Bighorn Bulletin

Kindergarten Through Second Grade Celebrate 100 Days of Learning in Style

Kindergarten through second-grade students marked a major milestone early in March by celebrating the 100th day of school in a fun, memorable way—by stepping into the shoes of centenarians.

Classrooms were filled with laughter as students arrived dressed as 100-year-old men and women, complete with gray-colored hair, wigs, glasses, and even canes and walkers. The creative costumes brought plenty of personality to the celebration and helped make the day both engaging and educational.

The 100th day of school is more than just a dress-up opportunity—it represents an important academic benchmark for early learners. In the weeks leading up to the celebration, students have been practicing counting to 100 in various ways, strengthening their number sense and building confidence in math.

Teachers incorporated hands-on activities centered around the number 100, allowing students to explore counting, grouping, and patterns. As part of the celebration, many students brought collections of 100 items to count with their classmates.

“The 100th day is such a fun way to reinforce what students have been learning,” said Shannon Garcia, K-6 vice principal. “They’ve been working hard on counting to 100, and this gives them a chance to show what they know in a creative and exciting way.”

Throughout the day, classrooms buzzed with themed activities, including counting games, art projects, and writing exercises focused on the number 100. The combination of academic practice and imaginative play helped make the milestone meaningful for students at every level.

Senior Spotlight: Washington Scott

As graduation approaches this May, Oasis Academy senior Washington Scott reflects fondly on his time at Oasis. The senior has been incredibly involved in school activities since he started at the school in eighth grade. 

Reflecting on his time at Oasis Academy, Scott described the experience as eventful. 

“I’ve made many great relationships during my time at Oasis Academy. I’ve learned lots of new things, and had a fun time doing both,” he said. 

His involvement across campus reflects that sentiment, as he participated in student council, FFA, baseball, basketball, and “We the People”—fully embracing both academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Among his many memories, one stands out as a favorite. 

“One of my favorite memories from my time at Oasis Academy is a communications class presentation where Benton Snow and I dressed up as Biden and Trump, then proceeded to argue about golf (in their voices) just as the two did during the 2024 presidential debate,” he said. 

While Scott found value in all of his classes, communications left a lasting impression. 

“I don’t know if I can confidently say I had a favorite class … but one of my favorites was the communications class for sure,” he said. “I realized communication is more than just talking or writing something across a billboard, but rather a form of expression that disguises itself in a billion boxes, and your job is to discover each box and tell its tale to others.”

When it comes to gratitude, he is quick to recognize those who supported him along the way. 

“I would like to thank my mom for helping me get through school, helping me to attend events, assisting me through my various trials and adversities, cheering me on when it mattered most, and showing me how to never give up,” he said. 

Scott also expressed appreciation for his teachers. 

“I would like to thank all my teachers for the mentorship and encouragement through the years that have shaped who I am today,” he added.

As he prepares for the next chapter, he leaves behind advice for future students that reflects resilience and determination. 

“Whenever you are feeling disheartened that you are somehow not enough, set your heart ablaze, dry your tears, grit your teeth, and look ahead, because you are all it takes to make a difference,” he closed.

After graduation, Scott plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, where he will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. In addition to earning his high school diploma, he will also graduate with an Associate of Science (AS) degree from Western Nevada College.

Senior Spotlight: Chase Ackerman

As graduation approaches, Oasis Academy senior Chase Ackerman is reflecting on his journey from first grade to commencement while looking ahead to a future filled with possibilities, ambition, and a strong connection to his community. 

Ackerman will graduate in May with both his high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College. He plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, where he will begin working toward his bachelor’s degree. While he is still exploring his exact path, he has clear interests that guide his decisions. 

“As of now, I’m undecided, but I plan to major in business/finance and possibly minor in wildlife ecology and conservation so I can potentially become a field biologist,” he said. 

Alongside his college plans, he also has his sights set on entrepreneurship and staying in the community. 

“I plan on staying in Fallon and working to create my own business,” he said.

Looking back, some of his most cherished memories are the simple, unexpected moments. 

“One of my favorite memories at Oasis is when we had a snowy day in middle school, and a bunch of us all went outside for recess and built a snowman,” he said. “We didn’t really have snow very much, and it was definitely one of my favorite memories.”

Having spent his entire academic career at Oasis, he values the relationships he has built along the way. 

“My time at Oasis was fun overall, and I created a lot of friendships that I will definitely remember for a long time,” he said. “I started in first grade, and I will graduate with a lot of the people I started Oasis with. I can't lie, if I were to describe it in one word, all I could say is ‘school.’ I liked it all except 5th grade.”

Throughout his journey, several mentors have made a lasting impact. He expressed gratitude to three individuals in particular. 

“I’d like to thank Counselor Andy Lenon for being one of the reasons I really get through all of this, and also always being there for me and actually caring about what path I go down,” he said. 

He also thanked Academic Advisor Eric Grimes. 

“Mr. Grimes always makes sure I'm keeping up on my work, but also his personal side for always giving me a hard time, but also always giving me a smile whenever I walk into the school,” he added. 

In addition, he credited his cross-country coach, Krista Smith, for life lessons that extend far beyond athletics. 

“She taught me a lot of valuable life lessons, like pain is only temporary. And that one will stick with me my whole life,” Ackerman said.

Academically, one class stood out above the rest. 

“My favorite class was Mrs. Amy O’Flaherty,” he said. “She was my seventh-grade English teacher, and though it was an online school that year, she had a great course, and she actually made reading fun for me, which no one else has,” he said.

Outside the classroom, he stayed active through high school cross-country and trap shooting with the Lahontan Valley Clay Breakers, experiences that helped shape his discipline and perseverance.

As he prepares to graduate, he offers simple but meaningful advice to younger students. 

“Take your time — it goes fast. And also keep farming for Aura,” he closed.