Bighorn Bulletin

“Kiss the Pig” Fundraiser at the Cantaloupe Festival

Oasis Academy FFA hosted its annual “Kiss the Pig” fundraiser again this year at the Cantaloupe Festival. Always a fan favorite, the event features five dedicated community members competing against each other to raise money for the FFA chapter.

This year’s candidates were well-known faces around the community: Colby Frey owner of Frey Ranch Distillery, Pete Homa a local dairyman, Nicole Dooley with the City of Fallon, Dakota Groom is a middle school teacher at Oasis Academy, and Matthew Davis is from the Fallon Police Department. 

Community members donated funds toward their “votes” for the candidate they wanted to see kiss the pig. In the end, the person with the highest total was the winner to kiss the pig.

FFA members shared that the fundraiser is more than just a laugh—it helps support student projects, leadership events, and travel opportunities throughout the year. 

“The community always shows up for us,” said Jackie Bogdanowicz, FFA Advisor. “It’s one of the most fun fundraisers we do, and people remember it.”

Towards the end of the Festival on Sunday afternoon a crowd gathered to see who this year’s would be chosen “pig kisser.” Colby Frey ended up the winner and kissed the pig first. Thanks to the generosity of supporters though, more funds were raised, and each candidate was auctioned off to also kiss the pig. Approximately $800 was raised, and Bogdanowicz thanked the candidates for their good humor and community spirit. 

“It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there for something like this,” she said. “They help make the event such a success and remind us how supportive Fallon is of its youth and agriculture.”

Oasis Academy Hosts Back to School Night with Families and Community Partners

Oasis Academy welcomed students and families back to campus on August 20 for its annual Back to School Night, kicking off the 2025–2026 school year with excitement and community support.

Families had the opportunity to meet teachers, drop off school supplies, and get a jump start on building strong connections for the year ahead. Classrooms were filled with students exploring their new learning spaces, while parents visited with staff and learned about upcoming programs and expectations.

In addition to meeting teachers, families connected with several local organizations that play an important role in supporting Oasis students and the wider Fallon community. Representatives from Central Nevada Health District, Churchill Community Coalition, NAS Fallon Fleet and Family Support Center, 4-H, Army National Guard, Girl Scouts of Northern Nevada, Churchill County Social Services, Financial Horizons, Oasis Academy Offerings Food Pantry, Boy Scouts, and the Fallon Police Department all participated in the event.

Third Graders Use STEM to Save Fred

For the first week of school STEM is already being highlighted in the classroom. Oasis Academy third graders put their problem-solving skills to the test with a hands-on STEM activity known as Save Fred. 

The challenge asked students to rescue “Fred,” a gummy worm in a tricky situation: his boat, a plastic cup, had capsized, leaving him stranded. Nearby was his life preserver—a gummy candy ring—but students were only allowed to use paper clips to help Fred into safety.

Working in small groups, students quickly realized that success would require communication, creativity, and patience. 

“It was pretty fun, and I liked doing the project,” Nadia Castillo said. “We put the paperclips around the lifesaver and then put Fred in the lifesaver.”

The classroom was filled with strategizing and laughter as different teams celebrated their hard-earned victories. 

Castillo also liked the teamwork aspect of the project.

“I liked working as a team to figure out how to save Fred. It was fun to work together to come up with a solution,” she said.