![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)
School Board Discusses Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Student Athletes, Excused Absences for Religion, Funding for Student Breakfasts, and National Fentanyl Awareness Day
On May 9, the Loudoun County School Board held their weekly meeting. During this, the Board discussed reworking , the recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 9, training and educating staff to respond to sudden cardiac arrests among student-athletes, and religion in schools.
Throughout the school, fentanyl posters have been put up on the walls. These posters recognize the importance of fentanyl awareness and sharing information about the dangers of fentanyl.
May 22, 2023
At their May 9 meeting, the School Board discussed the procedure for sudden cardiac arrest situations among student-athletes, excused absences due to religious reasons, increased funding for student breakfasts, and the recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Among Student Athletes
Also known as policy 8840, the Student-Athlete Sudden Cardiac Arrest policy enforces education and training of staff to respond accordingly if a cardiac arrest occurs among student-athletes. While informing staff about procedures such as using the AED, the policy also informs staff about the risk involved, as well as the odds of survival.
The policy educates staff on the common signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest in men and women. Due to the severity of cardiac arrest, if the signs and symptoms aren’t recognized quickly, especially if the student is still participating in exhilarating activities, the risk of death or lasting brain damage is a strong possibility.
If a student-athlete is recovering from sudden cardiac arrest, a written clearance from their healthcare provider would be necessary to return to playing.
Recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day
May 9 is recognized nationally as Fentanyl Awareness Day. Due to the rising cases of fentanyl overdoses nationwide among high school students, education and awareness of these cases is necessary. Narcan, an administrative medicine for opioid overdoses, is being utilized among schools in the event an opioid overdose occurs.
With posters hung around Rock Ridge and advisory lessons to raise awareness, information about fentanyl is being better spread to students. “I had a general knowledge of fentanyl but the posters show more of the in-depth [information] I didn’t really know,” junior Gabriel Truesdell said.
Excused Absence due to Religion
Another subject that was brought up was regarding exemption from school attendance for religious reasons. If a student wishes to be excused because of their religion, they must be of compulsory school age, which is the age of the child who is enrolled in school to the time they turn eighteen. After being granted, that child is granted an exemption for future years.
The Department of Student Services proposed that the school board excuse the students that are in compliance with the requirements of the Code of Virginia from attendance to school.
While this doesn’t severely affect some people, there are plenty of people that are. Junior Abel Felix, who practices Judaism, believes this policy will greatly help religious students. “For the people that practice their religion more, I feel this could be a great benefit for them.” Felix said, “I like that I could be excused because my religion is very important to me and I’m sure it is as well for other people.”
The next school board meeting will take place on May 23, 2023.
![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)
