Holly Perkins, a campus security monitor at Moapa Valley High School (MVHS), has fulfilled her dream of becoming an educator. Her journey began 15 years ago under the mentorship of her high school principal, Grant Hanevold. He recognized Holly’s potential early on and inspired her to pursue a career in special education.

“This is a career I promised him I would one day take,” said Perkins. “True to his dedication as a mentor, Grant called me two years ago to recommend UNLV’s online Teacher Pathway program, knowing it was the perfect fast-track opportunity for me to complete my degree in a short amount of time.”

Throughout this demanding program, whenever Perkins faced self-doubt, Hanevold served as her biggest guide. His advice, “Failure is not an option,” carried Perkins through every challenging exam and assignment, helping her turn a long-held promise into a reality.

“I’m so thankful to have been given this opportunity to fulfill the deal I made years ago. On May 16, 2026, I walked at the Thomas & Mack Center and graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education,” she said.

Perkins wishes to thank Hanevold and her amazing friends and family for always lifting her up and never letting her give up on her dream.

“This has been an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my career in education,” she said.