Oasis Bighorn Bulletin

Sixth Graders Make and Model Geographic Landscapes
By Taylor Sowersby

Last week, in the sixth-grade geography classes, students made dioramas of five landforms and presented them to their class. The dioramas included marshes, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, islands, deserts, plateaus, and many more formations.

This hands-on activity fosters a deeper appreciation for the Earth's diverse landscapes while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication.

High School Administrators Attend Conference

Principal Rochelle Tisdale, Counselor Andy Lenon, and Academic Advisor Eric Grimes attended the premier National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) conference last week. Over 7,000 school counselors and admissions representatives worldwide attended.

The conference provided workshops and opportunities for the Oasis staff to learn more about how they can support students in their post-secondary education. It also provided inspirational ideas to foster higher education cultures. Topics included financial aid, mentoring, and building relationships with students and families. Workshops included incorporating new technology like AI into education. 

The conference also offers networking opportunities for attendees to share experiences, discuss challenges, and form partnerships to enhance their professional practice. (Pictured right:  Andy Lenon, Rochelle Tisdale and Eric Grimes.) 

Senior Spotlight: Taylynn Maynez

Graduating Senior Taylynn Maynez started at Oasis Academy in fifth grade. She found an encouraging academic environment both with her teachers and her peers.

“I’m proud to say that Oasis has most definitely changed my life,” Maynez said. “Oasis is a place where I’ve felt comfortable asking any of the teachers for help, and I was able to recognize who I am as an individual with the help and encouragement of my peers and educators,” she said.

“I had so much fun that middle school season that it began a strong love and passion for basketball. I share that same love and passion with now High School Basketball Coach Amanda Gilbertson.”

“I would like to thank Coach Amanda. I am so happy that I got to grow such a close bond with her, starting as a freshman. I have enjoyed playing basketball with her as well as helping with the middle school basketball teams. Thank you so much for continuously pushing me to be better and for increasing my motivation daily.

“Being elected National Honor Society President is a huge achievement in my book. And one of my favorite memories at Oasis was going to state for softball my sophomore year. It was an eye-opening experience and a great way to get closer to all of my teammates.

“I would like to thank my parents for supporting me and raising me. I am truly grateful that I not only have people to push me but who also take care of me and allow me to talk to them when I need it. I love them very much for that.

“I would also like to give a huge thank you to Mr. Lenon for being so helpful in assisting me with all of my scholarship and college needs.

“I want to thank Coach Bird. He has helped push me and drive me to be a better shortstop since I first started out as a freshman. He has most definitely helped me get stronger mentally and physically.

“Finally, I want to give thanks to Coach John Short. Coach John has been helping me with my hitting since I was a freshman. “During my junior year, I told him I wanted to learn to be a slap hitter. He taught me how to be an amazing slap hitter, and it has been very beneficial. I'm truly so grateful for John. I thank him for taking time out of his day to teach me everything he knows. He is full of so much wisdom.

“My advice for future students is don’t rush high school. You only get to experience it once, so cherish every memory you have. One day, you will have your last first practice, your last game, your last prom, your last homecoming, and, before you know it, your last day of school. It all happens in a blink of an eye. Make the most out of your time here; school will be hard and complicated, but just push through it because, in the end, it will be worth it,” she closed.

Maynez will graduate from Oasis in May with her high school diploma and an Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College. She plans to attend UNR to study biology. She aims to help people and eventually attend the UNR Medical School to become a pediatrician or work in orthopedics.