GINA B. GOOD / PVTSamantha Sposato, PVHS Valedictorian Advertisement

Samantha Sposato, 18, Pahrump Valley High School's valedictorian for the class of 2009 has a lot going for her. She has a great smile. Her straight A average proves she's smart. Plus, she is poised and confident beyond her years.

She also has a plan for her future that is already set into motion and she's surrounded by family and educators who inspire and support her.

"A lot of people think I must be amazingly smart but that's not the truth," Samantha said. "I really just work hard. My family has been my inspiration because they all work hard."

The Sposato family moved from Las Vegas to Pahrump the summer before Samantha's freshman year to continue the slot machine refurbishing business her grandfather, Vern Holmes, founded. They also own and run the popular gathering place, the Stage-Stop Lounge and Casino.

At first, Samantha had her doubts about Pahrump. "I was born in Las Vegas and had never lived anywhere else," she said. "But I don't think I would have had as many opportunities there as I've found in Pahrump. I really enjoy myself in Pahrump and I'm proud to be a product of this class.

"I've always been interested in the sciences and Mr. Nygaard inspired me in his zoology, biology and anatomy classes. He is a very good teacher. He nominated me to go to a national medical conference and I was able to stay on the USC and UCLA campuses. I am really grateful he nominated me.

"There are quite a few teachers here who go the extra mile to help students. I like the teachers that challenge and push us to do our best. It really helps to have teachers that believe in you."

Samantha will attend UNR in the fall. "I'm going into the medical field and would like to get involved in public health."

She plans to get a Bachelor of Science medical degree in seven years.

Samantha was motivated to go into medicine by her own family history. "We have diabetes and heart conditions in the family. I would like to get into cognitive and neurological research."

"You have to be at high school for four years, so you might as well make the best use of your time. Don't have any regrets. If you want to go out for the cheer team, you should. If you want to join drama, do it."

It hasn't been all work and no play for Samantha. She's also a well-rounded athlete. "Playing soccer was a major highlight for me. I'm a four- letter varsity player for the Lady Trojans. We made it to state for the first time this year, so I am really proud of our girls' soccer team.

She decided not to play basketball and track during her senior year so she could work and save money for college. "I work at Valley Electric Association. Each year VEA hires a senior and it's a great place to work," she said. "They have been very supportive working around my hours for school functions."

Samantha said she saves at least half of every paycheck. "That's my dad's influence. He started a savings account for me when I was really young. For the first year of college, I don't want to work."

With no family in Northern Nevada, Samantha said she's glad she knows 14 or 15 other graduates will be attending UNR. She's also looking forward to reconnecting with friends from Las Vegas on campus.

"I'm the oldest child and I know it's hard for my family to let me go," she said. "I'm glad that I have always had my family there for me, but I'm also excited to make my own decisions. It's scary but I'm excited."