![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 Tuesday, April 23, the National English Honor Society (NEHS) held its first Open Mic Night for the 23-24 school year, providing a chance for peers to interact with one another, share their creative works, and eat refreshing treats in a soothing environment.
English teacher Jennifer Beasley said that the event was inspiring and commemorated the students for their bravery. “I would describe [Open Mic Night as the] most creative [and] most inspiring, [where] our bravest students come here to share what they’ve written [and] what they feel,” Beasley said. “I think it’s pretty brave of them. It kind of unifies us all because we all have a passion for words.”
Beasley kicked the afternoon off with a quote from the American rapper, Tupac Shakur. “I always get up and kick it off to help them out, but I always use somebody else’s words,” Beasley said. “I’ve never been brave enough to use my words.”
It was an option to speak and share original work but the pleasant environment allowed for a safe space for students to speak. Attendees shared original songs and stories, along with poetry from popular poets.
Students spent their time playing games such as charades or ranting about topics that distressed them by picking folded pieces of paper from glass jars. One of the activities was “acting as teachers,” where students acted out the teacher they had pulled from one of the jars without the use of words. Senior Olivia McMahon acted as English teacher Samuel Colston and chorus teacher Jordan Markwood for her peers to guess.
While there were few in attendance, the atmosphere was relaxing and calming which allowed for a safe and creative space to share pieces and get to know other peers.
