Recent Scores
  • May 6 / Varsity BaseballRock Canyon High School - 17, Highlands Ranch High School - 1
  • May 1 / Varsity BaseballRock Canyon High School - 12, Heritage High School - 2
  • Apr 30 / JV BaseballRock Canyon High School - 11, Castle View High School - 9
  • Apr 30 / Varsity Boys VolleyballRock Canyon High School - 0, Grandview High School - 3
  • Apr 30 / Varsity Track and FieldRock Canyon High School - 9, Niwot Invite - 35
  • Apr 29 / Varsity Girls LacrosseRock Canyon High School - 12, Pine Creek High School - 6
  • Apr 27 / Varsity Track and FieldRock Canyon High School - 3rd, Liberty Bell Invite - 55
  • Apr 27 / Varsity Track and FieldRock Canyon High School - Did Not Place, Randall Hess Roughrider Invite -
  • Apr 26 / JV Boys LacrosseRock Canyon High School - 2, Erie High School - 3
  • Apr 26 / Varsity Track and FieldRock Canyon High School - 3rd, Liberty Bell Invite - 55
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
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
Jane Murphie ‘27 adds flavoring to her shaved ice at the Kona Ice truck by the rock in the lower parking lot April 25. Kona Ice was available to students from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with $1 from each purchase going towards renovations of schools in Ghana, Africa. Interact Club worked with the Rotaract Association in Ghana for the past three months to plan the project and is fundraising money to meet their $1,000 goal through direct donations and partnerships with Kona Ice April 25, Twisted Sugar April 26 and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck next Tuesday, April 30. “I saw the posters about Ghana and I love Kona Ice because it tastes good so I chose the blue raspberry flavor,” Murphie said.
The Week in Photos: April 20-26
A graphic of the skyline reads RC Goes to NYC to introduce the article.
Manhattan at Mile High
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
The Rock Online Newspaper staff and Black & Gold Yearbook staff take a celebratory photo to commemorate the publications’ national awards received at the National Student Press Association (NSPA) Journalism Education Association (JEA) Kansas City Convention April 6. The Rock Online and Black & Gold received eight national awards in total, including five from the NSPA Sports Photo award category. The Rock Online website won fourth place in overall Best of Show. “I was very shocked when I won an award at the NSPA convention, because I like to compare myself to a lot of the other photographers, and it was just really cool to hear my name called in front of all those people,” Yeater said. “Not only did I learn a lot during the many workshops I went to, I also got the opportunity to bond with some people that I hadn’t known very well prior to the convention, so I think my biggest takeaway is how close of a family everyone in media is.”
The Week in Photos: April 6-April 12
Rock Canyon and Mountain Vista students Ella Hazel Heimer ‘25, Katherine Shuler ‘24, Kerry Soden ‘25, Eleanor Nugent ‘25, Allie Hight ‘23 and Ashley Wolfson ‘26 sit in rainbow order on stage together after their regional competition at Oireachtas Ballroom in Phoenix Arizona November 2023. Each girl, part of the Reed School of Irish Dance, placed differently as this was a solo round but all recalled and attended the award ceremony at the end of the competition. “A good mentality that I always have is that when I get to a competition I remember I’ve already done the practicing that needed to be done, and now I get to just focus on executing it on stage and having fun,” Soden said.
The World of Irish Dance
Nicki Fraser ‘24 defends the ball at the FIFA U-17 Womens World Cup in India Oct. 2022. Fraser has represented the United States internationally twice in her soccer career during seasons U-17 and U-19. “National team trainings are similar but usually sessions are more controlled and have more of an overall tactical emphasis on either defending or attacking,” Fraser said.
Nicki Fraser’s Rise to the Top
The winterguard team poses with their banner after winning first place in their region at State at the University of Denver Magness Arena, April 6. Led by coaches Marguerite Sanford and Blair Bickerton, they had been working on their show since December. This was the first year the team had ever won state championships or won first place at all. “When I heard our name, it felt like all of our hard work had paid off,” Ava Delp ‘27 said.
Sweeping the Season
Will Rosenmeyer 24 interviews a student on his March Madness bracket April 2.
Final Four Take
The girls varsity soccer team walk back to their bench during halftime April 1. The Jags played against the Castle View Sabercats at the Douglas County Stadium and scored 3-0 W. “It felt really good [to beat Castle View]. I feel like that was a big win for us because knowing that we came together to beat a pretty good team has definitely given us some leverage for this season,” attacking midfielder Grace Rossner ‘24 said.
Freezing the Competition
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 its good to challenge yourself, Bennett said.
FRIDAY FACULTY FEATURE: Brutal Honesty With Bennett
A photo shows construction plans in blue and orange, with detour routes in green available for the construction project on Monarch Boulevard between Castle Pines Parkway and Glen Oaks Avenue.
Conflicts of Construction
A graphic reads Teacher Appreciation Night to introduce the article.
Think Thankful: A Recap of Teacher Appreciation Night
English teacher Colleen Lamb grades College Prep English assignments during period two Nov. 10. Lamb, who has been teaching for 27 years, decorates her classroom with posters and handmade college flags from her senior students. Everything I enjoy about English happens primarily in the classroom, Lamb said. So, thankfully, the college [I worked at] had a teaching program, and I was able to do my post-grad work for free while I was working [there].”
FRIDAY FACULTY FEATURE: Learning with Lamb
The graphic above pictures a comparison between traditional education vs. digital education.
From Sheets to Screens
The graphic introduces the video.
Prom Planning
Lola Claggett ‘25 tries to slip herself away from Kyle Walsh ‘25 during the final dress rehearsal in the auditorium April 2. Kim, Claggett’s character, initially found herself head-over-heels for Conrad, played by Walsh. However, after spending time with Conrad alone, Kim quickly realizes her mistake and tries to find a way to return to her home. “A challenge I came across while playing Kim was being able to pinpoint when her opinion of Conrad changed,” Claggett said. “She has to love him at first and slowly start to see the gross person he is. I had a hard time making that arc not only noticeable to the audience but also make sense and be in line with the rest of the plot.”
“Bye Bye Birdie:” A Performance in Photos
A graphic reads Could you be the President? to introduce the quiz.
The Ultimate Quiz: Could You Be the President?
A graphic reads fall to depict the outcome for option D.
QUIZ: What Season Are You?
A graphic displays results from the polls to introduce the article
Which “Wonka” Song Wins?
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
A graphic reads Rock Ones, presented by: The Rock Newspaper to introduce the video.
Rock Ones: Episode One With Payton HOT-away
Will Rosenmeyer 24 interviews a student on his March Madness bracket April 2.
Final Four Take
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
A collage depicts images of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to introduce the article.
OPINION: “I’ll be 87, You’ll Be 89”
A graphic reads Wills Wish Week Weekend Recommendations to introduce the article.
Will’s Wish Week Weekend Recommendations
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
A graphic introduces the next piece in the column Odds and Ends. Contact Ally Kelley!
Odds and Ends: Parking Lot Problems
A graphic reads Rock Ones, presented by: The Rock Newspaper to introduce the video.
Rock Ones: Episode One With Payton HOT-away
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Maddy Merritt

Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief

Hi, I’m Maddy Merritt! This will be my third year writing for theRock, and I can’t wait for both everything you have to say and for everything our staff hopes to bring to you this year! Outside of theRock, I am an intern writer for the Castle Pines Connection and love the opportunity it provides to connect our school to our community. I am incredibly passionate about medical sciences and hope to pursue a career in cardiology, but first, I want to make the most of this year and capture as many moments as we are able to have together. This year, my goal is to put as many student voices into our content as possible, writing about all of the different experiences we’re going to have. I hope to improve my photography and writing and to keep an open mind to see all that this year will hold.

All content by Maddy Merritt
The featured image for Return to Remote of a laptop showing the breaking news students and staff received today.

BREAKING: Return to Remote

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
April 9, 2021

How To: Throw a Zoom party

by Maddy Merritt, Julia Blanchette, Campbell Scott, and Svea Erickson
January 23, 2021
A new approach to the new year: Setting a New Years theme

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

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
January 22, 2021
Superstitions: silly or serious?

Superstitions: silly or serious?

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
November 12, 2020

Just like fire

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
November 12, 2020
Proposition 118 creates a paid medical and family leave program in CO.

Proposition 118: Create paid medical and family leave in Colorado

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Proposition 117 requires CO voter approval of specific enterprises exempt from the TABOR.

Proposition 117: Require Colorado voter approval of the establishment of specific enterprises exempt from TABOR

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Proposition 116 lowers the states income tax rate from 4.63% to 4.55%.

Proposition 116: Lower the Colorado state income tax from 4.63% to 4.55%

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Proposition 115 bans abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy.

Proposition 115: Ban abortion after 22 weeks of pregnancy

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Proposition 114 reintroduces gray wolves to the CO ecosystem.

Proposition 114: Reintroduce gray wolves to the Colorado ecosystem

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Proposition 113 makes CO part of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

Proposition 113: Make Colorado part of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Proposition EE increases tobacco tax and establishes taxes on nicotine products.

Proposition EE: Increase tobacco tax and establish taxes on nicotine products

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Amendment 77 allows residents of Central City, Black Hawk City and Cripple Creek City to vote to increase the single-bet limit and include new game types.

Amendment 77: Allow residents of Central City, Black Hawk City, and Cripple Creek City to vote whether to increase the single-bet limit and include new game types

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Amendment 76 changes the wording of the CO Constitution to say only citizens of 18 years of age or more can vote.

Amendment 76: Change the wording of the Colorado Constitution from stating that “every” citizen to “only” citizens of 18 years of age or more can vote

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Amendment C changes the amount of years it takes for a charitable organization to obtain a gambling license from five years to three years.

Amendment C: Changes the amount of years it takes for a charitable organization to obtain a charitable gambling license from five years to three years

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Amendment B repeals the Gallagher Amendment of 1982.

Amendment B: Repeal the Gallagher Amendment of 1982

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Graphic for student voter information guide.

Voter Guide to Colorado’s 2020 Ballot Measures

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020
Grant DeRose 21 studies at Ziggis coffee shop Oct. 2. DeRose sometimes goes to coffee shops to participate in Zoom calls during his online learning days.

Cut the Cameras

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 22, 2020
Were Going to Miss You BARRY Much

We’re Going to Miss You “BARRY” Much

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
October 1, 2020
The sky from Toepfer Park Aug. 11. The sun set at 8pm and appeared to be pink. I loved the sky lately and the beauty it holds, but of course its heartbreaking to know that the cause of it has had so much destruction on our state, Mandy Fleet 22 said.

UPDATE: What you need to know about Colorado’s wildfires

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
September 16, 2020

Sayonara Seniors

by Emily Wilson, Editor
July 15, 2020
As students adapt to the quarantine lifestyle, different personality types are present. photo: CDC

Isolation Classification

by Emily Wilson, Editor
April 1, 2020
The Symphonic band works with clinician and band director at Rocky Mountain High School, Casey Cropp, after their performance at Castle View High school March 6. Cropp discussed his interpretation of the music and his thoughts on how the band could improve for state. “I’m really excited for State. It’s just a day that we are all really looking forward to,” clarinet player Annie Deschane ‘20 said.

Dancing to the Sound of State

by Emily Wilson and Ava Dunn
March 11, 2020
Sickness and Changed Personalities: types of sick people

Sickness and Changed Personalities: types of sick people

by Emily Wilson, Editor
March 9, 2020
Outside the performing arts wing, Kelsey Buffington ‘22 gasps while she donates her hair for the Dare To Share Your Hair event Feb. 27. Behind the barricades, Buffington’s friends watched on and shouted supportive compliments to her.

Students and Staff Shed Hair in Support of Those In Need

by Kira Zizzo and Emily Wilson
February 27, 2020
Fabian and his brother, Martin play with a stack of dollar bills collected during the Miracle Minute Feb. 21. Fabian’s brother engaged with him throughout the opening assembly, both expressed their excitement as family watched on.

2020 Wish Week Opening Assembly

by Kira Zizzo and Emily Wilson
February 21, 2020
David O’Keefe ‘23 bursts through the “Go Jags!” banner in the gym during his team’s introduction at the First Annual Unified Basketball Game Jan. 22. In the past, the Unified Basketball team’s basketball hoops were trash cans, but their equipment was upgraded with adapted basketball hoops for optimum accessibility for all students. “We’re trying to change the culture of Unified Basketball. Every day, it’s a challenge for them to be heard, to be respected and to compete in sports, but they push themselves every day past all those challenges,” Unified Basketball Coach Jerome Price said.

A Slam Dunk for SSN Programs: The First Annual Unified Basketball Game Recap

by Kira Zizzo and Emily Wilson
January 24, 2020
Teacher Kristin Greenleaf helps student Justin Schtepa ‘23 during access in room 3000B Nov. 13.

Feature Teacher Friday: English Teacher Kristin Greenleaf

by Emily Wilson, Editor
November 15, 2019
Derek Fearon 20 performs with the Man Poms during the homecoming assembly Sept. 19.

One for the Records: Closing Assembly

by Emily Wilson and Maria Gonzalez
September 24, 2019
Social Studies Teacher gives quiz directions to student Liesl Brauch 21 in room 3700 during access Sept. 10.

Feature Teacher Friday: Social Studies Teacher Hailey Johnson

by Emily Wilson, Editor
September 13, 2019
English teacher Pete DeFilippo gives student Owen Kraber 23 direction on an assignment during access in room 3000A Sept. 4.

Feature Teacher Friday: English Teacher Pete DeFilippo

by Emily Wilson, Editor
September 6, 2019
Teacher Grace Nishida helps out students Nikhila Narayana ‘22, Rhea Jaxon 22, and Amira Badruddin 22 during access in room 9000A Aug. 29.

Feature Teacher Friday

by Emily Wilson, Editor
August 30, 2019
Anitra Dolan ‘20, Morgan Williams ‘20, and color guard instructor Marguerite Buhr practice a new routine after practice in the upper parking lot Aug. 27. This was the first night the color guard section learned rifle work for movement three.

Marching into a New Season

by Emily Wilson, Editor
August 28, 2019
Live, Love, Lax

Live, Love, Lax

by Maddy Merritt and Reagan Davis
May 21, 2019

Cofisnozia Causing Panic Throughout the Nation

by Emily Wilson, Editor
May 15, 2019
Michael McGuire lifts and kisses his son, Wish Kid Michael McGuire during the closing assembly in the gym March 8. The closing assembly celebrated Michael and his wish to go to Disney World. I think Michael was my favorite part about Wish Week. My favorite part was when he stole the microphone at the opening assembly. I think hes got spirit, is a great kid and it was really cool to meet him and his family, Principal Andy Abner said.

We Believe in Michael’s Wish

by Emily Wilson, Maddy Merritt, and Julia Blanchette
March 25, 2019
Wish Kid Michael McGuire and his sister, Genevieve McGuire, play in the confetti on the gym floor during the closing assembly March 8. The two spent the rest of the assembly romping in the confetti Student Council dispersed throughout the gym.

The Day in Photos: Closing Assembly

by Emily Wilson and Maddy Merritt
March 15, 2019
Julia McDonald 21 laughs after getting her hair cut during the Dare to Share event Tuesday, March 5. 102 pony tails were donated in four hours.

Dare and Donate, Share and Shine

by Maddy Merritt and Jana Seal
March 11, 2019
Lilliya Larson 21 smiles in her Dare to Share Your Hair t-shirt from Wish Week 2018. Larson donated 12 inches last year. I am going to do it again this year. I liked it a lot because even if your hair is a little too short for a few weeks, I feel like youve still changed a life, and thats more important than anything on how you look because your hair will grow back, but they wont ever get hair, Larson said.

Dare To Share True or False

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
March 1, 2019
Sophomores Emma Renard and Hailey Poppler fold shirts to be packaged for Wish Kit sales. Student Council ordered about 2,600 shirts so the whole student body has a chance to buy a shirt. It supports the Wish Kid... Everyone gets one, its kind of a big thing, council member Berlin Barnett 21 said.

Council Crazies

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
March 1, 2019
Sara Smith 21 cries while watching the introductory video introducing last years wish kid, Violet March 1, 2018.

What to Expect for Wish Week

by Emily Wilson and Brooke Indel
March 1, 2019
Flashback in the New Year

Flashback in the New Year

by Emily Wilson, Editor
March 1, 2019
The cast of Newsies rehearses after school in the auditorium Feb. 20. The cast, crew, and pit members have been working since the end of December to put the production together. “I play the part of Joseph Pulitzer and it’s fun being a part of a family.” Lily Schmoker 19 said.

Newsies the Musical

by Emily Wilson, Editor
March 1, 2019
Emily McDonald ‘19 practices her clarinet during access in the band room Jan. 10. McDonald received the music after being accepted into the Colorado All State band and practiced before the combined musical rehearsals. “I am most excited to meet other players from around the state that have worked just as hard to get here and are just as excited about music as I am. As the best in the state changes, the community of musicians chosen is unique to any year prior and I’m really excited to meet this years members,” McDonald said.

Colorado All State Honor Band

by Emily Wilson, Editor
January 29, 2019

Pretty Pennies Penetrated

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
January 29, 2019
Junior Jessica Rumsey cleans out her band locker as part of her New Year’s Resolution Jan. 8. Rumsey has decided that in the new year she is going to be more organized and is hoping to stick with it throughout the year.“My New Year’s Resolution is to stay more organized because I think it’s in my nature to be disorganized. I hope that my friends will help keep me honest, but I will keep up with my resolution mainly by making sure that I put things back once I am done using them,” Rumsey said.

Tips to keep your 2019 New Year’s Resolutions

by Emily Wilson, Editor
January 11, 2019

Play the Night Away

by Maddy Merritt, Editor in Chief
December 14, 2018

First Year of Winter Guard

by Emily Wilson, Editor
December 11, 2018
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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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