Summerlin supports new school

      The Summerlin community, its residents and businesses have all rallied around the new Palo Verde High School.
      Palo Verde is the first public high school to be built directly inside the master planned community. Prior to its opening, the closest high school to Summerlin was Cimarron-Memorial, located at 2301 N. Tenaya Way.
      Since the opening of Palo Verde in August, its principal Terry Smith said community support has been excellent.
      "Since we are the only high school directly in Summerlin I think people have a lot of pride," Smith said. "We see it from people who don't even have kids that are old enough to come here yet. They will send their kids here in the future so I think they are genuinely interested in what is happening on our campus."
      That interest varies from a walk on the scenic campus to attendance at junior varsity sporting events.
      Several companies, most notably The Howard Hughes Corp., have also taken a keen interest in what is happening on the school's campus. Corporate interest has ranged from large financial donations to other support such as event sponsorship of education related programs.
      "The public-private partnership in education has become a big deal the past couple of years," Smith said. "And being located in Summerlin has helped us due to the overwhelming pride businesses take in this community."
      Smith said The Hughes Corp. has already made a financial contribution to the school and is preparing another gift.
      "We're going to start a broadcast journalism program here and The Howard Hughes Corp. is going to buy us some equipment," Smith said. "I think that shows their commitment to public education in Summerlin."
      Other support has come from smaller businesses in Summerlin and Del Webb's Sun City Summerlin, who have purchased advertisements in school publications and at sporting events.
      "We're very fortunate to be located where we are," Smith said.