Bighorn news: Advocating for agriculture

Oasis FFA had the opportunity to attend the Nevada FFA Winter Leadership Training Conference in Carson City on Feb. 14-15. Students attended leadership labs, workshops and had the experience of participating in the state’s legislative sessions.

Hunter McNabb, Oasis FFA Secretary, took part in the Nevada Agricultural Youth Legislative Experience or NAYLE. McNabb, along with other youth leaders across the state, met with senators and Assembly people representing different demographics in Nevada.

McNabb met with several representatives and was even welcomed on the Senate floor with other leaders and representatives from the Nevada FFA Association. The educational experience provided an opportunity to learn more about advocating for agriculture in the democratic process and how the Nevada legislature works.

Aubrey Vaughn, Oasis FFA parliamentarian, also attended the legislature and trained for the state nominating committee. Vaughn will have the chance to interview and evaluate candidates running for the Nevada FFA Association state office, who in turn, represent Nevada agricultural education on a national level.

Along with the legislature experience, other FFA members and officers attended group sessions in which they utilized team building exercises, and learned to network with other students from around the state. They also learned about how to be better leaders in their chapters and their communities.

Winter Leadership Training and NAYLE was organized by Ryan Olson, Gabriella Minoletti, Lander Smith, Roland Norris, Sonny Lopez and Heather Dye. These events wouldn’t be possible without the support and organization of FFA alumni and supporters across Nevada. To learn more about Nevada FFA, visit nvaged.com.

— Hunter McNabb

Senior Spotlight: Alyssa Salomon

It’s hard to pick just one favorite memory at Oasis for senior Alyssa Salomon. But the connections she’s made with fellow classmates, teachers and the school has made her time special.

“I first started attending Oasis in the middle of my eighth-grade year,” Salomon said. “At first, I was skeptical, as would be any 12-year-old when attending a new school, but I quickly was able to develop an appreciation for my school and the people.”

One of those people has been counselor Andy Lenon.

“I’m sure a lot of students feel the same way, but the person I would like to thank most is Mr. Andy Lenon. He was always there to be not only a mentor, but also a friend. Mr. Lenon has created a safe place for students within the school and always helps us to reach our goals. He has shown kindness from my very first day at Oasis and I guarantee it’ll be the same until my last,” Salomon said.

That level of support is something Salomon has found throughout her time at Oasis.

“The teachers push students to work hard and succeed. I believe that if I attended any other school, I would not have the advantages in my education as I do today,” Salomon said.

She has been active in the school and has presented new ideas to make the student experience better. One of those ideas being the Oasis Cheer team.

“During eighth grade, I pitched an idea to the school that we should start a cheer team. My freshman year I made it happen. Unfortunately, this was put on pause for a little while due to the pandemic, but this year the team was back for basketball season with official cheer uniforms,” she said. “My advice for future students is to work harder now and have fun later. Life will be so much easier this way. But also remember, if you’re happy doing whatever you’re doing, nobody can tell you that you’re not successful.”

Salomon will graduate in May with both her high school diploma and her Associate of General Studies from Western Nevada College. She then plans to attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.

Middle School wrestling does well at first match

Oasis Middle School wrestling participated in their first matches this weekend in Winnemucca. This was a club wrestling tournament, but some wrestlers were ready to get started a week early. The group of fifth through eighth graders did well.

Within their divisions Ryder Segura finished first and second, Zayden Maynez finished first and second, Rio Segura finished third and fourth, Wyatt Herold finished second, and Conner Tolman finished fourth. Ryder Segura became the first champion in an Oasis singlet. Oasis will kick off the regular season this weekend in Lovelock at the Tah-Neva opener.

 “The kids wrestled great this weekend and I look forward to the whole team competing in the upcoming tournaments," said Coach Evan Brandt.