Conditions in Northern Nevada have changed dramatically over the past few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, one thing has remained consistent: Carson City Toyota and the Campagni Auto Group’s commitment to this community including students and higher education at Western Nevada College.

Annually, Carson City Toyota, part of the Campagni Auto Group, provides scholarships to area high school students to attend Western Nevada College. This financial boost helps students pursue their associate degree of choice and careers in auto mechanics.

“The Dick Campagni Automotive Scholarship was created four years ago to benefit this community by offering local students help in attaining higher education and, with that, their best chance at a successful future,” said Dana Whaley, longtime general manager of the Dick Campagni Auto Group.

This unwavering commitment to students seeking higher education goals and professional careers remains steadfast as Carson City Toyota has donated $5,000 to help students attend WNC in the fall 2020. This generosity will help students pursue their higher education dreams despite Nevada’s crippling 30 percent unemployment rate.
Besides recent high school grads, this year's Campagni Auto Group donation will also support scholarships through WNC’s Higher Education in Prison program.

"Campagni Auto Group is leading the way in this community,” said HEP Coordinator Deb Conrad. “They initiated the development of a new program at Northern Nevada Correctional Center, in conjunction with Nevada Department of Corrections, Western Nevada College and Carson Adult High School, to provide a career pathway in the automotive service and repair industry for incarcerated men. Not only did Campagni step forward with the idea, they are providing partnership, expertise and insight as the program moves toward launching the first pilot.

“They are also generously providing scholarship funds for incarcerated students who are underserved and often unable to afford to take college courses without financial assistance. This kind of leadership in our community is an inspiration.”

In addition to seeding student success at WNC, the Campagni Auto Group supports the annual WNC Golf for Education Tournament with hole-in-one prizes, including a brand-new car.

“Campagni Auto Group is an important partner to Western Nevada College and we couldn’t appreciate their support more than we do right now,” said WNC Executive Director of Institutional Development Niki Gladys. “Students need our community’s support more than ever and, as always, Dick Campagni’s team is leading the way.”

For information on starting a scholarship in your name, to memorialize a loved one or to simply help change someone’s life, contact WNC Foundation at 775-445-3239 or email niki.gladys@wnc.edu.  
 
In the photo: From left, Carson City Toyota former General Manager Dana Whaley, WNC Executive Director of Institutional Development Niki Gladys and Carson City Toyota General Manager Jeff Campagni.

Artist and poet, Jaeda DeWalt wrote, “When we learn how to become resilient, we learn how to embrace the beautifully broad spectrum of the human experience.” If there is one word to describe Pioneer High School’s class of 2020, it would be “resilient.”

The unusual events that these students have faced, and the resilience fostered by these events, became a common theme discussed among all the presenters at Pioneer’s virtual graduation ceremony that took place on June 2, 2020.

The ceremony honored all 47 graduates as well as the staff members that helped them along the way and was one of five parts to this year’s graduation celebrations. Additionally, there were senior photo billboard displays at the Carson City Community Center and at Bodines, a staff and student Zoom Session (filled with well-wishes, laughter, and a few tears), a drive-through diploma pick up at the PHS parking lot, and a special gift from local members of the community and PHS Alumni to the Pioneer Class of 2020.

During the online presentation Jason Zona, principal of Pioneer High School (PHS), remarked, “Though it has probably been the most challenging year of your lives, you can’t let this be the most difficult thing you ever accomplish. You now know you can get through fast-moving water.

"You might not control where the river goes, or how rough the rapids, but you have the ability to steer your life in the direction you choose.” Senator Jacky Rosen advised graduates to use the lessons they have learned to help their community, “Your resilience, your commitment, and your determination have put you on a path to success. As you enter this new phase of your life, stay engaged in your community. Nothing could be more important and necessary.”

PHS graduates were also fortunate enough to hear from Carson City School District Superintendent Richard Stokes. He shared three universal truths to help guide the graduates, “One: Knowledge is only a part of what you must bring to your professional life. Make sure you also add the conviction and the work ethic needed to accomplish the tasks that you undertake to the highest degree of outcome possible.

Two: Have the courage to develop relationships. Our hearts require friendship, acceptance, and love as surely as our bodies require food . . . Three: Always have hope. As you live your life, look for ways to contribute to meaningful civic activities. Your skills are needed in the world. Your generation will provide new solutions, added zest, new insights to improve the human condition.”

Additionally, PHS graduates heard from some of their peers through the online presentation. Valedictorian, Sydney Miller, said, “Life is so challenging, and we truly don’t know what to expect. So take these recent events as a learning lesson. Understand your values.

Try to discover yourself. It is ok to try and fail and, you know, try and fail again, because we have our whole lives ahead of us. Let’s just live the rest of our lives to the fullest. If we can get through this, we can get through anything.” “I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smile, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known,” advised Charish Creon. Tara Mahoney reminded her classmates that, “Overcoming challenges allows us to leave a legacy for those who come after.” Jazmin Estes expressed gratitude for the lessons learned at PHS and stated, “I am confident to take on any challenge thrown my way.”

In spite of the challenges presented over the past few months, Pioneer High School’s class of 2020 has earned a number of accolades, including a record number of scholarships; 20 graduates earned scholarships. Michelle Andrews, Brianna Bleich, Nicholas Moore, Charish Creon, Mary Frayo, Matthew Lafleur, Sydney Miller, Lucia Shindell, and James Uzzell earned the Millennium Scholarship.

Tara Mahoney earned the Aramark Scholarship. James Uzzell earned the Mike and Ruth Pintar Scholarship. Kaya Burdett-Wanamaker and Anahi Diaz earned the Carson City School District Opportunity Scholarship. Brianna Bleich, Charish Creon, Lyndi Day, Jazmin Estes, Andrew Finch, Nevaeh Mason, Shawn Maxwell, and Nicholas Moore earned the Nevada Promise Scholarship. Maia Taylor earned the Charles Keller Memorial Scholarship.

Several specialized diplomas were also awarded. Michelle Andrews, Brianna Bleich, Nicholas Moore, Charish Creon, Mary Frayo, Matthew Lafleur, Morgan Robertson, and James Uzzell earned advanced diplomas. Sydney Miller earned an honors diploma.

Additionally, there were many other recognitions. Tara Anthony was recognized for CTE Health Information Management. Shawn Maxwell, Ashleigha Brackley, Jazmin Estes, Andrew Finch, Neveah Mason, James Uzzell, Wynter Setzer, and Kayla Salazar were recognized for Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates (J4NG). Michelle Andrews, Brianna Bleich, Nicholas Moore, Charish Creon, Mary Frayo, Sydney Miller, and Lucia Shindell earned dual high school and college credits through the Jump Start program. Sydney Miller graduated early as a junior, and already earned her Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College. Two PHS graduates have plans to serve our country in branches of the United States military: Matthew LaFleur in the Air Force and Rider McDonald in the Navy. The class of 2020 valedictorian was Sydney Miller and the salutatorian was Lucia Shindell. PHS graduates plan on exploring a wide variety of career fields, including: computer science, crisis intervention, social work, law enforcement, education, nursing, the military, and journalism.

PHS offers a variety of classes and programs for students in CCSD. Students who desire more project based learning, a smaller campus and class size ratio, the ability to earn dual college credits towards an associate’s degree or just catch up on credits, should consider enrollment. Engineering Project Lead the Way, AVID, Project Discovery, yoga, ski club, media/journalism, Spanish, speech and debate, student leadership, ceramics, and AP art are just a few examples of the offerings at PHS.

As E. E. Cummings put it, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” The Pioneer High School graduates of 2020 are already well on their way.

You can see the PHS Graduation video at this link: https://www.wevideo.com/view/1733588307

Between the three of them, they have worked more than 70 years in faculty and administrative faculty positions at Western Nevada College.

That dedication was recognized earlier this month when long-serving employees Richard Kloes, Walt Lewis and Larry Calkins were appointed emeritus status.

Kloes, an Accounting professor, has been teaching students at WNC for 25 years. Lewis, a Distance Education support specialist has been working at WNC since 1996. Calkins has been at WNC since 1997, working in Library and Instruction Technology most recently as a reference and collection development librarian.

Each of the three will receive a letter of congratulations and a commemorative plaque from WNC President Dr. Vincent Solis.

“By awarding this honor, the college recognizes our retired WNC employees who have dedicated their careers at the college to teaching and serving our students with distinction,” President Solis said. “We are forever grateful to all of them for what they have done.”

To be considered for emeritus status, employees must be a WNC faculty member for at least 10 years, served in academic or administrative positions and have a distinguished history of service to the college. An emeritus committee presents recommendations, and the college president, the Academic Faculty Senate and the Administrative Faculty Senate make appointments based on those recommendations.

This spring, the occurrence of COVID-19 presented students at Western Nevada College a unique and challenging context for their final project. The Engineering Design class applied problem-solving and engineering design skills to address a real-life scenario in managing the response to the virus.

Not only was the challenge an excellent way for them to demonstrate their learning of engineering concepts, but it also impressed upon them the important role that engineers play when innovating new solutions to keep a community safe and functioning.

Working in small teams of 2-3 members, the students were asked to create a solution for a problem currently impacting their lives due to COVID-19. Students who work as essential employees built a respirator machine that would use heat to kill the virus while incubating in the body.

Another team that included veterans used their military experience to build a personal filtration system that would allow the wearer to work extended hours by having two sets of filters. One of the students, Miguel, currently serves in the National Guard, protecting facilities for many hours of the day.

Understanding the limitations of the N95 mask, prompted Miguel and his team members to develop improvements to address the issues with the current design. Ambu bags (manual resuscitators) which were in short supply for ambulances, were created using 3D printing, and one of the teams solved the problem of air quality in airplanes by imagining a special filtration system that could kill the COVID-19 virus.

The students presented their final projects via zoom, in a remote competition. The panel of three judges included Dr. Vincent R. Solis, WNC president, who gave the students valuable feedback on effective public speaking. Dr. Karen Sachs, an MIT Ph.D., and Stanford postdoctoral researcher, shared advice on how to apply and get into top engineering schools.

The third judge, Ms.Karen Salita, provided tips for how to engage with customers, and effectively pitch a product, by relating the story to the problem you solve. The student will share the designs they created on different makers' websites, hoping people around the world will adapt their ideas and use them while fighting COVID-19.

The Introduction to Engineering Design class is taught by Professional Engineer, Lior Singer, who works full time for the State of Nevada, and in his free time teaches at Western Nevada College. Singer believes that successful engineering is not just measured by any one design, but by the humanitarian response that is enabled. “I know that the value of using their engineering skills for helping society will stay with them for their professional life. Educating engineers with a soul is my real goal.”

The Jazz and Beyond festival committee announces that the winner of the 2020 poster and program cover art contest is Karen Kreyeski, for her entry, “After Midnight Jam.” The winner of the T-shirt design is Evan Tynan, for “2020 Jazz & Beyond Festival Logo.” These were selected from ten entries to highlight the 17th annual Carson City music and art festival.

Kreyeski is an award-winning Carson City artist, originally from Montana, whose work is in collections in California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. Her winning artwork for Jazz & Beyond features the animals she sees through her window — rabbits, deer, coyote — in a playful rendition of a late-night spontaneous jazz jam session.

Tynan, a graphic designer who lives in Fort Collins, Colo., has worked in Florida; Washington, D.C.; and Colorado; and has won awards for logos and t-shirt designs.

"Jazz & Beyond celebrates the talent of our region," said festival committee co-chair David Bugli, President of the Mile High Jazz Band Association, producer of the festival. "Volunteers, sponsors, and advertisers help us make the 17-day festival a favorite for residents and visitors, and help us keep performances admission free. Because of ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines, planning the 2020 festival is a challenge. We are committed to presenting events safely, perhaps in new formats, for performers and audience. The 2020 posters and T-shirts are outstanding and we think they will become collectors items."

The festival opens on Friday, August 7, with a Roaring ‘20s themed event with bassist Scot Marshall’s Brass Knuckles band, location to be determined. On Sunday, August 9, on the porch and lawn of the historic Bliss Mansion, corner Mountain and Robinson Streets, the festival will feature the Rocky Tatarelli Quartet, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., and the Josh D. Reed Quartet, from 6 to 8 p.m. A food truck will be on site.

Sunday, August 16, is the annual Day at the Silver Saddle Ranch, 2648 Carson River Road on the east side of Prison Hill. The audience will enjoy performances by Sagebrush Rebels, Sierra Sweethearts, and more. Free wagon rides with the Dineen Mules are sponsored by Friends of the Silver Saddle Ranch. Food by Future Farmers of America and ice cream from Scoups will be sold on site. Events begin at 2 p.m. and continue until 7:00 p.m.

The Jazz & Beyond festival will include an Open Studios Tour, expanded to two days this year, Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, with more than 30 artists at 11 locations. Artists’ works will also be on display at the Bristlecone Gallery at Western Nevada College from August 3 to 21.

Jazz & Beyond will feature several free concerts at many Carson City venues. A schedule of events will be on the website JazzCarsonCity.com and will be updated frequently.

Mile High Jazz Band Association’s Jazz & Beyond Festival is funded by grants from the Carson City Cultural Commission, the Nevada Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts, and by private donations.

The Capital City Arts Initiative presents its exhibition, "Impact" by artist Paula Chung continues at the CCAI Courthouse Gallery through June 29.

The Courthouse, located at 885 E Musser Street, Carson City, is open to the public, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can take a virtual tour of the show here.

Paula Chung’s Impact works address violence on sports fields, battlefields, and the streets. Through the use of medical imagery, she illustrates how violence affects us all.

Chung bases her work on enlarged MRI medical scans for their beauty and universality. She searches for images on the Internet or receives them from friends and acquaintances; she and then converts and manipulates the images using Photoshop.

After transferring and enlarging the MRIs onto a water-dissolvable film, she uses multiple-colored threads to machine embroider and create the desired values and hues. She sews on different substrates including used tea bag papers, mulberry, and rice papers to convey a sense of fragility and impermanence. The enlarged pieces invite the viewer to become a part of the experience. Photographs of her work are available at http://paulachung.com/

Chung lives in Zephyr Cove, NV, where she gardens and maintains her art practice. Originally from southern California, she moved to Lake Tahoe upon retiring from public school teaching. She began taking art classes at Lake Tahoe Community College, where she began her studio career as a quilter, creating large silk abstract florals. Continuing her work with fibers, she experiments with different substrates, techniques, and now emphasizes social issues.

In addition to her talk at the opening reception, Chung will participate in the Initiative’s Nevada Neighbors series of public art talks with Phyllis Shafer, available online at ccainv.org

Chris Lanier, professor of digital art at Sierra Nevada College, wrote the exhibition essay, "Stitching Images", which CCAI published as a gallery handout and archived online. Working in digital animation, web production, and comics, Lanier enjoys producing hybrid forms. His animations have screened at Sundance, and he won the Grand Prize for Internet Animation at the Ottawa International Animation Festival. His art criticism essays have appeared in numerous online and print publications, including The Believer, Comics Journal, HiLobrow, Furtherfield, Rhizome, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

A Western Nevada College Latino Cohort student provided a Spanish language translation of the exhibition’s wall text.

CCAI is an artist-centered not-for-profit organization committed to community engagement in contemporary visual arts through exhibitions, arts education programs, artist residencies, and online activities.

The Initiative is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, John and Grace Nauman Foundation, Carson City Cultural Commission, Nevada Arts Council, Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, NV Energy Corporation, Southwest Gas Corporation Foundation, U.S. Bank Foundation, and its sponsors and members.

For additional information, please visit CCAI’s website at www.ccainv.org.

Western Nevada College has named 433 students to the Spring 2020 Dean’s List. For consideration to WNC’s Dean’s List, students must complete at least 12 units during the semester and accumulate a grade point average of 3.50 or higher. Honorees and their home towns are:

Carson City
Cheyenne Aarons, Zaid Abdelhady, Anthony Abuan, Spenser Alexander, Josef Almeida, Sarah Anderson, Rogaciano Arellano, Jorge Avalos, Jacob Bainton, Alyona Baka, Justin Bardling, Emily Beach, Ailyn Betancourt, Cynthia Brabazon, Meghan Bubb, Evan Byassee, Viridiana Cacho-Alvarez, Olivia Capps, Leonardo Cardoza, Victor Carrasco, Juana Castaneda Ruiz, Connor Chech, Juan Conchas, Kyla Cox, Cindy Crowder, Julia Cruz, Andrew Davalos, Trevor Dawley, Paulina Delgado, Antonio Dominguez, Rachelle Dominguez Hernandez, Sage Donnelly, Jakob Dzyak, Matthew Edelman, Heidi Falconer, Gabriela Fernandez, Salvador Fernandez Hernandez, Dawson Fettic, Ashley Figueroa, Chelsea Figueroa, Arietis Fisher-Burns, Gerardo Flores Aguayo, Abigail Ganze, Sarai Garcia, AC Garcia, Savahna Garcia, Lissette Garcia Velazquez, Keith Getch, Morgan Golden, Abigail Golik, Valerie Griggs, Mark Guzzetta, Joshua Hackett-Maheux, Christopher Hash, Natalie Haskell, Nicholas Haskell, Alexis Hernandez, Eric Herron, Sarah Higuera, Abigail Hill, Annji Hodorowicz, Monte Howell, Wesley Huneycutt, Cristina Ibarra Reyes, Celine Jackson, Megan Jackson, Madisson Jacobs, Brandon Jones, Amberlee Ketten, Alisha Kingsley, Kerstin Law, Lauren Laza-Twist, Nubia Leon-Lozano, Israel Lozano, Nely Mariscal, Kallie McDonald, Kaitlyn McDonald, Amelia McKay, Julieanna McManus, Chelsi McNeill, Jarrod Meyer, Todd Miller, Sarah Miller, Delaney Mott, Maryn Myler, Hallie Newman, Jennifer Nguyen, Justin Nussbaumer, Donnie Ochampaugh, Laura O’Connor, Mairelys Ortega, Sergio Pacheco-Melendres, Jazzy Peralta, Abner Perez, Shana Peterson, Christian Pineda-Arciniega, Miguel Prado, Elizabeth Pulido, Jessica Quijas Mata, Edgar Rangel, Jonathan Ratcliffe, Ryan Riley, Miranda Rios, Reveka Rivera, Briza Rodriguez, Natalie Rogers, Diego Rojas, Lily Roman, Steven Russell, Joseph Russo, Sarai Salas, Briana Sanchez, Brandon Sevilla, Cody Shelton, Jaidyn Shepard, Terrence Shields, Haylee Solorio, Martha Soto Cuadras, Cheyenne Straw, Mariana Talamantes, Amara Tedford, Christopher Thayer, Richard Todt, Taegen Tommila, Leslie Torres, Ciarra Valladon, Claudia Vazquez, Edwin Vazquez, Brett Veader, Jessica Visnovits, Paul White, Natalie Wirth, Ryan Wood, Levi Woods, Grant Zampirro

Dayton
Elise Addington, Bryan Aguilera, Anahi Arroyo-Herrera, Jenna Barlly, Ashlynn Barwig, Keerat Bhullar, Kaitlin Brown, Ainslee Brown, Christina Cabral, Alondra Castaneda Ledesma, Steven Cibrian, Nicole Cook, Kirsten Day, Joseph de Wet, Cassandra Dickenson, Leslie Drews, Naima Duarte, Isaiah Dums, Alexandra Edmondson, Shayla Edstrohm, Eden Evans, Taylor Furr, Luisa Gaviria Arroyave, Hailey Glynn, Abigail Harker, Kaitlin Hinrikus, Sarah Hodges, Anna Holley, Anthony Jimenez, Shanti Johnson, Ian Kanter, Dakota Knight, Caitlynn Koback, Linn Lawrence, Leticia Ledezma Rubio, Tyler Logan, Jada Mandeville, Giselle Medina, Madison Morton, Elora Neep, Kailey Olsen, Katherine Oppedahl, Ashley Pacheco, Lance Peterson, Lyssa Philippi, Sabrina Ramirez, Aadra Reed, Haley Rose, Maryjane Rose, Haylea Strickler, Kimberly Torres, Devin Vaughan, Alwen Vergara, Kayla Villegas, Elizabeth Vincent, Aryanna Virgen-Ortega, Roham Wahabzada, Kimberly Waski, Zane Westom, Elena Winward, Micah Woodruff

Fallon
Alia Adams, Shivam Bhakta, Hayden Blais, Desirae Blunt, Aaron Brown, Rafe Card, Dario Ceresola, Allison Christopherson, Karter Conway, Heather Cordell, Sierra Cortez, Emmanuel Demillo, Sydney Drost, Aspen Easter, Michaela Flick, Karley Frederick, Lewis Garcia, Carey Hack, Jorgen Jeppesen, Parker Jones, Conor Keitz, Jase Kroll, Angelena Leal, Alexandria Matter, Shelby McCart, Madelyn Mikulak, Amanda Ngo, Connor Nicholas, Alison Norcutt, Sadie O’Flaherty, Madison Paladini, Melanie Plasse, Benjamin Polish, Emily Richards, Savannah Robinson, Allison Ruck, John Shelton, Megan Shyne, Ashley Sorensen, Maximus Swan, Michele Tapia, Meagan Trinidad, Dylan Wallace, Brooklynn Whitaker, Maria Whitaker, Elizabeth Williams, Shailynn Winter, Kynja Woods

Fernley
Shaundrika Cassinelli, Celeste Condie, Kyle Conrado, Clara Dunbar, Aleana Duncan, Samantha Funk, James Huckaby, Carson Humes, Colby Johnson, Reese Jones, Dalton Kinamon, Alex Lopez Martinez, Paula Maghirang, Mark Mitzen, Alexandra Paredes, Emma Parsons, Aaron Robins, Aschlynn Roemer, Evelyn Rosas Ojeda, Blakeley Shoemaker, Nayeli Stopani, Bryanna Timmsen, Jacqueline Torres, Sariah Warren, Alexis Young

Gardnerville
Luis Alaniz, Chauntel Bagshaw, William Banner, Allyson Bliss, Hannah Carr, Stan Cutter, Daniel Dangelo, Abraham Downes, Patricia Duarte Gonzalez, Alexander Embree, Alicia Fehr, Wendy Frogget, William Gilroy, Adam Hamilton, Rowan Harmon, Alexandria Horner, Richard Jorgenson, Rylee Kull, Cody Lambert, Jamie Lindsey, Noelle MacDonnell, Omar Nava Del Real, Treyton Northup, Mackenzie Peters, Timothy Phenix, Savannah Pinto, Robert Pomeroy, Trinati Randall, Brandon Roberts, Michael Robinson, Ciana Rollings, Olivia Ross-Dee, Michael Rubio, Jessica Scott, Chloe Svensson, Chanden Tolbert, Audrey Topp, Araceli Valadez Paz, Calli Weston, Swade Wright

Genoa
Tasha Garrison

Hawthorne
Juliet Hernandez

Henderson
Symantha Lloyd, Taylor Wallace

Incline Village
Sarah Minkle, Jerry Sanchez

Las Vegas
Dennis Tristen Abao, Rhiannon Bree Achong, Kailey Aguilera, Jamilett Catalan, Nova Creacy, Kelsey Dosch, Ashley Howell, Criskier Ignacio, William Kenton, Jordyn Kenton, Nyla Lee, Alexzah Lopez, Victoria Newsom, Keila Ponce, Nhora Quassani, Hayli Rhoton, Kyler Ryu, Kristine Yna Saldua, Mohammad Shahzad, Coye Shelton, Albert Vandivort

Lockwood
Daniel Matthies

Minden
Bradford Adams, Trevor Ammons, Zoe Butterfield, Tyler Calhoun, Mikaela Camara, Robin Clarke, Hannah Corgan, Kaely Cuthill, Marissa Flanders, Hailey Fournier, Abby Galahan, Haylee Harjes, Jessica Kneefel, Mikayla Kuhlman, Veronica Marquez, Heather Midkiff-Alexander, Adam Morrill, Davianna Morris, Daniel Nellis, Meaganne Nellis, Emilie Prudhomme, Kathryn Rios, Madison Rodgers, Hannah Serpa, Mikayla Willden

Mound House
Tania Arroyo, Maria Juarez Razo, Armando Oliva, Anthony Pisani

North Las Vegas
Brianna Aragon, Isaac Gonzales, Isiah Gonzales, Basemath Ross

Pahrump
Barrie Fenton

Reno
Joshua Adams, Jordan Brooks, Lexi Chesney, Olivia Collins, Honor Edmands, Tevyn Esplin, Thomas Fielding, Luke Kohler, Easperee Landry, Phillip McCrary, Kyle Mello, Ricardo Pacheco, Kraig Palmer, Alana Pankopf, Audrey Rank, Katelyn Rasmussen, Reese Renaud, Rochelle Seymour, Gracie Smithee, Cadence Stewart, Flara Taylor, Courtney Thompson, Adam Trist, Peyton Trujillo, William Ventura

Silver Springs
Davannah Anderson, Ameille Delfino, Sean Hill, Kayla Limbeck, William Moore, Sara Perez

Smith
Megan Feuerhelm, David Smith

Sparks
Buster Clifton, Ryan Conley, Jewels Crable, Sara Daly, James Farmer, Melissa Fraguela, Aaron Hallauer, Jennica Harold, Jacob Mangosing, Connor Moran, Austin Roberts, Keegan Wood, Brandi Ziegler

Stagecoach
Roberto Rodriguez

Virginia City
AnnJoLee Field

Washoe Valley
Addison Fredeen, Eduardo Garcia, Kalvin Kimbro, Sarah Sorich

Wellington
Tanner Balda, Allie Kleine, Melissa Lackore

Yerington
Claire Coutts, Valeria Ramirez, Rocio Rodriguez, Natalie Rubio, Emilee Stewart, Kaiya Villines

Coleville, Calif.
Audra Hlodan

The Carson City School District is making plans to re-open school this fall and is seeking parent and family feedback through an online 10-question survey. Given various school-related experiences caused by the pandemic, the school district is inviting families to take a few moments to share their thoughts, ideas and suggestions about returning to school. Participation is voluntary and responses are anonymous.

Available in English or Spanish, the survey may be completed using a desktop computer or mobile device.

As part of the school district’s Strategic Plan, Goal 3 (Engaged Parents and Families), the district is seeking to empower and inspire families to positively impact their child's education in a welcoming, informative and collaborative school culture. Part of that includes Strategy 3.1.1: Assess the effectiveness of shared responsibility for student success using an annual survey.

Please take the time to offer input. The school district emphasized all feedback will play an important role in supporting student achievement and contributing to student and school success.

The online survey is open from June 17 through June 26, 2020. Access the survey by clicking here. Community feedback is valuable, and the Carson City School District hopes that parents and guardians will take a few moments to participate.

Take the survey in English here.

Take the survey in Spanish here.

ABOUT Carson City School District

Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,600 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 alternative high school and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced-placement classes, among several others. In a joint venture with Western Nevada College, the Carson City School District Jump Start College program allows students to complete their senior year of high school and freshman year of college simultaneously. For more information, visit carsoncityschools.com.

Western Nevada College’s 2020 graduates were honored by the school, their families, friends and community in a drive-through commencement ceremony on Friday in Carson City.

WNC graduated a record 650 students, including 94 students from the Jump Start College Program.

To practice safe social distancing, each graduate had the opportunity to have family or friends drive them to a staging area on campus, exit their vehicle, and have their name announced on stage while being congratulated by dignitaries and WNC faculty.

The ceremony marked a special celebration as the state of Nevada adheres to the new health and safety procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a special moment for our graduates as we endure through these tough times,” Dr. Vincent Solis, President of Western Nevada College said. “It will be a moment our staff, faculty, students and community will never forget.”

For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be live streamed and can be watched with the link here.

The 2020 Graduating Class is as follows:

Carson City

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — BUSINESS — ACCOUNTING
Shiela Sue DeGrote
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Emilce Lianabel Ames, Stephanie Marie Herget, Samantha McGuire, Brandi Salisbury, Grant Alan Zampirro
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — CRIMINAL JUSTICE — LAW ENFORCEMENT
Diana Fabiola Alonso
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Alexandra Adrianna Hooper, Chelsi Rae McNeill
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — GENERAL BUSINESS
Neva D. Baylor, Celia Lugo
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — GRAPHIC DESIGN
Clair Mercedes Bridwell, Cody Shelton
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — NURSING
Brooke Belanger, Sarah Alyssa Brown, Alysia June Chadim, Cara Yvonne Dillon, Veronica Avina Elizondo, Holly Foster, Valerie Maziel Ganley, Nayeli Perez-Roque, Jacob Phillips, Jason T. Rhoden, Amanda Robinson, Jennifer Rojas, Bayley Root, Payten Rose, Darryl Thomas Rush, Britney Marie Shine, Alyssa Linn Yeager
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — COMPUTER INFORMATION
Tanner Andrew Laird, Martin Schrauth
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — GENERAL INDUSTRIAL
Christopher T. Perdue
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — MACHINE TOOL
Joshua Lee Ezekiel
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — MECHATRONICS
Christopher T. Perdue, William Joseph Toohey
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — WELDING
Sean Patrick McNamara
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Giselle Andrade, Traci Angel, Brandon Tyler Annabel, Jayson Christopher Artz, Kenneth Aydelott, Alyona Lena Baka, Jonathan Alexander Barahona, Mina Barnato, Russell Baron, Tyler Renee Bray, Laura Cynthia Breighner, Donelle Nicole Brierley, Maricsa Cabrera, Christine Michelle Cassinelli, Nicole Cheri Cisneros, Gabrielle Clark, Juan Pablo Covarrubias, Daniel Cruz Villanueva, Brittany A. Cuevas, Andrew Davalos, Gabriela Davalos, Trevor Dawley, Jeremy DeBoer, Natalie DeJeronimo Vargas, Cara Yvonne Dillon, Dillon Austin Dodge, Kaela June Domin, Karla Escobedo, SalvadormFernandez Hernandez, Donald Willis Fleming, Savahna Garcia, Luis M. Garcia Almaraz, Larry Manuel Garcia-Castillo, Caitlin George, Jose Felix Gonzalez, Magaly Hernandez, Calli Stephanie Hess, Sarah D. Higuera, Louise Lee Hogen, Nathanial Iannacchione, Celine Janaye Jackson, Caitlyn Jeffers, Candace Nichole Jones, Gabrielle Rose Kortemeier, Jennifer Campbell Lombardo, Citlalli Lopez, Jocelyn Manzano, Luis Martinez, Kathryn Victoria Maseda, Julieanna McManus, Chelsi Rae McNeill, Sydney Miller, Lesly Montes Castaneda, Cierra Mullen, Isabel Munoz, Jacob Norman Myers, Maryn Myler, Mathew A. Navarro, Abbygail Linda Northrop, Evelin Ortega Quintero, James Jeremiah Ortiz, Rebecca Ortiz, Jasmine Paluch, Jasmine Marcella Peralta, Abner Perez, Hollie Anne Pfarr, Citlaly Preciado, Derek Jordan Redlark, Bianca Lizeth Rodriguez, Natalie A. Rogers, Stephanie Rojas, Matthew Romero, Michael Anthony Rose, Joseph Vincent Russo, Sarai Eileen Salas, Johana Salgado, Jenifer Salguero, Blanca Carmen Sasso, Brandon Sevilla, Cody Shelton, Jaidyn Alexandria Shepard, Miriam Esmerelda Silis Gutierrez, Alexandra Michelle Sprock, Cheyenne Nicole Straw, Chloe Oceans Svensson, Skye Blue Swanson, Mariana Talamantes, April Rose Tedrowe, Karanpreet Singh Thind, Ashley Tibbets, Richard Scott Todt, Jesse Toral, Jacob Alan Truhill, Katherine Yahel Vallejos, Jerrad Lee VandeBrake, Claudia Joselin Vazquez, Jessica Rose Visnovits, Joseph Michael Wheat Jr., Ryan Joshua Wood
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS
Viridiana Cacho-Alvarez, Bradley Benjamin Denney, Jonathan Garcia, Savana M. Lehane, Juan Flaviano Lopez, Marisol Servin Lopez, Phillip Lopez, Marie Frances McDonald, Randy Glenn Nelms, Adanary Ortega, Alexandria Rose, Cristina Saenz
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Giselle Andrade, Bayley W. Asby, Kimberly Elizabeth Bigler, Daniel Cruz Villanueva, Cheryl Renee Deeb, Donald Willis Fleming, Arianna J. Florence, Katrina Henley, Isabel Rose Hensley, Nina Hernandez, Lacey Leann Hix, Nubia Leon-Lozano, Tyler Lethcoe, Victoria Marie McKean, Sarah Ann Miller, Anthony Jess Nicholson, Rebecca Ortiz, Michael Joseph Pulsipher, Kelley Eileen Riippi, Caleb Matthew Schadeck, Miriam Esmerelda Silis Gutierrez, Sarah Strickland, Jordan Tinkler, Musibered Torres Perez
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Zaid Amjad Abdelhady, Omar Acebedo Vega, Annette-Karissa Kiara Avila, Jose A. Banuelos Ruiz, Liliana Guadalupe Barajas-Rodriguez, Mariah Brooks, Juan Carlos Carrillo, Kaela June Domin, Arietis Rhiannon Fisher-Burns, Chanel Frazier, Nala Garcia, Brisareli Guzman Jimon, Hunter Hewitt, Monte Howell, Haylee Anne Krupp, Nubia Leon-Lozano, Diana Lobato, Seth P. Marcyes, Karen Noemi Martinez Gutierrez, Kallie Elizabeth McDonald, Melissa Perez-Barrios, Michelle Perry, Fabian Rangel, Jennifer Sanchez, Cody Shelton, Jordan Ryan Smith, Katelyn Stefonowicz, Juan Alberto Urena, Xitlali Vega Alvarez, Edgar Axel Velez Velasco
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE — CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Jodi Dawn Roan
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY — CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
John Bumgardner
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Traci Angel, Nohely Montes, Abbygail Linda Northrop
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — BUSINESS
Silvia Magaly Flores Zarate, Nancy Paola Manriquez
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — BUSINESS — BOOKKEEPING
Neva D. Baylor, Silvia Magaly Flores Zarate, Linda Jones, Nancy Paola Manriquez
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Jesica Elena Aragon, Victoria Marie McKean, Joyce Kathryn Stroup
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — GENERAL INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
Joshua Lee Ezekiel
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY
Daniel Vasquez-Ontiveros

Dayton

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — BUSINESS — MANAGEMENT
Marcia Lynne Rogacs
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Dakota Monique Knight
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — NURSING
Samantha Joann Hoover, Ernest Osborn, Daisy Perez
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS
Julian Harger
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — COMPUTER INFORMATION
John L. Doiron
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — MECHATRONICS
Cliff A. Turnell
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Keerat Singh Bhullar, Christina Marie Cabral, Nicole M. Cook, Nathaniel Darden, Kaitlin Marie Duarte, Naima Raquel Duarte, Jason Duran, Briana Michaela Dutra, Alexandra Edmondson, Anthony Taylor Edwards, Victorian Storm Fonseca, Taylor Furr, Lourdes Alicia Guerrero, Jameson Lee Haigwood, Caleb Luke Holley, Adrienne Keith, Emily Lara, Nayelli Lara-Gutierrez, Linn Lawrence, Giselle Medina, Ashley Dawn Morrison, Emily Neal, Elora Neep, Nicholas Anthony Reul, Karina Rubio, Brittnie Nichole Sisson, Lucas R. Spencer, Adolfas Vytautas Stankus, Ian P. Strey, Nickalaus Taggart, Devin Carter Vaughan, Kayla Villegas, Mackenzie Lynn Wells
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS
Diana R. York
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Victorian Storm Fonseca, Dakota Monique Knight, Brianna Rene Molnar
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Cassandra Raylene Dickenson, Juan Dominguez, Cesia Enriquez, Ryan Michael Johnson, Ian Joseph Kanter, Caitlynn Dawn Koback, Katherine Michelle Martin, Thomas Purvis, Savanah N. Smith, Clint Vega, Aryanna Danielle Virgen-Ortega, Roham Wahabzada
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Adrienne Keith
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION TECHNICIAN
Joshua Aaron Lee

Fallon

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — BUSINESS — ACCOUNTING
Holly Rose Meader
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Steven Allocco, Krysta Lynn Page
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — GRAPHIC DESIGN
Mark L. Weaselboy
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — NURSING
Jenny Anderson, Courtney Marie Clay, Caitlynn Dennis, Nzonge Ekane, Alyshia Fairbanks, Shannon Ashley Roop, Heide Tapia, Cecilia Valenzuela, Cammi Whitaker, Cierra Worring
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — COMPUTER INFORMATION
Carey Allen Hack, Mary Nash
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Desirae Lynn Blunt, Robert Kenneth Breault, Andrew Alan Carroll, Kate Liana Dunkin, Michaela Flick, Karley Frederick, Lewis M. Garcia, Amanda Fay Impastato, Sidney Dakoda Jaques, Madison Larum, Jason Michael Lassiter, Jessica Dynel McQueary, Rebekah Lee Orozco, Raven Michelle Pascale, Amber Louise Revels, Emily Carolynn Richards, Kristy Liza Rios, Dalynne Michelle Rueda, Hamilton Jacob Sommer, Ashley Jean Sorensen, Maximus Gallo Swan, Hailey Paige Thibault, Meagan Victoria Trinidad, Maria Kathryn Whitaker, Elizabeth Williams, Kynja Woods
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS
Owen Scott Palmer
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Joseph David Floyd Hill, Lindsay S. Regan, Tanner Chad Stritenberger, Dylan Gene Wallace
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Benjamin David Andersen, Braden William Benecke, Courtney Lynn, Binand, Aspen Claire Easter, Jacob Evans, Conor L. Keitz, Shelby Lynn McCart, Savannah Lee Robinson
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — GRAPHIC DESIGN
Michaela Flick

Fernley

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — BUSINESS — MANAGEMENT
Albert David Torres
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — GENERAL BUSINESS
Albert David Torres
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — GRAPHIC DESIGN
Jolene Brown
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Celeste Lin Condie, Karlyn R. Hawley, Alexis Lenore Joyner, Emma Rose Parsons, Daria-Michaela Powell, Aaron J. Robins III, Gabriel Wilson
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Adrian Anthony Avila, Alyssa Michelle Bixby, Bridgette N. Carlson, Ethan Clark, Amanda Suzanne Hulsey, Dalton Shane Kinamon, Sabrina Louise McCallum, Kacie R. Meisner, Lia Ojendyk, Christina Perry, Bryanna Rae Timmsen, Sariah E. Warren
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — GRAPHIC DESIGN
Jolene Brown

Gardnerville

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Denise Davis, Amanda Killgore, Carson Taylor Osborn, Matthew Reiner
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Kaycee Battcher
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — GRAPHIC DESIGN
Tomi Lin Souder
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE – NURSING
Chelsea Dawn Bartlett, Timothy Owens
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — MECHATRONICS
Charles Christopher Pitcock
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Hope Okiani Grace Adams, Alec Carl Baumer, Emily Benitez, Allyson Marie Bliss, Peyton Hyland Craig, Jordanna LaVonne Foster, Wendy Sue Frogget, Jonah Muir Hedlund, Laura Margarita Navarro Hernandez, Harmony Alisa Laney, Jamie Lynn Lindsey, Emilio Magana, Caitlin McLaughlin, Fallon T. Montanucci, Christina L. Morgan, Alondra Xitlally Munoz, Omar Nava Del Real, Mackenzie Drew Peters, Jessica Michelle Pomeroy, Kasey M. Reseck, Michael Rubio, Karla Cristina Sanchez Ramirez, Viviana A. Sarmiento, Annie Isabella Tewalt, Araceli Valadez Paz, Matilde Valenzuela, Katelyn Rose Wiggins
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS
Jessica Lee Chavez, Luis Gustavo Hernandez-Flores
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Daniel Dangelo, Jonathon William Jacobson, Melissa Mathiowetz, Brandon M. Nelson, Carson Taylor Osborn, Ryan Lee Stanton, Michael Teeuwen
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Mary Lin Bates, Sarah Marie Carter, Jorge Luis Flores Gonzalez, Kaela Lee Granados, Jonah Muir Hedlund, Jonathon William Jacobson, William Paul James-Chappell, Gabriela McNamara, Treyton Paul Northup, Noah Poole, Olivia Alexis Ross-Dee, Andrew David Tuell
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Kaycee Battcher

Genoa

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS
Cole Contreras

Hawthorne

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Emmalee Jessica Going, Hillary Pellett

Henderson

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Erin Broo, Symantha Cathren Lloyd

Incline Village

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Carissa Link
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — NURSING
Izamar Sanchez

Las Vegas

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Rhiannon Bree Dermarie Achong, Nova Marie Creacy, Kelsey Erin Dosch, Ashley Marie Howell, Criskier Cablay Ignacio, Jordyn Victoria Kenton, William Holladay Kenton, Nyla Lee, Alexzah J. Lopez, Victoria Abigail Newsom, Paige Saylor Peters, Nhora Shabnam Quassani, Hayli Noel Rhoton, Kyler Jordan Ryu, Coye Michael Shelton, Albert Hiram Vandivort IV

Minden

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Malia Iris-Rae Grizoffi
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — NURSING
Christine Ann Herman, Megan Elizabeth Kerrigan, Karina Leigh Peterson, Danielle L. Smith
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — WELDING
Cody Bohman
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Barbara Anne Dilley, Marissa Lorraine Flanders, Sharon Faye Fournier, Brianna Jo Fujii, Malia Iris-Rae Grizoffi, Haylee Jean Harjes, Dallyn Sarah Malarchuk, Veronica Sage Marquez, Natalie Newman, Corinne Noemi Novotny, Bryan Spencer Rice, Martina Alexis Schambra, Michael Alan Smith, Riana Testa, Hannah Wilson
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS
Sarah Bautista, Kathryn Alexis Rios
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Tourya Bindahan, Christopher G. Manning, Whitney Lynn McGill, Davianna H. Morris
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Jessica J. Kneefel, Zachary W. Moehle
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE — CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Anna Marie Graham
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Malia Iris-Rae Grizoffi

Mound House

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Tania Arroyo, Adelina Dizon Deadmond, Luisa Fernanda Flores De Los Santos, Daniel Ledezma
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Rebecca Jean Barnett, Adelina Dizon Deadmond
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Maria Daniela Juarez Razo

Nixon

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Chayslin Keeana-Marie Lee

Reno

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Ethan William Price
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Joseph Godoy-Newcomb
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — NURSING
Sonia Gaeta, Lauren Rose George, Shelby Jeanne Lee, Kailey Jeanne Woods
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — COMPUTER INFORMATION
Stefan Paul Davis
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Christopher Ballesteros, Callum Jack Bodington, Robert Cornwell, Elizabeth Renae Hermansen, Caitlin Marie Howard, Shanti Rose Johnson, Reese L. Renaud, Linda M. Woods
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS
Donnell J. Dike-Anukam
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Annie Marie Jeanotte Aranda, Caleb Emerson Gault, John Kirkland, Silverio Mendoza Jr., Jennifer Jo Wolf
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Honor Lily Edmands, Nicholas Martin Kuntz, Max Madson, Alana Corinne Pankopf
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE – CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Blake E. Shure, Brian Stretch

Silver City

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Timothy A. Quinlan

Silver Springs

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Leticia Navarro
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Richard Anthony Fratto III
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Sara Danielle Perez, Roberto Aurelio Rodriguez

Smith

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Megan Rae Feuerhelm

Sparks

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Sara Benay Daly
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — NURSING
Vanessa Elizabeth Arias-Martinez, Amberle Lundstrom, Angelica Patricia Munda, Austin Warner
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — COMPUTER INFORMATION
Gary Don Gamber
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Misty Dawne Ballew, Shelene Jeanette Bowling, Jaeden Isaiah Sant Singh
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
William Thomas Gilroy

Stagecoach

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — GENERAL INDUSTRIAL
James Garrison
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS
Renee Lamendola
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
James Garrison
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Miguel Angel Pacheco

Stateline

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Thomas Purvance

Sun Valley

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — NURSING
Kattie Lopez

Virginia City

ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS
Joseph Richard Cabral
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Allison Riley Hultberg

Washoe Valley

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — GENERAL BUSINESS
Mikki Deluz
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Meighan Herzberg
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS
Mikki Doty Deluz
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Eduardo Garcia

Wellington

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — WELDING
Paul Donald Costa
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
William Andrew Banner, Carlee Donaire, Melissa Alexis Lackore, Brian Jair Leon Loayza
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Margaret J. Mortensen, Adam Fisk Temple

Yerington

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — BUSINESS — ACCOUNTING
Michele McClellan
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Brittney Marie Wilkison
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Brittany McDonald
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Brittney Marie Wilkison

Zephyr Cove

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Fabiola Hernandez Juarez

Martinez, Calif.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS — DEAF STUDIES
Michael Andrew Loreno
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Michael Andrew Loreno

Norman, Okla.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — GENERAL BUSINESS
Katherine Leigh Sisk

Pocatello, Idaho

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Kathryn Bradley

South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — DEAF STUDIES
Kailey McKenzie Killeen
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — NURSING
Julia Guier, Cristina Limpot Higgins, Arianna Johnson, Misty Lawrence, Keely Nolis, Aleksandra Shand, Sarah E. Smith
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — GENERAL INDUSTRIAL
Ryan James Hock
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE — TECHNOLOGY — WELDING
Kyle Ferguson
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Ryan James Hock
ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES
Ryan James Hock
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Ryan James Hock
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT — AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Kailey McKenzie Killeen

Wamego, Kan.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Ashley Paige Hill

CARSON CITY — Sierra Lutheran High School will host a special open house on Tuesday, July 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. for prospective families interested in learning more about the school and its educational program for the 2020-21 academic year.

Sierra Lutheran, which, on average, matriculates over 90 percent of its students to college and educates students from across the five-county area, is scheduled to open to students and staff on August 14.

“Sierra Lutheran is excited about the 2020-21 school year and is eager to share more about the school’s burgeoning academic program and plans for the upcoming school year,” Executive Director Brian Underwood said.

Among the topics to be discussed will be Sierra Lutheran’s new educational partnership with Western Nevada College that will feature over 30 units of college credit, all on the SLHS campus.

“We are delighted to partner with Western Nevada College to offer dual credit on campus,” Underwood said. “This provides the opportunity for our students to enjoy the enormous benefit of earning college credit, with their classmates, during the course of regular school day.”

The school is also scheduled to launch two new specialized elective courses to meet the growing needs and interests of area students, beginning with the school’s investment in starting an eSports Team.

Working in tandem with Computer Corp of Carson City, SLHS will be adding ten specially-equipped computers to start Gaming Concepts, a course designed to teach college- and career-ready skills and social-emotional learning -- all through the lens of video games and Esports.

By harnessing students’ passion for games and bringing it into the classroom, Gaming Concepts seeks to improve academic performance. Students enrolled in the course will be a part of the school’s new eSports team, which will compete locally, as well as nationally as part of High School eSports League (HSEL).

Also set to debut at Sierra Lutheran this Fall is the school’s new Career Development program. The new year-long elective is divided into two unique semesters that focus on teaching students soft skills during the first semester before placing students into internships of their choice for the second semester.

“Equipping students with useful life skills for success in the workforce is critical,” Underwood continued. “Helping them develop useful interpersonal tools and learn about common workplace expectations is the focus of the first semester. This preparation occurs ahead of being placed in an internship and industry of their choosing for the second semester.”

Sierra Lutheran’s Open House will cover academics, campus life opportunities, and the admissions process. The event, which will also include a tour, will observe social distancing and other guidelines in accordance with Phase 2 protocols.

To reserve space, or for more information, email bunderwood@slhs.com. Sierra Lutheran High School is located at 3601 Romans Rd in Carson City.

Many high school seniors and current college students will have difficult decisions to make before entering or resuming their college education this fall.

In wake of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the way instruction is delivered, many students are waiting to see what colleges and universities are planning for their mode of instruction for fall semester and what contingencies are in place.

While that course delivery will likely include a combination of in-person and online instruction, some college students are electing to remain closer to home because of the uncertainty that the health crisis has created.

“Western Nevada College continues to be a great option for students locally to start and continue their post-secondary education,” said WNC Provost and Vice President of Finance Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Now, in light of the pandemic, WNC is an option for students who completed their first year of college away but are uncertain about the coming year. We encourage students to continue their education so they make progress in their program, and WNC continues to be a solution closer to home."

Previously, Taylor Davison, a 2019 Sierra Lutheran High School graduate, attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where her older sister, Clare, will be a senior this fall. Taylor decided earlier this year that she wanted to go to school closer to home and enrolled in her hometown college — Western Nevada College — for a summer class and for fall semester.

“Nancy and I are very excited that Taylor has opted to stay local to attend WNC; it’s a great fit for her,” said Sean Davison, Taylor’s father and a Carson City businessman who is on WNC Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “Health and safety are an issue. It gives me some comfort, with her being at home, being close to take care of your children. My wife and I tend to be pretty paternalistic. We’re grateful that, with all of the uncertainty going on in the world, there is more certainty with her being at home.”

For students weighing the uncertainties of leaving Northern Nevada to attend college, WNC offers the comfort of smaller class sizes and more affordable tuition costs, among other amenities. There is a possibility that students could go away to college and find out that all of their classes will be delivered online.

“There’s been uncertainty about how colleges are going to be taught for some time,” Davison said. “WNC makes fantastic sense from a financial perspective and they have great instructors and faculty.”

For Taylor, her familiarity with WNC and what the college has to offer made her decision to transfer easier.

“She has a lot of connections at WNC,” Davison said. “She knows Niki Gladys from volunteering with the Foundation. She knows faculty members such as (Professor of Geosciences Dr.) Winnie Kortemeier. She’s doing really well in her summer class and I can’t wait for her to love her classes in the fall.”

Students who would like to transfer to WNC or change their plans out of high school still have time to register for fall semester.

“There is still plenty of time to enroll at Western Nevada College for the fall semester!” said WNC Director of Admissions and Records, Registrar Dianne Hilliard. “Prospective students can stay closer to home and take classes at WNC at a lower cost than a university. Recent high school graduates and anyone who wants to take classes can apply for admission now, meet with a counselor and register for fall classes that start on Aug. 31. We still have plenty of open classes to choose from. WNC offers a range of classes for students who wish to transfer to a university, learn new skills for employment opportunities, obtain a certificate or associate degree or expand their knowledge for personal enrichment.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a counselor, phone 775-445-3267 or email counseling@wnc.edu.

Sena Loyd, candidate for the Nevada State Assembly, District 40, will be the featured speaker at Monday's virtual Democratic luncheon. She became the official Democratic nominee in June's three-way primary, in which she received 47 percent of the vote.

Sena is best known for her years of exemplary service as Carson City's library director, in recognition of which she was named 2017 Nevada Librarian of the Year. She now serves as Director of Research and Workforce Development at Blockchains, LLC.

The following endorsement was authored by former Library Board of Trustees president Sandy Foley.

When Sena Loyd was appointed Carson City Library Director in 2014, she quickly established a culture where “good enough” definitely was not good enough. In a time of uncertainty, Sena visualized the big picture and knew the steps needed to develop a library worthy of recognition; the Institute of Museum and Library Services recognized it as one of the top 14 in the United States in 2018.

Nevada currently is facing a myriad of issues which will require a visionary, empathetic resolute leader, and Sena is the ideal choice for Assembly District 40. In times of crisis, her calm research-oriented approach increases her ability to understand how the dominoes of government might fall and focus on solutions.

During her tenure as director, Sena implemented many programs that brought the library into the community. Working with city leaders, she coordinated and later managed the Adams Hub, which provides small businesses and entrepreneurs space and assistance opportunities. She ensured the Makers Space at the library would serve the needs of our community, and today it creates face shields, swabs for testing and innovative ear-savers for our health care workers. As a lobbyist for library services, she managed to procure a state library grant totaling $500,000 to be used for technology and workforce development.

Sena also brought the community to the library. She was responsible for the recent library refresh, utilizing every inch of space to its maximum potential, while providing comfortable areas for young and older patrons. The Digatorium enables the community’s youth to collaborate and share computer, technology and media skills in a state-of-the-art expanse. With her shared love of technology, math and research, she formulated a program for girls to code and develop future job skills.

A library is service-oriented and reaches out to the entire community. Whether she is volunteering for the Boys and Girls Club, assisting senior citizens or adding her expertise to the efforts of Western Nevada College, Sena Loyd demonstrates service and resolve. In the children’s book "The Little Engine that Could," success was achieved by repeating, “I think I can.” In the race for Assembly District 40, I know Sena Loyd can provide the leadership Nevada needs.

Sponsored by the Democratic Men's Committee, this event is scheduled for noon on Monday, July 20, and will be held online via Zoom teleconference due to the temporary shutdown of in-person venues. Those wishing to be on distribution for a link to the teleconference can email Rich Dunn, Men's Committee Events Coordinator, at richdunn@aol.com.

Spacious and picturesque John L. Harvey Field in Carson City, nestled at the base of the Eastern Sierra, has provided a lot more than baseball entertainment to the community since being constructed in 2006.

The Western Nevada College baseball field has hosted Easter egg scrambles, a Youth Soccer Day, an Assembly-Senate softball game, club soccer games, lacrosse practices and student life activities such as Bumper Ball.
Now, the field will provide a place for local children ages 9 to 13 to develop their skills and learn fundamentals through the Cap City Baseball program.

Established in 2019, Cap City Baseball is a non-profit that provides an affordable means for families to encourage their young athletes to develop and learn to compete.

“This partnership means a lot to us, and we can’t thank the administration at WNC enough for the opportunity to partner together,” said Steve Handelin, a coach and representative for Cap City Baseball.

The facility will provide youths in Cap City Baseball with a consistent venue to practice.

 “Although most people think of us as the ‘traditional’ educational facility, we really are so much more. We have many programs and offerings designed for the betterment of our community, as well as personal and professional development,” said Vice President of Student Success and Support Services Jeff Downs. “We greatly value being a part of the community and are thrilled to be able to see the facilities in use for baseball again.”

WNC’s ballpark was named after Reverend John L. Harvey, the grandfather of former WNC baseball coach D.J. Whittemore, whose parents, Harvey and Annette, gifted the college $1 million for construction of the field. The Nevada System of Higher Education approved the naming of the field in 2005.

Cap City Baseball is seeking support for the program, which operates entirely with the help of volunteers, sponsorships and donations. To learn more about how you can help, contact capcitynv@gmail.com or visit the capcitynv.com website. 

The Rotary Club of Carson City has announced that The Capital City Brewfest, scheduled for August 29th, will not take place this summer due to the COVID 19 virus.

The annual event, which funds the Rotary Club’s scholarships and youth programs, featured several dozen regional breweries and distilleries. The club has set the date of June 26, 2021 for the next Brewfest.

“We are saddened to cancel the event, but it’s important that we comply with the state mandates to avoid large gatherings and to practice social distancing,” said event co-organizer Jim Gray, “the health and safety of our community is our first priority. We were hopeful when we moved the date from June to August that the pandemic would ease, but that certainly isn’t the case.”

Last year’s Brewfest drew more than 1,000 attendees and raised thousands of dollars that went toward student scholarships and leadership training. Since 2002, Rotary has awarded over $150,000 in local scholarships; funded $13,400 to Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, $200,000 to the Cancer Center for the labyrinth and gifted $25,000 to Western Nevada College for the Student Library.

Despite the cancellation, the club still hopes to fund the scholarship this year. “Like so many service groups and charitable organizations we have to get creative with our fundraising” said club president Rachelle Resnick. “We are planning an internal and community wide giving campaign this fall, we want to ensure that the scholarship and other programs continue”, adding “Community service and giving is the heart of all Rotary Clubs”.

For more information on the Rotary Club of Carson City visit www.carsonrotary.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/carsonrotary

The Capital City Arts Initiative presents its exhibition, "H2O 2020", with work by eight Great Basin artists at the CCAI Courthouse Gallery: Cyndy Brenneman, Vanessa Martinez, Nolan Preece, Nancy Raven, Craig Sheppard, Dylan Silver, Cathryne Trachok, and Candida Webb. The exhibition will be in the gallery through Sept. 24, 2020.

The Courthouse is located at 885 E Musser Street, Carson City. The public is cordially invited to the second-floor gallery which is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All of the artists’ work is focused on the theme of water, selected as an appropriate and cooling theme for Carson City’s hot and dry summer days.

Cyndy Brenneman’s watercolor scenes from her international travels inspire each of us as we wait out the pandemic at home.

Three still-life photographs from Vanessa Martinez’s Perspective series show the ways water can manipulate our vision.

Nolan Preece’s chemigrams produce intriguing levels of abstraction through his use of photographic chemicals, acrylic paints, and intuition. http://www.nolanpreece.com/

Lost Soles, the installation by Nancy Raven, combines found single shoes left behind on a central California beach with photographs and prints recording their lonely existence. https://www.lizardsrockmusic.com/

The late Craig Sheppard, a former chair of UNR’s Art Department, spent a sabbatical painting in France giving us A Bridge in Paris.

With images from his Tahoe Clarity series, Dylan Silver combines his loves of photography and scuba diving to present a diver’s diverse views of Lake Tahoe. http://www.tahoeclarity.com/

Cathryne Trachok values collaborating with the viewers who see her paintings. In this piece, she collaborated with artist Marti Bein on the composition giving us another view of water. http://catrachokstudios.com/

Candida Webb dedicates her strong color sense to teasing vibrant hues out of her landscapes and onto her canvases. She paints serene locations as an expressionist to offer fresh views of remote areas of the west. http://www.candidawebb.com/

Carlos Ramirez, a Western Nevada College student, provided the Spanish translation of this text for the gallery handout.

CCAI is an artist-centered not-for-profit organization committed to community engagement in contemporary visual arts through exhibitions, arts education programs, artist residencies, and online activities.

The Initiative is funded by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, John and Grace Nauman Foundation, Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Carson City Cultural Commission, U.S. Bank Foundation, NV Energy Corporation, Southwest Gas Corporation Foundation, and its sponsors and members.

Funding to support CCAI has been provided by Nevada Humanities through Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the CARES Act economic stabilization plan of 2020.

For additional information, please visit CCAI’s website at www.ccainv.org.

Western Nevada College is now offering a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Organization and Project Management that provides a career advancement pathway for students who’ve earned an associate degree. The Bachelor of Applied Science degree blends leadership and management studies with 21st century skills such as project management and data informed decision making.

"We are pleased to offer a new four-year degree in the WNC business program,” said Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, WNC Provost and Vice President of Finance. “This one is especially exciting because it is all online, allowing students to access the program remotely, which is becoming more and more important to provide access to higher education."  
The degree will be offered in eight-week blocks and is completely online.

WNC has doubled its bachelor degree offerings by adding a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Organization and Project Management. The new bachelor degree was approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents earlier this spring.

With the new bachelor degree in place, graduates will be qualified to provide leadership to a variety of organizations, including for- and not-for-profit small businesses and corporations. This degree will provide students with the leadership scope and working knowledge of project management development and implementation to fill the U.S. and Northern Nevada gap while contributing to the economic development of the region.

Primary responsibilities in this professional career pathway are planning, organizing and orchestrating the completion of designated projects for a business and ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget parameters.

Because this is an online degree, students will be able to work in their field of interest while working toward their bachelor degree.

“Pursuing this degree while employed provides the opportunity for students to immediately apply what they’ve learned to the workplace, adding value to their organization. The degree is designed to enhance the concept of theory and practice,” said WNC Director of Professional and Applied Technology Dr. Georgia White.   
Students who’ve earned an Associate of Applied Science degree focused on specific skills and trades while completing their AAS degree. The Bachelor of Applied Science degree offers those individuals access to a bachelor degree in two years.

Requirements for entrance into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organization and Project Management program include:

• An associate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 2.0

• Bachelor degree requirements may include NSHE general education requirements not included in all AAS degrees
• An English 102 class (3 credits)

• Math (3 credits)

• Natural science (6 credits and includes at least one laboratory experience)

• Social Sciences or Humanities/Fine Arts (9 credits)

• Students transferring from another state are required to take U.S. and Nevada Constitution classes

The national average wage for graduates with this degree is more than $80,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Nevada, the annual mean wage is $43,550 to $68,970.

Go to https://www.wnc.edu/degree/bas/organization-project-management/ for more information.

Welcome back! Western Nevada College has maintained service to the public remotely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the college is officially welcoming students and the public back to all campuses beginning Monday, July 27.

After conducting classes and business virtually since closing its three campuses to the public in mid-March, WNC has been given the OK by state officials to reopen in preparation for fall semester.

“We are ecstatic to be in the position to welcome back our students and community members to our campuses after months of preparing and planning for this day,” said WNC President Dr. Vincent Solis. “As we resume many of our normal activities on campus, we will keep in mind that the top priority for the college is the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community members."

WNC is well-prepared for opening with new safety policies designed to protect the community. Following direction from the governor’s office, WNC is requiring face coverings throughout campus at all times. Hand sanitizer is readily available and social distancing has been arranged in each classroom. Many courses will be offered online for those more comfortable with remote instruction.

“WNC has always been innovative and flexible,” Dr. Solis said. “Throughout this pandemic, we have been able to quickly adapt and continue to serve our students. Now, we are taking the next steps to ensure our students continue to learn in the safest environments possible."

Students and visitors will be able to meet with college personnel by appointment or walk-in from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This will be a great time for high school dual-enrollment and new students to meet with counselors with the start of fall semester a little more than a month away on Aug. 31.

“I’m excited to meet with our families in person,” said Director of WNC Counseling Services Piper McCarthy. “Our staff recently went through safety training and feels well-prepared to help students both in person and over the phone.”

Enrollment and other business needs can still be handled virtually through the college’s various college departments or by phoning 775-445-3000.

WNC plans to offer classes in a variety of platforms this fall to meet students’ needs, including in person, online and hybrid.

Go to https://www.wnc.edu/wnc-announces-plan-to-resume-campus-operations/  for more information on WNC’s reopening policies and phases.

Partnership Carson City, a local organization that inspires a healthy community by building strong families and successful youth, announces two new team members joining the ranks to support education, collaboration and engagement with residents.

Daren Kight, probation tech support, and Patty Sanborn, aftercare resources coordinator, will work out of Carson City as part of the Overdose Data 2 Action (OD2A) grant that focuses on opioid efforts as well as identifies system barriers and gaps in Carson City in addition to Dayton, Lyon and Storey counties.

Kight’s efforts in the adolescent community included over the six-plus years with the Ron Wood Family Resource Center. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social work, with a minor from the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies, in 2014 and a master’s degree in social work in 2017, both from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Sanborn’s background includes being a high school registrar at Dayton High School, a resource coordinator with Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey counties and serving as a community health worker. She’s currently pursuing a degree in social work from Western Nevada College.

“Having these two talented individuals added to our team has helped us extend our reach to even more youth within our surrounding communities and counties,” said Hannah McDonald, executive director of Partnership Carson City. “The OD2A grant, which comprises their focus, is designed to help us increase the community’s ability to respond to opioid crisis issues as well as helps identify where there are gaps and barriers within these efforts.”

Be sure to connect with Partnership Carson City on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as on YouTube for education, prevention and results.

About Partnership Carson City
Partnership started as an effort to fight the spread of methamphetamine more than a decade ago. Since then, it has taken on the role of a coalition to support and organize all kinds of services throughout the capital city. Partnership still focuses on stopping drug abuse, promoting a variety of programs that help youth and families be safer and healthier.

Yvonne Joyce David
May 5, 1944 – July 16, 2020

Yvonne J. David, resident of Carson City, Nevada, passed away on July 16, 2020. Yvonne was born on May 5, 1944 to the parents Nellie (Alma) Lovingier and Arthur A. Lovingier in San Francisco, CA. Yvonne arrived in Carson City in 1977 and began to work for the State of Nevada. She loved working for Western Nevada College, assisting teachers and staff before retiring.

She enjoyed gardening, lunches with her friends and shopping. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Ronald Lovingier and her son, Arthur (Bowe) David. Yvonne is survived by her brother Michael Lovingier, her three daughters, Barbara McNeil and husband George McNeil, Theresa (David) Harper and Samee David Connelly and husband Matthew Connelly. Yvonne is also survived by four grandchildren, Nicholas McNeil and wife Christine McNeil, Audrina McNeil, Gunner Harper and his wife Ashlee Harper, and Emily Harper.

Yvonne will be laid to rest at Walton’s Chapel of the Valley Cemetery on August 5th at 10:00 a.m.

Get ahead. Receive a personalized academic plan. Expand your perspective. Challenge yourself. Form friendships that will last forever. Save money.

These are some of the reasons why parents are turning to Western Nevada College to provide their homeschool students with an alternative education that can culminate in earning an associate degree by the time they are finished with their education at home.

With the coronavirus health crisis persisting through the summer, high school-aged students are facing uncertainty going into the 2020-21 school year. That could mean that more parents are looking for alternatives to educate their children. Other parents may want their children to expand on their homeschool education program to challenge them in a different setting.

Either way, WNC’s expanding homeschool program has them covered.

“I became a student at WNC because I was looking to widen my horizons as a homeschool student and get ahead of the game,” said Addison Fredeen, who is set to start her third year taking classes at WNC. “Starting college early was probably one of the best decisions I made as a student to further my education. It improved me as a person and as a learner.”

Fredeen began taking classes at WNC as a 14-year-old through a personalized academic plan. Despite being younger than most of the students on campus she hasn’t been afraid to partake in campus and Student Life activities.

“What I liked best about attending WNC is that it didn’t matter that I started when I was 14, I still received the same education as 20-year-olds or 30-year-olds,” Fredeen said. “I was learning to the fullest potential I could and it’s such a great experience. Even though I was five or even 10 years younger than any of the other students, I was still able to get good grades and make good friends that I still have to this day. It’s nice being one of the younger students at WNC because I get to show off my capabilities of learning and being the best student that I can be.”

She’ll complete her final year at WNC in 2020-21 by again serving as an officer for the college’s student government group, the Associated Students of Western Nevada.

“This is my last year at WNC and I am so excited to serve ASWN and the students in this new role,” Fredeen said. “I want to help make the voice of the students at our school known and heard! I’m looking forward to being part of student government next year!"

If they qualify, homeschool students can also participate in WNC’s Jump Start program. This highly successful dual-credit program allows high school juniors and seniors to take classes through WNC and earn up to an associate degree by the time they graduate from their high school.

This past spring, nine homeschool students graduated with an associate degree through the Jump Start program.
But using Addison as a prime example, homeschool students don’t have to be aligned to Jump Start.

“I meet with them individually to help determine course qualifications and to develop an individualized educational plan,” said WNC Counselor and Outreach Coordinator Tricia Wentz.

Last year, WNC launched a Homeschool Club to provide more support to those students so they could better navigate their academic work and build friendships.

“This fall, WNC plans to hire a homeschool coordinator who will work with homeschool students and families to build enrollment and support of this population as they enroll in WNC classes. The coordinator will oversee and develop a space for homeschool students at the Carson City campus,” Wentz said.

Fredeen and other homeschool students helped form a homeschool club known good-naturedly as the Nerd Herd. They hold bi-weekly meetings and hang out together. Popular Psychology Professor Rebecca Bevans advises this group of students and helps them prosper. Fredeen will serve as president for the club for the 2020-21 school year.
“They have fun things planned and are forming strong friendships, something this group wanted but with being scattered across WNC classes, it was sometimes difficult to attain,” Bevans said last fall. “Now that they are organized, there is no stopping them from moving forward and having fun."

A high school student can inquire about taking one or two online classes from WNC but will need authorization from their high school.

WNC has developed a robust online presence for course delivery, with about a third of students electing to take classes that way prior to the pandemic in March, when all classes transitioned to that instructional platform. Of the students responding to a post-semester survey about their online learning experiences, 69 percent indicated that they had taken at least one online class prior to the transition and 61 percent said they were highly satisfied or satisfied with support from their instructors.

Meanwhile, Fredeen is already looking ahead to her next higher education challenge.

“My future education plans are to go on and get my Bachelor of Science degree at a college that offers a robotics program,” Fredeen said. “My plan for my career is to become a robotics engineer and technician so I can work on robots, building and designing them.”

To learn more about WNC’s homeschool program, contact Wentz at Tricia.Wentz@wnc.edu and to learn more about the Nerd Herd, contact Bevans at
Rebecca.Bevans@wnc.edu.

Parents can learn more about the program by attending a Homeschool Information Night on Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m. via Zoom at https://wnc-edu.zoom.us/j/96370174143

WNC is currently offering scholarships for homeschool high school students that will cover tuition for the first course toward earning their associate degree.

“I am looking forward to assisting with the enrollment and advising process as families are considering college opportunities for their high school students,” Wentz said.

Homeschool program scholarships are available to qualified students. Contact a WNC counselor at 775-445-3267 or counseling@wnc.edu to learn more details.

In the Photos: Addison Fredeen, left, and Haley Mangone enjoy a bouncy house at a BBQ at Western Nevada College in Carson City on Aug. 30, 2018, as part of activities presented by the Associated Students of Western Nevada. Fredeen started at WNC as a 14-year-old through the college’s homeschool program.

Homeschool students Kayla Limbeck, left, and Addison Fredeen share a lighthearted moment in their Psychology 101 class in February. WNC is proud to support a vibrant homeschool community with dual credit opportunities that enable students to align their high school curriculum with college courses.