![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)
Tuesday – Adam Sandler Day
The first spirit day of the year kicked off with Adam Sandler Day. Students dressed up in oversized shirts and shorts and wore hats that resembled the style of the actor. “[Spirit week] is fun; it’s probably going to be my last chance to [participate] before college applications,” senior Manasvi Sharma said. “This year is going to be a lot of work — especially the first semester — so it’s just something fun [to do].”
SCA hosted lunch games where students from each grade level competed to win spirit points for their class during lunch. The lunch game on Tuesday was Musical Chairs.
Wednesday – Barbie Day
Bejeweled boots, glittery dresses, and pink tops filled the hallways as students dressed up in their best Barbie outfits. Barbie Day brought out creativity in students and staff alike in preparation for the football game on Friday. “I decided to dress up today because I like pink, and because I like wearing dresses,” junior Keya Kocherla said. “I’m planning to dress up [for the rest of the week, too]. I also think I’m going to the football game and the tailgate.” On Tuesday, during the lunch game, students fought for spirit points by playing trivia, which was a mix of general knowledge questions and Barbie questions.
Thursday – Squad Day
Reminiscent of “Twin Day,” Squad Day was an opportunity to grab friends and match outfits in groups of two or more. Students had a blast taking pictures with their friends in their matching outfits. The lunch game on Thursday was blindfolded cup-stacking. The staff also participated in this spirit day, with the English staff all wearing blue, the admin team wearing M&M T-shirts, and the history department dressing in “Crayola” shirts.
Friday – Tropical Out
Students dressed in colorful leis and tropical Hawaiian shirts, to end the week strongly and to cheer on the football team at the home game against Strasburg High School. The lunch game on Friday was “Finish the Lyric,” where students competed to win spirit points for their class by finishing song lyrics from artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, and Pitbull. To conclude the week, SCA hosted the first pep rally of the year, where teachers competed in a friendly game of musical chairs, and each class tried to win the Spirit Stick by cheering the hardest. Chemistry teacher Kyle Hayne won musical chairs, and the seniors won the Spirit Stick.
