Author: Illiana Banuelos

I am happy to announce John Jerard Gatchalian as the 2023 Star Graduate for Sandy Valley High School. He is on track to be our Salutatorian while balancing work, Honors, AP and college classes. He is an extremely ambitious student who is eager to pursue a career in Computer Science. He hopes to use his creativity and intelligence to become a software engineer at Apple, Tesla or Open.AI, where he can help continue the advance of technology in society. He will be helping make his dream come true by attending UNLV in the fall, where he has been accepted into…

Zaylene Edmonds is the definition of “good vibes” and strives to serve others as a way of staying aligned with her true self and connecting with others. Zaylene serves her school as a member of the Black Student Union and the founder of the Women Activist Club on campus. Miss Edmonds started the club upon returning to school after distance learning because she recognized that students needed a way to reconnect with others. The Women Activist Club is a group of hard working female activists that seek to make change in the world. They promote awareness as well as target…

Dylan is an amazing Engineering student. He was named a National Merit Finalist and Presidential Scholar. Dylan is active on the NWCTA Robotics team and a member of other clubs. Dylan maintains a weighted GPA of 4.955. Dylan is a friend to all on campus and a joy to have in all of his classes. Dylan aspires to be an engineer and will attend UNLV in the fall. To read about other Star Graduates, visit, https://stargrads.ccsd.net/

Estefany enrolled while missing many credits needed for graduation and has committed herself to making up classes. Estefany is one of our full-time students and is also concurrently enrolled at Burk HS and Cowan HS. Her school day is from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. She has worked hard and maintained a part-time job as well. She is an incredible young woman. As her school counselor, I feel so proud of her efforts and determination. To read about other Star Graduates, visit, https://stargrads.ccsd.net/

Jessica Halili is a first generation immigrant from the Philippines. She currently serves as president of the mariachi program at Las Vegas High School and led the group to perform for President Joe Biden’s Inauguration. Jessica was also requested to sing the National Anthem for the White House’s “America Back Together” tour featuring Vice President Kamala Harris. Most recently, she was named, “The Nation’s Shining Star Mariachi Vocalist”. All of her teachers agree that she is a natural leader and a phenomenal student in the classroom. Jessica represents the Wildcat spirit by maintaining a high GPA while taking a rigorous…

LAS VEGAS – Agenda Item 3.01 – 2023-24 Tentative Budget Discussion The Clark County School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees authorized filing of the 2023-24 tentative budget. Projected revenues for 2023-24 are  $3.2 billion, an increase of about $397 million. The tentative budget includes an unassigned ending fund balance of $146 million or approximately 4.5 percent. The projected budget shows 83% of spending allocated for salaries and benefits to CCSD employees. To view the documents related to this agenda item, click here. Agenda Item 2.02 – Ukrainian Refugee School Impact Grant The Board approved a grant application to implement the…

LAS VEGAS – Elementary school students will be introduced to potential careers in Southern Nevada’s most in-demand occupations through the official roll-out of the “NV My Future” and “Workforce Blueprint for Kids” activity books. Through fun activities in the workbooks, students are learning about career possibilities in Southern Nevada’s target industries and the skills required for those careers. The activity books can be downloaded for free at NVmyFuture.org and will be utilized in Clark County School District (CCSD) elementary schools to help teachers and families provide career exploration at an early age. The activity books highlight potential careers in Southern…

Madison Rodriguez is LVA’s Star Graduate. She’s overcome so much during her high school career. She came to LVA in her sophomore year, wanting to escape the bullying and abuse she suffered from during her freshman year. LVA served as an oasis for her to grow and thrive. She surpassed everyone’s expectations including her own. For three years, she has been an active leader and role model in student council. Maddy said through student council, “I was able to see the different personalities and cultures on campus and that helps me relate to people and the world.” Maintaining a 4.0…

Boulder City High School is delighted to select Kaylynn Diebold as our Star Graduate. She is an amazing young woman who is an accomplished student, blind rights advocate and positive role model. Kaylynn naturally displays self assurance, proficiency and passion for learning. Kaylynn has excelled from taking special education classes as recent as the 9th grade into taking grade level, honors and dual enrollment classes. Kaylynn is legally blind, and she excels in managing accessibility to accommodate her visual needs and advocating for the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation. She recently spent a week in Carson City speaking with state legislators…

Rancho HS is lucky to have Vicente Chavez as a member of the graduating class of 2023. Vicente is a stand-out at Rancho HS and deserves to be nominated as a Star Graduate. Vicente enrolled in the Medical Magnet and Leadership program at Rancho during his freshman year. He was a timid and quiet freshman but has grown into an impressive young adult determined to succeed with an outstanding work ethic and dedication to student council and his school. Vicente is kind, outgoing, and possesses an inner strength that shines through in everything he does. Vicente’s determination to keep his…