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SCHOOL NAME COMMITTEE
New Elementary School Name Application
For instruction regarding submitting an application to name a school, please see the Call for Nominations available on the School Name Committee page on CCSD.net. PERSON SUBMITTING THE NOMINATION: HARRIET E. BARLOW ADDRESS : CITY : STATE : NV ZIP CODE : EMAIL: HOME PHONE : CELL PHONE :
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUGGESTED NAMESAKE
FULL NAME OF NOMINEE (first, middle, and last): HANNAH MARIE BROWN PROPOSED SCHOOL NAME : HANNAH MARIE BROWN NOMINEE ’S OCCUPATION : RETIRED EXECUTIVE/DELTA AIRLINES IS THE NOMINEE :
A FORMER CCSD EMPLOYEE? YES X NO IF SO, HOW MANY YEARS RETIRED?
A FORMER SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE? YES X NO IF SO, HOW MANY YEARS RETIRED?
CURRENTLY SERVING IN ANY PUBLIC OFFICE? YES X NO
A CURRENT OR FORMER CCSD SUPPLIER , CONTRACTOR, OR CONSULTANT? YES X NO
IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP : LAST DATE OF SERVICE :
A RELATIVE OF ANY PERSON CURRENTLY SERVING ON THE SCHOOL NAME COMMITTEE OR BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES? YES X NO
IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE RELATIONSHIP:
DATE OF BIRTH: CITY : STATE : COUNTRY OF CITIZENSHIP : USA
DECEASED? YES X NO YEARS IN CLARK COUNTY : 74 CURRENT RESIDENT CLARK COUNTY? X YES NO
SUPPORT FOR THIS NOMINATION
( SCHOOL NAME COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL RATE EACH OF THE FIVE CATEGORIES BELOW FOR A TOTAL COMBINED AVERAGE SCORE)
1. EXTRAORDINARY AND LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION AND/ OR CLARK COUNTY
Please summarize the nominee’s extraordinary and lasting contributions benefitting the Clark County School District and/or the community:
Ms. Brown created the Saturday School Tutorial Program at Matt Kelly Elementary School to address and improve low test scores on the State test. Funding was provided for teachers, included 2 meals and field trips etc. Students flourished in this small learning environment. Classes were compromised of 10 students per classroom (3 classes) and students received one-on-one attention in specific subjects such as math and English. Parental support was necessary, and The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) was established. This component was designed to encourage parental involvement in order that they will have a vested interest and a stake in their children's education. This program was successful, students acquired better study habits, learned the importance of reading daily, and their state test scores showed significant improvement. In addition, her direct connection to the Clark County School District is manifested in her leadership and dedication to the 501c Hannah Brown Community Development Corporation (HBCDC) in which, hundreds of students in the CCSD receive thousands of dollars to continue their education.
2. EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP Please explain the nominee’s demonstrated exceptional leadership locally toward the advancement of education and/or humanity in Clark County:
Ms. Brown participated in the Saturday School Tutorial Program in which she created. She attended the classes to ensure the program was properly managed and supervised. She followed the program from its inception to the conclusion. Her participation was to ensure that students received attention in the areas where it was needed most. She measured the success of the program by comparing previously submitted test scores to the testing scores post program.
Maria Marinch
October 14, 2019 Reference 2.04 (B) Page 1 of 33
3. NOTABLE EXPERIENCE
List relevant education positions or experience inside and/or outside of the Clark County School District, length of time in each position, and impact on children in Clark County:
Ms. Brown served on the Superintendent's Advisory Committee for 2 decades as a community representative. In this position, she had the opportunity to give input about specific topics, and to make recommendations to enhance the Clark County educational system; participated in several ad hoc committees; served on the Public Education Board of Trustees (6 years); Nevada State Foundation Board (10 years); Chair of the College of Southern Nevada (8 years); UNLV Diversity Committee.
List involvement in organizations or activities benefitting children and/or relevant public or government service and explain how the nominee’s activities have contributed to children, education, or to the betterment of Clark County:
Ms. Brown is a member of the Links, lnc. (mission is to improve the lives of minorities). The Links partners with the City of Las Vegas to host the Annual Teen Town Hall Meeting in which approximately 500 students from local high schools participate. This event allows students an opportunity to meet with elected officials and to have open dialogue. This meeting is also a time where students express what their needs and concerns are regarding current events and their future education. The Links are committed to this event, and has partnered with the City for over 9 years. The Links also provide scholarships to deserving students, and this meeting gives them an opportunity to meet with students face to face.
4. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON CHILDREN AND/ OR EDUCATION IN CLARK COUNTY
Please describe the estimated number of children/people impacted by the nominee’s activities and indicate any extraordinary circumstances, such as loss of life in the performance of service to benefit or support the Clark County School District or individual actions beyond customary expectation that result in extraordinary benefit to CCSD students, staff and community members:
In addition to providing thousands of dollars in scholarships via the Hannah Brown Community Development Corporation, Ms. Brown participates in the City of Las Vegas Annual Ward 5 Back to School Fair. Vendors and community partners join to assemble and provide resources and school supplies to students. Over 2,000 students and their families attend the event annually. Backpacks and learning tools are supplied complimentary to equip students with the necessary tools for classroom preparedness. Ms. Brown is a proud supporter of this event, and the city looks forward to her participation. Further, Ms. Brown established a Saturday School Tutorial Program at Matt Kelly Elementary to address the low test scores on the State test. Her involvement in this project was successful, and resulted in increased test scores. Her actions enriched the student's confidence as well as encouraged their parents to have a stake in the education of their children. Lastly, Ms. Brown served as a member of the CCSD Superintendent's Advisory Committee for two decades.
5. POSITIVE ROLE MODEL/SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES , TALENTS , ACCOMPLISHMENTS , OR CONTRIBUTIONS Please describe the nominee’s demonstrated character to inspire students and any other special attributes, talents, accomplishments, or contributions not listed elsewhere in this application :
Named by Ebony Magazine in 1991 as "100 Most Promising Black Women in Corporate America" was only the beginning of Ms. Brown's accomplishment as a role model and inspiration for the Las Vegas community. In 2018, she was recognized by the American Red Cross as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Clark County School District's Excellence in Education Award. Other awards include: Citizen of the Month (City of Las Vegas, Jan. 2016); Delta Sigma Theta Spirit Honoree; Who's Who in Black Las Vegas (interesting Personality); Courtney Children's Foundations, First Annual Woman of the Year Award; U. S. Small Business Administration Minority Small Business Champion of the Year; and Valley Hospital System Board of Governors.
Reference 2.04 (B) Page 2 of 33
Business and Community Advocate.
A Las Vegas resident since 1945,
Hannah Brown has witnessed major
milestones in African-American
history: black entertainers integrating
Strip showrooms in the 1950s; the
1955 opening of the city's first interra-
cial casino, the Moulin Rouge; the
Strip's desegregation in 1960; visits by
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. later in the
decade; welfare mothers marching on
Las Vegas Boulevard and comman-
deering Caesars Palace in 1971 and
school desegregation later that dec-
ade; and the formation of the Nevada
Black Chamber of Commerce on July
In 1997 Brown added her name to the
African American canon as part of a
group that re-named the chamber as
the Urban Chamber of Commerce and
repurposed the new organization's
focus toward business advocacy. To-
day, the chamber boasts several hun-
dred members and continues to
champion diversity issues.
During Brown's time in leadership, the
chamber instituted a college
scholarship fund, created monthly
luncheons and annual joint luncheons
with the Asian and Latin chambers,
and secured land and partial funding
for a $2.2 million headquarters that
will also house a business incubator
and a full-service Bank of Nevada
branch. But the signature achieve-
ment during her tenure might be the
chamber's work improving managerial
diversity and minority business
procurement in the gaming industry.
"You heard the word 'diversity,' but
you didn't see it in action until we
came along."
Making things happen fast is Brown's
Las Vegas Resident since 1945
President Emeritus, Las Vegas Urban
Chamber of Commerce
Alumnus, Westside Grammar School
Alumnus, Rancho High School
Lived through Segregation in Las Vegas
Attended First Integrated School in Las
Vegas/Elected Student Body President
Champion of Children
Champion of Education
Every Day Hero
Woman of Diversity
Community Activist
CCSD SCHOOL NAMING
APPLICATION Hannah Brown
B OARD S & C OM M IT T EES
CCSD Superintendent Advisory Committee
The Intersection: Academic Multicultural Resource Center Advisory Board, UNLV
Dean’s Advisory Board, UNLV School of Medicine
The Public Education Foundation Board of Trustees
Nevada State College Foundation Board
Delta Education & Leadership Training Academy Advisory Board
Workforce Connections Board, Chair
Valley System Board of Governors
Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors
Olive Crest-Board of Trustees, Emeritus
JAG Nevada Board of Directors
Executive Steering Committee for the Las Vegas Centennial
Pioneer, Activist, Education Champion
Reference 2.04 (B) Page 7 of 33 Hannah Brown ~ Page 1
hallmark. Blacks com-
prised five percent of the
student population at
Rancho High School, yet
she was elected student
body president. "It was
my first experience in an
integrated environment,"
she recalls. During a
nearly 40-year airline in-
dustry career, she was
promoted with regularity,
including eight times in
one ten-year stretch. In
less than a year, she went
from serving as the
chamber's vice president
to president, a position
she held for eight years.
"I was the first black and
first woman in each posi-
tion," Brown says. Ebony
magazine named her one
of "100 Most Promising
Black Women in
Corporate America.
"When I was assistant
manager in San Francis-
co, there were 119 men
and one woman on the
airport ramp. That went
over like a lead balloon."
Hannah Brown:
Making a Difference
Negotiated the 4 million dollar
grant from the Nevada Centennial
Committee to refurbish her alma
mater, Westside Grammar School
to a historical cultural center.
Awards & Honors
2018 Lifetime Achievement Award , American Red Cross
2018 Excellence in Education Award, Clark County School District
2018 Education Hero Award , The Public Education Foundation
January 2016 Citizen of the Month. City of Las Vegas
2016 Tribute Award , Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Community Service Award , Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
1991 100 of the Most Promising Black Women in Corporate America , Ebony Magazine
1988 Black Women of Achievement , NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Achievement Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
First Annual Women of the Year Award, Courtney Children's Foundations
Black History Month Award, College of Southern Nevada
2005 Grand Marshall, Martin Luther King Parade
2003 Proclamation, Governor Kenny Guinn
2006 Champion of The Year, U. S. Small Business Administration Minority Small Business
Honorary Associates of Arts Degree in Humane Letters , Community State of Nevada College of Southern Nevada (CSN)
After a career spent away
from home, Brown
returned in 1993 to care
for her sick mother. She
took an early retirement
package from Delta
Airlines and worked
for· eight-and-a-half
years for McCarran
Interna-
tional Air-
port, be-
coming the
facility's
first black
manager. Brown, who
moved here from
Stamps, Arkansas, at age
6, was distressed about
urban conditions. "I saw
that the city wasn't as far
along as the other places
I'd lived. That's why I'm
passionate about my vol-
unteer career."
Memberships in The
Links, Inc., the Southern
Nevada Coalition of
Concerned Women and
100 Black Women of Las
Vegas, among other
groups; activity in
religious and political
groups; and stints on
various committees (from
higher education to the
city's Centennial
Committee to the Blue
Ribbon Commission to
Study Nevada Courts)
keep her days
packed. That list
pales in compari-
son to the legions
of business peo-
ple and aspiring
entrepreneurs she has
counseled through the
Urban Chamber. Trying
to name them is like
counting grains of sand
on a beach. "I'm very
proud of what the cham-
ber has done. It is truly
an advocate for black
businesses," shares
Brown.
Historic Westside School
“ A n I n t e r e s ti n g P e r s o n a l i t y ” B y D a m o n H o d g e 2 0 0 8 R e p r i n t
Reference 2.04 (B) Page 8 of 33 Hannah Brown ~ Page 2
APPRECIATION
FOR
PRESIDENT
EMERITA
HANNAH
BROWN
A Birthday Celebration
Presented by the Urban
Chamber of Commerce
June 23, 2019
Las Vegas Park MGM
U-CAN GO TO COLLEGE: For college-bound Las Vegas students
opportunities await
August 5, 2013, Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
“I am an advocate for education, and so proud that the
Urban Chamber of Commerce Foundation has a signature
scholarship in my name. I am supporting the U-CAN
Black College Fair coming to our Las Vegas community, because
it opens doors for our young people.”
Three chambers of commerce plan Dec. 13 joint mixer Review Journal, December 1, 2013
Three Las Vegas chambers of commerce are reprising a joint business mixer that will be held Dec. 13 at The Venetian. Pictured are: bottom row, left to right, Hannah Brown, past president of the Urban Chamber, Eloiza Martinez, past president of the Latin Chamber; top row: left to right, James Yu, president of the Asian Chamber, Ken Evans, president of the Urban Chamber, and Dr. Terry Wong, past president of the Asian Chamber.
Photos of the Month
June 29, 2015, Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
At the screening of "Misunderstood Legend of the Las Vegas
Moulin Rouge Documentary," at the West Las Vegas Library The-
atre, Original Moulin Rouge showgirl, Carrie Pollard,
Miss Hannah Brown, Claytee White, Documentary producers
and directors Stan Armstrong and Gary Lipsman.
CSN Event Honors Civil Rights Pioneers December 3, 2015, CSN Newsroom Blog
Held on the Cheyenne campus and hosted by CSN communication professor Arnold Bell, the event presented awards to local civil rights pioneers Hannah Brown and June Whitley, a former Nevada System of Higher Education regent. Brown, who was presented the CSN Frederick Douglass Humanitarian Award.
“I am an
advocate for
education…”
Hannah Brown
Red Cross Everyday Hero: Hannah Brown Apr 13, 2018, KLAS/Nathan Tannenbaum
8 News NOW salutes and thanks Hannah Brown, as she receives the American Red Cross Everyday Hero Lifetime Achievement Award. *Every year, the American Red Cross honors community members who have demonstrated heroism through extraordinary acts of courage and kindness.
Reference 2.04 (B) Page 10 of 33 Hannah Brown ~ Page 4
“You may not realize it now, but the effort you’re putting into your learning experience now will pay off for the rest of your life.”
Hannah Brown
Hannah Brown is the regional manager-stations
for Delta Air Lines Inc. at
its world headquarters in
Atlanta.
Hannah Brown, a civic and community leader driven by fairness and a devotion to equality, is a true champion of children and public education. Brown, chairman emerita of the Urban Chamber of Commerce, also offers invaluable leadership on The Public Education Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Hannah Brown/Thalia Dondero
Award of Distinction
In 2016 the UNLV University Libraries partnered with VegasPBS to complete produce the documentary, African Americans: the Las Vegas Experience.
“A strong woman is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears follow as abundantly as her laughter. She is both soft and powerful, practical and spiritual. A strong woman in her essence gift to the world.” Kengen Consulting endorsement of honoree. Hannah Brown.
Part One: A conversation about “Early Migration, Work and Community Emergence”
Sometimes, if I’m
overwhelmed, I’ll
look in the mirror,
and I’ll say ‘thank
you, Lord, for
making me the person
that you made me.
I didn’t make
myself.'”
Hannah Brown
Reference 2.04 (B) Page 11 of 33Hannah Brown ~ Page 5
3/20/19 (2019 School Name Application‐CEU) Page 2
3. NOTABLE EXPERIENCE
List relevant education positions or experience inside and/or outside of the Clark County School District, length of time in each position, and impact on children in Clark County:
Please see attached.
List involvement in organizations or activities benefitting children and/or relevant public or government service and explain how the nominee’s activities have contributed to children, education, or to the betterment of Clark County:
Please see attached.
4. SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON CHILDREN AND / OR EDUCATION IN CLARK COUNTY
Please describe the estimated number of children/people impacted by the nominee’s activities and indicate any extraordinary circumstances, such as loss of life in the performance of service to benefit or support the Clark County School District or individual actions beyond customary expectation that result in extraordinary benefit to CCSD students, staff and community members:
Please see attached.
5. POSITIVE ROLE MODEL/ SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES , TALENTS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS , OR CONTRIBUTIONS
Please describe the nominee’s demonstrated character to inspire students and any other special attributes, talents, accomplishments, or contributions not listed elsewhere in this application :
Please see attached.
You may attach no more than five (5) additional sheet(s) to complete your answers to the questions, if needed, or to provide additional supplemental material relevant to this application. REQUIRED REFERENCES: In a separate document, not included in page count restriction, please provide five (5) references, including names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers. References may not be related to nominee. OPTIONAL LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: In addition, the Committee will consider no more than three (3) letters of recommendation for each individual or joint nominee(s).
Please submit application and supporting documentation by July 31, 2019:
Clark County School District c/o Community Engagement Unit
5100 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89146 or via email to [email protected].
Reference 2.04 (B) Page 13 of 33
1. Extraordinary and Lasting Contributions to Education. Summarize the nominee’s extraordinary and lasting
contributions to education benefitting the Clark County School District.
Dr. Miller began his career with the Clark County School District in 1958 as one of the architects responsible for
establishing the functional bedrock on which the school district currently operates. As a teacher, coach, counselor,
principal, and athletic/ activities director he coordinated with the first eight CCSD Superintendents to create,
develop and structure the policies and procedures still used in our district today. His contributions are woven into
the tapestry of CCSD history. As mathematics is the foundation of science, engineering, and even music, so Dr.
Miller’s contributions are the foundation of the CCSD we know today. His lifetime of work has made an everlasting
impact in the CCSD and the Clark County community that continues in the present and propels them toward the
future.
Dr. Miller greatly impacted the children of CCSD throughout his tenure, but his most instrumental contributions were
during his appointment as Director of Athletics and Activities from 1976 to 1991. Dr. Miller strongly believed
athletics and activities positively impacted the academic outcomes of students, and they are fundamental toward
building a successful whole person. Through his leadership and perseverance, he partnered the CCSD and its
students with the force of the Downtown and Strip Hotel industry and prominent local businesses. This brought
tremendous novel resources and opportunities for students and interconnected the CCSD with the heart of the
community. During these years, CCSD saw reduced dropout rates, higher graduation rates, and greater post-
secondary opportunities and enrollment. The students fostered their educational and athletic aspirations and
developed their social, emotional and physical well-being.
Many of the basic policies we take for granted today were established by Dr. Miller. Known as the founding father of
CCSD sports, Dr. Miller negotiated the first written agreement with the Southern Nevada Officials Association to
ensure there would be certified officials at every secondary and junior high sporting event. He partnered with local
orthopedic physicians to ensure trained medical personnel were onsite as well. Dr. Miller helped craft the
operational plan of the National Interscholastic Athletic Association and served on the National High School Football
Rules Committee, creating the rules we use today to ensure the safety of our student athletes.
Dr. Miller was appointed one of the first board members to the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrator
Association (NIAAA). He was later inducted to the County, State and National IAAA Halls of Fame for his leadership.
To this day, he is the only person from Nevada to be inducted into the NIAAA Hall of Fame. He also earned
innumerable accolades in acknowledgement of his extraordinary contributions to education. Both the Clark County
School District and UNLV honored him with the Distinguished Service Award and Outstanding Educator Award.
As an Athletic and Activities Director, Dr. Miller was responsible for “everything that happened after 2 pm” in the
CCSD. This included not only all student activities and athletics themselves, but logistics such as transporting
thousands of students, event safety, officials, venue coordination, scheduling, event recording, news coverage,
awards, parent involvement, funding, coordination between other counties and states. Frequently this involved
coordination for cross-country or international activities. Dr. Miller’s responsibilities extended not only to athletic
events, but to intellectual competitions, band, choir, other music events, philanthropic and leadership clubs, ROTC
events and literally anything students were involved in after 2 pm and throughout the day. Dr. Miller developed and
expanded the Varsity Quiz program, together with the late Harvey Dondero, to be sponsored by the Las Vegas
Kiwanis club and held at Channel 10 Studios. They further expanded this to the Jr. High school level. With the late
Senator Howard Cannon, he expanded the High School ROTC program from one Nellis AFB unit at Rancho HS to a
district-wide program. He also developed the first county and state wide ROTC Drill Team and Efficiency
Championships, which still runs today.
Dr. Miller’s tenure oversaw the early beginnings of CCSD with 20,000 students, and his policies and innovations still
guide the 320,000 students of today. He is truly a part of the rich living history of the CCSD. His contributions to
student athletics and activities are fundamental to the organizational structure, logistical operations and cooperative
agreements with the business community and Clark County resources. He established the philosophy that education
includes the whole person and each child has diverse strengths and talents that can be nurtured to build their
success.
Reference 2.04 (B) Page 14 of 33
Activities Director in the CCSD. Dr. Miller retired from full-time service with CCSD in 1991. However, his notable
educational experience was requested once again in 1995. He returned to the District to become the first
Administrator of the Clark County Adult Evening Education Programs. Dr. Miller again utilized the strengths of his
staff to create the successful adult learning program still operating today. Although Dr. Miller officially retired again
in 2000, he continues to support CCSD as the Nevada Administrator and on the Board of Directors of the
international organization Youth Basketball Association of America.
4. Involvement in Organizations or Activities Benefiting Children and / or Relevant Public or Government Service.
Please explain how the nominee’s activities have contributed to children, education, or to the betterment of Clark
County.
Dr. Miller grew up in a small town with little opportunity outside of farming. He served our country as a Sound
Ranger in the Korean war. Returning, he used his GI bill to obtain his teaching degree and began his career in
educating and encouraging Clark County youth. He achieved the highest status of 3rd^ degree Master Mason in both
the York and Scottish Rite, the additional 33 rd^ degree from the Scottish Rite and recently received the honor of 60
years of distinguished service. He is also a life member of the BPOE Elks Lodge, routinely became Santa at Christmas
for underprivileged children and served in many community fundraising and organizational events. Both these
associations continue to be very active with children and community betterment.
Dr. Miller built successful partnerships with civic, community and business leaders in each of his positions within the
Clark County School District to bring the community closer to students and schools. His intent was to sustain
collaborative partners to weave together critical resources to support the needs of the students and accelerate their
success. These community business partnerships and civic leadership involvements were essential to providing
resources and school funding for academic programs and extra-curricular activities. They also provided students with
actual life experiences and community connections upon which to build their life’s portfolio. Building these
partnerships required exceptional leadership and involvement in multiple organizations to address the barriers
impacting our educational system. Bridging the divide of the business community and the CCSD continues today as
one of the most important factors in growing CCSD resources, building the future leaders of our community and
bringing new business to Clark County. Dr. Miller was one of the first to establish this fundamental concept that was
so novel in the early days of the CCSD.
A few of Dr. Miller’s own personal educational and community organizations include City of Las Vegas Cultural Arts
Community Committee (Member), City of Las Vegas Professional Baseball Team Recruitment Committee (Member),
City of Las Vegas Volunteer Fire Department (Member), Clark County Convention and Visitors Authority (CCSD
Liaison), Clark County School District Budget Committee (Member), Energy Conservation Committee (Member), Las
Vegas Elks (Lifetime Member), Las Vegas Junior Chamber of Commerce (Member), Las Vegas Phi Delta Kappa
Educational Fraternity (Secretary and Charter Member), Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum (Executive Committee and
Event Coordinator), Master Teacher Advisory Board (Member), National Association of Secondary School Principals
Association (NV Scholarship Committee Member), National Federation National Conference Host Committee
(Chairperson), National Federation (Executive Committee Member), National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators
Association (State Membership Chairperson, Hall of Fame Inductee), Nevada Association of School Administrators
(Executive Board Member), Nevada Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (President), Nevada
State Secondary Principals (President), Northwest Accrediting Association Review Committee (Chairperson),
Southern Nevada Counselors Association (Committee Member), Southern Nevada Officials Association (Baseball
Official and Lifetime Member), State Committee on Education (Member), Youth Basketball of America (State
Director), and Zelza Las Vegas Shriners (Member).
5. Significant Impact on Children and Education in Clark County. Please describe the estimated number of children /
people impacted by the nominee’s activities.
Dr. Miller has touched hundreds of thousands of lives throughout his career in education. His contributions,
innovations and policies have filtered through to today’s CCSD structure and policies. In a sense, he has touched the
lives of every student, educator, administrator and employee from the early beginnings of the CCSD through modern
times. His contributions are one of the many threads that weave through the rich historical tapestry of the CCSD.
He began with a school district of 20,000 students and saw it thrive to become the 5th^ largest school district in the
Reference 2.04 (B) Page 16 of 33
country with 320,000 students. He left a legacy in both the CCSD and all Nevada. Dr. Miller challenged the
community in many unconventional ways to create partnerships with the school district and invest in Nevada’s
students and future.
Dr. Miller dedicated his life to bringing much needed resources to our district and significantly impacted many of the
services utilized today to support our students. He realized early within his administrative career that to bridge the
gap between the community and school district, he needed to demonstrate that CCSD had a significant presence in
the community. In 1986, he organized the first Corporate Challenge Program as one community platform. Educators
came together to compete in the largest amateur sporting event in Nevada against thousands of employees in
hundreds of companies, with the CCSD winning the large corporation division. The Corporate Challenge recently
celebrated its 32nd anniversary with 18,000 athletes from more than 125 companies from around Las Vegas. The
schools rallied and the community took notice as CCSD won many championships over the years. This program
opened the door to many more partners interested in working with CCSD, benefiting both sides. Dr. Miller
collaborated with such icons as Siegfried and Roy to bring students to the Frontier Hotel and later the Mirage for
educational programs on endangered animals. Similar programs and educational forums were established for the
dolphin habitat, and later the Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay. Another unique event involved hundreds of high
school students assisting the Sands Hotel in their 1982 record balloon release for the Guinness Book of Records to
bring attention to funding educational reform. Many other hotels and casinos followed suit by working with Dr.
Miller to involve high school bands, ROTC’s, and clubs for special events which brought much needed recognition
and funding to an ever-growing school district. In addition to the financial support from the casinos, Dr. Miller
partnered with Jostens Jewelry, Jack Binion, Kiwanis clubs, Lions clubs, Elks clubs, Masons, and the Southland
Corporation, to bring much needed resources to underfunded schools. Dr. Miller is also credited for developing the
Sun Youth Forum with Governor Mike O’Callaghan and Superintendent Robert Wentz; organizing the first statewide
high school ROTC skills competition and varsity quiz competitions; as well as organizing the UNLV Rebel Recognition
Program to recognize outstanding CCSD teachers.
Due to Dr. Miller’s inspirational efforts and outpouring of community support, the CCSD established full departments
to manage their myriad of extra-curricular programs. The CCSD Partnership Office, the CCSD Department of
Athletics, and the CCSD Department of Activities were all founded to support the continuing needs of our students.
These departments were the direct result of Dr. Miller’s efforts. He has not only made a significant impact on the
past and present students and policies of the school district, he is truly the “founding father” of CCSD athletics and
activities.
6. Positive Role Model / Special Attributes, Talents, Accomplishments, or Contributions. Please describe the
nominee’s demonstrated character to inspire students and any other special attributes, talents, accomplishments
or contributions not listed elsewhere.
Dr. Miller exemplifies the highest character achievable for turning humble beginnings into a life’s work that has
touched and propelled hundreds of thousands of students down their own successful paths. He started life in a
Midwest small town with few options. He spent his elementary school days working in his father’s creamery
churning butter and candling eggs to help his family to survive. He held onto his belief in himself and the ideals of
service and hard work. He served his country in the Korean War and then created his own educational growth. He
engrained the belief that success is motivated by the development of self-worth and small opportunities. As the first
in his family to attend college, he used his GI bill to obtain his teaching degree from Wayne State College in
Nebraska. He continued his commitment to lifelong education earing a Masters Degree in School Administration
from UNR and his Doctorate in School Administration from UNLV. He used this education, experience and talent in
building the CCSD.
Dr. Miller dedicated his entire career to the students of the Clark County School District. He was an advocate for
young men and women along their educational journey, bringing opportunities to those who may not have had any
without his support. He quite literally put his life on the line for his passion for education as he faced down guns and
knives on several occasions while bringing order, encouragement and possibilities to his students at Opportunity
School. As documented in this application, Dr. Miller has positively touched students’ lives on local, state and
national levels. When he began his career in 1958, CCSD had recently consolidated into the district we know today
and is still functioning with many of his programs continuing to enrich student’s lives. Dr. Miller worked tirelessly to
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