Bighorn News: Senior Spotlight: Taylor Alvarez

Senior Taylor Alvarez found his calling in the Oasis Academy College Prep welding classes. For the dual enrollment classes the senior has earned both high school and college credit. He has not only received credit but also tested and received nationally and industry recognized welding certifications through the American Welding Society.

“Getting that first welding certificate is my favorite memory from my time at Oasis,” Alvarez said. “My time in the welding program has helped me get a head start on my career. I started up my own mobile welding business when I turned 16 and continue to spend my time outside of class doing independent welding work.”

Taylor Alvarez

 

Alvarez said he would like to thank Jorgen “Jepp” Jeppesen, Western Nevada College welding instructor, for his support.

“He has believed in me and helped me believe in myself to be successful and make a class into a career,” added Alvarez.

Alvarez started at Oasis Academy when the school opened as a first-grader in 2011. He will graduate in May having earned his 1g (flat structural welding) welding certification, his high school diploma, and an Associate of Applied Science in Welding Degree from Western Nevada College. He will also test for his 6g (pipe welding) certification later this year.

“Buckle down on school because you only have so many second chances. Also, it’s OK to put yourself before others. You’re almost 18, so don’t get caught up with bad people,” was Alvarez’s advice for future students.

After graduation he plans to pursue his own welding business and continue to work as a mobile welder.

Abby Bird

 

Oasis middle-schooler wins championship

In her first year running, seventh-grader Abby Bird won the seventh grade girls Sagebrush League Championship in Dayton.

Byrd said she started running because her brother is currently running on the high school team.

“In my fourth year of coaching the middle school cross country team, I was excited to meet Abby and have her join the team. Even when workouts and runs got hard, she pushed through and gave her all to get better every day,” said coach Krista Smith.

“I like to tell my athletes to finish today stronger than you started. Abby really took that to heart when she started and has become a stronger runner with each day. Through her hard work and determination she truly earned her first place medal. I could not be more proud of her and can't wait to watch her grow over the years.”

Bird also competes on the Oasis Middle School lacrosse team, plays on a club soccer team, and shows lambs and goats in FFA.

“It was amazing to be the Sagebrush League Champion,” Bird added. “The hard work definitely paid off. Coach Krista is an awesome coach and I could not have done it without her.”

“Oasis Academy is so proud of Abby and her hard work and determination! Congratulations!” exclaimed Rochelle Tisdale, CAO.

Talon Johnson, Patrick Morrow, and Leonard Bogdanowicz and other students and faculty from Oasis Academy raised money for the school’s FFA chapter by selling concessions at the Nevada-Colorado State football game.

 

Bighorns sell concessions at UNR games

The Oasis Bighorns were out in full force at the Colorado State-Nevada football game on Oct. 7. The group of FFA students, parents and staff sold concessions as a way to fundraise for FFA’s upcoming trip to Nationals. Oasis received a percentage of all concessions sold.

“Thank you to UNR and Sodexo for affording us the opportunity to earn money for our FFA,” said Rochelle Tisdale, chief administrative officer. “We had phenomenal sales, and the crowd was very generous. It was a wonderful way to represent Oasis at a UNR game”

The funds will come in handy for the local FFA students.

“The funds raised will go a long way in helping our FFA students be able to attend the National Convention in Indianapolis. We are very grateful for the opportunity and for our amazing students, parents, and staff that put in a long, busy night at the game. It was a beautiful night at Mackay,” FFA Adviser Jackie Bogdanowicz added.