FAVORITE SONS & DAUGHTERS

Nicolas Paris, 12, along with his NYFL Cowboys football team, visited the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City on Oct. 27 to present a football helmet signed by the team to the seniors there.

Nicolas read a speech he prepared called "Thank You" to the veterans. The speech explained the connection between the veterans and the American flag on the back of the helmet.

He previously arranged for senior citizens from Torrey Pines Care Center to attend one of the team's games, wearing signed team jerseys.

Nicolas is a seventh-grader at Silvestri Middle School. He maintains straight A's and has been on seven football teams over the past three years, winning the MVP Offensive Player award last season. He also is a ball boy for the Liberty High School football team for the second year.

Nicolas, a member of National Junior Honor Society, is a school tutor and is the only male elected to his school's student council. He also is a member of varsity band, after only one year in beginning band.

He hopes to one day attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and to become a Naval officer and serve his country.

Nicolas is the son of Clarke and stepmother Tracie of Las Vegas.

View welcomes announcements of recent achievements of Favorite Sons & Daughters who have attended local schools. Achievements may run the gamut from earning a college degree to successfully climbing Mount Everest. Please include student's name, age, area school attended and graduation year, parents' names and city of residence. Send announcements and photos by mail to: Lynn Benson, View, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070; by fax to 477-3852; or by e-mail, viewcalendars@viewnews.com.