Mitch Pollock, champion professional saddle bronc rider and native Nevadan, will speak at the Aug. 8 Churchill County High School back-to-school event.
Churchill County High School will host its annual Back-to-School Kickoff Aug. 8 at the Rafter 3C arena from 6-7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5:45 p.m.
All CCHS students who arrive in time to be sitting in the stands at 6 p.m. will be entered into a raffle. Prizes sponsored by Fallon Ford-Toyota include $100 Visa cards and a grand prize of a laptop computer worth $1,000. Students must be present at the event to obtain a ticket and to win a prize.
Sue Segura, event organizer and the work-based learning coordinator for the Churchill County School District, said this year’s theme is “Making a Difference: Setting Dreams in Motion.” The event will feature networking opportunities, “hands-on” activities, engaging displays and program presentations. She said students and parents can explore approximately 80 booths from colleges, trade schools, internships, businesses and the military.
Teachers and administration from CCHS will also be available for a meet and greet and to answer questions while showcasing the programs and initiatives that define the school’s excellence.
Segura said a free barbecue funded by Marco DiGiacinto of M.D. Tree Surgery will supply hamburgers, chips and bottled water to the anticipated 1,000-plus attendees. Dessert will be vanilla, chocolate and cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream from Model Dairy and new Fallon business Country Creamery.
Segura said the featured speaker is Mitch Pollock, a native Nevadan and 2011 graduate of Lowry High School in Winnemucca who is currently one of the top professional saddle bronc riders in the world. Pollock’s journey from college baseball standout to the championship bronc rider circuit showcases his self-motivation and resilience, qualities that have made him a role model in sports and in life.
“I believe in pushing past boundaries and never accepting ‘no’ as the final answer,” Pollock said. “I’m excited to share my experiences and inspire students to relentlessly chase their dreams.”
Segura said the senior students who help out with the event will earn volunteer hours toward the requirements for the Nevada Promise scholarship.