Senior Matthew Bird has been part of Oasis Academy since Kindergarten, building a strong foundation for both academic and personal success. Throughout his time at the school, he has excelled in the classroom and played an active role in the school community through his involvement in a variety of co-curricular activities.
Academically accomplished, Bird is one of Oasis Academy’s three valedictorians this year. He has earned honor roll recognition every semester, is a member of the school’s National Honor Society chapter, and has been named to the Western Nevada College Dean’s List each semester he has been eligible.
Beyond his success in the classroom, Bird has distinguished himself through his involvement in athletics. He has been a state qualifier in cross country and has competed at the varsity level in basketball, wrestling, and football.
At Churchill County High School, he served as a two-year starting quarterback and team captain. In 2025, Bird helped lead the Greenwave to a state championship, passing for 2,336 yards and 28 passing touchdowns while adding 332 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He led the 3A North in every quarterback statistical category except one.
Athletic honors include being named to the NIAA All-State Academic Teams in basketball and baseball, NIAA 2A Honorable Mention in basketball, NIAA 2A Second Team in baseball, and NIAA 3A Second Team All-League in football.
Bird’s time at Oasis Academy has been defined by both friendships and those experiences gained from being so active in school.
“My favorite memory at Oasis has been playing baseball. When Coach McNabb and Coach White started the Oasis Baseball team my freshman year, we didn’t have a field of our own, and we still don’t. We’ve practiced and played on a county field the entire time.”
“But in the end, that’s never been what mattered. What mattered was the effort we gave to build a team. And the grit it took to keep showing up and competing, no matter the circumstances. Being part of this program since the very beginning has been an honor. It’s taught me that success isn’t about what you are given, but it’s about how hard you’re willing to work to earn victory,” he said.
In the classroom, Bird found a particular fondness for his agriculture classes taught by Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz.
“My favorite class has been FFA. It’s been more than just a class. It’s a place where I’ve grown as a person and has offered me experiences to learn responsibility and leadership. I'm proud of the new animal pens I was able to design and build for future FFA members to use at Oasis. FFA gave me opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and be part of something bigger than myself,” he noted.
He has been actively involved in numerous FFA activities and has achieved impressive results at the state level. Bird was a member of the Poultry Team, which placed third at State; the Milk and Dairy Team, which earned fourth place; and the Farm Business Management Team, which secured second place at State.
When asked about those who supported him along the way, he expressed appreciation for the educators who guided him.
“I would like to thank all of my teachers,” he said, recognizing the collective impact they have had on his success.
As he prepares to graduate, he offers simple but meaningful advice to younger students.
“Do as many extracurriculars as possible,” he closed.
Bird will graduate in May with both his high school diploma and an Associate of Science Degree from Western Nevada College. He was accepted to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. After he serves a 2-year service mission, he will attend BYU and major in Business.
Kindergarteners Learning to Write Narratives
Kindergarten students are taking another step in their literacy journey by beginning to write narrative pieces. In the most recent lesson, young writers were asked to tell the story of their latest birthday.
The students were asked to describe whether they had a party, what kind of cake they enjoyed, and what made their day special. From balloons and presents to family gatherings, students are discovering how to turn real-life experiences into meaningful stories.
Through narrative writing, kindergarteners build essential skills that go far beyond just putting words on paper. They learn to sequence events in order—what happened first, next, and last—while also practicing using complete sentences and descriptive details.
Teachers helped guide students in including key elements such as characters, setting, and emotions, bringing their stories to life. These early writing experiences not only strengthen reading and writing abilities but also encourage creativity, confidence, and self-expression in the classroom.
Future Fest Fundraiser Dinner Returns to Support Oasis Academy STEAM Programs
The community is invited to attend the 8th Annual Future Fest Fundraiser Dinner on Friday, April 17, at the Fallon Convention Center. The popular annual event brings together supporters of education for an evening of great food, community connection, and meaningful impact.
This year’s dinner will be catered by The Slanted Porch, offering guests a high-quality local dining experience while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Oasis Academy’s STEAM programs, helping to expand opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics for local students.
The City of Fallon returns as the event's premier sponsor, continuing its strong commitment to education and community growth. Additional sponsors include CC Communications, Tedford Tire, Northern County Dairy Services, Les Schwab, and Academica, all of whom play a vital role in making the evening possible.
Tickets are still available for purchase online at oanv.org. Community members may also contact Angela Viera at 775-666-0912 for tickets or additional information. Sponsorships and donations are still needed and welcomed.
In addition to the dinner, attendees and supporters will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for his-and-her e-bikes, available now at the school’s front desk.
With its focus on innovation and student opportunity, the Future Fest Fundraiser Dinner remains a cornerstone event in supporting the future of Oasis Academy students.
Comment
Comments