Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/12/2025, Submitted

Eighth graders at Incline Middle School (IMS) recently wrapped up a dynamic Financial Literacy course that gave students real-world tools for smart money management—and a head start on financial independence.

Offered as part of the school’s Exploratory program, this unique class is designed to go beyond the traditional classroom, engaging students in practical, hands-on learning. Students rotate through four nine-week sessions throughout the school year and focus on key financial concepts like earning, saving, investing, budgeting, and giving back.

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Sneak Peak of Summer LIVE.WORK.PLAY. Magazine feature, written by Mary Danahey – Timely Article

A little more than two years after its acquisition, the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe continues the legacy of Sierra Nevada University – a stunning campus offering educational and community partnerships. 

“We’re using this beautiful campus in ways that benefit not just students, but the local community and the global environment,” said Jeff Thompson, the University’s executive vice president and provost.

Here are a few of the new, engaging projects and programs on the campus this summer. 

A Voice for the Region

This spring, KUNR, Northern Nevada’s NPR affiliate station and partner of the Reynolds School of Journalism, opened a broadcast studio on campus. “Incline can be seen as a news desert,” said Dr. Gi Yun, dean of the Reynolds School. “We want to help fill that void.” 

KUNR will provide more consistent coverage of the North Shore. It will also support student journalism opportunities. 

“KUNR is committed to covering the Northern Nevada and Eastern Sierra region,” said Brian Duggan, general manager of KUNR. “Incline Village and the broader Lake Tahoe community is a critical part of that coverage area.” 

Monster Fish Comes to Tahoe

Giant catfish and sawfish, and a Payara with saber-like fangs—these are a few of the freshwater creatures featured in Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants, a new exhibition on the ground floor of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center.

With four massive fish models—including a 14-foot Amazonian arapaima, the exhibition engages visitors of all ages and is a launchpad for science and community engagement.

“This is a perfect complement to the University’s growing presence and impact at Lake Tahoe,” said Dr. Doug Boyle, interim vice provost and dean at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. “Through Monster Fish, we are creating a vibrant hub that connects the public with our research and educational mission, from local waters to global conservation.”

Co-created by National Geographic and biology professor Dr. Zeb Hogan, the exhibition is part of the University’s freshwater science and outreach efforts. 

Admission to Monster Fish is free; all are welcome. 

A New Showcase of Tahoe’s History

Another exciting development is the new galleries by Foundation Professor of Art Peter Goin. Slated to open fully in the Prim Library building this fall, Goin’s immersive multimedia experience will include large prints from his recent book, Stopping Time:A Rephotographic Survey of Lake Tahoe.

Visitors are invited to explore and reflect on the Tahoe Basin’s history and how our perceptions of the landscape have changed over time. 

Strengthening Community Connections

This summer, more than 60 organizations will host events, retreats and conferences on the Lake Tahoe campus, including the annual Lake Tahoe Summit luncheon, a key gathering for local and federal leaders focused on sustainability.

“Lake Tahoe is one of the world’s most precious places,” Provost Thompson said. “We are strongly committed to protecting its environmental, cultural and community assets—and delivering on our promise to be a good neighbor.”

Visit unr.edu/lake-tahoe for more information on upcoming events, programming, and other campus news.

Submitted by Ali Sacci with Lake Tahoe School, 06/11/2025

The culmination of the school year always brings a blend of activity and emotion, from final exams and events to the bittersweet goodbyes of departing students. Yet, amidst these transitions, Lake Tahoe School (LTS) takes immense pride in announcing the remarkable college acceptances for its Class of 2021 alumni.

When students graduate from Lake Tahoe School in eighth grade, they are exceptionally well-prepared for their high school journey. The school consistently receives positive feedback from alumni and their parents, who express deep appreciation for the academic rigor and supportive faculty encountered during their time as Bobcats. Four years later, the excitement continues as LTS proudly observes the college matriculation lists of these accomplished graduates.

The entire Lake Tahoe School community is immensely proud of its Bobcats, both current students and alumni, as they continue their educational and personal growth in college and beyond. The college choices of the newest high school graduates are among the most impressive on record. The LTS Class of 2021 demonstrated exceptional grit and determination, qualities that are clearly reflected in their outstanding acceptances.

Lake Tahoe School extends its warmest congratulations to these graduates and wishes them the very best in their future endeavors. The school encourages them to maintain connections with one another and with the LTS community.

Class of 2025 College Acceptances:

Turner Alston: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Stella Baceda: Barnard College of Columbia University
Grace Berry: Brown University
Ellie Bundy: University of Nevada, Reno
Christian Busse: Dartmouth College
Luke Davis: St. Mary’s College of California
Olive Hamner-Jillson: Dartmouth College
Aiden Hanak: Yale University
Jake Keil: Dartmouth College
Noah Keil: Amherst College
Josh Ludviksen: University of Chicago
Sabrina Ottaway: Harvard University
Madeline Patrick: Barnard College of Columbia University
Sophia Rauenhorst: Boston College
Chloe Ronning: Santa Clara University
Eryll Rose: TBD
Deia Steinmetz: Taking a gap year to compete in the World Cup
Aiden Vieara-McCarthy: University of Maryland
Maddie Vieara-McCarthy: Taking a gap year to compete with a ski team in Italy
Tommy Williams: Chico State University

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 06/09/2025, Staff Report

UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) invites science enthusiasts, lifelong learners, and curious minds to become Lake Tahoe experts through its immersive 2025 Summer Sessions at Lake Tahoe. This unique, multi-day educational experience takes participants behind the scenes of cutting-edge research and the natural wonders of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The four-day program, led by world-class researchers and educators, runs from June 24 to June 30, 2025, at TERC’s Tahoe City and Incline Village facilities.

2025 Summer Session at Tahoe Agenda:

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Photo TERC

Believe it or not, it’s already the last week of classes for 2025.  Finals start Friday, and next Wednesday is the LAST DAY of school. 

Here are a couple of noteworthy events happening at Incline High this week:

Wednesday, June 4 – Spring Band Concert – 6:30–8:00 PM 

Friday, June 6 – Senior English Presents: Macbeth – 5:00 & 7:00 PM in the Duffield Theater

Graduation is Monday, June 16 at 3:00 PM on the Football Field, the gate will open at 2:00 p.m.

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Last week, The Incline Boosters Club hosted the powerful “Every 15 Minutes” program at Incline High School. This two-day event challenges students to confront the harsh realities of impaired and distracted driving. Adopted nationwide, the program encourages teens to think critically about personal safety and responsibility, with the goal of reducing risky behaviors and promoting safer choices behind the wheel.

The event began with a simulated crash scene on campus, involving local law enforcement, emergency responders, and student actors portraying the accident. The dramatic reenactment included a mock fatality, a DUI arrest, and the emotional reactions of students, parents, and first responders. This visual and emotional experience was designed to leave a lasting impression on the students, prompting them to reflect on the potential consequences of impaired or distracted driving.

The second day of the program featured an assembly where students heard from speakers and individuals personally affected by impaired driving incidents and watched a video simulating the aftermath. The testimonies underscored the real-life impacts of such decisions and reinforced the program’s message about the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel.

The community’s support and involvement were crucial to the success of the event, highlighting the collective effort needed to address this critical issue. The program was made possible by the Incline Boosters Club and donors to the 2024 Fund-A-Need. The Executive Director of the program and the film, Tara Cannon collaborated with Orange Tree Productions, local first responders and community members including: the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Care Flight, Renown Children’s Hospital, Walton Funeral Home, Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office and Incline Village Judge Mangiaracina.

On June 12, the community will be invited to watch the premier screening of the film, ”Journey of Consequences”. More details, including times and ticket distribution, will be communicated soon. For more information, contact: tara.cannon347@gmail.com.

Our IHS track team crushed it at state. Here are our state champions and runner-ups…

State Champions for track:

Boys 4x400m team — Oliver Pietzke, Aiden Midgley, Adrian Shook, Blake Rive

Girls 200m — Shelby Erikson

Girls 800m — Shelby Erikson

Girls 1600m — Shelby Erikson

Girls 3200m — Saige Nolan

Girls 100m hurdles — Lauren Janssen

Girls 4x800m — Kaelynn Ferguson, Saige Nolan, Ellery Adams, and Muriel Daniel

State Runner-up for track:

Boys 4x800m — Oliver Pietzke, Blake Rive, Henry Taves, Asher Edwards

Girls 400m — Shelby Erikson

Girls 100m hurdles — Alex Oliva

Girls 4x400m — Kaelynn Ferguson, Sydney Vaughan, Alex Oliva, Lauren Janssen

Girls 4x800m — Saige Nolan, Muriel Daniel, Kaelynn Ferguson, Ellery Adams

Girls High Jump — Lauren Janssen

Our girls team finished 3rd overall (only 11 points behind the state winners)

Our boys team finished 6th overall

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 05/21/2025, Written by Leah Carter

Incline High School unveiled its newest expansion and renovation project on Thursday, May 15. The expansion, funded by a grant from the Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation, includes a three-story, 12,000-square-foot addition to the campus. 

Some of the new features in the building included a culinary arts kitchen, a student and community hub, a dance studio and new classrooms for the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. The event began with a ribbon cutting at the JROTC entrance to the building, followed by presentations in the student/collaborative hub and an open house. 

Parents, students and faculty were wide-eyed as they toured the new facilities, including a kitchen and cafeteria complete with walk-in fridges and even a Marzanno espresso machine. 

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Photo Credit: Washoe County School District

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 5/20/2025, Written by Katelyn Welsh

The Incline High School swim team completed its season at the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association’s (NIAA) 3A State Swimming Championships on Saturday, May 17, at the Moana Springs pool in Reno, Nev. The team had 10 student-athletes span four individual events and three relays.

Senior and co-captain Ava Hane finished 4th in both the 200 yard individual medley and the 100 yard backstroke. Hane out competed Tahoe-Truckee basin competitor Kyla McCarthy Smith of Truckee High School (6th), but fell behind South Tahoe High School’s Nichole Whisnant (2nd) in the medley. In the 100 yard breaststroke, Hane, with a time of 1:17.18, was just behind Truckee High School’s Sophia Martin, with a time of 1:17.13. Hane outcompeted North Tahoe High School’s Maren Plumb by over two seconds.

Senior and other co-Captain William Arrison finished 7th in both the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke. Truckee High’s Caleb Edwards (5th) outcompeted Arrison in the medley. In the breaststroke competition, Arrison beat Truckee High School’s Jack Ridgel by close to three seconds. North Tahoe’s Dexter Vastine beat Arrison by almost four seconds.

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Photo provided by Tahoe Daily Tribune

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 05/14/2025, Staff Report

At its regular public meeting, the Washoe County School District (WCSD) Board of Trustees heard a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Mark Mathers, who provided detailed information about the district’s challenging budget forecast for the next two fiscal years. Like many public agencies, the district is facing cuts to state and federal funding and is taking a variety of steps to keep the cuts from directly impacting students and classrooms.

Following the presentation, the Board of Trustees approved most of the budget recommendations that will be incorporated into the district’s final budget, but acknowledged that fiscal challenges lie ahead, partially as a result of a slowing economy and federal policy changes that reduced anticipated funding for education.

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Looking for fun, educational, and creative ways to connect with your community? The Incline Village Library offers a vibrant lineup of events for all ages — from weekly story times and writing workshops to hands-on STEAM adventures and interactive performances. Many events require registration, which can be done at washoecountylibrary.us/events. You can also find the full, up-to-date calendar of Incline Village Library happenings on the IVCBA Community Calendar — your local source for what’s happening in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Incline Village Library Events:

Please visit washoecountylibrary.us/events to register for events that require registration. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30 am: Family Story Time 

Every Friday in April and May, 3-5 pm: Cold Case Escape room. Reservations are required at least 24hrs in advance. 

Every 1st Tuesday of the month, 6pm: P.J. Story Time – a family story time with a bedtime theme. Come in your pj’s! 

Every 2nd and 4th Mondays, 2-4 pm: Write Your Life – a memoir writing workshop 

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 3:30 pm: Wind-Down Wednesdays for Adults. Join us for a variety of events that allow you to connect and relax. Registration required. 

Every 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 3-5 pm: Never Felt Better – a casual drop-in wool felting program. All skill levels welcome 

Every 3rd Tuesday, 10:30 am: Inclined to Read Book Group – refreshments served! 

Every 3rd Saturday, 1pm: Family BINGO with prizes to be won! 

Every 4th Saturday, 10:30 am: Paws 2 Read – read to a friendly dog. Registration required. 

Wednesdays, May 14, 21, 28, 4 pm: Spring STEAM with NDOW – Join us for an engaging wildlife adventure every Wednesday in collaboration with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)! Explore a unique facet of Nevada’s diverse wildlife through interactive, hands-on presentations. Week 1: Hides and Skulls. Week 2: Bats. Week 3: Reptiles and Herps. 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, June 3, 4, 5, 3-5 pm: Adult Sewing Class – Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, join us for a fun, hands-on session where you’ll learn new techniques and create your own masterpiece. The library will supply thread, fabric, and scissors. Registration is required. 

Saturday, June 7, 11am – 2pm: Incline Village Block Party and Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff! Join the fun at the 3rd Annual Library Block Party. There will be games, art demonstration, Double Dutch, information booths, DJ, rocket launches, free hot dogs, chips and drink, cake celebrating the library’s 20th Anniversary, and a lot more!  

Tuesday, Wednesday, June 24, 25, 2-3:30 pm: Camp STEAM – Join us for a two-day camp of STEAM filled fun! STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. We’ll be exploring each of these five topics through engaging experiments over the course of two days. Recommended for ages 6 to 11. Registration is required. 

Tuesday, July 15, 5-6pm: Reno Phil: Discover Music Concert – Experience the magic of live music with Discover Music, the Reno Phil’s exciting and interactive educational performance series! Enjoy interactive concerts by small ensembles (1-5 Reno Phil musicians) as they share their music, showcase their instruments, and inspire a love for music. Perfect for all ages, these free summer performances bring the joy of symphonic music right to your local library!

Thursday, Friday, July 17, 18, 24, 25, 1-4 pm: Area 51: Escape Room – Solve fun puzzles as you try to stop aliens from draining Earth of all color. You’ll uncover clues in an Area 51 research center, decipher an alien language, and try to save the planet in under 45 minutes. Registration required. 

Wednesday, July 30, 4-5pm: Young Shakespeare Presents “Twelfth Night” – Young Shakespeare, a D.G. Menchetti Education Program, features an interactive, hour-long adaptation of their mainstage production created with the young audience member in mind. This summer their team will be presenting an adaptation of Twelfth Night, a hilarious and twisty play about Viola, who’s shipwrecked and disguises herself as a boy to survive. She helps Duke Orsino, who’s in love with Countess Olivia, but Olivia ends up falling for Viola’s disguise instead! There’s plenty of mistaken identity, pranks, and witty characters, including a trickster who causes chaos. In this interactive, family-friendly performance, you’ll get involved and experience the wild mix-ups firsthand. It’s a story about love, identity, and having fun with the unexpected — and with surprises in store. You never know what will happen next!

Thursday, July 30, 3-4:30pm: Pokémon GO at the Library – End your Summer Reading Challenge by tackling several adventures catching Pokémon at our Pokémon party! Come meet other Pokémon trainers and raid, trade, and battle at our very own Incline Village Library PokéStop and nearby gyms. Trainers can use the meeting room for exchanging Pokémon, battling, or just catching up. Lures will be placed at nearby PokéStops so plenty of Pokémon will be around. Participate in fun Pokémon-themed games and win prizes (while supplies last).