Bighorn news: Lego robots, leadership, and Senior Spotlight

Get involved. That’s the advice graduating senior Tyler Siebecker has for future students at Oasis Academy.

“Take advantage of the various clubs, organizations, and activities on campus,” Siebecker said. “Getting involved will not only help you make friends but also provide you with opportunities to develop new skills and interests.”

The senior started at Oasis Academy in eighth grade and has taken advantage of the opportunities the school offers.

“I was not excited to come to Oasis at all, however after learning the different benefits Oasis has to offer, I decided to stay with the program. It was ultimately the best decision I’ve made,” he said.

Siebecker has been involved in both FFA and golf during his high school career and both leaders have made an impact on his years at school.

“I would like to thank Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz for her persistence and dedication to her job,” he said. “She was my teacher for two years and FFA advisor for five years. Along with teaching me a lot, she is also both the easiest person to talk to and the most relatable staff at Oasis.”

Golf Coach David Halloran has also been influential for the senior.

“Throughout high school I was part of the Oasis Golf Team. I’d also like to thank Coach Halloran for his dedication to the sport and the reason I’ve come so far on and off the course,” Siebecker said.

Siebecker will graduate in May with his high school diploma and associate of arts degree from Western Nevada College. He then plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno for a bachelor's degree.

LEGO ROBOTICS ADVANCES TO STATE

Team Bighorns is moving on to state in the First Lego League Challenge. The team under coaches Kathy and John Keitz won the first place Breakthrough Award. The team was led by captain Penelopi Doyen.

This year’s Northern Nevada FLL Qualifier was held at Mendive Middle School in Sparks. Oasis sent two teams — team Bighorns and team Oasis to the competition. Thirty-four teams competed.

“As a team we were nervous but once the competition started all the nerves left. We are proud of all we accomplished and advancing to state,” Doyen said.

While team Oasis did not advance, team captain Blake Bettis received high praise from the judges.

“The judges said Blake stood out in the interviews both for his presentation abilities and especially as a mentor for the other students and captain,” Kathy Keitz said.

This year’s state competition will be held in January at the Joe Crowley Student Union on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. To learn more about Lego Robotics contact Kathy Keitz at kkeitz@oanv.org.

“As we prepare for state, we're going to focus on time management. We’re excited to get back to practicing and do well at the next level of competition,” Doyen said.

BIGHORNS BRING LEADERSHIP TO WESTERN CONFERENCE

Students roared, banners flew, and spirit grew at the 2023 Nevada Association of Student Councils Western Regional Conference at Fernley High School in November.

As the first conference for many student council members this year, the conference invited high school students from around Western Nevada to learn and connect with others.

This conference reflected a milestone for the Bighorn herd as it had the most workshop presenters, delegates, and junior counselors from Oasis Academy in its history. Each of these student leaders took on different roles, learning from others, presenting unique ideas and leading groups of their peers.

The junior counselors enlisted this year for the conference were Anna Springfield, Halle Feest, Sarah Polish, Natalie Jaques, Eneyde Rios and Hunter McNabb. These are the first Oasis students to be student counselors since before COVID-19. As counselors, they attended special training and acted as conference staff, helping facilitate a variety of leadership lessons and ensuring the conference went smoothly.

Oasis Academy also had the opportunity to send several workshop presenters to the conference and host two workshops for students around the region to attend. The presenters included: Alyssa Ayers, Benton Snow, Laynee Diaz, Taylor Hyde, and Grace Laca. As workshop presenters, students created their curriculums, icebreakers, and activities to teach valuable lessons and encourage discussion among participants.

“This conference is a great way for the students to interact with peers across the Western Region,” said Eric Grimes, Oasis Student Council adviser. “The energy developed at this event carries over to our council making the school atmosphere electric.”

To learn more about the high school student council and their programming, you can contact Eric Grimes, at egrimes@oanv.org.

— Hunter McNabb