Mira Vallejo captured first place in the Kid’s Dash Photo by Linda Faas

It was a beautiful day, just made for outdoor fun. Nearly one hundred people of all ages gathered at the Virgin Valley High School track on April 6, where Mesquite Community Education Foundation, with co-sponsor City of Mesquite Recreation and Leisure Services, staged a 5K walk/run with proceeds going to scholarships for VVHS 2019 graduates.

Race chairwoman Dr. Theresa Ofori spent weeks pulling together details of the event. Nick Montoya of the City of Mesquite provided key organizational elements and publicity. Ofori enlisted Mesquite Firefighters Association to cook up hotdogs for the crowd while DJ “Spin” kept the tempo high.

Everyone was decked out in flashy t-shirts bearing the VVHS Bulldog mascot, vying for medals given to top three finishers in the 5K run, 5K walk, and Kids’ Dash. Evidenced by the smiles, everybody who showed up was a winner.

First to cross the finish line in the 5K run were Clancy Leavitt, first place; Evan Rains, second place; Jarron Linge, third place. The Staton Family, Jared, Jeanean, and Thomas, swept the 5K walk, with Thomas onboard his stroller. In the Kids Dash, first-place medal went to Mira Vallejo, with Ellie Jensen close behind in second, and Austin Pearson charging in to take third place.

Stollin’ to first place in 5K Walk was the Staton Family.
Photo by Linda Faas

MCEF directors and high school students staffed the registration table and start/finish desk.

High school staff and a number of community volunteers were on hand to help.  Kristen Pearson of Smith’s Pharmacy gave away sunscreen, and Leslee Montgomery donated bottled water.

Event sponsors included Washington Federal, Bank of Nevada, The View, Cosmopolitan Dental, Bill Mitchell Farmers Insurance, Eureka Casino Resort, Mesa View Regional Hospital,  FiT Physical Fitness, Moreno’s Party Rentals, Sears Hometown Store, Mesquite Firefighters Association, and Mesquite Department of Athletics and Leisure Services. Virgin Valley High School loaned its time clock equipment and use of its school track that undoubtedly boasts the most magnificent view in Nevada.

Darlene Nelson, president of MCEF, was pleased with race turnout.   “We are excited for every dollar we add to our scholarship fund,” she said. “We aim to top $30,000 in scholarship funds this year.

Formed as a 501c3 nonprofit three years ago, MCEF provides support to VVHS graduates who will attend trade school or college, and works to acquaint the community with the outstanding talent and abilities of the VVHS students.  Donations to the MCEF Scholarship Fund are gratefully accepted.  Please make checks payable to MCEF, mailed to PO Box 2784, 510 W Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite NV 89024, or delivered to Bank of Nevada, 11 W Pioneer Blvd, Mesquite NV 89027.  For information about MCEF, email: mcefmesquitenv@gmail.com.