Senior Spotlight: Benjamin Utz
It’s been an eventful ten-year journey for senior Benjamin Utz since he started at Oasis Academy in third grade.
“One of my favorite memories from Oasis is when my partner and I won a mock trial during our sophomore year,” Utz said. “The trial was focused on a disgruntled employee murdering her boss; we were the prosecution. It was fun, and we learned a lot from the experience.
“Mrs. Byrd was one of my favorite teachers because her teaching style was very upbeat, and she always made time to help any students who were struggling. Mr. Grimes was also one of my favorite teachers because of how interesting and engaging his classes were. He always seemed like he genuinely enjoyed teaching us about government and history, and that attitude towards those subjects became super infectious,” he said of the two.
Utz has participated on the Oasis archery team since fifth grade and will again this year.
His advice for future students is, “Don't procrastinate, no matter how miserable you feel. You will feel much worse if you do.”
Grace Laca Qualifies for National FFA Convention
By Hunter McNabb
Grace Laca, up-and-coming agriculturalist and Oasis FFA Treasurer qualified in Dairy Cattle Handling for the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Laca earned first place in Nevada in the Dairy Cattle Handling Competition and will continue at the national convention, where she will compete with all fifty U.S. states, as well as the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, to earn her rank.
Grace grew up on her family’s ranch and has a strong foundation in agriculture. She’s excited to continue her family’s tradition and compete like her father, Jared, who also had the opportunity to compete at the National FFA competition in high school and continues to coach students for the Oasis FFA dairy judging team.
“I had a lot of fun showing my heifer, Bessie, this year at both the CCJLS and NJLS. I’m excited to follow in my dad’s footsteps and compete at Nationals,” Laca said.
The Oasis FFA Chapter looks forward to representing Oasis Academy, Fallon, and Nevada at the national convention from November 1-4.
“We are so proud of Grace and our FFA Chapter. I am so happy to see the kids succeeding and getting to compete at the National level. Jackie Bogdanowicz has built a strong program. We are the only charter school FFA chapter in the state of Nevada,” added Rochelle Tisdale, CAO.
Book Fair Returns November 13-16
The Scholastic Book Fair is returning to Oasis Academy on November 13- 16. Family Night will be Tuesday, November 14, from 4-7 p.m. This year’s theme is Candy Land.
The fair will be open daily from 7:30-9 a.m. and 1:30-5:30 p.m. Access will be through the old Gordman’s entrance.
Money raised from the fair goes to purchase schoolbooks, including classroom sets and books for teacher libraries. Last year’s fair also raised enough funds for every student to receive a free book.
Concession Sales Raise Nearly $12,000
At the annual University of Nevada, Reno versus University of Nevada Las Vegas football game, almost fifty Oasis Bighorns worked selling concessions to help raise money for Oasis co-curricular activities. Students, staff, parents, and Oasis Board members participated.
“The money raised has significantly lowered the cost of attending the National Convention for students,” said Jackie Bogdanowicz, FFA Advisor. “We love having these opportunities, and it’s another great way for Oasis to be out in the community.”
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to raise money for the food pantry by selling concessions at the UNR game and for all the people who volunteered,” said Shelley Kelly, School Counselor and Oasis Offerings Food Pantry Coordinator.
Groups that helped at the game and received part of the funds include cross country, baseball, Friends of Oasis Academy, Oasis Offering Food Pantry, girls lacrosse, esports, and National Junior Honor Society.
Pictured below:
Benjamin Utz, and Grace Laca with her calf.
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