Sat., Aug. 23, Simar Jolly ‘26 hosted an event called Mocktails and Mixer with her organization Next Gen Politics Nevada (NGP) at the Bottega Exchange. 

Many students around the Las Vegas Valley, including Bishop Gorman, were in attendance. This event fostered an environment where high schoolers could market themselves, make connections, and learn how to get involved in politics, even if they are not yet of voting age. Members want to get more involved in their community politics and bring the students together. 

Avery Rulis ‘26 said, “I felt at home, despite being in a space where I did not know a ton of other people. At the end of the day, it was our shared values that made me feel at home, and that everyone was there because they wanted to be.” 

This first mixer event was very important to the organization. Jolly shared that she hoped that this event would teach people to “network because it’s an invaluable resource.”

Much of her political involvement has come with the help of the people around her and the role models she meets. She said, “My entire experience has been due to the amazing mentors I have had, many of whom I have met at events like this.” 

Guest speakers made this event possible. The three speakers who came were Nelson Chen, Reuben D’Silva, and Henry Rosas. Chen is a member of One API Nevada, which empowers AAPI communities in Nevada. D’Silva is an assembly member of District 28 and a teacher at Rancho High School, as well as an immigrant from India whose background inspired his political career. Rosas is a Hispanic immigrant whose political involvement from a young age helped inspire NGP members. 

Rulis said the guest speaker who stuck out to her the most was Rosas. “In my life, I have sat and listened to many older speakers talk at me, but Rosas felt relatable in a way I have never experienced before. I think that his story was so compelling because he was so close to our age, and it reminded me that such injustices are happening presently.” 

NGP is not Jolly’s only role in teen political involvement. In addition to serving as the State Lead for NGP, she also serves as a Caucus Lead for the National Women’s Caucus, as Hindu Caucus Chair for the High School Democrats of America, and is a member of the Nevada HSDA Board, and has “lobbied and testified for certain bills” to be passed. For more information on NGP or any of the other organizations she is affiliated with, you email [email protected].