Bighorn Bulletin

Oasis Academy middle school teachers Kelly Nott, Tamara McNeill, and fifth grade teacher Amber Revels attended several civic education trainings this past year, including Project Community; Elevating Unheard Perspectives of Rural and Indigenous Communities in Carson City; and the We the People Nevada Summer Institute, hosted at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Lake Tahoe Campus.

Last year, the trio organized Oasis Academy’s first mock congressional hearings for Revels’ fifth grade class and some middle school students. All Oasis middle schoolers also participated in National History Day for the first time. The teachers plan to expand these programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. They also plan to introduce Project Community as a new middle school elective.

Each training provided new strategies along with classroom resources and materials. At the Lake Tahoe event, Nott and Revels joined a panel to share their experiences integrating the We the People program and organizing mock hearings. The teachers’ commitment to civic education has been evident as they joined colleagues from across Nevada and the country at these sessions.

These educators say they value the opportunity to connect with peers and share what’s working in the classroom. They have returned from each session with renewed energy and fresh ideas to implement, including methods for improving student engagement, project-based learning approaches, and ways to assess civic understanding in practical terms. Their involvement has not only enriched their own classrooms but is helping to shape broader school culture around civic responsibility.

“The opportunities provided through the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement have been numerous, generous, and inspiring,” said Nott. “For me personally, I have a newfound passion in teaching, which made me put off retiring for a while. I love the students at Oasis Academy and our school's mission. I truly hope that what we have learned helps prepare our students to be active, participating citizens in their community and beyond."

Senior Night Kicks off School Year for Class of 2026

Oasis Academy ushered in the new school year for the Class of 2026 with its highly anticipated Senior Night on Monday, July 28. The evening served as both a celebration and a planning session to prepare students for the year ahead.

Students and parents received guidance on college applications, scholarships, and preparing for graduation. Vice Principal Andy Lenon led the evening, sharing insights from his ten years as high school counselor.

He also introduced new Lead Counselor Gabriella Madraso. The two will begin weekly meetings with seniors as she transitions into the role.

“Our Senior Night is all about empowering our students and their families, ensuring they feel confident and supported throughout the year,” Lenon said. “We achieve this through engaging weekly meetings with our seniors, where the goal is to create a personalized post-secondary plan.”

Lenon recognizes the stress seniors and their families face going into their final year of high school. “Oasis students navigate a rigorous academic program, and we are dedicated to assisting both students and parents with college and trade school admissions, personal statements, essay writing, updating their digital portfolios, and scholarships,” he said. “What sets the Oasis program apart is our focus on the overall well-being of the students during their individual meetings and creating a nurturing and fun environment.”

He added that the school encourages families to remain active participants throughout the senior year, especially as students face major decisions about their future. 

Stephani Price, admissions coordinator for the University of Nevada, Reno, gave a presentation on the application process, campus housing, and scholarships. She urged students to apply early—UNR applications opened Aug. 1.

With support from Oasis staff, families, and UNR partners, the Class of 2026 begins its final year with optimism and preparation.