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
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?
Discrete Math/Prob & Stat, Geometry and Algebra 1 math teacher Rachel Carmody grades her fourth period students’ quizzes during access Feb 11. Carmody has been teaching for 19 years in total, but she started here in 2019-2020 during the pandemic. “I don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t like math, it's not everybodys’ jam,” Carmody said.
Math, Motherhood and Movement with Rachel Carmody
“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 developments around the Nintendo Switch 2, Doom: The Dark Ages, Grand Theft Auto VI and Playstation
The Glitch Podcast Episode 3: Switch Successor, Slayers and Server Stops
This episode of the Glitch Podcast covers the announcement of new graphics cards, games and updates, movie adaptations, the winners of the 2024 Game Awards, and recent controversy.
The Glitch Podcast Episode 2: Awards, Announcements and Artificial Intelligence
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
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 67th Grammys took place Sunday, Feb. 2 at the Crypto.com Center in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the show saw performances and awards, along with special recognition and fundraising for the Los Angeles fire relief efforts.
OPINION: The Scammys’ Biggest Snubs
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
Aditya Khanolkar

Aditya Khanolkar, Reporter

My name is Adi Khanolkar and this will be my first year on staff. In my free time, I work at Dutch Bros, and I act as an Officer in Student Advisory Group and Finance Club. I hope to create a podcast this year, where I will cover rogue stories.

All content by Aditya Khanolkar
Lily Ferdig ‘27 works on an assignment in Visual Arts teacher Prema Viswanathan’s Ceramics I class April 18. The class learned about coils in clay and how to form them properly with structural integrity. “I really enjoy Ceramics because it gives me time to have fun with clay and finish other work as well,” Ferdig said.

[Photo] The Week in Photos: April 13-April 19

by Staff
April 21, 2024
Tyler Chu ‘25 presents his speech at National Honor Society’s (NHS) elections in the auditorium April 12. He and 13 other nominees addressed their peers in one to two minute speeches to gain votes in order to join next school year’s NHS officer team. At around 3 p.m., the votes were tallied, and Chu learned that he had won the presidential campaign. “I feel truly inspired by the peers around me. My only hope is that I can do right by them,” Chu said. The new NHS officers for the upcoming school year will be: President Tyler Chu ‘25, Vice President Aditya Khanolkar ‘25, Secretary Kaylin Stancik ‘25, Historian Petra McGowan ‘25 and Public Relations Officer Kavini Giri ‘25.

[Photo] The Week in Photos: April 6-April 12

by Staff
April 14, 2024

[Video] FBLA State Leadership Conference: Donating One Dime at a Time

by Sanaa Sow and Aditya Khanolkar
April 4, 2024
An advertisement by Hats For Hope hopes to gain sails through Instagram and Direct Message Feb 22. Their beanies will be sold for $20 on all virtual platforms.

Helping Prevent Homelessness, One Hat at a Time

by Aditya Khanolkar, Clark Farson, Gabe Mascitti, and James Bogue
March 11, 2024
Cash Barnett ‘27 stands in line to order Chipotle for Wish Week March 3. By mentioning “RC Wish Week” at checkout from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., each order from the Chipotle on University Boulevard helped donate funds to Wish Week in order to grant 2024 Wish Kid Kiki’s wish of traveling to Hawaii with princesses to have a tea party. “This is my first real Wish Week, and I’m excited to see how much money Rock Canyon can raise,” Barnett said.

[Photo] The Week in Photos: March 2-March 8

by Staff
March 10, 2024
Holding his second place DECA Glass in the category of Automotive Series Marketing, Aditya Khanolkar ‘25 stands atop the Broadmoor stage at DECA State Feb. 27. Khanolkar is a veteran DECA member of two years, but this was his first time qualifying for an international competition.

Jaguars take on DECA State

by Aditya Khanolkar, Reporter
March 5, 2024
The 45 words of the First Amendment.

Get Quizzed: Scholastic Journalism Week

by Aditya Khanolkar, Clark Farson, and Gabe Mascitti
February 22, 2024
Kerry Reilly illuminates the room with a bright chemical reaction in her Chemistry Honors class Feb. 15. The reaction, nicknamed "White Lightning," demonstrated the reactive capabilities of magnesium.

Chemical Concoctions with Kerry Reilly

by Aditya Khanolkar and Clark Farson
February 22, 2024
Derek DeNileon poses as a Renaissance portrait while teaching Spanish III Honors in the ASL classroom on Nov. 9. He taught classes in the ASL room.

FRIDAY FACULTY FEATURE: From Shredder to Spanish Teacher

by Aditya Khanolkar, Reporter
February 16, 2024
Ravi Khotra ‘26 consults Avi Khanna ‘26 on last-minute updates for their presentation at Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Districts at Arapahoe Fairgrounds Feb. 7. If the group placed in one of the top four positions for their competition, they will progress to FBLA State, which is held at the Gaylord Hotel in April. “I think FBLA is a great club to join because of the experiences at State and Nationals,” Khotra said.

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

by Staff
February 11, 2024
A.J. Parasuram ‘26 watches a video while standing behind Carson Luttman ‘24 at Happy Crew Jan. 30. The video educated Generation Z on how to confront uncomfortable conversations the correct way, and served as a larger part of Happy Crew’s focus to prioritize inclusivity and positivity. “I love going to Happy Crew to connect with my friends that I otherwise wouldn’t see outside of school,” Parasuram said.

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

by Staff
February 5, 2024
A graphic reads "2024-2025 Course Registration ends today" to introduce the article.

Class Registration Ends Today

by Aditya Khanolkar, Reporter
February 1, 2024
Spanish teacher Derek DeNileon counts Sumanth Kaja ‘27 and Dakota Dugan ‘28 down for their final answers during the seventh-period Basura Ball Competition Jan. 23. The name ‘Basura Ball’ translates to ‘Trash Ball’ due to the fashion of the ball, which is created from scraps of old tape by DeNileon himself, and is played to review for upcoming tests. The game itself divides players into two teams, from which one person is selected to represent the team. The two rival teams’ representatives go face-to-face to answer a Spanish question. The representative with the quickest correct answer receives one point and a chance to make a shot in the trash can for even more, depending on how far they stand from the trash can. “Tensions are high, but that’s just the way the Basura Ball bounces, man,” DeNileon said.

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Jan. 20-Jan. 26

by Staff
January 28, 2024
Nathan Kim ‘24 stands atop the slopes at Breckenridge after several hours of snowboarding Jan. 8. The cold conditions on the mountain prompted Kim to use an over-the-helmet hoodie, helping him withstand the windchill.

Snow Season Styles

by Aditya Khanolkar, Reporter
January 22, 2024
Patryk Zalewski ‘25 swings a bowling ball down the lane in the hopes of securing a spare at Student Council’s Bowlero Event Jan. 19. Zalewski used a heavier 10 lb. ball, as it would yield better direction control in order to knock down the remaining center pins. “So far, I’ve bowled about five strikes tonight, but I definitely hit my stride when I made two in a row,” Zalewski said.

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Jan. 13-Jan. 19

by Staff
January 20, 2024
Dane Zitzlsperger ‘25 leans on the chassis of his go-kart to push it up his driveway Jan 8. According to FOX 31 Denver, Highlands Ranch received three and a half inches of snow. This allowed Zitzlsperger to spend his last day of winter break drifting his custom-built go-kart through fresh powder. “In the summers, I can’t really drift the kart since the tires can’t handle it, but in winter snow, it easily cranks donuts and long drifts,” Zitzlsperger said.

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Jan. 6-Jan. 12

by Staff
January 13, 2024
Sri Nama ‘25 watches Chemistry teacher Kerry Reilly conduct a chemical reaction on Styrofoam during period three AP Chemistry Dec. 7. The experiment was used to show the soluble capabilities of Styrofoam as a solid, and was a fairly quick chemical reaction. “These experiments are really why I chose to take AP Chemistry,” Nama said.

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

by Staff
December 11, 2023
A graphic introduces the election results and article.

UPDATE: Review the Results with Post-Election Day Information

by Aditya Khanolkar, Reporter
November 29, 2023
A photo and title introduce "Adi's Recipes," starting with Dalgona coffee.

Adi’s Recipes: Fresh Dalgona

by Aditya Khanolkar, Reporter
November 11, 2023
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