Bighorn Bulletin

FFA Students Attend National Convention in Indianapolis

Twenty students from the Oasis Academy FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, in late October to attend the National FFA Convention, joining more than 72,000 students from across the country, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, for a week of learning, leadership, and agricultural opportunities.

The annual convention brought together FFA members from across the nation to celebrate agriculture, develop leadership skills, and explore opportunities within the agricultural industry. Throughout the event, Oasis students listened to motivational speakers, participated in educational workshops, spoke with colleges, and connected with fellow FFA members from across the country.

This year, 11 Oasis Academy FFA students qualified to compete: seven in Agriscience Fair and four for Horse Team judging. Grace Laca, Sadie Whitaker, Avery Laca, Bailey Beebe, Kiley Moya, Kinsley Viera, and Macady Bogdanowicz competed in Agriscience Fair, and Emily Dunkin, Katie Varain, Gabriel Houyoux, and Kaden Detomasi competed in Horse Judging. Their participation gave them the opportunity to showcase their skills and represent Oasis Academy on a national stage.

The seven students participating in the Agriscience Fair finished with bronze. Varain and Detomasi finished with silver individually, Houyoux and Dunkin finished with bronze individually, and the horse team received bronze.

Another milestone was reached when the chapter sent its first-ever Oasis student to participate in the National FFA Choir. Neel Bhakta performed throughout the week with the choir.

“Being selected to sing in the National FFA Choir was an incredible honor and experience. It taught me not only more about music, but it also deepened my understanding of FFA,” said Bhakta. “Along with making lifelong connections, representing Nevada and Oasis Academy on the national stage made the experience even more meaningful.”

In addition to convention activities, students explored several well-known destinations throughout Indiana and Kentucky. Their experiences included learning about the history and traditions of the Kentucky Derby, visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and taking part in the tradition of kissing the bricks at the Indianapolis 500 finish line. Students also visited the Louisville Slugger Museum, where they learned about the history and craftsmanship behind the iconic baseball bats.

“Attending the National FFA Convention was a lot of fun,” said Avery Laca. “I got to meet so many new people and make new friends. It was so neat to see all the FFA students from across the country come together and to see what an impact the organization has on students.”

The trip offered students a combination of agricultural education, personal growth, and memorable experiences beyond the classroom. From competing in the Agriscience Fair to participating in the National FFA Choir, Oasis students had opportunities to represent their school while building connections with other young leaders who share an interest in agriculture.

Picture below: Gabe Houyoux, Katie Varain, Kaden Detomasi, and Emily Dunkin represented Oasis Academy in horse judging at the National FFA Convention.

Oasis Academy Takes Part in the Great Nevada ShakeOut

On Thursday, Oct. 15, students and staff participated in the Great Nevada ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake preparedness event designed to help schools and communities practice how to respond safely during an earthquake.

At 10:15 a.m., students and staff across the entire campus took part in a schoolwide earthquake drill, practicing the recommended safety procedure of “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Students learned to drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table when possible, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Earthquake preparedness is especially important in Nevada, which ranks among the most seismically active states in the nation. Nevada has experienced numerous earthquakes throughout its history, including the magnitude 7.3 Pleasant Valley earthquake in 1915, the largest recorded earthquake in the state's history. Although earthquakes cannot be predicted precisely, practicing safety procedures can help individuals know what to do when one occurs.

The Great Nevada ShakeOut serves as an annual reminder that preparedness begins with education and practice. By participating in the drill, Oasis Academy students and staff strengthened their understanding of earthquake safety and reinforced the importance of being ready for emergencies.

Fifth Graders Become Science Detectives in Mystery Mixture Lab

Fifth-grade students put their observation skills to the test during a hands-on science lab focused on identifying mystery mixtures. Using their senses, students carefully examined different mixtures and collected data about their unique properties.

Throughout the activity, students observed characteristics such as appearance, texture, smell, and other observable properties to gather clues about the substances in each mixture. They recorded their findings and used the data they collected to develop ideas about which substances might be present.

Rather than simply being given the answers, students had to think critically, compare their observations, and use evidence to support their conclusions. Each observation provided another piece of the puzzle as students worked to identify the mystery mixtures.

The lab gave students an opportunity to practice important scientific skills, including making observations, recording data, analyzing evidence, and drawing conclusions. By working through the investigation, students experienced how scientists use evidence and the properties of matter to better understand the world around them.

While not all students were able to determine the substances, many did get the correct results of the combinations being flour and vinegar, flour, water, and food coloring, and flour and water.