Janice Bria ~ Class of 1972

          Janice Bria is a second-generation Railroader as her parents, Rudy and Beverly Bria, also attended Sparks High School. Janice grew up two blocks from the school along with her two older brothers, Gary (class of ’68) and Dana (class of ’69). She attended Robert Mitchell Elementary and Sparks Junior High. She entered Sparks High in the fall of 1969 and quickly became involved in many activities and clubs, including drill team, GAA, National Honor Society, and student government. Janice graduated in 1972. She then attended UNR for two years but wishing to follow her goal of replacing Mae Denevi as an Italian teacher at Sparks, she transferred to the University of Arizona so that she could major in Italian.

            After graduating in 1976, she returned home. She spent 10 years as a valet parking attendant at Harrah’s and then pursued a paralegal degree at Reno Business College. She worked for the Sparks City Attorney’s office but was unhappy there, so she decided to complete the requirements to become a teacher. Janice was hired to teach English at SHS in 1990 and began an extremely fulfilling career.

            During her first year, while attending a football game, she was asked to fill in on the chain gang, which she continues to do today. She also started keeping the book for the baseball and basketball teams. She has also served as the official scorekeeper for several state basketball and baseball tournaments. A highlight was reestablishing the Block S club.

Inducted 2021