Bighorn Bulletin

Soak-a-Senior Event Raises Funds for Two Causes

Oasis Academy seniors took a refreshing—and very wet—turn in the spotlight during the school’s annual Soak-a-Senior fundraiser. Families, students, staff, and community members had the opportunity to pay to drench their favorite seniors while helping support two important causes.

Participants could purchase a small bucket of water for $5 or go big with a 5-gallon bucket for $20. For those looking to make the experience even colder, ice could be added for an additional $5. The Fallon-Churchill Fire Department helped ensure the buckets kept flowing by bringing a truck and hoses to keep buckets full.

The fundraiser generated nearly $1,000 through presale buckets alone, with the event raising a total of $3,600. Proceeds will be split between Oasis Academy Grad Night and the Churchill Community Hospital Foundation, allowing the fun-filled event to support both students and the local community.

After the seniors had their turn in the splash zone, Oasis Academy staff members stepped up to take the soak. Students could purchase buckets of water to help raise even more money for the two causes.

“This is such a fun event to raise funds for our seniors’ Safe and Sober Grad Nite event. We had several staff and coaches participate because they recognize the importance of what the seniors are doing,” Student Council Advisor Eric Grimes said. “We are very appreciative to not only them but also to the Fallon-Churchill Fire Department, students, parents, and community members who came out and made this a successful event and memorable day.”

Photo below: Kage Oyler, Sawyer Schank, Caitlin Oyler, Alyssa Oyler, and Emma Lewis participate in Oasis Academy’s Soak-a-Senior fundraiser.

Senior Spotlight: Cristian Keener

After spending his whole school career at Oasis Academy, from kindergarten through high school, senior Cristian Keener will graduate with his high school diploma, associate degree, and a list of lasting memories.

Following graduation, Keener plans to attend college to earn a bachelor’s degree in business and hopes to continue playing lacrosse along the way. His love of athletics has been a big part of his high school experience. Throughout his years at Oasis, he has participated in basketball, FFA, and lacrosse, where he has served as a team captain.

Keener’s favorite memories are the times spent traveling with his teammates.

“Screaming songs on the bus to and from lacrosse games and hanging out with the girls’ team are the things I’ll always remember,” said Keener.

For Keener, one of the best parts of being an Oasis student has been the close-knit sense of community.

“I love being a student here because of the community we have,” he said.

That connection has made his years at Oasis meaningful and helped shape his experience as a student.

He is especially grateful to Mrs. Kathy Keitz, whom he says supported him throughout his school.

“I would like to thank Mrs. Keitz because she helped me a lot throughout school with my confidence, extracurricular activities, and understanding the paths I could take,” he said.

One class that stands out was the marketing business class taught by Mrs. Angela Viera during his freshman year.

“My favorite class was the business class Mrs. Viera taught freshman year because it was fun and hands-on and I learned a lot from it,” Keener explained.

Along with athletics, Keener has excelled in the classroom, being named to the Western Nevada College Dean’s List. He has also been active in Student Council all four years and currently serves as a photographer for the group.

As he prepares to leave Oasis, he has some advice for the students who will follow.

“Make the most of high school. Whether that means attending school events, getting involved in activities, or taking advantage of the learning opportunities Oasis provides,” he closed.

Students Participate in Dot Day

Oasis Academy third-grade students celebrated Dot Day on Sept. 15 with a creative challenge inspired by the book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds.

After learning about the message behind the story, students were challenged to complete the 12 Circles Challenge. Each student received a page with 12 empty circles and was asked to transform each circle into something recognizable. The activity encouraged students to think creatively and see possibilities in something as simple as a circle.

Students used their imaginations to turn the circles into a variety of everyday objects and unique creations, including sports equipment, faces, food, and planets. Some students even combined two or more circles to create something completely new.

The book “The Dot” encourages students to trust their abilities, take creative risks, and express themselves. Dot Day provided students with an opportunity to put those lessons into action while celebrating creativity and individuality.