MVHS Homecoming Bustling With Activities

By CORINNE MESSER

The Progress

Moapa Valley High School is geared up for an exciting and memorable 2023 Homecoming celebration this week, Oct. 2-7. The week-long event will be marked with a flurry of activities, celebrations, and community spirit that highlight the school’s rich traditions and vibrant community.

This year, the MVHS community will be honoring Liz Adams and her family as grand marshals for the Homecoming Parade which will take place on Thursday evening. The Adams family has a deep connection to Moapa Valley. Their unwavering commitment to its youth have earned them this well-deserved honor.

Liz and her late husband, Wes, moved to Moapa Valley with their young family in 1994 and made it their home. All six of their children: Weston, Dustin, Randon, Jason, Britney, and Austin are all proud Moapa Valley High School graduates.

Wes passed away in 2011 but the legacy of this family is still alive and well in the Moapa Valley community. For more than two decades, Liz has opened her home to graduating classes, hosting grad night parties that have become cherished traditions. Teens have enjoyed her beautiful backyard and pool, games on her grounds, and the simple pleasure of getting together to celebrate a milestone.

In an interview with The Progress, MVHS coach and educator Shane Hickman explained that, when Wes passed on, oldest son, Weston took over the family business and he seamlessly continued the Adams’ legacy of giving back to the community, all while humbly attributing the credit to Liz.

One noteworthy example of the Adams’ generosity occurred a few years ago when the Clark County School District (CCSD) replaced the high school’s football field grass with turf. CCSD was not, however, prepared to fund turfing of adjacent surfaces beyond the football field, which included the track and field areas as well as the space next to the concession stand.

At that time, Hickman approached the Adamses with the dilemma, and they stepped up to the plate. The family generously financed the entire project, covering the cost of supplies and labor required to turf all of the adjacent areas.
“That project benefits everyone who uses that facility,” Hickman said.

Hickman mentioned that Jason Adams, who serves as president of BEX Sunglasses, has been a consistent supporter of the MVHS and the community. He generously donates BEX products for fundraisers. He has supplied clothing for various youth sports teams, demonstrating his commitment to giving back, Hickman said.

Hickman also highlighted the active involvement of other members of the Adams family in coaching youth football, donating their time to nurture the talents of young athletes.
“I can’t say enough good things about the Adams family,” he concluded.

MVHS Principal Hal Mortenson spoke highly of Liz Adams. “I’ve known Liz for many years and have seen the behind-the-scenes charity work she has done for the youth in this valley,” he said. “She has been an ardent supporter of the high school rodeo and the FFA program. While she has taken a step back in recent years as her children have grown, their work and legacy remain enduring and unforgotten.”

The things that matter most to Liz are God, family, friends, and horses. She said that she considers living in the Valley a tremendous blessing and is ever grateful to parents, teachers, and other leaders who are excellent examples for local youth. She said that she loves people, especially Pirates.

This year’s Homecoming celebration promises to be memorable, with various activities lined up throughout the week. Here’s a summary of the key events:

Tuesday, Oct. 3: Support a Sport will be a day to show support by attending your favorite sporting event.

Wednesday, Oct. 4: Drive-in movie, Madagascar. Students enjoy a movie in the senior parking lot beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: Homecoming Parade and Community Assembly. At 5 p.m, the grand marshall car will lead off the Homecoming Parade along the north side of the high school and over to the front of the building. Immediately following the parade will be the Community Homecoming Assembly at the football field. There the Homecoming Royalty Court will be announced and the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned. There will also be performances by Pirate Motion, the cheerleaders, music by the pep band, and additional entertaining events. All are invited to attend.

Friday, Oct. 6: Homecoming Tailgate Party and Football Game. The tailgate party will be in the MVHS back parking lot beginning at 5 pm. Pre-game festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., including the entrance of the grand marshals, Homecoming royalty, and class floats. The football game against Pahrump starts at 7 p.m.

There will also be a few class reunions. Members of the class of 1983 will be celebrating their 40 year anniversary by meeting together for the game and having lunch together on Saturday.

The MVHS Homecoming Dance will also take place on Friday from 10 p.m. to midnight in the Gary Batchelor Gym. It will be semi-formal, with a DJ, decorations, excellent food provided by the culinary class, and a photo op.

MVHS Student Council (STUCO) has been behind the scenes planning all of the above activities. “We have a dedicated team of 30 STUCO members who have been working tirelessly and have been great to collaborate with!” said STUCO Advisor Gary Weiss who is in his first year in the role.

“We’re aiming to return to the roots of our original traditions,” explained Weiss, “and to simplify.”
For example, the Homecoming dance is scheduled for after the football game on Friday, rather than on Saturday. Like several years ago, it has also returned to a semi-formal dance. The culinary class is contributing to the event with treats for the attendees to enjoy.

Additionally, a backdrop for photos is in the works, courtesy of the Construction Tech class, eliminating the need for students to hire their own expensive photographers.

In another effort to simplify and make the Homecoming experience more enjoyable, students will have the flexibility to plan day dates on the following Saturday without feeling rushed to return for the dance. These changes are designed to help reduce the overall cost and stress associated with Homecoming, while still offering a memorable and enjoyable celebration for all.