Reuben D'Silva is a high school history teacher at Rancho High School. He has dedicated his life to helping those in need, uplifting his community, and serving others as a U.S. Marine, a dedicated public school teacher, community organizer, church volunteer, public awareness speaker, and youth mentor.
Reuben was born in Mumbai, India, and immigrated to the United States as a toddler. He attended Rancho High School where he served as Senior Class President and graduated in 2003. He then attended the College of Southern Nevada (then Community College of Southern Nevada) and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He later transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
While attending UNLV, Reuben was called to serve his country and deployed to Iraq. On the night of June 6th, 2007 while serving as a turret gunner in Fallujah, Reuben's convoy came under enemy fire. He was shot through the forearm but still managed to return fire and suppress the enemy until his fellow Marines could escape the kill zone. Though he was awarded both the Purple Heart and Naval Achievement Medal for his heroics in defending American Freedom, Reuben still spent the following year in a military hospital recovering from his wounds.
After his rehabilitation and medical discharge from the Marine Corps, Reuben returned to Las Vegas and graduated from UNLV with a bachelor's degree in History. He then earned his first master’s degree in Global Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and earned a second master's degree in Comparative Religion and Politics at Yale University.
He graduated from Yale University and turned down several out-of-state job opportunities so he could return to Las Vegas and teach History at his alma mater, Rancho High School, feeling it was the right thing to do. At Rancho, Reuben coaches girls' basketball, advises several clubs, and promotes college, career, and civic readiness in his classroom. He is one of Rancho's most beloved teachers, having a reputation for being a tough, yet compassionate educator. Reuben has positively impacted hundreds of lives.
Reuben knew he wanted to be a high school teacher. Having turned down several out-of-state job opportunities, he came back to teach at the same high school he attended so he could help inner-city kids like himself, get an education and achieve their dreams. As a teacher, Reuben inspires and motivates a new generation every day. Reuben and his family faced hurdles similar to that of many of his students, as working-class immigrants struggling to make it in America.
As an academic mentor and role model, he has motivated hundreds to pursue higher education and give back to their communities. He has led and organized community events in Nevada, California, Arizona, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas, Washington DC, and Virginia. He served as Western Regional Director of Social Action for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., as well as the Alumni Director of Education.
In 2013, Reuben was appointed by U.S. Senator Harry Reid as a member of Nevada’s Military Academy Selection Committee. The following year, he was appointed as a Trustee for the City of North Las Vegas Library District by North Las Vegas City Councilman Isaac Barron. He is a practicing Roman Catholic and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Apostles Council at St. James Church.
