Adventure on the Fringe – Spring Mountain Ranch

By Lisha Ross

With all the new fangled bars, restaurants, spas and shops in the city, we so often forget about, or just don’t make time for, the natural treasures that exist on the fringes of town. Places in the Red Rock Conservation area like Spring Mountain Ranch. Super Summer Theatre goers have known about the ranch for years and stirred up quite an uproar when proposed state budget cuts threatened to close down the beloved outdoor theatre and ranch. The park managed to survive but the situation offered up a reality check–it’s now more important than ever to show support for their public programs and take advantage of this oasis while the opportunity lasts. Fortunately, the Nevada Division of State Parks, along with some tirelessly creative docents and volunteers, make it easy to love this luscious bit of land by offering a number of unique and exciting ways to enjoy it long after theatre season comes to a close.

Spring Mountain Ranch is only 15 miles west of town, but it might as well be a world away. Shadowed in late afternoon by the colorful cliffs of the Wilson Range and sitting high at about 3,800 feet, the temperature is 10-15 degrees cooler, the air a bit cleaner, the scenery spectacular and the quiet phenomenal. Once a working ranch and luxurious retreat for previous owners like German actress Vera Krupp and millionaire Howard Hughes, its rich history is preserved beautifully and shared with the public through docent guided and self-guided tours, historical re-enactments and family events.

On any given day, a stroll through the park should begin at the main house, where you’ll find information on the ranch and the surrounding area, as well as artifacts, old photographs and historical documents. The secret passage through the wardrobe is a treat for all. Once you’ve learned the intriguing story of the ranch, particularly the eccentric life and death of Ms. Krupp, an exploration of Wilson Cemetery, Board & Batten Bunkhouse, Sandstone Cabin, Two-Hole Outhouse, Chinchilla Shed and several other buildings that dot the property is surely in order. Guided tours are offered daily at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. with an additional tour at 3 p.m. on weekends, but visitors may take a self-guided tour anytime the park is open.

The ranch, with its expansive grassy acreage surrounded by desert scrub, pinyon juniper woodlands and tall trees is excellent picnicking property, but keep in mind that the weather will get pretty chilly in the coming months, so bundle up! Picnic areas are open from 8 a.m. to dusk.  

Warm jacket weather, the occasional snow shower and all, fall and early winter is an excellent time to visit the ranch, as costumed role players, demonstrations and re-enactments bring history to life through the park’s Living History programs. Why, even President Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, and Ulysses S. Grant will make a rare appearance on October 29-31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day for SMR’s Nevada Day celebration in the “Battle Born” state. North and South troops once again will meet in battle daily at a sizeable Civil War re-enactment, and families will be invited to participate in period activities.

Saturday, October 23, pack up the kids and head to the ranch from 2-6 p.m. for the Halloween Spooktacular and Pumpkin Carving Contest. Costumes, snacks and prizes will abound while SMR docents tell ghost stories by candlelight.

Get ready to go native Saturday and Sunday November 6 & 7 at the Mountain Man Rendezvous. Primitive camps and a trading post will help guests feel right at home in the time period as they have a go at tomahawk, knife and atlatl throwing, archery, a black powder competition, blacksmithing and children’s activities.

Rounding out the year, December ushers in Christmas at the Ranch on Saturday 11. Something you simply can’t find anywhere in city limits, the old fashion Christmas celebration promises to warm some hearts with hot beverages, holiday music, treats, prizes and more kid’s activities. The ranch house will be lit up with holiday cheer and Santa will be available for snapshots with the kiddies. For more information on camping, park entry fees and activities, visit http://parks.nv.gov/smr.htm or call 875-4141.

A perfect, quaint retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, Spring Mountain Ranch is that place between here and there where you can slow down, relax and experience history in motion. Don’t worry if you forget where and when you are…you’ll return to the 21st century city soon enough, just a bit more renewed and invigorated, I promise.

In the Know

Spas aren’t just for humans anymore! Las Vegas Pet Spa (9400 Eastern Ave., #100A) is a full-service pet salon where all pets are invited to experience the pampered high life in a tranquil environment. Every pet gets the VIP treatment with one-on-one attention, premium shampoos and conditioners, a personal touch massage and soft water to promote healthier skin. A wide variety of custom haircuts and dos are also available, from mohawks and dye to the famous Furminator. Felines welcome, too! A cat expert is on hand to bathe or shave your kitty into a cute lion cut. At the end of their groom, pets can play in a secured play area. Appointments available seven days per week. Call 878-7877 to make an appointment and visit www.lasvegaspetspa.com for monthly specials.

Remember the times when people actually talked face to face? Or even when you got your very first four legged friend? The owner of Sloppy Kisses pet store (25 E. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., #120) does, and carries on that old fashioned sentiment today. Honoring what a pet store should and used to be like, Sloppy Kisses believes in proper nutrition for all your pets to help them live long and happy lives, which in turn makes our lives that much better. When visiting Sloppy Kisses as an adult, be ready for the sudden trip back in time, as certain things rekindle memories from your own childhood as you wandered through your first real pet store. Later you can share the memories and smiles with your own children. Call 433-PETZ (7389) for info.

iPhone repairs through Apple can take up to three business days. Why wait, when you can have it fixed in minutes by Desert Wireless (9530 S. Eastern, #150). Specializing in repairing all models of Apple iPhone, from 2G to 4G (iPhone 4), their promise to you is that in most cases, repairs can be done while you wait. And with low hourly rates, they strive to meet the budgets of as many people as possible. Software services include unlock/jailbreaking, password by-pass, disabled phone by-pass, tethering so you can surf the web free, Tom Tom Navigation System addition and more. Hardware services are aplenty. They can even replace the glass/lcd on the new iPhone 4 and change the cover from black to white. Find out what else they can do at www.iphonevegasrepair.com or call 339-0992.

Modern, family-friendly American bistro; that’s Republic Kitchen & Bar (9470 S. Eastern Ave.) in a nutshell. The spacious restaurant invites guests into a great room-inspired setting with hard wood floors and a cozy fireplace, with stylish, home-style cooking harkening back to relaxed nights with the fam. Blending comfort food with health conscious choices, Chef Josh Green offers sandwiches, wraps and flatbreads, the Kobe Sloppy Joe, a light Nicoise Salad and more for lunch. Dinner is nostalgia with a twist, with Meat Loaf and Turkey “TV dinners” served in porcelain TV trays, Lobster Pot Pie, Beef Stroganoff and other tasty options. Head upstairs to the loft for after work drinks or Monday night football. Visit www.republickitchenandbar.com or call 463-3500 and be sure to check out Jazz Brunch weekends and happy hour.

Looking for a sofa to exquisitely contradict that powder blue wall? Or maybe a cozy love seat with a lot of character? At Devine Home Furnishings (10895 S. Eastern Ave., #160), the power to create your own look is in your hands. Devine Home Furnishings specializes in custom made furniture direct out of Las Vegas, and your options aren’t limited. They’ve got thousands of fabric selections to choose from and professionals with 27 years in the business to help bring your creations to life. Maybe you’d like a whimsical dinette set to add a touch of elegance to the dining room. Devine Home Furnishings manufactures dining room sets as well. From living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms to accents and lighting, make your furnishings truly divine. Call 396-7878 for info.

Missing Don Antonio’s exquisitely prepared Italian dishes? Mourn no more; Tom D’Antonio, formerly of Don Antonio’s and the Venetian before that, is back as a partner at Mama D’s Pizzeria (467 E. Silverado Ranch, #165). That means all of the same delicious recipes that were available at Don Antonio’s are available again at this new, neighborhood Italian eatery. With a vast menu that spans from delicious appetizers, soups and salads to delicatessen sandwiches, calzones, rolls, pastas, seafood and specialty entrées, Mama D’s has something for everybody in your brood. Try one of their specialty 18” pizzas–a savory collection of world-wide flavors like the Greek Lover’s, Mexican Lover’s, Hawaiian, and Philly Steak pizzas–or pick your favorite toppings to decorate your New York, Chicago or Sicilian style pizza. Call 221-7199 for info and free delivery.

Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void

By Mary Roach

As Reviewed by Macy Walsh

Mary Roach has an uncanny penchant for tracking down the answers to the questions you never knew you had about the human body.  In the past, her sideways curiosity has led her to write about the fate of cadavers (Stiff) and the science of sex (Bonk).  Now, with Packing for Mars she investigates what happens to our normally earthbound selves when we’re blasted off into zero gravity.  It is an utterly fascinating account which is made all the more entertaining by the author’s ever-amused tone.

Astronauts sweat.  They also eat, pass gas, defecate, get on each other’s nerves and, at least sometimes, get motion sickness.  Their bodies react to weightlessness in all sorts of unpleasant ways, from losing bone mass and muscle density to having fluids pool inside of their heads.  In short, despite their larger-than-life auras, astronauts are still human, thus spectacularly unsuited for traveling in zero gravity.  Yet, we still insist on sending them up there, and even more, we expect them to survive.  It is these undeniable human notions that led Roach to write Packing for Mars, an assignment that exercised her laudable human curiosities.  Who better than Mary Roach to tell us how NASA and the world’s other space agencies prepare their astro-, cosmo-, and whatever-nauts to stay alive in a scenario in which even changing their underwear proves to be nearly impossible.

Roach takes enormous delight in what she does.  This is not surprising, for her research leads her to chat about things like “fecal popcorn,” in-helmet upchucking, and the fact that only half the human population is capable of igniting their own farts.  Who wouldn’t have fun asking the straight-laced scientists at NASA to explain how one gets a “good seal” on a space toilet?  Clearly, this is not your typical sober examination of the mission to conquer space.  While Roach is interested in heroics and technological awesomeness, she is even more compelled by what those things do to humble our limited human bodies.  With Packing For Mars, she hones in on the most bizarre and surprising details in the history of space travel.

Certainly Roach shows how space programs reflect the character of their respective nations: on the Russian Mir space station, cosmonauts are alleged to settle disputes with a friendly fistfight; Japanese astronauts in training are required to construct one thousand origami cranes (the results of which are examined for their psychological revelations); and American astronaut John Young displayed his fun-loving patriotism by smuggling a corned beef sandwich onto Gemini III. 

Similarly, the cultural differences extend to animals.  The remains of Belka and Strelka, the first dogs to return alive from space, have been stuffed and are now on display at Moscow’s Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics.  When it was announced that America’s first chimp in space was facing a similar fate for the Smithsonian, however, the public outcry necessitated a change of plan.  An objector wrote, “Gentlemen:  Ham is a national hero, not a thing.  Do you propose to stuff John Glenn as well?”  Ham is now buried in a grave at the New Mexico Museum of Space History beneath a plaque that reads “World’s First Astrochimp Ham,” a phrase that Roach thinks needs a comma and “is perilously suggestive of a cut of meat made from a dead research animal.”  This is the kind of smart, quirky stuff that the writer does so well. 

Turning her attention to astronaut food, she really lets it rip.  She writes, “I have reason to believe that a cabal of extreme nutritionists was influencing thought at NASA.  These were men who referred to coffee as a ‘two-carbon compound’ and who wrote entire books on ‘topping strategies.’”  The problems inherent in feeding astronauts on long journeys are obvious enough, and various foods in cubes, liquids, and pellets have all failed to be palatable solutions.  Certain out-of-the-box thinkers have theorized that astronauts may be able to eat their own clothes.  

I’m also grateful to Roach for the information that beer in space is a nonstarter; without gravity, the bubbles just turn to foam.  Coke spent about half a million dollars learning as much when they tried to make a zero gravity Coke dispenser.  Sherry in plastic pouches would be viable and was undoubtedly tried, but if the current crop of astronauts is swigging Paul Masson in orbit, they are keeping quiet about it.

Of course it’s not all about the gags.  Roach has a larger theme underlying her frequently goofy presentation.  “One of the things I love about manned space exploration,” she writes, “is that it forces people to unlace certain notions of what is and isn’t acceptable.”  The difficulties of space travel, she argues, are worthwhile because they teach us what is possible.  They remind us that wacky, silly, fun things can also be profoundly important.  Laugh and learn!

A Casual Catch – Caribbean Cooker

By Aly Wagonseller

It’s hard to miss the building.  An unabashedly schizophrenic structure where lime green siding and colorful neon fish collide with a brick, brownstone pub you’d be more apt to see adjacent to Wrigley Field than on the corner of Stephanie and Paseo Verde. I’d heard from credible sources that some righteous paella, delicious alligator on a stick and legit key lime pie could be found at this locale, but one had to wonder when pulling into the parking lot – did they run out of masonry during construction? Are there building restrictions on the usage of car crash inducing, dayglow hued paint colors on main thoroughfare store frontages?  Did I take a wrong turn and end up in the downtown Arts District?  A head scratcher…to say the least.

Have no fear… it turns out this perplexing segregation of architectural styles is really three places in one; a shrewd concept in dining and gaming entertainment brought to us by the proprietors of Henry’s American Grill. The complex includes a Hemingway themed bar, Boar Head toting deli and Caribbean restaurant all under one roof, albeit with separate entrances, menus and decors. And, while the bar and deli certainly bring something to the table with quick sandwiches, signature Sloppy Joe’s, and the opportunity to try your luck while watching the big game, it’s the Caribbean Cooker, located on the flashier side of 65 So. Stephanie, that’s a casual catch in neighborhood dining.   

More boat house cozy than island chic, the décor inside the Caribbean Cooker is simple and subdued, yet comfortable and casual. This is quite the contrast from a vibrant menu that calls upon Spanish, African and French influences so indicative of Caribbean cuisine. We started with a complementary mushroom sour cream dip and homemade plantain chips.  The dip was likened to pate in consistency–quite thick due to a nice, earthy mushroom ratio–yet spiced up enough to fare well with the sweet and salty plantains. Tapas selections ran from traditional Batatas Bravas (3.29) to Almond Crusted Goat Cheese with Pineapple Chutney (5.49), Coconut Shrimp (9.29) and Conch Fritters (7.29).  The Molasses Grilled Lamb Chops (10.79) and Alligator on a Skewer (7.) were both winners.   The chops are caramelized nicely; the bitterness of the char a perfect balance for the creamy goat cheese, baby greens and molasses drizzle that accompanied them. Alligator…as the cliché will attest…tastes like chicken, with this version reminiscent of tandoori in texture and taste.  Grilled mango and an aggressive habanero lime tarter sauce added the right amount of sweet and fire to round out the dish.

While you could easily just graze on Tapas and Tapatizers, you’d be missing out on the Caribbean Cooker’s version of Callaloo soup, Cuban sandwiches and burgers, seafood, steak and pasta dishes and a hidden gem on the menu–paella. It may not be the most authentic adaptation of one of my all time favorite Spanish dishes, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of flavor they were able to achieve in the Classic Spanish Valencia version (12.49). A huge portion that’s big enough for two people, the Arborio rice was expertly prepared, not soggy in the slightest, and wonderfully permeated by the smoky flavors of chorizo, fresh seafood and a subtle white wine broth.  The portion of succulent clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp and crab was more than generous, making this truly a bargain for the price.  As sumptuous as this dish was though, I honestly could have done without the grilled and fanned chicken breast presented on the top. Besides appearing as a clunky afterthought in presentation, the moister, more satisfying slivers of chicken thigh found within the rice mixture were much more tasty.  But who am I to complain about too much food?  Especially when a neighborhood restaurant makes paella this outstanding.

The Caribbean Cooker is also one of few restaurants that actually make desserts from scratch, their velvety rich Key Lime and Coconut Cream pies (5.29), a decadent must have at the end of your meal.  It’s just one more reason to never judge a book….well you know.   For information or reservations on banquet facilities, call 888-6565.

Out and About

Out and About

Beach Scenes and Frothy Microbrews…Craft Breweries of San Diego County

By Susan Somers

There’s just nothing quite like a frosty mug of suds. And for those who enjoy the experience of traveling for a fresh-made microbrew, one of the fastest growing craft brewery communities in the country is just a five hour drive away in San Diego County.

Craft breweries are defined by the Brewer’s Association as small, independent and traditional breweries that produce fewer than 2,000,000 barrels annually. Home to 24 of these delectable brew houses, each with their own distinctive character, San Diego County recently received 22 medals at the 2010 World Beer Cup™, the world’s largest commercial beer competition. Forget about fizzy, industrial beer. Move over bar food and soggy sandwiches. Hello San Diego, where tasty microbrews are served with eclectic menu options that will inspire even the most seasoned foodie.    

Au Naturale

As you head into San Diego County, you’ll find beer with great character at the Stone Brewing Company.  Tucked away in the rolling hills of Escondido, Stone is so well known among locals there is no signage on its 55,000-square-foot building. It was founded in 1996 and produces only malt beers without the addition of preservatives, artificial ingredients or adjuncts such as rice or corn.  With so many popular favorites like the Stone Pale Ale or the Stone Smoked Porter on tap, you may want to order a sampler to taste them all. Prefer nontraditional flavors?  The Stone brewing team also concocts special releases like the Vanilla Bean or the Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout.

For true beer making enthusiasts Stone has one of the most popular tours in the county; a guided 45-minute walk through the working brewery where you’ll learn about the brewing process and crafted beer culture. After the tour make sure you schedule some time for lunch at the company’s World Bistro and Gardens where the food is prepared as meticulously as the beer. As the largest restaurant purchaser of local, small-farm produce in San Diego County, the bistro’s focus is on organic and indigenous ingredients. Try the Spicy Almond Tilapia served with a local organic honey butter sauce, or the Pancetta and Clams cooked Portuguese style. 

After lunch enjoy a stroll through Stone Brewing Company’s gardens.  Developed from a former storm drain, the organic beer garden offers a Zen-like experience to calm your wild buzz.

A Sports Lover’s Dream

If you like ales with a side of sports, kick back and enjoy NFL, college football or just about any sport on one of more than 20 TVs at the San Diego Brewing Co. Located a mile east of Qualcomm Stadium, it’s a San Diego Chargers tailgate hot spot and locals’ favorite that’s well known for their Indian Pale Ales (IPAs.) 

Try the Trophy Wife, with its touch of floral hops, a bit of caramel and hints of citrus.  If you prefer stronger beer, sip on the award-winning Hopnotic Double IPA with a 9% ABV.  Just make sure you pair these potent puppies with the hearty Guacamole Pepper Jack Burger or the house special Pork Baby Back Ribs.

Old Favorite

Karl Strauss Brewing Company was San Diego’s first microbrewery since prohibition banned the concept in the 1930s.  Founded in 1989 by two college friends, one whose cousin, “Uncle Karl”, was a world renowned master brewer and mentor, the company has grown to encompass six Southern California locations.

With classics like the award winning Red Ale Trolley, a medium bodied beer with a hint of dried raisins and currants, and seasonals such as the Oktoberfest made with Perle hops imported directly from the Hallertau region of Germany, Karl Strauss is a San Diego mainstay.  Equally known for its diverse menu, Karl Strauss offers a special Oktoberfest beer and food pairing, with Potato and Linguica Tots–crispy potato nuggets, linguica sausage, jalapeños, fresh chives, gouda and cheddar cheeses–spicing up the combo.

Make sure you schedule time to check out “Cask” night at Karl Strauss.  Cask conditioning is a process in which the ale undergoes a second fermentation process by maturing in small casks.  Because it is dispensed directly from the cask through a siphon (as opposed to being pushed by CO2 as is draught beer) and stored at a warmer temperature, the result is a smoother tasting beer with more delicate flavors. This is the traditional serving technique found in pubs in the UK.   “Cask” night is offered every Thursday night at all of the Karl Strauss San Diego County locations.

California Paradise

For some island flavor with your pint, Coronado Brewing Company (CBC) offers a casual California ambiance with great beer and friendly service. Located on Coronado Island, across the San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego, the company was founded in 1996 by two brothers and Coronado Island natives, Rick and Ron Chapman. 

If you like crisp and refreshing you’ll love the Orange Avenue Wit, a California wheat beer with a citrusy blend of wheat, coriander, orange blossom honey, and orange zest; perfectly paired with the signature steamed mussels.  If you’re a fan of red ales, the Mermaid Red is loaded with cascade hops for full flavor.  Pair it with the delicious Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, a pub favorite of locals, or the crab and shrimp melt sandwich served on sourdough bread. Grab your pint and relax around the outdoor fireplace while you enjoy the cool ocean breeze.

Feeling Altruistic

The Firehouse Brewing Company combines a passion for beer with a great cause by mixing some altruism in with their brews. Founded by third generation firefighters and inspired by the tragic events of 9/11, a portion of their sales goes toward both the firefighter’s widow and orphans fund and local fire departments to help buy safety equipment.

Located in the Mission Valley community of San Diego, the Firehouse Brewing Company is an up-and-coming brewery with some award-winning brews on deck.  Their Firehouse Pale Ale, a classic American pale ale with a deep amber color and no after taste, was voted Best Beer by San Diego City Beat in 2008. Wheat beer fans can toast to the Firehouse Hefeweizen, offering a hint of tropical fruit with delectable banana notes.

Beer VIP

Need a designated driver for your beer touring?  Another Side of San Diego Tours offers a VIP brewery package where you can visit up to four regional breweries in the comfort of a chauffeured Lincoln Navigator.  You can tour local favorites or they can customize a package starting at $991 for two people.  For details, call (877) 311-TOUR or go to www.anothersideofsandiegotours.com.

So in celebration of Oktoberfest or just for the love of a good beer, head west to San Diego County and tip your glass to one-of-a-kind brews and outstanding menus. For a list of San Diego County craft breweries go to www.sandiegobrewersguild.org/.

Where to stay

Relax from a day of tasting at the charming La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla.  This European-style hotel has picturesque gardens, a pool overlooking the La Jolla Cove, and many rooms with ocean views.  The property is a short drive to several coastal breweries, such as the La Jolla Brew House, Pacific Beach Ale House and Pizza Port.  To book a reservation, go to www.lavalencia.com.

The Omni San Diego Hotel is a modern, centrally located hotel in downtown San Diego.  Take a dip in the heated swimming pool and chill out on the 8,000-square-foot rooftop terrace after a day of tasting. The property is walking distance from Karl Strauss Brewing Company and a short ferry or water taxi ride to the Coronado Brewing Company.  To book a reservation, go to www.omnihotels.com.

Brendan Flynn

Bishop Gorman High School

Class of 2011

Whether Bishop Gorman High School Student Body President Brendan Flynn is a high-achieving student and individual is not up for debate. His grades and accolades more than speak to that truth. Well-spoken, inquisitive and fiercely competitive, his strengths are evident in all that he does. But it is in his willingness to accept a challenge, to take on daunting tasks or compete against the best, that Brendan Flynn achieves star pupil status as – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.0

Sports/Activities/Clubs:

• Football, 2007 
• Worship Choir, 2008-11
• Member International Thespian Society, 2007-Present
• BGHS Productions–Seussical the Musical, Arms and the Man, Anything Goes, Peter Pan, Charley’s Aunt, 2008-Present
• Student Body President, 2010-Present    
• Vice President of Activities, 2009/10
• Sophomore Class President, 2008/09
• Forensics Team President, 2008/09
• Forensics, 2007-Present 
• Mock Trial, 2010-Present; Team Captain, 2009
• Regional and State Championship Team–Mock Trial, 2008-10
• Outstanding Attorney–Mock Trial Regional and State Finals, 2010
• Outstanding Witness/Attorney–Mock Trial National Finals, 2009
• Margaret Recupido Award–Mock Trial Excellence as Best Attorney, 2010
• Varsity Quiz, 2007/08

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• Debate Scholarship, 2009
• Speech/Debate State Champion, 2010
• District Champion/National Qualifier, 2008/09
• National Debate Semi-Finalist, 2009
• AP Scholar, 2010
• United States Senate Page, 2010
• National and Spanish Honor Societies, 2009/10
• Bishop Gorman Academic Society, 2007/08
• AP Scholar
• Family Promise, 2003-Present
• National Honor Society Tutor, 2009/10

Goals & Aspirations: “Career-wise I see myself in the field of politics or law. I want to be somewhere that I can find new opportunities. Ferris Bueller famously said, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don”t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’ My biggest goal is to make sure I don”t miss life and the things it has to offer.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being Student Body President. Bishop Gorman is one of our community”s older high schools, rich in tradition and comprised of so many smart and talented students, that to be elected Student Body President is a great honor.”

Part of the Solution: “In my opinion, a key issue facing young people today is that we are taught not to ask questions, and that has led to problems in our country. I think if more people asked questions we would know more about our world and about each other. I am always asking questions, seeking answers and encouraging dialogue about the issues that face us today. A career in law or politics will enable me to continue to ask the questions.”

Elizabeth (Liz) Groesbeck

Green Valley High School

Class of 2011

Green Valley High School senior Liz Groesbeck has her head in the game and her focus fixed on the most positive outcome possible, along with what she needs to do to get there. And if achieving the high goals she sets for herself means stepping outside of the box, well, she’s more than up for the challenge. Not afraid to say “no”, take risks and stand up for what she believes in, Liz takes advantage of every opportunity available to step up her game, excel academically, and aggressively pursue her dreams, and for that, she is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.54

Sports/Clubs:

• GVHS Volleyball, 2007-10
• Club Volleyball, 2007-2010
• So. California Volleyball Assoc. (SCVA) Regional Women’s Junior Int’l Volleyball Team, 2010
• U.S.A. Volleyball High Performance Championships, 2010
• U.S.A. Volleyball High Performance Camps, 2007-10
• GVHS Forensics Team, 2007-09
• Mock Trial Team Vice President, 2009-10; President, 2010-Present
• Spanish Honors Club, 2009-Present; Vice President
• National Honor Society, 2009-Present
• International Baccalaureate Honor Society, 2009-Present
• Best Buddies, 2009-10; Treasurer

Awards/Community Service:

• Scholar Athlete, 2008-10
• Nevada Academic All-State Volleyball Team, 2008-09
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate
• Millennium Scholarship Candidate
• Sun Youth Forum Delegate, 2009-10
• Cornell University Summer College, 2009
• Advanced Diploma with Honors Candidate
• AIDS Walk, 2010
• Desert Clean-Up, 2009
• Rory Reid Campaign Volunteer, 2010
• High School Math and Spanish Tutor, 2010-Present

Goals & Aspirations: “My immediate goal is to graduate with an IB diploma and get into a top college, hopefully where I can play volleyball. Longer term, I’d like to be a physician and work at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.”

Liz is Successful Because: “I can probably credit most of my success to my parents. Although they drive me crazy, they have consistently pushed me to work hard to attain my goals and they support me unconditionally.”

Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing many young adults now is not taking the initiative in their education and essentially allowing themselves to be left behind academically. The solution is to challenge yourself and take the hardest classes possible, which is why I am so lucky to have been able to go to GVHS. Its high academic standards and difficult classes have helped mold me into the person I am today.”

Catherine Chao

Coronado High School

Class of 2011

To live in service of others is a life well spent, indeed. Still, it’s rare to find a young adult as committed to bettering her school and community as Coronado High School senior Catherine Chao. Compassionate and open-minded, grounded, yet optimistic, Catherine capitalizes on her strengths to make a positive impact on the world around her. She does so by taking part in and organizing altruistic initiatives while simultaneously taking responsibility for her own education and future achievements. With strong moral character steeped in her appreciation of individuality and diversity, Catherine Chao is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.078

Activities/Clubs:

• Theatre, 2007-09
• Played Madame Morris in The Monkey’s Paw One-Act Play, 2008
• Key Club Division 28 South Lieutenant Governor, 2010-Present
• Student Body Treasurer, 2010-Present
• American Cancer Society Relay for Life Committee Event Chair, 2010-Present
• Key Club President, 2009-10
• Key Club Division 28 South Divisional Secretary, 2009/10
• Multicultural Club President, 2008/09
• Leo Club, 2009-Present; Secretary, 2009/10
• Student Council Junior Class Representative, 2009/10
• Relay for Life Committee Team Development Chair, 2009/10
• Multicultural Club, 2008-Present
• Future Business Leaders of America, 2009/10
• Best Buddies Vice President, 2008/09
• Hip Hop Club Secretary, 2008/09
• Students Against Destructive Decisions, 2008/09
• Key Club Freshman Class Representative, 2007/08

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• Key Leader Scholarship
• Distinguished Level & Outstanding Level Key Club President–California-Nevada-Hawaii District, 2010
• Key Club International Convention Delegate, 2010
• American Cancer Society Relay for Life Participant, 2007-Present
• Every 15 Minutes Program Participant, 2010
• Southern Nevada Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, 2009
• National Association of Student Councils State Conference, 2010
• Ronald McDonald House Charity Volunteer
• Step Out! To Fight Diabetes Walk Volunteer
• Cougars Care Volunteer/Participant
• Trick or Treat for UNICEF Participant
• Kiwanis Fireworks, One Day & Int’l Convention Volunteer
• Salvation Army Food Drive Volunteer
• American Red Cross Blood Drive Volunteer
• Make a Wish Foundation Volunteer

Goals & Aspirations: “My goals are to graduate high school with an advanced honors diploma, attend a university and pursue a career that makes me extremely happy!”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud that I have achieved my dream of becoming Coronado’s first Key Club Lieutenant Governor of Division 28 South. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but has definitely been worth it. I’ve dreamed of becoming Lieutenant Governor since my freshman year of high school.”

Catherine Looks Up To: “I look up to my parents, Rachel and Richard, and my sister, Jennifer. My family always helps me overcome any obstacles that come my way. They have taught me so much, especially the true meanings of strength and love.”

Tommy “Tad” Darland

Coronado High School

Class of 2011

To be good at many things is one thing, but to be great at one thing takes true passion and commitment, qualities that Coronado High School senior Tad Darland possesses in spades. His goal is clear and simple: to become the very best student, individual and team player he can be while taking his golf skills to greater heights with every stroke.  And yet, despite his determination to be a champion in his chosen sport, he’s more than just an ace on the greens. Transferring virtues of patience, leadership and consistency from the game into academia and every other endeavor on his course to succeed, Tad Darland is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.725

Sports/Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• Golf, 2008-Present; Captain, 2008-Present
• Golf Scholarship to San Diego State University
• Individual Champion–Nevada State High School Golf Tournament, 2008
• 4^th Place–Nevada State High School Golf Tournament, 2009
• 3^rd Place–Nevada State High School Golf Tournament, 2010
• Team Champion–Nevada State High School Golf Tournament, 2010
• Top 75–Junior Golf Rankings, 2011
• Jr. World Golf Championship Qualifier
• American Legion Award
• All State Golf Team, 2008-10
• All City Golf Team, 2008-10
• All State Academic Team, 2008-10
• Nevada Boys State Candidate
• Harvard Book Club Candidate
• Student of the Month, 2008
• Anthem Country Club Junior Golf Program

Goals & Aspirations: “I would like to win back-to-back state championships as a golf team; win state individually; become successful in the career I choose; stay dedicated to my goals that I set for myself; and become the best leader possible.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I measure success by the difference I have made in other’s lives; therefore, ten years from now I see myself leading by example and trying to impact other people’s lives for the better.”

Tad is Successful Because: “First, I am thankful for God’s blessings, guidance and the gifts he has entrusted me with. In sports, in order to be successful, you have to work hard and be dedicated. I enjoy practicing/studying and taking on new challenges, and I believe that due to dedication I have been able to achieve many unbelievable things.”

Tad Looks Up To: “There are many people I look up to, but the most influential person in my life is my grandfather. He has always been there for me, encouraging me to achieve greatness. When I fall short of accomplishing my goals and get down on myself he is the one that gives me constructive criticism to become better. He is more than just a grandfather to me; he is my best friend.”