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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
Haley Medeiros

Haley Medeiros, HTT Editor In-Chief

Haley Medeiros was born in New Jersey, calls Massachusetts home, but has also lived in California and Texas. She moved to Celina the summer of 2017 and is currently a senior at Rock Hill. Haley is the Editor-in-Chief for Hill Top Times this year and is so excited for the challenge. She loves to play with her German Shepherd and Golden Retriever and sleep. She is so excited to start this brand-new student publication and can’t wait to get stories out to the community.
All content by Haley Medeiros
Senior Nikki Hansen and sophomore Lainey Cosgrove act out an ending scene of the musical theatre class's original musical. The cast of "Who Done Did It? A Juicebox Murder Mystery Extravaganza: The Musical" presented three performances of the original piece. "As we started to practice this musical, it became clear that nothing about it was concrete," senior and student director Evan Warren said. "Every aspect of the show could, and would, be changed completely at any given moment. We were practicing a show that was still being created. We were in a show that was still alive. And that was an amazing experience."

Rock Hill Round-Up: May 2-8

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
May 6, 2021
The cast of "Who Done Did It? A Juicebox Murder Mystery Extravaganza: The Musical!" rehearses in the blackbox. The class has worked on the musical since December, and will perform their student-written piece April 28, 29, and 30. "Every aspect of the show could, and would, be changed completely at any given moment," senior and student director Evan Warren said. "We were practicing a show that was still being created. We were in a show that was still alive."

Musical theatre class prepares for performance of original musical

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
April 29, 2021
A student looks at prom information and shops for a suit. The first prom will be at the Legacy West Renaissance in Plano. "It's the first ever Rock Hill prom which is really cool," principal Dustin Toth said. "The venue is awesome down there in Legacy, and it's a brand new hotel. It's going to be a nice, fun time, especially after doing hardly anything for the last year."

Students, staff plan school’s 1st prom

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
April 19, 2021
Senior Sophia Cody (Shade) haunts freshman Sasha Sims (Mary Blanton). The company has rehearsed the show since late December. “I learned a lot about professionalism and new techniques,” Sims said. “That definitely aided in my growth a lot.”

UIL One-Act Play advances through ‘Zone,’ takes home individual awards

Haley Medeiros and Carly Schmidt
April 7, 2021
Senior Hayden Miller (Dr. Todd) comforts freshman Sasha Sims (Mary Blanton) in a scene of "Cry of the Peacock." The UIL One Act Play Company advanced through Zone and placed as an "Alternate School" at district. The team also took home several individual awards, including Best Technician, All Star Cast and Best Tech Crew.

Rock Hill Round-Up: March 28-April 3

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2021
Students wear masks while celebrating at a pep rally earlier this year. Governor Greg Abbott announced that the mask mandate will be lifted March 10. "Today's announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year," Abbott said. "With this executive order, we are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny."

Updated- School responds to recent mask mandate lift

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2021
Cheer holds up signs at the spring Meet the Blue Hawks event. Other clubs such as color guard and the Rockettes performed, as well. The event took place in the high school arena and introduced spring athletics.

Photo of the Week- Cheer performs routine at spring ‘Meet the Blue Hawks’ celebration

Haley Medeiros
February 22, 2021
Color guard spins their flags at the Meet the Blue Hawks spring athletics event. The event featured performances by cheer and the Rockettes.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Jan. 31- Feb. 6

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
February 1, 2021
Editor-in-Chief Haley Medeiros captures Disney Pixar's "Soul" while reviewing sheet music. "Soul" forces the watcher to evaluate what their purpose is in life. "The scores by themselves were beautiful, and the show of a love for music and the arts was amazing to watch on screen," columnist Gianna Ortner-Findlay said. "Colorful visuals kept me engaged the whole movie, and following the storyline was like following a rainbow."

[Photo] Review- Columnist praises Disney Pixar's jazz-filled 'Soul'

January 21, 2021
National Art Honor Society tie dyes t-shirts at their Halloween social in October. The society will host their induction ceremony Jan. 14.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Jan. 10-16

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
January 12, 2021
Poinsettias in the Rock Hill Greenhouse soak up the sun. Floral design students study plants like these in their classroom. All students will start the third nine weeks on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Jan. 3-9

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
January 7, 2021
A sign depicting which way students should use the staircase hangs in the hallway. The school used these signs this year to help students navigate the halls with COVID-19 guidelines. "Listen to those who are smarter than us, and experts in the area," science teacher Andy Bradstreet said. "(Listen) to the opinions of immunologists, people in the CDC, things like that."

[Photo] School enforces new COVID-19 quarantine policies

December 19, 2020
Varsity girls soccer stands on the sidelines at Children's Health Stadium for the national anthem. Prosper High School's team stood directly across the field before the start of the game. The team lost to Prosper with a final score of 0-2.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Dec. 13- Dec. 19

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
December 17, 2020
The team huddles up before the start of the game. The girls played against PISD school, Prosper. The game took place at Children's Health Stadium at 7 p.m.

Varsity girls soccer plays scrimmage against Prosper, trains for next week’s game

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2020
Violin players Prasanna Padmanathan and Hailey Percil Duncan perform at the orchestra concert Dec. 10. The group played holiday songs for family and students. The orchestra was able to play indoors while sporting masks and holiday gear.

Orchestra performs holiday medley, spreads cheer at concert Dec. 10

Shreya Srivathsan and Haley Medeiros
December 15, 2020
Spanish Honor Society member Xiomara Sanchez looks at the "white elephant exchange" gifts in Spanish teacher Elizabeth Dzvonick's room. The honor society offered food, a movie and two hours of holiday socializing. The society meets every month and holds service opportunities throughout the year.

Photo of the Week- Spanish Honor Society celebrates holidays with food, movies, gift exchange

Veronika Volcjak and Haley Medeiros
December 11, 2020
Sophomore Avery Wheeler defends against Prosper player. The team will play again at Children's Health Stadium against Belton High School Dec. 19. The game will be at 12:30 p.m.

Sophomore forward Noemi Mistretta runs for the ball while surrounded by Prosper players. Although the team lost 0-2, this was Rock Hill athletic's first game against a Prosper team. Parents and fans gathered in the stadium with masks and COVID-19 precautions.

Sophomore forward Noemi Mistretta runs for the ball while Prosper player trails closely. The team lost against their PISD counterpart, but will play against Belton High School next week. The game will be at the PISD stadium.

Sophomore and defender Avery Wheeler jumps with teammate to block the ball from Prosper player. This was the district's first time having Prosper and Rock Hill teams compete against one another. The team lost 0-2.

Junior Donovan Shannon runs through Trail Blazers players at Rock Hill's last game Friday. The Blue Hawks lost 48-28. The team played at The Star at Frisco.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Dec. 6-12

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
December 9, 2020
Culinary students bake pumpkin pies in the brand-new Hilltop Cafe. The restaurant officially opened mid-September for teachers and faculty. "The menu changes every month to a different global cuisine chosen by each of the Practicum students," culinary teacher Amanda Hill said. "We are also open every weekday morning from 8 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. with hot chocolate, coffee and tea options. The restaurant is open Tues-Fri on A days only."

Photo of the Week- Culinary students create, cook-up ‘Hilltop Cafe’ menus

Katy Anderson and Haley Medeiros
December 3, 2020
A Thanksgiving-themed floral arrangement sits in the floral classroom before the break. Floral students designed and constructed these arrangements for the Thanksgiving holiday. Students have a few more weeks of classes before the Christmas break.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Nov. 29- Dec. 5

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2020
Rocky the Blue Hawk dances at the black-out pep rally. Freshmen and seniors attended this rally. Although it was the last rally of the football season, the school is planning to do more pep rallies in the spring.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Nov. 15-21

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2020
Cheer performs a routine at the Black Out pep-rally. Only seniors and freshmen attended the rally in-person due to coronavirus concerns. Students and staff celebrated for varsity football's last game tonight.

Featured Photo- Students cheer on varsity football at ‘Black-Out’ pep-rally ahead of game

Haley Medeiros
November 13, 2020
Orchestra members listen to principal Dustin Toth's speech at the ceremony. Orchestra performed at the beginning of the ceremony as people arrived and found their seats. The Ribbon Cutting ceremony was from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 7.

Community gathers for corona-concious celebration of the new high school

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
November 12, 2020
Senior Kaitlyn Cyranowicz performs with the rest of the Color Guard at the Ribbon Cutting event. The group showcased their flag skills while marching band played behind them. "Seeing a lot of people from town coming together was really cool and special since it is our second high school," sophomore and band member Valentina Vera-Gonzalez said. "Coming from someone who doesn't like fireworks, the fireworks that night were so stinking cool."

Former superintendent Drew Watkins sits with new superintendent Holly Ferguson. Assistant principals Dedrick Buckels, Melissa Weiss and other members of administration made appearances at the ceremony. The school offered cookies, waters and commemorative coins at the outside event.

The Rockettes stand in line before performing for the community. Other student performers such as band and color guard were also showcased at the event. The school had originally scheduled the event before the first day of school, but due to coronavirus concerns, the district rescheduled.

Fireworks shoot off the roof of Rock Hill High School during the inaugural Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Student performers such as the Rockettes, marching band, cheer and orchestra performed at this community event. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was originally scheduled for August, but was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

Photo of the Week-
Community celebrates opening of new school
at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
November 7, 2020
Senior Jenna Curran celebrates a score at volleyball's game Tuesday, Oct. 27. Volleyball will play again this Friday at 6 p.m. To stay up-to-date with Rock Hill events, read each week's Rock Hill Round-Up.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Nov. 1-7

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2020
Principal Dustin Toth crowns Forthcoming Duchess Isabella Wikander at the community pep rally Thursday, Oct. 22. Underclassmen courts were crowned together at the rally. Senior king and queen, Shallan Marcum and Jimmy Peterson, were announced at the varsity game Friday, Oct. 23.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Oct. 25-31

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2020
Senior and actress Hayden-Avery Miller stands surrounded by "savage chorus" members at the Medea dress rehearsal. Theatre will perform the first performance of the show tonight at 6:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19 concerns, students will perform the show outside with face coverings. Tickets are $5 each.

Featured Photo- Students prepare for corona-conscious performance of Medea

Haley Medeiros and Carly Schmidt
October 22, 2020
Players congratulate each other after making a touch down in the first half on Saturday, Oct. 10. Forthcoming activities are underway with sign painting events, dress-up days, and school decorations. "We've taken a few things into consideration," assistant principal Dedrick Buckles said. "Whether or not those students are quarantining, and if we will be able to have an effective parade if we don't have a lot of the participation able to participate."

[Photo] Students, staff prepare for 1st homecoming game, school festivities

October 22, 2020
Football players listen to the national anthem at the first home game of the season. Football had to cancel a couple games for COVID-19 concerns. The Forthcoming football game will be played at Children's Health Stadium this Friday, Oct. 23.

[Photo] Rock Hill Round-Up: Oct. 18-24

October 20, 2020
Football players listen to the national anthem at the first home game of the season. Football had to cancel a couple games for COVID-19 concerns. The Forthcoming football game will be played at Children's Health Stadium this Friday, Oct. 23.

Rock Hill Round-Up: Oct. 18-24

Haley Medeiros, Ediotr-in-Chief
October 20, 2020
Juan Vera-Gonzalez waits to perform with the rest of the drum line Friday, Oct. 3. Even though the football game was canceled, band, color guard and the Rockettes still performed their half-time performance at Children's Health Stadium. This week's football game has been postponed to Saturday, Oct. 10.

Photo of the Week- Band, color guard, drill team perform ‘half-time’ show Friday

Wesley Barrett and Haley Medeiros
October 7, 2020
Cheerleaders wave as the football team walks down the arena court. Football played their first game last Thursday against Frisco Heritage but lost. "We haven't been practicing that long," junior and wide receiver Ryan Threat said. "But I feel that our team chemistry is getting better everyday."

Students cheer on fall athletics at ‘Blue-Out’ pep rally, Frisco Heritage game

Haley Medeiros and Wesley Barrett
October 1, 2020
Theatre teacher and pep rally host Sariea Haney hands the microphone off to football coach Mark Humble. Administration had to make a last minute change of who could attend the rally due to positive COVID-19 cases. The upcoming Friday Oct. 2 football game has been canceled due to additional cases.

The drum line plays the school song towards the end of the Sept. 24th pep rally. Although the arena seats were mostly empty, band, cheer and drill team performed for fall athletics. "Students just being here is support," football coach and athletic coordinator Mark Humble said. "You look around already, and our kids are doing an amazing job. Wearing your Blue Hawks shirts are always good to see."

Cheer lines the arena before fall athletics make their way out on the court. Football played their first game at Frisco Heritage Thursday, Sept. 24. "Our preparation has gone all the way back to January," athletic coordinator and football coach Mark Humble said. "When COVID hit and we were on our extended spring break, we had virtual meetings and trained that way."

Rocky the Blue Hawk interacts with the crowd at Meet the Blue Hawks. The mascot will make it's school-wide debut at the Blue-Out pep rally Thursday. "It's a crazy time, but our school leaders wanted to make sure these pep rallies would happen for the students," cheer coach Kendra Lee said. "It's so important that we keep a hold of our school spirit, even in times of separation."

Students, staff prepare for historical 1st pep rally of football season

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Cheif
September 21, 2020
Athletic coordinator and football coach Mark Humble holds up the Rock Hill claw during the Meet the Blue Hawks event. Football will have their first game against Frisco Heritage Thursday, Sept. 24. The game will be away, and kick-off will start at 7 p.m.

Varsity football trains for scrimmage,
first game of season against Frisco Heritage

Haley Medeiros and Wesley Barrett
September 17, 2020
A computer depicts desk stretching exercises from HealthyLearn.com. Columnist and sophomore Shreya Srivathsan covers the importance of stretching breaks during the work day. "During the school day, breaks should be integrated into both an online and in-person learning setting," she said. "If we don't take breaks we are not going to reach our productive capabilities, which is one of Rock Hill High School's core values."

[Photo] Take a break

September 17, 2020
Hill Top News Daily reporter holds a newly-branded microphone in the broadcast studio. All media programs, Hill Top News, Hill Top Times, yearbook and Rock Hill Radio will celebrate Launch Day Tuesday. "Our show recipe is connect and captivate," senior and broadcast News Director Grant Johnson said. "We want to bring the student body together, and we want to make them engaged in our show and interact with us."

Rock Hill Media groups prepare to launch broadcast, online newspaper

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
September 7, 2020
The Algerian flag, among close to 50 other flags, hangs over the library. ¨The flags actually represent all the countries of origin for our students and staff.¨ Rock Hill principal Daniel Toth said. The flags are meant to represent aspects of Rock Hill's diversity.

[Photo] Flags wave in new strides for representation

September 1, 2020
Senior Wes Barrett watches Kamala Harris accept her nomination as Vice President. Joe Biden recently came to make the strategic decision to run with her earlier this week. "I hope that younger voters will get excited" AP Government teacher Mandy Murphy said. "Hopefully, if we get more candidates who are like Kamala Harris, who aren't just old white men, that it will get more younger voters excited about voting."

[Photo] Opinion- Harris' influence could outlive a Biden presidency

August 20, 2020
A sign instructing students to be mindful of the spread of COVID-19 stands in the hallway. Students began the first three days of school by social distancing and keeping face masks on throughout the entire school day.

Photo of the Day – Students kick-off start of school with 6 foot radius, facial coverings

Haley Medeiros, Editor-In-Chief
August 14, 2020
A car sits parked at the Children's Health Stadium while students meet up with friends at the Senior Sunrise. Student Council organized the event and offered donuts and drinks to the attendees. The event started at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning and gave seniors a chance to catch up before the start of school Wednesday.

PHS, RHHS seniors gather to watch sunrise

Haley Medeiros, Editor-in-Chief
August 11, 2020
A parked car's sideview mirror watches as the night sky is erased by the sun. Seniors from both PHS and RHHS gathered this morning to watch the sunrise. Student Council passed out papers for students to write letters to their future selves, which will be passed out at the Senior Sunset at the end of the year.

PHS senior Kayli Cook and RHHS senior Nikki Hansen catch up during the Senior Sunrise. The event started at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. Students parked at Children's Health Stadium to watch the sunrise while Student Council offered donuts and refreshments.

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