![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.jpg)
Phoenix Stumble in Homecoming match against Potomac Falls
In their Oct. 11 homecoming clash, the Rock Ridge Phoenix fell 13-38 to the Potomac Falls Panthers.
November 1, 2019
Choir director Jordan Markwood conducts the Rock Ridge choir through a performance of the National Anthem. The football team went head-to-head against Potomac Falls during their Oct. 11 homecoming game.
Defensive Coordinator Kevin Bosworth rallies up the football team during a time out following a series of defensive fumbles.
Rock Ridge alumnus and former homecoming queen Celine Nguyen crowns senior Isabelle Duchatellier as the 2019 homecoming queen. Friends of Duchatellier, seniors Mina Schubert and Ryan Nguyen, walked beside her as the homecoming court nominees were presented at the half. “People kept calling me queen and I loved it . . . Now people actually know me more than some girl that just passes them in the hallway, but they know me as a leader,” Duchatellier said.
Sprinting, Potomac Falls sophomore Rico Brown evades the Phoenix’s defense. The Phoenix fell short to the Panthers 7-35 at the end of the third quarter.
Junior James Minano rushes toward senior Will Jencks in order to slow the Panthers’ offense.
Twirling a flag, freshman Sudeepa Pasupuleeti performs during the marching band’s halftime show. “I really liked that hit because it was so strong and powerful . . . At first, in band camp, I couldn’t do it; it was on another level because I’m a rookie,” Pasupuleeti said. “Now, I can show people that I can do it.”
Donning black clothing, students celebrate a touchdown early in the first quarter, giving the Phoenix a 7-0 lead.
Senior Aidan Emanuel kneels on the sidelines minutes before the clock starts. To prepare for his games, Emanuel separates himself from his high-energy surroundings to pray. “I seclude myself and talk to my Lord,” Emanuel said.
Rushing the endzone, Phoenix senior Elliot Lightner gets tackled by the Panthers’ defensive backers, seniors Will Misch and Collin Araque.
![In a historic presidential election, voters nationwide turned out to make their voices heard. Virginia’s 10th congressional district had three key national positions up for election: president, senator, and representative.
In the race for the House of Representatives seat previously held by Democrat Jennifer Wexton, the Republican Party nominated Mike Clancy, while the Democratic Party put forward Suhas Subramanyam, a former Virginia General Assembly Senator. Subramanyam won the seat with a 52% majority.
For one of Virginia’s Senate positions, Democratic incumbent Tim Kaine and Republican challenger Hung Cao faced off. Kaine took the position with a 54% majority.
For the White House, current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump fought to obtain the 270 electoral votes needed to get the bid. News outlets worldwide tracked the results live, with close attention to seven key battleground states: Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina. Trump ultimately crossed the 270-vote threshold early on Nov. 6, with the swing states playing a pivotal role in his campaign’s success.
This election was the first presidential race for many Gen-Z voters, who entered a sharply polarized environment. Adela Booth, mother-in-law of Representative-Elect Subramanyam, traveled from Connecticut to support his campaign, encouraging young voters to engage in the political process. “Vote,” Booth said. “Get involved in politics. Even [if] you don’t think it applies to you, it applies to you. You will carry this debt. It will affect your grandchildren and you have to do something about it. You can’t sit back and watch anymore.”
✏️ and 📷 by Shivu Sathe](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)