Bighorn Bulletin

Engineering Challenges Put Students’ Creativity to the Test

Students recently put their creativity, problem-solving skills, and engineering minds to work as they tackled hands-on building challenges in the classroom.

Second graders took on the challenge of building a house using just eight index cards and 12 inches of masking tape. With the limited materials, students had to think carefully about how to design a structure that could stand on its own. As they built, tested, and adjusted their designs, they discovered that successful engineering often means trying an idea, learning from what doesn’t work, and making improvements.

Students in grades 3 through 6 faced a different challenge: Who could build the tallest standing paper tower using only five pieces of paper and 12 inches of masking tape? Students had to consider balance, stability, and structure as they experimented with different ways to fold, roll, and connect their paper.

These challenges are more than just fun building activities. They give students an opportunity to practice important engineering and problem-solving skills, including creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, perseverance, and learning from failure. By working within real constraints, students see firsthand that there can be many different solutions to the same problem — and that sometimes the best ideas come after a few attempts.

Senior Spotlight: Meirra Cavanaugh 

For Oasis Academy senior Meirra Cavanaugh, high school has been about much more than academics. Through academics, golf, FFA, National Honor Society, leadership at Western Nevada College, and countless connections with teachers and classmates, she has grown into a leader who is ready to take her next step toward a career in medicine.

Cavanaugh began at Oasis Academy during the second semester of sixth grade, arriving in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting at a new school was challenging, particularly with learning split between online and in-person instruction. As things gradually returned to normal, Cavanaugh found her place within the Oasis community.

“One thing I love about Oasis is the small community,” she said. “You can really make strong connections with everyone at the school and get the proper help and support you need.”

Those connections have played an important role throughout Cavanaugh’s high school career. She credits several Oasis staff members with helping shape her experience, including Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz, who encouraged her to join FFA as a freshman.

“Without her and her constant support, my high school experience would not have been the same. I am extremely grateful,” she said.

Cavanaugh also expressed her appreciation for golf coach David Halloran and counselor Andy Lenon.

“Coach Halloran has put in so many hours to the girls' and boys' golf teams even after his son graduated,” Cavanaugh said. “He is extremely informative on the rules and is always willing to help, support, and advocate for golf and our teams.”

“I would also like to thank Mr. Lenon,” she added. “He tirelessly works to advocate and support every student. He started helping me with applying to schools, scholarships, and college essays before the school year even started. I appreciate him and his constant support of every student, no matter their future endeavors.”

Her appreciation for her teachers extends into the classroom as well. Cavanaugh said her favorite teacher was Mr. Evan Brandt, and her favorite class was his math class.

“I learned a lot and didn't realize what a great math teacher he was until I started taking other math classes,” she said. “I appreciated his way of teaching and helping students understand difficult topics.” 

Cavanaugh’s involvement in golf has been one of the highlights of her time at Oasis. A varsity golf player and team captain of the girls' golf team, she has placed in the top six at the state tournament every year. In 2024, she placed second as an individual; last year, she placed fourth as an individual, and the team finished second.

Her commitment to the sport began early when she practiced alongside high school players while still in middle school.

“I have grown with the team, as I practiced with the high school players in middle school. Then, when the girls' golf team formed my eighth-grade year, I attended almost every practice,” she said. “As a senior, I am grateful for the experiences competitive golf has given me. I would like to thank my coaches, current and past teammates, and fellow competitors for the memories on the golf course,” she continued.

Beyond athletics, Cavanaugh has developed into a leader within several of Oasis Academy’s organizations and beyond the school campus. She currently serves as Oasis FFA president after progressing through the chapter’s leadership ranks as a member, secretary, and vice president.

Cavanaugh is also the president of the National Honor Society, where she and her fellow members are embracing the theme “Beyond the Classroom” and planning ways to serve the community beyond the school.

Her leadership extends to Western Nevada College as well. Cavanaugh serves as a senator for the Fallon campus of the Associated Students of Western Nevada College, giving her another opportunity to represent fellow students and become involved in leadership at the college level.

Cavanaugh has also taken advantage of opportunities to explore her interest in the medical field through Western Nevada College. She participated in INBRE, or the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence, working closely with Dr. Gary Evett, Dr. Brian Price, and Dr. Josué Pacheco. As part of the program, Cavanaugh presented her work at the University of Nevada, Reno, in August, gaining valuable experience in biomedical research and presenting in an academic setting.

Her academic and leadership accomplishments are equally impressive. She has earned A honor roll recognition and has been named to the Western Nevada College dean's list every semester she has been eligible. This spring, she will graduate from Oasis Academy with her high school diploma as well as an associate of science degree from WNC.

Through her involvement in academics, athletics, leadership, and biomedical research, Cavanaugh has built a strong foundation for the future she envisions. After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university and major in biochemistry. From there, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine, with plans to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist or a physician assistant.

As she prepares to leave Oasis Academy and begin the next chapter of her education, Cavanaugh encourages younger students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

“Join clubs and make connections,” she advises. “Clubs are an easy way to gain leadership skills that can set you up for a successful future and make lasting friendships with other students and staff.”

Oasis FFA Celebrates Community Support at Cantaloupe Festival 

By Avery Laca

From Aug. 28-30, Oasis FFA volunteered at the annual Fallon Cantaloupe Festival. FFA members volunteered in the Nevada Farm Bureau's Ag Wagon, where they helped educate the public about agricultural practices. They also volunteered and fundraised at the goat feeding and petting pen, as well as the annual Kiss the Pig fundraiser.

Generous donations totaling over $1,400 will allow the Oasis FFA chapter of 95 students to participate in various activities throughout the year. 

The event could not have been the success it was without the support of everyone in the community.

“This fundraiser is always one of our favorite community traditions, and this year our community truly outdid itself,” said Jackie Bogdanowicz, FFA adviser. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who volunteered, donated, participated, and especially to those willing to pucker up for a great cause. It shows just how much our community supports Oasis FFA and our students.”

Oasis FFA would like to thank Pete Homma for his goats for the goat pen. The chapter would also like to thank Chris Sowersby, owner of Edison Electric; Michael Davis from the Churchill County Sheriff's Office; Joe Sanford, Churchill County manager; and Jami Rowlett, Oasis Academy's vice principal, for volunteering to be the Kiss the Pig contestants.

Sowersby won the contest, receiving the highest total donations and kissing the pig first. The other candidates were auctioned off to also kiss the pig, helping raise even more money for the chapter.