Bighorn Bulletin

Senior Spotlight: Grace Laca

As graduation approaches for the Class of 2026, one Oasis Academy senior is looking ahead to a future rooted in agriculture, leadership, and community. 

Senior Grace Laca plans to attend either the University of Idaho or Montana State University to pursue a degree in animal science and agricultural business after she graduates in May. 

“I’d eventually like to farm or ranch,” she shared. “So I am going to learn all I can to help me succeed.” 

Laca will graduate with both her high school diploma and an Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College in May.

A Bighorn since first grade, she reflected fondly on her years at Oasis. 

“I’ve made many great friends and had great teachers along the way,” she said. 

Her favorite memories stem from her substantial involvement in both athletics and FFA. 

“Through FFA, I have competed at Nationals in Indianapolis twice, had many great experiences at leadership camps at Lake Tahoe, competed at the state level, and met people all over the state,” she explained. 

“As for athletics, playing volleyball, basketball, and softball has allowed me to compete at the regional and state levels. I’ve also gotten the opportunity to play with both of my younger sisters,” she said.

Her passion for agriculture was nurtured by science and ag teacher, Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz. 

“I’d like to thank Ms. B. for all of the opportunities she has given me by pushing me to participate in different competitions and run for offices,” she said. 

“When I was trying to decide which direction to go for high school, it was Ms. B who convinced me to stay at Oasis and be a part of her program. My time in FFA has been a huge part of my high school career and I am grateful for all that I have learned.”

She also found inspiration in the classroom, especially in history and agriculture. 

“I really enjoyed Mr. David Springfield’s Ancient History and American Government classes because we did a lot of fun projects, learned a lot, and it strengthened my love for history,” she shared. 

“I also loved our ag classes with Ms. B. because we got to learn more about the ag industry and practice for Career Development Events that we competed in at State FFA.”

Laca has been a dedicated student leader and athlete. 

She has held offices in Student Council every year, served in multiple leadership roles within the Oasis Chapter of FFA as well as the Western Zone, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Her leadership positions include class vice president freshman through junior years, senior class treasurer, FFA Western Zone Treasurer, FFA treasurer, FFA President and she is currently the chapter's first ever Student Advisor. 

As a three-sport athlete, her athletic career has been equally impressive, earning opportunities to play at the varsity level early on, and competing in the highest level at regional and state tournaments. She has been named to the NIAA Academic All-State Team in every sport in each season that she has competed. 

Other recognitions include her freshman and sophomore years she was named NIAA 2A Honorable Mention for volleyball, sophomore year NIAA 2A Honorable Mention for volleyball and her junior year she was NIAA 2A Honorable Mention for volleyball and NIAA 2A Second Team for basketball and softball. 

“Going back to middle school, I’d like to thank Lisa Swan for giving me my first chance to play a varsity sport when she put me on the high school lacrosse team as an eighth grader,” she said. 

She also expressed gratitude for her volleyball coaches Ali Montgomery and Jalana Bell.

“Thank you to Ali Montgomery for seeing potential in me my freshman year and giving me a chance to play with the varsity team and thank you to Jalana Bell for pushing me even harder my senior year to be the best volleyball player I could be.”

Laca spent her springs on the softball field and the team has been successful.  

“We were able to go to regionals and state with softball both years I have played, and I appreciate the help of coaches Brandon Bird, Rachel Payne, Carey Gantt, Kevin Montgomery, Ali Montgomery, and especially Coach John Short who gave a lot of his personal time to help with my batting,” she said.

Finally, she would like to thank basketball coach Amanda Larsen.

“Last but definitely not least, I'd like to thank Amanda Larsen for all the time and effort she has put into me and the Oasis basketball program. We would have never made it to regionals without her guidance and encouragement,” she said. 

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without all of these coaches,” she added.

When asked what advice she would share with younger students, her message was clear: “Get involved and give your all. Whether it’s sports, academics, or school activities, make the most of your high school years.”

Oasis Academy Hosts Successful Annual Book Fair

Oasis Academy’s annual Book Fair was a huge hit again this year, bringing excitement, imagination, and plenty of new books to students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to visit the fair, explore the wide selection of books, participate in fun read-aloud sessions, and do fall themed crafts that kept the joy of reading front and center.

“Oasis families spent just under $17,000 this year fostering our students’ love of reading – and let’s be honest - stationery and posters too,” said Katherine Rule, Book Fair Chair. “We are beyond grateful for your generosity, as this turnout allows us to keep 50% of our profit as Scholastic Dollars.”  

A highlight of the week was Family Night on Wednesday, which drew a wonderful turnout of students, parents, and community members. Families browsed books together, shared stories, snacked on popcorn and cider and celebrated the love of reading in Gordman's space.

Through the generosity of Friends of Oasis Academy every student at Oasis Academy received a book and teachers were able to pick out books as well.

“Through our families’ Share the Fair donations and our existing Scholastic Dollars fund, we spent $5,200 filling our teachers’ wish lists for their classrooms and providing a book for every one of our Kindergarten through 8th grade students,” Rule said.

“Special thank yous go out to our third grade teachers and students who graciously allowed us to decorate the Book Fair space with their incredible book character pumpkins, to Mrs. Peixoto who planned all our afternoon activities, and to the teachers who did read-alongs with our students,” she said.

Oasis Academy would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the work of Book Fair Chair Katherine Rule, Friends of Oasis Academy (FOA) volunteers (and their kids) that made the fair possible: Kara Tippett, Kara Warren, Anna-Lisa Laca, Steve and Heather Skoda, Nancy Williams, Sarah Frey, Alyssa Sowersby, Anne Bloomfield, Crystal Heyer, Felecia McKnight, Jesse Morrow, Laura Berry, Liz Medina, Megan Urbanek, Michelle Pratt and Alice Bryan.

Pictured below:  Steve Skoda, Heather Skoda, Felecia McKnight, Megan Urbanek, Kara Warren, Kara Tippett, Katherine Rule.