Waves of students make their way into the gym, slowly finding a seat in the bleachers as the choir prepares to sing the national anthem and Student Council works with administration to host their final assembly of the school year.

The annual Moving Up Assembly, held at the end of the day May 12, was a final wrap-up to the week and conclusion to Class of 2023’s senior year. Accomplishments were celebrated as Student Council and Principal Andy Abner, Assistant Principal Mandi Zimmerman and Athletic Director Tom Brieske talked about outstanding achievements in academics, activities and athletics.

Student Council ran through the events of the year, from the kickoff with the Back-to-School Dance and Homecoming Week to the Class Competition, Wish Week–raising almost $70,000 to grant this year’s Wish Kid’s Wish along with seven other wishes–and Prom.

Academically, Jags thrived, with some of the best PSAT and SAT scores in the district and the largest AP program in Douglas County. 

According to the RCHS Newsletter, seniors finished the year with 586 graduates and over 14 million dollars earned in scholarships. Along with obtaining general scholarships, Jags contributed to the long-standing Colorado tradition, the Boettcher Scholarship, with three recipients. As stated by the Boettcher Foundation, this merit-based scholarship is an arrangement that selects roughly 50 students in the state of Colorado based on their community service, character and leadership skills, awarding them with $20,000 per year of college, along with room and board, to any Colorado college of their choice. This year, three seniors were selected: Sujay Potlapelly, Shruti Rajesh, and Myles Rubin.

In activities this year, over 100 clubs and societies took place, with over 40,000 hours of community service logged and over $100,00 raised towards charities and activity funding.

Athletically, Jags conquered the jungle and competed in multiple local, state and national competitions, with several teams making it to state finals. Records were broken as over 22 sports teams made it to postseason, with a record number of athletes representing the school.

“We always love the Moving Up Assembly and it’s one of our favorite moments,” Brieske said, “Every year is different and this year we had so many athletic achievements. It was a great way to end the year.”

Gallery • 6 Photos

media by Blake Cartwright

Smiling, Student Body President Myles Rubin ‘23 gives a speech in front of the senior section during the Moving Up Assembly May 12. Student Council wrapped up the year with a final speech, talking about school activities such as the Back to School Dance, Homecoming week, assemblies, Wish Week and Prom. “I love giving speeches at assemblies because of the roar of the crowd and the positive response from all of the students,” Rubin said. “It was awesome being Student Council President this year and being able to lead some of the best events that Rock Canyon has put together.”