Bighorn Bulletin - Oasis Academy

Yearbooks Available

Kindergarten through eighth grade and high school yearbooks may now be purchased at the front office of either the main building or the high school. Yearbooks are produced through the yearbook elective classes with the help of an advisor. Mrs. Juliana Acomb is the kindergarten through eighth-grade yearbook advisor, and Mrs. Amy Arends is the high school yearbook advisor. To learn more about purchasing a yearbook, call 775-423-5437.

Senior Spotlight: Sebastian Gomez Holguin

Senior Sebastian Gomez Holguin will graduate in May with his high school diploma and associate of arts degree from Western Nevada College. He then plans to work towards a degree in cybersecurity.

“The CIT 128 class was my favorite because it was the first time I learned about coding, Remix Ethereum, and how blockchains worked,” Gomez said. “It was the first class that piqued my interest in technology. I was able to create various codes and discovered how knowing these items can be in the real world.

“I would like to thank my math teacher, Mr. Brandt. He made math easier to understand. It was easier to learn new math concepts with Mr. Brandt because of how much he helped me and other classmates. It was also a fun time every time I stepped into his class.

“One of my favorite memories from Oasis is when I first played baseball after seven years of not playing the sport. It was the best moment in my life that I will never forget. I never thought I would go back to a sport that I felt I would do terrible in, but my coaches and my teammates made the sport enjoyable. Although sometimes I felt tired, I never cared as long as I was having fun and getting better at the sport; I loved it.

“My advice for future students is to have fun. Never give yourself a mindset that everything is going to be boring. It only feels that way if you never try something new. Make sure to keep a fun mindset in life and join any sports or activities. If you do this while balancing out school, you will feel way happier than just attending classes and going home. I regret not going to some school events, so if you can, try to attend some. If you keep a fun mindset in everything, you will find that school is very easy to deal with,” Gomez said.

Senior Spotlight: Halle Feest

Oasis Academy graduating senior Halle Feest is heading to Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland when she graduates as a valedictorian in May. She will receive both her high school diploma and associate of arts degree from Western Nevada College.

“I remember walking into Counselor Andy Lenon’s office for my first weekly meeting with him in September and telling him, ‘Trinity is the dream,’ said Feest. “I feel incredibly lucky to be seeing that dream become a reality.” 

As a part of the college’s Joint Honors Program, Halle will be pursuing English Studies and History of Art & Architecture. “At the completion of the program, I hope to stay in Europe as a gallery curator while I write my novel,” she said.

“One of my favorite memories from Oasis was participating in the bridge project in Mr. Jake Lewis’ math class. Mr. Lewis made me want to come to class with his innovative ideas and somewhat unconventional teaching methods. Those kids and that environment are so special to me.

“I started at Oasis Academy when I was five years old. I can’t imagine my life without Oasis. At the end of the day, Oasis is where I found out everything about myself—who my people are, what I love to do, where I want to go. Sometimes, I think we ‘originals’ take it for granted; in my eyes, Oasis raised me, so it’s an extremely bittersweet feeling to be letting it go.

“I want to thank the Mackedons for all of their support, especially this school year. Melissa has weaved in and out of my life, standing as a cheerleader in all settings. And, seriously, if you ever need someone to remind you just how awesome you are—ask Gib. He’ll give it to you straight.

“I’d also like to thank Mrs. Shannon Windriver, Mrs. Christine Mori, and Mrs. Amy O’Flaherty, without whom I’d never have the courage to pursue writing. They not only taught me how to use my voice but how to find it. 

“Finally, I have to thank my dad, Mark. There is truly no one else like him in this world. When I look at my high school resume, I can wholeheartedly say that my proudest accomplishment is carrying his last name with me wherever I go.

“Running for Student Body President was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Leaving my peers and all our projects will undoubtedly be the hardest goodbye. Student Council is everything to me.
“At my last NASC State Conference this past April, I wrote down a quote that I’ve started to live by: ‘People treat you the way you allow them to treat you.’ You are so much more than what you think you are at this moment,” she concluded.

Senior Spotlight: Corbin Rollano

Corbin Rollano started at Oasis Academy in third grade.

“I definitely had my ups and downs, especially when I first started Oasis,” he said. “Over time, I began to appreciate being at Oasis, and I am glad that I was able to be in this school. I loved all of my teachers and the staff.

“My favorite memories at Oasis were all the times I spent with my friends. I wouldn’t be able to survive school without them.

“I would personally love to thank Mr. Grimes. He has gotten me through some very tough times in my life. Mr. Grimes brought smiles and laughter to me and my mom in his online classes during Covid. He's always a joy to be around. I often have very interesting and insightful conversations with him.

“We were able to have conversations about recent political events in a respectful manner. I love having conversations with people with different viewpoints, and Mr. Grimes was excellent at facilitating them,” said Rollano. 

Rollano will graduate with both his high school diploma and associate of arts from Western Nevada College. He then plans to take a semester to spend quality time helping his family, traveling, and taking online coursework, enrolling in a class on 3D Modeling taught by veterans at Pixar.

Rollano wants to share the importance of mental health with others. He has an important message for those who may be facing challenges.

“If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, please know you are not alone. Every human being has inherent value, and no life is useless or worthless. Despite the mistakes we make or the struggles we go through, we all can do amazing things in this life to spread happiness in this world,” he said. “If you or someone you care about is struggling with dark thoughts, please don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend or family member. There are additional resources out there to help you. I hope that the world becomes a more comfortable and judgment-free place to open up and ask for help when we all hurt mentally."

Kolby Doud

Senior Kolby Doud advises future students to be good to their teachers. Doud started at Oasis during his freshman year of high school and has experienced a lot of self-growth in the last four years.

“When I started at Oasis, I was really nervous. I was shy and didn’t know anyone. The teachers and staff really helped me work through it and be comfortable,” he said.

“Mrs. Monica and Ms. Antus have been like counselors for me. They helped me through my problems and helped me get through the year,” Doud added.

Through the Critical Life Skills program, Doud has learned many life skills. “In class, we cook every day, we run the school’s vending machines, we vacuum, and a lot more,” he said.

He was also part of the Oasis Academy FFA program. “I helped with Ag Day, and Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz called me the horse whisperer,” he said.

Doud’s other advice for future students is to set a good example. “Be a good role model for the younger kids. It’s important,” he closed.