Bighorn news: Science Fair, pantry grant, and Senior Spotlight

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: SARAH BAKER

Senior Sarah Baker has been at Oasis Academy for four years. She is reflective of that time and the memories she has made.

“I've had a fun time here. I started my freshman year and I enjoy it because it feels like you can get to know everybody quickly with fewer people,” said Baker.

Her favorite memories are from the dress-up days during spirit weeks.

“I thought it was very funny and creative to see what all the students and staff came up with. I loved the anticipation reading what the themes for the week were and wondering how people would show up to school on those days.”

Along with favorite memories. She has a favorite class and a teacher she’d like to thank.

“I enjoyed having Mr. Eric Grimes as a teacher for my freshman, sophomore, and junior years,” she said. “He makes class very entertaining and all of the projects we did in his class were very enjoyable.”

Grimes’ class also helped her broaden her perspective on the world.

“He made me have to think about the world, on a bigger scale rather than me focusing on the world in my little bubble and I appreciate that. We had great thoughtful discussions,” Baker said.

Baker will graduate in May with her associate of arts degree from Western Nevada College and her high school diploma. She then plans to attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. She will study journalism and work toward a career in music journalism.

Her advice for future students is to not be afraid to ask for help.

“My advice for future students is to talk to your teachers when you need help with assignments and situations. They will gladly help you if you do so,” she said.

OASIS OFFERINGS FOOD PANTRY RECEIVES GRANT

The Safeway Foundation awarded Oasis Offerings Food Pantry with a $1,000 grant. The Foundation’s mission is dedicated to bettering the lives of people in our neighborhoods.

The funds will be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, dairy products, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items for the pantry.

"We are immensely grateful to the Safeway Foundation for their generous grant. Their contribution will enable us to purchase essential items, ensuring that we can continue to meet the needs of those who rely on our services,” said Shelley Kelly, Oasis Counselor and Food Pantry.

“This support, combined with our partnership with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, strengthens our ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members," she said.

Last year, Offerings served over 200 families and distributed over 22,000 pounds of food. This year, the pantry is on track to serve more families and distribute even more food.

"Last school year, Oasis Offerings Food Pantry served over 1300 people. The support from the Safeway Foundation comes at a crucial time as Oasis Offerings Food Pantry strives to meet the increasing need for food supplementation and expand our reach to those in need,” said Kelly.

The goal for Offering Food Pantry remains the same.

“This year, we have served even more families and are determined that no one in our community goes hungry. We appreciate Safeway's help in helping us meet that goal."

To learn more about Oasis Offerings, or if you wish to donate, contact Shelley Kelly at skelly@oanv.org.

SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS

The 2024 Science Fair was a huge success. Students in various grades submitted projects, demonstrations, or inventions.

Best of Show winners, Megan Allen, Braylon Byrd, and Stevie Hiskett, project was on if goldfish have memory. They tested if a goldfish would recognize being fed when a bell rings.

Best of Show

Meghan Allen                                                         

Braylon Byrd                                                            

Stevie Hiskett

Grades 3-4 Demonstrations

1st: Brooklyn Zimmerman

2nd: Jameson Stevenson

3rd: Izabaugh Hicks

Grades 5-6 Demonstrations

1st: Natalie Johnson, Elise Kindness

2nd: Nicklas Sorensen, Vincenzo Torres-May, Adam Linares

3rd: Tristan Bracken

Grades 5-6 Projects

1st: Macady Bogdanowicz

2nd: Madelyn Byrd, Ellie Peixoto

3rd: Kelsey Nall

Middle School Demonstrations

1st: Mandy Wadsworth, Annie Sorensen

2nd: Kenlie Pirkle, Isabel Anaya, Willow Saunders

3rd: Duane Hughes, Isabelle Parmenter, Faith Torres-May

Middle School Projects

1st: Stevie Hiskett, Meghan Allen, Braylon Byrd

2nd: Kamah Roose, Avery Laca, Kenslee Wiessmer, Peyton Prinz

3rd: Alexa Hessey, Emma Cline

Middle School Inventions

1st: Crew Schank, Elaine Lewis

2nd: Mason Jardine, Wyatt Ricks, John Zulz

High School Projects

1st: Talon Johnson

2nd: Kage Oyler, Jordan Anderson