![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)
![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)
The audience is silent as the first note of “Be Like the Bird” by Abbie Betinisrings out across the nearly full house in the auditorium. They lean in to listen as the choir starts their show.
On Oct. 19, Rock Ridge Sings held their annual fall choral concert with a total of five choirs singing a wide arrangement of songs. The concert was broken up into six parts: each choir sang their respective songs before coming together to sing the final song as one. The theme for this year’s concert was “Finding the ‘Us’ in Chorus,” as the choir shared songs about community and connection. “Everybody’s welcoming and the environment is cool,” sophomore RJ Richardson said. “I felt easily welcomed.”
Making everyone feel welcome, seniors Maggie Miller and Ananya Akula introduced each choir’s songs in a humorous way through puns and comments.
As the night went on, each choir sang their selected songs, all which related to the theme of uplifting one another. Coming together for the final song of the concert, “United in Purpose,” written by Aretha Franklin, all the choirs went onto the stage to sing. Before singing, choir teacher Jordan Markwood spoke to the audience about what it means to find connections through chorus, as he addressed that some students had a hard time finding friends or relationships with peers. “Each song addressed how each of us are unique,” Markwood said. “We are strong in our own right, we each bring our own gifts to the table, but together we are stronger, and when we unite in purpose, amazing things can happen.”
The night ended with a lovely surprise from choir students as they commenced the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Markwood in celebration of his 40th. Following the concert, the choir hosted a reception in the cafeteria that brought people together in a warm environment meant for everyone to enjoy.
The next choir performance will be on Dec. 14 for the Winter Choral Concert.
