Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
As of May 2025, College Board will be changing 28 AP exams to either hybrid or fully digital tests. 13 of the school's offered AP exams will be fully digital, and 11 will be hybrid digital.
Time’s Ticking
The purple ribbon symbolizes awareness for all cancers during National Cancer Control Month. Ribbons representing individual types of cancer serve as powerful symbols of hope, unity, and support for cancer patients. Each month is dedicated to raising awareness for specific cancers and providing opportunities for education and advocacy. The purple ribbon is a powerful symbol that represents awareness for all cancers. It encourages research, support, and inclusivity in the fight against cancer.
How can you help people who are struggling with cancer this April?
Spring arrived on March 20 and warmer temperatures are expected in April and May. According to nbcnews.com in Spring the sun's rays are more concentrated than they are during winter, which creates warmer temperatures and less snow. “Spring is my favorite season because the temperatures get warmer but not too hot so its a great temperature,” Sienna Russo ‘27 said.
Do Not Fear, Spring is Here
From Feb. 14 through March 8 three French exchange students attended classes.
The Exchange Experience
State President Medha Kuntamukkla ‘25 gives out a backpack at the HOSA Store Feb. 18. Backpacks and water bottles were free for SLC attendees and exchanged for red tickets given to students at the beginning of the conference. Other HOSA merchandise was available for purchase and could be bought throughout the conference. “I had to make sure everything was running smoothly and be there as support for the members,” Kuntamukkla said. “If they had any questions, I would direct where to go, and also just helped out with registration, making sure all the chapters were checking in okay and they were all getting their rooms.”
Healthcare of Tomorrow
After earning a position on the State Officer team, Jonathan Duong ‘26 hugs Sen Yakandawala ‘26 following the conclusion of the closing ceremony Feb. 15. Duong will serve as the 2025-2026 State Treasure and aims to provide more resources and connections to small TSA chapters as well as improve navigation for members at events like the state conference. “I was so glad and proud to be there with him,” Yakandawala said. “It was easily one of my favorite moments of the state conference.”
Innovators in Action
The winter guard team makes fifth place at the state championship finals in the Denver Coliseum, March 30. The team performed to Barnes Country's “Glitter and Gold,” lead by coaches Margo Sanford, Blair Bickerton and Anna Orgren. In their class there were a total of nine groups participating, and the top five who made it to finals received a plaque. “[Walking onto the stage] is very nerve-wracking, but also very exciting as well. When you first start color guard there's a lot of anxiety and uncertainty when you first perform in front of an audience, but once you've done it for a while, it starts to become the best part of the season,” Ella West ‘25 said. “It's very fulfilling to see an audience react to something you've put your heart and soul into.”
Shining and Spinning Through the Season
Graphic depicts the NCAA Tournament bracket.
The Final Four Showdown: March Madness
Varsity Guard Brooke Harding ‘25 goes up against Cherry Creek High School Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. Harding finished off this season with a total of 380 points and will be attending Colorado Mesa University next year for basketball. The game ended in a 69-55 L. “Every win is definitely a team win. No game is won because of one person. We all need each other, and it’s amazing that we are all close because it definitely helps our chemistry,” Harding said.
Day in the Life of a Varsity Girls Basketball Player
During girls tennis tryouts Feb Anika Kaja ‘28 hits the ball while working on her forehand hits. “I thought the tryouts were really fun and I got to show my talents,” Kaja Said.
Girls Tennis Tryouts 2025
Graphic for podcast episode Insights Unfiltered: A Conversation with Nick Artinger
Insights Unfiltered: A Conversation with Nick Artinger
A fencing mask and Sabre sit on top of a fence. These two pieces of fencing equipment are the most recognizable to most people.
En Garde: Inside the sport of Sabre Fencing
The black and gold color scheme in this photo reflects the official school colors of RCHS. The security guard, portrayed as the "I" in "SECURITY," plays a vital role in maintaining safety on campus. Their presence is essential for ensuring a secure environment for both students and staff.
Behind the Badge: How Our Security Protects Our Campus
On Jan. 27, 2024, Charlotte Holmberg placed third overall as a Level 10 competing for Incline Gymnastics on the beam, scoring 9.525 at the UGA Invitational in Chicago, Illinois.
The Club Sports Experience: Female High School Athletes Navigate Passion and Pressure
This picture depicts the symbol representing Autism Spectrum Disorder according to Autism Learning Partners.
It Really is a Spectrum
Varsity Guard Brooke Harding ‘25 goes up against Cherry Creek High School Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. Harding finished off this season with a total of 380 points and will be attending Colorado Mesa University next year for basketball. The game ended in a 69-55 L. “Every win is definitely a team win. No game is won because of one person. We all need each other, and it’s amazing that we are all close because it definitely helps our chemistry,” Harding said.
Day in the Life of a Varsity Girls Basketball Player
At the 2024 AAU Junior National Championships in Orlando, Florida, Riva Linga ‘28 takes the court as a middle blocker for Relentless Volleyball Club (RVC) on the 14 Z’s Nationals team, which proudly secured 64th place out of 186 teams nationwide.
Overcoming the Struggles: How Injured Students Navigate the Challenges of School
Half night sky and half day sky with clock, cloud sun and moon.
Spring Forward or Spring Fail?
This episode covers the fine details surrounding the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring English teacher Peter Deflippo.
The Glitch Podcast Episode Eight: Direct Deep Dive
The main character “Mickey”, made up of different shapes, surrounded by different quotes from the movie.
“Mickey 17”: Oscar Worthy?
“A Minecraft Movie” directed by Jared Hess, released on April 4, made over 300 million dollars during its opening weekend.
What’s with “A Minecraft movie”?
The Glitch Podcast Episode Seven: Shadows Success, Minecraft Movie and Nintendo News
This episode of the Glitch Podcast covers the recent announcement of a new Pokémon game, controversy around Warner Bros. Games and Grand Theft Auto V and more.
The Glitch Podcast Episode 5: Pokémon, Patents and Products
This episode covers the release of Avowed, Fortnite’s Mortal Kombat Collaboration and Scopely’s acquisition of Niantic.
The Glitch Podcast Episode 4: Layoffs, Lawsuits and Launches.
This episode of the Glitch Podcast covers recent BAFTA awards nominations and charitable actions by Bethesda.
The Glitch Podcast Episode Six: BAFTAs and Bethesda
This episode covers the release of Avowed, Fortnite’s Mortal Kombat Collaboration and Scopely’s acquisition of Niantic.
The Glitch Podcast Episode 4: Layoffs, Lawsuits and Launches.
The Glitch Podcast logo.
The Glitch Podcast Episode One: Nominations, Non-Compliance and New Trends
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].”
The Week in Photos: April 27-May 3
The graphic introduces the video.
Prom Planning
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.”
The Week in Photos: April 13-April 19
Graphic depicts the student parking lot during the day April 18.
The Lot Thickens
The graphic depicts the stress of midterms with the background of calmness after midterms is over.
A Spring Check in
This graphic shows four abstract silhouettes of Helldivers on a rocky planet. Two “Super Destroyers” fly in the sky above.
Pixel Perfect: An Ode to Liberty
Mackenzie Carson checks her computer on Feb. 26 in her office. Counselors are here to help students with graduation and their mental health. “I think there is a lot more awareness of it (mental health) and still acknowledging that people can struggle with mental health, but I think there's also a lot more people struggling with mental health concerns,” Carson said.
Not Alone
Lily Perry ‘27 holds a Red Bull in her car on Feb. 19. According to the USDA, the average amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee is 95 mg. Most energy drinks contain 100-300 mg of caffeine according to the Mayo Clinic Health System. “My favorite drink is Red Bull,” Perry said. “I drink about four or five in a week.”
Too Hyper
The graphic depicts "Pressure on students during course registration" and the questions that come along with it.
Navigating the Chaos: Managing Anxiety During Subject Registration
The Note to Self column logo
Note to Self #2: More is Less
The Note to Self column logo
Note to Self #1: Application Anxiety
The Note to Self column logo.
Note to Self: Introduction
The graphic reads "PROM TIMELINE" to introduce the article.
Step-by-Step for the Special Night: A Timeline for a Night to Remember
A visual depicts a set dining spot surrounded by the words “Step-by-Step for the Special Night” to introduce part two of the three-part Prom series.
Step-by-Step for the Special Night: Cuisine Scenes
A visual depicts a tuxedo surrounded by the words "Step-by-Step for the Special Night" to introduce part one of the three-part Prom series.
Step-by-Step for the Special Night: Dress to Impress
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Maddie Leonardi

Maddie Leonardi, Reporter

Hi, my name is Maddie and I’m currently a junior. This will be my first year on staff. In my free time, I love watching movies, reading books, drawing, and hanging out with my friends. This year, I am excited to learn more about our students and our community, and give them a voice through the newspaper. This year, I hope to improve my graphic design and writing skills.

All content by Maddie Leonardi
The image for the "Ambitious Application Tips" graphic by Maddie Leonardi and JJ Nielsen-Mayer.

Ambitious Application Tips

by Maddie Leonardi and JJ Nielsen Mayer
May 19, 2023
A graphic reads "Five Ways to Prepare for the SAT," introducing the article.

Five Ways to Prepare for the SAT

by Maddie Leonardi, Reporter
April 11, 2023
A graphic shows how music can affect listeners' mental health.

Music and Mental Health

by Maddie Leonardi, Reporter
March 2, 2023
A graphic introduces volunteer opportunities for the winter/holiday season.

The Gift of Giving

by Maddie Leonardi, Reporter
December 21, 2022
BEC30535-96E1-4860-A77E-C651EA6C18CA

Music to Fall Into

by Maddie Leonardi, Reporter
December 1, 2022
A graphic displays student reviews of plans for Homecoming.

Regal Reviews

by Maddie Leonardi, Reporter
October 6, 2022
Jack Vannatta holds up an airplane model in his classroom Aug. 30. Vannatta has been teaching for seven years after his time in the Navy. “My favorite airplane is definitely the mighty E-2C Hawkeye,” Vannatta said.

FRIDAY FACULTY FEATURE: the Science Behind Being Jack Vannatta

by Maddie Leonardi, Reporter
September 23, 2022
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