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The Student News Site of Rock Hill High School

Hill Top Times
The Student News Site of Rock Hill High School

Hill Top Times
The Student News Site of Rock Hill High School

Hill Top Times
Dana Garcia

Dana Garcia, Hill Top Times Reporter

Dana Garcia is a senior at Rock Hill High School and this is her third year on HTT staff. She was born in Dallas then migrated to Frisco, Texas and lived there for seven years. She went to elementary school in Frisco; then middle school in Prosper. Now she’s attending her last year of high school at Rock Hill. Dana is also on the Rock Hill Media Radio team as a Station Manager. She loves to write and read at home, as one of her hobbies, as well as playing golf out of school.

All content by Dana Garcia
Rocky's Grind is a coffee shop operated by students of the Special Education Program. The business is meant to be an inclusive working environment where students of all abilities can learn to make and sell coffee. "“We wanted to give our students an opportunity to have a student lined business so that they can learn vocational skills, interpersonal skills, and practice different daily skills that everybody uses,” Functional Academics Teacher Carly Buck said. “This is a fun hands-on way to do that.” The functional academics shop is now open in rooms 1134 and 1136, although currently only available to teachers and staff.

Rocky’s Grind

Dana Garcia and Jade Kratochvil
April 25, 2024
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Showcasing six students from the 2022-2023 school year, each individual who won an award embodied the core values of the school. "This is about your character," Assistant Principle Sharon Kelley said. "These are things people should recognize in you." This school year's nominations have opened up until April 22.

Recognition at its core

Dana Garcia, Staff Reporter
April 18, 2024
This team of three illustrates the diversity within a community through their depiction of various figures adorned in distinct colors.

Community priority

Dana Garcia, Staff Reporter
March 28, 2024
Adding lots of pastel colors to their artwork, the students represent the Association of Couture and Elegance (ACE).

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Sketching on a full puzzle for their chalk mural, the students seem to be drawing on behalf of all clubs and organizations for this school.

Students from different grade levels show their idea of the theme "community" throughout their art murals.

As they put the final touches on their murals, students from art classes express and articulate the significance of community membership. "It’s meant to obviously represent community and you need generosity and you need to just cherish the people around you," freshman Alexandra Rubin said. "The hand heart in our mural represents how everyone needs love for each other to actually have a community." The colors that Rubin's team used also correlate to the words, generous and cherish.

Utilizing every available tool at their disposal, this team is creating a chalk mural to represent Hope Squad.

Numerous students involved in clubs or organizations emerged to embody their identity as a cohesive community. "It’s a way to express what we are passionate about and the clubs we are in," senior Hannah Gonzalez said. "I would keep this tradition going, it’s very wholesome." On this day, Gonzalez was representing the Spanish Honors Society.

Transferring their artwork from paper to the sidewalk, this team showcases the dedication poured into their simple yet intricate designs.

As a student collected chalk for the team's art mural, these were among the resources available for students to utilize in their creative drawings. "It's a really fun event, it was nice having more teams, and hopefully every year it continues to grow and we have more and more clubs and sports and more representation here," art teacher Crimson Scott said. "We did run out of black chalk this year so that was a little bit stressful, but it was good." All of the art murals can be seen at the front of the school.

La Finca is a combined coffee shop, bakery and scratch kitchen. Featured is the exterior of the location on E University Drive. Photo Credit: La Finca Instagram (https://tinyurl.com/7p5ctx5j)

Column: La Finca Coffee Review

Dana Garcia and Jade Kratochvil
March 7, 2024
As Weetsie and Sybil engage in an argument, Kate and Tood watch intently from the living room as the drama unfolds. "Weetsie helps the characters around her highlight the distinct personalities of the three girls," senior casted as Weetsie, Reese Jones said. "She brings humor to the play to contrast the sad parts so that they hit closer to home." Weetsie's character brings the show to a whole new level.

Life on stage

Dana Garcia and Maddie Coleman
March 7, 2024
While daydreaming about her husband's return, Tood reflects on the challenges she faces living alongside the other wives in the same household. "It has taken a lot of work on diving into who Tood was and how she reacts, feels, and portrays herself," Mata said. "It took preparation to figure out family dynamics and roles, and how to make it seem like we were truly living in the world we were creating." Mata expresses gratitude for the valuable experience and for having the entire cast and company by her side throughout the journey.

The mother of the boys, Aunt Ola, engages in an argument with Weetsie, while Tood tries to deescalate the situation. "Tood helps to tell the whole story," Mata said. "She shows the complexity of wanting to chase your own dreams but trying to fit in with social norms." After Sybil's death tensions were high in the Cliffert home.

As Sybil and Weestie, two out of the three wives, engage in an argument, the third wife intervenes by shouting at the top of her lungs and positioning herself between them to diffuse the conflict. “Tood shows the innocence of all the girls, and how they all grow once they go through hardships both personally and with each other and their husbands,” senior casted as Tood, Katie Mata said. “I feel that many people relate with her as it’s very difficult to decide to chase your dreams no matter what stands in your way.” Tood's influence greatly shaped the overall outcome of the play.

While gossiping around the kitchen dining table, the three wives and Aunt Ola engage in a discussion regarding the men involved in the war. “Ola has a dry sense of humor that can lighten up the show at times and then when she deepens up it's heartbreaking,” junior casted as Aunt Ola Mackenzie Flowers said. “I feel like a lot of older women in the audience can relate to Ola in every sense of her character.” The character, Aunt Ola, showed the importance of her role throughout the play.

Many lives are aimed to be saved after the blood donations from many students, teachers, and parents. “I wanted to donate blood just to give back to the community and I wanted my cord for graduation,” senior Justin Banton said. “It's really fun, it's really good to give back, and also it doesn’t hurt that much; you don’t really feel it. You honestly won’t realize how much blood you're giving until after you give blood.” The spring blood drive was hosted at Rock Hill High School from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with the Carter BloodCare company.

Donate, Save Lives!

Dana Garcia, Staff Reporter
February 16, 2024
Carter BloodCare's phlebotomists collaborated with HOSA students to support the community in donating blood. “The reason we do it with Carter is because they make it super easy to partner with them,” health science teacher and HOSA advisor Bailey Cole said. “They bring all of their supplies, and we provide volunteers. We provide a space to do it, and I organize the donors and the appointment times and permission slips.” The students who volunteered at the blood drive got a chance to see the good cause that came along with this event.

Phlebotomist explains the protocols to a student after giving a pint of blood during the blood drive. “If I were to give some advice, I would make sure to eat a nice big breakfast, make sure you are staying hydrated and then most of all just don’t be nervous,” senior Geraldine Ramos said. “The process is pretty fast and they do a very good job taking care of people.”

Capturing an array of donors lined up, ready to give blood and save lives. “If anyone would like to donate in the future remember that we hold one in the spring and the fall, our area is in extreme shortage of blood so it’s super dire that people donate, and also even if they missed this blood drive or they are unable to attend the ones that we host here, they can go to any Carter BloodCare location,” Cole said.

A digitally constructed image created by senior Dana Garcia demonstrates the change from Skyward to Qmlativ. "Qmlativ is another program underneath Skyward," RHHS Testing Coordinator Antony Park said. "It's been open for several years on a trial basis, and I understand that it provides a better user interface for both staff and students. It provides a few additional features compared to Skyward, but overall it's a very similar program." This update will take place in Prosper ISD for the 2024-25 school year.

Prosper ISD upgrades to a new grading system

Dana Garcia, Staff Reporter
January 31, 2024
All of the fine arts programs line up on stage to wave their goodbye's to the audience.

Fine Arts presents Winter Showcase to middle schoolers

Dana Garcia, Staff Reporter
December 10, 2023
Wrapping up the event, the Rockettes danced away with their candy canes in hand. “My favorite part was dancing with my team and jump splitting with my officer line,” junior lieutenant Sydney Ayres said. “I think we inspired a lot of eighth graders to try out next year.” A standing ovation was given by the audience to these dancers at the end of their showing.

Coming close to the end of the Fine Arts Showcase, the Rock Hill Drumline gave it their all performing a series of songs.

One of the few songs the orchestra presented was from the popular animation "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

The woodwind quintet played a mallet ensemble on the left side of the auditorium.

After flags were spun in the air, the Rock Hill color guard team ended their section of the showcase with cheers and applause from the audience. “This showcase is an excellent way to show off the amazing fine art electives here at Rock Hill,” Lee said. “My hope is that kids get involved and interested.” Much inspiration came from the showcase to the eighth graders.

The second group of musical theater performed an ensemble of Elf The Musical, "Nobody Cares About Santa."

Dancing with their festive style, the junior varsity Dazzlers personalized their performance with the holiday spirit.

The first group of musical theater performed "A Kid at Christmas."

The chamber choir, Blue Note, stand tall and proud while performing their holiday spirit by harmonizing their voices together. “Not everything was Christmas [songs], but there was a lot that came from that tradition,” Sharp said. “There was music from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, the Ballet, there was Mariah Carey, there were two pentatonic songs.” Many fine arts programs that performed incorporated their holiday spirit into their outfits as well.

Taking a bow to end their performance, the Rock Hill band was the first to perform at the showcase. “Even as I walked onto the stage, I saw 8th grade band students I knew,” junior Max Lee said. “So my hope is that a familiar face for next year will inspire them and keep them in band for high school.” They performed the song “Sleigh Ride" as one of their songs.

To start off the Fine Arts Showcase, the three MC's present the band as the first program to perform. “The Fine Arts Winter Showcase was an opportunity for us to showcase all of the different fine arts classes that are offered here at the high school,” Assistant Choral Director Heather Sharp said. “All of the 8th graders that are already in these organizations or are just curious about them, get to see what it's all about.” This event took place in the Rock Hill Auditorium on Dec. 8 at 10:00 a.m.

Mocking a fatal injury, a volunteer sits down while Prosper Fire and Rescue examines the operation badge. "What’s critical for the community to understand is the relationships we are building here are critical for an event like this," Assistant special agent in charge with the Dallas FBI Geoff Mcguire said. "We’ve exercised all of our abilities between local state and federal police departments, fire, EMS, all of those things, we showed that even if it were to happen we would quickly respond and act on a situation like this, and a community can understand that they would be safe." Many entities were present during this practice to ensure the safety and security of our community.

Prosper ISD hosts joint law enforcement training

Dana Garcia, Staff Reporter
November 17, 2023
Transporting the "injured" victims to the ambulance, the Prosper medics made haste in order to carry down more people from the stadium. "People were given different scenarios and they would either have different wound situations or they would have, in some cases, a lethal event that comes out of it,” member of the Frisco Community Emergency Response Team, (CERT) Roger Brown said. Active members from the Frisco community emergency response team also participated in the practice.

Standing in front of the trophies they have won, two drill teams celebrate their accomplishment with smiles. “You will always have people around you to support you whether it be your fellow cadetes or even just the senior army instructor or army instructor, staff sergeant or first sergeant,” Harrison said. “You will have support wherever you go; that was another thing that made me want to stay in JROTC.” This invitational drill meet occurred on Oct. 28 at the Mansfield Fieldhouse.

“This We’ll Defend”

Dana Garcia, Reporter
November 6, 2023
Capturing one of the Porsche buildings in Germany, many cars are displayed around it. "The people [at Porsche] and the general manager have known me since I was a child,” Parker said. “They have always asked me, ‘Have you ever thought about doing an apprenticeship or an internship here?’ Which just so happens that I’m also interested in cars, so I accepted it last year.” This was a chance to pursue what he always wanted to be for his future profession.

Graduate takes alternative route

Dana Garcia, Reporter
October 30, 2023
Senior Ethan Horsley is pictured playing cello in orchestra class. "My main extracurricular is orchestra," Horsley said. "I’ve been in orchestra every year throughout highschool."

[Photo] Ethan Horsley: National Merit Semifinalist

Tolu Oyesanya, Reporter
October 20, 2023
The crowd got worked up as both teams scored touchdowns every quarter of the game. "The game went a lot better than expected," senior Merob Kebede said. "I think most of the student section assumed we’d lose pretty badly, but seeing how close it was made it so exciting." Filled with much anticipation, the outcome results came to be 28-34.

Battle of the Birds

Dana Garcia, Staff Reporter
September 24, 2023
Gathering around, first responders are shown at the Dallas Memorial Stair Climb listening to announcers. “It symbolizes the dedication that those guys were willing to do that day; put their life on the line for a stranger, you know, and that's what we sign up for when we take the oath of a firefighter [or police officer,]" firefighter Mark Parker said. This ceremony started at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Remembering 9/11

Dana Garcia, Reporter
September 11, 2023
A digitally constructed image created by senior Dana Garcia, showcases some of the items listed on Bill SB 379. "We have a lot of single mothers and struggling families in society, and by reducing these taxes, it's helping out with medical, family, and menstrual necessities," senior HOSA president Bindu Upadrashta said. "It's a good side of change."

Texas eliminates ‘tampon tax’

Jade Kratochvil and Dana Garcia
September 5, 2023
Ready to take on this year’s competition, school mascot Rocky stands with strong arms.

Soaring to ‘Meet the Blue Hawks’

Dana Garcia, Staff
August 23, 2023
The class of 2024 come together to celebrate the last moments of summer before their final year of high school. “I’m excited for senior week at the end of the year, and all the senior activities we get to be a part of,” Bella Quiroz said. “I’m also super excited to see everyone’s enthusiasm because we’re finally seniors and it feels like it took forever to get here!” Quiroz is thrilled to spend time with her friends and make even more memories with them.

Sunrise greets class of ’24

Dana Garcia, Staff
August 11, 2023
Joining together as a group, seniors Merob Kebede, Deeptya Vuppu, Nusaira Chowdhury, Daksha Menon, Vanessa Sherpa, Sasha Sims, and Ashley Sallaway, pose collectively for the first time as seniors. “Senior Sunrise was so much fun,” Sallaway said. “I loved meeting up with my friends and talking about how crazy it is that our senior year is about to start and talking about our memories from freshman year.” Sallaway is excited and grateful for the year to start.

While preparing for the sunrise to start, seniors Nayeli Palomeque, Wes Phipps, and Reagyn Harrington discuss their memories and future aspirations for their senior year. “Senior sunrise was a great way for all of the seniors to start senior year, and get to see friends and classmates we hadn’t seen over summer break,” Wes Phipps said. “It’s an awesome tradition to keep going, especially because it’s something each grade looks forward to.” Phipps is excited to graduate with the rest of the class.

Arriving at Rock Hill, seniors Allison Gonzales and Shelvy Cuenca make their way on the field to watch the sunrise. “It is a really good tradition that Rock Hill has,” Cuenca said. “I am really excited for senior week, and letting us actually win the spirit stick this year for pep-rallies.” The spirit stick is awarded to the most spirited class at each pep rally, and there’s speculation that the administrators favor the graduating class in the last pep rally of the year. They prepare to make even more of the many memories they will have as seniors.

Two members of PCIS showcase their work while the audience takes pictures and videos of their research. "First we learned about networking, we looked into Linkedin specifically, and interviewed potential mentors to learn about their job and whether they would be suitable for us," senior PCIS member Isha Thirupathy said. "Then we got a mentor and met with them once a month to shadow or learn about their job or work on our final project."

Junior Jaya Ande explains misconceptions about mental illnesses.

Portraying the "Screen To Sales" poster, senior Grace Fox explains her research.

Annual PCIS showcase pushes students to delve into future careers

Dana Garcia, Assistant Editor
April 28, 2023
Senior Katia Susic discusses a teenager's knowledge of reproductive health and the goals she plans to accomplish in this area of study.

Senior Shreya Srivathsan demonstrates the career of her choice: space law. “So my research was over intellectual property in outer space law,” Srivathsan said. “I was sharing my experience as a second year PCIS student while showcasing my passion for these fields.”

The "Foster Futures" display is shown by senior Megan Broyles (left). "I learned that if you are admitted into foster care for even one night the state of Texas will pay for your college in full," junior Reagyn Harrington said. "I thought it was really cool and really beneficial to those who are in foster care as it's already difficult to apply for college when you are in foster care, but it's even harder to find a steady income for college."

Showing all about aerospace 'Thrust the Process", senior Narain Kartheeswaran communicates his board to a guest to attended the event.

PHS senior Hallie Reynolds promotes her "Pizza and Hoops" for brand activation.

Giving out information to another former student, junior Debanshi Pattanaik (left), talks about the mental health of teenagers. "I feel like it’s pretty cool to be able to see everyone’s individual career interests, and all the work they’ve put throughout the year into their projects," junior Diego Bermudez said. "I saw a really good presentation about sport financing that made me really interested in the career path, despite me not being very interested in sports."

The opening speech was given by Director of Advanced Academics, Seth Rutledge, made in front of members of PCIS, families, and friends who attended the event. "Our students not only had a front-row seat for how their potential career field evolved," Rutledge said. "But they were able to navigate and learn this new normal while upholding themselves to an incredibly high standard of professionalism." After the lecture, he directed PCIS members to their designated areas in the building.

Featured is the logo of local coffee shop Duino Coffee located on Stacy Rd Ste 200.

Column: Duino Coffee Review

Ananya Nandyala and Dana Garcia
April 13, 2023
A digitally constructed image created by junior Wes Phipps illustrates the upcoming Barbie movie. "The old Barbie movies made me have a big imagination as a little girl, and think I could do anything," junior Camilla Rousseau said. "I would definitely watch the movie when it comes out." The film will be in theaters starting July 21.

“Hi, Barbie!”

Dana Garcia, Assistant Editor
April 5, 2023
A digitally constructed image created by junior Wes Phipps illustrates one of the many new album's artwork on vinyl. "I am excited for her new album," sophomore Sidney Glenn said. "I have listened to the first song she has released from the track, and loved it!" The album is scheduled to be out by March 24, including all of the merchandise that comes along with it.

American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey prepares fans for album release

Dana Garcia, Assistant Editor
February 28, 2023

Video: Students share their opinion on recent TikTok ban

Dana Garcia and Ananya Nandyala
February 15, 2023
Featured is the logo of local coffee shop 1418 located on 102 E Broadway St.

Column: 1418 Coffee Review

Ananya Nandyala and Dana Garcia
January 19, 2023

Blue Hawks basketball takes the lead over Braswell Bengals

Dana Garcia, Assistant Editor
January 16, 2023
Locked in the game, senior Riley Shore tries to find a teammate to pass the ball to. In the current season, the Blue Hawks boys varsity team is 14-7, according to MaxPreps. Rock Hill played against Denton Braswell on Jan. 13.

Holding up the Rock Hill Talons to end their dance, junior Kyla Anderson looks fiercely into the eyes of Rock Hill's competition. "My ultimate goal is to see each person become more confident in who they are," Anderson said. "I am a firm believer that being apart of this team opened some of the most shy people including myself." Anderson wants to help inspire others to step out of their comfort zone.

The three step dancers, senior Deja Alexander, freshman Autumn Goree, and junior Kyla Anderson perform their unique routine in sync. "I wouldn't say ritual, but we always take the time to pray amongst ourselves and our team," Anderson said. "We know that we are all here because of God and it eases our nerves before we perform." As part of this basketball game's halftime show, the "Elite Hawk Steppers" performed a fantastic performance.

In the middle of the dance, junior Talea Boston flips her hair as a dramatic twist to the dance. All the other dancers around her match each other's energy and steps.

Taking center on the court, junior Russell Garcia tries to block the view of his opponent from the basketball. "Rock Hill basketball has been one of the best programs I’ve ever been a part of," Garcia said. "From my coaches to my teammates to the overall environment, I can say I have enjoyed every second of it." The team's goal this year is to make it to the state championship for Rock Hill.

While maneuvering around his opponent, senior Riley Shore handles the ball. After the third period ended, Rock Hill was at a tight score with Braswell at 32-27. Both teams had one more period for the game to end.

Getting ready to throw the basketball in the hoop, junior Reid Jessen, holds the ball in front of his opponent. "I play basketball for fun and to keep me busy," Jessen said. "One of the teammates will give a speech to get everyone ready for the game." Once the second period ended, the Blue Hawks were winning so far with the score of 25-19.

Dunking the ball in the hoop, senior CJ Dennis, No. 22, scores the first 13 points of the game. "I play basketball because it's the easiest way I can get things off my mind," Dennis said. "I want basketball to take me places for my future, and to be able to take care of the people I love." This is Dennis' second and final year on the Rock Hill basketball team.

The basketball was thrown by Riley Shore; caught in mid-air. The Rock Hill Blue Hawks are currently third in district, and have a one week winning streak.

Soaring on top of the hoop, Blue Hawk Riley Shore attempts to make a basket. The next game will be with Allen High School on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 7:15 p.m.

Gathering around the fire, board members of MSA contributed to make this event possible. "We make sure everything is planned, and we set up costs, funds, and none of this would’ve been possible without our board members," senior and vice president of MSA Yasmine Garda said. "We don’t do anything without everyone’s or the majority’s approval or opinions." There will be future events just like this one that MSA will host for the next semester.

MSA bonfire brings students together

Dana Garcia, Assistant Editor
December 12, 2022
Freshman Kareem Kamal is getting ready to make a s'more by roasting a marshmallow by the bonfire. "I would invite all my friends to be a part of the whole program," Kamal said. After making the s'more, he remains excited about upcoming MSA events.

Some students from neighboring high were also in attendance to show their support for MSA. "It was really fun, and I plan to come again," freshman Leena Bel Hadj Kacem said. "I plan to contribute and host more with them." They hope for more occasions like these.

Students heard about the bonfire on an MSA Instagram post. "I just want to make really good connections with these people," sophomore Brikena Kukaj said. They had fun making s'mores together and listening to traditional music.

Freshman Zackery Dhakir Ali Tahir roasts a marshmallow for his friend. "I enjoyed being here," Ali Tahir said, "I love the vibes." After the bonfire, he joined MSA right away to be a part of all the fun.

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