![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)
![Math teacher Austin Bennett observes seventh period students step to the board to solve Equation of Circle problems May 2. Bennett has been teaching for a total of four years, with only two of those years spent as a Jag. He hopes after his time as a high school teacher to become a professor. "[College math] is more challenging, and it's good to challenge yourself," Bennett said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_0147-1200x900.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)
Ready, Set, Ride
Tossing and tightening the freshly polished saddle up and over a six-foot, 1500 pound Hanoverian Horse. Tension builds slowly as one waits for their name and number to be called over the loudspeakers.
March 31, 2020
Valli Guha ‘22 is an Equestrian Horseback rider. At the age of 15, with three years of experience under her belt, Guha recently won a multitude of ribbons in the Arizona Season Finale, which is an “A” rated, Equestrian show. Nov. 16-17. 23-24.
What is Equestrian Horseback Riding? How does it work?
Essentially, these Equestrian Horseback Riding competitions are broken into two categories, Hunter and Jumper. Hunter Horseback Riding is solely judgment on the horse itself, not the rider. This category specifically grades the horse’s movements, attitude, jumps, formation, and strides. Whereas the Jumper category is all number based. The horse and rider team with the fastest time and fewest faults wins. Guha routinely competes in the Hunter division.
During the first week competition, Guha and her horse Riveting competed against three other contestants in her division. Guha and her horse closed out the competition with eight ribbons total, six first places, one second place, and one third-place ribbon. Nov. 16-17.
“During these competitive shows, knowing where your horse is physically is one of the most challenging aspects of riding because you need to pace the horse correctly in order to push them appropriately,” Guha said.
In the conclusion of the second-weekend competition, Guha left for home with eight ribbons total, two-second place, three third place, one-fourth place, one-sixth place, and one-seventh place. She was up against eight other competitors in her division.
“When I won, it felt like all the hard work paid off and I felt really proud of myself. I continue to work hard in this sport, and I hope it pays off later on as well,” Guha said.
Starting at age 12, Guha knew she was very interested in competitive horseback riding, her parents soon after helped her put her interests into actions. Nowadays, she travels to out of state competitions roughly six times a year.
“My dad takes me to all my competitions and assists with all things travel-related, he is one of my biggest supporters through all of this,” Guha said.
About Riveting- The Horse
- Born in Germany
- Breed: Half Hanoverian and half warmblooded
- 16 years old
- Belongs to Briana Davis and is being leased by Guha
PC: Nagendra Arakali
PC: Nagendra Arakali