From left at Disneyland: Page Hiskett, Emily Dunkin, Kiera McCoy, Lyannrose Goss, Ethan Mitchell, Dallin Sorensen, Alyssa Ayers, Jilliana Moreales, Ruby Hiskett and Kim Sorensen.
Provided to the LVN
High school leadership retreat at Disneyland
Student Council spent two days at Disneyland focused on building and learning leadership skills. Students flew to California on a Thursday and returned on a Sunday. They spent Friday and Saturday at Disneyland and Sunday in Long Beach at the local aquarium.
“Disneyland was a great way to practice leadership and get to know our student council members better. I was able to learn about our amazing group and make new friendships at the happiest place on Earth,” said Alyssa Ayers, sophomore class president.
The retreat is scheduled for every other year. It was adviser Eric Grimes’ first time organizing the trip for students.
"This Leadership Retreat is a great opportunity for the students to learn some life skills in leadership and team building,” Grimes said. “This trip was the idea of our previous advisor, Lisa Swan, and I am excited to continue this tradition for our students.”
All Student Council members are welcome to go on the trip with fundraising opportunities available.
“Because we do this trip every other year it gives the students the opportunity to raise money themselves to help pay their own way. They learn the value of the dollar," Grimes said.
To learn more about Oasis Academy College Prep High School Student Council contact Grimes at egrimes@oanv.org.
Senior Spotlight: Emily Hanifan
The high school experience is a unique one and for senior Emily Hanifan Oasis Academy College Prep was her first time attending an in-person school.
“How I would describe my high school experience is a little nerve racking to start,” Hanifan said. “Mainly because I had bad anxiety, and it was my first time at an in-person school.”
That anxiety soon eased.
“After the first couple months it was much better and became more fun but was also challenging,” she said.
The remaining three years of high school were made easier with the help of Counselor Andy Lenon.
“I would love to thank Mr. Lenon for being such a great and helpful person to me and many other seniors,” Hanifan said.
She has participated in archery, cheerleading and the Dungeons and Dragons Club during high school. There is one memory that sticks out in particular.
“My favorite memory from high school is from my sophomore year. During homecoming I sat out of the actual dance area and my best friend, and I ended up making a Lego tower,” she said.
Her advice for future students is simple and is good for all students to hear.
“My advice is check in on Canvas religiously, get things in on time, and pay attention to teachers,” she said.
Hanifan will graduate in May with her high school diploma and credits from Western Nevada College. The senior has a few colleges she’ll be applying, but her first choice is Cornish College of Art in Seattle.
Sportsmanship Award
The Oasis Academy seventh-grade girls basketball team received the Sagebrush League Sportsmanship Award at the league tournament Oct. 13 at the Venturacci Gym. The award is voted on by the other teams in the league.
“Winning the sportsmanship award this year is really a testament to the team's commitment to be the best they could be,” said Amanda Gilbertson, basketball coach. “Win or lose, they did so graciously and respectfully. I think this is a very overlooked award- sportsmanship fosters good habits and positive life skills, while keeping the game fun and enjoyable. I'm super proud of the girls and how they carried themselves throughout the season.”