![Standing center stage, senior Ananya Akula conducts the Phoenix Chorale. “[Conducting and teaching] is really fun,” Akula said. “Music education is what I want to do.” On the day of the choir assessment, Akula found out that she received the President’s Music Scholarship – a full ride to the University of Miami Frost School of Music.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ananya-1200x800.jpg)
![Senior Fatima Qaderi grew into the person she wanted to become when she was younger and continues to work towards growing more confident in using her voice when it matters. “I didnt get treated the way I wanted to be treated, and I realized that it wasnt just them treating me the wrong way, it was me treating me the wrong way,” Qaderi said. “I forced them to like to look at me in a way where Im someone who needs to be respected; they cant just disregard me, they cant just look over me because I have a different opinion, because Im a woman, because Im Afghan, because Im Muslim, or whatever. It just took going through different experiences to figure out how [I wanted to] be heard.” Photo courtesy of Fatima Qaderi.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_3870.jpeg)
![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)
![Gracing stages, football games, and even the big screen, Taylor Swifts popularity doesn’t seem to be declining anytime soon as she’s been almost everywhere on social media, and just this December, [Swift] won TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year award. This brought along magnificent pictures of Swift, articles praising her, and some controversy between Swifites (Swifts most devoted fans), and other people on whether or not she should have won this award.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/taylor-swift-person-of-the-year-1-1094x1200.png)
Swim Team Kicks Off Season With The Encouragement Of An Exciting Win
On Jan. 8, the Phoenix girls swim team emerged from the pool victorious for the first time in almost 4 years. The boys are doing well, winning 6 meets as of the end of January.
Freshman Andrew Takach dives in for his 200 yard IM race. “I love the competition and team environment. I enjoy improving and working hard,” Takach said. While this is Takach’s first year on the team, he has been swimming competitively for 8 years prior to joining.
February 3, 2022
On Jan. 8, the girls swim team accomplished something they haven’t done in almost 4 years: winning their first swim meet. With a score of 129-122, the Phoenix overcame the Heritage Pride.
According to sophomore Juhi Vaidya, the atmosphere on the bus home was enthusiastic and “very hype.” The team was excited about their win, receiving encouragement from fellow teammates and coaches. “I was very proud. We haven’t won many in the past. It was a welcome surprise,” Vaidya said.
Swim meets are fast paced, with minimal time to rest for swimmers. Some compete in back-to-back events, and although the athletes get a 10-minute break halfway through the meet, the action is constant from the starting 200 yard medley relay to the final event, the 400 yard freestyle relay. “After swimming a long set, you’re tired, but you still feel cool in the water,” sophomore Nikita Rao said.
After their events, some swimmers, like freshman James Cheeks, speak to their coaches about how they think they did. The coaches provide constructive criticism and congratulate the swimmer on how they did. “I ask [the coach] what I need to fix. After a set I ask her what’s next,” Cheeks said. The swimmers seek to improve their strength and skills by asking questions and taking what they learn to new levels.
Two meets after the streak – shattering Heritage win, the team was still feeling encouraged. On Jan. 15, Dulles South Recreation Center’s competition pool was filled with supportive chants and hugs. The team was prepared for their meet against Dominion.When the final heat was complete, the meet ended with the boys winning by 15 points, and although the girls lost, their spirit was still shining through.
The swim team has had a great season, but it’s not over yet. The Phoenix swim team also has swimmers that qualified for regionals and states, which will take place on Feb. 12 and Feb. 17-19, respectively.
![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_0154-600x400.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_0057-600x331.jpg)