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
Ella Heimer

Ella Heimer, Reporter

Hello, my name is Ella Heimer. I’m a junior, and this is my first year on staff. In my free time, I like to draw and sing. One of my favorite things to do is go to concerts and see my favorite artists live. I am looking forward to reporting on the sports I am interested in and the events I attend.

All content by Ella Heimer
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

by Ella Heimer, Reporter
May 4, 2024
The image shows an up-close shot of the partial solar eclipse observable in Colorado April 8. Colorado was only able to observe a partial solar eclipse while other parts of the country saw total coverage.

[Photo] A Glimpse at the Eclipse

by Dee Lee and Claire Bauer
April 8, 2024
Eleanor Nugent ‘25 and Kerry Soden ‘25 pose with their mad hats for Mad Hatter Monday, March 4. Students dressed up in the craziest hats they could find for Monday’s spirit day theme for Wish Week. “I thought that my Irish dance crown would be a fun thing to bring for the spirit day. I just thought it was a cute, different, and unique thing that I could bring,” Nugent said.

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

by Staff
March 10, 2024
Bodey Sherill ‘24 pins Max Garcia during his match against the Heritage Eagles Jan. 17. Sherill won by pin in five minutes and 34 seconds. “I knew I had more technical experience and endurance than he did. I knew if I kept that in mind, I’d beat him,” Sherill said.

A Second Semester Wrestling Recap

by Ella Heimer, Reporter
March 8, 2024
Kristin Greenleaf's class watches the boys basketball game Feb. 29.

The Elite Eight End

by Ella Heimer, Reporter
February 29, 2024
Varsity wrestling captain and state qualifier Noah Jadd ‘26 talks to former Jags wrestling coach, Tim Hill, before wrestling his final match of the regional tournament at Ponderosa High School Feb. 10. Jadd lost by fall in two minutes and 20 seconds to Ponderosa wrestler Jacob Myers ‘24 and placed second overall in the tournament. Jadd will compete at State at Ball Arena from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17. “It was surreal,” Jadd said. “[It was] a great feeling knowing that all of my work paid off. At some points, I questioned myself, doubting if I was good enough. There was a lot of pressure to make it [to] State, but the feeling of pinning my opponent was great, knowing that I made it.”

[Photo] The Week in Photos: Feb. 10-Feb. 16

by Staff
February 18, 2024
Science teacher Payton Holloway uses a paper to explain El Nino and La Nina to his student aid Aby Blue ‘26 Nov. 14. Holloway's class completed a lab to analyze patterns. “I was explaining about how we are going to set up the lab to help students use El Nino and La Nina to analyze fishing patterns,” Holloway said. “Having a student aid to help me set it up helps me with my time management in class.”

FRIDAY FACULTY FEATURE: Progressing with Payton Holloway

by Ella Heimer, Reporter
February 9, 2024
Sophia Lévesque ‘25 signs her name on the back of an elementary student’s shirt before the annual orchestra Feeder Festival Dec 7. The festival was a chance for elementary school and middle school students to see what being in high school orchestra is like, with over 200 musicians in the gym. “I love giving younger children the joy of seeing the huge high school and giving them high hopes for their futures in orchestra,” Lévesque said.

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

by Staff
December 11, 2023
As the whistle is blown to stop the time, varsity wrestling captain Noah Jadd ‘26 listens to his coach’s advice and directing Nov. 29. Canyon wrestled their first dual against Valor, with a final score of 51-17 L. “My favorite part of wrestling is being successful in the sport,” Jadd said. “There’s no better feeling than placing at tournaments and winning duals.”

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

by Staff
December 3, 2023

[Video] Singer, Sketched

by Ella Heimer, Reporter
October 27, 2023
Kyle Walsh’s '25 car sits on the side of the road with dents all over from the storm's hail June 22. No windows were cracked or broken. “When we realized we needed to take shelter, every spot was already taken so we had to huddle with a group under the trees,” Walsh said. “All I could hear was the thunder and people screaming. Everyone was getting pelted on their backs from the hail. It left marks.”

Having “Faith in the Future”

by Ella Heimer, Reporter
October 18, 2023
Kyle Walsh ‘25 multitasks between homework and watching the game at the varsity football game against Smoky Hill High School at Echo Park Stadium Aug. 31. Walsh worked on notes for AP Environmental Science (APES). “In general, I have lots of homework in all of my classes, so I put off my APES notes because they are easier to do when I have spare time,” Walsh said. “Tonight, I didn’t have spare time to do my notes since I was going to the game, so I did them here.”

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

by Staff
September 2, 2023
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