![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)
![The girls varsity soccer team walk back to their bench during halftime April 1. The Jags played against the Castle View Sabercats at the Douglas County Stadium and scored 3-0 W. “It felt really good [to beat Castle View]. I feel like that was a big win for us because knowing that we came together to beat a pretty good team has definitely given us some leverage for this season,” attacking midfielder Grace Rossner ‘24 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_4906-1-1200x1057.jpg)
![English teacher Colleen Lamb grades College Prep English assignments during period two Nov. 10. Lamb, who has been teaching for 27 years, decorates her classroom with posters and handmade college flags from her senior students. Everything I enjoy about English happens primarily in the classroom, Lamb said. So, thankfully, the college [I worked at] had a teaching program, and I was able to do my post-grad work for free while I was working [there].”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1158-1200x900.jpeg)
![At Prairie View High School, the winterguard team poses with their plaque after winning first place at their competition Feb. 24. This was the second time they won first place this year, this time with a score of 74.190 points. “I [love being] a witch, but my favorite [part of the show] is the trios, it’s so cool,” Heather Strickland ‘27 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PRARIE-VIEW-BY-MARGO-SANFORD-e1709531739910-1200x910.jpg)
A Slam Dunk for SSN Programs: The First Annual Unified Basketball Game Recap
A collective “OOOOOH” rises from the student section in anticipation of a basket. The ball swishes through the hoop, met with roarous cheering and the Unified Basketball player stands victorious on the court.
January 24, 2020
Chloe Bishop, a player for the Rocky Heights Unified Team congratulates opposing team member, Jatin Thimmannagari ‘23 after he scored a basket on the court during the first Annual Unified Basketball Game Jan. 22. There was no score taken during the game. Both teams supported and cheered for each other, sharing smiles and laughs. “I loved everything about today. Seeing parents watching our kids get excited and the alignment with middle school was great. There was awareness and inclusion,” SSN teacher Debbie Rochau said.
On the court, Rocky Heights player, Leah Bishop commemorates her first basket of the First Annual Unified Basketball Game Jan. 22. Sisters Leah and Chloe Bishop played side by side on the Nighthawk Unified Basketball team. “There are challenges, but they’re always giving 110%, trying to impress everyone else in the building. They just want to be included like everybody else,” Unified Basketball coach Jerome Price said.
In the gym, Nathan Smith ‘22 holds up his homemade sign and cheers in support of the Unified Basketball players at their First Annual Unified Basketball Game Jan. 22. In addition to handmade posters, bystanders held up large cutouts of players’ heads during the game. “I think that it’s important that everyone feels empowered here and I think that supporting them is the best way to do that,” Elena Song ‘22 said.
David Keefe ‘23 bursts through the “Go Jags!” banner in the gym during his team’s introduction at the First Annual Unified Basketball Game Jan. 22. In the past, the Unified Basketball team’s basketball hoops were trash cans, but their equipment was upgraded with adapted basketball hoops for optimum accessibility for all students. “We’re trying to change the culture of Unified Basketball. Every day, it’s a challenge for them to be heard, to be respected and to compete in sports, but they push themselves every day past all those challenges,” Unified Basketball Coach Jerome Price said.
Chloe Bishop, a Rocky Heights Unified Basketball team member gapes in awe and celebration of the basket she scored, with encouragement from fellow Rocky Heights player, Gabriel Mascitti and Kyler Kirby ‘20 in the gym at the First Annual Unified Basketball Game Jan. 22. The choir, band, and POMS team performed in support of both teams and math teacher, Brian Lamb was the sports announcer for the game. “I love to see all of the smiles and see all of the fun that everybody has. It’s just a great event.” Principal Andy Abner said.
Kyler Kirby ‘20 dribbles the ball up the court during the First Annual Unified Basketball Game Jan. 22. The Rock Canyon team consists of nine players who work during their PE periods with Coach Lynch and Coach Price to prepare for the game. “This was such a fun event. Everyone in the school got together and supported our fellow jaguars,” Caleb Herskovits ‘22 said.
David Keefe ‘23 beams after making a basket during the second half of the Unified Basketball Game in the gym Jan. 22. The game spread awareness about the special needs program at Rock Canyon and Rocky Heights. “Our students who are a part of our special needs program don’t always get the opportunity to be fully involved in the activities and school events and all of the awesome things we do,” Principal Andy Abner said. “So, I think it’s really awesome that they get to be included in such a positive event and I think it’s great for the rest of our student body to recognize these Jaguars at our school.”
Golden Boy Dani Haddad ‘20 shows his support during the Unified Basketball Game by holding up a poster of one of the players Jan. 22. Preparation for the game took careful planning and attention to detail. Posters were created by students and staff to add another exciting element to the day. “Preparation as far as making sure kids were aware, parents were aware, and they could come and support was a big part of it.” SSN teacher Debbie Rochau said.
