Recent Scores
  • May 27 / Varsity BaseballRock Canyon High School - 7, Cherokee Trail High School - 2
  • May 27 / Varsity BaseballRock Canyon High School - 1, Valor Christian High School - 11
  • May 26 / Varsity BaseballRock Canyon High School - 4, Mountain Vista High School - 3
  • May 25 / Varsity Girls SoccerRock Canyon High School - 0, ThunderRidge High School - 1
  • May 20 / Varsity BaseballRock Canyon High School - 11, Far Northeast High School - 1
  • May 20 / Varsity BaseballRock Canyon High School - 10, Douglas County High School - 0
  • May 18 / Varsity Girls SoccerRock Canyon High School - 6, Heritage High School - 4
  • May 16 / Varsity BaseballRock Canyon High School - 11, Air Academy High School - 0
  • May 15 / Varsity Girls SoccerRock Canyon High School - 4, Pine Creek High School - 1
  • May 13 / Varsity BaseballRock Canyon High School - 15, Brighton High School - 0
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Smiling, Student Body President Myles Rubin ‘23 gives a speech in front of the senior section during the Moving Up Assembly May 12. Student Council wrapped up the year with a final speech, talking about school activities such as the Back to School Dance, Homecoming week, assemblies, Wish Week and Prom. “I love giving speeches at assemblies because of the roar of the crowd and the positive response from all of the students,” Rubin said. “It was awesome being Student Council President this year and being able to lead some of the best events that Rock Canyon has put together.”
Moving Up & Out
The featured image for the article displays the Finals Week schedule. Click for full screen.
Finals Frenzy: Finals Week Schedule
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
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
Click to enlarge the graphic of class period start and end times for May 12.
Moving Up, Moving On: Tomorrow’s Moving Up Assembly Schedule
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
Nathan Shrestha 25 works on an assignment in the LMC May 12. Shrestha utilized his time before his track and field meet to finish a presentation for Chinese IV. “Anytime I’m free, I make sure that I don’t have any extra assignments that I would have to cram at the last minute,” Shrestha said.
Stretching and Stressing
Abbey Gardner 23 lays in a postoperative hospital surgical bed after surgery to reattach the retina back onto her eye Dec. 19, 2022. Gardners retina had detached during the Winter Junior Nationals swim meet Dec. 7-12 in Austin Texas. I detached my retina in my left eye, which took me out of the water for close to two months, Gardner said. Photo Courtesy: Abbey Gardner.
Defying Limits and Overcoming Injuries
The jumbotron displays the NCAA March Madness logo. Photo courtesy: Jacob Rice, free to use under the Unsplash License.
Inside The Stats (w/ Kishan Vahalia): The March to March Madness Victories and Upsets
Varsity defender Clara Geuzaine ‘24 laughs with varsity forward Ava Todd ‘23 before the game against the Castle View Sabercats March 28. Before the start of the game, the team huddled up and hyped each other up as a pregame ritual. “I usually do a special handshake with Addie Vali before every game,” Geuzaine said. “The team also huddles up and then we count to three, and then well slam our left foot in the center, and then everyone has to keep it in and then we do team talking to each other to hype each other up.”
Photo Recap: Varsity Girls Soccer Takes on Castle View Sabercats
The featured graphic reads Colorado Activities For This Summer.
The Places You’ll Go: Colorado Activities For This Summer
A graphic depicts the contrasting nature of mental health issues and the masked stigma surrounding it.
Breaking the Stigma: Jag Opinions on This Year’s Mental Health Awareness Month
A white and pink graphic reads 16 yr OLD, 41 yr YOUNG to introduce article three of the column, One Good Thing: Hey Teens, It Gets Better!
One Good Thing: Hey Teens, It Gets Better!
The image for the Ambitious Application Tips graphic by Maddie Leonardi and JJ Nielsen-Mayer.
Ambitious Application Tips
A graphic portrays the stress of taking finals at the end of the year.
The End of the Year: What’s it Like for Teachers?
The graphic reads How to Enjoy Your Staycation to introduce the Staycation Quiz.
Quiz: What Should I Do To Enjoy My Staycation?
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”
A graphic introduces recent movie, TV show, and music releases.
Winter Entertainment Releases and Opinions
A graphic introduces the article. It reads, what to do over Winter Break Dec. 22-Jan. 9.
Nine Activities for a Wonderful Winter Break
A graphic depicts several new entertainment releases, such as the cover of Taylor Swifts album Midnights, the movie Enola Holmes 2, and the television series Young Royals.
New Releases and Ratings
Graphic by: Jack Gianetto
RC Update The Final Update
Graphic by: Jack Gianetto
RC Update: Featuring Jared Engerman and Holden Casey
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
After a long hiatus, the RC Update returns with its first guest of the year, Student Council Secretary Josh Lederman. Art by Matthew Fink
RC Update: Josh Lederman
Julien Bouquet is the candidate for RTD Director for District G in this coming election.
RC Update: Julien Bouquet
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?
A graphic introduces the article topic, The Issue of Weighting Courses, with a red A+ in the background.
Staff Editorial: The Issue of Weighting Courses
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 30, 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 19, 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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