LAS VEGAS SUN YOUTH FORUM
EVENT RECAP
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025
Las Vegas Sun hosted its 70th annual Sun Youth Forum at Cimarron-Memorial High School. Presented by Vegas Golden Knights, Henderson Silver Knights, Vegas Knight Hawks and Center for the Future of Learning, and in partnership with the Clark County School District, the event brought together students from across the valley to share their perspectives on current issues in a conference-style event moderated by prominent community leaders.
After the first discussion session, Las Vegas Sun CEO, Publisher & Editor Brian Greenspun welcomed attendees and led a special scholarship presentation with surprise appearances from mascots Raider Rusher, Chance, Cherry Bear and Wolfie.
Following the scholarship presentation students enjoyed a lunch break featuring Port of Subs sandwiches, fruit cups from Boxed Butcher, a donut wall from Carl’s Donuts and custom cookies by Freed’s Bakery. Adding to the lunchtime fun, students enjoyed a photo booth and music by DJ Lio from SPTLGHT Entertainment. Students also had the opportunity to connect with representatives from various universities and community organizations including UNLV, UNR, Nevada Treasury, Silver State Schools Credit Union, and Clark County Voter Registration.
At the conclusion of the second discussion session, student participants elected one room representative from each discussion group who received commemorative Sun Youth Forum T-shirts, provided by Nu World Graphics. Room representatives continued on to participate in follow up assignments sharing their experience at the Sun Youth Forum and were invited to a celebratory dinner.
MODERATORS:
Cisco Aguilar Secretary of State Nevada
Ivet Aldaba Lecturer/Graduate Program Coordinator UNLV
Wendell Blaylock Commissioner Nevada Veterans’ Services Commission
Alex Bybee Founder & Principal Bybee Co.
Dr. Sebern Coleman Director of Education Preparation UNLV
Karen Diamond Pastel Clark County School District (Ret.)
Miles Dickson Founder & President Nevada Grant Lab
Amber Renee Dixon Host of Nevada Week Vegas PBS
Eddie Escobedo Jr. Co-Founder El Mundo Spanish Newspaper
Michael Flores VP of Government and Community Engagement University of Nevada, Reno
Sandy Ginger Executive Director Nevada Association of Student Councils
Carlos Hank Retired Sheriff Las Vegas Metro Police Department
Latoya Holman Chief Development Office The Public Education Foundation
Tim Hughes Executive Director Teach for America, Nevada
Kip Kelly
Founding Creative Director and CXO The Beverly Theater
Len Jessup
Managing Partner Desert Forge Ventures
Justin Jones County Commissioner Clark County District F
Dawn Mack CEO ML Enterprises
Melisa McChesney Director of Lifelong Learning
Neon Museum Las Vegas
Becky McDonald President Nevada Womens’ Philanthropy
Margie Minnalaez
Volunteer Georgetown AAP Admissions Committee
Chief Adrianna Montoya
Light City Knights DLCPO United States Navy
Rochelle Nguyen State Senator Nevada Legislature
Alexander Olive
Brand Marketing Manager Universal Horror Unleashed
Ciara Owens
Senior Managing Director Program Teach for America, Nevada
Sean Parker CEO Center for the Future of Learning
Jim Pisanelli Attorney Pisanelli Bice
Dawn Rawle Sr. VP Marketing & Entertainment Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Key Reid Managing Partner The Reid Firm
Quentin Savwoir President NAACP, Las Vegas Chapter
Dr. Robert Ulmer
Dean
UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs
Andre Wade State Director Silver State Equality
Dr. Linda Young President Village Foundation, LJP (Love, Joy & Peace)
Kenneth Youngblood Captain Henderson Police Department
Michael Brown Fellow The Lincy Institute, UNLV
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Michael Crome CFO
Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium
Dr. Charles Buckner Associate Director of Recruitment Nevada State University
Featured in the Las Vegas Weekly 11/06/25
SUN YOUTH FORUM OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
At the end of the Sun Youth Forum, each discussion group selects a room representative to present their views to the wider community. These student representatives write a guest column for the Las Vegas Sun, or participate in panel conversations with other local media outlets. In 2025, Sun Youth Forum students appeared on: the Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum After Party YouTube podcast, UNLV-TV and KUNV-FM radio.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
UNLV-TV
Jennifer Ream - Executive Producer, UNLV-TV
Ryan Thorp - Editing and Production Specialist, UNLV-TV
Sean Skottey – Media Editor and Graphic Designer, UNLV-TV
KUNV-FM:
Dr. Ashton Ridley - General Manager, KUNV-FM | Rebel Media Group
Wesley Knight - Production Manager, KUNV-FM
Broadcast Dates: 12/13, 12/20, 12/27
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025
