Senior Spotlight

Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Sophia Bonilla
Posted on 03/08/2024
Sophia Bonilla is a shining start at Carson High School. Sophia has been involved in many activities including being a member of the National Honor Society. This has allowed her to volunteer at places like Seeliger and Fremont Elementary in their blood drives. She has volunteered at the North Pole Village in Sparks and helped out at the Children’s Museum during the Chinese New Year. She also is a member of HOSA, competing in PSA and is part of the courtesy corps for upcoming events. Sophia loves volunteering.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Mikey Hoffer
Posted on 03/01/2024
Michael Hoffer, affectionately known as “Mikey” at Carson High School, is a student who radiates joy and resiliency in a way that very few do, and it is because of this and his service to others that he is Carson High School’s Senior in the Spotlight. Academically, Mikey stands out in a class of incredibly competitive young people. He boasts a 4.15 GPA, and he constantly challenges himself by taking honors courses. Mikey has lettered in academics the last two years. He excels in courses that require teamwork and community engagement, and all of his teachers highlight Mikey’s positive attitude as infectious amongst his peers.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Lucas Wold
Posted on 02/23/2024
Lucas Wold is an exceptional student, and CHS is honored to highlight him as this week’s Senior in the Spotlight. Lucas is a two-sport athlete competing in football and wrestling while also being a great student in the classroom. Lucas is set to graduate this June, with a weighted GPA of 3.52, taking 5 honors classes along the way.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Lizbeth Medina
Posted on 02/19/2024
Lizbeth Medina Graciano, this week’s Senior in the Spotlight, can sum up how she has earned an impressive 3.9 GPA in three words: “little by little.” Lizbeth moved to the United States when she was a sophomore, and she said she was able to face many challenges by tackling them little by little.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Trinity “Trina” Hoffer
Posted on 02/02/2024
When choosing which senior should be considered for Senior Spotlight, it is easy to see why Trina is a great candidate to be acknowledged. Trina has not only challenged herself throughout her high school career with Honors and/or AP classes in all core subjects, but she has also done exceedingly well in these rigorous classes. She has earned a 4.63 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale, an exceptional feat to be recognized!   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Todd Gosselin
Posted on 01/26/2024
Carson High School would like to celebrate Todd Gosselin. Todd enjoys being part of all things Carson High. He is an outstanding student, with a 4.9 GPA, a Blue crew commissioner and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter and State Officer, a student-athlete and works in the community teaching young children to swim.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Madeline Roberts
Posted on 01/19/2024
This week the spotlight shines on senior Madeline Roberts. Maddie is an outstanding student, a dedicated athlete and just an awesome young woman. Maddie’s academic accomplishments are a testament to her commitment and drive. She will earn her AP Capstone Diploma, which demands rigorous coursework and the ability to think critically.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Isaiah Hurlbert
Posted on 01/12/2024
This week’s Senior in the Spotlight is Carson High School’s Isaiah Hurlbert. A two-sport varsity-lettered athlete, Isaiah works hard both on and off the field. This year, Isaiah was named honorable mention all-region wide receiver, and has been a competitive member of the CHS Track sprint team. With a GPA of 3.98, Isaiah is an excellent AP and honors student, who always works to challenge himself in order to grow.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Malia (Mia) Alvarado
Posted on 01/05/2024
Carson High School’s Senior in the Spotlight this week is Malia (Mia) Alvarado. Mia is an amazing student and has attended CHS for all four years, earning an Academic letter. She has taken Honors level classes and is actively involved in the Early Childhood Education Program. Many of her community service hours have been spent at local elementary schools and working events serving kids ages pre-k to 4th grade.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Esmay Hargar – Aspiring Large Animal Vet
Posted on 12/15/2023
In the spotlight is Esmay Hargar, a vibrant Carson High senior with a heart for animals and a spirit that shines through adversity. Born into a family facing challenges, Esmay stands out not only for her academic excellence but also for her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Autumn Stewart
Posted on 12/08/2023
Looking for a change, Autumn Stewart decided to join Pioneer Academy halfway through her tenth grade year. She is currently on track to satisfy her graduation requirements a semester early and is planning to take a short break from school before joining the military to follow her goal and lifelong ambition to go into nursing. With an ambition to help and care for people and desire to see and experience new places and cultures, Autumn is hoping the U.S. Air force will provide her with that opportunity.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Laura Bennett
Posted on 12/01/2023
This week’s senior in the spotlight is Laura Bennett. Laura is an exceptional young woman; she is a strong student with clear ambitions. Laura’s academics really speak for themselves. She has always been a hard-worker, earning high marks in her increasingly difficult classes. She is on track to earning her Advance Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma as well as completing the Project Lead the Way architecture and civil engineering program. She currently has a 5.2 weighted GPA and is ranked 2nd in a class of almost 500.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Jackie Estrada Diaz
Posted on 11/24/2023
Jacqueline (Jackie) Estrada Diaz is all of the things one expects of high achievers – hardworking, exuberant, persistent, but somehow also she is so much more – resilient, compassionate, inventive, hilarious. Jackie is a firm advocate for newcomer English Language Learners, and as a first-generation student who has only lived in the U.S. for six years, she has first-hand knowledge of the barriers they face.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Anna and Leah Roylance
Posted on 11/10/2023
Truly fortunate people are those who have lifelong friendships. Anna and Leah Roylance may be among the luckiest as they bonded in utereo. Their mom, Allison Roylance, tells her girls “you’re welcome for hand-crafting a best friend for you.” Anna and Leah are top students with impressive accomplishments in singing and musical theater and a bright future ahead of them, which is why they are Seniors in the Spotlight.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Anthony Booth
Posted on 11/03/2023
Perseverance is the word we think of when we think of Anthony Booth. Not only has Anthony proved himself to be determined during his time in high school, but he has also done so with a quiet strength and kindness. Anthony is a senior at Carson High School (CHS) and has been part of the Carson City School District his entire educational career.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Katarina Klatt
Posted on 10/27/2023
Katarina Klatt is an exceptional student-athlete whose achievements both in the pool and the classroom have set her apart as an outstanding individual. She has made a remarkable mark at Carson High School, boasting an impressive 4.9-grade point average, which is a testament to her commitment to academic excellence.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Madeline Silsby
Posted on 10/20/2023
This week the senior in the spotlight is Madeline Silsby. Maddie, as she’s known by, is an exceptional young woman, dedicated to her studies, her school, and her community. Just by looking at Maddie’s transcript, you can see how strong a student she is. Maddie took her first AP class her freshman year and has already completed all of the requirements to earn her AP Capstone Diploma. She is currently ranked #1 out of a class of almost 500, with a GPA of 5.3.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Mason Dey
Posted on 10/13/2023
It’s not every day that a student will make a decision that will change the course of their life, but that is exactly what happened when senior Mason Dey decided to attend Pioneer Academy. Mason is the Pioneer Academy student of the month.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Alexandra Llamas-Cruz
Posted on 10/06/2023
Alexandra Llamas-Cruz is a standout Senior Senator in every way. She is thoughtful, hardworking, dedicated and determined, but also a strong contributor to the school, community and to her family. Alex is an incredible student carrying a weighted GPA of 4.6 and participating in CHS’s Advanced Placement (AP) classes. She has been honored by the College Board with an AP Scholar Award as well as the Hispanic National Recognition Award and is set to graduate with 8 AP courses successfully completed.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Joshua Martinez
Posted on 09/29/2023
Joshua Martinez is an amazing student at Carson High School. Joshua is actively involved in the JR Military Science Program and is the Battalion Administrator. He has also taken Career and Technical Education courses (CTE) in the Health Science Field, including Emergency Medical Services and currently, Emergency Medical Technician. Josh is active in the Civil Air Patrol, which involves Search and Rescue and Discipline of the Air Force. He stands firm on their motto of “Help Community, State and Nation.”  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Rhianna Redwine
Posted on 09/22/2023
At Carson High School, we are honored to shine a well-deserved spotlight on Rhianna Redwine, a remarkable senior who exemplifies not just academic excellence, but so much more. Rhianna's academic prowess is evident in her outstanding 4.73 Weighted GPA, a testament to her dedication to learning. Within the classroom she stands tall among her peers, ranking in the top 10 percent of her graduating class.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s David Gutierrez-DeJesus
Posted on 09/15/2023
Those who think teenagers are lazy have never met David Gutierrez-DeJesus. A conscientious student, enthusiastic musician and dedicated do-gooder, David is on the go from morning until night, doing his part to make life better for himself and those around him. For these reasons, and so many more, David is CHS’s Senior in the Spotlight this week.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Brynn Russell
Posted on 09/08/2023
Carson High School proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of Brynn Russell, a senior whose name is synonymous with excellence and leadership. With a remarkable 4.95 GPA, Brynn's high school journey has been characterized by academic brilliance, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to service. What sets her apart is not only her academic accomplishments but also her inspiring vision for the future.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Anna Turner
Posted on 09/01/2023
This week, the senior in the spotlight is Anna Turner. Anna is a bright, dedicated, hardworking young woman. Ranked third in her class, with a 5.1 weighted GPA, Anna has never received lower than an A throughout her high school career, while taking an extremely challenging load. Anna is on track to earn both her college and career ready diploma, with her Career and Technical Education (CTE) certification in Veterinary Science, as well as the Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone diploma. For the AP Capstone diploma, Anna was required to take six or more AP classes, including AP research and AP seminar, and score a three (out of 5) or higher in all six exams. It is not an easy feat, and Carson High School only has a handful of students who earn this nationally recognized diploma each year.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Tierney Frost has Passion for Art
Posted on 05/22/2023
With so many distractions these days, it is hard to slow down and take in all the wonders that surround us. This month’s Senior spotlight from Pioneer Academy, Tierney Frost, is hoping to one day make a career of capturing the world’s wonders on canvas or paper. Her love and passion for art has helped push her through some of the difficult times throughout her school career.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Future Engineer Lance Hornemann
Posted on 04/28/2023
This week, the senior in the spotlight is Lance Hornemann. Lance is an excellent student, a dedicated athlete and a future engineer. Although Lance enjoys his time at Carson High School, he quickly realized that starting college a little early would benefit him in the long run. As a junior, he joined the Jump Start program and on May 22, about two weeks before he graduates from high school, he will earn his associate degree of science from Western Nevada College. At WNC, he was able to take advantage of a really exciting opportunity.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Faith Key has the Confidence to Change the World
Posted on 04/21/2023
This month’s student senior of the month from Pioneer Academy, Faith Key, is not the kind of person to sit around and watch when something is not right. Faith would rather create some change and help make a positive difference for the world around her. Currently finishing up her senior year at Pioneer Academy, Faith is planning to attend Western Nevada College next year and would like to earn a degree in ecology and wildlife conservation.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Gabriel Fairbank is a future innovator
Posted on 04/17/2023
Gabriel Fairbank is an amazing student at Carson High School. Gabe currently has a 4.2 GPA and has taken Honors, AP and Career and Technical Education courses (CTE). He loves coming up with new innovations and problem solving. Gabe enjoys trades, such as welding, mechanics because with these skills he is able to apply his knowledge to creating things.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Alivia Aschenbach’s quiet calm helps push others to do great things
Posted on 04/06/2023
Alivia Aschenbach is a student who, in her quiet calm, helps push others to do great things at Carson High School. Alivia is determined, hardworking, courageous and a natural leader, whose great humility is matched only by her compassion for those around her. With a 5.158 GPA, Alivia is ranked top in her class, and she pushes herself by taking Advanced Placement and rigorous Career and Technical Education courses.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Elizeth Acuna to Pursue a Criminal Justice Degree at WNC
Posted on 03/24/2023
Elizeth Acuna, this week’s Senior in the Spotlight, may be speaking for all seniors when she says what she is not going to miss about high school. “I won’t miss coming in early every morning.” She is also not going to miss studying and taking tests, but that won’t last long. She’ll be heading to Western Nevada College in the fall to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. “I have been dreaming of working in law enforcement since I was a child,” she said.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Future Pioneer Academy Educator Tatrianna McDonnell
Posted on 03/17/2023
This month’s senior spotlight is excited to pass on her love of learning. Tatrianna McDonnell has excelled at Pioneer Academy over the last couple of years and is planning to share her love of learning by becoming a secondary teacher and help other students reach their potential. Last year Tatrianna decided she wanted to teach, and with the support and encouragement from family and teachers, she has developed the skills and discipline to reach her goal.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Alexis Garcia Perez Marches On
Posted on 03/10/2023
If you have witnessed performances by the CHS Cadet, Concert or Marching Band, or the Advanced Jazz or Wind Ensemble during the past few years, then you have listened to this month’s Student in the Spotlight, Alexis Garcia Perez.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Macie Wilson Makes It Look Easy
Posted on 02/24/2023
Macie Wilson is an excellent representative for HOSA and Carson High. Being online for the first two years of high school and maintaining a grade point average of a 3.8 is no small task. Macie Wilson made it look easy. After coming back in seat her junior year, she continued with her Health Science Career pathway, focusing on the study of Health Science and maintaining membership in HOSA for the past three years. Along with taking senior courses of Honors Government/Econ, Advanced Placement Calculus, Honors American Literature and Emergency Medical Tech, she still finds time for extensive activities.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Madelyn Peachay Finds Motivation
Posted on 02/21/2023
This month’s Pioneer Academy’s senior spotlight is on Madelyn Peachay. She is one of Pioneer Academy’s high achieving students, that found success despite many challenges, including the pandemic which hit during her 9th grade year.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Gracie Walt Gives Back to the Community
Posted on 02/10/2023
This week, the senior in the spotlight is Carson High School’s Gracie Walt. She is a strong student, a talented athlete and a dedicated member of the community.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Vanessa Diaz’s Focus on the Future
Posted on 02/03/2023
Carson High School Senior Vanessa Diaz is a truly remarkable young lady. Her open, kind and engaging personality makes her instantly likable. Even as a freshman, Vanessa stood out for her tenacity and focus on her future.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Skylar Crittendon Draws up Success
Posted on 01/27/2023
Skylar (Sophia) Crittendon is an amazing student at Carson High School. She is both academically and artistically gifted. Skylar currently has a 4.2 GPA and has taken Honors, AP and Jump Start classes. As an artist, she enjoys drawing and painting using acrylics. Neo-realism is her favorite painting style, and she draws or paints every day.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High Hits a Grand Slam with Cooper Eaton
Posted on 01/20/2023
This week Carson High School is proud to present Cooper Eaton as the Senior in the Spotlight. Cooper is an excellent student-athlete at Carson High and has great aspirations for himself after he graduates. During his time here, he has excelled in the classroom and currently holds a 4.17 weighted GPA. On top of that, he has also completed 12 honors-level courses at CHS.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Andrea Munoz, Lost Then Found
Posted on 01/17/2023
Lost then found. If you had to use only a few words to describe how Andrea Munoz, twelfth grade Pioneer Academy Jumpstart student, felt a few years ago when high school began. Andrea stated that the start of high school seemed okay, but she quickly felt out of place and like an outcast as most of her friends moved on to other groups. She had difficulty fitting in socially, which caused her to feel anxiety.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Joanna Ramirez - The Secret to High School Success: Tenacity
Posted on 01/05/2023
The secret to success in high school can be summed up in one word: tenacity. Just ask Joanna Ramirez. Despite many challenges, she has thrived as a student and as a young adult, which is why she is this week’s Senior in the Spotlight.”  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Carlos Sotelo Angel
Posted on 12/13/2022
Carlos Sotelo Angel’s first two years at high school were rough and he was struggling to find his motivation and success. That all began to change when he started at Pioneer Academy at the start of his junior year. Carlos realized he needed a change, and Pioneer provided the more intimate structure he needed to be focused on his academics.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Sam Hodges
Posted on 12/02/2022
This week, the Senior Spotlight shines on Carson High School’s Sam Hodges. Sam describes herself as being quiet, hardworking and having a good sense of humor. What she doesn’t share is that she has a strong commitment to her family, is willing to challenge herself and is very modest. From a young age, her parents instilled a strong work ethic, which shows in her levels of responsibility and dependability.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Stefany Rugama Plans to Major in Biomedical Science
Posted on 11/18/2022
Stefany was recently awarded her third academic letter for maintaining a 4.49 overall GPA. Stefany consistently took challenging classes throughout high school, including several honors and AP classes as well as working toward the completion of the Health Science Career and Technical Education pathway. She is currently taking an EMT class, which may allow her to become a certified EMT by the end of the school year.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Rogan Stryffeler is Moving in the “write” direction
Posted on 11/11/2022
For some students, moving can be exciting and something to look forward to, but for others moving can present barriers that are challenging to work through. Rogan Stryffeler, a full-time online student at Pioneer Academy, experienced one of her most challenging times as a high school student: she had to move across the country to a new high school just before she started her senior year. To Rogan, the thought of uprooting and starting over, again, was daunting and stressful. She was concerned about how she would manage her new school, work, life balance and maintain her success.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Jacob Xie finds success in bringing people together
Posted on 11/04/2022
This week’s Senior in the Spotlight is Mr. Jacob Xie. Jake is an incredible student. He is disciplined, hardworking and driven. He pushes himself in all classes to work hard and is often a leader in exploring new content and ideas. He does so while still helping others and in a way that is humble, kind and full of acceptance.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Ash Fajayan Drums Up Success
Posted on 10/28/2022
This week Carson High School is pleased to present Ash Fajayan as its Senior in the Spotlight! Ash Fajayan has excelled throughout all 4 years at Carson High School and is an amazing representation of what it means to be a Senator.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High’s Dariana Pineda Herrera
Posted on 10/21/2022
Dariana Pineda Herrera is an amazing student at Carson High School. She is a dedicated, hard-working and highly intelligent young woman who has set high goals for herself. She came to the United States when she was six and a half years old, and it was only then, when she started school at Mark Twain Elementary, that she started learning to speak English.  READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Pioneer Academy’s Karyme Avalos Silis Finds Confidence
Posted on 10/14/2022
If you came to visit Pioneer Academy, you might be greeted by a student office aid whose welcoming spirit is as genuine as they come. As an office aid, Senior Karyme Avalos Silis, has helped the office staff and greeting people for the last two school years. And although you can sense a bit of shyness when you first meet Karyme, her warm attitude and infectious smile soon let you know there is a smart and confident young person eager to assist.   READ MORE...
Senior Spotlight: Carson High's Ruby Nguyen
Posted on 10/06/2022
So many words that could be used to describe Hong “Ruby” Nguyen have lost their impact due to overuse and exaggeration. Words like exceptional, remarkable and extraordinary sound like hyperbole, yet they fit Ruby to a “T.” This is why she is this week’s Student in the Spotlight.  READ MORE...
Carson High's 'Senior in the Spotlight' has a Jump Start on Education
Posted on 09/23/2022
Sara Pettay is one of our many outstanding seniors at Carson High. As a Jump Start student at Western Nevada College on track to receive her Associate of Science degree in May, just before receiving her CHS diploma, Sara has proven she is ready to succeed in college and her career. Sara credits her family with her success up to this point. She reports her parents and two brothers provide tremendous support and guidance.   READ MORE...
Pioneer Academy's 'Senior Spotlight' has Change of Heart
Posted on 09/16/2022
Occasionally, people make mistakes and the process of recovering from those mistakes can forever change their life, for the better. This is true of Pioneer Academy senior, Troy Winkler. Troy joined Pioneer as a ninth grader after years of making negative choices, which did not help him stay focused on education. He found himself in the court system and he felt his path was set for failure.   READ MORE...
Carson High's 'Senior in the Spotlight' excels in academic, swimming accomplishments
Posted on 09/09/2022
This week's Senior in the Spotlight belongs to Austin Shim, who is one of Carson High School's many outstanding student athletes, earning letters in swimming and academics by maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.8, and weighted GPA of 4.8.  READ MORE...
In the spotlight: Carson High School senior Alyssa Tomita excels in academics, athletics
Posted on 09/02/2022
The Carson High School senior in the spotlight this week is Alyssa Tomita. Alyssa is an incredible young woman, bright, talented, and outgoing. In addition to being a good student, Alyssa is an important addition to the Carson High School community.  READ MORE...