Shaila Patel, Website Coordinator
Shaila Patel is a senior in her second year on the newspaper staff, fueled by her strong sense of curiosity. Since a young age, Patel has been aiding people close to her. Whether it be through PEER or through daily actions, she is passionate about helping strangers, close friends, and family who are struggling in any way, but especially with any mental health concerns. Caring is a big part of who she is. Patel is also an avid dancer. She believes that dance is a form of art, especially the Indian classical dance she practices, Bharatanatyam. Patel sees it as a useful tool for many to convey stories, culture, who people are, and more.
![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)
![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)
![Sophomore Lucy Cho (left) and senior Isabella Lopez (right) fight for the jump ball in the hands of a Judge. “Individually I realized that if I put more emphasis on defense, then I could contribute more to the team,” Lopez said. “As a big and being 5 feet 6 inches, I was getting blocked like crazy by girls who are 6 feet [tall].”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-23-e1706854047229.png)
![Senior Kyle Desai gets into shooting position at the freethrow line, ready to take his foul shots. “I think I did well scoring the ball but there are definitely things I could've done better,” Desai said. “I had too many turnovers, I could've been much cleaner with the ball and made better passes. [But], overall a solid game.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_6293-e1704320279908-1026x1200.jpg)
![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 it's 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)
![Sophomore Mekhi Motilewa dribbles around his defender while they pressure him.“[We need to] play at our own pace,” Motilewa said. “Sometimes we sped up and we didn't keep our composure when we were pressured by the defense…and running our own plays and some communication would help.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/DSC_0523-e1672840913412-900x880.jpg)
