![Junior Diya Arun stares out a window. For Arun, the winter season brings out the holiday blues. “ I think [the winter] has a negative effect on my mental health because I feel like the cold weather and people around me are also sadder [and] that affects me,” Arun said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_8047-1200x800.jpg)
![French teacher Marieme Toure serves a plate of the Senegalese food she prepared for her AP French Language and Culture class, to senior Faiza Syed. “I never had Senegalese food before,” Syed said. “I thought it was so cool that she was able to bring a part of her culture [and] background to us.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_0798-1200x906.jpeg)
![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
On Thursday, Nov. 14, Rock Ridge held its first RISE Award ceremony of the school year for students who showed outstanding behavior during the first quarter. Students were awarded a certificate, which was delivered to them during class, and were invited to attend the RISE award ceremony in the library during brain break. Teachers were able to pick several students that they currently teach that display respect, integrity, service, and empathy, or RISE, to receive the award. There were snacks and donuts for award recipients to reward them for modeling good behavior.
Many students were thrilled to receive this award and be recognized for showing outstanding behavior during the first quarter. “Students get very excited when they are acknowledged,” Student Support Advisor Elizabeth Bush said. Over 100 students showed up to the ceremony to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Students who receive the reward show their teachers in each class that they can be a great role model and courteous people to their peers. Junior Reshmitha Rajagopal has been attending Rock Ridge for two years and has received this award three times. “Receiving this award motivates me to work harder and be the best person I can be,” Rajagopal said.
During the event, students were called into the library to congratulate them on their hard work in the first quarter. Teachers helped make this event happen including Bush. She was happy with how everything turned out and was excited for a new year of students to receive the award. “Each teacher picks about two students that stood out to them; students who represent RISE and show how Rock Ridge students should act,” Bush said.
For freshman Aubrey Polen, the award came as a surprise to her, but she was thrilled by it. “I was very excited when I found out that I got the [RISE] award, [and] it’s really nice to know that people notice what I do and that Rock Ridge recognizes people’s hard work,” Polen said. “Especially since I am a freshman, this award helped me gain confidence and start off the year.”
Next quarter, Rock Ridge will host another RISE award ceremony to congratulate a new group of students on their great work. Until then, teachers and administration will continue to provide encouragement and motivation so that students continue their pursuit of excellence.
