Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Three, Two, One - We're Done
Three, Two, One – We’re Done
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
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 Highlands Ranch Co-op Swim & Dive team poses for a photo after competing in the Continental League championship May 1. The team secured their 12th league championship within 14 seasons, and had multiple swimmers place within the top ranks of individual events. (Media by courtesy of Melissa Krol and Erin Backman)
Co-op boys swim team Jags bring home commendations and wins
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
Thirty-nine French students participated in Le Grand Concors, a National French Contest sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French, showcasing their skills in various aspects of the French language from Feb.14 to April 8. The annual competition evaluates participants on their oral proficiency, written expression and listening comprehension abilities.“I like to practice French outside of school and get practice quizzes, then I do the extra practice that my teacher assigns. I feel really good and proud of myself for getting first place and it's like one of my bigger accomplishments for the school,” Keren Bantshi ‘26 said.
French Students ranked nationally in Le Grand Concours
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
Episode X covers various new hot topics, being the last episode before Summer vacation.
The Glitch Podcast Episode X: Delays, Doom, Departure
Three, Two, One - We're Done
Three, Two, One – We’re Done
This quiz makes you question which book genre you are. Take this quiz to find out.
What Book Genre Are You?
This episode covers the fine details of Mario Kart World, discussions about “A Minecraft Movie” as well as game remakes and adaptations.
The Glitch Podcast Episode Nine: Mario Kart, Minecraft and More
This episode covers the fine details surrounding the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring English teacher Peter DeFilippo
The Glitch Podcast Episode Eight: Direct Deep Dive
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
This image depicts the area of “Limgrave” from Elden Ring. This is one of the first vistas that players see as they start their journey through the “Lands Between”.
Pixel Perfect: By the Grace of Gold
April marks the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, created by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). This month is to spread awareness of the harassment, assault and abuse that happens around the world. The symbol that represented the month was a teal ribbon; however, some survivors of assault create different symbols and movements like the TikTok trend in 2022, where survivors would tattoo Medusa on their body, in honor of her backstory in Greek Mythology. “I don't think [this month is known] at all. I rarely see anybody talk about it. I rarely see much of an emphasis on posting it online, or much discussion about it, and I feel like there needs to be way more discussion,” an anonymous source said. “I think just validating every experience that a person has gone through, regardless of the degree of it, the severity, is an essential step into making sure that people are aware that this is a very real problem in a society and that we need to do better in addressing it.”
Not My Fault
Lesbian Visibility Day is April 26, and it’s a holiday to celebrate the lesbian community of the world. Lesbian Visibility day was established in 2008 by many queer activists and organizations who sought to raise more awareness for lesbian history and culture. “So this is why during Lesbian Visibility [Day] we celebrate and center all lesbians, both cis and trans, while also showing solidarity with all LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people,” Linda Reily, in an article written by her, said.
Lesbihonest About Lesbian Visibility Day
This graphic depicts the stress and responsibilities of students who are taking on more than they can handle. Whether it’s a job, a sport, an activity, volunteering, school or home life, there are a plethora of things that students are expected to handle, even if it affects their mental and physical health.
How Much Is Too Much?
This is a generative AI image made by Adobe Express depicting colorful flowers emerging from a tissue box, a sunset and another tissue box.
Bring Tissues, Spring Sneezies on the Rise
Graphic depicts the student parking lot during the day April 18.
The Lot Thickens
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
Episode X covers various new hot topics, being the last episode before Summer vacation.
The Glitch Podcast Episode X: Delays, Doom, Departure
April marks the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, created by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). This month is to spread awareness of the harassment, assault and abuse that happens around the world. The symbol that represented the month was a teal ribbon; however, some survivors of assault create different symbols and movements like the TikTok trend in 2022, where survivors would tattoo Medusa on their body, in honor of her backstory in Greek Mythology. “I don't think [this month is known] at all. I rarely see anybody talk about it. I rarely see much of an emphasis on posting it online, or much discussion about it, and I feel like there needs to be way more discussion,” an anonymous source said. “I think just validating every experience that a person has gone through, regardless of the degree of it, the severity, is an essential step into making sure that people are aware that this is a very real problem in a society and that we need to do better in addressing it.”
Not My Fault
This episode covers the fine details of Mario Kart World, discussions about “A Minecraft Movie” as well as game remakes and adaptations.
The Glitch Podcast Episode Nine: Mario Kart, Minecraft and More
This episode covers the fine details surrounding the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring English teacher Peter DeFilippo
The Glitch Podcast Episode Eight: Direct Deep Dive
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.
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
Rock Canyon High School's Student Newspaper

the Rock Online
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

by Rosie Benson and Dee Lee
September 20, 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
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

by Staff
May 6, 2024
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
Nicki Fraser ‘24 defends the ball at the FIFA U-17 Women's 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

by Quinn Barton, Photography Editor
April 29, 2024
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

by Ally Kelley, Multimedia Editor
April 24, 2024
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

by Claudia Llado and Elly Brooks
April 5, 2024
On Feb. 24, Emerson Yu ‘24 climbs a roped route during the girls’ varsity competition. Participants had three hours to complete a total of five routes: two roped, two bouldering and one of their choice. “I started climbing about a year and a half ago,” Yu said. “I didn’t start competing until my senior year, which I kind of regret because I love it so much. The rock climbing community is great.”

Reaching New Heights

by River Brown and Baylie Van Horn Turnidge
March 14, 2024
In a kickline, the varsity poms team competes in the Game-Day finals Feb. 3. The team competed in two other categories during Nationals: Small Pom, where they placed sixth, along with Small Jazz, where the team didn’t place.

Fun Times in Florida

by Abigail Wood, Assistant Editor in Chief: Photo & Camera Editor
March 6, 2024
At Prairie View High School, the winterguard team poses with their plaque after winning first place at their competition Feb. 24. This was the second time they won first place this year, this time with a score of 74.190 points. “I [love being] a witch, but my favorite [part of the show] is the trios, it’s so cool,” Heather Strickland ‘27 said.

Winterguard Witches on a Winning Streak

by Ally Kelley, Multimedia Editor
March 2, 2024
Kristin Greenleaf's class watches the boys basketball game Feb. 29.

The Elite Eight End

by Ella Heimer, Reporter
February 29, 2024
Ali Gustafson ‘24 accepts the “Good Citizen’s Award” in association with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at the Castle Pines Library Feb. 17. According to DAR Good Citizen, the award “recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools, and community.” Gustafson was nominated by her counselor and chose to write a two hour timed essay on Nov. 28. “I am extremely grateful to have received this award as it had heavy emphasis [on] dedication and responsibility as well as patriotism. Without my time in yearbook, I would have never been able to speak to how amazing it is to be able to exercise the First Amendment. It also meant the world to have the Kristi Rathbun, Rob Rathbun, Ms. Thomsen, Ms. Dermody and my parents in attendance,” Gustafson said.

The Week in Photos: Feb. 17-Feb. 23

by Staff
February 26, 2024
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