Bighorn News: Seniors present jerseys to faculty who made an impact

Anyone at a school can make an impact on a student’s life. Senior basketball showed their appreciation for someone that impacted their lives by presenting them with their jerseys on Feb. 11.

Students expressed their gratitude for the person who made a difference in their high school career before handing over their jersey. The teachers and staff were surprised by the heart-warming and kind words shared by the students.

“Trevor was my tenth grade student when lockdowns began in March 2020. I'd taught him for almost two full school years, but I missed the last quarter of the year with Trevor and his classmates. Even though we moved to online learning, our time together as a class was cut short and I didn't know how that year would be remembered in the minds of my students. To have Trevor return with his jersey as a senior to say I'd made a difference in his education was truly an honor for me,” said Julie Stockard on receiving a jersey from senior Trevor Halloran.

“Trevor will undoubtedly go on to accomplish great things after he graduates from Oasis, and I'm glad to have played a role in his education. Moments like that remind me why I became a teacher.”

Counselor Andy Lenon described his experience of receiving Jaylee McEwen’s jersey.

“Jaylee sharing her jersey with me is one of my most special days at Oasis,” Lenon said. “I feel lucky to have a position to create powerful and meaningful relationships with students here at OA. Jaylee's spirit to attack each day is inspiring, she has impacted me just as much as I have impacted her.”

Senior basketball players included Gabriella Hockenberry-Grimes, Jaylee McEwen, Trevor Halloran, Westin Booker and Jacob Pike.

To see the video of students presenting their jerseys visit the Oasis Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OAfallon.

Senior Spotlight: Lauren Halloran

Lauren Halloran wants to become a therapist after graduating from college. Her love of psychology comes from her mentors Counselor Andy Lenon and Sarah Frey.

“Both had a huge role in helping me find my interest in psychology and wanting to pursue a career in the field,” said Halloran.

Along with her high school influences, Western Nevada College instructor’s Teresa Gehman’s psychology classes have also inspired her to become a therapist. Both Gehman’s “Making a Murderer” and “Introduction to Psychology” classes helped her discover her passion for the subject.

Halloran has many great memories of her time at Oasis, but her years on the high school volleyball team are her favorite.

“My time at Oasis has truly been the best experience I could have ever hoped for. I have been attending since eighth grade, I love the tight knit relationships between students and teachers,” said Halloran.

Her advice for future students includes fostering the student/teacher relationship.

“Always ask for help when you need it. Your teachers truly want you to succeed, and if you reach out, they will be more than happy to help you,” she added.

After graduating in May with her high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree, Halloran will start at the University of Nevada, Reno this fall working toward a degree in psychology.

Educational Psychology class brings awareness to how students learn

Learning how to learn is one piece in setting a student up for success in college. This is done through the Education Psychology or EPY 150 class at Oasis.

The class is required for sophomores in their second semester at Oasis. The three-credit college critical skills class prepares the students for the pressure they will have during their junior and senior years with a class schedule full of college classes.

In the class students develop effective and efficient study skills, learn how to identify goals, analyze both their personal and study habits, focus on stress reduction techniques, learn communication skills, learn about time management and much more. The goal of the class is to set students up for academic success.

Counselor/instructor Andy Lenon also likes to focus on neuro-education, covering the nuts and bolts of how a student’s mind is working and how to focus that in an educational setting.

“I believe in the effectiveness of having our students take EPY 150,” Lenon said. “I am excited to help them develop the understanding of educational psychology and dig into the difference between the high school culture and college culture.

The schedule is so much different and the biggest struggle I see is with time management and advocating for themselves. My favorite part about the class is that it is so self reflective. Reflection creates awareness and awareness creates change.”

 The EPY 150 class is part of the dual-enrollment program with Western Nevada College and is transferable to other colleges. To learn more about Oasis Academy High School Prep contact Lenon at alenon@oasisacademyfallon.us