The junior high and high school will be released today, March 26th, for lunch at 12:55 PM.
The elementary school will be released at 1:45 PM.
All buses will run from the elementary school at 1:45 PM.
Please plan accordingly and be prompt when picking up your students.
Have a great break! We look forward to seeing students back on April 6th.
2026 Writer's Festival Entries
**Places will be announced 13 April at the Awards Ceremony in Elko**
Colton M
Tenth Grade
*Here is a portion of Colton's entry
Gone Rogue
You want to know why I changed? Everyone does. They point to the moment I “broke,” as if I were some fragile thing that finally shattered under pressure. But that's not what happened at all. I didn't break. I woke up. For years, YEARS! I bled for this city. I took bullets meant for strangers. I pulled children from burning buildings while my body screamed, while I buried friends, while I watched the people I saved go back to destroying each other the moment I turned my back. And you loved me for it. God, how you loved me.
Your hero. Your symbol. Your convenient little solution to every problem you created but were too weak to fix yourselves. But here's what no one tells you about being a hero: the weight doesn't make you stronger. It makes you tired. So impossibly tired. One day, you realize. The people you're saving? They won't be better. They want someone else to carry their sins. So they don't have to feel the weight. I remember the exact moment. I saved him, this man pinned under rubble, crying, begging for his life. Three weeks later, I saw his face on the news. He'd killed his family. The little girl whose hand I held while they cut her free? She'd been cowering from him. I saved a monster so he could create more victims for me to save.
An endless cycle. And that's when I understood. I wasn't breaking the wheel, I was greasing it. You call this villainy. I call it clarity. Every person I've put down since then? I didn't choose them randomly. I chose the ones I knew. The ones I'd saved before, who went right back to their rot. The corrupt officials who were rescued from assassination attempts. The criminals that I pulled from certain death, who thanked me with tears before returning to their empires. I was your janitor, cleaning up your messes while you continued to make more. Well, I'm done mopping. Now I'm removing the people who make the spills.
And yes, yes, I see the fear in your eyes when you look at me now. Good. You should be afraid. Not of what I've become but of what you made me realize. That I wasted the best years of my life preserving a world that didn't need preservation. You don't want a hero. You never did. You wanted a mirror that only showed you your best angles. Someone to tell you that you're worth saving. And I'm tired of lying. So here's the truth, the one no hero is allowed to say. Some people aren't worth saving. Some systems aren't worth preserving. And sometimes the kindest thing you can do is let it all burn down and start over. You see a monster. I see someone who finally stopped pretending that hope alone could heal a wound this infected. The old me died trying to save you. The new me? I’m finishing what you started.
(enter hero)
You think I don't understand? You think I haven't felt it too? Do you remember that night after the bridge collapsed? We sat on that rooftop, you covered in ash, telling me you’d counted every face you couldn't reach. Thirty-seven. And I held you while you shook, because I had my own list. My own ghosts. I've been where you are. Standing where the weight feels like it's gonna crush your spine. Where every save feels pointless because you know tomorrow there'll be another fire, another scream, another reason to ask why you bother. But here's the difference. I stayed. Not because I'm stronger. You were always the strongest person I knew. But strength isn't why I'm still in this costume while you've become everything we swore we'd stop. I stayed because I remember the ones we did save. Marcus. Twelve years old, pulled from that trafficking ring. You held his hand in the ambulance. He's in college now. Pre-med. He wrote to thank us because he wants to save people, too. Yes, you saved a monster that night. But you also saved a little girl who paints murals of hope. An old woman who started a soup kitchen. A firefighter who's gone to pull dozens more out from the flames. You're not wrong that some people we save go back to being terrible. But you're choosing to only count them. You're letting the worst of humanity define all of humanity, and that's their victory, not yours. You say you “woke up.” I say you fell asleep. You stopped seeing the terrified teenager inside the hardened criminal. The abused child inside the abuser. You stopped believing people can change, which is ironic, given what you've changed into. You've become the easiest thing to be. Judge, jury, and executioner. You think that makes you clear-eyed? It makes you blind. It's so much harder to keep believing, to keep your hand extended even when it gets bitten. But that's the job. That's what we signed up for. I'm tired too. Everyday. I've buried friends. Failed people. Saved someone only to watch them destroy themselves a year later. But I don't get to decide who deserves life based on my exhaustion...
**Places will be announced 13 April at the Awards Ceremony in Elko**
Cache C
Eleventh Grade
A Boy and His Dog
Way up in the mountains there’s a boy and his dog,
And they'll keep hiking till’ the sun's about gone,
he carries a shotgun she carries a bell,
Some folks call this country a literal living hell,
But to the boy and his dog it's nothing but fun,
As she stops on point he readies his gun,
As they take a step forward the birds all flush,
He fires his gun but hits only the dust.
A big thank you to our intramural volleyball teams for a fun and successful season!
Special thanks to Coach Cody and Coach Jessica for their time, leadership, and support throughout the season—we appreciate all you do!
The boys had an outstanding meet with multiple personal records and top finishes!
Track Events:
💥 100m
🥇 Aron – 11.66 (PR)
Justice – 14.35 (PR)
💥 200m
🥈 Aron – 23.08 (PR)
Jayden – 27.93 (PR)
Justice – 30.20
💥 800m
🥇 Isaac – 2:12.50 (PR)
🥈 Mason – 2:13.15
💥 1600m
🥇 Isaac – 5:11.04
🥈 Mason – 5:25.16 (PR)
💥 3200m
🥇 Isaac – 11:04.72
Weston – 13:06.16 (4th)
Field Events:
📏 Long Jump
Henry – 15' 4.5" (PR)
Jayden – 14' 9" (PR)
📏 High Jump
🥇 Marcos – 5' 10"
Henry – 4' 6"
📏 Shot Put
Carson – 34' 6.75" (PR)
Justice – 27' 4.5" (PR)
📏 Discus
🥉 Carson – 115' 5" (PR)
Justice – 87' 1" (PR)
Cache – 50' 2"
📏 Triple Jump
Marcos – 33' 10"
Great work by all athletes! Keep it going, Leopards!
🏃♀️ Track Events:
100/110 Hurdles
🥇 Marli – 18.34 (1st place)
300m Intermediate Hurdles
🥇 Marli – 57.04 (1st place)
100m
🥇 RileyJo – 13.54 (PR)
McKinnley – 14.71 (PR)
Stacia – 15.19 (PR)
Lupe – 15.73 (PR)
200m
Marli – 31.19
Stacia – 32.22 (PR)
400m
🥉 Stacia – 1:14.17 (3rd place)
Brynli – 1:18.71
800m
🥈 Brynli – 3:14.63 (PR)
🥉 Natalie – 3:15.35
1600m
🥇 Millie – 6:17.69
Natalie – 7:27.96 (4th place)
3200m
🥇 Millie – 13:41.18 (1st place)
🏃♀️ Relay Results:
4x100
Bella, Reese, Lupe, McKinnley – 1:01.26 (5th place)
4x200
Bella, Reese, Lupe, RileyJo – 2:07.08 (3rd place)
4x400
🥇 April, Brynli, Maggie, Marli – 5:15.89 (1st place)
4x800
🥇 April, Natalie, Maggie, Millie – 12:19.44 (1st place)
🏅 Field Events:
Long Jump
🥈 RileyJo – 15’3” (PR)
McKinnley – 12’ 0.25” (PR)
Triple Jump
Bella – 24’5.5” (4th place, PR)
High Jump
Reese – 3’10” (4th place, PR)
RileyJo – 3’10” (4th place, PR)
Lupe – 3’8” (PR)
Pole Vault
April – 5’0”
Shot Put
McKinnley – 27’3.5” (PR)
Cassidy – 22’3.5” (PR)
Discus
Stacia – 61’8”
Cassidy – 55’2”
So many personal records and top finishes—great work, Leopards! 🐾 Keep building!
Wells Elementary School will conduct an emergency response DRILL on Wednesday, March 25, at approximately 1:30 PM. Please do not be concerned if you see emergency vehicles at the elementary school; this is only a drill. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Wells Elementary at (775) 752-3837. Thank you.
Wells Elementary School will be SBAC testing (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) from April 13–20.
Please help your student be successful by ensuring they:
✔️ Get a good night’s sleep
✔️ Eat a healthy breakfast
✔️ Arrive at school on time
We’re proud of all the hard work our students have put in—let’s finish strong!
Kids are growing up surrounded by screens, ads, and messages we never had to think about. Some upcoming webinars will give tips for talking about AI, medication safety, nicotine pouches, and healthy self-image.
March 31: Dr. Michael Robb from Common Sense Media will break down how young people are really using AI. From chatbots to digital companions, you’ll get a clear look at why kids connect with these tools, what risks to watch for, and how to talk about AI in ways that build trust and critical thinking. Bring your questions too, there will be an extended live Q&A.
April 29 & May 6: We’re diving into preventing first-time substance use with a two-part series. In the first session, experts from Partnership to End Addiction and Boston Children's Hospital will walk through what’s sitting in your medicine cabinet and how to talk about it, from cough and cold medicine to Adderall, pain meds, and medications for depression and anxiety. In the second session, Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from the Stanford REACH Lab will show how to help youth navigate ads, social media, and trends like nicotine pouches while building the skills and trust that help prevent first use.
June 3: Pediatrician Dr. Lauren Hartman will tackle another important piece of growing up today, food, body image, and self-worth. You’ll learn how to support healthy habits, encourage positive self-talk, and model a balanced approach so kids can feel confident in their own bodies.
Webinars free for families and professionals. Spanish captions will be available live during the webinar, and full Spanish translations will be available later that same day. Everyone who registers will also receive the recording.
Elko Daily Free Press
Anthony Mori
March 20, 2026
WELLS — In the first meeting of the season, the Wells softball team gradually asserted its dominance over Carlin.
On Tuesday, the Lady Leopards scored three runs in the first inning, five in the second and walked off early with a seven-run fifth for a 15-0 victory by the mercy rule.
As a team, Wells hit 17-for-27.
Senior Adriana Aguilar led the way with a 3-for-4 day at the dish with two doubles, two RBI and two runs.
Sophomore Jitzel Rivas also posted three knocks and went a perfect 3-for-3, scored three runs and drove in one.
A quarter of Lad Lady Leopards — juniors Khloe DelRio and Aryanna Rodriguez, sophomore Maite Casas and senior Grace Otto — each hit 2-for-3.
Rodriguez legged out a double, scored twice and drove in a run — Casas going for a double and crossing twice.
Delrio scored two runs and drove in one, and Otto posted an RBI and a run.
Senior Andreina Mercado finished 1-for-3 with a run scored.
Without a knock, Dusty Uhlig reached on a hit-by-pitch and scored once.
In the circle, DelRio threw a no-hitter and struck out 10 batters versus two walks in the shutout win.
As a team, Carlin went 0-for-12 at the dish.
Only four Lady Railroaders reached base as seniors Kayona Christensen and Joey Drown each drew first-inning walks and sophomore Alexandria Whigham and junior Jazzmyn Salazar were both hit by pitches in the top of the second.
Drown was handed the loss and allowed 15 runs — 10 earned — on 14 hits with two walks and one punchout across three innings.
Up Next
The Lady Leopards (6-2 overall 4-0 in league) were scheduled to play a 2 p.m. doubleheader on Friday on the road against Smith Valley.
The Lady Railroaders (2-3 overall, 2-1 in league) — who defeated Sierra Sage Academy/Rite of Passage twice by forfeits — were slated to take on the Lady Muckers in a twin bill at noon March 28, in Virginia City.
PC:Anthony Mori
Elko Daily Free Press article
Wells Jumps on Carlin
PC: Anthony Mori
Anthony Mori
March 20, 2026
Wells jumps on Carlin
WELLS — The first meeting of the season between the Wells and Carlin baseball teams was a one-sided affair.
On Wednesday, the Leopards ripped off 16 runs in the home half of the first inning and cruised to a 21-1 victory by the mercy rule through 2-1/2 frames.
As a team, Wells hit 11-for-20.
Carlin’s stats indicated the Railroaders batted 2-for-11, while the home books had them at 1-for-11 and reached on an error at second base.
For the Leopards, senior Luis Garcia went a perfect 2-for-2 with a triple, two RBI and two runs.
Sophomore Michael Aguilar also finished a clean 2-for-2, scored two runs and drove in one.
In total, four Wells batters — freshman Sabastian Rios, sophomore Landon Hall, junior Christian Salazar and freshman Alex Garcia — each closed 1-for-1.
Rios posted an RBI and crossed once, and Hall and Salazar drove in one run apiece.
Senior Teagan Calton batted 1-for-2 with a double, two RBI and two runs — junior Marcos Uhart hitting 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.
Senior Tristen Zimmerman capped the hits for Wells at 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Without knocks, senior CD Hunt scored three times and drove in one.
Junior Charles Peterson, sophomore Raleigh Groves and junior Luis Martinez scored two runs each.
Freshmen Aivery Cropp and Gavin Martinez, senior Adam Eggleeston and sophomore Dentin Allen crossed once apiece.
In the win, Zimmerman gave up an unearned run on one hit with four strikeouts and no walks over three innings.
For Carlin, senior Dylan Ramirez was 1-for-2 with a double.
Senior Tryston Martinez went 1-for-2 and crossed once for the Railroaders’ only run.
On the mound, senior Sebastian Anthony allowed seven runs on four hits with two free passes and was chased before recording an out.
In relief, junior Holden Nalley gave up 14 runs — 13 earned — on 12 hits with three Ks and two walks across two frames.
The Leopards improved to 7-3 overall and went to 3-0 in league play, while the Railroaders fell to 1-2 on the year and 0-1 in league play of the Division 1A North.
Up Next
On Thursday, Wells (7-4 overall, 3-1 I league) dropped a 9-6 contest to Smith Valley (6-0 overall, 2-0 in league) at Greater Nevada Field, in Reno.
The Leopards were slated to close the two-game set with the Bulldogs at 4 p.m. Friday.
The Railroaders will face Coleville (0-1 in league) in a doubleheader at 10 a.m. Saturday, in Carlin.
Photos credit: Anthony Mori
Wells Elementary staff had some fun hiding 100 pictures of Vice Principal Tina Barger around the school for the 100th day of school! Students had a blast searching high and low, then adding their finds to the counting chart.
They managed to find all 100 (two pictures seem to have mysteriously disappeared!)
Great job to everyone for participating and making it such a fun activity!
Baseball Recap: Wells Leopards vs. Carlin Railroaders
By Team Reports
Mar 17, 2026, 8:45pm
There's no place like home for Wells, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 21-1 margin over the Carlin Railroaders on Tuesday. The Leopards might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six games by eight runs or more this season.
Luis Garcia and CD Hunt did most of the damage at the plate: Garcia went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base, while Hunt got on base in all three of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Those three stolen bases gave Hunt a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Teagan Calton, who went 1-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Wells kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Carlin only managed two.
Wells' victory bumped their record up to 7-3. As for Carlin, they now have a losing record of 1-2.
Baseball Recap: Wells Takes a Loss
Baseball Recap: Wells Leopards vs. Smith Valley Bulldogs
By Team Reports
Mar 20, 2026, 12:06 am
After flying high against Carlin on Tuesday, Wells came back down to earth. The Leopards took a 9-6 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Smith Valley Bulldogs on Thursday. The matchup marked the Leopards' lowest-scoring game so far this season.
Teagan Calton was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. Tristen Zimmerman was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two stolen bases and one RBI.
Wells' defeat was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 3-1 and their overall record down to 7-4. As for Smith Valley, the victory keeps them at an undefeated 6-0.
All 5 of our wrestlers put in the hard work, showed great determination, and continued to improve each time they stepped on the mat. Their effort and dedication did not go unnoticed!
A big thank you to their coaches for guiding and supporting them throughout the season. Great job, wrestlers! 🧡🖤
🏐 Our intramural volleyball team has competed in several games over the past month and had a great season!
They’ve picked up some wins, taken a few losses, and most importantly—continued to learn and grow with each match. Their hard work and dedication are helping build and strengthen the future of the WHS volleyball program.
Great job, Lady Leopards! 💪🧡🖤
Ken Jensen Invite – Girls Track Results
Virgin Valley High School
Great effort from our Lady Leopards🧡🖤
Highlights:
🥈 Marli – 100/110HH: 18.17 (2nd place)
🥈 Millie – 3200m: 13:28.86 (2nd place) (PR)
🥉 4x800 Relay – 12:29.26 (3rd place) Millie, April, Natalie, Maggie (PR)
Individual Results:
100m
McKinnley 14.94 (PR)
Lupe 16.16
200m
Marli 31.41
Stacia 32.70 (PR)
400m
Brynli 1:18.07 (PR)
Stacia 1:13.44 (PR)
800m
Maggie 2:56.54 (PR)
Natalie 3:13.68
1600m
April 7:36.65 (PR)
Natalie 7:35.92
Maggie 6:39.68
300m Hurdles
Marli 56.21
Bella 1:04.05
Relays
4x100 – Bella, McKinnley, Natalie, Stacia: 1:00.93
4x400 – Marli, Brynli, April, Maggie: 5:11.41 (PR)
Field Events
Shot Put
McKinnley 23' 11" (PR)
Cassidy 18’ 3.5” (PR)
Discus
Stacia 65' 4"
Cassidy 56' 8" (PR)
Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon you won’t want to miss!
📅 Sunday, March 22
Wells High School Gymnasium
2:00 PM
Grades 7–12 participating
All ages are welcome to attend!
Come cheer, laugh, and support a great cause!
🎟️ https://sfnd.io/6mvwk
Virgin Valley High School
Boys results
Sprints
100m
Aron – 12.05
Jayden – 13.68
Justice – 14.66
200m
Aron – 24.29 (4th place)
Henry – 27.94
Justice – 30.31
400m
Aron – 53.31 (4th place)
🏃 Distance
800m
Mason – 2:13.50
Jayden – 2:49.53
1600m
Isaac – 4:49.13
Weston – 6:04.08
3200m
Isaac – 10:45.19
Weston – 12:49.34
Field Events
Long Jump
Jayden – 14’ 7.5”
High Jump
Isaac – 5’ 4”
Shot Put
Carson – 33’ 11.5”
Justice – 22’ 8.5”
Discus
Carson – 112’ 2”
Justice – 61’ 5”
Cache – 51’ 11”
Go Leopards 🐆
