Bighorn news: Scholarships, student council, and Senior Spotlight

Senior Spotlight: Ruby Hiskett

Senior Ruby Hiskett is part of a unique group of Oasis students graduating in the Class of 2024. She is part of the first class to attend Oasis from kindergarten through their senior year and graduate from the school.

The Hisketts were part of the camp out to get Ruby a spot in the school. They ended up being second in line and she’s seen the growth of the school from one class in each grade, K-8, to now almost 800 students.

“I am one of seven students graduating this year who were in Oasis's very first kindergarten class in 2011. I have spent most of my life here and I wouldn’t change it for a thing,” Hiskett said.

Hiskett has been thoroughly involved in her time at Oasis.

“I’m very active in student council and FFA, and I will play lacrosse again this year,” she said. “I am currently President of the Oasis FFA Chapter. One of my favorite memories was attending Nationals for FFA in Indianapolis last year, and we will go again this year. I’m very grateful to Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz for all her dedication to our chapter and the opportunities we have been given.”

Hiskett said her favorite class has always been agriculture education, which started her FFA journey. Hiskett has two additional staff members she would like to thank.

“One of my favorite teachers was Mrs. Amy O’Flarherty, for seventh- and eighth-grade English. Mrs. O treated all of us like we were her own kids and she genuinely cared that we really learned the material,” Hiskett said.

“Also, I’d like to thank Mr. Andy Lenon, the school counselor. He always goes the extra mile for every student. He has been influential and provided guidance during my high school years.”

The connections and friendships have also been something Hiskett has valued.

“My first year of high school was during COVID and I’m grateful for my mom and my friends during that time,” she said. “Our little group did school in our little guest house which helped me tremendously get through that first year. We made memories and grew stronger as a class.”

Hiskett will graduate with both her high-school diploma and associate of arts degree from Western Nevada College in May.

“My class was the first at the high school in the Pinon Building on the WNC campus,” she added. “We will also be the last class in that building. My sister, Stevie, will be part of the first class at the new high school. We’ve experienced a lot of firsts at Oasis.”

Hiskett has advice for future students.

“As for advice for future students, I would say students at Oasis need to use the amount of help and support that the school provides for every single student,” Hiskett said. “There are not many high schools, anywhere, who offer so much of this aid to their students. Oasis Academy has provided me with a stellar education and the foundation to begin both college and life.”

Seniors start college admissions, scholarship season

College application season is here, and senior bighorns are preparing for, and thinking about their post-high school plans. College applications can seem incredibly difficult or unattainable.

There is the University of California and University of Texas systems, Common App and Coalition, not to mention a variety of requirements such as: ordering transcripts, requesting recommendation letters, crafting personal statements, and more. Beyond applications, there is the tremendous task of finding and applying for scholarships to help pay for your education.

Undeniably, the entire college application process is difficult, but the extensive support of counselors at OACP helps streamline the process, alleviate stress, and prepare students for their future.

Oasis counselor, Andy Lenon, meets weekly one-on-one with seniors, helping students craft their essays, provide support for applications, and answer questions from both parents and students. Weekly meetings keep students on track and remain productive throughout their senior year.

In addition to individualized meetings, workshops are held throughout the year to help students get acquainted with the complexity of the college admissions process, help parents complete the FAFSA, and support families in all aspects of college and trade school admissions. This attention to detail creates an environment incomparable to any other high school and ensures that students have a tangible plan after they graduate, regardless of whether or not they plan on pursuing higher education.

“High school is extremely busy and the Oasis Academy,” said Andy Lenon, school counselor. “The school counseling team makes individual planning for each student a priority. Not only do we want to help take pressure off our students, but our parents as well. We enjoy meeting with all students to have a better understanding of their needs and where they would like to end up whether it be a university, trade school or joining the military.”

To learn more about Oasis Academy College Prep counseling and student support, contact Andy Lenon at alenon@oanv.org, or Chief Academic Officer Rochelle Tisdale at rtisdale@oanv.org.

— Hunter McNabb

Middle School council elects officers

After three days of campaigning, including hanging posters and giving speeches in front of the school, the middle school student council has its officers for the 2023-24 school year.

Election results included President Blake Bettis, Vice President Connor Tolman, Secretary Stevie Hiskett and Treasurer Zayden Maynez.

Part of the election process was hearing what the students want for the school.

“I know there are clubs and sports the students would like to start, like chess and boys’ volleyball,” Maynez said.

All the officers want to make sure this year is successful and memorable.

“I wanted to help out and make sure we have one of the best school years ever,” Tolman said.

Hiskett said she decided to run to try something different.

“I want the school to be successful because it’s helped me so much,” she said.

Bettis agreed.

“I want to lead this year’s student council and officers to success,” he said.