Senior Spotlights From the Class of 2023 (May 10, 2023)

 

In accordance with our tradition, The Progress would like to spotlight a few of the seniors from the upcoming graduating classes at Moapa Valley High School and Virgin Valley High School. Unfortunately, we can’t feature everyone in the classes. But we hope to give just a sampling of the remarkable young people coming from our communities.

By ELISE DALLEY

The Progress

Moapa Valley High School’s beloved senior Trevor Witter is well known for being involved in many different things at school. From football, to cross country, to track and field; Trevor has done it all.
He has also participated in various student council positions which keep him extremely busy as he plans events and activities for the school.

But being involved hasn’t always come easy for Trevor.
“My freshman year was definitely a big low because I took part in nothing,” he said. “I wasn’t confident enough.”

But as he has stretched himself and gone outside his comfort zone, he has been able to have an enhanced high school experience that has truly made a difference to all those at the school.
“To all you incoming freshmen I say, ‘Always take part in everything even if some of it is a little scary,’” said Trevor.

One of the high school highlights for Trevor was cheerleading at the Powderpuff games during football season. “Even though it’s a little embarrassing, I really enjoyed it,” he said. “Especially seeing how high we could throw some of the guys up in the air.”

After graduation, Trevor plans to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has already received his mission call and will be going to the Viǹa Del Mar, Chile mission.

Trevor leaves one last piece of advice. “You really shouldn’t be scared of what people think about you,” he said. “It really doesn’t matter in the end. Just go and do anything and everything you can because high school goes by so fast in the end.”

Mckenna Melvin is just as excited as the next person to finally graduate from Moapa Valley High School.

For Mckenna, high school has been an emotional roller coaster with both good and bad around every corner. However, being able to see the beauty in each and every moment is something that has gotten her through the hard days.

Mckenna’s positive outlook on life, and her quirky attitude, has always been a huge beacon to all her peers and friends.

Highlights from her high school career include her involvement in FFA, Robotics, Choir, and also her government class.

She is most excited to be able to graduate and figure out life on her own. After high school, Mckenna plans to move to Carson City and find a job or internship there. After that, she will move to Tennessee and work in journalism or the media. One of her big dreams is to work for the Daily Wire due to her love of writing, politics, and digital media marketing.

By way of advice to her fellow students, Mckenna said, “I know life can be insanely difficult, painful, heartbreaking, and lonely. But I promise that it is worth it. Sometimes you’ll see why, and sometimes you won’t. I promise you it’s worth it, and it’s worth the constant battle and sacrifice – and you are worth it.”

By HECTOR RUIZ

The Progress

Arianne Gardner is a multi talented VVHS senior with many different modes of expression.
While in high school she has been involved with marching band in a leadership position as Section Leader for Front Ensemble. She has also taken many roles in theater productions at VVHS. She is also a talented singer.

From her early childhood, Ari remembers having an affinity for music. She recalled her first live audience performance singing fat the local Christmas Tree Festival.

Ari tells of how she picked up the cello as she entered middle school and has been playing for 6-7 years to date.

When asked what high school memory she holds close to her heart, Ari recounted being part of the marching band with Ms. Wagner. “I think marching band with Wagner, those were definitely some of the best times I’ve had in high school.”

Ari recounts how good Ms. Wagner was in making the band reach a high peak in the history of the program.

There are also other wonderful influences from VVHS teachers. Ari thanks Mrs. Zarndt for having been passionate in opening opportunities for her. She also credits Mr. White for helping her discover her interest in literature.

Ari has received a scholarship to pay for her first year at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. She plans on pursuing study and a career in music

But first, she first plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The passion for her faith is palpable as she discusses these plans.

With her future bright, Ari talked about how her passions have led her to the present day where she has composed a few pieces of music. One piece in particular will be performed at a Senior Showcase.

Though this is not the first piece she has composed, it will be the first to be heard by a larger-scale crowd, she said.

Jaylen Santos is a warm and welcoming VVHS senior who has been able to use this attitude as she serves in leadership positions in recent years.

Throughout her high school experience Jaylen has been an active member of the marching band, playing the flute and becoming one of the flute section leaders for the band.

Her favorite memory of high school was in her junior year while serving in the band. “I would help Ms. Wagner with things and it was the first year where I felt more adult,” she said.

Certainly not being the first senior to have a lasting positive experience with Ms. Wagner, she said that “…Ms. Wagner was more than just a teacher, that is why many kids went to talk to her.”

Not only has Jaylen held a leadership position in band but, during her senior year, she has held office in student council as well. She has served as the Senior Class Vice President on the council.

After high school, Jaylen plans on studying at Arizona State University through her benefits working at Starbucks. She plans on studying counseling and applied psychological sciences.

In 10 years from now, Jaylen sees herself further along her career path and hopes to be successful wherever she is.

Another extracurricular that Jaylen was involved in was being part of Hope Squad. The VVHS suicide and mental health awareness club, HOPE Squad has been impactful for Jaylen as she says that she was able to have fun while being educated on various topics related to mental health. This has helped her further solidify her career ambitions.

Jaylen sums up her high school experience in three words: challenging, growth, and fun. She explains that it was challenging, not only in academic ways but also in personal ways, as she has had to push herself out of her comfort zone. She chose growth as she believes she is a different person from years prior and she enjoys being herself now. Finally, it was fun because as she gained a new sense of independence she has been able to do things that she would not have been able to do before.

With a comedic tone she states that the one thing she wasn’t able to get out of high school is the traditional social outings. With her retelling of this, she imparts her words of wisdom to her peers. “Don’t care what other people think about you,” she said. “People will judge no matter what you do or don’t do. You’re going to be your biggest hater or your biggest supporter. If you want to have fun go have fun. Be involved!”

Jaylen says the biggest life lesson that she has learned through high school is that: “Losing people is not the end of the world and you shouldn’t put a time limit on how fast you get over it.”

Jaylen Santos is proud to be part of the Class of 2023 as she heads into a brighter chapter of her life.