Incline High School We the People — Top 10 in the U.S.

The Incline High School “We the People” team has earned a Top 10 national finish, at the prestigious national finals in Washington, D.C. last weekend.  

The national competition, part of the Center for Civic Education’s “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” program, brings together the top high school teams from across the country for simulated congressional hearings judged by constitutional scholars, attorneys, and civic leaders. Students are challenged to demonstrate deep knowledge of the Constitution while thinking critically and responding in real time to complex questions. Competing at this level requires months of preparation, teamwork, and the ability to perform under intense pressure.

Incline’s Top 10 finish is particularly notable given the school’s size. While many competing programs draw from significantly larger student populations (most schools have 1500-2000 students) and resources, Incline High School continues to prove that commitment, strong instruction, and community support can level the playing field—and even surpass it.

This achievement is a powerful testament to the dedication of our students, the exceptional leadership of their coaches, and a community that believes in providing opportunities that allow our students to compete—and succeed—on the national stage.

IHS 2026 We the People team with teachers and coaches. IHS teacher Milt Hyams, remarked that “this group was extraordinary.  They had a genuine passion for the content that was contagious.  They worked as a team and were extremely well read and they were ready for competition at the national level.

One of the things that makes Incline Middle School so special is their Exploratory Program—a hands-on, student-centered experience that gives every child the opportunity to discover new interests, build real-world skills, and connect learning to life beyond the classroom. The offerings change each quarter and these are the classes this session:

• ? Mountain Biking
• ? Culinary Arts
• ? Leadership
• ? Kindergarten Readers (IMS students mentor our youngest learners)
• ✍️ Writing: How to Write a Book
• ? Junior Lifeguard
• ? Fiber Arts
• ? Pickleball
• ? Bird/Bat Houses (design & build)
• ? Banner Design
• ? Computer Skills

Each course is designed to give students a chance to try something new, build confidence, and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom—from teamwork and communication to creativity and problem-solving. These opportunities are made possible by the support of our teachers, community partners, and the Incline Education Fund.

The Incline Star Follies returns May 1–2, 2026, at the Duffield Theater, and tickets are now on sale. 

Now in its 23rd year, this beloved community event features over 100 local performers—students, teachers, and residents—bringing this year’s theme, “Celebrate Dance,” to life.

More than a show, the Follies is a celebration of community and connection, with proceeds benefiting the local Incline local public schools.

Performances: at 6, 8:30 on May 1 and 2 
Get tickets at: https://www.inclinestarfollies.org/showtimes-tickets

Summer in Incline Village doesn’t just arrive. It’s something we create together.

On Saturday, June 13, our community comes together for a full day of connection, starting with the Incline Green Clean and continuing into the Incline Village Block Party and Summer Reading Kickoff at the library.

Start the Day: Take Care of Our Community

From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Incline Green Clean invites residents, local businesses, and visitors to spend the morning caring for our town. Check-in begins at the Incline Village Library, 845 Alder Ave., where volunteers can pick up supplies and get oriented.

This is a simple and meaningful way to be part of something bigger. It’s neighbors showing up, families working together, and younger community members learning what it means to take pride in where they live.

Whether you join for an hour or the full morning, every effort helps keep Incline Village looking and feeling its best as we head into summer.

Keep the Energy Going: Block Party at the Library

As the morning wraps up, the energy naturally shifts into celebration right at the same location.

From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the library becomes a hub of activity for the Incline Village Block Party and Summer Reading Kickoff.

This free, family-friendly event is designed to bring people together in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Expect games, fun activities, hot dogs, music from a live DJ, community information booths, and a graffiti art demonstration that adds a creative and engaging element to the day.

It’s a great opportunity for families to spend time together, for kids to play and explore, and for community members to connect in a meaningful way.

Supporting the Next Generation

The afternoon also marks the start of the Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging kids to stay curious, engaged, and learning throughout the summer months.

It’s about building confidence, creating positive habits, and giving young people something to be part of during the season. Events like this help create a sense of belonging and connection that lasts well beyond the day itself.

A Day That Reflects Our Community

At its core, June 13 is about showing up and being part of something local.

It’s a day that brings together care, connection, and celebration in a way that feels natural to Incline Village. From the morning cleanup to the afternoon gathering, it’s an opportunity to spend time with neighbors, meet new people, and enjoy the start of summer together.

So come out, bring your family, invite a friend, and make a day of it.

Start the morning by taking care of our community.
Stay for the celebration.
Be part of what makes Incline Village feel like home.

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 3/25/2026, Submitted

The Incline High School swim team kicked off its first home meet of the season on Saturday, March 21, in impressive fashion, highlighted by multiple first-place finishes, personal best performances, and a strong wave of new regional qualifications. The Highlanders delivered a win against Sparks, securing an overall team victory.

Leading the way in the relay events, the girls’ 200 medley relay team of junior Sady Kelly, senior Katie Ferrall, freshman Elizabeth Hansen, and freshman Haddie Rudd captured first place with their fastest time of the season. The momentum continued in the girls’ 200 freestyle relay, where the A team—Ferrall, Kelly, Rudd, and Hansen—claimed another first-place finish with a season-best time of 2:04.43. The B team, consisting of senior Ashley Siminov, freshman Bellini Hane, sophomore Olivia Kranz, and freshman Justine Daniel, also delivered a strong performance, finishing third.

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 3/10/2026, Written by Maria Palma, KUNR Public Radio

Scientists from around the world gathered last week at the University of Nevada, Reno in Lake Tahoe to tackle a unique conservation challenge: how to protect the largest trout species on Earth.

At the Tahoe City Marina, scientists from around the world prepared to board a research boat on Lake Tahoe. It was a sunny afternoon, but on the water, the air was still cold.

The boat, named Liberty, is part of the research fleet used by scientists at UNR. It helps researchers collect data, study water clarity and monitor conditions in the lake. A second, larger research boat with space for up to 15 people is expected to arrive this September.

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Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 3/6/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh

Every four years the best of the best come from all corners of the world to compete, drawing excitement from many and daring others to dream.

For athletes, the Olympics is the peak of their career, where dreams are finally realized, and the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.

And while viewers often see athletes in these mountain top moments, what often isn’t seen is the diligence, grit, and the valleys where it all began.

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Photo: TDT – Diamond Peak

INCLINE HIGH SCHOOL

Incline High We the People Team Headed to Nationals

Incline High School’s We the People team are Nevada State Champions once again and headed to the National Finals in Washington, D.C. this April.

The students earned their place through months of preparation, teamwork, and academic excellence. Now the community has an opportunity to help support their journey.

Sending the team and coaches to Washington costs just over $100,000. The Incline Boosters have already stepped forward with significant support, helping launch the effort, but additional funds are needed to ensure every student who earned this opportunity can participate.

At Nationals, students present testimony in simulated congressional hearings before panels of constitutional scholars, judges, and civic leaders. Incline has proudly qualified 17 of the past 26 years, continuing a tradition of excellence in civic education. Community members who would like to learn more about the program and/or support the team’s trip can do so HERE. When donating, select “DC Bound”, or you can mail a check to:

Incline Education Fund

948 Incline Way

Incline Village, NV 89451    (Memo: WTP)

UPCOMING:

INCLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL

IMS had 14 wrestlers competing and took home 7 medals! Every wrestler was competitive and showed good sportsmanship on and off the mat. This was a proud day for Incline, IMS and IMS wrestling. 

Fallon Stampede Medalists :

Bode Reichert 1st

Atticus Edwards 3rd

Trey Lintzner 3rd

Mack Gitchell 2nd

Tonalli Boyce 3rd

Tanner Thompson 2nd

Angelo Pasquerello 1st

UPCOMING:

Each June and July, artists from across the country converge on the Holman Center for five-day workshops led by internationally recognized instructors. This annual tradition began over four decades ago and has grown into a cultural anchor for Incline Village and the Lake Tahoe region.

Participants work side-by-side with master artists. They explore new media, challenge their techniques and learn from one another while immersed in Tahoe’s natural brilliance.

Registration for the 2026 Tahoe Summer Arts Workshops is open. Register today!

The Holman Arts and Media Center invites artists of all skill levels to Lake Tahoe for its annual Tahoe Summer Arts Workshops. Attendees will spend five days in an intensive creative experience led by internationally recognized sculptors, painters, photographers and mixed-media artists.

Workshop participants will leave having expanded their creative skill set while in a stunning natural setting. Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada have long been sources of creative inspiration for artists of all mediums. The Holman Arts and Media Center is within walking distance from the shores of Lake Tahoe and situated amidst miles of hiking and walking trails in the Sierra Nevada.

The University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe campus offers optional housing for participants. Learn more about housing options.

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/16/2026, Written by Victoria Mastrocola

Children gathered excitedly as they headed to the buses just outside of Incline Middle School. They seemed eager to start their weekly Exploratory classes as Principal Dan Lediard greeted his students with a fist bump. For a group of 6th and 7th graders, today’s destination: Pet Network Humane Society.

The Exploratory classes, originally dubbed “teacher passion projects” by Lediard’s predecessor, Carrie McDonald, were first introduced as a means to get students back into school after COVID-19. 

According to a Nevada Department of Education report, as of the 2022-2023 school year, chronic absenteeism in the Silver State reached 34.9%.

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Photo: Tahoe Daily Tribune