Bighorn Bulletin

Senior Christina Robinson has been part of the Bighorn community since kindergarten and is now preparing for her next steps into the world of forensic science and biology. She plans to attend college to pursue a degree in forensic science or biology. 

“I plan to major in forensic science or biology in college and earn both my bachelor's and master's degrees,” she said. 

She is already well on her way to that goal. Along with her high school diploma, she will also be graduating with her Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College.

Along with receiving her associate’s degree, Robinson has numerous academic accolades. She is a member of the National Honor Society and currently serves as the chapter’s Vice President. Robinson has also been named to the Western Nevada College Dean’s List, and in 2024, she won the Nevada State Voice of Democracy audio essay contest. She then went on to Nationals in Washington, D.C., where she won a $1,000 scholarship.

This semester, Robinson is participating in the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program under the supervision of WNC Professor Gary Evett. The research provides her with further laboratory experience that directly fits into her post-secondary education plan.

“INBRE is a grant-funded program that gives students a chance to participate in undergraduate research,” she said. “Under Dr. Evett and Dr. Prince’s supervision, my peers and I have been analyzing splice variants of an enzyme that relates to inflammation in the lab, using techniques such as PCR and TOPO cloning. We will be attending the conference to present our research in January.”

With more than a decade spent at Oasis Academy, Robinson has built lifelong connections and lasting memories. 

“I started at Oasis in kindergarten, and I have known most of my class for many years. The environment at Oasis Academy has been supportive and friendly, and the teachers were encouraging,” she shared. 

One memory from high school still makes her laugh. 

“One of my favorite memories is when Mr. Evan Brandt dressed up as some kind of bird for Halloween, and we had to sit through his math class with his disturbing painted face,” she said.

Among the teachers who made a lasting impact, she credits Mrs. Julie Stockard with playing a significant role in shaping her academic interests and leadership skills. 

“I would like to thank Mrs. Stockard because she is an amazing teacher who cemented my love for writing through her creative writing class and encouraged me to grow in my service and leadership skills through her community service elective and National Honor Society,” Robinson said.

Not surprisingly, her favorite class was also with Mrs. Stockard. 

“My favorite class was Mrs. Stockard's creative writing elective because my friend and I got to write a murder mystery book about a detective,” she explained. “I had so much fun in that class and learned a lot about story writing techniques from Mrs. Stockard.”

Outside the classroom, Robinson is deeply involved in the performing arts. As a dancer with the Fallon City Ballet Company, she performs in the Nutcracker each winter and a new production every spring, specializing in both ballet and modern dance.

As she prepares to leave Oasis Academy and begin her college journey, she offers thoughtful advice for younger students. 

“Enjoy being in high school,” she said. “Make sure you keep your grades up, but also make sure that you don't miss out on fun events and go to as many as you can with your friends. School is important, but so is making time for friends and making life enjoyable.”

Oasis Academy Awarded $5,000 Dolan Class Project Grant for Music Program

Oasis Academy celebrated a major boost to its growing music program after being selected as a winner in this year’s Dolan Class Project. The school received a $5,000 grant from the Dolan Auto Group on December 2, which will directly support the K–8 music program by purchasing new instruments for students.

The Dolan Class Project awards funding to schools across Nevada based on video submissions that showcase innovative ideas, classroom needs, or student opportunities and include a community component. Winners are determined by public vote, making the community’s support also a key part of the process.

Oasis Academy leaders say the grant will have an immediate impact on students. The funds will allow the school to expand hands-on music opportunities, provide more instruments in the classroom, and support the continued growth of elementary and middle school music education.

The school expressed its gratitude to everyone who voted in the competition and helped Oasis secure the award. Special thanks were also given to the Oasis Video Production class, whose creativity and hard work brought the project to life through their high-quality submission video.

With this grant, Oasis Academy looks forward to continuing to improve students' lives through opportunity, offering even more students the chance to explore music, discover new talents, and build skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Families Celebrate La Posada 

Oasis Academy welcomed families on December 9 for its third annual La Posada celebration, filling the school cafeteria with music, tradition, and holiday cheer. The event, which has quickly become a cherished school tradition, honored the holiday season's cultural roots through songs, storytelling, and festive activities.

The evening started with parents and students joining in the call-and-response singing that is central to La Posada.

Once families entered the cafeteria, they saw it was transformed for the occasion, featuring colorful decorations, lights, and stations where students could participate in crafts and enjoy traditional foods. The evening also included food, a raffle, Loteria, and a special performance from dance group Nuestra Herencia.

Teachers and staff helped guide the event, ensuring that students not only enjoyed the celebration but also learned about the cultural significance of La Posada. This tradition reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey in search of shelter. The evening offered a meaningful blend of education and community connection.

Mrs. Page Hiskett and Mr. Jose Ramirez organized the event. They were thrilled with the turnout and excited to see the tradition continue to grow each year.

“Each year this event grows and continues to benefit all our Oasis Families,” Page Hiskett said. “The Las Posada tradition ensures our school is culturally responsive to promote our students' diverse backgrounds.”  

“In addition to all the festivities and fabulous food, we raffle, for free, over a dozen holiday gift bags. Each prize bag includes a gift card and fun holiday gifts. Lastly, we raffle off one large basket of food items donated by our local food pantry, and the big giveaway is a donated electric scooter. The engagement between families and staff has built lasting and valued relationships,” she said. 

Ramirez agreed that it is about the community and relationships that help make the event so special.

“Since starting Las Posadas, it has been an honor to see this event grow every year and see so many of our families spending time together with the teachers outside the classroom,” he said. “This event wouldn't be possible without many of our Oasis families giving us feedback, helping make the food, and being able to attend to enjoy this fabulous event. I hope to continue this tradition and see more of our community participate in the event.