Bighorn Bulletin

Senior Spotlight: Jilliana Morales

Having been part of Oasis Academy since first grade, Jilliana Morales has spent more than a decade learning and growing at the school.

“I’ve met so many great teachers over the years who have helped me grow and learn, both in and out of the classroom,” she said. “All of the teachers I’ve known have been willing to help in any way they can, which I think is great.”

Some of Morales’ favorite memories center around friendships.

“My favorite memories from my time at Oasis are the moments I spent with my friends — whether it was during breaks, lunch, or class. They made school enjoyable and gave me something to look forward to,” she said.

Throughout high school, she remained actively involved on campus. She has been a member of Student Council all four years, serving as junior class treasurer and now as historian. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Along with receiving her high school diploma in May, Morales will earn her Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College. While working toward her AS, she participated in college‑level scientific research through the INBRE program at WNC.

“It was really fun being able to do real research (even if I didn’t understand everything fully at times), and it confirmed that I want to pursue something in the sciences in the future,” she said.

After graduation, Morales plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in biology and possibly minoring in microbiology. She hopes to work in pathology or medical research.

As she prepares for her next steps, Morales expressed gratitude for the mentors who supported her.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Andy Lenon for his guidance and assistance. He’s been incredibly helpful, especially with college and scholarships, and he’s always willing to listen. I’m really grateful for his support.”

Her advice to future students: “Your thoughts matter more than you think. If you’re constantly expecting failure, you’ll start acting like it’s already guaranteed. Be mindful of how you talk to yourself.”

Senior Spotlight: Beatriz Hallberg

Beatriz Hallberg has been at Oasis since kindergarten and is grateful for the support she’s received.

“Throughout the years, I have been granted endless support. I’ve loved watching the school change and improve, and I’ve also enjoyed growing up with my classmates,” she said.

One of her favorite memories comes from middle school.

“My favorite memory was doing a hot cocoa stand project in eighth grade. I had fun hanging out with my friends while selling hot cocoa,” she said.

Hallberg stayed active in both academics and athletics. She participated in cheerleading her freshman year and later joined the cross‑country team during her junior and senior years.

“During junior year, I got to travel to Las Vegas and compete in the state championships,” she said.

She also enjoyed leadership through Student Council.

“My favorite class was Student Council because I liked planning and attending events. I also had a lot of fun during the Disneyland trip,” she said.

Hallberg credits her teachers and coaches for helping her succeed.

“I would like to thank all my previous teachers at Oasis for teaching me to work hard and succeed. I would also like to thank my cross‑country coach, Krista Smith, for pushing me to try my hardest and supporting me,” she said.

After graduating with both her high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College, Hallberg will begin her service with the Army National Guard. She will complete basic training and advanced job training, where she will learn to maintain and repair critical electronic equipment. She then plans to continue her education at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Her advice to younger students: “Time goes by faster than you think. Live in the moment, enjoy new experiences, and appreciate every second for what it is.”

Senior Spotlight: Benton Snow

Since starting at Oasis Academy in first grade, Benton Snow has appreciated the closeness he shares with his classmates.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed most is being close to the same group of kids the entire way through school,” he said.

Some of his favorite memories come from the golf course.

“My favorite memory is playing golf on the Ruby View course with Coaches Bradley Siebecker and David Halloran, Tyler Siebecker, Eli Jones, and Trevor Halloran. The course was good, the camaraderie was great, and it was the best day of Oasis Academy golf,” he said.  Inside the classroom, one experience stands out.

“My favorite class was history with Mr. David Springfield my freshman year because there were a lot of new students who weren’t at Oasis in elementary or middle school who were fun to get to know.”

Snow has been deeply involved in athletics. Over four years, he played golf and basketball for Oasis Academy and soccer for Churchill County High School, earning 10 varsity letters.

Outside of school, he has pursued aviation.

“I’ve been working on my private pilot’s license, having already completed my written test,” he said. He also enjoys snowboarding, wakeboarding, and raising a herd of cattle with his father.

Snow will graduate with both his high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College. This fall, he will attend the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in engineering.

Senior Spotlight: Victor Alaniz

Victor Alaniz is preparing to take the next step toward a hands‑on career after graduation.

“My plans after graduation are to move to Long Beach, California, and learn collision and repair for automobiles,” he said.

His time at Oasis wasn’t always easy.

“At first, my time at Oasis was a little bumpy. I was just trying to figure out the rope. Eventually, I did, and I was finally comfortable,” he said.

Some of his favorite memories come from simple moments with friends.

“My favorite memories are when I would go to open lunch with my friends when I first transferred,” he said.

Alaniz played varsity soccer for Churchill County High School for four years.

He also discovered a passion for ceramics.

“I love pottery, especially making stuff you want, so when I joined ceramics, it was everything I wanted and more,” he said. His favorite piece is a teapot set made with dragon‑fruit clay.

He credits those who pushed him to grow.

“I would like to thank everyone who knew I could be better and pushed me into doing it. All I had to do was put in the effort,” he said.

His advice to younger students: “Enjoy yourself and don’t take time for granted.”