Bighorn Bulletin

Oasis Academy senior Talon Johnson is preparing to take his skills directly into the workforce after graduation. 

“I plan to go start working in the welding industry after graduation,” he shared. 

Along with his high school diploma, he will also graduate with his Associate of Science in Welding Technology from Western Nevada College. He is an AWS Certified Welder with a Certification in Vertical Stick Welding.

Looking back on his time at Oasis, Johnson described his high school years as “pretty eventful,” beginning as a freshman and filled with experiences he will carry with him. One favorite memory for him stands out.

“My favorite memory is when a few of my friends and I were making modifications to my truck in the school parking lot,” he said. “It was great to just be with my friends working together.”

Johnson participated in FFA as an active member throughout his time in high school. The classes associated with the group were his favorite. 

“My favorite class was FFA because we got to learn many things in the agricultural world,” he said of the hands-on experiences the class offered.

When asked if there was a teacher or mentor he would like to thank, he didn’t hesitate: 

“I would like to thank Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz for all that she does,” he said. “Ms. B has supported me throughout high school. She has made me get out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to take on new challenges in my life.”

As graduation approaches, Johnson has advice for those who will come after him. 

“One piece of advice for future students is to enjoy your time with your friends at school because time will fly by quicker than you think,” he closed.

Oasis Academy Staff Attends National College Admissions Conference

Oasis Academy Lead Counselor Gabriella Madraso and High School Academic Advisor Eric Grimes traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to attend the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference.

The NACAC Conference is one of the largest gatherings in the country focused on helping students achieve their educational goals after high school. Thousands of counselors, advisors, and admissions representatives come together each year to learn about the latest trends in college access, financial aid, and student support.

Madraso and Grimes attended sessions on topics such as career readiness, the evolving landscape of college admissions, and strategies for guiding first-generation college students. They also had the opportunity to network with professionals from colleges and universities across the United States, building connections that will directly benefit Oasis Academy students.

"Having the opportunity to attend NACAC left me motivated to bring back new ideas and strategies to our students. I had the wonderful experience of collaborating and talking about our program and the big takeaway was how much we do for our students and the opportunities given at Oasis Academy College Prep,” Madraso said. 

Madraso shared with fellow attendees many of the strategies Oasis Academy uses junior and senior students.

“Every counselor that I spoke with was shocked to learn that we meet with every single Junior and Senior student weekly to discuss college applications and scholarship opportunities,” she said. “This conference was a wonderful reminder of our commitment to excellence, our mission and to serving our students to the greatest capacity." 

Grimes also added that the conference reinforced Oasis Academy’s mission of preparing students for success beyond high school. 

“The NACAC conference is an amazing opportunity for us to stay on top of the latest changes at colleges and universities affecting admissions,” Grimes said. “We want our students who choose to go on with their education to be as competitive as possible with other applicants. This conference helps us achieve that goal.”

By attending, Oasis Academy continues its commitment to ensuring every student has access to the guidance, knowledge, and resources they need to pursue college and career success.