From left, Isabella Hockenberry-Grimes, Taylor Hyde and Trevor Barrenchea show their engineering projects.
Alumna Feature: Sequoya Casey
Oasis Alumnus Sequoya Casey will be heading to the prestigious Oxford University in the Spring of 2023 where she will continue to study politics and philosophy.
The 2021 graduate has been attending the University of Nevada, Reno and is thrilled for the opportunity to study abroad.
“I am unbelievably excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Casey said. “Oxford is an international, historical hub for education… especially for my field of study. This prestigious school will lay the foundation for me to pursue a career in law. This will also be an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in another culture and meet new people from around the world, and I simply cannot wait.”
Looking to the future Casey would also like to study in Spain. The international experience will help her towards her long-term goal of being an international civil rights lawyer, focusing on representing marginalized groups and sexual-assault victims.
“My advice to future students is to push yourself, but know your limits,” she said. College is difficult, but know that you are capable. Know that it is perfectly okay (and encouraged) to ask for help when you need it, inside and outside of school. Even if it doesn't seem like it now, you are going to be surrounded by people who want you to succeed and who are happy to help you do so.”
Casey had additional advice.
“There's this idea that you aren't truly successful unless you succeed entirely on your own, but that is not the truth at all. Take advantage of your resources: the tutoring center, your school counselors, your professors-- because they will help you!” she said. “Also, a little motivation and some time management are key factors in being a successful student. Seriously.”
Oasis graduate Sequoya Casey will continue to study politics and philosophy at Oxford University.
Oasis instills in the students that it is a community and help is always available, which Casey appreciated during her time at school.
“I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a multitude of people who helped get me to where I am now. Of course our counselors (Andy Lenon and Cheryl Venturacci specifically) were a huge help, especially when it came to the application process and scholarship season,” said Casey of the support she received.
“I would also love to thank my history and government teacher, former Oasis teacher Mr. William Martin, for being the first teacher to truly push me outside of my comfort zone. It was this teacher who sparked my interest in politics and law, and I know that I would not be on the path I am now without him.”
Casey, who graduated with over 50 college credits her senior year, started at UNR with two years worth of work already completed and had two final things she wanted to add.
“Just remember to enjoy yourself,” she said. “Don't sacrifice your GPA (because you ARE paying for it), but college will be one of the most exciting times of your life. Make new friends, travel to new places, learn new things! And finally, I would love to thank my family and my friends. My support system. Words cannot express how much you mean to me and how much you have done for me.”
Oasis instructor Jake Lewis tinkers with an engineering project.
Eighth-grade students received first hand engineering experience building bridges at the end of the semester. Each student was given a set amount of balsa wood sticks to design and construct their own bridge using wood glue. The students researched bridge designs to help with ideas for their bridges.
The bridges were then put to the test. One at a time the bridges were fitted with weights and checked for durability. The winning bridge held almost 60 pounds.
“Our bridge project helps students brainstorm, design, and test their very own bridge,” explained teacher Mr. Jake Lewis. “We build these bridges out of very light balsa wood and after construction we hang weights on them until they break. Some of our best designs held close to sixty pounds. Building these bridges is a fun way to put their math to work to help them design a bridge.”
Oasis Students and Alumni Make WNC Dean’s List
Congratulations to this Spring 2022 Semester Oasis Academy current students and alumni that made the WNC Dean’s. To qualify for the Dean’s List students must complete at least 12units during the semester and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher.
Hunter Arends, Yasmine Barnes, Jelen Rose Bayoneta, Shivam Bhakta, Brayden Blea, Josh Bloomfield, James Cosman, Holden Feest, Nallely Gomez, Grace Griswold, Trevor Halloran, Lauren Halloran, Kaitlyn Hert, Tylie Norcutt, Gracie Potts, Kailyn Sorensen, Arlen Trappen, Brooklyn Whitaker, Sierra Williams, Joshua Youles, Khang Nguyen.
