Disappointed in Homecoming

As a Pahrump Valley High School alumni, I have to say that I was completely disappointed with the homecoming there was this year, or shall I say the lack thereof.

When I attended PVHS homecoming was a grand event, a week filled with spirit events, classmen superiority events and tons of games. I fondly remember making our class floats the entire week, trying to be the best and look the greatest so that we could proudly drive down Highway 160 while the townspeople waited to see us come by.

The elementary schools had banners up for us and all the kids were standing outside, waving and screaming as we threw candy and treats and waved back with big smiles.

As a PVHS cheerleader, I remember riding behind the truck with the football players on it, proudly chanting cheers to show our support for our football team (regardless of how we knew the score board would look at the end of the night), the soccer teams and even volleyball.

That week's pep rally was huge and it gave an opportunity to those that weren't so school spirited a chance to join in because they were so crammed into a gym that no one would see them actually enjoying themselves, screaming there class name.

The half-time show at the big game was what everybody came to see, the court was all dressed up and the top three girls rode in on cars with their fathers proudly by their side. The field had a red carpet, we had fireworks, and the homecoming queen was announced.

Everybody cheered and then we took time to announce the alumni in the crowd that we gave buttons to that displayed their year of graduation.

When I drove six hours to see my little brother play the big game, I was honestly excited to see what PVHS was going to do this year. Boy, was I disappointed.

Their were no floats, no parade, no grand crowning of the queen, no alumni recognition, no teacher recognition, no store window decorations, no street posts decorated or signs in front lawns, there was nothing -- zip, nada, zilch.

Don't get me wrong, I noticed that they added a flag team that desperately needs more direction, and a marching band that was surprisingly pretty darn good. The dance team was questionable, and when I asked one of the cheerleaders why they didn't put on a half-time routine, all I got was an "I don't know" with a roll of her eyes and she ran off. Wow, what was that all about?

I was really saddened for my brother because I was hoping that he would be able to have an awesome start after moving up to Pahrump. I was hoping that he would be able to see what fun it could be after you get past all the dirt roads and no grass or lack of sandy beaches that we are used to seeing every day back here in California.

I wish he would have gotten to see the support and spirit that Pahrump had when I was in school.

I could actually say that homecoming was almost like the week of glory.

We proudly walked around town, seeing store windows decorated, banners in windows, flags in front yards and so on. Even though Pahrump didn't have the best football team back when I was in school, we still supported them, we still rooted them on and built up their self-esteem and confidence, because they knew that regardless of what happened at the end of the night, we were proud -- not only students but the whole town.

I would hope that Pahrump could muster up some of that town spirit and support that I know once existed so that the Class of 2008 and the years to come will be able to experience how wonderful it feels when everybody in the whole town can come together and support the school in its entirety. To the hopeful return of the one week of town togetherness, support, and unity. We shall see....

NICHOLE NRIMURA

Class of 2001

Leaving the NPCA

Hello Friends and Respected Colleagues;

After three exciting and fulfilling years with the National Parks

Conservation Association (NPCA), I am announcing my resignation, effective today, Nov. 9. The choice to leave is difficult, and it is largely motivated by a desire to focus more attention on my personal life.

In this position, I've been fortunate to know many inspiring people.

I've enjoyed working alongside a cadre of tireless NPS professionals, and dedicated community leaders, elected officials, journalists, and conservationists. Likewise, I have benefitted from awesome coworkers and NPCA's senior leadership.

As a long term resident, it has been gratifying to witness the resources NPCA has allocated to address park protection issues in our diverse national park units. From places like Death Valley to Channel Islands National Parks, NPCA facilitated advocacy on behalf of precious bioregions, and lobbied for record setting, FY08 operational budget increases of 10-12 percent compared to 2007.

As they have for the past four and a half years, NPCA will continue their efforts to protect and enhance Southern California's national parks for present and future generations. I will maintain my home in Joshua Tree, and look forward to assisting the new CA Desert staff as they come onboard.

Until NPCA fills the openings for a Program Manager and Field Representative, we will have a part-time consultant representing NPCA in the community who will continue to advocate for the CA Desert parks. The office, at 61325 29 Palms Highway, Suite B, will be open part-time. The office phone (760-366-7785) and fax (760-366-3035) will remain the same.

In the meantime, if you have an urgent need to discuss a park threat, media inquiry, or legislative issue, please contact Kari Kiser in our San Francisco office at 415-989-9921 x 25 or Ron Sundergill at rsundergill@npca.org.

My immediate plans are to join my fiancé, and family in Orange County, Calif. For future communications, my personal email is ddemeo@hughes.net.

With abundant gratitude and hope,

DEBORAH DEMEO

California Desert Program Manager

Thanks Pahrump

Three cheers to the United Way of Pioneer Territory and the Cheers for Volunteers event Friday, Nov. 2 at Saddle West Hotel and Casino. Everyone had a wonderful time and truly enjoyed the celebration of volunteering displayed in our wonderful community.

Nathan Adelson Hospice and the Volunteer Program would like to thank United Way and the community of Pahrump for recognizing the work our volunteers do every day. The volunteers were delighted and surprised to find out that they were being honored in such a special way. They had not been told that they were nominated.

The fact that so many of our organizations work together for the good of our community is a special treat. Whether it is supporting each other's events, working together to provide food and goods to our lower income families or spending an evening together celebrating being a part of this community is an honor and a gift.

Take time to be a volunteer, take time to give back to your community. Enjoy the companionship of generous, like-minded people. Take time to be a part of Pahrump. It's a wonderful community full of wonderful people.

Thank you, United Way of Pioneer Territory, and thank you Pahrump.

TONYA BRUM

Events/Community Relations/Volunteer Coordinator Nathan Adelson Hospice