In 1946, Mabel Hoggard was on her way to California but stopped off in Las Vegas to visit a family member. That visit later turned into the decision to stay in the city. Later that year, she became the first licensed African-American educator in Nevada. She would continue teaching in the Clark County School District (CCSD) for nearly 25 years before retiring.
During her years in Las Vegas, she was a community activist as well as a teacher. She was a member of the National Association of Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), helped organize the Westside Council, a coalition of school teachers and administrators, and worked to build community partnerships discussing solutions for problems in education. She was also instrumental in encouraging CCSD to begin a school lunch program. She and her husband helped start a “Project Savings” program with the Westside Federal Credit Union to encourage students to save and manage their money.
Mabel has been recognized by many for her work in education including earning a lifelong diploma as a master teacher and receiving the Distinguished Nevadan Service Award by the Nevada Board of Regents for her advancement of education and community service.
Bonanza School was renamed Mabel Hoggard School in 1974 to honor her dedicated service to the community.
