![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)
Freshmen Get the “Scoop”
On Aug. 22, Rock Ridge hosted its first-ever Scoop Day, previously known as Pre-Flight Day. With a combination of activities, such as a scavenger hunt, a student panel, and a pep rally, incoming freshmen were able to get an exciting and interactive introduction to high school.
After volunteering to participate in the “Hungry Hungry Hippos” inspired pep rally game, freshmen Conner Bultema and David Lassissi attempt to collect the most balls in their laundry basket while competing against four other duos.
September 21, 2022
Rising freshmen arrived at Rock Ridge on Aug. 22 and were greeted with an itinerary of activities aimed to get them familiar with the school before officially starting on Aug. 25. As this day was the first of its kind, Phoenix students, staff, and parents who attended the event aimed to make it as memorable and informative as possible for new students and their parents.
When newcomers first walked through the doors, they were greeted by WINGS mentors, stationed to give them a schedule for the day to come and provide raffle tickets for a chance to win some Phoenix merchandise. This schedule began with a student and parent panel, where staff and current students enthusiastically welcomed them before dismissing the freshman to start their activity cycle, while the parents remained for a panel.
Running around the school, WINGS mentors led their groups through four different activities aimed to get students familiarized with the school and its activities: an SCA-led student panel, a sports presentation led by student-athletes, a club/activity presentation, and a scavenger hunt to help incoming students find their way around. “I thought [the activities] were really informative,” senior Ayesha Ansari said. “I’m glad they started doing [Scoop Day] now, especially since these kids had so many of their school [years] online. It was pretty good to have that, just to give them something to look forward to.”
To end the day on a high note, all students were sent to the cafeteria to have their first-ever pep rally. A fun-packed event, there were games, activities, and some lessons in pep rally cheers, making it the best part of the day for many. “Everyone seemed super energetic and into it,” freshman Sadhika Boggavarapu said. “It was really loud and fun.”
![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)