![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)
Awards All Around: All School and Senior Awards
The all-school awards and the senior awards are dedicated to complimenting and commending exceptional underclassmen and seniors were held virtually and in-person on May 31 (all-school) and June 1 (senior awards).
June 10, 2023
On the evening of June 1, the annual senior awards ceremony was held in the school auditorium to congratulate the class of 2023 on their accomplishments and recognize those who excelled in their learning and education. Seniors were awarded in categories ranging from accomplishments in the fine arts, such as the Choral Booster scholarships, to academic awards, like the National Merit scholarships. Students were even congratulated for enlisting into the U.S. Navy. In total, students were awarded $43,650 worth of scholarships.
The senior awards ceremony followed the all-school awards show, which took place on May 31 virtually. These awards celebrated the achievements of students from all grade levels and consisted of recognitions from each department of the school: English, social sciences, science, math, fine arts, language, and physical education. There were also miscellaneous awards handed out, like the “Perseverance Award,” the “Work Ethic Award,” and the “Humanitarian Award.” A total of 126 awards were given out to students to recognize their hard work and the effort they put into classes they particularly excelled in.
Junior Ava Bilinski won the “Scribe Award” for her dedication to writing and the English language. “Winning the ‘Scribe Award’ meant so much to me after many years of dedication to my writing,” she said. “I feel validated in my art. Writing is my passion. Getting all the thoughts that run through my head out on paper is a way I cope with the stresses of everyday life. I have always had a strong love for language and communication. I believe English is much more than just what we learn in class; it is a beautiful way for people to show others the world through their unique lens.”
The senior awards were presented to the students by an array of people, including teachers like English teacher Jessica Berg, marketing teacher Ben Stodola, and choir director Jordan Markwood, to U.S. Navy veteran Petty Officer Troy Sweeney, and the president of the Rock Ridge PTSO board, Tiffany Ahmed.
Sophomore Alexis Anspach was the recipient of the “Geometry Award.” “I was honored I got an award and was honestly pretty surprised I got one — even though I have an A in the class,” she said.
This year’s all school and senior awards ceremony celebrated the greatest achievements of the class of 2023 seniors, wished them good luck in their endeavors in college, and bid them one last farewell before they end their high school careers.
![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)
