Grabbing onto climbing holds, Kayden Ozdemir ‘24 attempts climb 30 during the first competition of the climbing season, arranged by American Scholastic Climbing League, at Denver Bouldering Club South Nov. 11. Ozdemir’s highest ranked completed climb was number 28. He finished in second place within the individual category. “I feel a little bit gutted not being able to complete [climb 30], but with the progression of the season comes more learning opportunities, not just for myself, but the team, too,” Ozdemir said. “It definitely is one of the best feelings, throwing great attempts down at the hardest problems in the set.” (media by guest reporter Ali Gustafson) Reporting by Ali Gustafson Varsity cheerleader Payton Shank ‘25 holds up the “C” sign to spell out “RCHS” at the Continental League All Girl Varsity Championship in the gym Nov. 11. Both varsity and JV teams won first place, with JV winning the 5A Coed category and varsity winning in 5A All-Girls since 2016. Coaches, parents and supporters came together to cheer on the teams and the athletes competing at this year’s competition. “League is something that is a big deal in cheer, and obviously, it brought a lot of nerves to the team. We all wanted to win, but also did as well as we could. When we all hit[the routine], it felt so amazing to have everyone there supporting us like we do for them. At awards, we were even more nervous but we knew we did the best we could, so we still were happy. When we found out we won, we were so happy, especially since cheer hadn’t won since 2016. It was an amazing night,” Shank said. (media by Elly Brooks ) Reporting by Elly Brooks
Ria Hellyer ‘26 and Olivia Fang ‘26 measure the volume of a 30 gram sample of sand in a Soils Lab during AP Environmental Science Nov. 13. The purpose of the lab was to understand how different types of soils have variations in certain traits such as percolation and density, which affect farming and agricultural methods. Clay and silt also underwent similar procedures of being weighed and having their volumes measured. Students filled out a given packet with their observations and also participated in calculating equations to understand the effects of both chemical and physical weathering on certain materials as well as how land is used. “The lab really helped explain the different layers of soil and how it relates to the overall soil health,” Hellyer said. “I think it’s important that we know this so we can help sustain our planet.” (media by Bella Lin) Reporting by Bella Lin
Abhi Gowda ‘26 creates a presentation to showcase his group’s project for the Technology Student Association (TSA) Manufacturing Prototype event during a TSA workday after school Nov. 13. The TSA workdays take place every Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in rooms 4000 and 4129 to allow students access to tools and designated time for project work. Gowda prepared the presentation in a sales pitch format to promote the group’s product to the judges at the upcoming TSA district conference. “It’s hard to manage time and maintain a balance between all of your events while preparing [for TSA],” Gowda said. Gowda and his team will present their Manufacturing Prototype product at the TSA District Conference at the Legacy Campus Dec. 8. Reporting by Dee Lee and Bella Lin (media by Dee Lee )
Nathan Shrestha ‘25 and Aditya Khanolkar ‘25 light fireworks on Nidhay Somanchi’s ‘25 driveway in celebration of Diwali Nov. 13. Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of Hinduism’s cultural holidays, celebrating the victory of good over evil through fireworks and festivities. “Although I’m not a Hindu, I like the atmosphere of Diwali, and, of course, lighting fireworks,” Shrestha said. Reporting by Adi Khanolkar (media by photo courtesy of Nidhay Somanchi)
The cast of winter play “Murder on the Orient Express” fall as the train starts at the end of the play during the final dress rehearsal Nov. 14. The play, based on the novel by Agatha Christie, took place at 7 p.m. Nov. 15, 16 and 17 in the auditorium. Tickets were $5 for students and $7 for adults. According to the @rockcanyondrama Instagram, the cast was made up of 20 actors overall. “My favorite part of the show was when we finally got the ending ‘reveal’ sequence correct,” Kaylen Stancik ‘25, who played Countess, said. “It’s a very technically complicated scene with lots of different colored lights and blocking to symbolize flashbacks, and it was a proud moment when it worked out for the first time.” (media by Claire Bauer ) Reporting by Claire Bauer and Sanaa Sow
Prisha Gupta ‘26 and Shreya Ganesh ‘24 work on a project with their Starbucks red cups during Access Nov. 16. The day marked Starbucks’ annual “Red Cup Day,” where customers who order any handcrafted beverage received one holiday-themed 16-ounce reusable cup. Shiven Patel ‘26 also purchased a drink and received a red cup. “I think Red Cup Day made us get into the festive spirit. The smell of the Starbucks gave [me] the thought of sugar cookies and Santa,” Patel said. (media by Dee Lee ) Reporting by Dee Lee