![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)
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.
![In a historic presidential election, voters nationwide turned out to make their voices heard. Virginia’s 10th congressional district had three key national positions up for election: president, senator, and representative.
In the race for the House of Representatives seat previously held by Democrat Jennifer Wexton, the Republican Party nominated Mike Clancy, while the Democratic Party put forward Suhas Subramanyam, a former Virginia General Assembly Senator. Subramanyam won the seat with a 52% majority.
For one of Virginia’s Senate positions, Democratic incumbent Tim Kaine and Republican challenger Hung Cao faced off. Kaine took the position with a 54% majority.
For the White House, current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump fought to obtain the 270 electoral votes needed to get the bid. News outlets worldwide tracked the results live, with close attention to seven key battleground states: Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina. Trump ultimately crossed the 270-vote threshold early on Nov. 6, with the swing states playing a pivotal role in his campaign’s success.
This election was the first presidential race for many Gen-Z voters, who entered a sharply polarized environment. Adela Booth, mother-in-law of Representative-Elect Subramanyam, traveled from Connecticut to support his campaign, encouraging young voters to engage in the political process. “Vote,” Booth said. “Get involved in politics. Even [if] you don’t think it applies to you, it applies to you. You will carry this debt. It will affect your grandchildren and you have to do something about it. You can’t sit back and watch anymore.”
✏️ and 📷 by Shivu Sathe](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)