Recent Scores
  • Sep 28 / Varsity Boys TennisRock Canyon High School - 4, Grandview High School - 3
  • Sep 28 / Varsity FootballRock Canyon High School - 20, Highlands Ranch High School - 17
  • Sep 28 / Varsity Boys SoccerRock Canyon High School - 0, ThunderRidge High School - 0
  • Sep 28 / JV Boys SoccerRock Canyon High School - 3, ThunderRidge High School - 0
  • Sep 28 / Varsity Girls VolleyballRock Canyon High School - 3, Ponderosa High School - 0
  • Sep 28 / JV Girls VolleyballRock Canyon High School - 2, Ponderosa High School - 1
  • Sep 27 / Varsity SoftballRock Canyon High School - 4, Ponderosa High School - 7
  • Sep 27 / Freshman Boys SoccerRock Canyon High School - 6, ThunderRidge High School - 0
  • Sep 26 / Varsity Boys SoccerRock Canyon High School - 0, Regis Jesuit High School - 1
  • Sep 26 / JV Boys SoccerRock Canyon High School - 1, Regis Jesuit High School - 0
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
The Homecoming Bonfire burns in the night Sept. 21. According to Fire Science, the fire was approximately 25 ft. high and 500 degrees Celsius. “The Homecoming Bonfire is always a cool tradition to be a part of and it’s cool to see the fire itself and how high it can get,” Mason Conrad ‘24 said.
The Heat of The Moment: A Homecoming Bonfire Recap
Gianna Peterson ‘25 and other fellow Poms dancers perform a dance inspired by the Western Spirit Day during the Homecoming Assembly in the gym Sept. 21. Homecoming week consisted of five spirit days, including Freedom Friday, Tropical Florida Monday, Bama Rush Tuesday, Wild West Wednesday and Home Colorado Thursday. “It was awesome to perform and we had a lot of practice [in preparation],” Peterson said.
A Week to Remember: Homecoming Assembly Photo Recap
Members of the Rock Online and Black & Gold pose with Jack Kennedy and their awards at the end of J-Day Sept. 14. Kennedy was Colorado Student Media Association’s (CSMA) former Executive Director, and previously taught at Rock Canyon. Im so proud of our staff and the awards we won because we truly give it our all. This time, it was especially special, because this was the newspapers first online All-Colorado. Weve won All-Colorados for print and hybrid before, but this year was our first one for online! My favorite part was probably when Jack Kennedy sang the First Amendment at the closing ceremony, hes an inspiration and a great singer, Editor-in-Chief Claire Bauer 24 said.
Journalists Go to J-Day
Thomas Lopez 24 shoots Riley Shanahan 24 with a water gun Sept. 16. Shanahan was Lopezs third target of the first round.
End of Round One: Senior Assassin Update and Leaderboard
The schedule for tomorrows classes and Homecoming Assembly.
Homecoming Assembly Schedule
Back-to-back champions, The Ball Handlers Pt.2, hold up their trophy after beating runner-ups Ray Made Me in the Ruff n Tuff Tournament Sept. 18. The Ball Handlers Pt.2 wore blackout clothing with face paint. The team was led by senior captains Addie Waller, Meagan Carley and Julia Hay. Our team this year was just about the same as last year, Waller said. Having a super tall team and a few boys volleyball players definitely helped, but we all just did it for fun.
The Ruff n’ Tuff Two Timers
Varsity running back Tyler Myer ’25 runs a 60-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter Aug. 31. After scoring the touchdown, varsity lineman Jake Lenertz ‘25 picked up Myer in celebration of his touchdown. “It feels awesome knowing that youre helping the team out getting points on the board,” Myer said. “I like to celebrate by doing handshakes and getting picked up by the linemen.”
Jaguars Smoke Smoky Hill High School: Photo Recap
A graphic displays Unified Kickballs game season
Keep on Kickin’: Unified Kickball’s Game Schedule
Varsity girls soccer outside back Olivia Barrett ‘24 hugs varsity holding midfielder Gigi Fiorelli ‘25 after losing to TRHS May 25. The final score of the game was 0-1, leaving the Jaguars in second place. “This year, it took a long time for everything to start coming together. We had a really tough season. Because we were a 17-seed, we had to upset every game we played, because we only played higher-ranked teams than us. The last thing we expected was to make it to Finals, [it] was crazy and made me nervous and emotional,” Barrett said. “Every single person on the team was incredibly disappointed in Rock Canyon. We don’t need a crowd at every game, but when you make it to State and only have about 20 people there, it’s an awful feeling. We were really embarrassed when student sections [for opposing teams] in the playoffs were five times the size of ours. Everyone felt let down. It’s hard to approach next season—everyone is very emotional, and we are getting a whole new coaching staff which will be a huge adjustment. We [will] go into next season with a good attitude and play the hardest we can.”
Photo Recap: Varsity Girls Soccer Takes Second at State
Varsity boys ice hockey team holds up the 2023 Wales Division Banner May 14. The team won against the reigning championships, the Denver East Angels, 9-2. It felt amazing. It really showed that, with a full group of guys, with the right mindset, we can do anything, right wing Easton Stockert 25 said. We took down the back-to-back champs, which was my personal first time ever beating Denver East.
Stunning the State
A snapshot of the video introduction and title introduces the story.
Bringing the Heat: Homecoming Bonfire Video Recap
Outside the 4000s pod, a black paper banner painted with the words “Route RC 23 Homecoming” represents the overall theme for this years Homecoming Sept. 22. The other pods were decorated with specific locations from the road trip theme. “My favorite design this year is the banner. It is so innovative and [Student Council] really applied their artistic abilities in showcasing the road trips theme,” Veronica Baxter ‘25 said.
Take a Ride On a Road Trip
Connor Brown unpacks his belongings in his new college dorm room Aug. 22. Brown, among other graduates, started his first year of college in late August after graduating from Rock Canyon in May 2023.
“They’re my best friend:” When Older Siblings Leave for College
Members of Class of 2027 raise their hands in the air while playing Simon Says during their freshman orientation Aug. 8
Link Crew Leads the Way
Danielle Harrison poses with her dog on a hike in Colorado. I would recommend for teens to go to Chatfield Park and have a fun beach day, Harrison said.
Summer Fun in the Sun
A snapshot of the video introduction and title introduces the story.
Bringing the Heat: Homecoming Bonfire Video Recap
A graphic displays the headline, Stress About the Dress to introduce the article.
Stress About the Dress
Graphic displays a fall-themed aesthetic with a pumpkin spice drink in the center.
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Lizzie Lemeshewsky 25 and friends show off bracelets at The Eras Tour July 14. Fans made bracelets that they could trade with other Swifties as well. It felt like such a safe environment, being around so many people, trading bracelets with people you’ve never met before and having conversations about which song you hope she’ll sing for a surprise. It felt like one big church service, Lemeshewsky said.
Swifties Storm Denver
The image reads, Hope by Eila Liu to introduce the video.
A Right to Hope
A snapshot of the video introduction and title introduces the story.
Bringing the Heat: Homecoming Bonfire Video Recap
The image reads, Hope by Eila Liu to introduce the video.
A Right to Hope
Kristie Vetter 25 claps after pieing U.S. History teacher Wes Chapman May 4. The pieing took place in the outdoor classroom to prevent mess.
Eyes on the Pies
Papers fly in the air at the annual Senior Paper Toss May 9. The Paper Toss took place at 2:50 p.m. after finals for seniors ended.
The Last Hurrah
Fidels Wish: A Video Recap of Walk for Wishes
Fidel’s Wish: A Video Recap of Walk for Wishes
The Secret Of Life Column Logo, made with Canva.
The Secret Of Life
The image reads, Hope by Eila Liu to introduce the video.
A Right to Hope
The featured graphic for Summer Fun in the Sun.
Opinion: Recommendations for Your Summer
A graphic illustrates the complexity of the different types of love.
Heartstrings: A Reflection on Love
A green Sources of Strength chain says Andrew Tate in the hallway March 2.
Opinion: Is Andrew Tate a Source of Strength?
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Claire Bauer

Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief

Hey! I'm Claire and I'm a senior. This is my third year on staff--as a freshman, I freelanced, then I joined in my sophomore year and became Social Media Manager before becoming Editor-in-Chief as a junior. This year, I'll continue my role as Editor-in-Chief, and hope to continue to find new topics to report on and new forms of media to try out to make the most of my final year on staff. In my free time, I enjoy reading, taking photos, hiking, camping, traveling and hanging out with friends and family. I’m a part of National Honor Society (NHS), French National Honor Society (FNHS), National English Honor Society (NEHS), Rho Kappa National Honor Society, Quill & Scroll International Honorary Society, Interact Club, Gifted & Talented Student Board and Link Crew. Feel free to email @therocknewspaperonl[email protected] with any questions, story ideas or to just say hi!

All content by Claire Bauer
Parker Sarro 27 pours syrup over her ice from the Kona Ice Truck during first lunch Sept. 18. Sarro got a combination of four syrup flavors. I got a classic, and I got blue raspberry, tigers blood, pina colada and cotton candy, Sarro said. I like those colors and [the ice] a lot.

A Sweet Treat on a Tropical Day

September 18, 2023
Thomas Lopez 24 shoots Riley Shanahan 24 with a water gun Sept. 16. Shanahan was Lopezs third target of the first round.

End of Round One: Senior Assassin Update and Leaderboard

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
September 21, 2023
The schedule for tomorrows classes and Homecoming Assembly.

Homecoming Assembly Schedule

by Elly Brooks, Ally Kelley, and Claire Bauer
September 20, 2023
Jett Smith ‘26 and Jayden Fabela ‘25 present their brochures to classmates during the annual Travel Fair in Cydney Tinsley’s Aquatic Biology class Sept. 11. Students created brochures based on locations around the world and presented them to peers and teachers for 30 minutes during periods one and three. “I did my brochure on Lake Natron,” Smith said. “It’s a lake in Africa that’s pretty special because the water can turn red sometimes. There’s a bacteria in it that causes it, so I looked up some facts about it.”

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Sept. 9-Sept. 15

September 15, 2023
Varsity boys soccer captain and center back Owen Creeden ‘24 smiles as he high-fives his teammates before the start of the home opener game against Arapahoe High School (AHS) at Echo Park Stadium Sept. 5. During the first half, AHS scored the only point of the game. The Jags lost 0-1 and now have a win/loss record of 1-3. “I was disappointed after the Arapahoe game. I thought I played decent, but have lots of room for improvement. The team struggled. I think lots of us were playing for ourselves and not [for] the team,” Creeden said. “We are not playing at the level I thought we would be at. We worry too much about ourselves and not the team. I am angry about the [win/loss] record but I’m looking forward to hopefully turning the season around, with League play starting this week.” The next game will take place against Heritage High School (HHS) at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12.

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Sept. 2-Sept. 8

September 8, 2023
Reagan Kerstiens ‘24 works with Ella Bendle ‘24 to brainstorm school spirit events at the inaugural Continental League Fall Super Summit at Chaparral High School Aug. 26. The summit ran from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and consisted of free breakfast, three 40-minute morning sessions, lunches from truck lunches and a final fourth session for each school to discuss what they learned that day. Over 55 Jaguars attended. “We went around listening to different speakers or student-led discussions. The first one talked about advertising and how schools have different strengths. Then, I went to a business panel with a few speakers, most of them in the construction industry, talking about the struggles of running your own business and the importance of networking. There was also a speaker, he was ex-military, telling us some of the important characteristics of leaders,” Kerstiens said. “I think [the summit] was a good opportunity, I’m glad I got to learn some new things.”

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Aug. 26-Sept. 1

September 2, 2023
A graphic displays Unified Kickballs game season

Keep on Kickin’: Unified Kickball’s Game Schedule

by Sanaa Sow, Claire Bauer, and Ally Kelley
August 30, 2023
Members of Class of 2027 raise their hands in the air while playing Simon Says during their freshman orientation Aug. 8

[Photo] Link Crew Leads the Way

August 17, 2023
Kyle Walsh 25, Ella Heimer 25 and Kristie Vetter 25 dance together while waiting for the freshmen to arrive to orientation Aug. 8. Their group brought color-coordinated cowboy hats and bandanas for all the freshmen in their group to wear. My favorite outfit that I saw Link Leaders in was the color coordinated hats to match their shorts, Link Leader Ali Gustafson ‘24 said. The group looked so put together, as each leader represented a different color and it was a really cute way to match but not be identical.

Link Crew Leads the Way

August 17, 2023
Lossmans pine tree is bare and branchless June 27. As a part of their tornado clean up effort, Lossman and her family chopped the branches off the tree themselves and got rid of the debris.

Tornado Touches Down in Highlands Ranch: Damage Done and How the Community is Recovering

June 28, 2023
Standing in a line, the varsity girls soccer team listens to the national anthem play before the State Championship game against ThunderRidge High School (TRHS) at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park May 25. The game was delayed 30 minutes due to weather. The weather delay was definitely difficult for many of us, as it disrupted what each of our individual pregame rituals are. Visualizing a win was definitely part of the pregame routine [for me], Sam Luft 23 said.

Photo Recap: Varsity Girls Soccer Takes Second at State

June 2, 2023
Student Council member Rachel Geis 23 rolls paint onto Brayden Duman 23 at the Senior Wall hand-painting event May 12. Although finals for seniors took place May 8 and 9, seniors were required to come back to school between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. May 12 for Senior Checkout, followed by the handprints. It felt extremely sad, Duman said. I loved my time at [Rock Canyon] and had some of the best memories. It feels sad to be graduating, yet exciting for a new chapter in my life. I look back and Im extremely grateful for the memories, teachers and friends. I learned more than I thought I would and will always support [Rock Canyon].

Handprint History

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
May 18, 2023

[Video] Eyes on the Pies

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
May 16, 2023
Papers fly in the air at the annual Senior Paper Toss May 9. The Paper Toss took place at 2:50 p.m. after finals for seniors ended.

[Video] The Last Hurrah

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
May 9, 2023
Student Council member Abigail Williams 24 paints decorations for the Wish Week kick-off March 30. Student Council members worked on decorating the hallways from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

[Photo] Wander Through Wish Week Decorations

April 11, 2023
Braden McCollam 23, playing Franklin Hart, hangs off a pole as he is carried across the stage by fellow cast members at dress rehearsal for the spring musical March 27. Opening night took place at 7 p.m. in the auditorium March 29. This role is definitely a lot different than the ones Ive had before because its really mean and Harts a really bad person. Its definitely a new challenge but its something I really enjoyed to try and tackle, McCollam said. This is my last show at Rock Canyon, so I think theres just something special. Im excited to get to spend it with the people Ive built relationships with these past four years and see the show come together.

A Production in Quotes, “9-5: The Musical”

by Elly Brooks, Elsa Swanson, and Claire Bauer
April 2, 2023
A graphic depicts the opportunity for a scholarship to study abroad.

$10,000 Offered to Students Looking to Study Abroad

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
March 31, 2023
Head Coach Tim Hill and Assistant Coach Matt Opheim watch Mobly wrestle in the final match Feb. 18. Two coaches per wrestler were allowed on the mat for each match. State is very exciting, itss the culmination of everything, its the end, the best of the best, Hill said. Its tough when somebody gets to the finals and loses the final match, but with what the referees say and the time that ran out and the way things played out, in my mind, Sammy is a State champion. It just didnt come out that way as far as the final results.

The End of an Era is Just the Beginning

March 11, 2023
9News Sports Reporter Scotty Gange interviews varsity basketball guard Mac Terry 24 at the 9News Pep Rally Jan. 26. After Terrys buzzer-beater won the game against Regis Jesuit High School Jan. 20, the video clip of his shot was selected for 9Newss weekly high school sports segment, Honor Roll. It was a great team win and we got the job done at the end of the game, Terry said.

The ‘Golden Boy’ and His Golden Chain

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
February 4, 2023
Lifting his opponent, varsity wrestler Matthew Shipley ‘24 finishes a takedown on the opposing wrestler Jan. 11. The dual ended with a score of 43-30 L. “The coaches at Rock Canyon are the best in every way,” Shipley said. “The technique that’s taught is taught very well. The coaches really care about individuals and improving the team, not just winning.”

Photo Recap: Boys Wrestling Faces Chaparral High School

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
January 18, 2023
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) school board announces a school closure for Jan. 18 on Jan. 17. The district sent out an email announcement at 6:39 p.m.

BREAKING: School Closed Jan. 18 Due to Inclement Weather

by Claire Bauer and Abigail Wood
January 17, 2023
A graphic displays information for Sadies in the 80s. The graphic was posted Nov. 30. The dance will take place 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Jan. 20, 2023, at the Lone Tree Bowlero.

Ladies, Ladies, Time For A Sadies

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
January 11, 2023
A graphic announces the Green Out for Dec. 13 on the Student Council social media, posted Dec. 12. The Green Out, organized by students at both Rock Canyon and Cherry Creek High School, encouraged both communities to wear green to school and the basketball game to show support for the Price family.

UPDATE: Community Takes Action to Help the Price Family

by Claire Bauer and Grace Uhrain
December 12, 2022
A collage of photos of the Price Family on the GoFundMe Dec. 9. After a car accident Dec. 8, Special Education teacher Jessica Bird and other faculty members created a GoFundMe to help raise money for medical expenses, with a goal of $100,000.

BREAKING: Educational Assistant Jerome Price and Family Face Tragedy

by Claire Bauer and Grace Uhrain
December 9, 2022
Kate Kubina grades papers at her desk after school Dec. 9. Kubinas favorite part of teaching is the students. Its all of these notes and encouragement and having those moments in class where you just like crack up laughing, those amazing conversations that just come out of nowhere, and just getting to know students [keeps me teaching], Kubina said.

[Photo] FRIDAY FACULTY FEATURE: Kate Kubina’s Favorite Memories – and Books

December 9, 2022
Posters advertising the dress and costume drives were posted in the hallways Oct. 10. Students in Interact Club received community service hours for creating and distributing the signs. If people donate to the boxes in Ms. Mosss room or outside the library, reshare our Instagram posts, or join Interact, it helps! If they join Interact, they can earn volunteer hours while helping to organize the project, Vice President Kaeli Nallathamby 24 said.

Start the Season of Giving Early

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
October 25, 2022
Middle blocker Gannon Figueroa 24 jumps to hit the ball Aug. 18. The team spent the summer months doing group trainings and workouts to prepare for this season. Figeuroa scored four kills over the course of the three sets.

Lady Jags Reclaim the Jungle: How Volleyball Has Bounced Back

by Claire Bauer, Editor in Chief
August 26, 2022
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the Rock Online

Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
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