Senior Spotlight: Emma Papada
As graduation approaches, Oasis Academy senior Emma Papada reflects on her high school journey, defined by community, memorable classes, and a strong foundation for her future.
Having attended Oasis Academy since her freshman year, Papada described her experience as being overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s been so fun and welcoming,” she said. “Everyone is so nice, and it’s a small community, so everyone is close and knows each other.”
When asked about her favorite memories and favorite classes, one immediately came to mind.
“My favorite class is probably Mr. David Springfield’s history class, and my favorite memory was the final for that class freshman year. We had a mock war between the Greeks and Persians,” Papada said. “Mr. Springfield always made class so fun and enjoyable.”
She also expressed gratitude for a teacher who made a lasting impact during a challenging transition back to school in the United States.
“I’d like to thank our Academic Advisor, Mr. Eric Grimes,” she shared. “He helped me a lot when I got back from Bahrain, a great teacher, and he is always willing to help answer questions.”
That sense of community at Oasis Academy came not just from the classroom teachers but also from being part of the Oasis Academy Girls’ Golf Team.
“The golf coaches are amazing, and I had the best time with my teammates,” she said.
The team finished second at state this year, and Papada is convinced the team will win state next year.
After graduating in May, Papada plans to continue her education in college, where she hopes to pursue either a career in education or a career in the medical field.
Papada offered thoughtful advice to future Oasis students.
“Don’t stress so much about the future and try to live in the moment more. Also, obviously, also keep your grades up,” she closed.
Adopt-a-Pilot Program Takes Off Again for 5th Grade Students
Southwest Airlines’ Adopt-a-Pilot program is returning to 5th-grade classrooms, bringing real-world aviation experiences directly to students through local Southwest Airlines Pilot Kristopher Nastro.
The program, which connects professional pilots with elementary classrooms, gives students a hands-on look at how math, science, geography, engineering, and teamwork are used every day in the aviation industry.
Nastro brings extensive aviation experience to the classroom. He began flying with his dad as a young child and took his first solo flight on his 16th birthday. He then spent twenty years on active duty in the Navy flying the F-18 and serving on 4 combat deployments. Nastro has flown for Southwest Airlines for over 2 years and flies his private Super Cub out of the Fallon Airport.
As part of the program, he will share insights about his career, explain how airplanes fly, discuss weather patterns and navigation, and answer students’ many questions about aviation.
The Adopt-a-Pilot program also focuses on inspiring students to dream big and explore future possibilities. By interacting with a professional pilot, students gain first-hand knowledge of the aviation industry.
FFA Floriculture Team Prepares for State Competition and Valentine’s Day Fundraiser
The Future Farmers of America (FFA) Floriculture team has begun its weekly practices as they prepare for the upcoming FFA State Competition. The most recent practice focused on hands-on floral design techniques, including creating ribbon bows and designing elegant single rose bud vases—skills essential for both competition success and real-world floral work.
The team is coached by Sara Peixoto. Throughout the remaining practices, she will guide students as they continue studying floral identification, floral presentation, and the fundamentals of design, all of which are part of the state competition.
In addition to competition preparation, the team is gearing up for a popular annual fundraiser. The FFA Floriculture team will again be selling individually designed roses for Valentine’s Day. Each rose will be thoughtfully arranged by team members, making it a meaningful, locally crafted holiday gift.
Students and families will be able to purchase roses at the high school the week of February 9.
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