Hope Squad member, Mesa View Physical Therapy Tech and theater.
Wakefield was excited to play the role of Audrey in the production Little Shop of Horrors, Grace Fryer in Radium Girls, the understudy to Mrs. Malloy in Hello Dolly and student director for Radio Suspense Theater.
Lydia has so many influences in her life, but she said that her mother is her biggest influence. “My mom has made all of my biggest dreams come true,” Lydia said. “She has stayed by my side through every doctor’s appointment and has been my #1 fan my whole life. My mom has helped me navigate my mental illnesses and has helped me get all my medications and therapy I need for my OCD and anxiety. She has been at my side through every panic attack. I will always strive to become as patient, smart, thoughtful, and kind as my mom. My mom has been there for every performance and every game. My mom is my best friend and I look up to her in every way.”
After high school Lydia plans on attending Southern Utah University to work towards a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Afterwards, she hopes to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy. She would like to work as a pediatric occupational therapist.
Her friends have helped create many memorable moments for Lydia in school. However, her favorite would have to be the multiple times they tried to spy on each other, only to get stuck or get caught. “We all laughed and laughed at how funny the situation was.”
Quoting the movie Hamilton, Lydia wants to share this, “There’s a million things I haven’t done, just you wait!”
Espyn Hild loves to play and watch sports, particularly baseball, golf, football, basketball, and bowling.
He says that his parents are his biggest influence. They have shown him how to be his best self. He considers Steve Wynn his business idol.
He will be attending college at the University of Nevada Reno and majoring in business administration with a minor in entrepreneurship.
His best high school memory is returning to in-person school after being online all junior year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The quote he wants to share is from Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
