Bighorn Bulletin

Nott Receives Award

Middle school social studies and English instructor Kelly Nott is being recognized for her dedication to bringing civics into the classroom with the Dickinson Emerging Teacher “Excellence in Civics Education” Award. The award, presented by the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, is given to a teacher who goes above and beyond in passing civic education on to students.

Nott began her civics education training in the summer of 2024 with the We the People Summer Institute. Along with the training, she has worked to introduce We the People, National History Day, and Project Citizen to Oasis Academy’s fifth through eighth grades.

National History Day has been the focus of students in recent months. According to the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, National History Day “is an inquiry-based learning program that supports disciplinary skills in the classroom and student choice and voice. It is not just a day but a year-long experience.”   Pictured above: Jake Nichols, Kenton Horn, Jackson Frey, Kelly Nott, Greysen Dubois, Leyton Anderson, Eli Diaz, Neel Bahkta, Emma Cline, Taitum Papada, Alexa Hessey.

Seventh and eighth grade students began working on their projects in December. This year’s theme is Rights and Responsibilities. Each project must develop a historical argument and thesis based on extensive research. Students choose a subject that interests them and select how to present it—documentary, website, exhibit, performance, or paper.

Nott’s state recognition has not gone unnoticed by Oasis Academy students and the Oasis Academy Board of Directors.

“I’m doing my history project on the Civil Rights Movement. Mrs. Nott has taught me how to research things and write more than I normally would have,” seventh grader Jared Sherer said.

“I’m doing a documentary about the Clean Water Act and how it’s improved the farming community,” seventh grader Christopher Miller said. “Mrs. Nott has been really interactive in helping us with our thesis statements and keeping us on track. She has a big passion for teaching and she’s very enthusiastic about it. You can tell how much she enjoys teaching and the subject. She really teaches for the students and not just for work.”

Board of Directors Chair Samantha Gomes spoke about the value Nott brings to Oasis Academy.

“This award is fitting recognition for all Mrs. Nott has done,” Gomes said. “She is an amazing educator and a wonderful person. She helps instill a love for learning in the students with her engaging teaching style. She also supports and shows compassion for each of her students.”

“Nott’s dedication to mentoring newer educators and fostering collaboration among staff ensures that Oasis Academy’s commitment to educational excellence will continue for years to come. Civics projects like We the People and National History Day will be strongly rooted in the school because of teachers like her. She is an asset to Oasis Academy, and we are excited that the state is also seeing and recognizing what an exceptional educator she is,” Gomes said.

The award includes a trip to Washington, D.C., where Nott will participate in the We the People National Finals in April.

Detomasi Signs with York University

On Thursday, February 6, Oasis Academy Senior Kirsten Detomasi signed to play softball with York University in York, Nebraska. The senior will study kinesiology while playing for the Panthers.

At the signing ceremony, Oasis Softball Coach Brandon Bird praised Detomasi for her dedication and for putting in the extra time to set her apart from other athletes. Pictured right: Aaron Detomasi, Tricia Detomasi, Kirsten Detomasi, Coach Brandon Bird, Coach John Short.

Counselor Andy Lenon added that Detomasi is not only an exceptional athlete, but she's what colleges are looking for: an all-around student-athlete with a work ethic on the field and in the classroom and a strong personal character.

Detomasi was named pitcher of the year for the NIAA 1A in 2021.  She has been MVP for the last three years and on the first-team all-state for the previous 3 years. She was also named to the NIAA 2A Northern All-League First team for the 2024 season.

Detomasi chose York University because it felt like home away from home. The coaches, school, and people made her feel welcome.

She will graduate in May with her high school diploma and her associate of science degree from Western Nevada College. She will begin pitching for the Panthers in the Fall 2025.

Oasis FFA competes at Zone CDE's

By Taylor Sowersby and Reese Laca

On January 31, FFA members from across the Western Zone competed in various career development events (CDEs) including the Oasis FFA chapter. Oasis FFA competed in Veterinary Medicine, Milk Quality and Products, Floriculture, and Poultry Evaluation. 

Congratulations to Delilah Creer for earning first place high individual Floriculture, Lorena Rios for earning third place high individual Floriculture, John Schoenmeier for first place high individual Poultry Evaluation, Washington Scott for earning second place high individual Poultry Evaluation, and Ryder McNabb for earning third place high individual Poultry Evaluation. 

The Oasis FFA teams also performed well, with first place in Floriculture and Poultry Evaluation and third place in Milk Quality and Products. 

"Zone competitions were fun and a great way to be introduced to FFA competitions for the first time," Freshman Kiley Detomasi said. 

Members will compete in all these and more events at the Nevada FFA State Convention in March. Oasis Academy FFA is advised by Jackie Bogdanowicz.