![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.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)
Student stars shine in Rock Ridge’s Got Talent
The annual Talent Show provides a way for students to showcase their unique talents and be recognized for it.
November 25, 2019
(From left) Social studies teacher Melissa Pruitt, runner up junior Trey Launder, freshman Anna Nguyen and Dhaya Bharath; winners of People’s Choice Awards, winner junior Elle Ouimet, along with hosts junior Courtney Bergeron and senior Katie Howard, theater director Katie Rivers and French teacher Veronique Billington, pose for a picture at the end of the talent show.
On Sept. 27, 15 contestants, three judges, and two hosts took the stage at the annual Talent Show to astonish the audience with their skills. The winners of the talent show were junior Elle Ouimet in first place and junior Trey Allan in second place.
Freshman Anna Nguyen and Dhaya Bharath were winners of the People’s Choice Award. Junior Courtney Bergeron and senior Katie Howard were the hosts for the show, along with teachers Melissa Pruitt, Veronique Billington, and theater director Katie Rivers as the three judges. “The judges were so kind,” senior contestant N’deye Sock said.
Bergeron was involved in the talent show last year through technical theater and loved hosting on-stage this time. “I love being on stage and making people laugh,” Bergeron said, “I couldn’t have done it without Katie.”
A lot of preparation went into the talent show by both the hosts and the contestants. “I drank a lot of tea and water and practiced the song over and over again,” Sock said. Sock chose to sing “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi.
Ouimet won the competition for her dance to “Wait for Me Reprise” from a play called “Hades Town,” which she saw over the summer and loved. She was also the winner of the 2017 talent show. Ouimet had been dancing since she was three years old; it has always been her passion.
“Elle was majestic and beautiful when she was dancing,” Sock said. Both the contestants and the hosts were happy to see Ouimet win the talent show.
“As I was reading the cards from the judges, I saw her name, and I got really excited for her,” Bergeron said.
Ouimet choreographed her own dance, unlike her freshman year performance. Despite always being on stage for theater, she was super nervous for the talent show. “I always tell myself that being nervous means that I am prepared and I am ready,” Ouimet said.
The contestants brought their all for a crowd-pleasing evening. “All the contestants were really talented. They had a lot of energy and passion in their performance,” Sock said.
