Bighorn news: Ag Week continues to grow

National FFA week was Feb. 18-25. Oasis FFA continued the long-standing tradition by planning fun activities for students in kindergarten through high school for the week.

FFA members spent time throughout the week in the elementary grades reading agriculture-based books to the students. The experience served dual purposes. It allowed high school students to connect with the younger grades through both agricultural experiences and FFA experiences.

The week also brought three fun dress-up days. Students dressed as their favorite animal one day, wore camo and orange for Hunting Day, and finally closed out the week with Western Wear Day.

The culmination of the week though was the annual Ag Day, which has grown exponentially each year. FFA students bring their Supervised Agricultural Experience Projects while younger students bring their agricultural projects as well to share with grades K-12.

“National FFA Week is something that all the students look forward to each year. We are so blessed to have such a supportive school and community that has helped grow our Ag Day into what it is today,” said FFA Adviser Jackie Bogdanowicz.

Along with the typical farm animals of sheep, cows, pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits, ducks, a horse, alpaca, livestock guardian dogs, and donkey, student Braylin Byrd also brought his Emu, Beep-Beep.

The day also included demonstrations on floriculture, hunting and outdoors, planting seeds, mechanics, and agriculture equipment (harrow bed, tractors, trucks, a drill, and loader).

“It is so exciting to see what the kids are working on. The projects are intensive, and I would like to thank all of the families that braved the cold day to support our students. Ms. Bogdanowicz works tirelessly with this organization, and she also deserves a huge shout out for putting this day together,” added Rochelle Tisdale, Chief Academic Officer.

To learn more about Oasis FFA contact, Bogdanowicz at jbogdanowicz@oanv.org.

Basketball awards

Boys and Girls basketball teams had their postseason awards banquets Feb. 23. The banquet was an opportunity to celebrate a competitive season and recognize students who earned both NIAA awards and school awards.

NIAA award recipients included NIAA All-League 2nd Team — Fenn Mackedon.

NIAA All-League Honorable Mentions– Casamaro White, Matthew Bird, Taylynn Maynez, and Dahlia Creer.

The following students were named NIAA All-State Academic team for having a 4.0 — Casamaro White, Fenn Mackedon, Matthew Bird, Trevor Barrenchea, Grace Laca, Dahlia Creer and Yasmine Barnes.

“This season was all about growth and overcoming adversity. We had a young team with minimal experience this year, and on top of that the girls had to overcome injuries, sickness, and oftentimes played with only six girls,” said girls’ coach Amanda Gilbertson.

“I think it was good for the girls though because it helped them grow on and off the court, and they never let it stop them from giving everything they had. They are better basketball players and people because of what they were able to accomplish this season. You can’t always judge performance by wins and losses, you must be able to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. I’m looking forward to next season with these amazing girls.”

Senior Spotlight: Tristan Clark

Taking to the sky, Oasis Senior Tristan Clark plans to attend school for commercial piloting when he graduates in May.

Clark started at Oasis Academy College Prep as a freshman. His favorite memories are the ones from hanging out with friends after classes.

“My favorite classes were any of the art classes I took,” Clark said.

Along with school Clark also has been active in both Boys Scouts and soccer.

“My advice for future students is to do your work as soon as possible, even if you think you will have time to do it later,” Clark said.

Clark will graduate in May with both his high school diploma and two-year diploma from Western Nevada College.