![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)
Orchestra Spotlights the Seniors at Their Last Spring Concert
On May 17, the orchestra held their annual spring concert, where they recognized the seniors for their accomplishments and highlighted other students’ achievements by awarding them certificates.
Senior Maya Guffey plays her cello during her last concert at the school. “It feels bittersweet,” said Guffey. “This will be my last concert after ten years of recitals and rehearsals, and it’s a little bit sad.”
June 2, 2022
After four years of hard work and dedication, the seniors in the orchestra program finally made it to their last concert of their high school career. On May 17, the spring performance showcased everyone’s talents and what they’ve been working on for the past two months.
The orchestra performed three songs: “St. Paul’s Suite,” which had three parts — “Jig ,” “Intermezzo,” and “Dargason (Finale)” — composed by Gustav Holst, “Celtic Canon, ” composed by Pachelbel/Arr. Plohman, and “Toccatina,” composed by William Hofeldt. The audience in attendance enjoyed their performance. “This was my first time watching my sister perform,” junior Malavika Saritha’s brother, Advith Baiju, said. “I really enjoyed watching her and everyone perform the songs they’ve been working on.”
Lighting up the auditorium stage, the orchestra played almost thirty minutes of music that they’ve learned. “I had a great time performing up there as it was my last concert [of high school],” senior Ananya Manikandan said.
The seniors also said many goodbyes to their fellow classmates and orchestra members, to their favorite orchestra director, and last but not least, the mark they have made on the school’s orchestra. “It’s so emotional because I’ve been playing with [senior Sarina Amiri] since we were in sixth grade,” Manikandan said. “It’s so sad that this is our last concert.”
Following the performance, the students received certificates for achievements they’ve had in competitions such as All State, Senior Regional Orchestra, Governor’s School of Performing Arts, and more. The orchestra has also earned the VMEA Blue Ribbon Award, which is the highest award given to school music programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“I’ll miss them,” orchestra director Teresa Gordon said. “I’m sad we lost the time in person during quarantine, but I’m glad we got to get back together one last time [before they graduate].”
![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)
