Bighorn News: Alumni feature: Alyssa Stockard

Oasis Academy College Prep 2017 Alumni Alyssa Stockard is beginning her second year at one of the top-ranked medical schools in the country, the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.

Graduating with both her Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College and at the top of her class from Oasis Academy College Prep, Stockard was well prepared for the transition to Brigham Young University. Her experiences as a WNC student while in high school challenged her and helped her learn how to navigate college classes.

During her time at BYU, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience. Stockard graduated as valedictorian of her neuroscience major, and she attributes some of her success to experiencing college courses and earning her AS degree at WNC as a high school student.

This science-focused student thrived in WNC’s science classes, then received valuable lab experience in her field while at BYU.

Alyssa Stockard

 

 “My favorite part of my undergrad studies was working as a researcher in a neuroscience lab during college, where I spent a lot of time looking at neurons under a microscope,” said Stockard.

Having research experience as an undergraduate student helped Stockard solidify her plans to continue her education by attending medical school.

“Take advantage of the resources available to you as a student,” she said. “There are many opportunities available to you at Oasis, WNC, and beyond. Have fun and learn about things that interest you, even if they aren't directly related to the field you plan to pursue.”

As she works toward her medical degree, the next steps include graduating from medical school and beginning a residency program to train in a specific area of medicine.

“I don't know what medical specialty I want to do yet, but in a year or two I hope to have a better idea,” she said.

Stockard also has sound advice for both current and future students.

“Take it day by day and consistently work toward your goals. Remember that most goals are achieved little by little, not all at once. You might be surprised what you can accomplish with consistent effort over time,” Stockard added.

Jen Beebe joins Oasis

Oasis Academy welcomes Mrs. Jen Beebe to teach second grade for the 2022-23 school year. Beebe has been teaching for 21 years and has lived her entire life in the wonderful Fallon community.

Beebe has a Bachelor of Science in Humanities with an emphasis on psychology and a teaching certificate from Sierra Nevada College, an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education from Grand Canyon University, along with a master’s degree in special education from Western Governors University.

She has previously taught fourth and sixth grade as well as first-sixth as a special education teacher.

Married to her best friend, Matt, for 26 years, the couple is blessed with two daughters. Her youngest, Bailey, has attended Oasis since kindergarten and will be starting seventh grade this year. Beebe is excited to be at the same school as her.

In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, garden, camp, travel, craft, and bake. The family enjoys their small rural farm where they raise cows and alfalfa. Her favorite book is the Da Vinci Code and any historical fiction with a twist.

Jennifer Beebe is with husband Matt and daughter, Bailey.

 

Student council looking forward to school year

Beginning school as upperclassmen next year, the newly elected officers for Student Council are excited for the busy schedule they have ahead. The group of dedicated and driven students are responsible for multiple things at Oasis Academy College Prep.

This year’s student body officers include President Eddie Morrow, Vice President Tylie Norcutt, Secretary Holden Feest, Treasurer Casamaro White, Historians Sarah Polish and Natalie Jacques, and Public Relations Commissioner Lyanne Garcia.

The leadership-focused class is responsible for planning social events, school activities such as Spirit Weeks and Pack the Stands and community service projects such as food and shoe drives. The class also volunteers at places like Fallon Daily Bread and helps fundraise for local and national charities.

This year the class will have their leadership retreat at the Granlibakken Resort in Lake Tahoe. The retreat will allow time to plan, share ideas and bond, along with using their leadership and teambuilding skills at the Ropes course at the Treetops Adventure Park.

“I am excited for another year of working with such a stellar and compassionate group of students,” said adviser Lisa Swan. “The energy and enthusiasm that can be reached at a retreat of this caliber is huge and maintaining that energy for the weekend and beyond is so beneficial to the success of our OACP Student Council program. The retreat creates an experience that will lay the groundwork for the achievements of our school’s climate and culture, community service and social events.”

From left are Evan Frossard, Ruby Hiskett, Hunter McNabb, Sarah Polish, Serenity Achurra, Stacie Bogdanowicz, Lyanne Garcia, Emily Bird, Eddie Morrow, Halle Feest and Aedre Soderberg.