![Phoenix gets in position to initiate the beginning of an intense game. “It's coming to the end of the season here, so [our goal] is to just focus on working harder,” senior lineman Ryan Abbondanza said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_0042-1200x800.jpg)
Rock Ridge students gathered in the gymnasium on April 17 for the final pep rally of the year, hosted by seniors Nila Divakar, Angel Labosette, and Shaun Sahayadarlin.
As soon as everyone was settled in, the spring athletes ran across the floor to represent their teams. Once all teams were introduced, the hosts announced the spirit points. First place was the sophomores, followed by the seniors, then the freshmen, leaving the juniors in last place.
Next was a performance from the Rock Ridge Theatre Arts (RRTA) cast. They performed “Rhythm of the Tambourine” from their upcoming production “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which will run from April 24 to May 2.
The performance starred senior Laura Adams, who will be playing Esmeralda. “At the beginning, I was very nervous, but as I got more comfortable being out there, I just had fun,” Adams said. “I have never been a soloist. I’ve always been [in an] ensemble; this is the first time where I was front and center by myself. [However,] it’s fun to finally showcase your singing and your style – I just have so much fun doing it.”
After the performance, “Hamster Ball Soccer” took the center stage. The game featured grade-level representatives encased in giant inflatable balls. The participants were in teams of two, with senior Micheal Falteni and sophomore Leeona Walker as the red team, facing off against junior Cameron Nguyen and freshman Kal Esayase for the blue team.
With a surprising outcome at the buzzer, the blue team won with a last-second goal. Computer science teacher Logan Flannigan, in particular, enjoyed the game. “I like seeing the kids be good at stuff,” Flannigan said. “I always like seeing the kids compete against each other. It’s always fun.”
Up next was the teacher game “Balloon Pop.” The participating teachers included Flannigan, English teacher Samuel Colston, theater teacher Anne Devine, and math teacher Nicole Turner. Flannigan won the game, and his experience with SCA games over the years contributed to his success. “Run fast. That’s [my] strategy,” Flannigan said. “ I think especially the participation in [the games is why] I find [pep rallies] fun.”
The final event of the pep rally was the battle of cheering and throwing streamers for the spirit stick. Each grade had to cheer as loud as they could and spread out their colored streamers as far as possible to win.
However, the freshman class released its streamers too soon and was disqualified, losing all spirit points. Rock Ridge’s first spirit director, Kevin Lacey, was then given the honor of choosing which class should win the spirit stick. After some consideration, he decided to award the spirit stick to the senior class.
Even though the final pep rally of the year is over, SCA will still continue its school spirit events next year. In particular, SCA member and pep rally host Nila Divakar hopes that the pep rallies will continue. “The general plan for pep rallies, since we’re all so separated by grades, is to bring the school closer together, because while we’re different in grades and different in age, we’re all just Rock Ridge,” Divakar said. “We’re all Rock Ridge Phoenix.”
