Welcome to the very first edition of “The Lion’s Roar”.

For this special debut issue, ten secondary student (grades 6–12) contributed to a celebration of local voices. Most students took on the role of journalist—contacting their subject, preparing questions, conducting interviews, and writing their piece. A few explored different ways to tell stories: one created a comic book, while another curated a music playlist.

Most interviews took place at either Bruno’s Country Club or the Gerlach Library—thank you to both organizations for supporting student work. Our newsroom also extends heartfelt thanks to Moon Mandell, who joined us via video to share insights on the art of photojournalism.

We were thrilled to receive interest from more than twice as many community members as we have students—thank you to all who made time and encouraged students along the way.

As you read these profiles, we hope you will see our town the way our students do: full of inspiring, hardworking people who make Gerlach and Empire extraordinary places to call home.

If you’d like to be part of our next edition (planned for December or January), please email gerlach@washoeschools.net or call (775) 557-2326.