![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)
Broadway Desserts Returns to The Rock
After two years, students, staff, and community members reunited under the dimmed cafeteria lights and playbill decor to watch performances at the annual Rock Ridge Sings fundraiser — Broadway Desserts.
In the final song of Act One at Broadway Desserts, junior Julia Freeman raises her fist while singing “Ex-Wives” from “Six,” accompanied by senior Maddie Kesler, junior D’Amora Brunson, and sophomores Mariah Waters and Kaia Greene, as well as junior Mary Kate Connor (not pictured). “We chose [“Ex-Wives”] since we wanted to do a group project. We usually only do individual projects, and we thought it would be fun to come together and perform it,” junior D’Amora Brunson said.
March 4, 2022
For the first time in two years, the cafeteria became a stage as Broadway Desserts returned to the spotlight on Feb. 18. For ten dollars a ticket, the annual Rock Ridge Sings fundraiser promised a great show of Broadway hits and unlimited treats. Community members sat at Broadway-themed tables piled high with trays of desserts and enjoyed seventeen performances from Rock Ridge and a special performance from Stone Hill students.
Emceed by the comedic seniors playing Mrs. and Mr. Wormwood in RRPA’s soon-to-be spring production of “Matilda,” Maddie Kesler and Jack Gould kept the packed house entertained from the start of the show through every transition to the very last note performed. “My favorite part of tonight was Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood hosting the show,” attendee and performer, senior Karishma Ruhnke, said. “I loved them so much.” Ruhnke performed in groups with her friends for the songs “Ready Set, Not Yet” from “Beetlejuice” and “Take Me or Leave Me” from “RENT”.
The event was an opportunity for the arts to come together again after the restrictions of the pandemic. “I really just think it’s a good opportunity [to perform tonight], because the arts haven’t really been around for two years and now we are able to come back and be together,” freshman Annabelle Monte said. Monte performed “If Momma Was Married” from “Gypsy” with freshman Kaylie Rivers at the event.
All of the acts performed were accompanied by songs from famous musicals, such as “Wicked,” “Guys & Dolls,” “Annie,” “La La Land,” and more.
It was also announced during the event that several students from RR Sings had been selected to the All-Virginia Chorus to represent Rock Ridge. Near the exit, a table was set up to raise additional money in donations for the students to be able to travel to Richmond in April and other associated fees for RR Sings.
