Recent Scores
  • Dec 2 / Varsity Boys BasketballRock Canyon High School - 54, Mountain Vista High School - 49
  • Dec 2 / Varsity Girls Swim and DiveRock Canyon High School - 1st place, Big Cat Brawl Meet -
  • Dec 1 / Varsity Girls BasketballRock Canyon High School - 57, D'Evelyn High School - 41
  • Dec 1 / Varsity Boys BasketballRock Canyon High School - 59, Grandview High School - 54
  • Nov 29 / Varsity Boys BasketballRock Canyon High School - 85, Rampart High School - 54
  • Nov 29 / Varsity WrestlingRock Canyon High School - 11, Valor Christian High School - 57
  • Nov 29 / Varsity Girls BasketballRock Canyon High School - 71, Rampart High School - 30
  • Nov 10 / Varsity Girls VolleyballRock Canyon High School - 3, Cherry Creek High School (State Tournament) - 2
  • Nov 10 / Varsity Girls VolleyballRock Canyon High School - 0, Chaparral High School (State Tournament) - 3
  • Nov 10 / Varsity FootballRock Canyon High School - 14, Ralston Valley High School - 42
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Saanvi Kirdak ‘26, Ihita Kataru ‘26 and Mai Intongkam ‘26 sit side by side under the 8000s pod’s stairway and read “A Raisin in the Sun” during Honors English II Nov. 30. “A Raisin in the Sun,” a play written by American writer and playwright Lorraine Hansberry, depicts the lives of an African American family during the 1950s residing in Chicago. Students grouped up with their tablemates and assigned themselves roles from a list of characters in the play. The class was then divided into two halves, one remaining inside the classroom to read and the other going outside into the halls. Along with participating in reading with their peers, students also analyzed the text and completed annotation assignments. “I like this activity because it allows me to spend time with my friends and I’m learning at the same time,” Kataru said.
The Week in Photos: Nov. 25-Dec. 1
A graphic introduces the election results and article.
UPDATE: Review the Results with Post-Election Day Information
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.”
The Week in Photos: Nov. 11-Nov. 17
Black & Gold Yearbook Photography Editor Hannah Rozen ‘25, The Rock Online Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Claire Bauer ‘24 and Social Media Managers Elly Brooks ‘25 and Sanaa Sow ‘25 celebrate the publications’ national wins with a photo at the National Student Press Association (NSPA) Boston Convention Nov. 4. In total, The Rock Online and Black & Gold won 11 national awards, including two first place national wins from Bauer in Sports Game/Action Photo of the Year and in Photo Slideshow of the Year. “I can’t even begin to describe how I feel about the awards. Not only was I incredibly happy and humbled to receive my six national awards, but I am so, so proud of my fellow staffers who won awards, and honestly proud of the whole staff. They’re all amazing and fully deserve these awards,” Bauer said. “Our trip to Boston was incredible. We all learned so much from the sessions we attended and the people we met, whether that was other students and advisers or reporters and professors from top-notch groups. We were excited to represent Canyon, the district and Colorado as a whole so well.” Read the full story here. Reporting by Sanaa Sow
Achieving Awards
Zoology teacher Nikki Dobos dissects a frog during her second-period Zoology class Nov. 8. Zoology students dissected frogs and found things such as their eggs and past meals inside them. The class had five different dissections throughout the semester to learn about biodiversity and phyla. “I like teaching kids about animals and facts about animals they didn’t know before, but also the importance of biodiversity,” Dobos said. “I think more students should take [Zoology], especially if you love animals and dissections because you can learn more than just general [animal] knowledge.”
The Week in Photos: Nov. 4-Nov. 10
Varsity girls volleyball captain Addie Waller ‘24 hugs her teammates Julia Holmes ‘24, Gannon Figueroa ‘24 and Lindsay Heyliger ‘24 after winning in Regionals on Nov. 3. The team beat Lakewood and Denver South High Schools to qualify for State.
The Final Home Swing
Utah Valley University baseball commit Adam Smith 24, University of California San Diego baseball commit Austin Bowker 24 and St. Mary’s University MN basketball commit Daniel Cabeen 24 and more sign their letters of intent to play collegiate sports during Signing Day Nov. 8. Smith and Bowker were the only two baseball players to commit, and Cabeen was the only basketball player to sign.
Decided, Committed, Signed
Jonathan Gunther ‘25 swings the bat at the Unified wiffle ball game at Chaparral High School Oct. 3. Wiffle ball allowed each athlete to play at a similar level to the others, even though some could hit the ball farther than others.
Wiffle Ball This Fall
Varsity runner Dylan Laity ‘26 and fellow team members warm up with the state-qualifying Jaguar cross-country team before the final race of the 2023 season. The team jogged the race course together before racing.
Eat Our Dust
Varsity softball captain and shortstop Sydney Boulaphinh ‘24 swings to hit the ball during the fifth inning Oct. 3. Boulaphinh committed to play Division 1 collegiate softball for Stanford University during her junior year. This season was one of the worst seasons in Rock Canyon history, Boulaphinh said. I think this team had a lot of expectations and relied on many people to carry, and that never happened. I believe most of the games we lost, we could’ve won. It’s the little things that matter--when it came down to who got to 21 outs first, we weren’t the team.
Day in the Life: Game Day for Varsity Softball
French teacher Dayna Moore helps Sydney Boulaphinh 24 with her indirect objects worksheet during Access Nov. 16. Moore disliked not teaching students face-to-face during the Covid-19 pandemic. I cannot teach online. I like having connections with my students and I like playing games in class, Moore said.
FRIDAY FACULTY FEATURE: Mysteries of Madame Moore
Saanvi Cooduvalli ‘26 studies Honors Chemistry in room 4101 Nov. 9. Many students sat in the high chairs and studied material from their chemistry courses as well as completed homework from other classes. Honors Chemistry teacher Kerry Reilly went around assisting students who had questions about their assignments and quizzes. “The chemistry room is very refreshing,” Cooduvalli said.
Study Spot or Flop?
This graphic depicts the log-in screen of College Boards new digital testing platform Bluebook which is replacing all of College Boards traditional pencil-and-paper exams.
Out With The Old, In With The New: Meet College Board’s “Bluebook”
Brady Kempf ‘24, Dylan Owens ‘24 and Alex Kohl ‘24 work together to complete a study guide for math on Aug. 28. Many students have visited teachers for help during Access like Mrs. Hunt, who teaches algebra. It usually depends on the assignment, but I enjoy working in a group because we can all bounce ideas off each other and help everyone understand the subject,” Kohl said.
Strategy and Sociality
A graphic introduces the next piece in the column Odds and Ends. Contact Ally Kelley!
Odds and Ends: Screaming Sirens or Soft Speech?
Battle of the Bands starts at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20. The event takes place at the Skylark Lounge and there is a $15 entrance fee. A QR code leads participating bands to a sign-up sheet. Media courtesy of Happy Crew
Battle of the Bands
A photo and title introduce Adis Recipes, starting with Dalgona coffee.
Adi’s Recipes: Fresh Dalgona
A close-up of Ella Heimers 25 sketch, 2-D Gorillaz.
Singer, Sketched
Kyle Walsh’s 25 car sits on the side of the road with dents all over from the storms hail June 22. No windows were cracked or broken. “When we realized we needed to take shelter, every spot was already taken so we had to huddle with a group under the trees,” Walsh said. “All I could hear was the thunder and people screaming. Everyone was getting pelted on their backs from the hail. It left marks.”
Having “Faith in the Future”
Stella Catalano ‘24, playing Irena Synkova, checks for a tattooed number on the wrist of Lily Moon ‘24, playing Raja Englanderova during the final dress rehearsal of the fall play “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” Sept. 26. Opening night took place 7 p.m. Sept. 28, followed by two more nights of the play Sept. 29 and 30. Tickets were $5 for students and $7 for adults. The play followed Jewish children and families in Prague during the Holocaust, and featured real characters, pictures and poems. “Being the lead has been absolutely insane. I want to accurately represent these stories and honor every individual that’s mentioned in the show, and I’m beyond honored that I get to tell these stories,” Moon said. “Take note of the meanings you see in this play. There are so many interpretations, and take yours to heart. This story is one that needs to be heard, and I hope the audience can really learn from our telling and grow from what they see.”
“I Never Saw Another Butterfly” Takes the Stage by Swarm
Zoology teacher Nikki Dobos dissects a frog during her second-period Zoology class Nov. 8. Zoology students dissected frogs and found things such as their eggs and past meals inside them. The class had five different dissections throughout the semester to learn about biodiversity and phyla. “I like teaching kids about animals and facts about animals they didn’t know before, but also the importance of biodiversity,” Dobos said. “I think more students should take [Zoology], especially if you love animals and dissections because you can learn more than just general [animal] knowledge.”
The Week in Photos: Nov. 4-Nov. 10
A graphic introduces the next piece in the column Odds and Ends. Contact Ally Kelley!
Odds and Ends: Screaming Sirens or Soft Speech?
A bright chemical flame bursts from the “Mole Cannon,” fired by Colin Sun ‘26, during Kerry Reilly’s Honors Chemistry class in the 4000s Oct. 24. Chemistry students celebrated Mole Day on Oct. 23 and 24 through a variety of labs and activities including sidewalk chalk, mole making and the firing of the moles from the cannon. “It felt awesome! I felt confident, and I felt powerful,” Sun said.
The Week in Photos: Oct. 21-Oct. 27
A close-up of Ella Heimers 25 sketch, 2-D Gorillaz.
Singer, Sketched
Reva Mehrotra ‘26, Ridhi Bandla ‘26, Puja Kotapati ‘26 and Bianca Saju ‘26 pose with CEO of Lady Trailblazer Inc. and Program Facilitator Carletta Stewart at the Girls’ Persist award ceremony May 16. At the ceremony, members received certificates recognizing their participation and achievements in the club. “Girls’ Persist has helped me gain confidence in my ability to speak to people even if I’m not as prepared as I wish I was,” Kotapati said.
Girls’ Persist: The Rise of Something New
A graphic introduces the second article of the column “Mental Health Mondays.”
Mental Health Mondays: Students and Social Media
Cash Geist ‘27 sketches out an idea for a 3D art piece in his sculpture class during seventh period Sept. 12. Lindsay Hubbard’s class worked on their polymer clay projects, where they were assigned to use a piece of trash or old material to make it seem like it came back to life. “My favorite part has been experimenting with the clay,” fellow classmate Mackenzie Lawson ‘26 said. “I’m still deciding what exactly I’m going to make but I’m really excited to see how my project turns out.”
OPINION: Science vs. the Arts
Assistant Principal Mandi Zimmerman uses car markers to write messages in support of passing 5A and 5B on cars in the upper lot during Parent Teacher Conferences Oct. 12. As Assistant Principals, Zimmerman and Karli Bloom did not need to meet with parents, painting an estimated 40 cars. Teachers and parents marked their cars with sticky notes if they wanted their cars painted. On the evening of conferences, Ms. Bloom and I were not officially working that evening, we had prearranged absences. We were using our personal time to write on the cars with Mr. Abners permission, Zimmerman said.
Editorial: Make or Break Vote Takes Place This Tuesday
Sophia Miller 25 poses for a creative photo. The text and darkness convey the negative emotions and thoughts given to us by others. In a world full of negativity, these ideas ingrain themselves into our lives and contribute to the isolation so prevalent in everyday life.
OPINION: The Worst Mistake Humanity Has Made
The Secret Of Life column logo, created with Canva.
The Secret of Life: Planners, Plans and More Planning
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Kira Zizzo

Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief

Hi, my name is Kira Zizzo and I’m currently a senior. This is my fourth year on newspaper staff and third year as an Editor in Chief of the Rock. I’ve previously been a staff member of my middle school yearbook, written for the Colorado Kids section of the Denver Post, reported for my middle school newspaper, and I’m currently an intern at the Castle Pines Connection. Outside of school, I participate in Jags Go Pink! club, Random Acts of Positivity club, Human Rights club, Operation Smile, Student Advisory Group, FBLA, and DECA. This year, I’m excited to amplify student voices and shine light on overlooked narratives in our community through student media.

Check out my portfolio here: https://kzizzoreporter.wixsite.com/my-site-1

All content by Kira Zizzo
Cover image for episode one of the Elephant in the Room podcast, featuring Emma Warford 23 in a discussion about eating disorders and recovery.

Elephant in the Room Podcast: Eating Disorders and Recovery with Emma Warford

by Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief
February 12, 2022
Protestors gather around the Wilcox Boardroom in opposition to the DCSD school board majority’s actions Feb. 3. This protest lasted from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

School Board Division Leads to Community Action

by Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief
February 5, 2022
Gavin Moody ‘22 individually protests outside of Valor Christian High School (VCHS) Nov. 21. Every day after school, Moody takes a stand against VCHS’s treatment of LGBTQ+ staff and students, protesting their win of the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award.

His Vision for Valor

December 14, 2021
Chris Schlesinger ‘22 steals the ball during the first play of the boys varsity basketball game against Highlands Ranch Jan. 21. The Jaguars had a 52-37 win against the Falcons.

Swishing Their Way to Success: Boys Varsity Basketball Game Photo Recap

by Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief
January 29, 2022
On Sept. 24, Kyle Mackzum ‘22 and Jack Duong ‘22 celebrate during the finale of their halftime manpoms homecoming performance.

Relive the Homecoming Game: Photo Recap

November 1, 2021
Main image for Suicide Awareness: Data and Destigmatizing Colorados Biggest Teen Issue article.

[Photo] Suicide Awareness: Data and Destigmatizing Colorado Biggest Teen Issue

September 28, 2021
Main image for Faux-vid story, focusing on the Rock Canyon Crud.

[Photo] Faux-vid 19

September 10, 2021

Mask Walkout Coverage

by Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief
September 2, 2021
Kennedy Karbowski ‘24 chants in opposition to the mask mandate at the anti-mask walkout in the student parking lot Sept 1. Karbowski and other students protested the Tri-County Health Department’s decision that requires students to wear a mask in school in a walkout organized by the @dcsd_anti_masks Instagram account.

Walkout Unmasks Tensions Among Students

by Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief
September 2, 2021
Kennedy Karbowski ‘24 chants in opposition to the mask mandate at the anti-mask walkout in the student parking lot Sept 1. Karbowski and other students protested the Tri-County Health Department’s decision that requires students to wear a mask in school in a walkout organized by the @dcsd_anti_masks Instagram account.

Walkout Unmasks Tensions Among Students

by Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief
September 2, 2021
Feature image for Summer Food Update, displaying meal bags ready for students and families to pick them up. PC: June Everett

[Photo] Serving Students Over the Summer: Update

July 13, 2021
The featured image for the We Need A Covid Curve editorial.

[Photo] We Need a Covid Curve

April 22, 2021
Jordan Norwood 23 and a group of Valor students cheers at the intersection of University and Colorado, to protest CHSAA’s decision to keep football in the spring of 2021 Sept. 11. Let CO Play organized three protests throughout the state. All starting at 3:30, the protests occurred in Highlands Ranch, Colorado Springs and Delta.

How “Let CO Play” Brought Football Back to Fall

October 8, 2020
The featured image for Return to Remote of a laptop showing the breaking news students and staff received today.

[Photo] BREAKING: Return to Remote

April 9, 2021
22021 is the year for music-01

[Photo] 2021 Is the Year for Music

April 1, 2021
Band tee epidemic cover image, featuring Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC.

[Photo] The Band Tee Epidemic

March 12, 2021
(Left Image) Jacob Aragon ‘21 protests against President Trump outside the post office Sept. 18. 2020. After a pro-Trump rally the day before, Aragon and Amanda Brauchler ‘21 were inspired to launch a counter-protest. “Throughout this entire year, there’s been a lot of people giving out their voice when it comes to issues they’re passionate about and the other day we saw people who support our current president, so we got their voice, so we wanted to gather some people and speak in opposition to that and exercise our rights, Aragon said. We’re speaking out spreading love, we’re speaking about voting, settling for Biden, all about love and respect for people and their races and all of that.” (Right Image) Golden Boy, Dani Haddad ’20 prepares in anticipation to catch the senior megaphone at Echo Park during the Homecoming Football game Sept. 19. 2019. He led chants throughout the bleachers to cheer on the football team. “It was crazy, everyone was screaming and the school spirit was amazing! I was so excited to be at the game and show support for our team,” Nikhila Naryana ‘22 said. The stark changes one year can have on student voices are conveyed in this piece through the juxtaposition of a photo from last October’s football game with an image from this October’s student-led anti-Trump protest. This piece was created to drawing focus to the students themselves, with a color behind them representative of the crowd’s tone. 2019’s blue is a soft hue of stability and health, while 2020’s red is a pigment of passion and drive, reinforcing the concept of growth and maturity in our teenage motives.

Teenage Cliché to Revolution on the Highway: The Paradigm Shift of Teenage Culture in 2020

by Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief
February 5, 2021
IMG_5960

[Photo] A new approach to the new year: Setting a New Year’s theme

January 22, 2021
Take a look into storylines and predictions for each of the five Christmas day matchups. 

[Photo] A Look Ahead at the NBA on Christmas Day

December 17, 2020
This Eyes on the Prize political cartoon illustrates the current political tension and importance of gaining Nevadas electoral votes 8:00 A.M Nov. 6. At this point in the election, Vice President Joe Biden needed 6 electoral votes to win the election, which shifted a focus to Nevada, a projected blue state with 6 electoral votes. “Democracy only works if people vote and inevitably whoever is elected is elected, for better or for worse,” Aspen Shih ’22 said. “I feel like this election has been so drastically polarized but hopefully this election will move the country forward during these times.”

[Photo] A Virtual Day in the Life of a Student

December 1, 2020
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[Photo] Superstitions: silly or serious?

November 12, 2020
Jacob Aragon ‘21 protests against President Trump outside the post office Sept. 18. After a pro-Trump rally the day before, Aragon and Amanda Brauchler ‘21 were inspired to launch a counter-protest. “Throughout this entire year, there’s been a lot of people giving out their voice when it comes to issues they’re passionate about and the other day we saw people who support our current president, so we got their voice, so we wanted to gather some people and speak in opposition to that and exercise our rights, Aragon said. We’re speaking out spreading love, we’re speaking about voting, settling for Biden, all about love and respect for people and their races and all of that.” (photo by Kira Zizzo)

Students Make a Statement: Taking the Anti-Trump Narrative to the Streets

by Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief
October 18, 2020
Graduates raise their fists during the national anthem in support of the Black Lives Matter movement during graduation at Echo Park June 27. Dozens of students raised their fists during the graduation ceremony in solidarity to protest police brutality. “As the graduating Class of 2020 at Rock Canyon High School, we say enough. We say enough to silence, discomfort, and ignorance of racism,” the Black Lives Matter Class of 2020 letter of intention said.

Graduation Demonstration: Students Show Solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement

by Kira Zizzo, Editor in Chief
July 4, 2020
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Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

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