Graduating Senior Taylynn Maynez started at Oasis Academy in fifth grade. She found an encouraging academic environment both 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 her sixth-grade year, 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 explained.
“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. 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,” she closed.