Bighorn Bulletin -- 2021 Top Ten Oasis Happenings

2021 was a year of inspiration and celebration for Oasis Academy. As a school, community, and family of students, Oasis Academy celebrated accomplishments, continued with serving our community, and provided high-level education to students during uncertain times.

Oasis CEO Melissa Mackedon says, "I think it's safe to say we are all ready to bid farewell to 2021. It came with so many challenges for educators and families, but when I think about what our staff was able to accomplish in terms of student growth and their attitudes I am in awe. I could not be prouder to be a part of this team and feel very confident going into 2022.”

Here is a look at the top Oasis Academy happenings for 2021.

1. Forty-two seniors graduated in May 2021. This included twenty-four students earning both a High School Diploma and an associate degree from Western Nevada College. The class of 2021 had a 100% graduation rate. Senior Sadie O’Flaherty was honored as Class Valedictorian. High school students enrolled through the JumpStart and dual enrollment programs complete high school and college classes at no cost to the family.
2. Oasis Academy maintains a 5-star rating through the pandemic. Oasis Academy received results from Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) testing done at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The impressive results showed both Oasis Elementary and Middle School students tested above the state averages in ELA (English Language Arts) and Math. High School students also tested above the state averages for the ACT. This is especially incredible considering students were only recently back to in-person learning when testing was conducted. Because of these scores, Oasis Academy proudly received 5-stars again through the Nevada School Performance Framework.
3. Oasis Softball finishes the season undefeated and wins the NIAA State Championship. Oasis’ stellar team included Senior Player of the Year Emily Payne, Kaitlyn Hert, Callie Perez, Ellie Bird, Kate Rios, Erin Wachsmuth, Rachel Bake, Emma Robinson, Eneyde Rios and was led by Coaches Rachel Payne and Brandon Bird.
4. Partnership with Foodbank of Northern Nevada helps to open Oasis Academy Offerings Food Pantry. This critical service has helped over one hundred local people facing food insecurity so far. Since its opening on August 26, the pantry has provided hundreds of meals by giving out about five hundred pounds of food every other Thursday. Donations may be made to Oasis Offerings by calling 775-423-5437.
5. Oasis Staff receives the honor of “Best of Fallon”. Many of the Oasis Staff received this amazing honor from our community in the Annual Best of Fallon voting. Congratulations to Jami Rowlett, Jackie Bogdanowicz, Rochelle Tisdale, Andy Lenon, Eric Grimes, Jake Lewis, and Coach Schank!
6. 2021 Second Annual Oasis Golf Tournament in October increases funds raised from the prior year. The event’s success would not have been possible without the amazing community partnerships including Manpower of Northern Nevada, City of Fallon, Berney Realty, Churchill Banner Hospital, Nevada Dental Arts, Churchill Auto Sales, CC Communications, Western Nevada College, Tedford Tire, The Not New Shop, Kent’s Supply, Glo, Harmon Junction, The Fallon Post, Banner Churchill Hospital, Western Nevada College, Diana Paul, and many more.
7. Oasis Welders earn certifications. Another dual enrollment program through Western Nevada College is giving Oasis students a head start in their careers through valuable training with the opportunity to test for certifications in Welding. The classes are taught by Hank Wohle, Donald Keele, and Jorgen Jeppsen.
8. Over one million dollars in merit-based scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors. College acceptances included Baylor, University of Nevada-Reno, BYU, Oregon, Boise State, Purdue, Texas Tech, Arizona, Georgia Washington, and many more.
9. Students learn leadership through multiple opportunities. Oasis Student Council returned to Disneyland for the fun-filled educational retreat and attended and presented at the Regional Student Council Retreat in Sparks. Oasis’ FFA students took part in leadership experiences through the FFA banquet, the Churchill County Junior Livestock Show, and Nevada Junior Livestock Show.
10. Middle School Girls and Boys Basketball Teams win Lake Division Championships. The Girls' team included: Lakota Casey, Kaylee Craig, Hannah Hammontree, Reese Laca, Hazel Mackedon, Raegan Johnson, Jocelyn Sorensen, Caitlin Oyler, Stevie Hiskett, Maleen Dahl, Kadence Wiessmer, and Paisley Starr. The Boys Basketball team included: Greyson Johnson, Kyle Shawcroft, Tyler Hoekenga, Drake Rowlett, Willie Cross, Eli Jones, Austin Booker, John Zulz, Clayton Hiibel, Asher Irving, Jackson Snow, Keaton Jaques, Dylan Dodge, and Crew Schank.