Twenty-seven athletes, along with their guests, including their parents, enjoyed a festive Christmas dinner at the Mesquite Senior Center on Sunday, Dec. 13. It was a special occasion, honoring the coaches and athletes.

Debbie Dorn, area director for the Mesquite Desert Stars, introduced the board of the organization, giving special thanks to Kathy Sheetz for all her hard work, as well as for stepping in to be a coach this year. “Our goal for next year?” Sheetz asked. “To make it bigger, more fun!”

One of the coaches, Mike Dorn, gave credit to the businesses in town that made their program a success. The Virgin River Casino donated the lanes, the recreation center donated the basketball courts and Sun City was recognized for donating the bocce courts. “These are all great people who step up,” Mike said.

Leora Hillius was recognized for providing the dinner and for her work at the senior center. The coaches were then acknowledged for their contributions.

The athletes participate in the Special Olympics Program, engaging in seven sports, including bocce ball, golf, and track and field. The athletes come from Moapa, Overton, Logandale, Beaver Dam, Scenic and Mesquite.

After dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Claus made their entrance. Each athlete had the opportunity to sit with Santa and have a picture taken. Then Sheetz made a special announcement. Ralph Morocco, who recently passed, began the tradition of Athlete of the Year award. This year the board decided to give two awards: one to a male and one to a female. The criterion was the amount of participation each athlete made. Jered Naccorato was selected, as he participated in every single sport. Tammy Alexander also won an award, as she was in almost every sport.

The evening ended with a group photo with Santa and Devon Wilson singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

All the volunteers for the Mesquite Desert Stars are enthusiastic about the growth of the program. They donate so much of their time, ensuring that the athletes have every opportunity to shine in their community.

The basketball season begins on January 5, 2026, at the recreation center.