Bighorn news: Adopt-a-Pilot takes off

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: AMORA ROUTT

The change to Oasis Academy in third grade came easy for graduating senior Amora Routt. While many students find changing schools a daunting task, that was not the case for her.

“I first started attending Oasis in third grade, and I've never been more thankful for a change,” Routt said. “I truly love Oasis and I appreciate all that the staff have and continuously do for their students.”

One class and teacher have stood out the most during her time at Oasis.

“I'm very thankful for all the staff from the lovely front office ladies to every teacher at Oasis, but my favorite classes by far have been any that are taught by Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz,” she said.

Bogdanowicz has a way of making learning fun and engaging in a welcoming environment.

“She is an absolute hoot and makes any class less boring and more interactive. This is especially true in Ag class because it just feels as though you're with family,” Routt said.

Routt will graduate in May with her high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College. She then plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno and major in psychology.

She has good advice for future students.

“My advice for future students is to live life to the fullest. Go to the sports games, go to all the dances, attend as many school events as possible, because why not? Why miss out on something that might be fun,” Routt said.

ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE A SUCCESS

Toward the end of January, a familiar sight filled the WNC parking lot as the Vitalant Bloodmobiles came to town. Community members came to support our healthcare system.

Oasis Academy College Prep Student Council organized its biannual blood drive and received over 36 units of blood, surpassing their goal. The bloodmobile collected 22 whole blood donations as well as seven power red donations, having the potential to impact the lives of 108 hospital patients.

The council is grateful for the support from many of our community partners, including Renown Urgent Care, Banner Community Hospital, Churchill County Law Enforcement Center, Fallon-Churchill County Fire Department, Churchill County UNR Extension Office, Fallon Youth Club, The Telegraph and the Fallon Convention Center. These organizations helped support the blood drive mission and helped advertise the event.

The student council partnered with Vitalant to collect donations and do its part to help reduce the critical blood shortage plaguing the United States and our region. Having adequate blood supplies is critical for health care on a variety of levels.

If you missed the January blood drive, be sure to visit vitalant.org to see the requirements and upcoming drives in your area.

— Hunter McNabb

ADOPT-A-PILOT TAKES OFF

Oasis Academy is excited to once again take part in Southwest Airlines’ Adopt-a-Pilot Program. The fun educational program pairs a Southwest pilot with schools to teach fifth grade students the science and engineering behind flight.

Local pilot Kristopher Nastro is Oasis Academy’s adopted pilot. Nastro will step into classrooms on a regular basis to teach students lessons about flight such as drag, lift, and thrust. He will also document his travels with Buster the Bighorn as he flies with Buster.

The program is back after pausing due to COVID.

“We are excited to be partnering with Southwest Airlines once again. Mr. Nastro will be an enhancement to our science curriculum and his vivacious personality will make it fun and engaging for the students,” said Rochelle Tisdale, interim CEO.