Oasis middle school class officers are, from left, Avery Laca, Kadence Wiessmer, Braylon Byrd and Blake Bettis.
Casamaro White’s deep-rooted connection to Oasis Academy started when the school opened in 2011 and he was a first grader. The now graduating senior looks back on his many years and wouldn’t change anything.
“I’ve been at Oasis since it opened, so I’ve only had one type of schooling experience all of my life,” White said. “If I could go back in time, I don’t think I would change anything though. The tight bonds created and connections to the staff, have made school more like a family than anything else. I enjoyed showing up to class every day and feeling welcomed. I enjoyed growing up with the school and seeing it evolve into the place it is today. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oasis and I’ve made so many memories here.”
White said he would like to thank former Oasis teacher, Mrs. Mori.
Casamaro White
“I had struggled with communication, people thought I was mute, and Mrs. Mori was able to get me to start talking. I am truly thankful for her help in opening up and teaching me about communication,” he said. “I felt a huge difference between my first few years and my last couple of years because of her teachings.
“I would also like to thank Mrs. Lisa Swan; she has been both a teacher and a mentor and she has done so much for me. I appreciate her pushing me in Student Council and overall, she is a very kind soul who has helped me so much throughout high school.”
White has been involved during his year from playing sports including basketball, lacrosse, and this year on the newly formed Oasis Baseball team.
He also has participated in clubs and organizations like National Society of High School Scholars, Student Council, and Honor Society. He is currently the Historian for National Honor Society and the Student Body treasurer in Student Council.
White will graduate in May with his high school diploma as well as his associate of science from Western Nevada College. He plans to then go on to work toward a bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He also wants to travel to experience different areas of the world.
“To future students of Oasis, I advise you to enjoy your time in school. Life moves fast and I miss some of my earlier classes at Oasis,” White said. “The smaller classes help you create strong bonds and lifelong relationships. Ignore what students from the other school say and enjoy your time at Oasis, it’s your life, not theirs. It’s a great school and I’m so glad I got to attend. I’m proud to be a future Oasis Alumni and I can’t wait to see how the school grows in the future.”
By Chapter Reporter Eneyde Rios
Summer is coming to an end and Oasis FFA is heading into fall strong. Earlier this month Oasis FFA students helped set up and decorate for this year's Farmers Bureau Picnic, the turnout was fantastic. Further into the semester, on Sept. 12, the Oasis Chapter Officer team hosted the first chapter meeting of the year at the Pinion building.
“I'm excited for FFA this year, I already feel included,” said Laynee Diaz, a freshman FFA student.
Most recently this month, both freshmen FFA students and chapter officers attended conventions on Sept. 20. Freshmen and first year sophomores attended the Greenhand Convention. There Oasis students learned about the opportunities Nevada Agriculture Education and FFA can offer them throughout high school.
Chapter officers from all over Northern Nevada met at the Fallon Convention Center for COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training.) There the Oasis FFA officer team learned about their individual roles and the importance of being able to identify group strengths and weaknesses. As well as learning about advanced interpersonal communication strategies and presentation delivery techniques.
“I didn’t know how much the Reporter and Historian have to work together, I'm learning so much about our roles already,” said Hailey Arends, sophomore and chapter historian.
The chapter will be soon attending Nationals in Indianapolis in October. Learn more about how to support Oasis FFA by contacting adviser Jackie Bogdanowicz.
Eneyde Rios
Middle School Student Council officers elected
It was election week for the Bighorns. Students in second through eighth grade voted on their choices for Middle School Student Council. The sixth through eighth grade candidates gave virtual speeches to classrooms detailing why they were the best choice for each officer position. Winners were announced on Tuesday morning.
This year’s elected officers include President Kadence Wiessmer, Vice President Braylon Byrd, Treasurer Avery Laca, and Secretary Blake Bettis.
“I was shocked when they announced the winners and am honored to have been elected this year’s president,” Wiessmer said. “I want to make sure all students have a voice in this year’s activities from dances, dress-up days, the vending machine, playground equipment, and our community service projects. It’s going to be a great year.”
Mrs. Lauren Kelly, student council adviser said there were 13 candidates to run for the middle school student council. She them all on their courage to put themselves out there for a leadership role at Oasis Academy.
“I hope all candidates not elected choose to be a class representative for the student council to bring all of their great ideas suggested in their speeches. We are proud of our students who choose to ‘Run with the Herd’ at Oasis,” she said.
Front row from left are FFA students Kayden White, Trevor Barrenchea, Laynee Daiz, Grace Laca and Haley Ortega Roman. Back row from left are Rider McNabb, Rustin McKnight, Hunter Adams, Talon Johnson, Mikayla Casey and Payshance Cunningham.
