Bighorn Bulletin

Oasis Academy Students “Light Up the Room” With Kindness Project

Oasis Academy students are brightening more than just the hallways this holiday season through a schoolwide initiative called the Light Up the Room Project. As part of the project, counselors cut out colorful paper Christmas lights and lined the halls with messages designed to inspire positivity, connection, and kindness.

During guidance lessons, school counselors invited students to reflect on the prompt, “You light up the room because…” Students first completed the phrase for themselves, encouraging self-reflection and confidence. They then passed their paper lights to classmates, who added words describing how that student “lights up the room.”

The results were heartwarming. Words such as honest, smart, funny, creative, and loyal filled the paper lights and hallways, offering students a visible reminder of the positive impact they have on one another. Seeing peers' affirmations reinforced a sense of belonging and appreciation throughout the school.

The Light Up the Room Project is part of Oasis Academy’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and respectful school culture. Especially during the holiday season, the project serves as a meaningful reminder that small acts of kindness—and kind words—can make a powerful difference.

By turning hallways into spaces filled with encouragement and light, Oasis Academy students are truly living out the spirit of the season and proving that kindness shines brightest when it is shared.

Students Gain Real-World Money Skills Through Bite of Reality Program

Students recently participated in the Bite of Reality financial literacy program, in partnership with Financial Horizons Credit Union, which provided a hands-on opportunity to experience the realities of adult budgeting and money management. Photo below: Jonathan Velasquez works with Juliana Acomb to select a food plan.

During the immersive simulation, students were assigned a career, income, and family situation, instantly placing them in a realistic financial scenario. From there, they were tasked with making everyday financial decisions, including choices about housing, food, transportation, childcare, and other essential expenses. As they progressed through the simulation, students quickly learned how balancing wants and needs affects their overall financial well-being.

To enhance realism, students encountered unexpected “life events” throughout the activity. Some events were positive—such as receiving a bonus or unexpected financial assistance—while others posed challenges, including medical bills or car repairs. These twists required students to adapt their budgets on the spot and think critically about financial priorities.

The Bite of Reality program provided students with a meaningful, engaging way to understand the importance of budgeting, planning, and responsible decision-making. By simulating real-life financial situations, the experience helped students build practical skills they can carry with them into adulthood.

The school extends its appreciation to Financial Horizons for partnering to deliver this impactful, educational program to students, helping prepare them for the financial responsibilities they will face in the future.