![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 Members Address Important Updates Regarding the Special Education Department, Teacher Appreciation Week, and the PTSO Parent Pep Rally
The PTSO board met to discuss the final school-wide events as the year comes to a close and made plans for Teacher Appreciation Week. Members also discussed how to improve the overall experience of the PTSO Parent Pep Rally.
Smiling at the board, Student Activities and Engagement Coordinator Annamika Hacikyan discussed specific information about the PTSO Pep Rally.
May 16, 2023
On May 4, members of the PTSO board met in the library to discuss important updates regarding end-of-year school events, senior student updates, and teacher appreciation week. The board confirmed the date for the annual senior survey, planning to collect all responses by June 2. Towards the beginning of the meeting, the PTSO briefly introduced history teacher Bradley Burzumato as a new PTSO board member for the following school year. Additionally, the date for the annual PTSO Parent Pep Rally was finalized. The event will be held on May 17.
Principal John Duellman began his principal’s report by highlighting various school-wide achievements from the year, including the DE Theater class who will be recognized as state champions at the next school board meeting. Since the month of May is a chaotic time for teachers and students, he encouraged the board to finish the year on a strong note. “It’s important for us to take a step back and know that it’s going to be okay,” Duellman said.
Duellman also briefly brought up the issue of the recent lack of special education teachers throughout the county, emphasizing that there are 11 high school special education teacher openings next year. “I think we’re going to feel it more than ever next year,” Duellman said. “It puts an unbelievable amount of strain on our teachers.”
During the meeting, the board continued to work on making Teacher Appreciation Week a memorable experience this year for all of the teachers at the school. PTSO board member Lisa LaBianca presented possible additions to the usual teacher appreciation week traditions. She suggested that breakfast be sponsored for teachers and introduced the possibility of holding an event at the popular fast-food restaurant – Moby Dick’s.
The board also discussed final options regarding the annual PTSO Parent Pep Rally – an event meant to introduce the parents of rising freshmen to the high school atmosphere. PTSO board member Adela Barnes came up with a few suggestions on how to enhance the experience of the pep rally. She recommended that the advertising be more specific and the event itself be more exciting – emphasizing that it’s a pep rally. “Last year I was pretty disappointed with the event,” Barnes said. “The way it was advertised gave off a pep-rally vibe, and when I walked in I realized that it was just a regular PTSO meeting.”
The PTSO Parent Pep Rally will be held on May 17 from 7-9 p.m.
![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)
