PublicServiceNV

Gratitude Awards Digest

2025

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Serve.Learn.Inspire. and Gratitude Awards Programs

Since 2016-2017, PublicServiceNV (PSNV) Board members have worked with more than 4,900 Nevada students. Class by class, we have interacted with these eager learners through the Serve.Learn.Inspire. Classroom Engagement Program (SL!). This program provides a new civic engagement model through an initial “live” virtual class visit, followed by three recorded lessons that teach a 10-step classroom activity that embraces the principles of philanthropy: time, talent, and treasure.

Students are then encouraged to participate in PSNV’s Gratitude Awards Program, which invites them to take what they learn in the classroom into the community. Following the live virtual visits, between mid-September and mid-December of each school year, students have the option to complete Step 1: Sign Up, Step 2: Registration, and Step 3: Submission. Students can enter as individuals, small teams (2-10), or large teams (11 or more) in one of five categories: Animal Welfare, Education, Health and Wellness, Human Kindness, or Public Safety and Social Justice. The PSNV Board then evaluates the submitted projects and announces recipients of Gratitude Awards and PSNV “Certificates of Contribution.” During the 2024-2025, due to IT restrictions imposed by the school district, we allowed students to submit completed projects after the December deadline. These students received PSNV “Letters of Engagement.”

Between February and March of each school year, PSNV facilitates Gratitude Awards Recognition Events at each school or program with one or more teams to be honored for their civic engagement projects. These teams are also recognized on PublicServiceNV.org, as well as in the annual Gratitude Awards Digest. The digest, which memorializes the students for all time, is distributed to key education leaders, Faculty Champions and Community Partners, school libraries, principals, and others.

Challenges and Opportunities

Young people are faced with countless challenges, which often seem insurmountable. However, even during the most challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, our youth have discovered incalculable opportunities to impact their neighborhoods, schools, and communities in positive and powerful ways.

The 2024-2025 school year continued to provide learning and engagement opportunities for youth. In addition, 102 students, who were recognized at awards events, also set some amazing records with PSNV:

  • Chaparral High School-the first year Communities in Schools (CIS) Academy Program juniors entered a project and, as a large team (23 students), earned a Gratitude Award.
  • Eldorado High School-the first CIS Academy Program juniors to earn multiple Gratitude Awards in three consecutive school years.
  • Las Vegas High School-the second year in a row, entering as a large team (21 students), CIS Academy juniors earned a Gratitude Award.
  • Leaders in Training-the only school/program with teams that have entered each year since 2017-2018 and multiple teams have earned awards each year.

PSNV Salutes our 2024-2025 Faculty Champions, Their Schools, and/or Programs

  • Alejandra Ceja-Solorzano, Program Manager, Leaders in Training
  • Beverly Davison, CIS Instructor, Chaparral High School
  • Brenna Effinger, CIS Site Coordinator, Rancho High School
  • Monica Elenes, Instructor, Leaders in Training
  • Isabel Gonzalez, CIS Site Coordinator, Eldorado High School
  • Monserrath Hernandez, CIS Instructor, Rancho High School
  • Lyndsay Jaekle, CIS Instructor, Clark High School
  • Priscilla Landero, CIS Site Coordinator, Chaparral High School
  • Adan Martinez, CIS Site Coordinator, Las Vegas High School
  • Ronald McCullough, CIS Instructor, Las Vegas High School
  • Nitza Mestre, CIS Instructor, Eldorado High School
  • Amanda Musones, CIS Site Coordinator, Western High School
  • Treasha Parker, Academy Director, Communities in Schools of Southern Nevada
  • Teresa Ruiz, CIS Site Coordinator, Clark High School
  • Regina Short, CIS Site Coordinator, Valley High School
  • Cimrin Singh, CIS Site Coordinator, Canyon Springs High School
  • Emilyne Smith, CIS Instructor, Valley High School
  • Mx. Jaime Tadrzynski, CIS Instructor, Canyon Springs High School
  • Cassie Vroegh, CIS Instructor, Western High School
  • Luanne Wagner, Instructor, Ed W. Clark High School

In addition, PSNV would like to thank our Community Partners for their constant support:

  • Communities in Schools
  • Leaders in Training
  • Leadership Institute of Nevada
  • Public Education Foundation
  • Teach for America

The Year of Exemplary Engagement


From September 12 to September 26, 2024, Senator Wiener visited !!!classes (220 enrolled
students) via “live” virtual visits to acknowledge them and how they are growing as individuals and emerging community leaders. Senator Wiener also invited students to fully participate in the three “recorded” virtual, highly interactive SL! sessions (which she sent to the Faculty Champions). In particular, she strongly encouraged these students to step into community service to create projects to address a need identified by a community they have chosen to serve.

Senator Wiener upleveled the opportunities for student engagement. Prior to her live virtual presentation, she sent all Faculty Champions her one-page resume, a one-page description of PSNV programs, and the 2024-2025 PSNV program(s) timelines to distribute to all students prior to her visit. Their pre-visit assignment? To prepare a question to ask her about anything they wanted to know… no limits. The students’ thoughtful questions and their own engagement elevated their involvement substantially. Senator Wiener shared with them that the questions were both thoughtful and, at times, thought-provoking. With this level of enthusiasm, Senator Wiener encouraged students to participate in the Gratitude Awards Program and that she would return “in person” in early 2025 to recognize students for their community service projects.

Between February 19 and March 27, 2025, Senator Wiener visited schools and/or programs to facilitate Gratitude Awards Recognition Events to honor 102 students at: Chaparral High School, Eldorado High School, Las Vegas High School, Leaders in Training, and Rancho High School.

To provide an invaluable perspective, 46 percent of the students completed Step 1: Sign-Up, Step 2: Registration, and Step 3: Submission by PSNV deadlines. However, this year some students faced challenges accessing the PSNV website due to the Clark County School District’s blocking students from accessing third-party websites. Therefore, for 2024-2025 only, Senator Wiener had students submit completed entry forms, photos, and logs to her only. Six teams (66 students) at five schools satisfied this requirement and were recognized with PSNV “Letters of Engagement.” This brought total student participation to 168 students. That’s a 76 percent level of engagement. During eight of the nine years of the Gratitude Awards Program (the COVID-19 Pandemic inspired a hybrid program in 2020-2021 that recognized students for their project plans), PSNV has been thrilled to honor 494 students for their community service projects. These projects have had positive and powerful impacts on their chosen communities and the team members themselves.

Gratitude expressed by a participating student:

“This experience taught me the power of education. It strengthened my leadership and communication skills while reinforcing the importance of youth-led initiatives in addressing real community needs. I am grateful for this opportunity and appreciate PSNV’s support in helping students make meaningful change.”- Jeimi Hernandez-Saravia, Leaders in Training

PublicServiceNV
Gratitude Awards Program
2025 Recognition Events

Gratitude Awards
Honorees

Category: Education

Project: Elementary School Reading Kits

Large Team Recipients:
Team Co-Leaders: Margarita (Maggy) Aceves, Sofia Duarte-Miranda, Bobby Pincay, Dayana (Yana) Mata, Emily Ramos-Romero, Maria Solis
Team Members: Kerk Marco-Cabanog, Jonathan Carranza-Salinas, Unique Contreras, Deziree Costa, Ryan Gamez, Emily Garcia-Ponce,
Alllison Garcia-Mendez, Jayda Genier, Yamileth Hoyos-Mendoza, Carlos Lazalde, Genesis Martinez-Torres, Jose Miranda, Marina Santoyo, Dulce Solorio, Aaric Stauffer, Alejandro Vallanueva, Jaden Wilson

CIS Site Coordinator: Priscilla Landero CIS/Faculty Champion: Beverly Davison

Chaparral High School/Communities in Schools Academy (CIS)

Awards Event: March 11, 2025

Project Description (as described by the team)


The team created 80 Elementary Reading Kits with each containing reading books and supplies, as well as a positive handwritten note from the Chaparral project team. We also included motivational items, such as: a coloring page, scented bookmarks, stickers, bendy pencils, character mini erasers, kiddy pens with toppers, rainbow scratch paper, stress balls, a Ziploc baggie with various travel-sized hygiene necessities, and fun snacks. Once the assembly was completed, a grade-appropriate book was place on top of each wrapped kit.

After we finished making the kits, 10 members of the team, including all six co-leaders, went to Laura Dearing Elementary School to deliver reading kits and work with kindergarten and first graders. We read to them and talked about the importance of reading for all the things they will be learning. Following this part of the project, other Dearing Elementary School students, kindergarten through fourth grade, came to Chaparral High School, where we presented these students with their own reading kits.

“We hope that by giving these students the tools of amazing books and supplies, which can bring them learning and joy, we were able to convey the message: ‘We believe in you! You got this!”‘ – Co-Leader Bobby Pincay

Inspiration for this Project (as described by the team)

We knew it was important to have students “fully present” when they are at school. Without being fully present, how can they succeed? These reading kits will help show these Dearing Elementary School students what they can accomplish when they come to school more often. We hope to encourage and motivate these young students while addressing their need to grow their reading skills at their age.

“We were eager to inspire elementary students to feel happy and supported by not only us but by the entire community.” -Co-Leader Maggy Aceves

“We wanted to show younger students that reading is so much more than schoolwork or homework. Reading can be a positive, fun, and relaxing experience.” -Co-Leader Sofia Duarte-Miranda

Challenges (as described by the team)

The six team co-leaders were all put in a position of leadership, responsibility, accountability, and teamwork, which, for us, was hard. Organizing everyone and assigning tasks was a struggle at the beginning.

“Communication with the entire team, as well as among the six leaders, could be difficult because we each led a different part of the project. Overall, these challenges helped us, as leaders and team members, grow and learn.” -Co-Leader Dayana (Yana) Mata

Impact of this Service on the Community and the Team (as described by the team)

This service opportunity affected us, as a team, in such a positive way. We were able to learn so many skills and more about our community. We learned how to work, as a large team, to create all these reading kits for students in need. We were able to develop and practice skills, such as teamwork, leadership, responsibility, kindness, and more. When 10 of us visited Dearing Elementary School, the students, who received their own reading kits, were so appreciative and loving through their smiling faces and grateful words. They were so attentive and respectful when we read to them and worked with them on arts projects.

“In the beginning, this project might not have looked very important. However, we were reminded of the impact this would have on someone else. This project gave us a greater understanding of WHY and HOW something small that we can do has the potential to change someone’s day.” -Co-Leader Emily Ramos-Romero

Most Important Lesson Learned from this Experience (as described by the team)

We learned the importance and impact of getting out of our own world sometimes and giving back to those around us and our community. Particularly, we learned the importance of being positive role models for those who are younger than we are. This way they can understand how important it is to be present in school and excel in life. We will definitely be taking what we learned to better ourselves, as young adults, and continue a journey of giving back.

“This project has helped us become closer, as classmates, as we grew our communication skills throughout the team experience. It also helped us open our eyes about what needs exist within our community and how we can be the ones to get involved and help make a positive difference.” -Co-Leader Maria Solis

What’s Next?

The team chose to direct $375 of the PSNV donation, in the team’s name, to Spread the Word Nevada and $375 to Laura Dearing Elementary School. Following the recognition event, a student approached Senator Wiener. Though very shy, she shared that she had been bullied in school. When Senator Wiener asked her what she had learned from the recognition event experience, she looked directly into Senator Wiener’s eyes, stood tall, and said with confidence, “I have courage.”

Category: Human Kindness

Project: Human Kindness

Small Team Recipients:
Team Leader: Natalie Montano
Team Members: Jose Hernandez Alejaldre, Quincy Davis, Layluna DeSoto, Brandon Leal, Allison Molina, Angela Ramirez, Katy Trujillo

CIS Site Coordinator: Isabel Gonzalez CIS Faculty Champion: Nitza Mestre

Eldorado High School/Communities in Schools Academy

Awards Event: February 19, 2025

Project Description (as described by the team)


We spent hours engaging with special needs students at our school, making sure that they felt included, valued, and comfortable in their classrooms. As part of this interaction, we developed a Kindness Tree in the hallway. We encouraged everyone to write on a leaf … something about kindness or something they were thankful for, then add the leaf to the tree. Or they could just put their name on the leaf and put it on the tree. We were eager to foster a sense of community across the entire school.

Inspiration for this Project (as described by the team)

We saw a need for greater inclusion and connection. Working with the Special Needs Department at our school, we were inspired by the truth that everyone deserves kindness, no matter our differences.

Challenges (as described by the team)

Some students were not able to communicate or write their messages, so our special needs faculty helped them. Also, some students were hesitant to engage with us, which inspired us to work harder to create an encouraging environment where they felt safe to participate.

Impact of this Service on the Community and the Team (as described by the team)

It was incredibly rewarding to make a positive impact on the special needs students and each member of our team.

“This project taught us the power of compassion and understanding.” -Team Leader, Natalie Montano

Most Important Lesson Learned from this Experience (as described by the team)

By patiently encouraging everyone to participate and share, we can build meaningful and inclusionary relationships with all students.

What’s Next?


The team chose to direct $250 of the PSNV donation, in their names, to The Best Buddies Program Nevada and $250 to Eldorado High School.

Following the event, as Senator Wiener was re-assembling her materials at the podium-and students were exiting for their next class-a student walked purposefully from the last row in the elevated seating to Senator Wiener. He was dressed in a suit and had a huge grin on his face.
When he reached Senator Wiener, he fist-bumped her and said, “I want to say thank you.” Senator Wiener bent down to meet this student, face-to-face, and asked him, “What did you learn about yourself today?” Standing tall, firm and joy-filled with his response, he said, “To be kind to myself. I have power. And … I can make my own choices.” Senator Wiener again leaned down, face-to-face, and responded, “Thank you. You have just made my day.” Based on his outgoing personality, this student might have shared this experience and the power of this exchange with the next 30 people he met in the hallways or classrooms that day and beyond.

Category: Human Kindness

Project: Sweater Weather Drive

Large Team Recipients:
Team Co-Leaders: Isabel Moreno, Joshua Paz-Romo
Team Members: Mariangel Aguilar Moctezuma, Jimfer Roy Aserdano, Jonathan Avina, Jesus Cordoba, Armani Diaz, Erick Gonzalez, Sarah Ingram, Amissi Itchimboelo, Esteban Morales, Angela Moreno, Brandon Paz Toledo, Jayden-Rey Penaloza-Cordero, Jose Ponce Pena, Anthony Rodriguez,
Nakiya Roserie, Alexia Sandoval, Yurem Salas, Isaac Suarez, Jocelyn Vallanueva Rodriguez.

CIS Site Coordinator: Adan Martinez CIS Faculty Champion: Ronald McCullough

Las Vegas High School/Communities in Schools Academy

Awards Event: March 10, 2025

Project Description (as described by the team)

The project involved the campus-wide effort to create a winter sweater drive for needy students to keep them warm during the cold months. During the week-long drive, we collected zip-ups, hoodies, crewnecks, cardigans, and jackets. We located designated donation boxes at many locations on campus, which inspired many LVHS students to give.

Inspiration for this Project (as described by the team)


We realized that many students cannot afford sweaters, and cold weather makes this a serious problem. We knew we could help provide much needed comfort and warmth to less fortunate students.

Challenges (as described by the team)

Communication with such a large team could be difficult, especially when coordinating essential project tasks around school schedules. So, we assigned different team members with more modest leadership responsibilities that inspired them to participate at a higher level. Even with this, some students still procrastinated, which we addressed by stressing what deadlines mean and their responsibility to meet them.

Impact of this Service on the Community and the Team (as described by the team)

We built a sense of unity and purpose while working together toward a common goal. This shared service helped us strengthen our social skills, as well as improve our communication skills.

“Our patience, as a team, helped us offer our community essential care. It’s amazing how one act of service can create a big difference in friendships and knowledge.”
-Co-Leader Isabel Moreno
-Co-Leader Joshua Paz

Most Important Lesson Learned from this Experience (as described by the team)

Working with a team makes a huge difference. Being able to share and brainstorm solutions with others is a lifesaver. Good communication and planning are the key to making things less stressful and more successful.

What’s Next?


The team chose to direct $375 of the PSNV donation, in their names, to Project 150 and $375 to Las Vegas High School. The students were excited about the LVHS CIS Academy juniors earning the Gratitude Award, as a large team, for the second year in a row, setting a high standard for the 2025-2026 CIS Academy juniors.

Category: Animal Welfare

Project: Happy Pets, Happy Life

Small Team Recipients:
Team Leader: Steven Pena
Team Members: Sidney Hernandez, Elizabeth Hines, Lesly Ramirez, Valerie Ruiz

Faculty Champions: Alejandra Ceja-Solorzano, Monica Elenes

Leaders in Training

Awards Event: March 27, 2025

Project Description (as described by the team)


We assembled more than 40 goodie bags, which contained nutritional snacks, along with information about how this food can help keep their dogs healthy. The bags also contained dog toys. Then, we visited several parks around the city to share these supplies with dogs and their human companions.

Inspiration for this Project (as described by the team)

We chose the dog community for several reasons, especially their health. We want dogs–our best friends-to live long, healthy lives and keep us happy.

Challenges (as described by the team)

Because we had a limited budget, we were challenged by getting enough supplies to distribute to all the dogs we aimed to help. To overcome this, we researched and found affordable, yet healthy, dog necessities that would be beneficial to the animals.

Impact of this Service on the Community and the Team (as described by the team)

This project brought joy to more than 40 dogs and their human companions. Our team gained valuable experience in community service, teamwork, and the importance of addressing local needs.

“This initiative brought us happiness and reminded us about the importance of taking care of our best friends.” -Team Leader Steven Pena

Most Important Lesson Learned from this Experience (as described by the team)

We learned the significance of working together and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of both pets and their human companions.

What’s Next?


The team chose to direct the entire $500 PSNV donation, in their names, to Las Vegas High School.

Category: Education

Project: Pages of Possibility

Small Team Recipients:
Team Leader: Andrea Sanchez
Team Members: Odalis Ayala, Kimberly Del Castillo, Jessie Ramirez, Sarah Shemess

Faculty Champions: Alejandra Ceja-Solorzano, Monica Elenes

Leaders in Training

Awards Event: March 27, 2025

Project Description (as described by the team)

We partnered with Spread the Word Nevada to create a free, community-based library, designed to serve elementary school students at the Desert Pines Boys and Girls Club in East Las Vegas.

Inspiration for this Project (as described by the team)


Our inspiration and intention with this starter 50-book library was to help young students, who have limited access to books and, therefore, struggle to find any interest in reading.

“We saw the need for change and worked hard to make it happen. We wanted to inspire, connect, and lead with kindness. We constantly aimed to create chances for kids to get a high-quality education.” -Team Leader Andrea Sanchez

Challenges (as described by the team)

Initially, we had planned to work with a school. However, we were unable to connect with one. So, we moved to Plan B with our passion to help young students with access to books. Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and Spread the Word Nevada understood our commitment and kindly and generously helped us accomplish our goal of establishing a small library for students who do not have access to books.

Impact of this Service on the Community and the Team (as described by the team)

You can always find a way to help your community. Even though you do not know everyone, it is still important to give, even with the small but important gesture of a book. Each book we added to the library brought the team closer together because we knew this would make a huge difference in the life of each child reader.

Most Important Lesson Learned from this Experience (as described by the team)

When our original project plan did not work out, we learned to keep moving. We wanted to make our project a reality and got creative about who would help us make it happen. With this outcome we are more excited than ever.

What’s Next?

The team chose to direct the entire $500 PSNV donation, in their names, to Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada.

Category: Public Safety and Social Justice

Project: Light the Way Initiative

Small Team Recipients:
Team Leader: Eduardo Casillas
Team Members: Emmanuel Basilio, Jose Garcia, Ricardo Garcia, Brandon Loaiza, Daniel Urias

Faculty Champions: Alejandra Ceja-Solorzano, Monica Elenes

Leaders in Training

Awards Event: March 27, 2025

Project Description (as described by the team)

Working with a select neighborhood in East Las Vegas, we canvassed homes to determine their greatest neighborhood concern. The most prevalent response was insufficient, deficient, and even dangerous lighting. We then prepared and distributed 250 flyers to raise awareness about unsafe lighting and subsequent dangers to street activity.

Inspiration for this Project (as described by the team)

One of our Leaders in Training colleagues lives in this neighborhood and shared that poor illumination causes many incidents that result in harm and compromised safety.

Challenges (as described by the team)

We experienced some of the expected challenges: time management, project coordination, and scheduling. However, we did not expect the QR code on our flyers to be a problem. After preparing 250 flyers to distribute to residents in the neighborhood, we learned the company that provided the QR code would charge a fee for each flyer processed. We quickly prepared and individually glued a new QR code to each flyer, which would be processed for free.

Impact of this Service on the Community and the Team (as described by the team)

We saw the differences in how many people in our community live. We heard stories from people in the neighborhood, which allowed us to see and feel different emotions, from anger and annoyance to frustration about the poor lighting. We also saw the impact of poorly lighted speed signs and sidewalks and the effects this can have on the safety of those who live there. The team grew their networking skills with people of many backgrounds, identities, and cultures.

“It takes hard work and dedication to reach success. Implementing a change as significant as ours wasn t an easy task. However, we persevered and made it happen.” -Team Leader Eduardo Casillas

Most Important Lesson Learned from this Experience (as described by the team)

Throughout our work on this project, we learned that people wanted to see us succeed. We experienced an overwhelming amount of positivity and people who wanted to help us. This not only motivated us but inspired us. We pushed ourselves to canvass homes after dark so that we could hear all the people’s voices.

What’s Next?


The team chose to direct the entire $500 PSNV donation, in their names, to Equipo Academy.

Category: Health and Wellness

Project: Unhoused Survival Kits

Large Team Recipients:
Team Leader: Kenny J. Avendano Sosa
Team Members: Alihya M. Allen, Leela L. Baltazar, Eric Bernal-Contreras, Elizabeth Rosas Bravo, Lesli Rojas Cabrera, Jose H. Flores Cornejo, Christian A. Esquivel, Sara Lopez Hernandez, Adrian A. Cerriteno Javier, Natalie Leon-Nestor, Joshua Macias, LaShea M. Mayes, Delany Molina,
Danielle L. Nelson, Yandel T. Reyes Nieves, Leslie E. Perea, Valeria Rodriguez, Jetsy Romero, Izabelle M. Sherman, Keiry Garcia Torres, Jocelyn M. Watkins

CIS Site Coordinator: Brenna Effinger CIS Faculty Champion: Monserrath Hernandez

Rancho School/Communities in Schools Academy

Awards Event: March 13, 2025

Project Description (as described by the team)

We created 80 survival kit packages to give to individuals in the vicinity of our school. We focused on providing something reliable during tough times, offering more than just essentials. The kits served as a symbol of support, a reminder that the people we helped are not alone in their struggle. Each kit contained winter beanies/hats, gloves, scarves, reusable water bottles, toiletries, emergency thermal blankets, hand warmers, socks, first aid kits, non-perishable food and brochures that provide contacts for food and other necessities.

Inspiration for this Project (as described by the team co-leaders)


After conversations with local organizations and residents, we learned that the homeless community in our area faces severe challenges, especially when it comes to basic survival­ food, clean water, essential hygiene items, and more. Even the smallest essential items can provide not only comfort and warmth but also a sense of dignity and hope.

Challenges (as described by the team)

Gathering resources for the survival kits was a challenge we confronted. So, we reached out to local businesses and individuals. We also faced logistical hurdles, including organizing and assembling the kits, distributing the kits to needy recipients, and more. We learned how to be resourceful when faced with obstacles. Every team member stepped into their responsibilities and helped deliver our amazing project.

Impact of this Service on the Community and the Team (as described by the team)

The benefits were tangible and impactful by providing needed resources to the 80 unhoused persons who received the survival kits. For the team, we learned about teamwork, perseverance, and community collaboration.

“This experience involved more than just doing a team project. It allowed us to demonstrate that no one is forgotten.” -Team Leader Kenny J. Avendano Sosa

Most Important Lesson Learned from this Experience (as described by the team)

Every community member, no matter their situation, deserves support and care. This experience helped us show empathy and the power of working together to bring positive change. When we come together, we can uplift others and even the smallest gestures can have a lasting impact.

What’s Next?


The team chose to direct $250 of the PSNV donation, in their names, to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission and $250, in their names, to Halle Hewitson Elementary School.

PublicServiceNV

“Certificate of Contribution”

(NOTE: Recipients of a “Certificate of Contribution” completed all three steps to successfully enter a project for consideration. However, evaluators selected another project in the category, as well as team size, to receive the Gratitude Award PublicServiceNV values the intentions and efforts of these teams and was privileged to honor them with these certificates.)

Honoree

Category: Education

Volunteering for Education

Small Team Recipients:
Team Leader: Eric Delgado
Team Representative: Emily Guzman
Team Members: Ana Alfaro Galdamez, Adrian Martinez, Jaqueline Martinez, Alexa Mondragon, Ramiyah Stewart, Valeria Lopez Torres

CIS Site Coordinator: Isabel Gonzalez CIS Faculty Champion: Nitza Mestre

Eldorado High School/CIS Academy

Awards Event: February 19, 2025

“Sometimes, we don’t realize how much teachers do behind the scenes, and even small acts of help can go a long way. We all have challenges with our busy schedules. However, seeing the teachers’ gratitude and the students’ joy made it all worthwhile.” -Team Representative, Emily Gusman

PublicServiceNV

“Letter of Engagement”

(NOTE: Recipients of a “Letter of Engagement” completed all three steps to successfully enter a project for consideration. However, they did not satisfy the deadline requirements for either Step 1: Sign-Up, Step 2: Registration, or Step 3: Submission. For the 2024-2025 school year only, we allowed these beyond-deadline entries to be considered for a “Letter of Engagement. ” Six teams at five schools–66 students-were recognized with these letters.)

Recipients of Letters

Canyon Springs High School/CIS Academy

CIS Site Coordinator: Cimrin Singh
CIS Faculty Champion: Jaime Tadrzynski

Students (Served Special Needs Students at Canyon Springs HS)

  • Luis A. Arroyo
  • Queyhon-Louise J. Carter
  • Charlaiah P. Clark
  • Valeria Garcia Leon
  • Netza A. Rafael Comaduran
  • Jocelyn Lugardo
  • Aaliyah S. Macklin
  • Jaylene J. Morales
  • Martha Y. Munoz
  • Ivan H. Nunez T
  • avarus L. Pratt
  • Yohanna Raigoza
  • Da’Marion M. Richey-Williams
  • Christian Rios
  • Yeraldy Rivera
  • David F. Rivera Martinez
  • LaShawn S. Sandling-Green
  • Sylvester 0. Sandoval
  • Jaylon J. Scott
  • Harold E. Simmons
  • Alaysia L. Smith
  • Logan M. Smith
  • David E. Gonzalez Turcios

Ed W. Clark High School/CIS Academy

CIS Site Coordinator: Teresa Ruiz
CIS Faculty Champion: Lyndsey Jaekle

Students (Distributed Essential Supplies to Needy Animals)

  • Zayden Awana
  • Emily Carrascon
  • Johnny Castanon
  • Brenda Dominguez
  • Deacon King
  • Alex Madrid
  • Alexia Parra
  • Emily Perez
  • Danexa Tello-Rodriguez
  • Stefani Urias

Students (Provided Vital Hygiene Bags to Middle School Students)

  • Angel Zuniga Bernal
  • Ma’Lik Foster
  • Andrea Abigail Puga
  • Erick Soriano Rodriguez
  • Kareena Russell
  • Santiago Serrato
  • Heaven Steward
  • Joshua Walker

Eldorado High School/CIS Academy

CIS Site Coordinator: Isabel Gonzalez CIS Faculty Champion: Nitza Mestre

Students: (Addressed Mental Health Needs of Eldorado HS Students)

  • Linina Brazil
  • Dewin Gutierrez
  • Aaron Lemus
  • Lawrence Lopez
  • Jose Hernandez Magana

Leaders in Training

Program Manager: Alejandra Ceja-Solorzano Faculty Champion: Monica Elenes

Students: (Distributed Health Education and Resources to Area Teenagers)

  • Jeimi Hernandez
  • Benjamin Guerrero
  • Jazlyn Oliva
  • Alexis Thammavong

Valley High School/CIS Academy

CIS Site Coordinator: Regina Short CIS Faculty Champion: Emilyne Smith

Students: (Created Winter Clothing Drive for Valley HS Students)

  • Osmany Benavides
  • David Canela
  • Brandon Guardado-Bazan
  • Shakera James
  • Karen Lopez-Munoz
  • Jocsan Lopez-Torres
  • Andrea Magnus
  • Maria Martell
  • Daylen Mccarter
  • Ohmell Mims
  • Samantha Ortega
  • Jack Perez
  • Geovany Reyes
  • Paloma Rodriguez-Campos
  • Luiz Velez
  • Leonel Zamora

Going Forward:

YOU Can Help Build a Stronger Community …
One Child at a Time


Please help PSNV identify potential Faculty Champions and schools or programs … AND/OR Community Champions and/or community programs … that might be interested in collaborating with our nonprofit and its distinctive civic engagement programs.

  • Serve.Learn.Inspire. Classroom Engagement Program. This highly interactive live and virtual multi-session instruction includes a 10-step civic engagement group activity that teaches philanthropy-time, talent, and treasure.
  • Gratitude Awards Program. This program engages and recognizes students, who choose to apply what they learned in Serve.Learn.Inspire. Classroom Engagement Program, to create and deliver community service projects that address essential needs identified by the community(ies) served.
  • Serve.Learn.Inspire. Community Engagement Program. This comprehensive IO-lesson civic engagement curriculum provides high-level, interactive learning opportunities for student participants in local clubs, after-school programs, and community organizations. It also recognizes students who complete the program.

PSNV’s mission invites this opportunity to “engage, educate, and recognize individuals whose service enriches Nevada communities.” Let’s work together to “engage, educate, and recognize” our community’s youth … NOW. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.