![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)
Cozied up with blankets by the firepit, students came together to kick off the winter spirit week with Frost Fest. The Spirit Week themes included Candy Cane Day, Spotify Wrapped, Wake Up Wednesday, Slay v. Sleigh, and Glow Out; the spirit days led up to the winter pep rally on Friday, Dec. 15.
Senior Ashi Akula is the Creative Director of the Student Council Association (SCA) and helped make sure the event ran smoothly. “I was mostly near the hot chocolate station and checking the fire pits to make sure everything was going good,” Akula said. “It was a team effort; everyone did every job.”
Akula, a new member of SCA, enjoyed her first and only year leading the event. “I went one year [to Frost Fest] before,” Akula said. “[This year] I was there for longer, so I knew more people. I’ve branched out a lot since my sophomore year. Overall, it’s a good senior year memory.”
Although few upperclassmen were present, the underclassmen arrived with spirit to make up for the rest. The freshmen came to enjoy their evening and to find new ways to spend time in SCA-sponsored activities, taking advantage of the opportunity to hang out and spend time with friends. ”I didn’t see a lot of seniors; it was mostly freshmen,” Akula said. “It was still nice to get to know new people.”
Sophomore Taylor Zeberlein enjoyed her time at the event by sipping hot chocolate and hanging around the fire pits. “It was really fun,” Zeberlein said. “ I didn’t pay attention to the movie and I just talked with friends most of the time. I would go again [next year].”
Frost Fest has been a Phoenix spirit essential since its enactment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the movie changes by year, winter treats and a bonfire are always included. The festival typically comes before a Friday night basketball game where students can stay to enjoy Frost Fest and then head inside to cheer on the Phoenix varsity basketball team.
Senior Valerie Blell attended the event for the first time this year; she enjoys the movie ‘Home Alone’ as a holiday tradition, and was appreciative of the fact it was played at Frost Fest this year. “Sometimes during the holidays, we have these movie nights where we watch holiday movies,” Blell said. “I’ve definitely watched ‘Home Alone’ the most.”
Though Phoenix holiday celebrations change, Frost Fest has become a favorite new tradition amongst the student body and something to look forward to every year.
