Bighorn news: Oasis sends bug group to FFA; Future Fest tickets available

Senior Spotlight: Lillyahna Mullins

Senior Lillyahna Mullins rides bikes, but not just any bikes, dirt bikes. The Oasis senior has created a name for herself in racing throughout the area and already has several sponsors.

“I love adrenaline in the simplest terms. I love the thrill of racing and the risk that comes with it and above the risk, the reward. As soon as the flag drops any thoughts disappear for a couple of hours,” Mullins said.

Mullins started racing in 2021 in the novice women's class of the Motorcycle Racing Association of Northern Nevada series. She finished her first season in fourth place in her class. In 2022, she was moved up to the women's amateur class where she held first place for the majority of the season. That year she ended up finishing third. For 2023, Mullins advanced again and is now in the women's expert class. The season started Feb. 18.

The sport has also taught her several life lessons.

“I won't always do great, sometimes I have to pick my dirt bike up off the ground a dozen times in a race but crossing the finish line in the end, is crossing the finish line and everyone cheers you on while you do it,” she said.

“One of the other greatest things about racing is the people. Everyone that shows up shares a common interest and most of them are really down to earth. The best way to put it is that the people I've met racing have turned into a second family for me.”

Mullins grew up around dirt bikes and motorsports in general. She got her first dirt bike at about 6 years old and quickly learned that crashing is a part of the process and even the best of the best crash.

After graduating in May, Mullins will take that love of racing and turn it into a career. She plans to start an apprenticeship as a dirt bike mechanic.

“I’ve enjoyed my welding classes at school and instructor Jorgen ‘Jep’ Jeppesen,” Mullins said. “It’s the class I’ve enjoyed the most. Jep created an easy-going atmosphere where I can learn and joke around with friends,”

“My advice for future students is to try and stay relaxed, you'll have a lot more going for you after high school is over, find a hobby that is a de-stresser for you and stick with it.”

Watch for Mullins throughout Northern Nevada as part of the MRANN series.

Bighorns wearing national blue

For the 94th time in history, the Nevada FFA Association members convened in Reno to test their knowledge, collaborate with others, and serve the greater Nevada community. This year, the corduroy jacket wave that descended on Reno consisted of more than 20 Oasis FFA members.

At the convention students had the opportunity to participate in service projects to help service members and retirees, attend workshops on a variety of topics, and compete in career and leadership development events.

Tyler Seibecker, an Oasis FFA member said, “I had a great time, it was really fun to connect with other chapters from around Nevada. And I am already looking forward to next year.”

Throughout the semester, students have attended weekly meetings and practices outside of class time to learn more and prepare for their different career development events. They also worked to improve their agricultural knowledge. The group is advised by Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz.

“The dedication and hard work the students put in to prepare for state worked! The Oasis FFA chapter brought home several awards,” she said. “The students did an amazing job representing both Oasis FFA and Fallon. I really am so proud of these kids.”

Hailey Arends, won an award for the best digital scrapbook, Stacie Bogdanowicz was awarded the Cody Sanders Memorial Scholarship, the Farm Business Team won Silver, the Floriculture Team won Bronze, the Novice Parliamentary Procedure Team achieved first place, Aubrey Vaughn achieved High Point Chair, Eddie Morrow achieved second high-individual in Horse Evaluation, and Hunter McNabb won gold in Agriscience. McNabb will continue to compete at the national level for the second year in a row.

“Ms. Bogdanowicz works so hard with the kids all year long and it shows. We are so grateful for her commitment to our FFA program. The students are well prepared for competition and continue to set their goals high,” added Rochelle Tisdale, CAO. “We are looking forward to Nationals again this fall.”

These students will be recognized again at the annual chapter banquet in May, where students will reflect on this year's activities and success. To learn more about agricultural education and FFA, contact Bogdanowicz at jbogdanowicz@oanv.org.

— Hunter McNabb

Future Fest dinner tickets available

You are invited to the fifth annual Oasis Academy Future Fest on April 21 at the Rafter 3C Arena. This fun dinner auction will be catered by Slanted Porch. All proceeds go directly to supporting our students and funding scholarships for Oasis Academy graduating seniors.

Oasis Academy is extremely grateful for this year’s amazing sponsors including the City of Fallon, Tedford Tire, CC Communications, WCW Corporation, Hiskett and Sons, Les Schwab, Cheek Construction, Dead Eye Dirt Works, Western Nevada College, Ed Byrd, Gemini, A&K Earthmovers, Oasis Online, Brad Stokes and Banner Health.

This event will feature exciting live and silent auctions as well as fun raffle games. Auction items and raffle prizes have been generously donated by the Atlantis, Caesars Entertainment, Moana Nursery, the Sparks Nugget, Animal Ark, Johnny’s Ristorante, Night in the Country, Harbor Freight, Winco Foods, the Peppermill, Outback Steakhouse, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Johnny Rockets, Red Lobster, Biggest Little Steakhouse, Paisan’s, Great Basin Brewery, Ruby River Steakhouse, Reno Aces, Big R, Dr. Koenig, Dairy Queen, The Wok, Cal Ranch, Red’s Old 395, Squeeze-In, the Reno Rodeo, the Home Depot, Kimmie Candy Company, Janet Renfroe, Two Chicks, Kristopher Nastro, Total Wine and More, Harbor Freight, Susan Doll, The Village, Fox Peak Cinema and many more.

Join the fun and purchase your tickets or a sponsorship now by contacting Contact Angela Viera at 775-742-0506 or aviera@oanv.org. If you would like to donate an auction or raffle item, contact Angela.

Information is available at oanv.org.