Is Jazz Fest Coming Back?
Mac McDaries| January 2023
For the past twenty-five years, the Jazz Fest was held on the square on the first weekend of every May. This annual event turned Murfreesboro into a hub for music lovers, especially enthusiasts of jazz. Musicians of all ages were given the opportunity to play; there would be performances by bands from Rutherford County middle schools, high schools, and even local universities, such as MTSU!
However, the festivities came to a halt in 2022- due to logistical issues caused by the growth of the event, Jazz Fest was canceled. This news devastated thousands in the middle Tennessee community. But in light of recent events, there might be hope!
The team at the Fountains of Gateway Murfreesboro (particularly the owner, Scott Graby) saved the day. They will donate all of their facilities, stage, sound equipment, and everything to continue this epic festival in 2023. Furthermore, Rutherford County Schools teamed up to help keep the tradition alive.
So, jazz fans, be sure to thank Scott Graby and the Fountains of Gateway for providing us another great year of music celebration with family and friends.
For the past twenty-five years, the Jazz Fest was held on the square on the first weekend of every May. This annual event turned Murfreesboro into a hub for music lovers, especially enthusiasts of jazz. Musicians of all ages were given the opportunity to play; there would be performances by bands from Rutherford County middle schools, high schools, and even local universities, such as MTSU!
However, the festivities came to a halt in 2022- due to logistical issues caused by the growth of the event, Jazz Fest was canceled. This news devastated thousands in the middle Tennessee community. But in light of recent events, there might be hope!
The team at the Fountains of Gateway Murfreesboro (particularly the owner, Scott Graby) saved the day. They will donate all of their facilities, stage, sound equipment, and everything to continue this epic festival in 2023. Furthermore, Rutherford County Schools teamed up to help keep the tradition alive.
So, jazz fans, be sure to thank Scott Graby and the Fountains of Gateway for providing us another great year of music celebration with family and friends.
Honoring our Troops: RVHS Veterans Day Ceremony 2022
Mac McDaries | November 2022
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 2.7 million American soldiers served in the Vietnam war. Last week, our school had the chance to honor these heroes, as well as many more, for the fourth annual Veterans’ Day ceremony at Rockvale High School. Local Veterans from all over the county came to participate in this wonderful celebration of those who have sacrificed for this country.
The Veterans in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony. In fact, after it ended, a Vietnam Veteran emotionally reported that this ceremony had been the first time he had ever been recognized by name for his service to the country. This is exactly the reason why it is important Rockvale has this ceremony every year; with so many Veterans going unnoticed, someone needs to step up and honor them for all that they have given for our freedom.
The event was conducted by the school’s JROTC program and featured performances by the band and choir. The choir, directed by Mr. Chris Marks, opened with the national anthem as the nation’s colors were presented by JROTC Cadets Alashia Quinn, Wyatt Andrews, Carter Harkins, and Alex Moore. This color guard was commanded by Nathan Hodge.
Mr. Steve Luker and JROTC Battalion Commander Jacob Kropp then provided some opening remarks, followed by the band’s performance of the United States Armed Forces Medley. The service flags were posted by Fenix Elliott, Tate Russell, Sophia Sheley, Aidan Terrell, and commanded by me, Mac McDaries.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 2.7 million American soldiers served in the Vietnam war. Last week, our school had the chance to honor these heroes, as well as many more, for the fourth annual Veterans’ Day ceremony at Rockvale High School. Local Veterans from all over the county came to participate in this wonderful celebration of those who have sacrificed for this country.
The Veterans in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony. In fact, after it ended, a Vietnam Veteran emotionally reported that this ceremony had been the first time he had ever been recognized by name for his service to the country. This is exactly the reason why it is important Rockvale has this ceremony every year; with so many Veterans going unnoticed, someone needs to step up and honor them for all that they have given for our freedom.
The event was conducted by the school’s JROTC program and featured performances by the band and choir. The choir, directed by Mr. Chris Marks, opened with the national anthem as the nation’s colors were presented by JROTC Cadets Alashia Quinn, Wyatt Andrews, Carter Harkins, and Alex Moore. This color guard was commanded by Nathan Hodge.
Mr. Steve Luker and JROTC Battalion Commander Jacob Kropp then provided some opening remarks, followed by the band’s performance of the United States Armed Forces Medley. The service flags were posted by Fenix Elliott, Tate Russell, Sophia Sheley, Aidan Terrell, and commanded by me, Mac McDaries.
JROTC Cadets display the U.S. Military service flags, commanded by Cadet Second Lieutenant Mac McDaries. Photo taken at Rockvale High School, Nov. 11, 2022. Photo credit: Rockvale High School JROTC.
Next, the choir sang before the POW/MIA recognition ceremony began. This ceremony honors Veteran casualties who were imprisoned by enemy forces or reported missing after going to war. It was led by Mystery Rowe. It also included Leo Wishithaphong, Madi Crumbly, and Emma Floyd.
With the conclusion of the POW/MIA ceremony came a performance by the band, directed by Mr. Chris Lowry. Rockvale’s Senior Army Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Shawn Waldrip, then spoke on what service means and the importance of recognizing those who serve. Every Veteran in attendance was recognized by name and got the chance to walk through the sabre arc, commanded by Zakk Paty.
With the conclusion of the POW/MIA ceremony came a performance by the band, directed by Mr. Chris Lowry. Rockvale’s Senior Army Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Shawn Waldrip, then spoke on what service means and the importance of recognizing those who serve. Every Veteran in attendance was recognized by name and got the chance to walk through the sabre arc, commanded by Zakk Paty.
The JROTC sabre guard posts before they honor the Veterans. Cadet Captain Zakk Paty, JROTC Security Officer, is commanding the detail. Taken at Rockvale High School, Nov. 11, 2022. Photo credit: Rockvale High School JROTC.
Lastly, Jacob Kropp closed the ceremony with some final remarks and a moment of silence. The gym remained completely silent as senior Wyatt Murphy, a trumpet player in the band, played a beautiful rendition of “Taps,” leading some Veterans to tears.
Great job to the band, choir, and JROTC for your participation in the ceremony. Thank you to Mr. Luker for letting this happen. And, more than anyone else, thank you to our Veterans who have so selflessly put themselves forward for this country. You are the reason we have the freedoms we have today. May God bless you all!
Great job to the band, choir, and JROTC for your participation in the ceremony. Thank you to Mr. Luker for letting this happen. And, more than anyone else, thank you to our Veterans who have so selflessly put themselves forward for this country. You are the reason we have the freedoms we have today. May God bless you all!
Homecoming Pep Rally at Rockvale
Amari Johnson, Aya Schwan | October 2022
A Pep Rally is an event that happens every school year at Rockvale High School that is put together by the administrators that run our school. They usually only do it for two sports and introduce a couple other sports after it. Our most recent pep rally celebrated Homecoming.
We have events like the pep rally to cheer and support our football, basketball, and teams that get introduced in the process. We all got together and yelled, cheered, and did games while we were standing.
We have events like the pep rally to cheer and support our football, basketball, and teams that get introduced in the process. We all got together and yelled, cheered, and did games while we were standing.
There were games like musical chairs, and wrap the mummy- because it's Halloween season- and lastly, tug a war, when we go against different grades. Senior, Asia Doss said. “The grades are separated by Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors- the best of them all”.
We also do chants that different grades all have for our grade year. We chant against each other with chants like: “We got spirit! Yes we do! We got spirit! How about you?” For example, the seniors say that to freshman and whoever is the loudest and has more spirit wins.
Seniors love winning the spirit stick at the end of the pep rallies because it is their last year, and they want to earn it to keep score of them winning it every year. What's the spirit stick? That’s what you earn during the whole pep rally through cheering, winning games, and, of course, the spirit we bring to the table.
Lastly, the cheer team and dancers perform for us and show us the hard work they have done at practice, and the dances they came up with to put it all together.
Seniors love winning the spirit stick at the end of the pep rallies because it is their last year, and they want to earn it to keep score of them winning it every year. What's the spirit stick? That’s what you earn during the whole pep rally through cheering, winning games, and, of course, the spirit we bring to the table.
Lastly, the cheer team and dancers perform for us and show us the hard work they have done at practice, and the dances they came up with to put it all together.
The Game Plan: Coming Home Bella Sisombath | January 2022
Rockvale celebrated their 2022 Coming home week with festivities throughout the week. Rockvale High School will be holding girls and boys Basketball coming home on January 14th at 6:00 pm. Despite the challenges with covid-19 and a week of snow, the celebration still happened. Not only did we get to dress up, but we also had different activities planned to get us ready for the pep rally and big game on Friday.
Throughout the week we got to dress up based on the theme: Board games.
On Wednesday, an in-school basketball game was thrown between all grades. Sophomores and Seniors kicked off the game with the seniors winning. The Juniors and freshmen then went with juniors advancing onto the next round. Seniors and Juniors made it to the semifinals with a very close score. Seniors coming out on top now had to go against the teachers. On Thursday, a talent show was hosted by our drama club. With dancing, singing, and acts that made us laugh, we got to see all the talents our fellow students had. Getting Friday started, we had our coming home pig out. In the aux gym there were many different booths selling food and snacks from our favorite restaurants. Yearbook was selling Varin's boba tea and they sold out every lunch! Settling down from lunch, we were all ready for the pep rally. We all watched the senior- teacher basketball game at the edge of our seats. The seniors beat the teachers by one point; 13-12! After the game both dance teams performed for the students at the pep rally. Cheerleaders also showed off their routine, getting ready for tonight. Friday night was Rockvale v. Riverdale Girls and Boys Basketball games. Both teams won their coming home games. The girl's score was 58-34 taking their first district win of the season. The boys scored 70-49 ending our very eventful Friday. |
Skills USA
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Here at Rockvale High school students have the opportunity to compete in SkillsUSA allowing them to compete at a state and national level in a category of their choosing that involves the real-world workforce.
What is SkillsUSA you may ask; SkillsUSA is a non-profit national education association that partners student, teachers, and the industry in order to develop students’ sociable skills and prepare them for the real-world workforce and well as life. Skills takes prompts developed by actual businesses that have worked with the teachers and staff and askes students to compete in any of 105 event that relates to the prompt. Students, depending on their event, can choose whether or not they want to work individually or with a group containing up to 5 members. At Rockvale, we offer graphic arts, criminal justice, culinary, IT, web design, computer programming, and manufacturing to compete in. These events are scored based on their own rubric given. The students will follow the prompt given to them by the business corresponding to their category and their score is given based on how well they follow the prompt. When it comes to actual competition and what it requires as long as you have good grades or are passing your classes in the least you will be able to compete. Grades being the main requirement because the competition itself takes place in Chattanooga lasting 3 to 4 days depending on the competition time. SkillsUSA is a great program and is recommended to anyone interested. It helps build technical skills, personal skills, and allows students to experience a business-like environment. Skills sponsor Kevin Jones states,” One time a student that won at state level contacted me later and told me how skills helped him with the interview process and with writing a resume.” Students can also gain scholarship opportunities and even job opportunities on the spot depending on their event. SkillsUSA is open to anyone and everyone, so is it for you? |
School Clubs: How and Where?
Colin Gannon, Noah Bettencourt | November 2021
Are you looking for a way to get more involved in the student body? Or maybe looking to meet new people with similar interests? Joining or creating a club is a perfect way. Rockvale boasts a wide selection of clubs reaching all the way from anime to Science Olympiad. Clubs are always accepting new members up until they reach full capacity. If Rockvale doesn’t offer a club for something you love, don’t worry. You can always make your own clubs as long as they are school appropriate. The best way to do this is to first come up with your idea for the club, then find some friends or other people who would like to make the club. You should think together about all the responsibilities that you all with be splitting up. Next you should all decide on a meeting time and place. Then you all should make posters or spread the word about your club to raise interest. After all of this has been completed you should approach someone, a part of the school administration, and tell them about your ideas and plan. If approved, then you will have to find a faculty member to sponsor your club. Once all of that has been completed and approved all club responsibilities and work are in the hands of the club leaders, you should keep good communication between all leaders and members. Always make sure to notify about any club news and potential time and place changes. I hope this article was helpful and am looking forward to hearing about new clubs and loads of new people joining! Pictured is the Rockvale All-Star Dance club |