Graduates throw their caps in the air after graduation.
Photo by Steve Ranson.
Note: Many more photos can be found in the June 5, 2025, print edition of the LVN.
Churchill County High School celebrated their May 23 graduation for the Class of 2025 at the Edward Arciniega Athletic Complex.
More than 250 seniors received their diplomas during the ceremony. Nine seniors were recognized as Greenwave Scholars for achieving a 4.5 or higher grade point average, 16 Nevada Jump Start seniors earned an associate degree concurrently with their high school diploma and two seniors earned associate degrees outside of the jump start program.
The electronic scoreboard displayed a slideshow of the seniors’ photographs while their messages of gratitude for the family, friends and teachers who had supported their education played over the loudspeakers. Following the senior processional, vocal ensemble Minor Details opened with the national anthem. During their final musical notes, pilots from the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center conducted a flyover in two F-18 Super Hornets as the Naval Junior ROTC presented the colors.
Spanish language and science teacher Lance Lattin acted as emcee for the evening. Trustee Kathryn Whitaker gave the invocation. School board trustees presented the diplomas alongside Principal Tim Spencer and Superintendent Derild Parsons.
In addition to the stoles and cords of distinction and either a white or green cap and gown, many seniors wore gifted leis made with candy and dollar bills of varied denominations. Some caps were personalized with messages and items such as playing cards, flowers and intricate beading. Balloons, bouquets and homemade posters adorned with messages like “let the adventure begin” fluttered gently in the cool evening breeze as sunset gradually progressed across the western sky.
Outgoing student body President Humphrey Arata introduced keynote speaker Capt. Mike Haymon, commanding officer at Naval Air Station Fallon who became the commander in March. An accomplished military leader, he has spent 27 years of service to the U.S. in many operational and leadership positions.
Haymon said he felt a special connection with the parents and guardians of the Class of 2025 because his own daughter is graduating from high school this year. He shared how the three interconnected principles of mentorship, professionalism and accountability are the tenets of his command and leadership philosophy.
“A mentor is a professional and encourages accountability,” he said. “Professionalism encourages trust and creates the environment that makes mentorship possible, while accountability is the foundation for both mentorship and professionalism.”
Haymon also encouraged the graduates to stay focused on controlling their personal efforts and not on the results.
“Always give 100%, do not worry about getting 100%,” Haymon said. “I truly believe that if we give 100%, focusing on our effort, we will be proud of the outcome and, more often than not, will achieve the result we were seeking.”
CCHS co-Valedictorian Halle Johnson will attend Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno to become a radiology technician. She encouraged the graduates to cherish the friendships, memories and personal growth made during the “roller coaster” of high school.
“We are ready to take on the world,” Johnson said. “Always carry with you the courage, spirit and determination that you all had in high school. After we cross this stage we start the greatest journey of all — life.”
CCHS co-Valedictorian Brody Hughes will study economics at the University of Nevada, Reno to eventually commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and a pilot in the National Guard. He said he appreciates that his mother, a previous CCHS valedictorian herself, often reminds him to make the choice to maintain a positive attitude. His father taught him to prioritize a strong work ethic saying “it’s time to turn on the work mode switch” whenever he felt reluctant to take on a task.
Similar to Haymon’s sage words, Hughes also encouraged his classmates to bring their best energy to their goals.
“Whatever it is that you decide to do, don’t do it lightly,” Hughes said. “Give all of your effort and you will be rewarded 100% for it.”
Jump Start Valedictorian Mason Storm is headed to the University of Idaho this fall to major in mechanical engineering. At CCHS he was captain of the varsity soccer team and a member of the baseball team that competed at the Nevada state championships for three consecutive years.
Although his father is a previous valedictorian at CCHS, Storm said he hadn’t considered it as a goal for himself. He enjoys earning top grades and working through challenges.
“As you continue on your journey through life do not settle for something that doesn’t fulfill you,” Storm told the class. “Make sure you are passionate about what you plan to do and make it come to pass. If you want something in life you better be willing to work for it. Take the initiative and do the hard things necessary to see your dream come to fruition.”
Senior Class President Nadia Basurto and Vice-President Adriana Lopez Pinuelas presented the class gift of a monetary donation toward CCHS beautification projects. Arata and outgoing Student Body Vice-President Dallin West recognized retiring staff member NJROTC Master Chief James Walker. Retiree David Jackson of the CCSD maintenance department was also acknowledged for his “incredibly instrumental” help with graduation setup over the years.
Mildred Brigham, an elder of the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone tribe, gave the benediction as a special blessing in the Shoshone language.
Graduate Keileene Kato said she plans to earn an associate degree at WNC and join the nursing program before transferring to Nevada. She has enjoyed participating in the NJROTC leadership program at the high school.
“It’s been such a great thing, because we’re a family there,” she said.
This fall Jump Start graduate Kailey Mineard will attend Nevada to become a biology major on her way to either a dermatology or psychology career. She said some of her favorite memories at CCHS are from the occasional slower days playing highly competitive rounds of the card game UNO with her classmates.
Clayton Bennett said he has enlisted in the Navy and is excited to ship out in June as an E3 robotics warfare specialist.
Lorelai Taylor grew up thinking she wanted a career in books, but has recently decided to become a veterinarian for big animals instead. She will work on prerequisite courses at Western Nevada College this fall and then go on to Nevada.
“For the longest time I was going to be a library director because I love books,” Taylor said. “But I have always loved animals with my whole heart. I think their anatomy is fascinating.”
For the moment, Tyson Wilson plans to complete some college courses online. Wilson and his father, currently stationed at NAS Fallon, will be moving next year where he will begin a five-year apprenticeship to become an elevator technician.