Bighorn news: First class of Oasis originals graduates

The Oasis Academy Class of 2024 had special significance this year. They were the first class to include students that have attended all the way from the inception of the school in 2011 as kindergarteners through now high school graduates.

Eight students were part of the group: Serenity Achurra, Sophia Aguilar, Emily Bird, Halle Feest, Ruby Hiskett, Hunter McNabb, Sarah Polish, and Anna Springfield.

The students have seen a lot of change throughout the years.

“I can recall when they were first preparing the building to be a school and much of it was still unrenovated and looked like a Walmart,” Hunter McNabb said. “It is very strange to walk through the halls and see how much it has expanded.”

Ruby Hiskett marvels at the changes.

“The changes we have seen at Oasis go through in the past 13 years are phenomenal,” she said. “Not only has the school grown in size, but it has also grown to become an important part of our community. The number of students that have been impacted by Oasis faculty within Fallon is incredible.”

One thing the students talk about is the opportunities Oasis afforded them.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the experience Oasis has given me to be a Jumpstart student,” Anna Springfield said. “I not only had the opportunity to complete my associates degree, but had the support to make it possible. The experience will no doubt make my transition into college much smoother.”

Emily Bird is grateful that she received her associates degree.

 “I am thrilled to graduate with a college degree debt-free,” Bird said.

The smaller school environment also gave senior Sarah Polish value lessons in communication and relationships.

“While the school has grown, it is still relatively small,” Polish said. “I’m very grateful to Oasis for providing me with the opportunity to make relationships with my teachers. I’ve learned to advocate for myself and communicate effectively with teachers. I think this would be different at a school where the teachers and students don’t know each other. I feel more prepared to make relationships with college professors this fall.”

With the new Oasis Academy High School building opening in July, the seniors left their mark in the new school by placing their handprints in the freshly poured concrete at its entrance.

“The opening of this magnificent new high school building marks an exciting chapter for our school and community,” said Rochelle Tisdale, Oasis Academy High School principal. “We wanted to be sure to include the students whose dedication to Oasis Academy made this happen. They will forever be part of us.”

The students all have teachers that have impacted their lives, but founder Melissa Mackedon and a quote she displayed are something this exceptional group of students have not forgotten.

“One thing I remember from my early years at Oasis is a quote that Principal Mackedon displayed that read, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world,’” Bird said. “The content we consume as kids is powerful, and I’ve always felt made to believe that I could be anything I wanted to be as long as I worked hard.”

All eight students will continue to institutions of higher education including the University of Nevada Reno, BYU-Provo, and Trinity College Dublin.

FIELD DAY TRADITION

School ended with music, bounce houses, swimming, skating, cotton candy and making memories for all grades at Oasis Academy on May 23. The annual Field Day festivities are definitely exceptional.

Kindergarten through sixth grades stay on campus. The playground is transformed into a buffet of activities and sweet treats. Students were able to ride a mechanical surfboard, climb a rock wall, play and slide down bounce houses, dunked staff in the dunk tank, jump on trampolines, and ate their shares of cotton candy, snow cones, and more. The Churchill County Fire Department provided a fire hose sprinkler to help keep the kids cool.

Seventh and eighth graders continued their tradition of going to the Churchill County Indoor Swimming Pool to start the day and then spent the rest of the morning bouncing in bounce houses from Louie’s Ace Hardware and enjoying ice cream from Kim’s Kool Treats.

High school students spent the day skating at Top Gun Skate and eating pizza.

The activities would not have been possible without the funds and support of Oasis' Parent Organization- FOA (Friends of Oasis Academy), and Middle School Student Council. FOA sells pizza on Thursdays and participates in various fundraising activities throughout the year to pay for the event.

Field Day is organized by Erin Griffin and FOA President Sarah Moffitt.

“We are deeply grateful for the countless hours FOA spent planning, coordinating, and overseeing every aspect of the event. Their commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for our students is truly commendable.” said Rochelle Tisdale, interim Chief Executive Officer.

SUMMER READING AND MATH

Students entering first through tenth grade are required to do summer reading and math assignments. Assignments are part of their fall grades and not completing them may affect eligibility to participate in sports and other activities.

Math packets were sent home with students the last week of school. Packets are also available at the front office. Office hours for June are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.to 2 p.m.

Summer reading information can be found on the website, oanv.org. Incoming grades 3-10 will complete the book review and incoming first and second graders will complete a reading log/calendar.