From Students to Substitutes: Alumni Subs Return to Give Back to the School Community

This school year, there has been an increase in alumni substitutes who intend to enhance the classrooms they were recently part of.

Rachel Bhardwaj

Alumni site sub Meghan Groah shares her perspectives on the shift from being a student to substitute teacher at Rock Ridge.

Rachel Bhardwaj, Megan Marr, and Jasmin Ahmed • November 29, 2025

As the new school year begins, many familiar faces are seen in the hallway – not as students but as substitute teachers. Rock Ridge alumni are returning as subs, applying skills they learned in the very same halls they were once taught. They arrive with new perspectives and experiences to share with the students.

The number of Phoenix Alumni who decided to return as substitutes has increased in the past year. Among many substitute teachers, one of them is Kevin Lacey, who graduated in 2017 from Rock Ridge. He has been a long-term sub for theater and earth science, and also teaches choir. Another alumni sub is Meghan Groah, who graduated in 2020 from Rock Ridge and is now a site substitute teacher. Last but not least is Maggie Miller, who graduated in 2020 from Rock Ridge and is a long-term sub for special education teacher Ashley O’Bar.

As more graduates return to Rock Ridge as substitute teachers, their presence is reshaping the school community. They build new experiences for students and strengthen their skills. At Rock Ridge, the impact of alumni doesn’t end at graduation; sometimes it begins again right here.

Story continues below advertisement

About the Contributors

Rachel Bhardwaj, Multimedia Editor

Rachel Bhardwaj is a junior and a third-year staff member. She currently serves as the co-multimedia editor of The Blaze. She enjoys sketching, drawing, and exploring DIY projects. As co-multimedia editor, she is excited to capture broad reactions through her videos and hopes to create more in the future. She has also lived in India for most of her life. Rachel is passionate about helping people and raising voices that often go unheard. Her favorite thing about The Blaze is interacting with people, and she enjoys the welcoming environment.

Megan Marr, Staff Writer

Megan Marr is a junior and a new staff writer on the Blaze. A VA native and theater lover, Megan was recommended by her English teacher, Scott Schwarz, to the program, where she hopes to cover as many arts and entertainment events as possible, with her dream job being an arts and entertainment reporter. Apart from the newspaper, she is a part of Rock Ridge Performing Arts as an actress, sings as an alto at Rockapella, and writes for the Literature Magazine. However, outside of school, Megan can be found walking in the great outdoors, enjoying the trees, sky, and animals.

Jasmin Ahmed, Staff Writer

Jasmin Ahmed is a junior and in her first year at The Blaze. While she grew up in New York, her family is actually from Bangladesh, and she grew up around multiple cultures. Her interest in The Blaze sprouted after she volunteered at the Rise To summit for women earlier this year. Her experience with writing comes from her love of reading and annotating the classics. While she’s eager to improve her writing, she would like to explore video making and editing. This year, she hopes to strengthen her interviewing skills. Outside of journalism, her hobbies range from learning about her extensive culture to listening to hip-hop and R&B.

THE BLAZE

THE BLAZE

THE BLAZE

From Students to Substitutes: Alumni Subs Return to Give Back to the School Community

THE BLAZE

Comments (0)