Bighorn Bulletin

Senior Spotlight: Kayla Greenberg

Oasis Academy senior Kayla Greenberg is preparing to take her passion for helping others to the next level. Greenberg plans to serve her country as a combat medic in the U.S. Army.

“My plans after graduation are to become a combat medic in the Army,” she said. “I hope to be able to help the people who are fighting for our country and make a difference by providing care to those who need it most.” 

Throughout her time at Oasis Academy, she found support and inspiration in the classroom.

“One of my favorite memories at Oasis Academy was being in Mr. David Springfield’s class,” Greenberg said. “It was where I felt comfortable learning and being myself, and it helped make school a more enjoyable experience.” 

She also credits an important mentor for helping her stay motivated. 

“A mentor I’d like to thank is Mr. Andy Lenon for the reminder to always keep going,” she said. “Having mentors like him makes a big difference because they push you to do your best and remind you that your goals are possible if you continue to work for them.”

Outside the classroom, Greenberg was actively involved in athletics and service. A four-year member of the cross-country team and a three-year basketball player, she also dedicated time to community service. 

“Being involved in sports helped me learn discipline, motivation, and teamwork,” she explained. “Cross country gave me the confidence to know that your mind gives up before your body does.” 

Balancing academics, athletics, and service wasn’t always easy, but those challenges helped her grow both mentally and physically.

In addition to earning her high school diploma, Greenberg will also graduate with an Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College, an achievement she takes great pride in. 

“This accomplishment means a lot to me because it represents the hard work and dedication I have put into my education while balancing other responsibilities,” she said.

As she looks ahead to the future, she leaves behind advice for future students. 

“Always be yourself—stay true to who you are, not who people want you to be. Keep an open mind for every opportunity that comes your way. High school goes by faster than you expect, and the experiences you choose to take part in can shape who you are,” she closed.

Senior Spotlight: James Austin Thibodaux

Senior James Austin Thibodaux started at Oasis Academy as a freshman, and as graduation approaches reflects on his high school journey as one defined by growth, friendships, and a clear vision for the future.

Alongside his high school diploma, he will also graduate with an Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College. After graduation, Thibodaux plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

His time at Oasis Academy began with uncertainty but quickly turned into a meaningful experience. 

“When I started at Oasis, I didn’t know anybody, but I was able to meet a lot of new people and make new friends,” he shared. “I learned a lot in the classes and had fun playing sports with new people.”

Some of his most memorable moments came through athletics, especially during his sophomore year. 

“Playing junior varsity basketball sophomore year with all my friends, along with playing baseball at the Aces stadium,” he said, stands out as his favorite high school memory. “I’ll always remember hitting the walk-off hit to end the game my sophomore year.”

His involvement in co-curricular activities didn’t stop at basketball and baseball—he also participated in Student Council. He has been actively engaged in both leadership and helping to provide school spirit, and serves as the Senior Class Vice President.

One teacher who made a lasting impact was Mr. David Springfield, whom he credits not only as a coach but also as a positive influence. 

“I’d like to thank Mr. Springfield for stepping up to coach basketball and always being easy to joke around with,” he said. 

It’s no surprise that his sophomore-year history class, taught by the same teacher, became his favorite. 

“We did a lot of fun activities, and Mr. Springfield kept the class fun,” Thibodaux said.

Thibodaux has a simple but meaningful piece of advice for future students. 

“High school goes faster than you think—enjoy it while you’re there,” he closed.

FFA Participates in State Convention in Reno

From March 23rd to 26th, members of the Oasis FFA chapter attended Nevada’s 97th annual FFA State Convention in Reno, Nevada. Both middle and high school students competed in multiple CDEs (Career Development Events) and SAEs (Supervised Agricultural Experiences). 

This year, the Oasis chapter was the third-largest chapter in attendance with 47 members present. The chapter saw many teams and students who had top finishes in the competition.  Photo below: Macady Bogdanowicz, Payton Sowersby, Katie Varain, Gabriel Houyoux.

In the AgriScience competition, 12 members competed, including Grace Laca, Meirra Cavanaugh, Taylor Sowersby, Abigail Madera, Brooke Manskie, Kiley Detomasi, Bailey Beebe, Kylie Moya, Sadie Whitaker, Avery Laca, Kinsley Viera, and Macady Bogdanowicz. Of the 12 competitors, 7 are advancing to nationals, making this the most members to have ever qualified from the Oasis chapter. Grace Laca, Bailey Beebe, Kylie Moya, Sadie Whitaker, Avery Laca, Kinsley Viera, and Macady Bogdanowicz will all compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October. 

The Farm Business Management team placed 3rd, with the competitors being Matthew Bird, Meirra Cavanaugh, Brooke Manskie, and Taylor Sowersby. 

In Novice Horse Evaluation, the team, including Emily Dunkin, Lily Smith, Kiley Detomasi, and Faith Marie Torres May, placed 2nd high team. The Senior Horse Evaluation team, with the competitors Katie Varain, Gabriel Houyoux, Macady Bogdanowicz, and Payton Sowersby, placed 2nd high team. Middle school member Macady Bogdanowicz placed 1st high individual. 

Washington Scott, Lily Smith, Keaton Jaques, and Asher Irving placed 3rd high team in Ag Sales. 

Finally, in Milk Quality and Products, Matthew Bird, Trevor Barrenchea, Laynee Diaz, and Grace Laca placed 2nd high team. 

“I’m extremely proud of all the members who worked hard and dedicated their time to study and prepare for the competitions they competed in at State this year,” said Jackie Bogdanowicz, FFA advisor.

Bogdanowicz is appreciative of all the coaches and parents who helped with the students this year. 

“We are so blessed to have great people helping coach these students. Katrina Laca, Sara Peixoto, John Schonemeier, Dr. Danye Archuleta, Heather Donahue, and Karen Bogdanowicz all gave their personal time and effort to coach the students in their competitions and prepare them for State. We are also very grateful to Jenna Whitaker, Jen Beebe, Krista Smith, Alyssa Sowersby, John Schonemeier, and Leonard Bogdanowicz, who were chaperones who took their vacation time to help supervise and shuttle students safely to and from the competitions,” she said.

Other recognitions received included Taylor Sowersby, Meirra Cavanaugh, and Abigail Madera for earning the highest State honor, the Nevada FFA State Degree. Oasis FFA Advisor Jackie Bogdanowicz was recognized with an Honorary FFA State Degree for her hard work and dedication to FFA throughout the area and state.