Bighorn news: Sixth-graders make and model geographic landscapes

Last week in the sixth-grade geography classes, students made a diorama of five landforms and presented it to their class. Dioramas were made of marshes, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, islands, deserts, plateaus, and many more formations.

“I really liked building the structures out of salt dough and painting them. I love art. I think it was a good way to learn geography because it’s hands-on and more fun than sitting in class. It got me really excited to learn about geography,” Ellie Davis said.

Through the diorama project, sixth graders not only learn about geographical formations but also develop a range of essential skills that contribute to their overall educational experience. This hands-on activity fosters a deeper appreciation for the Earth's diverse landscapes while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication.

— Taylor Sowersby

HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ATTEND CONFERENCE

Principal Rochelle Tisdale, Counselor Andy Lenon, and Academic Adviser Eric Grimes attended the National Association for College Admissions Counseling conference last week.

NACAC is the premier conference for college admission counseling with over 7,000 school counselors and admissions representatives from around the world attending.

The conference provided workshops and opportunities for the Oasis staff to learn more about how they can support students in their post-secondary education opportunities. Workshops also included incorporating new technology like AI into education.

“Attendees gain insights into best practices, cutting-edge research, and inspirational ideas that can be directly applied to their work with students,” Tisdale said.

“For principals, this knowledge can impact school-wide policies and initiatives to foster a college-going culture. Counselors and advisors benefit from sessions on topics like financial aid, mentoring, and building relationships with students and families,” she said.

The conference also offers an opportunity for networking.

“One of the most valuable aspects of the conference is the chance to connect with peers from diverse institutions across the country. These networking opportunities allow attendees to share experiences, discuss challenges, and form partnerships that can enhance their professional practice,” Tisdale added.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: TAYLYNN MAYNEZ

Graduating Senior Taylynn Maynez started at Oasis Academy in fifth grade. She found an encouraging academic environment with her teachers and her peers.

“I’m proud to say that Oasis has most definitely changed my life,” Maynez said.

“Oasis is a place where I’ve felt comfortable asking any of the teachers for help, and I was able to recognize who I am as an individual with the help and encouragement of my peers and educators,” she said.

“Looking back to when I first came to Oasis, I realize that I don't think I would be so far ahead academically as I am now, and I give thanks to all the educators and staff at Oasis for that,” she said.

During sixth grade, Maynez also found her love for basketball.

“I had so much fun that middle school season that it began a strong love and passion for basketball. I share that same love and passion with now-high school basketball coach Amanda Gilbertson,” she said.

“I would like to thank Coach Amanda. I am so happy that I got to grow such a close bond with her starting as a freshman. I have enjoyed playing basketball with her as well as helping with the middle school basketball teams. Thank you so much for continuously pushing me to be better and for increasing my motivation daily,” she added.

Maynez has also been a star player for the Oasis Softball team, participated in FFA, been part of the student council, participated in strength and conditioning, and currently serves as president for Oasis Academy’s National Honor Society Chapter.

“Being elected National Honor Society President is a huge achievement in my book,” she said. “And one of my favorite memories at Oasis was going to state for softball my sophomore year. It was an eye-opening experience and a great way to get closer to all of my teammates.”

There are many people she would like to thank for their help along the way, including her parents, coach Brandon Bird, coach John Short and counselor Andy Lenon.

“First of all, I would like to thank my parents for supporting me and raising me. I am truly grateful that I not only have people to push me but who also take care of me and allow me to talk to them when I need it. I love them very much for that,” Maynez said.

“I would also like to give a huge thank you to Mr. Lenon for being so helpful in assisting me with all of my scholarship and college needs,” she said.

Her softball coaches have also meant a lot to the senior.

“I want to thank coach Bird. He has helped push me and drive me to be a better shortstop since I first started out as a freshman. He has most definitely helped me get stronger mentally and physically,” she said.

“Finally, I want to give thanks to coach John Short. Coach John has been helping me with my hitting since I was a freshman,” Maynez said. “During my junior year, I told him I wanted to learn to be a slap hitter. He taught me how to be an amazing slap hitter, and it has been very beneficial. I'm truly so grateful for John. I thank him for taking time out of his day to teach me everything he knows. He is full of so much wisdom.”

Maynez will graduate from Oasis in May with her high school diploma as well as her Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College. She then plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, and study biology. Her goal is to help people and eventually attend the UNR Medical School to become a pediatrician or work in orthopedics.

“My advice for future students is: don’t rush high school. You only get to experience it once, so cherish every memory you have,” she said. “One day you will have your last first practice, your last game, your last prom, your last homecoming, and before you know it, your last day of school. It all happens in a blink of an eye. Make the most out of your time here; school will be hard and complicated, but just push through it because, in the end, it will be worth it.”