Bighorn news: Senior Spotlight, brain power, and volunteering

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: ZACHARY BUDNER

Math and baseball are two of graduating senior Zachry Budner’s favorite things about his four years at Oasis Academy High School. They’re not only his favorites though, but he’s also proven successful in both subjects.

“Math is my strongest area of education, and I’d like to thank math teacher Mr. Evan Brandt,” Budner said.

Brandt’s teaching style helped make Budner successful academically and has given him a strong foundation for a very math-focused career goal.

“Mr. Brandt teaches in a way that you really can’t fail to understand the topic,” he said. “After graduation I most likely will attend the University of Nevada, Reno and pursue engineering, specifically civil engineering.”

Along with success in the classroom, Budner plays catcher and pitches for the Oasis Academy baseball team.

“The start of the baseball program is one of my favorite memories,” Budner said. “I got to be part of the first-ever Oasis baseball team. It’s really cool how Coach Sean McNabb volunteered to help start the program.”

Budner has proven successful on the field, being named to the NIAA Northern League First Team for the 2024 season.

“I’m really grateful for Coach McNabb and the school putting together the team. I got to play the sport I love most for my own high school,” he said.

Setting up students for success and being available to help are both things that Budner has appreciated about Oasis Academy.

“All of my teachers have been nice to me, set fair and well-balanced rules for me to follow, and overall have paved a great path for me to succeed in anything I do,” he said. “The teachers at Oasis do a great job making sure you succeed, giving you plenty of chances, and helping you whenever you need it. My time has been excellent.”

He has one more person he’d like to specifically thank for his help during his time at Oasis.

“Another teacher I would like to thank is Mr. Andy Lenon. He truly makes sure that really every student stays on the road to success,” Budner said. “Mr. Lenon makes sure that you lock it in, especially during your most important school years, so that your future is as bright as it can get. Overall, Mr. Lenon sets you up with the path to your future and makes time to do this with every student no matter the circumstances.”

Budner will graduate in May and will receive both his high school diploma and associate of science degree from Western Nevada College.

“Graduating with both degrees is a great benefit of Oasis Academy. It allows students to get a head start when it comes to their future,” Budner said.

Don’t be nervous, anxious or timid is the advice Budner has for future students.

“For future students, my advice would be don’t think hard about everything you do and don’t worry,” he said.

“One year ago, there was probably something you were worrying about, and yet, you probably don't even know what that thing is now,” he explained.

“I spent most of my life worrying so much about the future and what could happen instead of taking control and getting the outcome I wanted. Just relax, these years are important, so stay locked in, but don't be so nervous, or anxious, or timid about everything. You got this,” he closed.

MR. LENON’S LESSONS ON THE BRAIN

Counselor Andy Lenon meets with the eighth-grade classes weekly for guidance lessons. The lessons not only teach social emotional skills but also the science of how their brains function.

In this week’s lesson students worked on models to better understand neurotransmitters which are molecules used by the nervous system to transmit messages between our neurons or to muscles.

Neurotransmitters are a vital part of the body’s functions. They are responsible for actions, suction and breathing, heart rate, learning, concentration and also our emotions like mood, fear, and joy.

“The teenage years are a crucial time for identity development,” Lenon said. “Neuroeducation can provide opportunities for our students to explore and understand themselves better. I think this is essential for their personal growth.”

Lenon knows that brain science is a vital part of educating students.

“By incorporating brain science into weekly lessons, we can create learning environments that support this important aspect of adolescent development and help them grow compassion, empathy, coping skills, and emotional regulation,” he said.

NHS STUDENTS SERVE AT FALLON DAILY BREAD

Oasis Academy National Honor Society students helped serve dinner at Fallon Daily Bread on Sept. 16.

The group served approximately 100 meals to Fallon community members.

Volunteering at Fallon Daily Bread is an important service activity for the students. They not only work hard helping prepare for mealtime and doing clean up, but they also foster a sense of community and compassion through seeing first-hand the need for organizations like Fallon Daily Bread in the community for those facing food insecurity.

“The Oasis National Honor Society members jumped at the chance to help serve meals at Fallon Daily Bread,” Julie Stockard, NHS adviser, said. “The students showed leadership and teamwork to make and serve the meal. They are hoping for another chance to go back and help again. I was really proud of each one of them.”