Jason Gerber

Unlike the title of the 1992 movie, there are more than “A Few Good Men” and 89117 resident Jason Gerber is one of them.  The attorney at Marquis Aurbach Coffing (MAC) currently handles corporate, business and civil litigation, but once upon a time he was an officer in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (also known as JAG, and yes, also the central theme of a few hit television shows). During his time in the army he became the sole trial defense counsel (defending soldiers being court martialed) in California at Fort Irwin. Gerber was deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2005. He represented hundreds of soldiers in court martial and administrative proceedings in the United States, Kuwait and Iraq.  

By: Callie Thomas

Upon his return to the states, he married his wife Tammy, completed his active duty service and was hired by MAC.  After working his way through the legal ranks, he was promoted to Director, and now Shareholder, at the firm. While he’s dedicated his life and career to helping others, he continues to support those in need through several local organizations.

In his early days at the MAC law firm, his wife volunteered for Camp-to-Belong, which helps bring siblings separated in the foster care system together for a week of bonding.  While at the camp, Tammy met a sibling group of three, Josh, Kyla and Skyler and fell in love with them. When she came home, the couple began proceedings to become foster parents and to adopt the children.  Their adoption was finalized in 2012 and they’ve become one big happy family, along with their three dogs Pepe, Gus and Grover.  Jason Gerber talks about their work with foster care services, Red Rock Rotary of Las Vegas and his other passion—the Cleveland Indians.

You’ve become very involved in organizations that assist foster care kids.

“I don’t think I could be more fortunate.  I grew up in a great home, with great supportive parents, with access to great education and opportunities.  I know how lucky I am and feel a need to try and help those who are not as lucky.  After working with Camp to Belong we started volunteering with Child Focus, another group that help siblings separated in foster care.”

How did you become involved with Red Rock Rotary of Las Vegas?

“While volunteering for Child Focus I met several members of the Red Rock Rotary Club.  I started attending their meetings and eventually joined.  We do regular service projects and social events each month.  It’s a great way to help a lot of different groups on a regular basis.”

Other than Red Rock Rotary, how do you and your family support local charities?

“I’m a board member of the Global Charity Foundation and I participate in the Annual Veterans Free Legal Clinic on Veterans Day.  Our family also donates regularly to Heaven Can Wait Sanctuary (we rescued two of our dogs from their shelter) and St. Baldericks.”

We hear you also built a house for a family in Mexico?

“I was part of Corazon Super Build with the Rotary last year.  In just one day you build a house for a family in need.  You make the trip to Mexico with a group of about 45 people and spend one really hard day working on the house.  The level of poverty in the community you visit is overwhelming and the entire trip is a life changing experience that I intend on participating in every year.”

In your spare time what do you enjoy doing?

“I coach sports with the kids and I like sitting in our backyard with my wife and a glass of good whiskey listening to some Springsteen. Since buying our house we’ve become pretty talented DIY-ers and we’ve had to spend a lot of time on projects.”

So, how about those Cleveland Indians?

“At the beginning of every baseball season, no matter what, I’m convinced the Cleveland Indians will win the World Series.  I am wrong every year. But, I have a really good feeling about this season.”

Traveling Like a Minimalist – Getting Out More With Less

So, how’s that New Year’s resolution coming? You know, the one where you promised to travel more and get out of the borders of your hometown. No judgment here – I know how travel can be. Sometimes it’s expensive, it can be stressful and sometimes it’s a downright pain in the butt. However, research indicates that travel statistically raises happiness in individuals, and can also be invigorating, inspirational and provide new insights into the world around us. Moreover, traveling offers a profoundly deeper appreciation for that moment when you get to come home and sleep in your own bed. Speaking of which, how are you fairing on that New Year’s resolution to focus on gratitude? Ok – we’ll talk about that some other time.

By: Meghan Pescio

The Burdens of Travel

It’s true. Sometimes traveling can be quite the ordeal. If you’re like most,  your pre-travel routine looks something like this: booking flights, booking hotel, booking car, planning itinerary, packing bags, worrying about weather, packing more into the bags, considering a night out, packing more into the bags, weighing bags on your bathroom scale to ensure you don’t get charged for overweight, checking the weather, again… and so on.  Not only do you “have to” pack for every situation, but on your trip you’re “forced to” lug around your suitcase, “worry” about things getting stolen (especially if you’re moving locations regularly) and all around transfer energy that should be used for enjoyment into stress. Not good.

The single underlying factor for this stress is stuff… way too much stuff. So, how can we cut down on stuff and stock up on savoring the moment?  Joshua Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known in more enlightened circles as “The Minimalists” (www.theminimalists.com), have a way. The duo have embarked on a series of conferences designed  to recount their journeys from six figures and a sure spot on the top rung of the corporate ladder to a simpler life, driven by the philosophy of minimalism. They gave us some pointers on how take a sliver of the minimalist mindset and apply it to our packing and traveling…thus freeing up time, energy and space to enjoy what’s really important – the voyage.

Lighten Your Load

Living a minimalist lifestyle means different things to different people. Ultimately, it describes a method of “de-cluttering” your life (think: getting rid of stuff you don’t need) in order to determine what’s most meaningful and relevant to you (family, friends and experiences). Minimalists range from the diehard counter-consumption warrior who has 50 objects to his name and travels the world, to someone with a family, career and simply a purposeful, actionable strategy to prioritize the matter that matters.  It’s not a one-size-fits-all, but there is a basic premise that can allow for an easier and happier life, as well as vacation: be aware of your stuff.

Josh and Ryan gave us three tips for traveling like a minimalist. We challenge you to incorporate at least one into your luggage (or lack thereof) next time you plan on jetsetting:

Check Yourself Before You Pack Yourself

We all need less than we think when we’re traveling (The Minimalists are currently on a 10-month, 100-city tour, and each packed only one carry-on bag…show-offs).  While you might not be planning a backpacking trip with hostels and constant travel, it may do you some good to really think about what you need and what you don’t need before you break out the “big suitcase” from the back of the closet.

Questions you should ask yourself:

• Do I really need a different outfit every day to get the most out of my travel?
• Do I really need a different hairstyle every day?
• What are my favorite, most valued items that I know I will use regularly during my trip?
• What are my needs and what are my wants? 

Asking yourself these questions should help you as you decide whether to pack that crimper, suit or extra set of heels that “go better” with a certain outfit.

No More Just-In-Case Items.

That leads us to those three little words “Just in case…” and the distant cousin, “What if…”

The mental paranoia that acts out every single vacation scenario packs on the suitcase poundage…and fast. The truth is, unless you are on your way to Antarctica or another completely underdeveloped part of the world there is a simple rule that should be your mantra: “Everything is Replaceable.” Even more, almost everything is replaceable for under $20. Choose to pack the items that you absolutely need, put away a small amount of your vacation budget for items you opted out of packing (don’t forget to add in the $50-$100 you’ll save on overweight baggage fees), and leave the “flapper costume just in case I find myself invited to a Roaring 20’s-themed party” at home.

Versatility is Key

The final, and arguably most important tip for packing like a minimalist comes with your ability to repurpose. Think of it as a game. What can you pack that you will be able to use in two or more ways during your trip?

• Clothing: Look for clothing that can be used for a leisurely day, and dressed up at night, like a light cotton dress, dark jeans, khakis or even convertible pants that can be unzipped into shorts during the day (www.rei.com). Try to keep your clothing in a neutral palette, and if you are a fan of color try to only choose one to two colors and plan around them.

Three tops (tank top, sweater or button up and t-shirt), two bottoms (jeans and shorts or leggings) and one dress can create 12 unique outfits. Add a few more light shirts and you’ll have plenty of options to create semi-new outfits each day. Also, each pair of shoes adds an average of 1.5 pounds to your pack. Wear boots or formal shoes on the plane and pack a pair of flats or flip-flops only in a neutral color. Stick to quick-dry, wrinkle-free material like cotton/poly blends.

• Layers: If it’s going to be cold where you’re going, don’t take up precious space with a bulky winter jacket. Learn to layer with lighter, long-sleeve shirts, a thermal and a light jacket.

• Other Tricks: There are plenty of other repurposing tricks you can use to ensure you’re packing with minimalism in mind. Pack a small water bottle that will cool you down in hot weather locations and double as a travel iron to get wrinkles out of your clothes, use conditioner (in the small travel size, of course) instead of packing extra shaving cream and use sunscreen instead of carting the lotion.

Ultimately, the goal of minimalism is not just to condense your cargo. It’s a mindset that helps you to figure out what means the most to you, and to focus all of your energy and resources on those things. Start out with a minimalist attitude while packing for your travel, and transition it into other parts of your life as you see fit. Who knows, your new state of mind may even create more time and money in your life for more travel and to do the things you love the most. 

Mom and Dad Gone Wild

They gave you life, put food on the table, took you to soccer games, played catch, nursed you through sickness and broken hearts, taught you manners and even punished you (when you deserved it…which was probably often). For the two people in the world who have sacrificed the most and worked the hardest on your behalf – how do you go about repaying them? Well, if Mom and Dad are partial to a little excitement in their lives, we have a few local “adventure” experiences that will make this Mother’s and Father’s Day one to remember.

For the Parental Adrenaline Junkies:

They have always lived on the edge, scoff at the thought of being idle and most likely embarrassed you once or twice with their wackiness until you got old enough to realize they were actually just really, really fun. These are sure signs your folks are always on the lookout for something a little crazy – and what better time to indulge them than on “their” day? Obviously our town is known for delivering many a “wild” time – here are a few that may play well for Mom and/or Dad.

Note – these adventures are NOT confined to the Hallmark Holidays and also make a great gift from the little ones to younger Mom’s and Dad’s.  

Urban Sniper Course

If Mom and/or Dad are fans of SWAT and FBI movies, this new Vegas experience should be the equivalent of going to Disneyland – without the long lines and with the addition of sniper rifles and hand-to-hand combat training.

Former US Navy SEAL and veteran Police SWAT Officer, Charles Moser, along with Navy vet Claudia Moser created SWAT Concepts to offer a truly unique way to experience the life and mindset of a SWAT sniper.  As many times as we’re sure mom felt like a SEAL as she “cleared” your dirty bedroom – this is the real deal. You can choose from one to five-day training courses/camps scheduled throughout the year (a one-day class is scheduled for May 18) that provides everything from basic handgun and ballistics training to full immersion surveillance and recon training that also leaves you with a Nevada Concealed Carry Permit (CCW). Be ready to drop a pretty penny ($499 for the one day course), but remember all the diapers, the college tuition and that time they had to bail you out of jail!

All live shooting occurs at Pro Gun Club Las Vegas in Boulder City. Visit www.swatconceptslv.com for more information.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

If you always thought Mom drove a little too fast on the freeway…and Dad frequently works the term “Need for Speed!” into casual conversation than the way to their hearts may be through their pedals.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a NASCAR fan’s dream, offering ride along and drive along “experiences” in a 600 horsepower, two-seat NASCAR racecar. Reaching speeds of up to 165 mph, this ain’t your Mama’s V6 mini van.  Dad can don those racing gloves he’s been saving for “retirement” and take laps around the speedway with expert advice for professional racers, and even someone to record his top time (although we know he’ll probably skim a few minutes off the top). If they don’t want to drive, riding with a pro is also an option. Finally, if racecars aren’t their thing, but they have a soft spot for muscle cars – the American Muscle Car Challenge lets those lead foots test out a Chevy Camaro ZL1, a Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. For prices ranging from $99 to $3,499 for a full-fledged Advanced Racing Program your folks can get a taste of what it’s like to be Jeff Gordon. 

Visit www.drivepetty.com for more information.

VORE | Vegas Off-Road Experience

Another “behind-the-wheel” option may be more akin to when Dad took you out for that first-time stick shift driving lesson. It was definitely a bumpy ride, but a blast nonetheless!

VORE (Vegas Off-Road Experience) will put Mom and Dad out in the Nevada badlands, mobbing along dirt trails in a 235 horsepower VORE CHALLENGE off-road truck that means business. Choose between a short course, ripping off hills and jumps, or a longer course through the barren desert. Professional off-road truck drivers will give your beloved parents a lesson in dirt driving before setting them loose – without inhibitions – to brave the gravel and dust. Just like Richard Petty, if Mom decides she’s A-OK as a passenger, there’s an option to ride along with a pro. They promise to take you on jumps up to 40 feet high! What’s more, let’s just say you’ve always known Dad has pyromaniac tendencies…let him get it all out in a safe environment by signing him up for the “Blow Up a Car” package. Yes, that’s right, he can blow up a car by shooting at explosives inside the vehicle… unlimited caveman grunts are free of charge.

The small course tours start at $295. Visit www.vore.com for more information.

Stratosphere SkyJump

Sometimes, instead of revving engines and flames, it’s heights that get the blood pumping. If that’s the case, maybe jumping off the top of the Stratosphere would be a fun surprise for Mom and Dad?

SkyJump at Stratosphere is described as a “vertical zipline” – the highest in the world. It’s not bungee jumping, but a controlled fall from the 108^th story. That’s 855 feet. Getting Dad to make the leap should be fun for both of you!

For locals, SkyJump is $89.99. Visit www.skyjumplasvegas.com for more information.

Whatever the adventure – it’s the thought that counts. Give Mom and Dad a big hug and let them know you care before sending them on an experience they’ll never forget! 

Healthy Eating Made Easy | Manhattan Fish Grill

It’s widely recognized that eating more fish is a good way to stay healthy. Yup, Omega 3’s deliver an array of benefits including lowering blood pressure and strengthening the immune system, while also having positive effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.  Brain food lecture aside, the reality is if you’re like most people with busy lives, cooking fish at home or finding a healthy version of it while on the run or at work isn’t always easy.  Sushi, while awesome, isn’t for everyone and neither is a formal, sit down lunch or dinner with a hefty price tag. So, how can fish-starved people who are also starved for time get their healthy fix?  This is the goal of Manhattan Fish Grill, located at 4115 Grand Canyon Dr #100.

By: Aly Wagonseller

Located in a maze of streets, parking lots and retail outlets off Flamingo near the 215, this local restaurant has all the makings of a new concept (translation: franchise) business ready to set sail.  Clean, open and bright, the décor has clever touches of modern, nautical influenced lighting, picture perfect food photos and a polished logo you’d expect to see displayed nationwide. Most closely likened to a Chipotle of healthy fish cuisine, they rely on counter service ordering that encourages mixing and matching of side dishes, seasonings and sauces, allowing you to be as healthy or deviant as your mood.  Unlike Chipotle though, everything is cooked to order, so it’s not exactly fast food… more like 15-20 minute food.  Still, it’s a small price to pay when you can easily phone in your order ahead of time to eat in or take out depending on the clock.

The menu is pretty abbreviated (a good thing) offering appetizers, sandwiches, tacos, salads and fish plates.  The New England Clam Chowder served in a bread bowl was sadly sold out by the time we arrived so we decided to try the crab cakes.   Not really a fan, unfortunately, as they resembled a giant, crab-flecked hush puppy more than their namesake.  Priced at $11.00 for two, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot and, to be fair, if you’re going for legit crab cakes you probably should stick to a fine dining establishment.  My bad.  The same could be said for the Seared Ahi fish plate.  Yes, it was only priced at $15.00, and included one side dish and coleslaw, but it clearly wasn’t seared properly, lacking the firm texture and caramelized exterior I’d  hoped for. 

Overly ambitious mishaps aside, Manhattan offered some really outstanding selections that proved to be both tasty and healthy.  Fish tacos (either grilled or crispy fried) were plentiful and not greasy in the least, the salmon version exhibiting perfect preparation that paired well with a spicy, tomatillo relish, guacamole and pico de gallo. Note to the diet diva: they do come with an abundant slathering of mayo based sauce and cheddar cheese, something you might want to forgo if you’re counting calories. For the purest, a selection of fish platters that serve up Catfish, Mahi Mahi, Cod, Salmon and Talapia were real winners, each fairly priced between $10-$15.00.  Chargrilled and offered with a choice of side dishes that include super food options like kale salad, quinoa and sweet potato fries, they’re light years ahead of Long John Silver’s. I chose the Orange Roughy version with Mango Salsa.  The two, plentifully sized fillets were nicely charred yet retained their moisture, the salsa adding a subtle, sweet component with a bit of a kick. I couldn’t get enough of the delicious kale salad, a combo filled with strawberries, almonds, jicama, carrots, dried cranberries and apples, while the quinoa, made with just enough vegetables to provide flavor without added bulk, was a tasty, protein filled alternative to rice.  Sweet potato fries are some of the best around, sliced fairly thin and seasoned perfectly with garlic, salt and parsley.  So good.

Manhattan Fish Grill also offers a $5.00, fish-phobic menu for kiddies under 12, as well as gluten free Lava Cake or Vegan Brownies if you’re the kind that needs justification for dessert.   They’re making healthy eating easy for the busy masses, and that’s something worth catching on to. For hours, info or to place an order, visit www.manhattanfishgrill.com or call 802-2993.

OK Kids – Time for Camp!

It’s okay to admit that, after a couple weeks out of school, it’s about time to get the kids off for some energy-burning, chaperoned fun time during the day. The expansive range of Vegas day camps will do just that:

Adventure

The Ultimate Vacation Camp @ Dawson
Who: Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada
Where: The Alexander Dawson School
          10845 West Desert Inn Road
When: June 9 – August 15 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kids: 1^st – 8^th Grade
Price: $200/week or $1,800 total
Lunch: Included
www.bgchevents.org 

Between ice cream sundaes, playing in the game room, a cultural art center, an acting lab, a science center and Summerlin’s longest slip’n’slide, this annual camp makes us want to be kids again! Youngsters will have a hard time being bored with daily events and, with lunch prepared daily, they definitely won’t go hungry either.

Summer Adventure Camp
Who: Springs Preserve
Where: Springs Preserve
          330 S. Valley View Blvd.
When: June 9 – August 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended hours available)
Kids: Ages 6-12
Price: $190/week or $170/week for members
Lunch: Not Included
www.springspreserve.org 

Taking only 60 campers per week, this adventure summer camp focuses on personal relationships between kids and counselors along with opportunities to explore nature, sustainability, local wildlife and more. Sprinkle in noodle hockey, indoor mini-golf and swimming at the YMCA and you have something for everyone!

Sports

UNLV Youth Sports Camps
Where: UNLV Campus
          4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. 
When: Month of June
Kids: Varies
Price: Varies
Sports: Baseball, Softball, Football, Men’s/Women’s: Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Rebel Girls Dance Camps, Cheerleading.
www.unlvrebels.com/camps 

Give the gift of sport to your kids during their time off school. Sure to spin off passionate enthusiasts from each camp, allowing for organized sport will give them the chance to experience and learn a skill they will take with them for life. Choose one or even a few throughout June!

Darling Tennis Camp
Where: Darling Tennis Center
          7901 W. Washington Avenue
When: Sessions run June 9 – August 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kids: Varies
Price: $110 for half day/ $190 for full day with options for before and after care
www.darlingtenniscenter.net

For those interested in practicing “The Sport of Kings,” Darling Tennis Center offers a USTA certified training center and High Performance Training Program for kids ages 6-18 and all skill levels, including practice and match play options throughout the week.

Science/Art

Discovery Children’s Museum
Where: Discovery Children’s Museum
          360 Promenade Pl.
When: July 7 – August 1 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Kids: Ages 6-9 or 10-12
Price: $180/week per session (half day)
Lunch: Can be added for $75 extra/week per child
www.discoverykidslv.org 

A focus on science and art will leave kids strong in body and mind, and ensure that learning doesn’t stop just because school’s out! Depending on age, kids will go from chemistry to sculpture and from animals to space, all in one day. The possibilities are endless, and may spur an interest you didn’t even know they had!

Nevada Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (S.T.E.M.)
Where: Cooperative Extension Lifelong Learning Center
          8050 Paradise Road
When: June 24-26 and July 15-17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kids: June ages 7-11 | July ages 9-14
Price: $60 per session ($45 each for siblings) 
Lunch: Not Included, although snacks will be provided
Call 257-5538 for more information. 

With a focus on S.T.E.M, this summer camp promises to open kids up to concepts and knowledge that will change their lives for the better. From healthy eating and cooking to working with computers, 4-H delivers an enriching camp experience sure to grab their attention and curiosity! 

No matter the camp you choose, allowing kids the time to engage with others in a fun, learning environment and keeping them active during the summer months can’t be a bad thing! 

Alexis Best

West Career and Technical Academy
Class of 2014
G.P.A.: 4.3

Have you ever met someone who “just has it,” and you can’t quite place what “it” is? Meeting Alexis Best is just like that. The graduating senior at West CTA has something special – let’s call it an energy – that leaves you knowing she is on her way to greatness. What’s even more inspiring, and possibly more impressive, is that her definition of greatness is just that, hers. Even in youth, Alexis is able to determine her own direction without letting outside pressure dictate what her success should look like. She’s smart enough to surround herself with the right people, kind enough to take time to raise others to their highest potentials and talented enough to get her anywhere she dreams up, placing her – A Step Above.  

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• WCTA Dance Company- Lead Captain, 2011-2014
• Delgado Dance Performance Team, 2009-2013
• Skills USA, 2014
• Future Business Leaders of America- Secretary & Vice President, 2011-Present
• B’nai Brith Youth Organization- Orechet/Historian, 2010- 2013
• Student Council Ambassador, 2010-2012
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation- 2011- 2014
• Habitat for Humanity- 2013
• Ballroom for Schools- 2010- 2012
• Public Education Foundation- 2011

Scholarships/Awards

• FBLA Video Production State Finalist
• Honor Roll, 2010-Present
• Walker Furniture TV Spot Contest- 1^st place, 2013
• International Flat Classroom Project- Google Category – 1^st place, Worldwide – 2^nd place

A career in television is your ultimate goal? “My current goals are to graduate high school and go to college to get a degree in Film & Television Production. In the future, I want to produce a children/family television show that will become a classic. In 10 years, I see myself having a career somewhere in the television field, slowly working my way up to my goal of being a producer.”

Dance is a huge inspiration and passion for you: “I am most proud of being the lead captain on my dance company. Dance has been a passion of mine for 10 years, and I have always been the student. Being the lead captain allows me to take the role of “dance teacher” and create choreography, formations, and more for the members of my company. I also enjoy being the lead captain because it gives me the opportunity to be a role model for the younger girls and boys and mold them into better dancers.”

You have some special role models: “I look up to all of the influential women in my life. Both my grandmother and my mother are strong women who never let anything get in their way. My grandmother came to America from Morocco at a very young age, and did not let anything stop her. My mother inspires me to work my hardest and give my all to whatever I am doing. Both of these women taught me to never give up and always love what I do.”

Is there a certain experience that has made you a stronger person? “My best friend of 17 years was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes during the summer of 2011. Seeing someone so close to me get diagnosed with a disease that currently has no cure was painful and hard for the both of us. However, we did not let her diagnosis get us down. Ever since, I have been doing community service with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in hopes to find a cure for my best friend.”

Favorite Quote to Live By: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emily Wattles

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2014
G.P.A.: 3.9

Sense of self is a powerful thing, and not easily achieved. For Emily Wattles, knowing yourself is the most important key to finding happiness and success, two things she is seeing a lot of as a senior at Palo Verde High School. The Senior Class President, athlete and engaged citizen knows exactly where she’s headed, and how she’s going to get there while still holding on to balance, relationships and health in her life. Her uncanny ability to take the best out of every situation and her appreciation for the life and world around her is undoubtedly contagious and places her – A Step Above. 

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• Varsity Cheer, 2012-Present
• JV Cheer, 2011-2012
• Swim Team, 2011
• Volleyball, 2010
• Dance, 2010-2012
• Student Council 2010-Present; Senior Class President, 2013-Present; Representative, 2012-2013
• NASC Representative, 2013
• Forensics, 2012
• Pep Club, 2013-2014
• CTR Club, 2013-2014
• International Club, 2012
• FBLA, 2010-2011
• Running Club, 2010-2011
• Lunch sacks for the Ronald McDonald House, 2014
• Summer Camp Counselor, 2013
• JDRF Walk & Rhetts Walk, 2013
• Opportunity Village Volunteer 

Scholarships/Awards

• UCA West Coast Championship, 2014
• USA Nevada Open, 2012 & 2014
• Best Attitude Varsity Cheer, 2014
• National Young Leader Nomination, 2014
• Most Dependable Varsity Cheer, 2013
• Student Council Award, 2013
• JDRF Golden Sneaker Award
• Young Woman Recognition Award, 2013

A career in health and fitness is your ultimate goal? “My goal right now is to graduate high school with an honors diploma. Being Senior Class President, I would like this last year of high school to be a success knowing that I tried my best.  I will be attending BYU in the fall and I plan to serve an LDS mission. After serving a mission I plan to graduate college and work in the area of health and fitness. Fitness is important to me and I hope to share that knowledge and love with others.”

What are your keys to success? “I think what makes a person successful is when they follow their dreams and go after what they want. I have done things in my life that I wasn’t sure I could do but I didn’t let that stop me from trying. When I ran for Senior Class President, I wasn’t sure if I could take on the added responsibilities to my already busy schedule but it has turned out to be a positive experience and has shown me that I can do hard things. You just have to want it.”

Is there a certain experience that has made you a stronger person? “One time I was on a very strenuous hike with a friend. We hiked for quite sometime until we finally reached the top. We sat down, enjoyed the scenery and returned to the bottom. Once we reached the bottom I realized that I left my car keys at the very top of the mountain. I was devastated. After thinking long and hard on what I should do, I decided to re-hike the mountain and get my keys. Because of this experience, I learned that it is so important to be aware of your responsibilities and actions in life. A seemingly simple mistake is not always easy to fix.”

Favorite Quote to Live By: “Don’t be scared to walk alone. Don’t be scared to like it.” -John Mayer