![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)
On Feb. 15, parent volunteers in the library welcomed the class of 2024 with the scent of coffee filling the air and a mouthwatering assortment of donuts laid out for the seniors to savor during their quarterly breakfast. The spread offered a variety of flavors, from classic glazed to indulgent chocolate and strawberry-sprinkled delights. Accompanied by cups of coffee, the seniors were treated to a delicious start to their day.
Organized by senior class sponsors Liz Grainger and Brittany Thomas, the breakfast allowed seniors to spend quality time with their peers and those they haven’t gotten the chance to catch up with as they near the end of their high school journey. “I get to check up on the seniors that I don’t share any classes with or those that missed a lot of school,” senior Hatoon Abdulrahman said. This echoed the sentiment of many as they seized the opportunity to reconnect with classmates, reinforcing the sense of unity that defines their class.
Toward the end of the breakfast, principal John Duellman announced the graduation speaker. Seniors had weeks to vote for their choice of the top five nominees: science teacher Mithra Marcus, English teachers Sean Heron and Samuel Colston, marketing teacher Ben Stodola, and former history teacher and current Student Activities and Engagement Coordinator Brad Burzumato.
Burzumato won the most votes, securing his role as the graduation speaker, and recognizing his impact and connection with the class of 2024. “I am very honored to be the senior speaker; it means a lot that the students have chosen me to give them their final words of wisdom as they leave high school and head out into the real world,” Burzumato said.
As the announcement echoed through the library, cheers and applause erupted, marking the conclusion of a morning filled with surprises, connections, and anticipation. The aroma of coffee lingered, the sweetness of donuts still in the air, serving as a backdrop to the shared experiences and the palpable excitement for the bright future awaiting the class of 2024. This quarterly tradition exemplifies the spirit of the school and leaves a legacy of camaraderie and memories that will be remembered fondly by graduating classes for years to come.
