A Step Above – Brandon Koltes
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2013
The wild blue yonder awaits for Palo Verde High School senior Brandon Koltes as he will fulfill a lifelong dream when he reports to the United States Air Force Academy this summer. Hailing from a military family, Brandon hopes to uphold the tradition by pursuing a career in aeronautical engineering with an eye toward becoming a fighter pilot. Faith, family and flexibility are the keywords that define this dedicated young man’s life, and he hopes to keep all three firmly in sight as he continues to soar toward his goals. For always taking pride in both his country and himself, Brandon Koltes rises to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.554
Sports/Activities
- Football, 2009-10
- Cross Country, 2011-12; Captain, 2012
- JROTC, 2009-13; Flight Commander, 2011; Squadron Commander, 2012
- Civil Air Patrol, 2009-13; Cadet of the Year, 2009
- Cadet Commander (Civil Air Patrol), 2011-12
- Flight Commander (Civil Air Patrol), 2012
- Keystone Club, 2009-10
- National Honor Society, 2010-13
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2009
- President of Children of the American Revolution, 2009-10
- President of Social Studies Club, 2011-13
Awards/Community Service
- United States Air Force Academy Scholarship, 2013
- Outstanding Citizenship Award, 2011-13
- Voice of Democracy Regional Winner, 2011
- Commander’s Commendation Award, 2010 & 2012
- National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Award, 2010 & 2012
- Amelia Earhart Award (Civil Air Patrol), 2012
- Ira Eaker Award (Civil Air Patrol), 2012
- Nevada Wing Encampment Commander (Civil Air Patrol), 2012
- National Make a Difference Day, 2006-09
- Mexico Mission Trips, 2011-13
Goals & Aspirations: “My current goals include graduating with an honors diploma. I plan to study Aeronautical Engineering at the United States Air Force Academy and ultimately be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. My dream would be to earn a pilot slot and fly fighters. My long term goals include running for political office and making a difference in my community.”
Brandon Looks Up To: “I look up to my father because he had a successful career in aviation but also maintained his values and beliefs throughout the struggles unique to military life. He taught me what it means to serve others and always find the positive in the negative.”
Part of the Solution: “The key issue facing young adults today is a lack of drive and desire to accomplish something great despite adversity. I believe that it is through adversity one truly achieves their greatest success. I would be a part of the solution by partnering alongside those who are struggling and give them encouragement and motivation to follow their dreams.”
A Step Above – Miriam Krause
Cimarron-Memorial High School
Class of 2014
Las Vegas has always been a melting pot of different backgrounds and cultures, which makes Cimarron-Memorial High School Miriam Krause a perfect fit. Hailing from a small town in Germany called Oschersleben, Miriam has spent her most recent year of school in Las Vegas as part of a foreign exchange program. Poised, outgoing and dedicated to helping others, Miriam has made the most of her time abroad, involving herself in school activities and community service, participating in everything from helping the sick to diving into politics. Despite being far from home, she’s made a big impression here, and for that Miriam Krause is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 3.8
Sports/Activities/Community Service
- Tennis, 2012-13
- Tennis Regionals, 2012-13
- Choir, 2012-13
- Three Square Food Bank, 2012-13
- Las Vegas Legends Charity Event, 2012-13
- City of the World Gallery “Artz to Go” Bus Program, 2012-13
- Volunteer at Summerlin Hospital, 2012-13
- Volunteer at Atria Seville Nursing Home, 2012-13
- Volunteer for Obama Campaign, 2012-13
Goals & Aspirations: “I would like to graduate from high school, and then I would like to study medicine. I would like to have my own house, children, a dog and a lovely husband. I see myself becoming a pathologist, but I still want to have time for traveling and diving with sharks.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud that I accomplished my high school year in the U.S.A. I can be proud of that because I lived a year without my family and friends in a country whose language I didn’t speak.”
Miriam is Stronger and Wiser Because: “I went to a meeting with a motivational trainer two years ago. He talked about how easy it is to accomplish things if you really want to. I never thought about it like that. He showed me new ways to think about things and how to handle situations. My year abroad made me stronger. I am more independent now.”
Part of the Solution: “The two big issues facing young adults are drugs and alcohol. I would never take drugs or drink a lot of alcohol. I would try to be an example to other young people and show them that there is a better way of life.”
EF Foundation for Foreign Study is always looking for good families to host students for the upcoming high school year. If you are interested in serving as a host family, please contact Katie Hughes-Appel at (702) 292-4341 or kblmconsult@hotmail.com for more information.
A Step Above – Juliana & Lindsey Remark
Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2013
The journey through life is best taken with someone by your side, and that companionship is something cherished by Bishop Gorman High School seniors and identical twins Juliana and Lindsey Remark. Inspired by their grandfather’s achievements, these enterprising young women have not only started their own charities for disadvantaged kids and won numerous awards for cheerleading, but they’ve also shown a commitment to academics that has earned them acceptance to top schools such as Notre Dame, Duke, Cornell, Columbia and more. No matter what the future holds, they’ll face it together, and that sets Juliana and Lindsey Remark – A Step Above.
Juliana Remark
G.P.A.: 4.16
Sports/Activities
- Varsity Cheer Team, 2011-13; Captain, 2012-13
- Varsity Competition Cheer Team, 2009-12
- Link Crew, 2012-13
- We the People, 2012-13
- Sun Youth Forum Delegate, 2012
- Academic Society, 2009-11; President, 2010-11
- National Honor Society, 2011-13
- Science National Honor Society, 2011-13
- Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, 2011-13
Awards/Community Service
- Salutatorian, 2013
- National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, 2012
- AP Scholar with Honor Award, 2012
- The President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2011 & 2012
- Outstanding Achievement: Scholars English II, 2011
- Outstanding Achievement: Scholars Geometry, 2011
- Prudential Spirit of Community Award for Excellence, 2013
- America’s Best Cheer National Champion (Cheer Duo), 2011
- UCA / NCA All American Cheerleader, 2006-11
- Soroptimist Barbara Malloy Memorial Leadership Service Award, 2013
- Twice as Nice Charity (Founder), 2010-13
- Spread the Cheer Charity (Founder), 2010-13
- National Charity League, 2008-13; VP of Philanthropy, 2010
Juliana Looks Up To: “My grandfather, Arturo Cambiero, is my role model. Like many other Cuban immigrants, he came to America so his future generations could have the freedoms and liberties that were stripped from him. His accomplishments and examples drive me to excel.”
Cause for Concern (Juliana): “I would be the president of an organization that stressed the importance of education to children in at-risk areas. Education is such an important and valuable tool. My grandfather would say, ‘Lo que tienes in la cabeza nadien te lo puede quitar’ which means, ‘What you have in your head, no one can take from you.’”
Lindsey Remark
G.P.A.: 4.16
Sports/Activities
- Varsity Cheer Team, 2011-13; Captain, 2012-13
- Varsity Competition Cheer Team, 2009-12
- Link Crew, 2012-13
- We the People, 2012-13
- Sun Youth Forum Delegate, 2012
- Academic Society, 2009-11; Vice President, 2010-11
- National Honor Society, 2011-13
- Science National Honor Society, 2011-13
- Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, 2011-13
Awards/Community Service
- Valedictorian, 2013
- National Merit Commended Scholar, 2012
- National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, 2012
- The President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2011-12
- Student of the Year: Cultural Geography Honors, 2010
- Student of the Year: Scholars English II, 2011
- AP Scholar with Honor Award, 2012
- Prudential Spirit of Community Award for Excellence, 2013
- UCA / NCA All American Cheerleader, 2006-11
- Soroptimist Barbara Malloy Memorial Leadership Service Award, 2013
- Twice as Nice Charity (Founder), 2010-13
- Spread the Cheer Charity (Founder), 2010-13
- National Charity League, 2008-13; President, 2009
Lindsey is Successful Because: “I am very driven. I set goals for myself and do not give up. I do not let anything get in the way of my goals. I give 110% effort into everything I do. From the most menial tasks to the most onerous, I approach everything in my life with the same vigor.”
Part of the Solution (Lindsey): “A key issue facing young adults is substance and alcohol abuse. Many young adults do not realize the devastating effects they can have. I might be part of the solution by spreading the word of the severe destruction drugs and alcohol can bring to one’s life.”
Meet The Neighbor 89144
Kimberly Miles
By Callie Thomas
The path to success is a process. If you subscribe to the idea that we make our own opportunities, then you need to feel successful to attract them. To feel successful, you need to look successful. To look successful, you need to have the ability to dress for the job you want. For many, having access to that type of wardrobe isn’t always easy, but if 89144 resident Kimberly Miles has anything to say about it, she will be the voice of the underserved and make a difference, particularly in the lives of women in the community who are in need of a hand up.
Kimberly Miles is successful, and not just because of all that she has accomplished, although she does own the largest privately-held, woman-owned payroll service bureau in Nevada, TPCHR Payroll Consultants. Her success can also be attributed to all that she has given, freely extending her time, money and compassion to a number of non-profit organizations such as Shannon West Homeless Youth Center, American Heart Association Circle of Red, The Humane Society and Dress for Success of Southern Nevada. But more than anything, Kimberly Miles is successful in life for her exuberance, tenacity and willingness to stand up for what’s right. She has not only made an investment in the community in which she lives; she has made an investment in many neighbor’s lives, and in turn has helped them obtain their own success.
Miles’ zeal for life is infectious and abundantly evident in everything she does. As she says, “I love what I do and do what I love, and I’m always transparent!” Miles talks about her need for giving back to the community she’s called home for the past eighteen years, how going vegan has tamed her “energetic vibrations” and why she’s anything but typical.
Would it be safe to say that you’re a natural cheerleader for all women?
“While my first passion is people and relationships, I’m definitely passionate about girl power, strengthening our womanhood and our divine purpose. My warrior name is Moon Goddess. She helps other warriors to find their path.”
So it was natural for you to become involved with Dress for Success?
“I had never been part of a start-up nonprofit. Paige Candee, the founder of Dress for Success of Southern Nevada, approached me a few years back, and I was very cautious as I am usually a behind-the-scenes ‘giver’ while my for-profit capitalist work is exactly the opposite: up-front and center. I am proud to say I’m on the inaugural board. Dress for Success of Southern Nevada has turned out to be an organization that gives back more than 96% of the gain directly to the women it serves.”
How does Dress for Success help Southern Nevada women?
“We help disadvantaged women looking to get back on their feet by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and life.”
Why is it important for you to be involved in the community?
“I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to be a part of growth and change, and I strive toward bettering Las Vegas’ strengths.”
You have a very outgoing personality. Is it hard to unplug?
“I literally have to concentrate to ‘turn down’ my frequency. The vibrations of energy that come from me can be exhausting to others! Changing my diet has taken the edge off. Going with vegan/raw foods now seems to satisfy and relax me. Meditation and yoga also make the list!”
You express your individuality in all you do. Tell us about your favorite Vegas memory.
“After eloping to marry my husband G. Eric Miles in Fiji, we returned and threw a replica of our experience in Fijian rituals alongside the Desert Shores water line. We had a Kava ceremony, flame throwers and fire-breathing acts. Friends and family came from all over the country for the reception and Zowie Bowie hosted an event at Red Rock for us. It was amazing!”
Meet The Neighbor – Kelly Tate
By Callie Thomas
Keeping up with two boys – a six and eight year old – is never easy for any parent, although it would be easy to raise the white flag in pure exhaustion. But 89135 resident and single dad of two active sons Kelly Tate has one motto: never give up! It’s a philosophy Tate has enacted throughout his life, even while enduring his share of disappointments. Part of what has made him successful in life and in his career is that desire to keep going.
The thirteen year resident has recently demonstrated his perseverance by taking on the challenges of starting and running his own business. After fifteen years working as a CPA for others, he’s put out his own shingle. Tate sees it as another opportunity to work closely with his clients and do the best job possible. If starting a new business and raising two rambunctious kids isn’t challenging enough, he’s also dedicated to helping those in need within the community through a variety of charitable organizations. This includes being the Chair of the Finance Committee for our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate and taking on the role as Treasurer for Susan G. Komen over the past year. Tate’s decision to become involved with the Komen organization was a matter close to the heart with his aunt and cousin both suffering from breast cancer. He completed his first Race for the Cure with Komen and has become more determined than ever to continue that effort.
Through it all, his passion remains with his two boys, Pierce and Preston, and ensuring that they have the best childhood possible. Tate talks about his dedication to his family, those in need throughout the community and even his fondest Las Vegas experience, which shot him 160 feet into the air at forty-five miles per hour while overlooking the Las Vegas valley.
What’s it like opening your own CPA office?
“It’s been huge for me personally. After working for others, it’s really nice to put my skills to work out of my own office and continue to define what I want to be professionally and personally. I think going out on my own was a natural progression in my life that was long overdue.”
How did you get involved in the community?
“I’ve met hundreds of clients and made hundreds of contacts in my thirteen years in Las Vegas. It has helped me tremendously in getting to know the community and to get involved.”
You’ve put your finance skills to good use.
“For nine years, I held the position of the Chair of the Finance Committee for Habitat for Humanity. A little over a year ago, I became the Treasurer for the Susan G. Komen organization. I really enjoy doing this type of work. It is rewarding to know that I can use my work skills to help out an organization that really needs it and passes on the goodwill to so many people.”
The Komen organization has personal meaning to you?
“I thought it would be a great charity to become a part of, especially having had an aunt and, more recently, a cousin with breast cancer.”
You recently participated in your first Komen Race for the Cure?
“It was amazing to me to see the excitement on so many faces just to be affiliated with the Race charity. There were so many people that just wanted to give a little time, effort and money to help such a worthy cause.”
You seem to race around with your two boys as well.
“I love getting outside with them, whether it is in the park or watching them play. I have so much fun just watching them grow up and becoming more mature as they get older.”
Your way of unplugging is an adventure in the sky?
“One of the most memorable Las Vegas experiences I’ve ever had was riding the Big Shot at two in the morning. What an amazing ride and view. Such an adrenaline rush!”
Meet The Neighbor – Mark A. Matthews
By Callie Thomas
You’ve got to admire someone who has the ability to juggle many things in the air and still keep their wits about them. 89128 resident Mark Mathews is one of those enviable people. By trade, Matthews works full time for Clark County as a Supervising Systems Technician, and as he describes it, he supervises fourteen IT geeks that support nearly 5,000 computers. He is also the Chief Steward of the county’s Supervisor Unit for SEIU 1107. Although his job keeps him pretty busy making sure that all systems are go, he also volunteers his time to support a Las Vegas charitable organization as part of the county’s leadership role.
Matthews’ choice has been the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the annual fundraising event in which he’s been the Operations Chairperson for the past eight years. What that means is that Matthews and the operations team are responsible for all the “stuff” that actually makes the race happen. Every detail from set up to tear down and everything in between falls on the shoulders of Matthews and the rest of the team. Signs: check. Stage: check. Food, banners, barricades, trash cans, sponsor expos, porta-potties, Nevada Highway Patrol, AMR medics, pace cars, survivor recognition; check, check and more checks add up on their “to do” list. It’s hard to believe that with a list that long Matthews would consider himself a self-proclaimed procrastinator… with controlled ADD. He said that he has procrastinated again this year, waiting just days before the May event to pull it all together, which he’s continued to do flawlessly. The rest of the time he enjoys other passions such as football, particularly the Pittsburgh Steelers as he’s originally from Erie, Pennsylvania. Mark Matthews talks about his role with the Komen Race, his yearly football tradition and a couple of things even his friends might not know about him.
How did you first become involved in the Komen Race for the Cure?
“The Leadership Forum (a program sponsored by the county for its employees) encourages team members to provide about forty to fifty hours of volunteer time with various local organizations. I had waited until the last month to do most of my volunteer work when the Susan G. Komen Operations Chairperson at the time talked myself and a friend into becoming Assistant Chairs and said it would amount to ten to twenty hours of volunteer time. His estimate fell a ‘little’ short, but eight years and hundreds of hours later, I am still procrastinating getting ready for the annual event. Incidentally, the Leadership Forum program not only introduced me to Susan G. Komen, but it was also responsible for me meeting the love of my life, Karen Cale-Powell, a native Las Vegan and reason for me staying in Vegas.”
The Komen event is a huge undertaking. Any experiences you’d like to share?
“On the Sunday after the race, you can pretty much find me sleeping about thirty-two hours straight. Actually, it is so wonderful to support the people that work so hard to help so many women and men affected by something they have no control over.”
Tell us about your other passion.
“I am a huge football fan. I’m also an avid sports better, so my girlfriend Karen and I started a Super Sunday tradition of going to a 6:30am mass at St. Francis de Sales and then going to the LV Hilton sports book to have a champagne brunch, place a few bets, then go to a local pub to watch the game.”
If you weren’t in your present career, you would be…
“A high school or college football coach.”
Tell us something you think your friends might not know about you.
“They’d probably find it funny that I worked for the Cleveland Browns and Indians for seven-ish years, even though I’m such a huge Steelers fan… and they’d want to know where I get my fireworks for our annual 4th of July extravaganza, but I’ll have to leave them guessing.”
Meet The Neighbor – Clarice Donnelly
By Callie Thomas
When you were growing up, there was probably one teacher you had that stood out, whether it was for their teaching style or how they inspired you to learn. Students who attended schools in Las Vegas would probably include 89117 resident and educator Clarice Donnelly on that list.
Both Clarice and her late husband Mickey Donnelly trekked from Ohio to Las Vegas thirty-six years ago to become teachers with the Clark County School District. Over the years, Clarice has taught kindergarten and fourth grade, been part of the Reading Improvement Program, worked as an Educational Computing Strategist for two elementary schools, and has opened and served as the Site Coordinator for the College of Southern Nevada High Tech Centers by Palo Verde High School and Western High School. She has also taken on special assignments to train teachers on software to help bring technology into their classrooms. Clarice has also provided counseling services for nine years to middle school students, while her current duties involve serving as Scholarship PLUS Coordinator at The Public Education Foundation.
While Clarice has held her current position as Scholarship PLUS Coordinator for the past two years, she’s supported the program for a decade, coinciding with the death of her husband. Friends wanted to honor his memory since he was a counselor at Johnson Junior High School, the school attended by their two daughters, so the Mickey Donnelly Memorial Scholarship was created. Clarice discusses her involvement with the fund along with other initiatives that inspire, nurture and support the youth of our community.
Tell us about the Mickey Donnelly Memorial Scholarship.
“It goes to a senior who attended Johnson Middle School and will be attending college in Nevada. One of the best parts about working with the scholarship program is seeing these students succeed and hearing their stories.”
Are there any experiences through your work with the Foundation’s scholarship program that you can share?
“Overseeing the Foundation’s scholarship program has been such a fantastic experience. This year, we’re giving out nearly $800,000 to more than 450 students. For many seniors, the Foundation’s scholarships are what make their college dreams possible. One story that sticks out is a 2012 graduate of Cheyenne High School. This student was accepted to Harvard University but was $1,000 short of the required funds to get him there. He was able to obtain the remaining funds through one of the Foundation’s scholarships and is now about to start his sophomore year at Harvard.”
You are also busy overseeing the Foundation’s We R Community Program?
“Yes. The program is currently in fourteen high schools where a high school classroom receives a $5,000 donation and they act as their own nonprofit organization and decide how to grant the funds. They learn how to develop a mission statement and review grant applications. They research, interview and visit nonprofit organizations that support their mission statement, and the class sends grant applications to targeted nonprofits. In May, the school holds an award ceremony to present the funds.”
So is it safe to say that you are passionate about education?
“Well, first and foremost, I am passionate about our daughters. I feel fortunate to have Krista and Kara, who both love and like me. I’m also passionate about working with students who are applying for scholarships and seeing them succeed.”
What are you most proud to have accomplished?
“Being the first in my family to attend college was a huge accomplishment for my entire family. Moving to Las Vegas with my husband and having and enjoying our daughters are my proudest moments.”
If you weren’t in the education field, is there anything else you would like to do?
“I have truly said many times if I had my life to live all over again, I would want to be in Las Vegas and be involved in education. I feel so fortunate to wake up and still enjoy going to work.”
