![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.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)
MSA Clears the “MIST” in D.C. Tournament
Rock Ridge MSA placed fifth overall at the D.C. MIST competition with first place in fashion design, third in 3D art, third in photography, and first in Nasheed, a song that includes Islamic elements.
Posing for a picture, Phoenix MSA members await the announcement of the winners on March 27.
May 24, 2022
On March 26 and 27, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) participated in the D.C. Muslim Interscholastic Tournament (MIST), an event filled with competition and workshops to build students’ leadership, communication, and creative skills to “develop a strong identity.”
According to MIST’s official website, the event has the goal of developing the confidence and professionalism of participants through public speaking and presentations, teach students strategies to deal with stereotypes and prejudices against Muslims, allow students to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and meet and network with diverse peers.
MIST consists of five competition categories: Knowledge and Quran, Arts, Writing and Oratory, Brackets, and Group Projects, each with multiple competitions related to the category.
To prepare for MIST, members of MSA gathered once or twice a week in the library to work on their individual as well as group projects.
Junior Javaria Sohail competed in and placed first in fashion design with her original clothing line inspired by the theme of this year’s competition: “the conviction in courage: finding the balance between fear and risk.”
“There were six drawings overall,” Sohail said. “I stayed up two nights to complete it and it ended up being successful,” Sohail said.
