![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)
She holds three school records, is the president of a varsity club, a member of the military student club, captain of the track and field team, DECA president, member of the National Honor Society, cross country manager — the list goes on. Junior Lilia Jones is very involved with the Phoenix community and strives to be a leader who pushes herself to be the best version of herself.
As Jones enters her senior year of high school, she’s ready to embrace and overcome any challenges that she faces. Her junior year taught her a few lessons that she finds to be valuable for the future. “I definitely believe that everything that happened this year happened for a reason and I think that reason is to get me ready for senior year,” Jones said.
Q: How was your junior year of high school?
A: It was challenging; at times, I really just wanted to be done with this year. But we made it through and it ended up not being that bad, thanks to many of my teachers and friends.
Q: What were some of your accomplishments this year?
A: I placed all-state in the 55-meter, I made [it] to ICDC in DECA, I was elected as the Rock Ridge DECA president, elected as co-captain of the track team, served on many different student boards this year, three-time district champ, [and]made the all-region team.
Q: How were your track seasons?
A: It wasn’t my best, but it helped me mentally get used to not always coming out on top. It has me ready for next year to work hard to be the best. This year, I wasn’t able to beat my personal record, which was pretty upsetting, but I can’t wait for next year, as I will be ready to break my personal record.
Q: How was DECA? What was your favorite part of it?
A: It was a pretty good year. My favorite memory was getting ICDC with my partner, Ruth. We both didn’t make it last year, which made making it this year more meaningful to us. We had a lot of fun in California. We went to Disney and got to ride some roller coasters, overall 10/10!
Q: Who helped you a lot this year?
A: I would say my mom did. She would come to all my track meets to watch me run and listen to me presenting my DECA project to her over and over. She definitely helped me get my project done and reminded me to do it, not letting me procrastinate.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
A: Find something you like to do, either a sport or club, and then stick with it. Always try new things at school because Rock Ridge has many things you can do. It never hurts to just try something out, and if you don’t like it, then just don’t do it.
