![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)
PTSO Discusses Monthly Updates and Austrian Exchange Program
At their Oct. 6 meeting, members of the PTSO introduced information regarding the Austrian exchange program, citing the need for more host families. The PTSO also set goals for upcoming school events, such as the Homecoming dance.
German teacher Charles Riemert discusses information regarding the Austrian Exchange program that he’s organizing. “We’re looking for host families for nine [Austrian] students,” Riemert said. “This is a good opportunity for students in need of service hours, as they receive well over 200 hours [for hosting].”
October 18, 2022
On Oct. 6, the PTSO held their monthly member meeting in the library, which focused on many topics, including information on the Austrian Student Exchange program, homecoming, and school updates.
The meeting started off with German teacher Charles Riemert introducing the Austrian Student Exchange program. Riemert shared what the program entails and how it would benefit students at our school. The program consists of a group of 25 Austrian students visiting the United States and hosting them as they experience what life is like in America. “[The reason I’m doing this] is because I want them to experience [America] like the locals do,” Reimert said. “[That’s] why I’m such a huge advocate for these exchange programs.” His goal at this meeting was to raise awareness about the exchange program, and answer any common questions that families may have.
In addition, the PTSO had their sights set on helping out the individual grade levels this year. With homecoming around the corner, they are proposing to give each class $50 to help them buy supplies for hallway decorating. “[Hallway decorating] is a fun and competitive [activity] that pulls in a lot of participation from students in each class,” PTSO president Tiffany Ahmed said.
After the success of the Best Runners 5k and the Asha Jyothi 5k that the PTSO put together in September, they are planning on hosting another 5k around the springtime. The PTSO got almost $1000 back in donations and they will be using that to plan more events for the students. At those events, sophomore Yug Kolla placed third and second place in the races respectively.
In addition, PTSO is trying to increase parent and teacher membership and find students who are willing to be on the board to help better represent the student body and voice their opinions.
The next meeting will be held on Nov. 3 in the library.
![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)
