![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)
The Phoenix Protect The Rock on Senior Night
On Feb. 4, the Phoenix boys varsity basketball team played the Parkview Patriots at home, winning 79-38.
During an intense fourth quarter, the rest of the Phoenix eagerly waited for the opportunity to rebound after a shot from senior Aditya Kamath (5).
February 14, 2022
On Friday, Feb. 4, the Phoenix boys varsity basketball team played the Parkview Patriots for their Senior night. Before the game, the team held a ceremony to thank and celebrate the seniors’ hard work over the past four years.
Senior Ram Jayaraman has been with Phoenix basketball for three years. “[Playing on senior night] felt really good, I played really well. I’ve been waiting to get in most of the season. There was a lot of excitement, a lot of energy, a really big crowd so I felt good about it.” Jayaraman said.
During the first quarter, the Phoenix rallied together to outscore the Patriots 22-9 with an incredible last minute buzzer beater from freshman Mekhi Motilewa (0). During the second quarter, the Phoenix extended the lead to 22 with a score of 40-18 at the half.
The Phoenix kept their foot on the gas during the second half, extending their lead to 37 points. Senior Ram Jayaraman led the team, scoring 13 points in the third quarter and earning MVP chants from the crowd. The Phoenix ended the game in a dominant fashion with a final score of 79-38. “I think we did really well as a team, obviously scored [79] points.” Jayaraman said.
The Phoenix Pit kept the noise up the whole night, cheering on the Phoenix throughout the game. Senior Samson Annavarapu, captain of varsity boys tennis, attended the game to celebrate his fellow senior athletes. “The fact that we scored 41 [more points than the other team] and absolutely destroyed them really got the Rock Ridge side hyped up,” said Annavarapu. “And Ram popped off — honestly, he deserved those MVP chants.”
