Bighorn news: College applications, Senior Spotlight

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: KIRSTEN DETOMASI

Senior Kirsten Detomasi started at Oasis Academy in third grade. She said she was unsure about her decision on attending Oasis for high school in the beginning, but she soon learned it was the right choice for her.

 “The decision to stay for high school was a hard one. I wasn’t quite sure I’d made the right choice going to a charter school, but I soon learned that I definitely had made the right choice,” Detomasi said. “I have accomplished a lot academically and made new friends and many memories.”

Those memories have included being part of several Oasis extracurricular activities, including softball, volleyball, National Honor Society, FFA, student council and the school’s community service class.

“One of my favorite memories from Oasis is when the softball and baseball teams were on their way to Battle Mountain for games. We did a sing-off on the bus and it was so fun,” she said.

Another part of her favorites was her Biology 100 class taught by Gary Evett through Western Nevada College.

“My favorite class would be Biology 100 because I love science and Dr. Evett explained the concepts well, so that I was able to understand it a lot more. That class is when I decided to go into science when I graduate,” she said.

Detomasi has not only found success in the classroom but also on the softball field. She was named pitcher of the year for NIAA 1A in 2021. She has been MVP for the last three years and has been on the first team all-state for the last three years. She was also named to the NIAA 2A Northern All League First team for the 2024 season.

She wants to thank Counselor Andy Lenon for the impact he’s made on her educational career.

“I would like to thank Mr. Lenon. He has had a huge impact on me. My freshman year I took his health class, and he pushed me to my full potential,” she said. “After that class, I realized that I have the ability to push myself until I can reach my full potential.”

Detomasi will graduate in May with her high school diploma and Associate of Science degree from Western Nevada College. After graduation her goal is to continue her softball career, playing at the collegiate level, and work in the biomedical science field.

“My advice for future students is to never be afraid to ask your peers and teachers for help,” she added.

APPLES AND BROOMSTICKS

First grade incorporated fall themes into their writing, math, and science lessons last week.

Classes wrapped up the week by making homemade applesauce. The project included students working on several skills. Students peeled the apples and compared the lengths of their peels. They then made and tasted the sauces. They finished the project with an opinion paper with their thoughts of homemade applesauce.

First graders also participated in the Room on a Broom Challenge. Groups constructed a broom, using only straws, tape, and scissors. The challenge was to see which group’s engineered broom was able to hold the most candy pumpkins.

Integrating these fall themes into classroom lessons helped provide an enriching and engaging educational experience for the students. The projects helped connect students with nature, enhanced creativity and STEM learning, supported social skills, and promoted healthy habits.

PERSONAL STATEMENT WORKSHOP PREPARES STUDENTS

As scholarship and college application season is underway. Counselor Andy Lenon held a workshop for students on writing their personal statements for their college admissions applications and scholarship essays.

The focus of the workshop was getting the students to delve deep.

"I want students to delve deep and uncover those special stories that showcase their uniqueness and future aspirations," Lenon said. "Writing about oneself is often the most difficult subject for students to tackle."

To overcome this hurdle, Lenon used a range of engaging brainstorming activities.

"We utilize a variety of fun exercises to help students start on this journey and build confidence in their writing,” he said.