Angela Viera
Oasis Academy Middle School’s Robotics Competition Team is the perfect activity for future engineers, scientists and roboticists. This summer, the team will be looking for problem solvers, builders, researchers, creative thinkers and aspiring programmers who can work together as a team.
All building with Legos is completed during the first day or two of the program. Students spend part of their time building and programming the robot to complete Lego-based challenges on the map. The rest of the time is spent identifying a problem related to the theme, researching it, building a model of their solution and developing a presentation to deliver to a panel of judges.
The Oasis Academy team participates in the FIRST LEGO League’s Challenge Division. The 2025–26 competition theme is “Unearthed.” This year’s goal is for teams to discover artifacts that help build a better world.
Competitions will take place on Saturdays. All are elimination rounds, with only the top-scoring teams advancing. Events are daylong and typically held in Reno.
Students in grades 5–8 interested in joining this year’s team must register in Aktivate beginning June 1. Tryouts will be held Friday, Sept. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. Contact Coach Keitz with any questions.
Oasis Academy FFA Chapter Celebrates a Year of Achievement at Annual Banquet
The Oasis Academy FFA Chapter capped off a successful year with its annual banquet, bringing together students, families, staff and community supporters to celebrate the chapter’s many accomplishments and the spirit of agricultural education.
The banquet showcased the dedication and hard work of middle and high school FFA members across a variety of competitions and projects. At the Nevada FFA State Convention, Oasis FFA teams earned top honors in Career Development Events (CDEs) such as plant systems and animal systems agriscience fairs, with several teams advancing to national competitions.
The chapter also recognized the achievements of its farm and agribusiness management, agricultural sales and poultry evaluation teams—all of which placed among the top in the state. These successes reflect the commitment of both students and their coaches, who were thanked for their hours of preparation and mentorship.
FFA Advisor Jackie Bogdanowicz, recently named Ag Teacher of the Year by the Nevada Ag Foundation, expressed pride in the chapter’s achievements and gratitude for the support from coaches, volunteers and chaperones during the ceremony.
One of the highlights of the evening was the installation of the newly elected officer team. The 2025–26 officers are: President Taylor Sowersby, Vice President Meirra Cavanaugh, Secretary Laynee Diaz, Treasurer Trevor Barrenchea, Reporter Sadie Whitaker, Sentinel Lily Smith and Historian Reese Laca. In a first for the Oasis Academy chapter, Grace Laca will serve as Chapter Junior Advisor.
FFA degrees and awards were given to students, including Greenhand and chapter degrees, leadership and service awards.
Star awards: Star Greenhand Bailey Beebe, Star Farmer Grace Laca, Star Member Joshua Gusewelle.
Discover Degrees: Addison Allegre, Avery Laca, and Bailey Peixoto.
Greenhand Degrees: Bailey Beebe, Amberlyn Casey, Tyler Crystal, Kaden Detomasi, Lyannnrose Goss, Stevie Hiskett, Brooke Manskie, Shayana McNamer, Kylie Moya, Lora Siebecker, Lily Smith and Sadie Whitaker.
Chapter Degrees: Logan Casey, Meirra Cavanaugh, Kaylee Craig, Danielle Fenton, Cristian Keener, Reese Laca, Abigail Madera and Taylor Sowersby.
Honorary FFA Degrees: Amber and TJ Gusewelle, Amparo Esparza and Servando Rios, Carissa and Jason Gardner, and Amanda Daigh.
Service Awards: Grace Laca, Taylor Sowersby, Meirra Cavanaugh, Trevor Barrenchea, Reese Laca, Ryder McNabb, Matthew Bird, Christian Benham, Dahlila Creer, Tyler Crystal, Laynee Diaz, Abigail Madera, Lorena Rios and Sadie Whitaker.
Leadership Awards: Grace Laca, Taylor Sowersby, Meirra Cavanaugh, Trevor Barrenchea, Reese Laca, Ryder McNabb, Matthew Bird, Bailey Beebe, Laynee Diaz, Abigail Madera, Lorena Rios, Washington Scott, Lily Smith and Sadie Whitaker.
The chapter also recognized its four graduating seniors for their dedication to the program: Lyly Daigh, Joshua Gusewelle, Adam Garcia and Lorena Rios.
The banquet also served as an opportunity to honor the invaluable support from Oasis Academy staff and the broader community. Coaches, volunteers and families were recognized for their dedication, with special appreciation extended to those who contributed time, resources and encouragement throughout the year. The chapter awarded honorary FFA degrees to individuals who have rendered outstanding service, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives Oasis FFA’s success.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students’ hard work and growth celebrated at the end-of-year banquet. It’s more than just a ceremony; it’s a reflection of their dedication, leadership and the bright future of agriculture,” Bogdanowicz said.
Combined, Oasis Academy’s middle and high school FFA program has more than 70 members, making it one of the largest co-curricular activities at the school. For more information, contact Advisor Jackie Bogdanowicz at [email protected].
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