Aries Thomas is a remarkable young man. He has worked exceptionally hard throughout his high school career to be the strongest student possible. He has overcome many obstacles throughout his lifetime and has proven that a label doesn’t determine success. He has acted as the manager for the school’s coffee shop, which supplies the teachers on campus with their morning jolt of caffeine. He has also managed the Student Store keeping up with inventory and staff (peers) throughout the school year. He has performed all these positions with integrity. He is also a member of Gator Pride, the school’s community-based service organization. He is also an active member of the Green Valley Best Buddies Chapter.
Aries has portrayed excellence in every aspect of his high school career, and we look forward to the remarkable things he will accomplish in the future.
East Career and Technical Academy is so very excited to announce our CCSD Star Graduate: Rhianna Trujillo. Rhianna is an outstanding academic achiever, a devoted community servant, and one of the most genuinely impressive young people we have had the privilege of knowing.
Rhianna is enrolled in East Tech’s Medical Professions CTE Program and serves as Vice President of Spirit for Student Council, a role she has embraced with energy, creativity, and heart. She is also a proud Titan Ambassador, regularly welcoming prospective students, parents, and community guests to our campus in both English and Spanish, leading tours with poise, warmth, and enthusiasm.
What makes Rhianna truly extraordinary is that she leads without needing the spotlight. She is inclusive, kind, and deeply invested in the people around her. She is consistently the first to volunteer, the first to show up, and the last to take credit. And through it all, she never lets her dedication to her school come at the expense of her academics: she excels in both.
Rhianna is headed to either New York University (NYU) or University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Honors College in the fall. We cannot wait to see what she does next. Rhianna Trujillo is, without question, our Star Graduate!
Mischa Perzanowski stands as a remarkable example of dedication, brilliance, and purpose. A senior in the Biomedical Program at Northwest Career and Technical Academy (NWCTA), she has spent her high school years pushing the boundaries of what it means to excel. With a relentless curiosity for science and a deep commitment to learning, Mischa has distinguished herself as a valedictorian candidate—an honor that reflects not only her academic excellence, but also her perseverance and discipline.
Yet her achievements reach far beyond the classroom. Mischa has been named a finalist for the prestigious Coca-Cola Scholarship, competing for a $20,000 award that recognizes exceptional leadership, service, and academic success. This recognition places her among a small group of students nationwide who are shaping the future through ambition and impact.
Perhaps most inspiring is her QuestBridge Match, which has earned her a full-ride scholarship to Yale University. This life-changing opportunity reflects the extraordinary promise she carries and the bright future ahead of her.
Mischa’s journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and vision. She represents the very best of her school and community—proof that hard work, heart, and determination can open doors to the world’s greatest opportunities.
Bryan Morales is an exceptional student who cares deeply for his school and community. He strives to make everyone feel welcome at Bonanza High School, and you can often see him talking to many different students on campus. He has also been the mascot for the last two years, even making off-campus appearances at reunions and CCSD events. He is always willing to go above and beyond for his school and takes a lot of pride in it. He is involved in many programs such as student council and is heavily involved in the Construction Program, having been in it all four years and has taken on multiple projects to help him develop necessary skills outside of high school. Bryan applied and was the only student accepted to attend a diversity and leadership program at Camp Anytown as a junior. He also represented his school well when he presented at the National Student Council conference in Washington, D.C. He is friendly, kind, outgoing, and generous. Bryan is an excellent representation of Bonanza High School.
Basic Academy of International Studies proudly recognizes Madison Parise as the Star Graduate for the Class of 2026. A valedictorian candidate, Madison has demonstrated outstanding academic commitment by successfully challenging herself with a rigorous schedule of International Baccalaureate (IB), dual enrollment, and honors courses.
Madison is a standout leader in athletics, serving as a four-year member and senior captain of the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, a three-year softball player, and a dedicated club soccer athlete. She volunteers as a youth soccer coach and is involved with the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT), where she works to foster a positive environment among her peers.
Beyond athletics, Madison is a talented four-year member of the Wind Ensemble as an oboe player, a co-founder and captain of Basic Academy’s Varsity Quiz Team, and sings in her church choir. She has also spent two years as a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, representing student voice at the district level.
Madison also successfully balances her academic and extracurricular life while working for the City of Henderson’s Recreation Department, and as a legal assistant at a law office. Known throughout our school for her kindness, leadership, strong work ethic, and character, Madison truly represents the very best of Basic Academy. We are incredibly proud to celebrate her as our Star Graduate.
Ed W. Clark High School is proud to present Celine Chang as our 2026 Star Graduate. Celine has achieved unparalleled academic success, earning a weighted GPA of 4.95 within the school’s Academy of Math, Science, and Applied Technology (AMSAT) Program. An Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction and an AP Capstone Diploma Candidate, she has demonstrated mastery across 17 AP exams. Beyond the classroom, Celine serves as the Nevada Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) State Vice President and is a distinguished competitor at both the state and national levels. Driven by a passion for educational equity, she co-authored and lobbied for Senate Bill 199, Nevada’s first proposed legislation regulating the use of AI in education. This fall, Celine will attend Yale University, where she plans to study economics and public policy.
David Zwahlen exemplifies the very best of Boulder City High School. Each day, he arrives on campus with energy, enthusiasm, and an infectious smile that positively impacts those around him. David truly embodies the spirit of teamwork and school pride.
An accomplished volleyball player, David will continue his athletic career next year at Lewis University. Beyond his impressive athletic ability, he serves as a constant source of motivation and positivity for his team, uplifting teammates and fostering a strong sense of unity.
David is also a familiar presence at school events, enthusiastically supporting fellow athletes and celebrating the accomplishments of his peers. He consistently demonstrates leadership and service, serving on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and representing students at school board meetings.
In addition, he is always willing to assist coaches and teachers, demonstrating maturity, respect, and a genuine commitment to the school community. Alongside his leadership and service, David has earned the distinction of valedictorian of his graduating class, reflecting his dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence.
Boulder City High School is proud to recognize David Zwahlen as a STAR Graduate and an outstanding representative of our school community.
Patrick Parker is a standout student at Spring Valley High School, distinguished by his academic diligence, civic leadership, and intellectual maturity. Patrick distinguishes himself through his consistent engagement and a genuine curiosity. He is a proactive participant who leads by example, often responding to inquiries without prompting and offering a unique perspective that remains respectful even when it diverges from the majority.
Patrick’s character is most visible through his deep commitment to the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program, where he serves as the Battalion Operations Officer. In this leadership role, he manages the logistical complexities of group activities and field trips, demonstrating a level of professionalism and responsibility that extends far beyond the classroom. His pride in his service is evident; he frequently shares updates on his progress toward military enlistment and his role in high-stakes events like the annual Area Manager military inspection.
Patrick is also defined by his dedication to community service. He regularly participates in monthly food drives and often assists his peers with their studies. This selfless approach, combined with his ability to listen and understand diverse viewpoints without judgment, marks him as a student of exceptional character.
Angelina Carrillo is an outstanding student who demonstrates what dedication, resilience, and hard work truly look like. Currently ranked number 1 in her class, Angelina has shown an incredible commitment to her academics while balancing many other responsibilities. She is a three-sport athlete, playing with determination and representing her school with pride in every competition she participates in.
Beyond athletics and academics, Angelina is actively involved in school clubs and community service, always finding ways to give back and support those around her. Whether helping organize school events or volunteering in her community, she consistently shows leadership, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Angelina’s journey has not been without challenges. She has faced adversity in her life, but instead of letting obstacles hold her back, she has used them as motivation to grow stronger and stay focused on her goals. Her perseverance and positive mindset continue to inspire those around her.
In addition to her academic and extracurricular commitments, Angelina also works a part-time job, demonstrating remarkable time management and responsibility. Balancing school, sports, clubs, work, and personal challenges is not easy, but Angelina continues to excel and lead by example in everything she does. She truly embodies being a Chaparral High School Cowboy.
Despite facing significant challenges throughout high school, Yoshawn Washington has demonstrated remarkable perseverance, resilience, and personal growth. Early obstacles could have easily derailed his progress, yet he chose instead to reflect, learn, and steadily improve. Through determination, increased self-discipline, and a commitment to making better choices, he transformed both his academic performance and his approach to school and responsibility. Over time, he matured into a focused and accountable young adult who takes pride in his work and understands the value of effort and integrity. His achievement of a 3.50 GPA at graduation stands as a testament not only to his academic ability but also to the strength of his character and his willingness to grow from adversity. His journey reflects a powerful example of how persistence, maturity, and determination can lead to meaningful success.
Foothill High School is proud to recognize Monty Whalawitsa as our 2026 Star Graduate. A proud member of the Navajo Nation, Monty moved to Nevada in 2017 and has since become a powerhouse of academic excellence and community leadership.
Monty balances a rigorous course load of Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment courses while specializing in Advanced Manufacturing and Automation through our partnership with the College of Southern Nevada. Having earned his Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) Silver Certification, Monty’s technical prowess also led the Robotics team to a State Championship berth. As a leader in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), he merged his skills with entrepreneurship by launching a custom t-shirt business to support the club.
Beyond the classroom, Monty is defined by his service. He mentors the school chess team and has packaged over 1,300 food kits for the Serving Our Kids Foundation. Monty’s journey is one of representation and excellence; he plans to attend Great Basin College to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Systems. He remains a dedicated role model for his tribe and his peers, proving that with hard work and heart, any goal is within reach.
Central Technical Training Academy proudly recognizes Elijah Hamilton as its Star Graduate. A true pillar of our community, Elijah seamlessly blends high-level technical mastery with the leadership of a dedicated community builder.
As a standout in our Advanced Manufacturing program, Elijah embodies an engineering mindset. He has earned multiple industry-recognized Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) certifications, including Industry 4.0 Associate credentials at both Silver and Gold levels. His work is defined by the iterative process—meticulously testing and refining projects to meet high standards.
Beyond his technical acumen, Elijah’s “soft skills” set him apart. Whether serving as a Student Ambassador, Student Council Representative, or ACE Mentoring participant, he is a gifted communicator who bridges social groups to create a more cohesive campus. His ability to lead with empathy and clarity has made our school more vibrant and cohesive.
Elijah’s journey continues at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. We are confident his blend of technical excellence and civic leadership will leave a lasting mark on the Las Vegas community.
John F. Miller School is honored to recognize Christina Blohm as our Star Graduate. Christina’s journey is a powerful example of resilience in action. Despite navigating significant intellectual and health impairments, she arrives each day as a smiling ray of sunshine, bringing a contagious warmth to our hallways.
Throughout her time at John F. Miller School, Christina has faced personal health challenges with a level of perseverance that inspires both her peers and faculty. A dedicated student, she has made meaningful progress in her communication by using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and switches to actively participate in lessons, respond to simple yes/no questions, and engage in her learning environment, showing us all that determination is a voice of its own.
Christina is a social butterfly who thrives when connecting with others. She can often be found listening to music or joyfully riding the adaptive bicycle, activities that highlight her vibrant spirit. She also enjoys sensory play, especially with water. Her consistent positivity and dedicated work ethic have made her a beloved member of our school community. We celebrate Christina for her strength, her progress, and the bright light she shares with us every day.
Being named a Star Graduate is about embodying the resilience and dedication of our entire school community. It is an honor to nominate Amyrr Paschal, a student who truly defines what it means to strive for excellence.
Whether engaging in American Government or excelling in Bionic class, Amyrr demonstrates a maturity that sets him apart. He is a leader who leads by example, possessing the rare ability to articulate a clear vision and follow through with unwavering commitment.
Amyrr’s discipline extends far beyond the classroom. He approaches every challenge with a focused intensity. He refuses to settle for “good enough,” pursuing excellence with a drive that motivates everyone around him.
Amyrr does not just meet expectations; he consistently seeks to maximize his potential. We are proud to recognize Amyrr Paschal as our Star Graduate. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that with discipline and heart, there are no limits to what a student can achieve.
Tucker Lile is a senior at Rancho High School and a valedictorian candidate in a graduating class of 647. He is completing his final year in Rancho’s Magnet Pilot Program and has consistently excelled while taking the most challenging courses.
Beyond academics, Tucker serves as a Magnet Ambassador, representing both the program and school at community events. Through athletics, JROTC, and leadership roles, he consistently demonstrates integrity, responsibility, and compassion.
What truly sets Tucker apart is his character and determination. In a highly competitive academic environment, he prioritizes connection and community, treating others with kindness, empathy, and respect while maintaining exceptionally high standards. Tucker’s determination is unparalleled. From a young age, Tucker dreamed of becoming a military pilot. While still in elementary school, he developed a fascination with airplanes and created a plan to achieve that goal, one he has pursued with unwavering focus.
Today, Tucker is on a solid path to achieving his dreams with appointments to the Naval, Coast Guard, and Air Force Academies. Rancho High School is incredibly proud of his accomplishments and the path he is forging.
Tucker represents the very best of the school: an outstanding student, a dedicated leader, and a young man committed to lifting others.
Carissa Rashid is Liberty High School’s 2026 Star Graduate. She is being recognized for her outstanding academic achievements, resilience, and character while attending Liberty High School. She maintained an impressive 4.837 cumulative weighted GPA while completing a rigorous course load and consistently earning honor student recognition. Carissa approaches every task with a positive attitude and has built strong relationships with people of all ages through her excellent written and verbal communication skills.
During the second semester of her sophomore year, Carissa experienced a major health challenge when she was diagnosed with cancer. She was hospitalized and placed on homebound education during this difficult time. Despite these obstacles, Carissa demonstrated remarkable strength and determination by continuing to maintain excellent grades and eventually returning to Liberty High School during her junior year. Her perseverance through such a serious illness reflects a level of resilience that few individuals face at such a young age.
In addition to her academic success, Carissa was actively involved in school organizations including Girl-Up, a club focused on girls supporting and empowering one another, and the Med-Psych Club, which provides students with information about careers in the medical field.
Caleb Flash has stood out at Laughlin High School as an amazing student. While many students are defined by their academic achievements, Caleb is defined by a rare combination of battle-tested resilience, quiet leadership, and unwavering integrity. To know Caleb is to witness a level of maturity that many adults spend a lifetime striving to achieve. During his time at Laughlin High School, Caleb was diagnosed with Leukemia and ultimately beat his cancer. As he fought his disease, Caleb still kept his academics a priority and remained the polite, hardworking, and kind person he is. His ability to persevere while continuing to contribute positively to those around him is truly admirable. Caleb’s work ethic is the gold standard for what it means to be a student. He doesn’t just complete the requirements; he pursues excellence for its own sake. His attendance is exemplary, and his commitment to his studies is absolute. Laughlin High School is very proud of Caleb and his remarkable achievements in his academic and personal life.
Adrian Thompson is an exceptional senior who truly embodies the spirit of a CCSD Star Graduate. With a 3.761 GPA, he has maintained elite academic performance while simultaneously competing at the highest level of high school athletics. As a standout wrestler, Adrian’s journey to the State Championships was not just a display of physical prowess but a testament to the mental toughness he applies to every facet of his life. Adrian has faced significant personal adversity that would have derailed a less determined individual. Instead of allowing these hurdles to define him, he has used them as fuel for his ambition. He possesses a rare brand of resilience, choosing to meet every hardship with a positive attitude that has become a source of inspiration for students and staff alike.
Adrian is the living embodiment of what it means to be a Valley High School Viking. He lives by the pillars of Respect, Responsibility, and being Ready to Succeed. He does not just meet expectations; he raises them for everyone around him. As he prepares to transition to the next chapter of his life, we have no doubt that the same grit and grace he showed in high school will lead him to extraordinary heights.
