![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)
The Force Takes Over The Spring Pep Rally
On April 20, the final pep rally of the year featured a duel between the technology education teacher Peter Johnson and chemistry teacher Kyle Hayne, a fun class game, and a sneak peak at the newest show from Rock Ridge Performing Arts “Bring it On.”
May 22, 2023
On April 20, the spring pep rally seemed to start as usual with the spring sports introductions and the Star Spangled Banner, sung by the Chamber Choir. Suddenly, chemistry teacher Kyle Hayne came out and dueled with technology education teacher Peter Johnson using lightsabers to win the honor of deciding which class will win the spirit stick.
Hayne represented the underclassmen while Johnson represented the upperclassmen. After it seemed like Hayne was going to win, Johnson used the Force to knock him on the ground and win it once and for all for the upperclassmen. While the battle was not fully choreographed, the teachers did plan for Johnson to use the Force on Hayne. “It was a lot of fun to do, and I hope to get to battle again and maybe come out on top next time,” Hayne said.
Students also played the famous floatie toss with volunteers from each class. Although the game is new to the freshman and hasn’t been introduced all year,they still took it by storm. “In the beginning of the year, the underclassmen seemed a lot more reserved, but the energy at this pep rally was different,” senior SCA school board representative Srikar Bangaru said. “It was really great to see everyone participate and cheer.”
Later on, Rock ridge performing arts showed the student body a sneak peak at their newest show “Bring It On,” Leading the song senior Julia Freeman “Bring it On,” stunts that were performed included backflips, splits, and cart wheels.
In the end, seniors got the spirit stick for the last time before they leave high school forever.
