Bighorn news: State FFA, Senior Spotlight

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: GRACIE COSMAN

Senior Gracie Cosman is an accomplished swimmer. The student athlete has received a scholarship to swim for the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas, after she graduates in May.

“While attending Oasis, I have been an active member of the Churchill County High School swim team. I have qualified for regionals every year and was a state qualifier last year,” Cosman said.

When Cosman graduates, she will earn both her high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College.

“I will be studying nursing at the University of Saint Mary while being a member of the Spire women’s swim team,” she said.

Cosman started at Oasis during COVID in her sophomore year.

“It was very different from my freshman year of being homeschooled,” she said. “It was a rather big change. There were ups and downs during my three years, but I would not be more prepared to enter a university if it wasn't for this school.”

Part of the preparation for college meant having engaging and dedicated teachers.

“I would like to thank Mr. Eric Grimes for academically challenging and helping me during my time here at Oasis,” she said. “My favorite class at Oasis was Mrs. Julie Stockard’s English class. Every morning that we came into her class (1st Block), she made it fun and interesting.”

Although she has a lot of memories from her time at Oasis, this year’s prom was her favorite.

Cosman has sound advice for future students.

“Schedule your time, work hard, work with your teachers and professors, in the end it will all pay off,” she said.

95TH NEVADA FFA STATE CONVENTION

In late March, nearly 600 students from around the state of Nevada brought with them the familiar wave of navy corduroy to Reno as the annual commencement of the Nevada FFA Convention took place on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.

FFA members took part in competitive events, leadership workshops, and toured the UNR campus learning about the opportunities available to them and how to bring leadership back to their chapters.

This year the Oasis FFA Chapter brought more than two dozen students and represented their community well, bringing home several awards from the conference.

Of the competing Oasis FFA teams, those placing third were Agricultural Sales, Best Informed Greenhand and Conduct of Chapter Meetings. The Farm and Agribusiness Management team placed second.

Additionally, Taylor Sowersby ranked as the second high-individual in Best Informed Greenhand, and Hunter McNabb placed first in Extemporaneous Public Speaking and earned the Cody Sanders Memorial Scholarship. Grace Laca was also recognized at the convention for representing Nevada at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Ultimately, the Oasis FFA chapter had a very successful week in Reno after months of hard work and practice. 

Oasis students and community stakeholders worked hard throughout the year as FFA members regularly met on weekends and after school to practice for their competitive events.

Agriculturalists from the school and the community graciously volunteered their time with the students and coached them from the autumn until their competitions started in late March. These practices regularly involved reviewing practicums and tests, strategies for competitions, and mock interviews and presentations.

“I am super proud of our students' hard work and accomplishments this year. We had a lot of great students, and they competed in more contests than ever. I love to see them learn and grow,” said Jackie Bogdanowicz, FFA adviser.

In addition to their competitions, Oasis FFA members attended workshops hosted by the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources (CABNR). Students and professionals in their fields led engaging lessons and answered questions from members.

Outside of the classroom, FFA members also gave back by completing several service projects such as creating cards for service members and informational booklets for elementary students.

The Nevada FFA State Convention was an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with others, learn about leadership, and demonstrate their knowledge of agriculturalism. To learn more about Nevada FFA, visit nvaged.com or the Oasis Academy agricultural education program, contact FFA adviser, Jackie Bogdanowicz at jbogdanowicz@oanv.org.

— Written by Hunter McNabb