Bighorn news: Tribal studies, dinner plans, and Senior Spotlight

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: DONOVAN MAY

Senior student Donovan May has not only been a student at Oasis, but he’s been part of Oasis’ vital IT staff for the last two years. Along with being appreciated for his work ethic and knowledge, the senior has gained valuable day-to-day experience that he is grateful to have.

“I personally would like to thank Mr. Mike Kelly. He isn't a teacher, but more like a boss and a mentor,” May said. “I have gotten a lot of real-world work experience from him.”

Kelly’s mentorship has included more than just day-to-day job information.

“He’s given me a lot of advice. I've learned some things that I don't think any other employer would willingly tell me. He has always had positive intentions for my future and has been my go-to person for help,” he said.

May started at Oasis in his sophomore year. He learned Oasis was going to be more of a challenge than he’d experienced previously.

“I have always found school fairly easy, being placed in honors classes and whatnot. Oasis changed this and gave me a challenge,” he said. “It was difficult adapting at first however Oasis was what I needed. I feel like I improved myself.”

The classes brought new challenges including from one class that May especially enjoyed.

“I think my favorite class would probably be the Computer Forensics class Western Nevada College offers,” May said. “Although it is a basic introduction to forensics and cybersecurity, it was fun to learn about all the things your computer does without you even knowing. Like, did you know that you can embed an entire application within an image?”

One special part of his time at Oasis was sharing the school with his younger brother.

“One of my favorite memories is when my little brother started school at Oasis,” May said. “I gave him a tour around the school. I have never really gone to school with any of my siblings, as they are either much older or younger, so the experience was nice.”

May will graduate in May with his high school diploma and Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College. He intends to apply for the Navy ROTC program after graduation to help continue his education and gain more experience.

His advice for future students is to learn time management.

“The biggest advice that I can think of is to manage your time. Don't procrastinate, do your assignments and study. As long as you pay attention in class and manage your time, you will do great,” he said.

MIDDLE SCHOOLERS STUDY NATIVE TRIBES

In October, seventh-grade students researched and presented on Native American tribes from throughout North America. The students learned about the tribe’s history, housing, geographical location, clothing, arts and crafts, and other interesting facts.

They were then tasked with creating dioramas of housing and other items and presenting them to fellow students.

“It’s important for the students to learn about the indigenous groups of North America and their histories. The project builds cultural awareness in students and also builds their researching skills,” said Tamara McNeill, social studies teacher.

The students had positive feedback on the project as well.

“It was fun because we did research on our own about our chosen tribe. The cool thing was we also got to model things that the tribes themselves used, like housing, crafts and clothing,” student Ezra Acomb said.

LATINO FAMILY NIGHT PLANNED FOR DECEMBER

The inaugural Oasis La Posada Night at Oasis Academy will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Oasis Cafeteria.

The fun night for Oasis Latino families will include loteria, pan dulce, and champurrado. Prizes will be given out for games.

“We are happy to organize this event for the first time and we can’t wait for more,” said Jose Ramirez, ELL and Spanish teacher. “Come with your family to have a fun time before the holidays.”

Ramirez added, in Spanish.

“Estamos feliz de organizar este evento por primera vez y no podemos esperar por más. Venga con tu familia para pasar un rato divertido antes las vacaciones.”

To volunteer to help or donate a prize, contact Jose Ramirez at jramirez@oanv.org or Page Hiskett at phiskett@oanv.org.