From left are Joshua Gusewelle, Zach Budner and Clint Vaughn, who competed in the We the People Northern Nevada District Invitational.
The Oasis Academy College Prep We the People class competed in the Northern Nevada District Invitational on Dec. 10 in Reno. The group did well with two groups receiving unit awards.
We the People is a competition-based class where students are assigned areas of the U.S. Constitution. The students must not only learn what each amendment says, but also relevant court cases for it. Groups are then given questions pertinent to their units and must discuss both the pro and con sides of the question.
The two groups that received unit awards this year included Anna Springfield, Halle Feest, Michele Grossi, An Nguyen and Joshua Gusewelle, and Zach Budner and Clint Vaughn.
Courtesy
We the People Northern Nevada District Invitational participants from Oasis Academy College Prep are, from left, Halle Feest, Anna Springfield, An Nguyen and Michele Grossi.
To prepare for the competition the class hosted a showcase event on Nov. 30. Oasis is grateful to local attorneys and community members Joe Sanford, Jeff Weed, Mike Richards, Sean Rowe, Hunter Drost, Kenny Tedford, Jr., Dylan Tedford, Trent deBraga, and Anthony Tisdale for taking their time to judge and critique the students.
The students also were presented with Congressional Recognition Awards from U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei in recognition of their performance at the event.
“This competition is always nerve wracking for the students but this year, post-COVID, was the first time many of my students had the opportunity to speak in front of other people,” said We the People adviser Eric Grimes. “Couple that with in-depth discussions about Constitutional principles with practicing attorneys, sitting judges and Nevada Supreme Court justices and anyone would cave under the pressure. But our students held their own and I am always proud of how they shine.”
Aedre Soderberg
Senior Spotlight: Aedre Soderberg
Starting at Oasis Academy College Prep in August 2021, senior Aedre Soderberg delved into being active in student activities. The then-junior immediately signed up for Student Council, volleyball and lacrosse.
“I love being active in general and the activities helped me do that,” Soderberg said. “Student Council has given me the opportunity to meet new people, help plan fun activities for the school, and give back to our community. I’ve also enjoyed playing both volleyball and lacrosse. Along with the athletic aspect of the games, I’ve loved the teammates and coaches.”
Part of those activities has included a mentor and a teacher Soderberg would like to acknowledge.
“I would like to thank Mrs. Lisa Swan. She is the best coach and teacher anyone could ask for,” added Soderberg of the Student Council adviser and lacrosse coach.
“My favorite parts of my time at Oasis included the Leadership Retreat to Disneyland my junior year, and my favorite classes were music appreciation and Psychology 299. Both classes had engaging teachers and I learned a lot.”
Soderberg will graduate in May with her high school diploma as well as her Associate of Arts from Western Nevada College. She plans to attend either Arizona State University or the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall.
“Have fun and try not to worry so much over grades and who is doing what, because it doesn't matter in the long run,” said Soderberg as her advice for future OACP students.
Emily Bird, left, and Lisa Swan participate in a blood drive at Oasis.
Student Council Hosts Blood Drive
Written by Emily Bird
On Nov. 8, Oasis Academy partnered with Vitalant to host a blood drive at Western Nevada College.
The Oasis Blood Drive collected 40 units of blood, which will help a considerable amount of people. Oasis Student Council would like to take a moment to appreciate and thank every person who donated, helped organize this event, and spread awareness about it. The next blood drive is scheduled on Feb. 2 at the Western Nevada College Fallon campus.