Bighorn news: Book Fair, FFA, and concession sales

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: BENJAMIN UTZ

It’s been an eventful 10-year journey for senior Benjamin Utz since he started at Oasis Academy in third grade. The most memorable thing comes from his sophomore year.

“One of my favorite memories from Oasis is when my partner and I won a mock trial during our sophomore year,” Utz said. “The trial was focused on a disgruntled employee murdering her boss; we were the prosecution. It was fun and we learned a lot from the experience.”

Unique lessons and experiences like the mock trials are what he’s found so special about the Oasis teachers he’s had and why he has two teachers he’d like to thank.

“There were two teachers that really stuck out to me during my time here: Mrs. Shayna Byrd, and Mr. Eric Grimes,” he said.

Both teachers brought vibrancy and compassion to the classroom.

“Mrs. Byrd was one of my favorite teachers because her teaching style was very upbeat, and she always made time to help any students who were struggling. Mr. Grimes was also one of my favorite teachers because of how interesting and engaging his classes were. He always seemed like he genuinely enjoyed teaching us about government and history, and that attitude towards those subjects became super infectious,” he said of the two.

Utz has participated on the Oasis archery team since fifth grade and will again this year.

He also has advice for future students.

“Don't procrastinate, no matter how miserable you feel. You will feel much worse if you do,” he said.

Utz will graduate in May with both his high school diploma and associate of arts degree from Western Nevada College. He then plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno and study secondary education and mining engineering.

LACA QUALIFIES FOR NATIONAL FFA

Grace Laca, an up-and-coming agriculturalist and Oasis FFA treasurer, qualified in Dairy Cattle Handling for the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Laca earned first place in Nevada in the Dairy Cattle Handling Competition and will continue at the national convention, where she will compete with all 50 U.S. states, as well as the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to earn her rank.

Grace grew up on her family’s ranch and has a strong foundation in agriculture. She’s excited to continue her family’s tradition and compete like her father, Jared, who also had the opportunity to compete at the National FFA competition in high school and continues to coach students for the Oasis FFA dairy judging team.

“I had a lot of fun showing my heifer, Bessie, this year at both the CCJLS and NJLS,” Laca said. “I’m excited to follow in my dad’s footsteps and compete at Nationals.”

The national convention was Nov. 1-4.

“We are so proud of Grace and our FFA Chapter. I am so happy to see the kids succeeding and getting to compete at the National level. Jackie Bogdanowicz has built a strong program. We are the only charter school FFA chapter in the state of Nevada,” added Rochelle Tisdale, chief administrative officer.

To learn more about the Oasis FFA program, contact advisor Jackie Bogdanowicz at jbogdanowicz@oanv.org. To learn more about Nevada FFA or the National FFA Association, you can visit nvaged.com or ffa.org.

— Hunter McNabb

BOOK FAIR RETURNS NOV. 13-16

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming back to Oasis Academy on Nov. 13-16. Family Night will be Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 4-7 p.m. This year’s theme is Candy Land.

The fair will be open daily from 7:30-9 a.m. and 1:30-5:30 p.m. Access to the fair will be through the old Gordman’s entrance.

Money raised from the fair goes to purchase schoolbooks including classroom sets and books for teacher libraries. Last year’s fair also raised enough funds for every student to receive a free book.

CONCESSION SALES RAISE $12K

At the Nevada-UNLV football game almost 50 Oasis Bighorns worked selling concessions to help raise money for Oasis co-curricular activities.

Students, staff, parents and Oasis Board members participated.

Money raised is critical for programs like FFA getting ready to travel to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis at the end of the month. It will substantially cut costs for students attending the conference.

“The money raised has significantly lowered the cost of attending the National Convention for students,” said Jackie Bogdanowicz, FFA adviser. “We love having these opportunities and it’s another great way for Oasis to be out in the community.”

Other sports and clubs will use the money for equipment or activities. The Oasis Food Pantry is especially grateful to have the extra funds.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to raise money for the food pantry by selling concessions at the UNR game and for all the people who volunteered,” said Shelley Kelly, school counselor and Oasis Offerings Food Pantry coordinator.

As the number of families served increase, the needs of food pantry have also significantly changed.

“The food pantry has seen an increase in the number of student families needing food supplements this year. The money we raised will go toward providing fresh, healthy foods, as well as cleaning and hygiene supplies for our Oasis families. The funds we raised are essential for us to ensure continued access to food for those in need.

Groups that helped at the game and are receiving part of the funds include cross country, baseball, Friends of Oasis Academy, Oasis Offering Food Pantry, girls lacrosse, esports and National Junior Honor Society.