Bighorn Bulletin - Oasis Academy

First Class of Kinder Originals Graduates

The Oasis Academy Class of 2024 had special significance this year. They were the first class to include students who had attended school from its inception in 2011 as kindergarteners to high school graduates. 

Eight students were part of the group. Graduates Serenity Achurra, Sophia Aguilar, Emily Bird, Halle Feest, Ruby Hiskett, Hunter McNabb, Sarah Polish, and Anna Springfield. 

The students have seen a lot of change throughout the years.

“I can recall when they were first preparing the building to be a school and much of it was still unrenovated and looked like a Walmart,” Hunter McNabb said. “It is very strange to walk through the halls and see how much it has expanded.”

“The changes we have seen at Oasis go through in the past 13 years are phenomenal,” Ruby Hiskett said. “Not only has the school grown in size, but it has also grown to become an important part of our community. The number of students that have been impacted by Oasis faculty within Fallon is incredible.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for the experience Oasis has given me to be a Jumpstart student,” Anna Springfield said. “I not only had the opportunity to complete my associate's degree but had the support to make it possible. The experience will no doubt make my transition into college much smoother.”

“I’m grateful that Oasis provided the ability to receive my associate's degree,” Emily Bird added. “I am thrilled to graduate with a college degree debt-free.”

“While the school has grown, it is still relatively small,” Polish said. “I’m very grateful to Oasis for providing me with the opportunity to make relationships with my teachers. I’ve learned to advocate for myself and communicate effectively with teachers. I think this would be different at a school where the teachers and students don’t know each other. I feel more prepared to make relationships with college professors this fall.”

With the new Oasis Academy High School building opening in July, the seniors left their mark on it by placing their handprints on the freshly poured concrete at its entrance.

The students all have teachers who have impacted their lives, but founder Melissa Mackedon and a quote she displayed are something this exceptional group of students has not forgotten.

“One thing I remember from my early years at Oasis is a quote that Principal Mackedon displayed that read, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world,’” said Bird. “The content we consume as kids is powerful, and I’ve always felt made to believe that I could be anything I wanted to be as long as I worked hard.”

All eight students will continue to higher education institutions, including the University of Nevada Reno, BYU-Provo, and Trinity College Dublin.

Field Day Tradition

School ended with music, bounce houses, swimming, skating, cotton candy, and making memories for all grades at Oasis Academy on May 23. The annual Field Day festivities are exceptional and were organized this year by Erin Griffin and FOA President Sarah Moffitt. 

Kindergarten through sixth grades stay on campus. The playground was transformed into a buffet of activities and sweet treats. Students rode a mechanical surfboard, climbed a rock wall, played and slid down bounce houses, dunk staff in the dunk tank, jumped on trampolines, and ate their shares of cotton candy, snow cones, and more. The Churchill County Fire Department provided a fire hose sprinkler to help keep the kids cool.

Seventh and eighth graders continued their tradition of starting the day at the Churchill County Indoor Swimming Pool. They then spent the rest of the morning in bounce houses from Louie’s Ace Hardware and enjoyed ice cream from Kim’s Kool Treats.

High school students spent the day skating at Top Gun Skate and eating pizza.

The activities would not have been possible without the funds and support of Oasis' Parent Organization- FOA (Friends of Oasis Academy) and the Middle School Student Council. FOA sells pizza on Thursdays and participates in fundraising activities yearly to pay for the event.

Summer Reading and Math

Students entering first through tenth grade are required to complete summer reading and math assignments. These assignments are part of their fall grades, and not completing them may affect their eligibility to participate in sports and other activities.

Math packets were sent home with students during the last week of school and are available at the front office. Office hours for June are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Summer reading information can be found on the website oanv.org. Incoming grades 3-10 will complete the book review, and incoming first and second graders will complete a reading log/calendar.