“Rigor, Relevance, Relationships, and Responsibility.” That is the motto of Chaparral High School. Chaparral High School opened its doors in 1973. It stands on Annie Oakley Drive in Las Vegas.
Chaparral High School’s campus design comes from Caudill, Rowlett, Scott & Jack Miller & Associates. Del E Webb Corporation undertook construction beginning in September 1971.
The school’s mascot is Kevin the Cowboy. Its colors are orange, black, and white. The fight song is the theme from “The Magnificent Seven”. Elmer Bernstein composed this classic western tune.
Chaparral High School provides various extracurricular activities. These include choir, band, orchestra, and dance. Cheerleading and theater are also offered. A Navy JROTC unit is available, too.
The NJROTC program boasts one of the best color guards in CCSD. Individual rifle exhibition performers are always competitive. The Armed and Unarmed Drill Teams are rebuilding. Many first-year cadets participate. The marksmanship team has seen great success. It captured the 2013-2014 CCSD Air Rifle Championship. Cadets earned the Unit Achievement Award for 2013-2014.
Chaparral’s athletics program is known as the Cowboys. They compete in the Sunset 1A Region. The Cowboys share a rivalry with Eldorado in football. It is called The Battle for Merlin Olsen’s Cleat. This tradition began in 1973. Chaparral won the 2008 game 17-14. Chaparral holds a substantial lead in the series 28-14.
The cheerleaders brought back nine trophies from camp in 2007-2008. They earned six trophies in 2008-2009. In 2014-2015, they brought home three trophies.
The 2012-2013 school year was successful for Chaparral. The men’s and women’s soccer teams reached their first playoff game in over 8 years. The men’s and women’s basketball teams reached the second round of state playoffs. The men’s tennis team also achieved this. Chaparral’s women’s volleyball team made their first state playoff appearance in over 18 years.
Chaparral’s baseball team had an unforgettable season ending with a 22-9 record. Softball welcomed its first state game in over 26 years. The men’s volleyball team made their first state playoff run since 2004.
In 2013-2014, Chaparral’s athletic programs looked promising. The football team rebuilt after losing many players. The women’s volleyball team made another playoff run. The baseball team aimed for a state title. Faith Lutheran High School won with a 14-0 victory.
Chaparral continues to make steady progress. It provides a comprehensive education to its students.
Chaparral High School has achieved many Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association State Championships. These include baseball in 1980 and 1991. Boys’ cross country won in 1978. Football won in 1977. Boys’ soccer won in 1993 and 2001. Girls’ soccer won in 2001, 2002, and 2004. Wrestling won in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1983. Boys’ golf won in 1987 and 2010. Boys’ volleyball won multiple times between 1992 and 2001. Girls’ volleyball won in 1982, 1984, and 1994. Boys’ track and field won in 1993 and 1994. Boys’ tennis had several wins. Softball won in 1983.
Several notable alumni have attended Chaparral High School. Dustin Lee Abraham is a writer and producer. Mark Slaughter is a musician. Pace Mannion played NBA basketball. Ginger Fish is a musician. Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton is a national radio personality. Mark Menendo is a Nevada State Senator. Anthony E. Zuiker is a writer and executive producer. Joey Slotnick is a television and film actor. Brandon Flowers and Mark Stoermer are musicians from The Killers. Will Hernandez plays in the NFL.
Chaparral High School stands as a pillar of education. It fosters a spirit of achievement.