Bighorn Bulletin

Senior Spotlight: Paola Moran Rodriguez

Graduating senior Paola Moran Rodriguez has a passion for the arts. Watercolor, ceramics, and the art classes have given her a space to be creative, have fun, express herself, and relax.

“My favorite class has to be either watercolor or ceramics,” she said. “When I was in both of these classes I was not only able to be creative and have fun, but I was also able to destress from all of my other classes.”

Western Nevada College dual enrollment instructors Jill Oglesbee and Jeanne Evatt were a big part of Moran Rodriguez’s love for the classes.

“I would like to thank both of my art teachers, Mrs. O and Mrs. Jeanne for creating an environment in which I was comfortable expressing myself freely,” she said. “Both teachers are wonderful individuals with whom I have formed a strong bond.” 

Along with the teachers, her art classes meant spending time with students who had a mutual appreciation for the subjects.

“My favorite memories from Oasis were the ones when I was in my art and band classes. In these classes, I was with like-minded people who were passionate about the arts,” Moran Rodriguez added. 

Moran Rodriguez started at Oasis Academy her freshman year in 2021. 

“My time at Oasis has been interesting. I have experienced good and bad, which is expected since it is high school,” she said. “It was a change once I started my junior year and had just college classes, because I could be at school for only one class and go home. Then on other days I was there for longer.” 

“I felt like the classes gave me so much freedom in comparison to "normal" high school classes,” she said.

As the end of her senior year approaches, Moran Rodriguez has a couple more people to thank for their support and advice for future students.

“I would like to thank Counselor Andy Lenon for helping me with scholarships and encouraging me to pursue a creative career. He has helped me look beyond the options that were in front of me,” Moran Rodriguez said.

“My advice for future students is that if anyone tells you that senior year is easier than junior year they are lying if you plan on working on scholarships,” she closed.

 Moran Rodriguez will graduate in May with her high school diploma and associate of arts degree from Western Nevada College. She will continue her education at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) working towards a degree in jewelry design. Her goal is to start her own jewelry business.

Bighorns Set to Play April 9 Aces Stadium

For the second year in a row the Bighorns Baseball team will be playing at Greater Nevada Field in Reno. The game will be on Wednesday, April 9 with the first pitch at 7 p.m. It will be a league game with the team playing Pershing County.

“I’m very excited for our team to return to Greater Nevada Field for the second time,” Coach Sean McNabb said. “We all remember how great the experience was last year. We are grateful to have this opportunity again, and we are looking forward to another great game.”

Admission will be $5 for adults with students and staff of both schools free.

"We are incredibly proud to have our Bighorns baseball team return to Greater Nevada Field for the second consecutive year,” said Rochelle Tisdale, high school principal. “This opportunity not only showcases their skills but also provides them with a unique experience playing at a professional stadium.”

“We look forward to cheering them on as they face Pershing County on April 9th. It's a testament to their dedication and teamwork that they get to enjoy this exciting event,” she said.

2025 Science Exposition Placement Ribbons

On Thursday, February 27 the second annual Oasis Academy Science Fair was held in the Gordman’s space. 170 projects were submitted by students in grades 1 through high school. The results were as follows:

Best of Show - Jacob Pilarski

Class Projects Grades 1-2 - 1st place Mrs.Sara Peixoto’s class

Class Projects Grades 3-4 - 1st place Mrs. Racquel Feest’s class, 2nd place Mrs. Rebecca Farley’s class

Grades 1-2 Student Projects - 1st place Natalie Laca, 2nd place Thurman Hiskett, 3rd place Evelyn Sanford and Peirce Ferguson

Grades 3-4 Demonstrations - 1st place Jose Guzman, 2nd place Brielle Davis, 3rd place Asher Wright

Grades 3-4 Projects - 1st place Derrick Rule and Hamish Hill, 2nd place Wyatt Griffin and Ody Arcoraci, 3rd place Libby Antoniono

Grades 5-6 Demonstrations - 1st place Macady Bogdanowicz, 2nd place Sophia Derby and Emma Carrasco, 3rd place Roarie Curtis and Allyson Perez

Grades 5-6 Projects - 1st place Wesley Griffin, 2nd place Ellie Peixoto and Maddie Byrd, 3rd place Louise Antoniono and Lauren Rule

Middle School Demonstrations - 1st place Sophia Moya and Jesselle Joy Bayoneta, 2nd place Clayton Hiibel and Isabelle Anaya, 3rd place Willow Saunders

Middle School Projects- 1st place Neel Bhakta and Keagan Craig, 2nd place Janie Irving, 3rd place Pia Doyen 

Inventions - Combined for all grades - 1st place Crew Schank, Joshua Polish, Keaton Jacques, 2nd place Mason Jardine, Wyatt Ricks, John Zulz, 3rd place Kelsey Nall, Audrey Blakemore, Marley Baglin

High School Projects - Tie for 1st Place Heidi Nichols and Lyannrose Goss and Brooke Manskie and AmberLyn Casey, 3rd place Meirra Cavanaugh and Reese Laca

High School Demonstrations - 1st place Haley Flick and Abigail Madera, Lily Smith, Preslee Merritt, Madalyn Johnson, 3rd place Stevie Hiskett