• Oct 18 / Varsity FootballRock Canyon High School - 22, Castle View High School - 23
  • Oct 12 / Varsity FootballRock Canyon High School - 42, Fruita Monument High School - 0
  • Oct 3 / Varsity FootballRock Canyon High School - 31, Thunder Ridge High School - 20
  • Sep 16 / Varsity SoftballRock Canyon High School - 4, Ponderosa High School - 14
  • Sep 16 / Freshman Boys SoccerRock Canyon High School - 2, Heritage High School - 0
  • Sep 14 / Varsity Boys SoccerRock Canyon High School - 1, Castle View High School - 0
  • Sep 14 / Freshman Boys SoccerRock Canyon High School - 0, Castle View High School - 1
  • Sep 14 / Varsity SoftballRock Canyon High School - 10, Legacy High School - 2
  • Sep 13 / Varsity FootballRock Canyon High School - 21, Douglas County High School - 38
  • Sep 12 / Varsity Girls VolleyballRock Canyon High School - 3, Douglas County High School - 0
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Man Poms poses at the end of their routine in the gym during the Homecoming Assembly Sept. 19. Man Poms is an annual tradition in which boys from the senior class perform at both the Homecoming Assembly and the Homecoming football game. “I joined Man Poms because it sounded fun and a lot of my friends were doing it, so I went ahead and joined. Also performing in front of the whole school sounded amazing,” Man Poms dancer Nidhay Somanchi ‘25 said. “My favorite part of performing was hyping up the crowd at the football game and at the assembly because it shows our connections with each other and our crazy school spirit.”
The Closing Ceremony: A Look Back on the Homecoming Assembly
A Week of Bringing Home the Gold Homecoming
A Week of Bringing Home the Gold Homecoming
Sophie Harris ‘26 spins the flag during Marching Band showcase performance at Halftime Help Stadium Sept. 11. The Band performed in the Colorado State Showcase alongside other Douglas County schools to receive feedback in order to improve for future competitions. “We have different equipment… I’m part of flag and saber right now,” Harris said.
“Let Them Eat Cake”
The graphic above pictures a concept of the ACT's changing form.
ACT: A Changing Test
At the activities fair in the gym, Advait Iyer ‘26 waits to describe his “Entrepreneurship and Business Innovators” club to various students in attendance Aug. 27. The activities fair took place during access and allowed for student-made and chapter clubs to describe their goals and activities to potential new members. About 80 clubs participated in the activities fair. “I think it’s so important for high schoolers to join clubs because it gives them a community to rely on, and it gives high schoolers more structure,” Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) club member Anouck Doublet ‘25 said.
Discover, Commit, Belong: The Activities Fair
After her Powder Puff team the “Touchdown Teasers” scored, Anouck Doublet ‘25 celebrates with her teammates Sept. 16. Powder Puff took place at Echo Park Stadium at 6 p.m. “I thought it was super special, and it was really nice to see all my friends just get together and do something really fun,” Doublet said.
A Field Full of Flag Football
Varsity football offensive guard Preston Duman ‘26 and offensive tackle Brodyn Caruso ‘26 face off with Chaparral High School (CHS) Aug. 30 at Echo Park Stadium at 7 p.m. During the game, the team averaged 321 rushing yards according to MaxPreps. “During the game I felt lots of different emotions like the excitement of a home game. I also felt very exhausted cause I played for most of the game,” Duman said.
Jaguars take Victory against the Chaparral Wolverines in their Season Opener: Photo Recap
Varsity swimmer Maxxwell Menzies '24 dives into the water for the 50 yard-freestyle during the finals at A-Leaguges May 4. Menzies was a dual sport athelte this year competing in both the mens swim and dive program in the spring but also has partipated in the Sabercats combined hockey team over the winter.
Season Splashback
During a game against Legend High School April 9, attack Aidan Brock '24 runs toward the goal at EchoPark Stadium. The Jaguars were ahead at first, but ended up with a score of 9-6 L. Brock scored two goals during this game.
Sticking Together: Season Recap for Varsity Boys Lacrosse
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
Nick TeSelle ‘25 works on the “WayLessSad” merch website Aug. 29. WayLessSad is aiming to collaborate with Better Help and make its own hotline to be there for those who need immediate help. “Eventually I'd like to have in-house psychiatrists and psychologists that you can talk to on call whenever you need,” TeSelle said.
Working Towards Becoming “WayLessSad” with Nicholas TeSelle
This graphic depicts a headline to introduce the story on conserving energy.
Get Your Green On
This graphic depicts an illustration with questions to introduce the story.
Grad Parties Galore
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 it's 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
Dress to Impress
Dress to Impress
A graphic reads “Trivia Quiz?” to introduce the quiz.
The Ultimate Quiz: Trivia Quiz
The graphic reads "Crazy for Chai" with a pumpkin to introduce the article.
Crazy for Chai
A graphic displays a deserted island and the headline to introduce the quiz.
The Ultimate Quiz: Could You Survive on a Deserted Island?
The graphic above depicts JoJo Siwa’s transition from her iconic youthful style to her punk-like rebrand.
“I was a bad girl, I did some bad things.”
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
This photo shows Astro Bot loading on a Playstation 5 (PS5). Astro Bot was released exclusively for the PS5 on Sept. 6. Its charming and detailed presentation, combined with its well-crafted gameplay made it widely popular upon release.
Pixel Perfect: Boundlessly Bot-tastic
An illustrated photograph depicts Sarah Bloom '25 lying on the ground surrounded by lyrics of songwriter Paris Paloma's song "labour." The piece reads "you make me do too much labour," to quote the chorus of "labour," which was one of 15 songs in Paloma's debut album "Cacophony."
“Cacophony:” A songwriter’s narrative of womanhood
The junior class boos freshman during the opening assembly on the morning of Aug. 23. Booing has been a long-standing tradition during assemblies, but talks of shifting it to cheering have recently circulated the school. "[Freshmen are] expecting to come in with everyone supporting them and us booing them makes them upset and sad," Daksha Gopalakrishnan ‘25 said. "I think it has a negative effect on them, they won’t be able to feel welcome or anything like that."
Blocking the Booing
OPINION: End the Silence on Gun Violence
OPINION: End the Silence on Gun Violence
This graphic depicts the album cover and headline to introduce the story.
A review of “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology”
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
Sanaa Sow

Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief

Hi, my name is Sanaa Sow, and I am one of the 24-25 co-editors-in-chief. This will be my second year on staff but I was a part of the Black & Gold Yearbook for both my freshman and sophomore years. In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends and family, watch movies and read mystery novels. I am looking forward to writing more stories and covering more events. I am also excited to work with new reporters and come up with some new ideas for this school year.

All content by Sanaa Sow
Man Poms poses at the end of their routine in the gym during the Homecoming Assembly Sept. 19. Man Poms is an annual tradition in which boys from the senior class perform at both the Homecoming Assembly and the Homecoming football game. “I joined Man Poms because it sounded fun and a lot of my friends were doing it, so I went ahead and joined. Also performing in front of the whole school sounded amazing,” Man Poms dancer Nidhay Somanchi ‘25 said. “My favorite part of performing was hyping up the crowd at the football game and at the assembly because it shows our connections with each other and our crazy school spirit.”

The Closing Ceremony: A Look Back on the Homecoming Assembly

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
September 25, 2024
The image depicts the golf course in which the tournament took place on.

BMW Takes Over Castle Pines

by Elly Brooks and Sanaa Sow
August 26, 2024
The Jaguar student section sits down while the girls basketball team plays in the Great Eight game at the Denver Coliseum against Valor Christian High School Feb. 29. Many students who participated in the boys basketball student section prior to the girls basketball game left before half-time. "I think it [the student section] plays a huge role because we actually had a decent crowd at a ranch game. I think that was the only time we had like a student section. And the energy was just awesome," varsity pointing and shooting guard Brooke Harding ‘25 said. "I don't expect much from them [the Golden Boys] at all. But the fact that they left at the Elite Eight game when they were already there is honestly mind blowing to me."

The Silent Crowd

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
May 21, 2024
The graphic introduces the video.

Prom Planning

by Abigail Wood, Elly Brooks, and Sanaa Sow
April 26, 2024

FBLA State Leadership Conference: Donating One Dime at a Time

by Sanaa Sow and Aditya Khanolkar
April 4, 2024
Black & Gold Yearbook Editor-in-Chief Chloe Farson ‘25 works on a winter trends and events page for the yearbook during period four in room 4113 March 25. The deadline for the final version of the yearbook is this Friday, March 29. “Although I’m quite nervous and stressed about [the deadline], I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product more than anything,” Farson said. “I’ve found our book to be extremely unique from ones in past years, and it’s been so beautiful to work on. It’s wonderful to see it truly begin to come together, even though we don’t necessarily have all the time in the world to make it perfect.”

[Photo] The Week in Photos: March 23-March 29

by Staff
March 31, 2024
A floral graphic reads "Happy Spring Break."

Closed for Spring Break

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
March 18, 2024
The start of the video reads "Mini Mics: Post-Super Bowl Edition."

Mini Mics: Post Super-Bowl Edition

by Claire Bauer and Sanaa Sow
February 16, 2024
Student Council members Matt Hardin ‘24, Matthew Oros ‘24, Leah Sheahan ‘24 and Brady Hill ‘24 cheer for 2024 Wish Kid Kiki during the opening assembly March 1. According to RCTV’s video that played after the reveal, Kiki looked forward most to the Walk For Wishes parade that occurred March 2.

Welcoming Wish Week: Opening Assembly Photo Recap

by Sanaa Sow and Quinn Barton
March 7, 2024
After recognizing varsity seniors Ella Henry '24, Leah Cross '24 and Allison Stanton '24, parents and other teammates gathered to take a group photo Feb. 8. Senior Night took place on the last home boys basketball game of the season in the jungle. “I will miss their dedication and support the most. Whenever I needed help I could always rely on the seniors to give me the best solution possible and they were always so amazing to talk to about anything,” varsity poms dancer Maleah Koehn ‘25 said.

Taking on Senior Night

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
February 24, 2024
A graphic containing a globe reads "The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, An overview of the historical context" to introduce the article.

The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
February 13, 2024

The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: Resources

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
February 14, 2024
Varsity poms captain Leah Cross ‘24 performs during a timeout at the home varsity boys basketball game against Castle View High School Feb. 8. Seniors from the team were recognized with their parents during halftime as their future plans were announced. As the seniors wore their senior sashes, their underclassmen teammates presented them with signs. Cross plans on either attending Indiana University or the University of Georgia to study business management. “Senior Night was very bittersweet. It felt very rewarding to be acknowledged for my time on the team,” Cross said. “While it was extremely exciting to celebrate my future plans, it was also very sad commemorating the last four years and saying goodbye to a sport I’ve dedicated so much of my time to.”

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Feb. 3-Feb. 9

by Staff
February 11, 2024
Megan Khazem ‘24 mixes paint while creating a poster for Key Club’s spring blood drive in the 8000s pod Feb. 1. This year’s theme is My Bloody Valentine. The drive will take place Feb. 7 in the auxiliary gym from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. “Just one donation can save up to three lives and it really only takes about ten to fifteen minutes to get that donation,” Khazem said. “I think it’s 100% worth it to donate blood and help people in need.”

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Jan. 27-Feb. 2

by Staff
February 5, 2024
The logo for the Rock Online Newspaper.

Support Rock Media: Yearbooks, Donations and Advertisements

by Sanaa Sow and Claire Bauer
December 7, 2023
Josh Song ‘25 and Science teacher Cydney Tinsley prepare “Stop Bleeding Kits” during Access Nov. 28. Tinsley received an Rock Canyon Community Alliance (RCCA) grant, allowing her to purchase these supplies which included three units of compressed gauze, two tourniquets, one utility shear, one pair of gloves, one marker, one vented chest seal and one space blanket to help in any incidents of trauma bleeding. Tinsley’s overall goal is to put two kits in every pod and get all of the faculty to train in dealing with traumatic bleeding, one day making these kits accessible in every classroom. “It’s actually kind of cool, that through parent funding we got this grant, essentially,” Tinsley said.

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Nov. 25-Dec. 1

by Staff
December 3, 2023
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

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
December 1, 2023
Allie Moroni ‘25 presents her group’s horror story to other National English Honor Society (NEHS) members in Andrew Watkins’ room during Access Nov. 7. In order to maintain membership and cord, each NEHS member was required to complete one book club, one writing activity and one miscellaneous activity per year. The horror story activity counted as credit for the writing activity requirement. “I decided to go to this NEHS event because I needed to for the requirements of the club,” Moroni said. “My favorite part was being able to write the story with my friends because it was very funny and random.”

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Nov. 4-Nov. 10

by Staff
November 12, 2023
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. Abner's permission," Zimmerman said.

Editorial: Make or Break Vote Takes Place This Tuesday

by Claire Bauer, Elly Brooks, and Sanaa Sow
November 4, 2023
Charl Blom ‘26 and Emma Lewandowski ‘25 knead their bretzel dough during a French National Honor Society activity in Alexis Savas’ room Oct. 26. Eight members showed up to the event and cooked Alsatian Bretzels from 3:00 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. “I hope to make them at home maybe in the future with my family since they also enjoy these pretzels,” Blom said.

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Oct. 21-Oct. 27

by Staff
October 28, 2023
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

by Claire Bauer and Sanaa Sow
October 12, 2023
A pie chart displays the responses of students about Homecoming attendance in a poll conducted by @rcrockmedia on Instagram Sept. 5. After results were in, it was concluded that 149 students out of 201 respondents would be going. “It seems like a fun social event where I can interact with other people, it’s just fun,” Abhinav Gupta ‘27 said.

OPINION: Hoco or No Go?

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
October 2, 2023
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

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
September 28, 2023
Isabelle Piche '24 and Collin Naibauer '24 smile at the top of Red Rocks Amphitheatre after completing the Red Rocks 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Sept. 11. The two students and their Fire Science peers joined hundreds of citizens in doing nine laps around the amphitheatre to complete a distance similar to the 110 floors first responders climbed up the World Trade Center on the day of the attacks. "Others should definitely consider doing the climb because it’s a very eye-opening experience with the amount of adults, children, firefighters, paramedics, police and other people [who] come together to honor something so tragic," Piche said.

Never Forget: How Fire Science Students Honored 9/11

by Sanaa Sow and Elly Brooks
September 11, 2023
Clara Benko ‘24 laughs while preparing to play a game called “La Personne Précieuse” in AP French Language & Culture Sept. 6. The activity was used to help students get to know each other through the use of interview questions, all in French. “Because we have a combined class, it is often difficult to get to know the people that [aren’t] in your level,” Benko said. “In French, we always say that French is family. This helps us actually achieve that.”

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

by Staff
September 8, 2023
Lily Hutz ‘25 prepares to measure ten milliliters of silver nitrate during AP Chemistry Aug. 28. The lab was completed by AP Chemistry students to teach them more about how to solve unknown compounds. “I liked filtering [the unknown compound]. But, the hardest thing was being super accurate with measuring,” Hutz said. Reporting by: Sanaa Sow

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

by Staff
September 2, 2023
A graphic displays Unified Kickball's game season

Keep on Kickin’: Unified Kickball’s Game Schedule

by Sanaa Sow, Claire Bauer, and Ally Kelley
August 30, 2023
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

by Sanaa Sow, Editor in Chief
August 24, 2023
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