![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)
Raving Rants: NEHS Spring Open Mic Night
On April 28, NEHS hosted its second Open Mic Night of the year in the library, giving attendees the chance to both address the group and observe several powerful statements.
![Senior Jasmine Lewis hugs senior Valentina Lopez as she reads a poem in remembrance of her late dog. “[I chose this poem] because it is very significant to me and I wanted to share that with everyone else, knowing how significant it is to me, but hopefully I can change someone else's view and give them the same emotion that I had,” Lopez said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/DSC_0476-e1684463646279-770x900.jpg)
Senior Jasmine Lewis hugs senior Valentina Lopez as she reads a poem in remembrance of her late dog. “[I chose this poem] because it is very significant to me and I wanted to share that with everyone else, knowing how significant it is to me, but hopefully I can change someone else’s view and give them the same emotion that I had,” Lopez said.
May 18, 2023
On Thursday, April 28, the National English Honor Society (NEHS) held their second Open Mic Night of the year for members and nonmembers alike to enjoy before the stressful week of SOL and AP testing. The Open Mic Night was open for anyone interested in sharing their stories, songs, poetry, and other works of writing, or for those wanting to listen to the literary works being shared.
While the spring Open Mic Night took place in the midst of one of the most hectic portions of the school year and fewer people were in attendance than at the previous fall occasion, there was certainly not a lack of emotion at the event. “We didn’t expect many people to come, due to the timing, and also the approach we took to advertising it this time around, but for those who did, it was a great intimate experience,” English teacher and NEHS sponsor Jennifer Beasley said. Many students took advantage of the share-out as an opportunity to let go of inner feelings that they lack an outlet to vent to.
Although no one is required to speak, the comforting atmosphere of the Open Mic helps those in attendance feel more secure in doing so. “There was absolutely no shame in being around a crowd that’s always very welcoming and very similar to you,” Lopez said. “Everyone has the same aspects and dreams, so it’s always very comforting knowing everyone around you wont judge you for anything.”
After the group of students from all grade levels grabbed refreshments, the readings began. The literary works that were shared ranged from rants about unpleasant assignments, heartfelt poems, and fun tongue twisters. Throughout the evening, the artistic talents of the student body were on full display.
![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)