![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)
From Area 51 to Outer Space, Homecoming 2019 Shoots for the Stars
SCA put on an “Out of this World” homecoming dance on October 12.
November 1, 2019
Balancing on a ladder, senior Chris Canfield adds stars to the hanging ceiling decor. The SCA, in preparation for the Oct. 12 homecoming dance, furnished the halls with space-themed decor.
Laughing, senior Joel Viola reacts a prank by senior Ryan Nguyen and junior Jayden Thomas. Thomas startled Viola by barking alongside “Who Let the Dogs Out” by the Baha Men. “I’m actually kind of the ‘Dog Girl’ now because we had a bark-off, and people thought I was really good at barking,” Thomas said.
Junior Sachi Wasten wraps a star-laden arch with lights. Watsen, a volunteer at homecoming set up, says that decorating alongside the SCA was a “cool experience,” because of the unique final result that was produced as a result of everyone’s creative visions. “I thought it was really resourceful how we used our spirit hallways as decorations,” Watsen said.
Juniors Haley Priftis and Neve Perez sing along to “Determinate” as they hang a banner at the entrance.
Waving their hands, homecoming-goers dance along to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.”
Senior Sydney Heck arrives at the 2019 “Out of this World” homecoming dance.
Sophomore Christine Choung challenges senior Joel Viola to a dance battle. Students convened on the morning of Oct. 12 to decorate for the dance.
SCA sponsor Michelle Menna and junior Sachi Watson untangle lights.
![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)