A nun, a western movie star, a slain police officer, former governors and longtime educators may seem like an unlikely group, but in Southern Nevada, they share a common bond.

They're the namesakes of elementary and middle schools scattered around the Las Vegas Valley, their monikers spelled out on the front of buildings for all to see. It's a decades-long tradition that aims to honor distinguished members of the community.

"We have some really incredible namesakes," said Nicole Rourke, who heads the Clark County School District's community and government relations department. "Many of them are very active."

More will be joining the ranks soon. The School Name Committee — made up of two trustees, an administrator, a teacher, a parent and two community members — is reviewing nominations for five new elementary schools expected to open in fall 2018.

There's no shortage of candidates. The school district received 61 applications during the nomination period, which ended May 31, Rourke said.

After reviewing the applications and ranking them, the committee will meet in September to go through the top 15 candidates. Once the committee whittles the list down to five, those names will be sent to the Board of Trustees for final approval, said Rourke, whose department helps organize the selection process.

Only elementary and middle schools are named after notable community members. High schools receive geographical names.

So what does it take to become a school namesake?

In a nutshell: Lots of goodwill and the ability to serve as good role model.

The district has a policy — No. 7223, to be exact — that outlines the criteria for a school namesake, which it calls the "highest honor bestowed upon an individual who has made an everlasting impact on the community."

The distinguished citizens or former school district employees chosen are individuals whose service or actions benefited and supported the educational community, according to the policy. They can't be actively employed with the school district, nor can they have worked there in recent years. The threshold is two years past the last date of employment for district personnel and three years from the last day of service for trustees.

Elected officials also won't be considered until after three years from their last day in office.

Although the policy has evolved somewhat over time, Rourke said it has existed for more than 30 years. She emphasized that the district prides itself on maintaining an "open and transparent" naming process.

"We know there are so many individuals who really deserve this honor," she said.

Of course, people are human and make mistakes. That's why the policy also includes a clause allowing for the revocation of a name if that person engages in behavior that would reflect poorly on the school district.

Rourke said, as far as she knows, the district has never rescinded a school name.

Many namesakes or their families are active at the schools, she said, volunteering time and money to help students and staff succeed.

Take, for instance, retired assistant superintendent Kay Carl who has an elementary school named after her in the northwest valley. She visits the school a couple of times per week and attends everything from choir concerts to sporting events.

Sixteen years since the building first welcomed students, Carl said it's still  surreal to hear her name on weather reports or news stories that mention the school.

"It's a very humbling experience," she said. "I never walk into that school without saying a little thank you for the honor."

Carl is a member of the district's Archive Committee, which has been encouraging schools to educate students about the building namesakes.

"I think it's a good tradition," she said. "It's better than having some stranger's name from the East Coast plastered on the school."

Earlier this year, trustees approved names for six new schools that will open in August and one that will debut in January.

The list includes a former Las Vegas mayor, a former congresswoman, two longtime educators, a student killed in an accident who was known for his kindness as well as two couples who have been education advocates in the community.

• Lomie G. Heard Elementary School at Lamb Boulevard and Kell Avenue
• Jan Jones Blackhurst Elementary School at Chartan Avenue and Pioneer Way
• Shelley Berkley Elementary School at Maule Avenue and Grand Canyon Drive
• Dr. Beverly Mathis Elementary School at Arville Street and Mesa Verde Lane
• Josh Stevens Elementary School at Dave Wood Circle and East Galleria Drive
• Billy and Rosemary Vassiliadis Elementary School at Antelope Ridge Drive
• Don and Dee Snyder Elementary School at Ford Avenue and Riley Street