Bighorn news: Four Senior Spotlights

Sebastian Gomez Holguin

 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: SEBASTIAN GOMEZ HOLGUIN

Senior Sebastian Gomez Holguin is looking to work for a career in cybersecurity. He will graduate in May with his high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College. He then plans to work toward a degree in cybersecurity.

His passion for cybersecurity started in his dual enrollment Western Nevada College class CIT 128.

“The CIT 128 class was my favorite because it was the first time I learned about coding, Remix Etherium and how blockchains worked,” Gomez said. “It was the first class that piqued my interest in technology. I was able to create various codes and discovered how knowing these items can be in the real world.”

Along with the importance of his computer classes, Gomez also wants to thank Mr. Evan Brandt.

“I would like to thank my math teacher, Mr. Brandt. He made math easier to understand,” he said. “It was easier to learn new math concepts with Mr. Brandt, because of how much he helped me and other classmates. It was also a fun time every time I stepped into his class.”

Gomez also participated in the inaugural Oasis Academy baseball team last year.

“One of my favorite memories from Oasis is when I first played baseball after 7 years of not playing the sport. It was the best moment in my life that I will never forget,” he said.

The Oasis baseball team pushed Gomez while also reminding him of why he loved the sport.

“I never thought in my life I would go back to a sport that I felt I would do terrible in, but my coaches and my teammates made the sport way more enjoyable than anytime I have played in all of my life,” he said. “Although sometimes I felt tired, I never cared as long as I was having fun and getting better at the sport, I loved with all of my heart.”

That fun is also part of his advice for future students.

“My advice for future students is to have fun. Never give yourself a mindset that everything is going to be boring, it only feels that way if you never try something new. Make sure to keep a fun mindset in life and join any sports or activities. If you do this while balancing out school, you will feel way happier than just attending classes and going home. I regret not going to some school events, so if you can, try to attend some. If you keep a fun mindset in everything you will find that school is very easy to deal with,” he said.

Halle Feest

 

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: HALLE FEEST

Oasis Academy graduating senior Halle Feest is heading to her dream school, Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, when she graduates as a valedictorian in May. She will receive both her high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College.

“I remember walking into Counselor Andy Lenon’s office for my first weekly meeting with him in September, and telling him, ‘Trinity is the dream,’' said Feest. “I feel incredibly lucky to be seeing that dream become a reality.”

She will be part of the college’s Joint Honors Program.

“I’ll be pursuing English Studies and History of Art & Architecture. At the completion of the program, I hope to stay in Europe as a gallery curator while I write my novel,” she said.

As one of the Oasis originals, starting from kindergarten, she has one project that was her favorite.

“One of my favorite memories from Oasis was participating in the bridge project in Mr. Jake Lewis’ math class. As someone who clearly isn’t interested in the STEM world, Mr. Lewis made me want to come to class with his innovative ideas and somewhat unconventional teaching methods,” she said.

That project meant a lot to the senior.

“I still vividly remember when we all straightened up and leaned forward to see whose flimsy bridge could hold the most weight, knowing mine wouldn’t last long. To this day, those kids and that environment are so special to me,” she said.

Her longevity at Oasis has meant many life lessons as well.

“I started at Oasis Academy when I was five years old. I can’t imagine my life without Oasis. At the end of the day, Oasis is where I found out everything about myself – who my people are, what I love to do, where I want to go. Sometimes I think we ‘originals’ take it for granted; in my eyes, Oasis raised me, so it’s an extremely bittersweet feeling to be letting it go,” she said.

Feest has a few people she would like to thank for what they’ve done.

“I want to thank the Mackedons for all of their support, especially this school year. Melissa has weaved in and out of my life, standing as a cheerleader in all settings. And, seriously, if you ever need someone to remind you just how awesome you are – ask Gib. He’ll give it to you straight,” she said.

“I’d also like to thank Mrs. Shannon Windriver, Mrs. Christine Mori and Mrs. Amy O’Flaherty, without whom I’d never have the courage to pursue writing. They not only taught me how to use my voice but how to find it,” she added.

She has one other person outside of Oasis to thank also.

“Finally, I have to thank my dad, Mark. There is truly no one else like him in this world,” she explained. “When I look at my high school resume, I can wholeheartedly say that my proudest accomplishment is carrying his last name with me wherever I go.”

Feest has been active during her time at Oasis, as a manager on the lacrosse team, being part of the National Honor Society and holding offices in Student Council. This year she served as Student Body President.

“Running for Student Body president was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Feest. “Leaving my peers and all our projects will undoubtedly be the hardest goodbye. Student Council is everything to me.”

As Feest gets ready for her the next part of her journey, she has a quote to live by.

“At my last NASC State Conference this past April, I wrote down a quote that I’ve started to live by: ‘People treat you the way you allow them to treat you. ‘You are so much more than what you think you are at this moment,” she said.

Corbin Rollano

 

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: CORBIN ROLLANO

Corbin Rollano started at Oasis Academy in third grade. While it wasn’t perfect to start, he soon made lifelong friends and appreciated what the school had to offer

“I definitely had my ups and downs, especially when I first started Oasis,” he said. “Over time, I began to appreciate being at Oasis and I am forever glad that I was able to be in this school. I loved all of my teachers and the staff.”

“My favorite memories at Oasis were all the times I spent with my friends. I wouldn’t be able to survive school without them,” he said.

The staff includes thanking Mr. Eric Grimes for the impact he has had.

“I would personally love to thank Mr. Grimes,” Rollano said. “He has gotten me through some very tough times in my life.

“Mr. Grimes has brought smiles and laughter to me and my mom in his online classes during Covid. He's always a joy to be around. I often have very interesting and insightful conversations with him.”

The conversations with Grimes continued into his favorite class, History 111.

“We were able to have conversations about recent political events in a respectful manner. I love having conversations with people with different viewpoints and Mr. Grimes was excellent at facilitating them,” Rollano said.

Rollano will graduate with both his high school diploma and associate of arts from Western Nevada College. He then plans to take a semester to spend quality time helping his family, traveling, and taking an online coursework.

“My mom has a store called Memory Lane Mercantile so I will be dedicating more time to helping her. I also want to take trips to travel around the world to visit friends and family,” he said.

As far as coursework, he will enroll in an online class on 3D Modeling taught by veterans at Pixar. Graphic design is something that runs in his family.

“My dad is a professional graphic artist specializing in Photoshop and Illustrator. He makes concept designs of merchandise for big companies like Hershey's Chocolate and it’s something I’m interested in as well,” he said.

One thing Rollano wants to pass on to others is the importance of mental health. He has an important message for those that may be facing challenges.

“If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, please know, you are not alone. Every human being has inherent value, and no life is useless or worthless. Despite the mistakes we make or the struggles we go through, we all can do amazing things in this life to spread happiness in this world,” he said.

“If you or someone you care about is struggling with dark thoughts, please don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend or family member. There are additional resources out there that are there to help you. I hope that the world becomes a more comfortable and judgment-free place to open up and ask for help when we all hurt mentally."

Kolby Doud

 

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: KOLBY DOUD

Be good to your teachers. That’s one of graduating senior Kolby Doud’s pieces of advice for future students.

Doud started at Oasis his freshman year of high school and has experienced a lot of self-growth in the last four years.

“When I started at Oasis, I was really nervous, I was shy and didn’t know anyone. The teachers and staff really helped me work through it and be comfortable,” he said.

Two of those teachers are Mrs. Monica Avery and Mrs. Nathalie Antus.

“Mrs. Monica and Ms. Antus have been like counselors for me. They helped me through my problems and helped me get through the year,” Doud added.

Through the Critical Life Skills program, Doud has learned many life skills.

“In class we cook every day, we run the school’s vending machines, we vacuum, and a lot more,” he said.

He was also part of the Oasis Academy FFA program.

“I helped with Ag Day and Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz called me the horse whisperer,” he said.

Doud’s other advice for future students is to set a good example.

“Be a good role model for the younger kids. It’s important,” he added.