2018 Mesquite Days Grand Marshal

Dr. Ann Smith Rice will be honored as the 34th 2018 Mesquite Days Parade Grand Marshal, "Empowering Our Youth", is this year's theme and goes hand in hand with Dr. Rice's passion and mission.

Dr. Rice has been a resident of Mesquite for over 23+ years. She and her husband, Myron, left no stone unturned exploring options for an eventual permanent home. After traveling and residing in various states, Mesquite, NV became their home.

The "diamond in the desert" caught their adventurous eye. Ann's passion for life is reflected in her world travels, her love for people, the arts and symphony - and especially in the field of education. As a retired professor she continues to have a major impact on the importance of education through Project GET SMART (Giving Educators Tools) (Supported by MyrAnn Rice Trust), which has supported technology in schools in the Virgin and Moapa Valleys; quietly and humbly accomplished.

Mrs. Rice's extensive volunteerism and philanthropic contributions echo her love for helping vital organizations in our area - these organizations are: Mesquite Arts Council, Virgin Valley Theater Group, Mesquite Community Theatre, Virgin Valley Artist Association, Mesquite Toes Tap Team, Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation, Greater Mesquite Festival of the Arts, Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant, Southern Nevada Symphony, Mesquite Cancer HELP Society, Sunrise Rotary Club, Mesa View Regional Hospital, 1000 Flags over Mesquite, The Long Drive, Para Long Drive, Desert Dames, Mesquite Community Education Foundation, Mesquite Opportunities Regional Fund Eureka Community Initiative, Mesquite Reads and Little Sprouts.

Dr. Rice has enjoyed the honor of being the Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 2010. She thanks all her friends and her friendships she has made since moving to Mesquite.

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For more information on this and other programs please contact the Department of Athletics & Leisure Services at (702) 346-8732. Register for youth and adult programs online at: www.mesquitenv.gov for more information and to stay connected via social media, our Facebook: www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVRecreation or at the Administrative Offices located at 100 W. Old Mill Road.

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The City of Mesquite is an equal opportunity employer.

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