![On Oct. 30, 24 Eco Club members took a tour of the school’s solar panels on the roof. They were guided and taught by an employee from E Light Electric, the company that maintains the school’s solar panels, and learned about how the panels are maintained and cared for. “I was definitely very excited about being on the roof in general,” Eco Club member Olivia Fang ‘26 said. “[It was exciting to] learn more about solar panels and how they work and how they supply energy to our school.”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RCH_2632-1200x800.jpg)
![Ice and snow make it difficult for drivers on the road. During snowstorms, drivers have poor visibility, and frozen roads make it difficult to stay in control. “Driving home from Denver [on Friday], the neighborhoods weren’t plowed. By the time we got back they were only plowing highways. We spun out, nearly got stuck and fishtailed a few different times,” Connor Pugh ‘26 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Untitled_Artwork-e1732045465987.jpg)
![Varsity girls soccer midfielder Leah Sheahan ‘24 hugs a friend during the Senior Night celebrations before the home game against Mountain Vista High School (MVHS) at Echo Park Stadium April 29. During Senior Night, seniors were given flowers and the opportunity to walk out and take pictures with their family as their future plans and favorite memories were announced over the speakers. The Jags tied 0-0, losing the Continental League Championship. “We were obviously the stronger team but just couldn’t find a way to score, but otherwise our connection and our intensity was really high so I’m proud of that. We just have to find the net,” defense midfielder Clara Geuzaine ‘24 said. “[Losing League] wasn’t the best. It’s better than last year and like, I know our team and we are doing really good. I don’t want to jinx it but like hopefully [we’ll do] good [in playoffs].”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Copy-of-DSC_4277-1-1200x868.jpg)
![In room 4101, Natalie Patterson ‘26, Ariana Magor ‘25 and Celina Salazar ‘25 create a poster in science teacher Kerry Reilly’s Chemistry Honors April 18. The three completed a worksheet and drawing to explain the implosion of a tank for their unit on gas laws. “At the start of class, we watched a video of the tank imploding,” Patterson said. “I think [making a drawing] is something new. I like more artsy activities.”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5019-1200x900.jpeg)
Unified Peer Coaches
How the Unified peer coaches started coaching, and how you can get involved too.
media by Danny Curran
A graphic depicts profiles of the peer coaches for the Unified students.
March 19, 2023
Feb. 7, the Unified Basketball team played against a team of counselors during Seminar for the annual Unified basketball game assembly. The choir sang, the pep band played, and posters waved from the stands on all sides. The crowd cheered as David Keefe ‘23 scored a basket. But did anyone notice the student behind the wheelchair?
The success of our Unified team is partly thanks to a group of student helpers who push wheelchairs, guide athletes, and give endless support.
“They are my favorite,” Leanne Mackzum ‘25 said.
“I think it’s cool,” Jacob Thompson ‘23 said. “There are a couple of people there that I’m friends with that are peer coaches.”
It’s time to meet our Peer Coaches.
Austin Duris ’24:
Sports: Basketball, kickball, soccer.
Becoming a peer coach: “When I was 13, I needed service hours to be an Eagle Scout, and since my mom worked with SSN kids, she signed me up to volunteer at Unified games.”
Why: “It started out just because I needed service hours, but over time I grew to enjoy it.”
Advice: “You should absolutely do it! There’s no reason that you will leave a Unified game less happy than you entered it. Plus, it’s a great way to get service hours and to meet new people.”
Favorite thing about peer coaching: “The smiles and energy that the Unified kids bring to every single game.”
Tanner Bird ’26:
Sports: Kickball.
Becoming a peer coach: “I talked to Jerome and signed up when there was the big Activity Fair.”
Why: “Because I thought it would be fun, and a good opportunity. My mom had told me about it.”
Advice: “[Students] should do it, it’s fun.”
Favorite thing about peer coaching: “How happy everyone is.”
Favorite moment: “At the basketball game, when David scored, he said ‘back up’ and had them scoot the basket further.”
Henry Brant ‘26:
Sports: Basketball, kickball.
Becoming a peer coach: “I just knew Jerome, so I signed up. I also knew Tanner and Mrs. Bird.”
Why: “For something to do. If I wasn’t a peer coach, I’d be playing video games at home.”
Advice: “Do it. It’s fun, and there’s not a lot of peer coaches.”
Favorite thing about being a peer coach: “Beating the guys in basketball during warm-ups, and having fun.”
Favorite moment: “I liked the Seminar game and pushing Sam around.”
Brodie Lyle ‘26:
Sports: Kickball, basketball.
Becoming a peer coach: “I volunteered for it at the Activity Fair.”
Why: “I thought it was pretty fun and I like volunteering.”
Advice: “They should join. It’s really fun and fulfilling.”
Favorite thing about being a peer coach: “Basketball is really fun, just playing basketball with everyone.”
Favorite moment: “Just when someone makes a far shot from the basket and everyone goes crazy.”
Logan Smart ‘25:
Sports: Kickball.
Becoming a peer coach: “I was a Peer Coach in their P.E. class, and I thought it sounded like a fun idea to go to one of their games, and I enjoyed it.”
Advice: “It’s a really fun thing. All the kids are super nice and fun to be around.”
Favorite thing about being a peer coach: “Just spending time with the kids, seeing them have a lot of fun.”
Favorite moment: “I think it’s fun to go to the assembly, where the entire school is there supporting them.”