![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)
PTSO Holds First In-Person Meeting After One Year
On Sept. 1, the PTSO met in the library to create a plan for the year, create advertising plans, and meet new parents.
President Tiffany Ahmed introduced herself and informed in-person and online attendees of the PTSO’s mission. The staff plans to incorporate more activities and events for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, while still hosting senior breakfasts and class-celebratory events for seniors. “I’m glad to be back and be in community with folks,” Ahmed said. “There’s so much that goes on in this school, and for parents to see first-hand the student activities builds that connection.”
September 9, 2022
On Sept. 1, the PTSO had their first official meeting of the 2022-23 school year in the library. PTSO President Tiffany Ahmed began the meeting by expressing her joy in being involved with the PTSO for the past six years. “The dedication and commitment of the teachers and administration [keeps pulling me back into the PTSO],” Ahmed said. “Seeing them speak so passionately from their hearts about the students is truly special.”
Ahmed then introduced the new executive board members and discussed the board’s upcoming plans and hopes for the school year, including finding parents to recruit for community positions and discussing fundraising activities.
VP of Membership Adela Barns also mentioned many ways that parents can help support the PTSO that benefits both them and the PTSO. You can link your Harris Teeter VIC card to RRHS PTSO, code 2587 or add the school on Amazon Smiles and a percentage of what you spend will go directly to the PTSO, helping them fund/promote future projects. Members of our community can also sign up to participate in the Best Runners 1K and 5K fundraiser on Sept. 10 and/or the Asha Jyothi 5K Run/Walk on Sept. 18.
The next PTSO meeting will take place on Oct. 6 both virtually via Zoom and in the library.
![On Monday, Dec. 16, the Rock Ridge Phoenix boys varsity basketball team faced the Unity Reed Lions in a close-knit battle, where the Phoenix prevailed 59-56.
The first quarter started slow, with both teams focusing on strong defense. Even with sophomore Filippo Gomes leading the first with two three-pointers, the Phoenix were still down three at the end of the quarter, leaving a 15-12 lead for the Lions.
The Phoenix amped up their offense considerably for the rest of the game. During the second quarter, the Phoenix scored 20 points, allowing them to grow the point gap between them and the Lions’ score, finishing the quarter 32-23 Phoenix. The third quarter was neck-and-neck as the Lions found footing again, but the Phoenix persisted and gained 14 points, ending the third quarter with a nerve-wracking 46-45 Phoenix lead. “I was a little nervous, I’m not gonna lie,” senior Akash Kulkarni said. “But just staying confident, making good passes, and listening to [Coach] Geyer [got us through].” Both teams fought tooth-and-nail for the fourth quarter, utilizing fouls, free throws, and timeouts to their advantage, but in the end, it was up to Phoenix defense to ensure their win. Ultimately, the Phoenix triumphed, with a winning score of 59-56.
After the game, the Phoenix basketball team awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) belt to the player who worked diligently behind the scenes senior William Beck. They awarded him MVP for his team leadership and playmaking throughout the game. “It feels good, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” Beck said.
✏️ and 📷 by Nidhi Manchala and Lucian Tiller](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)