Students will be welcomed by a familiar face in their high school classrooms for the 2026-27 school year. Although this will be her first official year as a full-time teacher, Ms. Sarah Perry is already a well-known member of the Bighorn family after completing her student teaching at Oasis last fall.
"This is my first official year in education, and I'm thrilled to be stepping into the classroom as a full-time science, math, and agricultural teacher," she said. "Last fall, I completed my student teaching at Oasis under Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz, which gave me a solid foundation in both hands-on and classroom leadership. Now, I'm excited to begin my professional journey and continue growing as an educator."
Along with ninth-grade algebra and tenth-grade physics, Perry will also teach seventh-grade agriculture and serve as assistant advisor for Oasis' growing FFA chapter.
"As a first-year teacher, I'm feeling some nerves, especially with subjects that are newer to me, but I'm equally excited. Supporting learners across such a wide range of content areas feels like an incredible opportunity, and I'm eager to help them grow in both STEM and agriculture while I continue to grow right alongside them," Perry said.
Her path to education was inspired by a lifelong love of agriculture and a desire to help others succeed.
"I've always known I wanted a career connected to agriculture because of my deep passion for the industry," she said. "As I grew older and stepped into leadership roles, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching, mentoring, and helping others grow. That combination of agricultural passion and the joy I found in guiding others led me to education."
Returning to Oasis as a full-time teacher is especially meaningful after the positive experience she had during her student teaching placement.
"I'm most looking forward to continuing my growth as a Bighorn," she said. "During my student teaching experience with Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz, I enjoyed my time at Oasis and felt connected to the school's community. Coming back as a full-time educator is something I hoped for, but never fully expected to happen, so it feels incredibly meaningful. I'm excited to reconnect with the students, build new relationships, and expand my knowledge in STEM as I continue growing both personally and professionally. Go Bighorns."
Outside the classroom, Perry enjoys spending time outdoors and embracing the agricultural lifestyle she loves.
"I enjoy spending my free time at rodeos and livestock events as well as being surrounded by friends," she said. "I feel most myself outdoors, whether I'm fishing, hunting or simply enjoying the quiet simplicity of nature. Recently I also have been getting back into reading, which has been a refreshing change of pace."
Pilarski and Hernandez Represent Rural Nevada at National History Day National Contest
Two Oasis Academy students, Jacob Pilarski and Abel Hernandez, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National History Day (NHD) National Contest, earning the opportunity to represent both rural Nevada and Oasis Academy on one of the largest stages for student historical research.
The National History Day National Contest is held each year on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park. This year's National History Day program featured more than 500,000 student projects from around the world. After advancing through regional and state competitions, approximately 2,900 students and 1,500 projects across nine competition categories and numerous special awards qualified to compete at the national event.
"We were incredibly proud to represent rural Nevada and Oasis Academy," said National History Day advisor Kelly Nott. "Just qualifying for the national competition is an outstanding accomplishment, and our students represented our school with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a genuine love of history."
During the week-long event, students stayed in the university residence halls, giving them a true college experience. For student Abel Hernandez, the trip included several unforgettable firsts. Traveling to Washington, D.C., marked his very first airplane flight. Both Pilarski and Hernandez also attended their first Major League Baseball game when the group watched the Washington Nationals play.
Beyond the competition, the experience provided countless educational opportunities. Hernandez, Pilarski, and their parents walked nearly 45 miles during their stay while learning to navigate the area's rail system as they explored the nation's capital.
The group visited many of the country's most significant historical landmarks, including George Washington's Mount Vernon, where they enjoyed a special guided tour and luncheon. They also toured the United States Capitol, viewing the historic chambers of the Senate, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court, met with and responded to questions from Nevada's U.S. senators, visited the National Archives to see America's founding documents, and explored the Library of Congress.
Their itinerary also included the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and several Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of Natural History and both National Air and Space Museum locations. They enjoyed dinner at Union Station and spent time exploring the National Mall. They visited the Washington Monument and the World War II, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War Veterans, Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Franklin D. Roosevelt memorials during both the day and evening.
Throughout the week, the students met fellow NHD competitors from across the world and participated in the popular tradition of exchanging commemorative state buttons.
National History Day encourages students to conduct extensive historical research using primary and secondary sources while developing critical thinking, writing, and presentation skills. Reaching the national contest represents months of dedication and places students among the top young historians in the nation.
FFA Students Attend Summer Leadership Camp
By Avery Laca
Oasis Academy FFA joined approximately 150 FFA members from chapters across Northern Nevada at the annual FFA summer leadership camp, held June 15-18 at Lake Tahoe. Twelve Oasis Academy students attended camp to build leadership skills, connect with other chapters, and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Throughout the four-day camp, members participated in activities such as Tahoe Extreme, interactive workshops, recreational activities, and a formal banquet. These events gave students the opportunity to challenge themselves while learning valuable teamwork and communication skills.
The camp also helped this year's FFA officers gain a better understanding of their positions and responsibilities. Members also networked with students from different chapters, creating friendships and connections that will benefit them throughout their FFA careers.
"Summer Leadership Camp has been so much fun for the past two years that I have gone because I've gotten to meet new people. It has helped me get out of my comfort zone, and I would recommend future students to come to Summer Leadership Camp," said Bailey Peixoto.
Oasis Academy members returned home with new leadership skills, stronger friendships, and a better understanding of their officer roles. This experience prepared the officers for the upcoming year while helping members grow as leaders.
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