Bighorn news: Angel Trees at school; senior spotlight

When Oasis Academy College Prep senior Kayla Ortiz started at the school in eighth grade, she didn’t know anyone at the school, but what she found was a place eager to support her and full of opportunities.
“My first day of school was really good, everyone was super friendly, and I instantly made friends. Oasis is full of support and opportunities. It is such a great environment and amazing staff,” Ortiz said.
That support includes a teacher and mentor that Ortiz would like to thank.
“I do have a mentor I’d like to thank and that’s Mrs. Julie Stockard. Mrs. Stockard is my favorite teacher out of all 12 years of being In school,” Ortiz said. “I have never enjoyed talking to a teacher as much as Mrs. Stockard. She has always been so kind and made sure we understood the material. I enjoyed having Mrs. Stockard as not only a teacher, but as a mentor and friend.”
Ortiz said her favorite class was Stockard’s English class.
Ortiz has also been active in co-curricular activities during her high school career. She played varsity volleyball all four years and loved the sport, teammates, and her coaches. She has also been part of the student council and her favorite memory is the Leadership Trip to Disneyland.

“My advice to future students is to take advantage of the opportunities Oasis provides for you. I’ve never had a bad experience at Oasis. I am so grateful I got to spend my four years of high school surrounded by love and support at Oasis. Coming to the school was the best decision I’ve made, everyone including staff are so sweet and understanding. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
Ortiz will graduate in May and plans to continue her education in Reno.

Angel Trees at school
Middle School student council is partnering with The Homestead Assisted Living Center and the Angel Tree for the Children’s Cabinet this holiday season. Beginning December first a tree for children’s toys and a tree for residents at The Homestead will be in the lobby of school.
Participating students or families will take as many Angel Tree tags as they would want to fulfill. Angel Tree tags must be taped to the newly purchased unwrapped item(s) and returned to the school bins in either Ms. Lauren Kelly’s or Mrs. Dakota Groom’s classrooms. The deadline to return items is Dec. 16.
Middle School students may also pay for their Winter Dance fee with an Angel Tree donation instead of money. The dance is scheduled for Dec. 8.
There are members young and old in our community that need our support during this holiday season. It’s the Bighorn way to be kind just because.
"Middle School Student Council will be having an Angel Tree at Oasis Academy for Homestead Assisted Living and Children's Cabinet. All OA students and families are welcome to participate in this voluntary community event to give back to those in need. Angel tags will be displayed at the main campus front office. Let's be good to people for no reason Oasis,” said Kelly, the student council adviser.

Tumbleweed Garbage Disposal visits
First-graders have been learning about community helpers. The Davis family, owners of Tumbleweed Garbage Disposal, graciously shared with the first-grade classes how trash is collected and what happens to trash after it leaves their homes.
The Davis’ also had a fun and interactive relay game setup for the students. The students collected “trash” and put it in trash cans.
“It’s great that the students get to learn from parents and have an understanding of how utilities in our community work, added Rochelle Tisdale, chief administrative officer. “Thank you to the Davis family for taking the time to come in and meet with the kids.”