October 2025
When Vegas Verdes Elementary School reached out to NVFCP with a request to chat about cultural site preservation (specifically graffiti removal), we were all ears—and slightly stunned. Why? Because these students were already deep in the world of archaeology at their school.
Yes, you read that right.
After a visit from BLM archaeologist Annette Bennett, who gave them a powerful glimpse into the vandalism issues at Sloan Canyon's Petroglyph Canyon, these curious kids didn’t just nod and move on. Nope—they rolled up their sleeves, fired up their imaginations, and started crafting a LEGO set idea centered around archaeological site preservation.
The students didn’t stop there—they’re also working on public service announcement (PSA) videos to spread the message of stewardship and respect for our cultural treasures. Naturally, NVFCP’s Executive Director Rayette Martin was stoked to help.
Armed with photos of graffiti removal projects, a replica petroglyph and pictograph, Junior Ranger books, and some real-life graffiti cleaning tools (because props are everything), Rayette headed to the school. What she found was a room full of excited, engaged, and absolutely brilliant future site stewards.
One student even researched NVFCP before the visit and proudly quoted our mission:
“We cannot expect people to care about things they know nothing about, follow laws they've never heard of, or protect things they cannot identify.”
Talk about doing your homework!
Throughout the visit, students asked insightful questions, took notes for their video scripts, and showed genuine care about protecting Nevada’s cultural heritage. If this is what the next generation of preservationists looks like, we are in very good hands.
We couldn’t be prouder to support these young visionaries. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to making a difference is exactly what the world needs—preferably in LEGO form.
We don't think this is the last we will hear from these students!
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