Yerington Students Honor Paiute Language at Regional Event

Yerington NV – May 4, 2026

On Friday, May 1, 2026, Paiute Language Educator E’sha Hoferer and his team of students from Yerington High School traveled to the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Gym to compete in the 2026 Washoe County School District Paiute Language Bowl.

E’sha Hoferer wrote: “Extremely proud of these guys coming up to the Paiute Language Bowl and facing their anxiety & fears! We placed 3rd.

“I work with these guys all year to prepare them for this showcase. Truly, truly PROUD of each of ’em for showing up! Also have to mention our Yerington Intermediate School class coming out to support the team! We are definitely going to create something for our middle schoolers because they were ITCHING to show everyone what they can do.

“I always say, ‘We are a community.’ We hold each other up high. We give praise. We respect everyone around us.

“Thank you, Education Department – Walker River Paiute Tribe Team, for coming out to support our Classes! Thank you, Fawn Hunter, for allowing us to come participate! Thank you, Yerington Paiute Tribe, for always supporting our youth in Taboosi/Agai Deepu!”

From Fawn Hunter, Washoe County School District’s Native American Culture & Education Program Manager:

Today, students proudly showcased their language skills at the Annual Paiute Language Bowl, hosted by the Washoe County School District (WCSD) Family-School Partnership & Native American Culture and Education Teams. This event brought together students studying the Northern Paiute (Numu) language for a day of academic competition, cultural pride, and celebration.

Throughout the school year, both students and staff have dedicated countless hours to teaching and learning the Numu language, honoring the Northern Paiute people of western Nevada and helping ensure the language continues to thrive for future generations. The Paiute Language Bowl highlights that commitment, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in a supportive and engaging environment alongside peers from neighboring schools.

Beyond competition, the event represents the importance of language revitalization and cultural connection. Students who complete two years of Paiute language courses also earn World Language credit toward graduation, reinforcing the value of this work within education. Thank you JJ Phoenix for welcoming our community, students, staff, WCSD Leadership and Tribal Leadership to our 2026 Language Bowl.

Congratulations to all participating schools and students for their dedication and hard work:

1st Place: Spanish Springs High School

2nd Place: Pyramid Lake High School

3rd Place: Yerington High School

4th Place: Reed High School

5th Place: Wooster High School

Every student who participated represented their school and community with pride. You all did an outstanding job, congratulations!