Oasis Bighorn Bulletin

Senior Spotlight Zachary Budner

Math and baseball are two of graduating senior Zachry Budner’s favorite things about his four years at Oasis Academy High School, and he has proven successful in both subjects.

“Math is my strongest area of education, and I’d like to thank math teacher, Mr. Evan Brandt,” said Budner. “Mr. Brandt teaches in a way that you can’t fail to understand the topic. After graduation, I most likely will attend the University of Nevada, Reno, and pursue engineering, specifically civil engineering.”

Along with success in the classroom, Budner plays catcher and pitches for the Oasis Academy baseball team.

“The start of the baseball program is one of my favorite memories. I got to be part of the first-ever Oasis baseball team. It’s cool how Coach Sean McNabb volunteered to help start the program. I’m grateful for Coach McNabb and the school [for] putting together the team. I got to play the sport I love most for my own high school,” he said.

Budner has proven successful on the field, being named to the NIAA Northern League 1st Team for the 2024 season.

“All of my teachers have been nice to me, set fair and well-balanced rules for me to follow, and overall have paved a great path for me to succeed in anything I do,” Budner continued. “The teachers at Oasis do a great job making sure you succeed, giving you plenty of chances, and helping you whenever you need it. My time has been excellent.”

“Another teacher I would like to thank is Mr. Andy Lenon. He truly makes sure that every student stays on the road to success. Mr. Lenon makes sure that you lock it in, especially during your most important school years, so that your future is as bright as it can get. Overall, Mr. Lenon sets you up with the path to your future and makes time to do this with every student no matter the circumstances,” he added.

Budner will graduate in May and will receive both his high school diploma and associate of science degree from Western Nevada College. 

“Graduating with both degrees is a great benefit of Oasis Academy. It allows students to get a head start when it comes to their future,” Budner said.

“For future students, my advice would be don’t think hard about everything you do and don’t worry,” he said. “One year ago, there was probably something you were worrying about, and yet, you probably don't even know what that thing is now. I spent most of my life worrying so much about the future and what could happen instead of taking control and getting the outcome I wanted. Just relax. These years are important, so stay locked in, but don't be so nervous, or anxious, or timid about everything. You got this,” he closed. 

Mr. Lenon’s Lessons on the Brain

Counselor Andy Lenon meets with the eighth-grade classes weekly for guidance lessons. The lessons teach social-emotional skills and the science of how their brains function.

In this week’s lesson, students worked on models to better understand how the nervous system uses neurotransmitter molecules to transmit messages between neurons or to muscles. 

Neurotransmitters are vital to the body’s functions. They are responsible for actions, suction and breathing, heart rate, learning, concentration, and emotions like mood, fear, and joy.

“The teenage years are a crucial time for identity development,” Andy Lenon said. “Neuroeducation can provide opportunities for our students to explore and understand themselves better. I think this is essential for their personal growth. By incorporating brain science into weekly lessons, we can create learning environments that support this important aspect of adolescent development and help them grow compassion, empathy, coping skills, and emotional regulation.” 

National Honor Society Students Serve at Fallon Daily Bread

Oasis Academy National Honor Society students helped serve dinner at Fallon Daily Bread on Monday, September 16, serving approximately 100 meals to Fallon community members. 

Volunteering at Fallon Daily Bread is an important service activity for the students. They not only work hard helping prepare for meal time and doing clean-up, but they also foster a sense of community and compassion by seeing first-hand the need for organizations like Fallon Daily Bread in the community for those facing food insecurity.