![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)
![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)
Seniors Light up the Stage at Annual Phoenix Pageant
On Feb. 16, the SCA hosted its annual Phoenix Pageant, where upperclassmen were able to showcase their special abilities and talents in front of an audience.
After accepting their first place award, seniors Sonique Alvarez and Roya Cranford give their winning speech to the crowd as the hosts and contestants stand behind them. “[We] had the mindset of knowing we were gonna win coming in,” Cranford said. “And we won coming out.”
February 25, 2022
Roars filled the auditorium on Feb. 16 in the Rock Ridge auditorium from 7 to 7:45 p.m. as the crowd cheered for their favorite senior performances during The Phoenix Pageant. The Pageant was an opportunity for upperclassmen to showcase their special talents and be voted Ms. or Mr. Phoenix, and hold the glory of being one of the most revered seniors in their grade.
Previously, the pageant was called Mr. Phoenix, and was only available for male upperclassmen; however, this year’s event was renamed the Phoenix Pageant. Hosted by SCA Co-Presidents seniors Naomi Cho and Ellie Schubert, the event introduced five contestants: seniors Sonique Alvarez, Roya Cranford, Dylan Sams, Mathew Farley, and Shivoy Nagpaul.
With “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO blasting through the auditorium, the hosts took their place on the stage and introduced the contestants. The night started off with an interview portion, where the hosts interviewed each contestant individually. Questions asked included, “How much would you pay to protect someone from hacking into your search history?” and “What is your most embarrassing moment?” Alvarez explained that she would pay 100 million dollars to not allow hackers from exposing where she gets her clothes from.
After the interview portion concluded, the performances began, where each contestant showed off their unique talents. Alvarez and Cranford performed a multi-step dance routine that consisted of four different songs, including the well known song “Rasputin,” and various outfit changes.
Farley presented an original complex electric guitar performance, where he successfully ate an apple on a paper plate and was fed by his friend, senior Brandon Manivong. Next, Sams sauntered on stage and performed his choreographed routine to “Skate” by Bruno Mars. Finally, Nagpaul sang along to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and The Pacemakers, creating a mellow and serene atmosphere to close off the performances.
At the end of the night, all contestants performed a synchronized dance to “We R Who We R” by Kesha and “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon before hearing the results of the pageant. The audience was given 5 tickets at the start of the show, and used them to vote after the performances. Meanwhile, the judges gave points to each contestant, which was factored into the final score.
Cho and Schubert crowned Alvarez and Cranford as the winners of the 2022 Phoenix Pageant, with Sams coming in second place and Farley in third place.
![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-600x400.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_3870-600x471.jpeg)
