James Trees

In the Kitchen: James Trees

By Rob Kachelriess

A little more than 18 months ago, James Trees didn’t have a single restaurant in Las Vegas. Now he has three. The chef capitalized on the grassroots success of Esther’s Kitchen in the Downtown Arts District with the recent opening of Ada’s at Tivoli Village. Along the way, he found time to put together the far smaller and lower profile 108 Eats grab-and-go panini and ice cream counter at The Strat observation deck. All three places found success in locations with their share of struggles and challenges. Tivoli Village, in particular, has a reputation for being a cursed spot for new restaurants, but Trees is bucking the trend. He says the success of Ada’s wouldn’t be possible without developing the “DNA” at Esther’s Kitchen first. It’s one that shows humble respect to the customer with price, service and execution. “We earn our customers one dish at a time,” says Trees. “Everything counts. We put out one bad dish and we lose a customer. That’s something a lot of chefs are almost okay with—and I’m not.”

Ada’s and Esther’s Kitchen share common elements. Vibrant, simple pasta dishes. Inventive, artisanal pizzas. Fresh baked bread with servings of anchovy butter. Compelling, yet affordable wine selections. Ambitious cocktails. And perhaps most important of all, a well-trained staff that knows how to make unfamiliar ingredients on the menu approachable. “It might read a little funky, you might not know all the words, but we’re going to walk you through that,” explains Trees. 

It’s been a long and winding road to the top. The chef was first exposed to the business of dining before he could legally drive a car. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Trees “followed some girl” into a culinary tech program thinking it would be a fun activity to do together. “We dated all summer and broke up,” he remembers. “I showed up on the first day. She didn’t.” Instead of falling in love with the girl, Trees fell in love with cooking, which he describes as “art, history and science all rolled up into one.” His skill and interest in food led to an internship at the Mirage at just 15 years old—something he acknowledges probably wouldn’t happen at such a young age today. Trees learned under chefs like Luke Palladino and Alex Stratta, who recommended him to the Culinary Institute of America in New York. He returned to Las Vegas and began a five-year on-and-off working relationship with Michael Mina. “More ‘off’ since he fired me three times,” Trees laughs. “He fired me as a master cook at Aqua; he fired me as sous chef at Michael Mina; and he fired me as a chef de cuisine at XIV in L.A.” 

Trees is quick to point out he was always rehired at a higher level than when he left. While he could be “a nightmare… a crazy person” at times, he views his setbacks and challenges as part of a growth process. As time went on, he found motivation and inspiration that would later shape his role as not only a chef, but a business owner. The journey included a stint at Andre Rochat’s Alize at the Palms, where Trees was given the freedom to flex his creativity on daily specials. (“We were firing on all cylinders; we were working really hard.”) He also cites his time at Bradley Ogden in Caesars Palace as a stimulating environment ahead of its era. “That was a unicorn kitchen,” he remembers. “You had people who were motivated. They wanted to be chefs and nothing was going to get in their way.”

Ten years in California brought gigs at numerous restaurants up and down the coast. He also contributed to Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen” television show. While in Los Angeles, Trees developed a fondness for the city’s neighborhood dining scene and wanted to bring that sense of community and cuisine to Las Vegas. He returned home and opened Esther’s Kitchen in early 2018, naming it after a late great-aunt who encouraged his career and left him an inheritance that helped make the restaurant a reality. Now a mentor in his own right, Trees is eager to pass along both knowledge and opportunity, fostering creativity and advancement from within. The team at Ada’s includes Chef de Cuisine Dylan Jobsz, who was originally the first hire at Esther’s Kitchen, and General Manager Sonia Stelea, the driving force behind Esther’s acclaimed cocktail program. “I think the apprenticeship program in the Old World style should come back,” says Trees. “The idea that we all need to go to college to be engineers is kind of passé. You can run a crane and make $150,000 a year or be a chef and make half-a-million dollars a year. You don’t need to go to school for that.” 

Trees and his kitchen team experimented with numerous styles and recipes to perfect Ada’s two signature dishes—pizza and ice cream. His employees are encouraged to run hard with the ball. “One of the things I love about Esther’s is I very rarely interject on the menu anymore,” he says. As he continues to take rising culinary professionals under his wing, James Trees is able to touch different corners of the Las Vegas Valley with the combined reach of Ada’s, Esther’s Kitchen and 108 Eats. Yet, this may be just the beginning. The chef has an eye on opening more concepts, but doesn’t want to move too fast. Give it a few years, and you may see “a couple weird projects” take shape. “We’re talking about a 15-seat restaurant that’s almost like an Italian omakase,” he says. “I have insane things I want to do—at different price points, feelings, and clientele—but what we’re doing first is creating this base so people know who we are.”

The Local

A Nip and a Nosh

By Aly Wagonseller

The quaint, neighborhood wine bar is a common find in most European and cosmopolitan cities in the U.S., yet for some reason it just hasn’t caught on here. My guess is that it’s because most bar owners in Vegas make their profits on the poker machines, and while the thought of enjoying a premium glass of wine or a cocktail when relaxing in a modern, non-gaming environment sounds appealing, few have the vision to make it reality. Until now that is.  The Local, located in the District at Green Valley Ranch, takes one brave step toward a different kind of bar experience. One that’s unpretentious and relaxed, but offers upscale wine and craft cocktails in a casual place designed for convo, not coins.

Chris and Stacy Connors (previous franchise owners of Rachel’s Kitchen and co-founders of Me Gusto Tacos), their partner in Me Gusto’s, Li Sun, and friends Randy and Amy Maher saw the need for a place like The Local. Finding the perfect, tiny spot at the District, they revamped the 1000 square foot space into a charming gathering spot with a bright and airy bar, a few tables and an indoor/outdoor patio area that opens out into the streets of the shopping center. Next, they hired Rafael Garcia, the former lead sommelier and manager at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and the journey to offer an exceptional wine experience began.

“We were sick of the typical restaurant wine list. Most of the wines are big names and found everywhere,” says Chris.  “At The Local we present an international selection of wines with a focus on boutique wineries. Some of the wines we select make no more than 200 cases a year, like our 2008 DEBEIKES Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Coincidently, they are next door neighbors to a famous winery in Napa called Opus One.”

In addition to the vino, The Local serves up creative cocktails using a variety of craft alcohols, including the District Dirty, a combo of Tahoe Blue Vodka, olive brine and a blue cheese olive; the Paper Plane, which pairs Four Roses Bourbon, Nonino Amaro, Aperol and lemon; or their refreshing Venetian Spritz made with Prosecco, Aperol and a spritz of club soda.  A small nibble menu keeps you from getting unnecessarily tanked, offering a couple of salads, bruschetta (the chicken salad version, made with a nice squeeze of citrus, was lighter than expected), paninis, as well as several charcuterie and vegetable board options that include delicious dips like their roasted bell pepper and feta dip. It’s the perfect spicy, salty bite when smeared on a crispy veg or cracker.

I love when entrepreneurs step off the cliff to bring the community something that’s a refreshing change from the norm, and The Local is certainly that. Adds Chris, “We’ve created a space where someone can go on a date, go out with friends, or come in solo and have a couple cocktails or glasses of wine, enjoy a cheese and meat board or salad and just have a great time with one another.” For questions or info on happy hour wine deals, visit drinkeatlocal.com or call 702-665-6050.

Fara Thomas

Local Artisan  

Fara Thomas

farathomasart.com

Instagram page: fara.thomas.art

“My art is about life, with all its textures and layers, expressing love of the movement, energy and depth that exists in our everyday lives.”

There are people who wish they could pursue their dreams, while others simply listen to an inner passion that allows nature to take its course.  This kind of trust in the universe requires courage, confidence and a unique perspective to intuitively know that where you stand in the moment is fluid and ever changing, yet ultimately leads to exactly where you’re meant to be. This is what artist Fara Thomas is all about. Discovering a true calling to create beautiful paintings that mimic the movement and energy paralleled in her own existence, Fara’s thought provoking pieces are complex, vibrant and filled with a peaceful spirit that quiets the soul while lifting the spirit.  We asked her about her artistic drive, the process of creating and how intuition plays a role in her finished pieces.

You didn’t train to be an artist. How did this life change come about?

This decision did not come in a structured or carefully thought-out step in my life. It appeared spontaneously, and I cannot even define its timing with precision. This transformation was not driven by my educational background either. With years of graduate studies, and after extended years of professional experience in a totally different field of occupation, I have gradually discovered a true calling and realized my passion for painting. In my case, I guess, it was reflective of a natural flow of events and my life experiences.

You’re passionately connected to your work. What do you hope to communicate through your paintings?

I want to somehow communicate my sense of the world– that way of understanding, engaging, and experiencing the world as I see it. Something that resonates with life and speaks to our experiences as humans. That universal desire to connect with other people in some way, to tell them about myself or my experiences.  

Artistic inspiration comes from many places. Is there anything in particular that speaks to your creative process?

Nature is the core of most of my creations. It’s not only a theme of my work but, remarkably, a driving force as well. As an artist, I work hard to develop paintings that speak to me and others about the beauty that exists around us by combining color and texture to represent a liberating moment in time. My paintings include natural environments and objects, single elements of natural phenomena and geographical ambiance, panoramic view and wildlife. I try to embrace and show the captivating power that color lends to landscapes, desertscapes and seascapes, and the light refractions exhibited in the texture of flowers, mysterious fluctuations of water and deviational patterns of moving natural forms. I work from spontaneity and intuition to explore a variety of compositions from molecular worlds to the expansive rocky desert that surrounds us.

The visual stimuli of nature is certainly present in your work, but how does intuition play a part in the finished product?

I love to start a painting, that’s my favorite part! Finding the image, giving it life, living with it and then finishing the work is the hardest part, the exhausting and fulfilling part.

Sometimes I start a project with one idea, but my intuition and emotions lead me through the process. The paintings can start as chaotic and uncontrolled, using a contemporary palette and methodical layering technique, but as I continue, I become so focused on the present moment that things quickly settle into a calmness I can see in the finished pieces. It’s a function of creative originality, something that’s of utmost importance to me.  I think my process definitely ensures that my work is original. Since I work completely by intuition, there is no way that even I can copy a painting I have made.

Las Vegas has it’s share of glitz and glamour, yet you see something different. How does living here impact your painting?  

We live in one of the most beautiful areas of this country.  The natural beauty that lies just outside Las Vegas Boulevard encompasses acres of remarkable beauty and surprising diversity. The desert offers different stages of life, experiential intricacies, positive and negative events, advantageous or disadvantageous encounters, a living environment and people that surround me–all that shapes and forms our mentality and emotional state of mind. I am fortunate that my environment, my ambiance, is very positive and encouraging, with great support from Signature Galleries, located at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, which displays my art and allows me to enjoy the creation process in a fully imaginative way.

Reminiscence Therapy:

Can Dwelling on the Past Improve Dementia?

Shortly before her 50^th birthday, Australian medical sales professional Kate Swaffer was handed a devastating diagnosis: she had a rare form of early-onset dementia. Although she has gone on to become a vocal advocate for those affected by dementia, co-founding the organization Dementia Alliance International, Swaffer does not hold back when describing the catastrophic feelings of sadness and hopelessness that the diagnosis brought with it, or the formidable challenges she now faces as part of her day-to-day life. “I think it boils down to a few constantly recurring feelings: confusion, frustration, humiliation, embarrassment, loneliness, isolation, anger, irritation, a deep sadness and, last but not least, worry, because I am constantly faced with an ever-changing playing field, never knowing what function is going to become impaired or lost tomorrow.”   

A Growing Public Health Problem

With the number of people suffering from dementia in the U.S. now nearing 6 million, the condition is rapidly emerging as one of the country’s most pressing public health problems. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-70% of all cases. Although a number of important research breakthroughs have been made in recent years, including the discovery of potential links between the disease and factors such as brain-cell inflammation, cardiovascular health, and insulin resistance, the prognosis remains bleak. Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., and it is the only disease among the top 10 leading causes of death that currently cannot be cured, prevented or slowed.

There are a number of treatments used for Alzheimer’s, with the majority being drugs. However, these treatments have a mixed success record and often bring with them an array of unpleasant side effects. One decidedly old-fashioned treatment for dementia has risen to the forefront and is earning plaudits for its effectiveness: talk therapy. Specifically, reminiscence therapy, which revolves around engaging all five senses in guided discussions about the past with people who have dementia. And although there are clinical specialists who are experts in advanced techniques, reminiscence therapy is simple enough that anyone–a caregiver, friend or family member–can draw out long-ago memories and lift the spirits of a person with dementia.

How does reminiscence therapy work?

According to psychological research, events that occur from roughly the age of 10 to 30 tend to be seared most indelibly into our memories. This period is known as “the reminiscence bump.” When a person develops dementia, the short-term memory is typically the first function to be impacted. But, remarkably, even people who have fairly advanced forms of dementia can often recall life events that occurred during the bump, particularly momentous occasions such as weddings, births, home purchases and others.

One specific type of reminiscence therapy is known as life story work, which involves putting together a photo album or scrapbook of memorable events in the patient’s life and then looking at the book together, allowing the patient to take the reins and tell stories triggered by photos and mementos. This type of activity has been shown to be emotionally beneficial for both the dementia patient and the facilitator, as the use of props, including scrapbooks, tends to help improve communication.

In addition to props that engage the senses, another key element of reminiscence therapy is using open-ended questions to gently encourage the dementia patient to access long-buried memories, pleasant feelings and associations. Geriatric nurse Sandy Klever says, “Other helpful tools include active listening, responding positively, asking follow-up questions, and allowing time for silence and emotion. If appropriate, share your own experiences as an offer of support.”

Although reminiscence therapy is a relatively new concept, it has been in use long enough to recently have been subjected to some evaluation research. The primary positive findings indicate that reminiscence therapy has been linked to improved cognitive health and mood, lessened depression, an improved sense of empowerment and self-esteem, and reduced strain experienced by caregivers and loved ones.

Reminiscence Therapy: A Journey of the Senses

The only real limitation when it comes to finding effective props to use in reminiscence therapy is your own imagination. It also takes some trial and error to determine which types of props and activities your loved one responds to most positively. In addition, if age-related vision or hearing problems are a concern, it is probably best to focus on the other senses.

Vision: The most widely used and effective prop in reminiscence therapy is the memory book. Although the family memory book is particularly popular, some caregivers have used other themes, such as career highlights, pictures evoking a hobby or recreational activity the patient once enjoyed, or even film stars or other celebrities from the era of the patient’s reminiscence bump. There are also hundreds of commercially produced games and props that can be helpful, such as the company Meternally’s themed memory mats.

Hearing: Few things provoke nostalgic memories as powerfully as audio cues, such as music. With today’s music streaming services and other technology tools, it’s a snap to put together a custom playlist of hit songs from your loved one’s younger years. Alternately, if you can’t communicate well enough to determine their favorites, Spotify, Pandora and other services have premade music playlists representing decades or historical periods. Add an audio punch to your memory book by purchasing a “talking” photo album, which allows you to record short audio segments related to each photo or album page.

Smell: Although one of the more recent areas to be studied in relation to reminiscence therapy, olfactory cues are starting to make a splash in the field, so much so that a number of companies are now producing “smell kits” or “smell cards” to help evoke memories of past environments, such as the forest, a garden, or a woodworking shop. Aromatherapy with essential oils is another increasingly popular activity. Allow the senior to smell each oil and ask open-ended questions about any memories or associations with the fragrance. An added bonus is that some oils can help soothe anxious or agitated patients.

Touch: Another reminiscent therapy technique that is gaining popularity is helping patients create virtual memory boards using touchscreen tablets and online platforms such as Pinterest. It can sometimes be easier to let a caretaker take the lead in creating an online memory board, then teach the dementia patient how to navigate it with the touchscreen device. Engage in simple craft activities, such as painting, may also evoke pleasant memories.

Taste: If food sensitivities or digestive issues aren’t an issue for your loved one, taste is a great way to access memories. Ideas include offering the dementia patient their favorite dessert, a beloved childhood comfort food, a dish that was served at their wedding or another special occasion, or a meal that is common in the culture or country they lived in as a child or young adult. Just a few bites can be the starting point for many happy memories.

Although a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult to process, it doesn’t mean your loved one is doomed to a lonely existence with poor quality of life. Reminiscence therapy is just one of many low-cost, simple methods you can call on to make sure your loved one is mentally engaged–and maybe even strengthen your bond and learn a few things about your family history in the process. 

ERIC MENDELSOHN

Meet The Neighbor

ERIC MENDELSOHN

By Callie Thomas

Where did the summer go? The temps are still high, but in Vegas it’s already back to school for valley kids this month and time for re-focusing on studies from math and science to English, history and technology. With over twenty-five years of teaching experience and education management under his belt, along with an M.A. in English as well as extensive program development, Eric Mendelsohn has worked with a wide range of students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.  His passion for computer sciences has also ensured that Las Vegas students have the ability to gain integral knowledge and skills in a vast and ever-evolving field of communication, which he accomplishes through programs he’s created as an outreach effort of Code Central, a business he started with his brother Brian about three years ago.

Mendelsohn and his family are six-year Las Vegas residents, originating from San Francisco.  In those short years he became the recipient of the 2017 Las Vegas Top Tech Executive Community Exemplary Award for outreach and involvement by bringing technology education to youth in the Las Vegas area in association with the Clark County School District and Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada.  He’s not only been a contributing member of the Nevada Board of Education’s Computer Science standards writing team, he helped to create the state’s new Computer Science curriculum.  Mendelsohn currently sits on the advisory board for LIED Stem Academy and is a member of the School Organizational Teams at Wallin and Wolf Elementary Schools. Through these endeavors he’s brought coding to kids across the valley. “It’s important to me that I give back to the community by offering whatever resources and knowledge I have to benefit others,” he said.  “I enjoy creating opportunities that inspire others to learn, especially as a father of a third-grader.”

This past summer the organization offered a series of tech camps for kids age 7 to 17, providing a fun and collaborative space that inspires creativity and teaches programming skills from developing websites to programming robots and creating video games. “My goal was to create an environment where boys and girls could learn valuable skills and coding. They also are given the ability to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. My vision is that some will eventually become computer programmers in the industry.”

Earlier in the year, Code Central also held its first Student Showcase event at the Switch Innovation Center.  “We had over 150 students and family members attend, and Senator Jacky Rosen came to speak about the value of what we are providing the youth,” Mendelsohn said with pride. In addition to the Showcase event, their philanthropic endeavors also include FACES, providing free family coding events to CCSD families; hosting workshops for the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada to earn badges in technology; hosting free video game design workshops to members and visitors of the Discovery Children’s Museum; and offering summer camp scholarships for middle and high school students through the Southern Nevada Cybersecurity Alliance, among others. “I love to create learning opportunities for others and for myself,” he said, which includes exploring another passion—music.  “I play the drums and love to see live music.”

Whenever Mendelsohn isn’t teaching, working on his business and the many outreach programs for our city’s youth, you’ll most likely find him spending quality time at home with his wife and daughter. “My wife and I both have crazy work schedules, so it’s a real treat for all of us to be home together.”

Although he’s accomplished much throughout his career and throughout the community, Eric Mendelsohn doesn’t consider himself a success.  “Success to me means doing and giving my best at all times, and I fail at this often. I am a work in progress!”

Keely Peterson

Keely Peterson

Foothill High School

Class of 2020

It’s not happenstance that Foothill High School Student Body President Keely Peterson often finds herself calling the shots. “Leadership,” she says, “is something that comes naturally for me.” She chalks it up to being an “old soul” who is able to communicate effectively with people of all ages while showing up as mature and trustworthy. Moreover, she is resolute in her belief that she can do just about anything she sets her mind to as long as she is determined and willing to work for it. With this resilient mindset and a desire to always keep striving for greatness, Keely Peterson is–A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.7

Activities/Community Service:

• Student Council, 2016-Present
• Student Body President, 2019-2020
• Sophomore Class President, 2017-2018
• Student Body Secretary, 2018-2019
• AP Club, 2017-Present
• Student Advisory Board Representative, 2018/2019
• St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Walk/Run Volunteer, 2016/2017
• Three Square Food Bank, 2016-2018
• Henderson Police Fallen Heroes Walk/Run Volunteer, 2017-2019
• OneHill Organization Elementary/Middle School Volunteer, 2018/2019

Scholarships/Awards:

• Freshman of the Year (Student Council), 2018
• Distinguished Student Leader, 2018
• Student of the Quarter, 2019
• Straight A Awards, 2016-2019
• NASC Silver Star, 2018/2019
• Gold Council of Excellence, 2018/2019
• Valedictorian Candidate for 2020

What are your top priorities as Student Body President? “My top priority is to increase organization within Foothill’s council but also school-wide. I believe that increasing organization and certain aspects such as communication will benefit everyone, whether that be students or staff. I also plan to bring a lot of school spirit to Foothill and keep it all year long.”

How has being in student council helped you grow as a person? “Being in student council has taught me a lot about myself and has drastically increased my confidence. Being in charge of various events and being relied on has taught me how to believe in myself and never give up. Over the past year, I have also had to learn how to be accepting and much more compromising than I would have expected.”

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of and why? “I am most proud of being elected Student Body President and for everything that I have done in student council. I have loved being able to make decisions on behalf of my school in order to create events or activities I know that they would love and would make them excited to go to school.” 

What has been your favorite community service endeavor or charity to work with? “I love to volunteer at the Henderson Police’s Fallen Heroes Walk/Run each year. In this run, we honor all the police officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty. It has allowed me to witness first-hand the impact a single person can make on an entire community.”

Caroline Bellamy

Caroline Bellamy

Coronado High School

Class of 2020 

Coronado High School senior Caroline Bellamy has two loves: horseback riding and yearbook, and she excels at them both through no shortage of passion and effort. Each comes with its own set of challenges, and while she knows that perfection doesn’t exist, she won’t stop striving to attain it. “I have ridden so many rounds at competitions and done so many pages in the yearbook and none of them have been perfect,” she says. “There have always been flaws.” But when the going gets tough, she’s learned that the best course of action is to power through knowing that it will always be better on the other side. Kind, helpful and highly self-motivated, Caroline Bellamy is– A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.67

Sports/Activities:

• Competitive Horseback Riding, 2012-Present 
• CHS Advanced Placement Academy, 2016-Present
• Coronado Yearbook­ “The Prowl” Staff Member, 2016-2018; Co-Sports Editor, 2018-2019; Co- Editor in Chief, 2019
• The School of the New York Times–Writing the Big City, 2017
• The School of the New York Times–Screenwriting and DIY Filmmaking, 2018
• JEA/NSPA High School National Convention, San Francisco, 2018
• Columbia Scholastic Press Association Spring Convention, 2019
• Jostens San Diego National Workshop, 2018 & 2019
• City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Kids Zone Recreation Assistant, 2019

Awards/Community Service:

• Southern Nevada Hunter Jumper Association .70 Jumper Division Year End Champion, 2016
• Camelot Horse Shows–Autumn Classic Jumper Stake Champion, 2018
• Camelot Horse Shows–Autumn Classic 1.00 M Jumper Division Champion, 2018
• Southern Nevada Hunter Jumper Association KMC Hunter Derby Perpetual Trophy, 2018
• United States Equestrian Varsity Letter, 2016-2019
• Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/United States Hunter Jumper Association Emerging Athlete Program, 2019      
• Southern Nevada Society of Journalists–Excellent Chronological Spread, 2017
• AP Scholar with Honor, 2019
• Hearts Alive Village Las Vegas, 2019

You went right onto the yearbook staff freshman year and haven’t looked back. What is so special to you about yearbook? “It has forced me to go way out of my comfort zone and become a much more confident and stronger person, as well as a stronger leader. Yearbook has allowed me to really become involved and has taught me so many communication skills, as well as strengthened my English and grammar skills.” 

How has competitive horseback riding shaped the person you are today? “I think that, as a whole, horseback riding has really strengthened me as a person and taught me countless lessons over the years. Every time I get on a horse, I have to exercise trust with the animal, as well as confidence and leadership. I have had to learn how to manage my fears and nerves, and learn how to not only listen to criticism, but also internalize it and use it to make me a better rider.”

You’re proud of the relationship you’ve built with your horse, Lulu. What goes into that? “Horses are not always easy to ride, especially my horse. It’s something that I have been working on since I was very little. Building a high level of trust with a horse takes a lot of time and effort. It’s not something that just clicks; it’s a long and buildable process. But she has taught me that every time I power through a really hard lesson or even a hard month, I always come out a stronger rider and person, and we become a better team.” 

Why did you choose to work with Hearts Alive Village cat and dog rescue? “I do it because I love animals, as can be seen with my commitment to the horses. It gives me the chance to go and spend time with all these amazing animals and to help them adjust to new lives with kind and caring people so that they can find their forever home and live a very happy life.” 

Jackie Mason

Jackie Mason

Green Valley High School

Class of 2020

Green Valley High School Student Body President Jackie Mason attacks everything with a strong-willed mind and a penchant for adapting to any situation. When things get sticky, she calls upon qualities she’s learned from people she admires most: patience, perseverance, determination, logic and smarts. This powerful combination helps her see seemingly insurmountable projects and assignments through to completion, while bringing on a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when the job is well done. With goals that include encouraging school pride and a sense of inclusion, continuing an impeccable athletic and academic track record, and setting a positive example for others, Jackie Mason is– A Step Above.  

G.P.A.: 4.2

Sports/Clubs/Activities:

• Varsity Competition Cheer- 2016-2018
• Varsity Swim and Dive- 2017-Present
• Varsity Track and Pole Vault- 2016-2017
• Varsity Cross Country, 2019-2020
• Madrigals Choir, 2016-2017
• Class President, 2016/2018
• Class Vice President, 2017
• Student Body President, 2019-2020
• National Charity League, 2013-Present
• Roller Skating Club Founder and President, 2018-Present

Awards/Community Service:    

• Top All-American Cheerleader, 2016-2018
• Top Scholar Athlete–GVHS Cheer, 2017-2018
• Game Day National Champion, 2018
• Silver Star Award, 2016-Present
• National Gold Star of Excellence, 2016-Present
• National Charity League, 2014-Present
• Volunteer Work, 2014-Present: Lullaby Connection, Children’s Heart Foundation, Spread the Word NV, Opportunity Village, Delmar Gardens, Three Square Food Bank, Families for Effective Autism Treatment, Operation Homefront, Joy Prom, F.E.A.T., NV Childhood Cancer Foundation, Hopelink, Boys & Girls Club Henderson, Make A Wish, Grant A Gift for Autism, Children’s Heart Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation

What are your top priorities as Student Body President? “My top priorities as SBP are to bring back a high level of spirit and pride at GVHS, maintain our NV Association of Student Council involvement and obtain the National Gold Council of Excellence Award.”

Is leadership something that comes naturally to you? “Yes. From the day I learned how to speak I always wanted to be in charge. I am an extroverted, outgoing individual who loves to serve and help others. I have just learned how to positively channel those leadership qualities.”

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of and why? “I am most proud of becoming Student Body President, due to the fact that I was not in Student Council coming into high school. I proved to myself that leadership comes from within an individual, not the amount of years of experience. I am also proud of maintaining a 4.0 throughout high school, and balancing sports along with health and activities.”

Which of your many community service endeavors has affected you the most? “NV Childhood Cancer Foundation has changed my outlook on life in a major way. I have learned to never take life or one’s capabilities for granted. There are people who would kill to merely get out of bed, and I have the ability to run, flip, and live my everyday life.”

Katilyn Grant

A Step Above 89123

Kaitlyn Grant

Silverado High School

Class of 2020

Attitude is everything for Silverado High School Student Body President Kaitlyn Grant. Positivity is, after all, at the core of all that she does, from her position as captain of the swim team to gavel-holder at the podium and everywhere in between. It’s the foundation on which she has developed her strong leadership skills, a solid work ethic, and a model for how to treat others, that is, with respect and dignity. The lessons she’s picked up on along the way have been fruitful, teaching her to adopt patience, dedication and gratefulness and apply them liberally to every endeavor and relationship. For all that and more, Kaitlyn Grant is– A Step Above.   

G.P.A.: 4.6

Sports/Clubs/Activities:

• Women’s Varsity Swim, 2016-Present
• Women’s Varsity Swim Captain, 2018-Present
• Women’s Varsity Cross Country, 2018
• Piano Lessons, 2016-2017
• Miamaid Class President, 2017-2018
• Student Body President, 2019-2020
• Student Council, 2016-Present
• Swim Teacher, 2017-Present

Awards/Community Service:

• Scholar Athlete, 2016-Present
• Varsity Letter in Women’s Swimming, 2016-Present
• Varsity Letter in Women’s Cross Country, 2018
• Young Women’s Excellence Award, 2017
• Honor Bee Award, 2018
• Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2015-Present
• Three Square Food Bank, 2016-Present
• Nevada State College Foundation, 2018-2019

What are your top priorities as Student Body President? “My top priorities as Student Body President are to promote more community service at my school and to involve more students in school activities. I want every student at Silverado High School to enjoy school and feel like they matter and know they have a purpose.”

How has being in student council enriched your educational and personal experience? “Being in student council has enriched my educational and personal experience in high school by connecting me to my student body. Knowing my classmates and teachers on a more personal level has helped me appreciate the education I am receiving.”  

Do you know what you want to do after high school? “I plan to attend Brigham Young University in the fall of 2020 and major in Economics. After receiving my BS, I plan to attend law school. I would then like to become an Estate Planning Attorney. On top of my career path, what I am most excited for after high school is to start my own family.”

What has been your favorite community service endeavor or charity to work with?

“My favorite community service endeavor is visiting Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church. Twice a year I visit this church and feed the homeless. This has changed my outlook on the community. I am more aware of the circumstances that some people are in. This helps me be more mindful of how I treat others.”