LAS VEGAS SUN STANDOUT AWARDS EVENT RECAP
PRESENTED BY
MONDAY, MAY 19
Las Vegas Sun celebrated its eighth annual Sun Standout Awards at South Point Hotel & Casino, Presented by the A’s, Las Vegas Aviators and Zero Teen Fatalities. The ceremony recognized incredible student-athletes, coaches, moments and more across 15 different categories.
Before the awards, Las Vegas Sun Reporter Case Keefer interviewed a selection of finalists in the green room sponsored by Port of Subs. As other finalists and guests arrived, they were treated to an appetizer buffet and enjoyed a photo booth sponsored by Zero Teen Fatalities. All finalist received medals sponsored by Nevada Gold Mines, Las Vegas Sun Standout Award t-shirts sponsored by Las Vegas Raiders and framed photos sponsored by Nevada Donor Network. US Navy Officer Recruiting had an informational booth on how students can become part of the organization.
Las Vegas Sun Managing Editor Ray Brewer hosted the program introducing all finalists and announcing each winner. During the show Scholar Athletes of the Year, I’yanna Jones and Jerrad Barczyszyn, were each surprised with a $2,500 scholarship from Vegas Golden Knights, Henderson Silver Knights and Vegas Night Hawks. The Hank Greenspun Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Karen Weitz for her exceptional work and impact. The evening ended on a high note with mascots Raider Rusher, Chance, Lucky, Berry, Spruce the Goose and Aviator releasing inflatable A’s baseballs into the crowd.
EMMA HERPIN
Faith Lutheran High School
Female Athlete of the Year
TAYLOR JOHNS
Palo Verde High School
Female Athlete of the Year
SAMANTHA MANZO
Palo Verde High School
Female Athlete of the Year
AYANNA WATSON
Bishop Gorman High School
Female Athlete of the Year
KENAN DAGGE
Desert Oasis High School
Male Athlete of the Year
GAVIN FLICKINGER
Coronado High School
Male Athlete of the Year
AJ TUITELE
Mojave High School
Male Athlete of the Year
TATE SOUTHISENE
Basic Academy
Male Athlete of the Year
AIYANA CASTRO
Arbor View High School Citizen of the Year
HUDSON FALB
The Meadows High School Citizen of the Year
YESHUA VILLATORO
Chaparral High School Citizen of the Year
DANECCA TALBOT
Desert Oasis High School Citizen of the Year
CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Soccer Team of the Year
FAITH LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Tennis Team of the Year
MOJAVE HIGH SCHOOL
Football Team of the Year
SLAM NEVADA ACADEMY
Wrestling Team of the Year
MICHAEL EDWARDS
Doral Academy
Rising Star Male
AARON MCMORRAN II
Desert Pines High School
Rising Star Male
THADDEUS THATCHER
Arbor View High School
Rising Star Male
HARRISON SMITH
Bishop Gorman High School
Rising Star Male
TOLLER TRUMMELL
Foothill High School
Rising Star Male
SLOANE MERRELL
Centennial High School
Rising Star Female
DANIELLE MORALES
Arbor View High School
Rising Star Female
BRYN NEIBAUR
FootHill High School
Rising Star Female
REMI RICE
Palo Verde High School
Rising Star Female
NATION WILLIAMS
Centennial High School
Rising Star Female
I’YANNA JONES
Western High School
Scholar Athletes of the Year
JERRAD BARCZYSZYN
Shadow Ridge High School
Scholar Athletes of the Year
BRAY’ANA MILES
Democracy Prep Moment of the Year
KEITH FRIDRICH
Faith Lutheran High School
Coach of the Year
WES PACHECO
Mojave High School
Coach of the Year
TIFFANY RICHARDSON
Legacy High School
Coach of the Year
BRETT TERRY
Sierra Vista High School
Coach of the Year
SILVERADO HIGH SCHOOL
Silverado Boys Basketball Game of the Year
CANDICE AVILA
Western High School Unsung Hero
DAVID CUNNINGHAM
Slam Nevada Unsung Hero
RIKKISHA “RIKKI” DUNLAP
Desert Oasis High School Unsung Hero
MIKE YAMAMOTO
Liberty High School Unsung Hero
MELVIN WHITEHEAD
Liberty High School Sun Standout Award of Excellence
MANUEL SALDATE
Slam Nevada Sun Standout Award of Excellence
KAREN WEITZ
Centennial High School
Hank Greenspun Lifetime Achievement
Nomination Eblast
Sent to local Las Vegas coaches
Nomination Website
Nomination Print Ad Featured in the Las Vegas Weekly 03/27/25
Nomination Print Ad Las Vegas Weekly 04/10/25
Check-In Sign
Sent to finalists and sponsors
Directional Sign
Sponsor Step & Repeat
Schedule for Green Room Interviews
Sponsored by Port of Subs
Finalist Reserved Seat Signage
Sponsored by Nevada Donor Network
Sponsored by
Inflatable Baseballs Sponsored by Athletics
Gold Medals for Finalists
T-Shirts for Finalists
Sponsored by Las Vegas Raiders
Winner Trophies
Sponsored by UFC
Sponsored by Nevada Gold Mines CONGRATULATIONS! “JUST
T-Shirt Cards
Broadcast Featured on Fox 5 04/24/25
Broadcast Featured on 8 News Now 05/18/25
Broadcast Featured on 8 News Now 05/18/25
