Bighorn Bulletin

Senior Spotlight: Lorena Rios

Have fun and experience high school. That’s graduating senior Lorena Rios’ advice for future students.

“Go to the dances, sign up for clubs and athletics, dress up and take pictures with your friends or your parents,” Rios said.

“Be dedicated to experiencing school. You’ll meet so many new people, have good and bad experiences, and some days you just wish you could graduate already. But take it in and live in the present moment because time slips away,” she said.

Looking back, Rios said she was grateful to have participated in everything Oasis had to offer.

“I’ve met so many creative people and made connections my freshman self couldn’t even think of doing thanks to these fun clubs and events.” she said.

Rios has been active in Oasis activities, including softball, FFA, floriculture and student council.

“I started playing on the Bighorns softball team my freshman year as first base,” Rios said. “My sister Eneyde played second base, so it was always special whenever we got an out together. This will be my last year playing, and I will be sad at my last game, but I’ve had an absolute blast every year.”

“One of my favorite memories was when the Oasis softball team beat Smith Valley and made it to state in Las Vegas,” she said. “Being escorted out of town, feeling all the energy from the students, reminded me why I love to play.”

Rios also competed in floriculture, placing third in the 2023 Nevada State FFA Convention.

“Getting to play around with flowers and see how each student creates a piece so uniquely designed for them is beautiful,” she said.

She also thanked Western Nevada College communications instructor Joelle Olson.

“I immediately loved Mrs. Olson’s vibe, her look and the way she presented herself,” Rios said. 

Rios will graduate in May with a high school diploma and an associate of arts degree. She plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, to major in Spanish and hopes to use her degree to travel and work in education or international relations. For Lorena’s full Senior Spotlight, see the story online at thefallonpost.org.

National FFA Week and Oasis Ag Day

By Taylor Sowersby

February 16 to February 22 was National FFA Week, and as tradition, Oasis FFA planned several engaging school activities to celebrate and bring awareness to the organization and agriculture.  Photo: Thurman Hiskett.

The week included Drive Anything but a Car to School Day, a pie eating contest at the high school, reading agriculture-based books to younger students, dress-up days, and closed with Ag Day. 

In the first pie-eating contest, Junior Matthew Bird easily finished his chocolate cream pie before the competition. 

All middle and high school FFA members participated in Ag Day and the themed dress-up days. Kindergarten through high school students walked through Ag Day animal exhibits on Thursday, including horses, donkeys, rabbits, sheep, goats, pigs, and a llama. Also displayed were agricultural equipment, plants, fishing demonstrations, hunting demonstrations, cement and dirt demonstrations, and more.  Photo: Bailey Beebe and her lambs.

High school members also visited K-3 classes to read the agriculture-themed book, "Potatoes for Pirate Pearl" by Jennifer Concepcion, to classes. 

"Ag Day is a great way for our chapter to teach the younger students about agriculture and the role it plays in our lives," said Oasis FFA Chapter President Grace Laca. "We all enjoy talking about the livestock or equipment we bring to Ag Day and answering the many questions we get."

The week's activities would not have been possible without the dedication of Oasis Academy High School FFA Advisor Jackie Bogdanowicz and Middle School Advisor Jenna Whitaker. Special thanks to the Fallon Police Department for helping coordinate Drive Anything but a Car to School Day.