The Flash Magazine | Volume 33, Issue 1 | October 10, 2025 by Rocklin High School Student Media

“This has been a dream since I was a kid” -Josiah Andrews

KIANA BARNES

JOSHUA GUNTER

ASHLEY KIM

FLASH FEATURES

Rocklin High School

5301 Victory Ln, Rocklin, CA.

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Member of the

2023 NSPA Honorable Mention: Radian Hong - News Story

2024 NSPA Graphic Designer of the Year: Faith Reynolds, Bailee Sexton, Celeste Contratto - Sixth Place

2025 Sport Reaction Photography: Joshua Gunter, Third Place

2025 Social Media Campaign: Lev Rubinstein, Second Place

Editor-in-Chief

Cole Broumas Eitan Rubinstein

Editors

Kaelyn Cunningham, Evan Gordon, Joshua Gunter, Ashley Kim, Brady Kretzmer, CJ Shafer, Bailee Sexton, Tessa Wagnon

Staff

Sarah Bawa, Micah Bielling, Mark Bonitz, Zachary Burdick, Ian Valdivia Castorena, Kevin Feng, Carson May, Cole McCoy, Omer Mohamed, Sofia Patterson, Ellis Rogers, Larsyn Strait, Kaitlyn Tri, Sydney Vu

Mission Statement: Intentional classroom relationships to provide timely,

and excellent coverage of our campus and community.

DHRUVA JAGADISH

COLE BROUMAS

JOSHUA GUNTER

BEHIND THE RUSH

A

closer look at how Rocklin’s clubs draw students to their booth.

Behind the posters and activities of Rocklin High’s Club Rush was the planning that made it happen. With creativity from club presidents and support from ASB, the event turned into a vibrant showcase of Rocklin High’s clubs.

Sophia Pirabarooban shared some of the behind-the-scenes details on how CSF prepared for Club Rush. “Mainly we focused on meeting ahead with the club and making sure we knew who would be covering what, and in what shifts we wanted to do, if we wanted to do any other advertisement,” she said.

Gavin Blank, president of Drama Club, said that they also prepared in advance. “So our club prepared for Club Rush this year by meeting during break, and we decided which activities we were doing this year. We made a plan. We made a calendar so we knew what we were doing, and we spent some time before school hours grinding on our poster,” Blank said.

French Club President Michael

Lambourne explained the process of getting ready for Club Rush. “To prepare we made a brochure, a poster, and we also had candy to give out to new members. We just wanted to make sure we could appeal to a bunch of different people,” he said.

Lambourne explained the goal and purpose of the French Club. “French Club’s just all about meeting new people, learning French culture, eating good French food, and having fun,” he said.

Pirabarooban, president of CSF, described the impact the club had on the community. “We want to make sure we’re feeling very open and welcome. You really don’t need much to join this club, other than wanting to help our community and volunteer and making sure we’re on track. So I try to emphasize the community feeling, how we’re giving back to our community directly, whether at Rocklin High School, churches, temples, or even schools, which really helps people feel like they’re making an impact,” she said.

SARAH BAWA

Blank, president of Drama Club, explained what they were all about. “We wear these fun hats to show that we’re silly. We’re kind of drama. We all put on different acts for our club, and it’s just to represent how much fun you’re gonna have. And Drama Club is a completely nonjudgmental place, a positive environment, and we want everybody to be welcome here. We also host movie nights in the theater after school. It’s gonna be super chill, super fun, and a great way to support the theater program,” he said. Lambourne explained what usually

“

“ I got some candy. We put on these fun hats. We’re just ready to make this a positive experience.

-Gavin Blank

CSF and NHS were two very similar clubs that brought in the same type of people. Pirabarooban, president of CSF, explained how they used this to bring more people to their club. “We try to stand next to our fellow club, NHS, knowing that we would both garner a lot of attention, and use that attention,” she said. She also explained how they brought in freshmen. “Also, having a freshman representative board position available would entice many freshmen, especially those new to the Club Rush process,” she said.

Blank explained that Drama Club used bright colors on their poster to entice new members. “So for our poster, I tried to use blue, because we’re Rocklin. That’s also kind of the theme of the Instagram and TikTok page. So we tried to make some cool bubble letters on the poster. Just make it look really pretty,” he said.

prep time

Lillian Benson, a member of the Connects Committee in ASB explains the process of Club Rush, and ASB’s part in preparing for it, “We oversee the whole event, and we contact all the clubs and make sure that they’re all ready for club rush,” said Benson.

A big challenge though is making sure that all the advisors of the clubs are prepared, “Mainly the club has to get everything organized, but [ASB] set the tables and provide signs for them to be at their station. [ASB] typically talks to the club advisor and explains to them how club rush works and what their role in club rush will be,” said Benson. The hardest part though, said Benson, is “making sure that all the clubs have everything filled out for the actual day of the event, because if they don’t, they cannot be in club rush.”

pushed people to join the French Club. “Hanging out with their friends and also the food. We have a lot of meetings and other events where we bring food, and everyone always seems to like it,” he said.

Blank also explained the most convincing thing about Drama Club. “It’s super low commitment. You’re just gonna have fun. It’s a place to make a bunch of new friends and just be in a positive environment,” he said.

Pirabarooban explained how candy worked as an incentive at Club Rush. “Our goal for the candy was to help make people join, and most of the time, people saw the candy and came over,” she said. Blank agreed. “We’ve always brought candy because it is an incentive to sign up. I think candy brings more fun and energy to Club Rush, but I think candy also gives more incentive to fill out the Google Form and get connected with the theater,” he said.

By: Sarah Bawa Staff Reporter

Lillian Benson, Connects Committee

SARAH BAWA

ASHLEY KIM

FFriday night, the bleachers are empty, but the night isn’t done. For Rocklin High School (RHS) students, Maverik has become the real Friday night destination.

riday night, the bleachers are empty, but the night isn’t done. For Rocklin High School (RHS) students, Maverik has become the real Friday night destination.

Since opening its Rocklin location in September 2024, the Utah-based gas station chain, Maverik, has become more than a place to fill up a tank. With only eight locations in California, the new store turned into a local hotspot for cheap drinks, creative soda mixes, and a hangout spot. For many

“ “ It’s a lifestyle -Josh Gunter

students, Maverik has become the go to spot for cheap sodas.

“At Maverik, if you get a large drink, it’s only 90 cents,” senior Peyton Lively said. “You can get seven Maverik [drinks] for the price of one Starbucks [drink].”

But the real draw is the drink fountain. Maverik offers dozens of soda and slushy flavors with customizable syrups, letting students make their own “dirty sodas.” RHS senior Evan Keeney’s favorite order is a “lemonade with coconut raspberry and peach syrup.”

Branded as “Adventure’s First Stop,” the Rocklin Maverik feels more like “a supermarket plus a gas station,” Keeney said. Wide aisles are lined with everything from trail mix to hot pizzas, offering far more than the typical convenience store.

“It’s just such a good atmosphere,” Lively said. “They even won an award for cleanest bathrooms.”

Students say it’s the combination of size, variety, and cleanliness that sets Maverik apart. Whether it’s after a football game or just a late-night hangout, students know where they’ll find cheap drinks, good food, and maybe even a few familiar faces.

By: Ashley Kim Senior Editor

WHAT’S

DRINK?

Gunter - Black Cherry Coke Dirty Soda

Keeney - Princess Peach

ASHLEY KIM

STEP INTO THE JUNGLE

Rocklin introduces new themed beginning of the year dance.

Anew dance called Rocklin’s Wild Side took place Sept. 12, 2025. It was unlike any other dance held at Rocklin High School before. The jungle theme elevated the excitement and redefined the reputation of this “in-between” dance.

The ASB Activities Committee spent numerous hours planning Rocklin’s Wild Side. Senior Caroline Simmons, commissioner of the committee, led the other members: Olivia Allen, Brook Wells, Giselle Santana, Aubrey Bales, Dana Zhazulin, Madison Daley and Elenor Stevens. After brainstorming during ASB, senior Olivia Allen pitched the idea of a jungle-themed dance. Junior Aubrey Bales said she “saw something on TikTok a couple years

KIANA BARNES

ago and thought it was a really good idea.” Simmons added, “We all agreed that this theme would be the cutest and easiest to do.”

Once the theme was chosen, Activities began planning how to decorate the gym. “Pinterest is our best friend whenever we’re planning dances, and also Mrs. Kenitzer helps a lot,” Simmons said. With Pinterest’s help, the committee planned balloon arches, vines reused from a previous dance, banners, animal balloons and painted windows. Not only was the idea easy to execute, but it was also unique. “This [theme] isn’t repetitive. We haven’t had a jungle dance before,”

“ “ There was definitely a lot of cheetah print, leopard print, and animal style. -Ethan Spears

Bales said. With the original theme, Activities hoped to attract more students.

A big draw was the outfits, “because the dress code is set, I think that helps a lot of people if they’re confused

about what to wear to a dance,” Simmons said. The outfits proved to be a huge success. Junior Ethan Spears said he and his friends “wore all black and had these leopard ears, and [he] also painted leopard spots on all of [their] faces … it was cool to have everyone be cohesive with their outfits.” Many others wore animalstyle costumes, including freshman Samantha Gayton. “It definitely wasn’t something where people just showed up casually. I saw a lot of leopards and cute animals,” Gayton said.

Overall, Activities hoped the dance would be successful and exciting for students. “I hope that everybody likes it and sees the hard work that we put into it,” Simmons said. In the end, that proved to be true. Although attendance was not large, students who came had a phenomenal time. Spears rated his first Rocklin’s Wild Side dance an eight out of 10, saying he “had a lot of fun.”

By: Sydney Vu Staff Reporter

compares to rhs

Freshman Samantha Gayton explains that this was her first Rocklin dance, since she did not go to the Welcome Back dance. Compared to her old middle school dances at Granite Oaks, Gayton said “I definitely think they’re a step up when it comes to the blocks that they had out there… and there’s definitely more space and more hype towards the dance”.

To wrap up the dance Gayton said she “would have given it probably a seven [out of ten] only because not a lot of people showed up”.

KIANA BARNES

GARRETT PEARD

NAILED IT

RHS Students use creative interests to create business.

Between class periods, after sports practice and on weekends, two Rocklin High School students have found success doing nails for friends, classmates and clients. Though their paths into nail work are different, their stories reflect a growing trend among teens in a lowcost, high-reward business.

For junior Sofia Truong, nail art is a family affair. “I was looking for a job but couldn’t find anything,” Truong said. “Since my mom already owns a salon, I asked if I could work for her. She started teaching me how to do nails, and that’s how I got started.” That was just four months ago. Now, Truong works on weekends and occasional weekdays when she has bookings. Over the summer, she worked nearly every day to sharpen her skills. At first, she offered free sets to friends and asked them to help spread the word. Then her mom started reposting her work on her salon’s Instagram page, which already had a strong client base. “That’s when I started getting real

clients,” Truong said.

Now, Truong has her own Instagram where she shares photos of her designs, often 3D, chrome or custom looks that aren’t just trending but unique. “I like designs that stand out,” she said. “Something that not everyone is doing.” Her pricing reflects her skill, a plain color full set starts at $65, with complex designs

adding $15 to $30 depending on the technique. The biggest lesson Truong has learned is patience. “You deal with all kinds of clients,” she said. “Some are super picky. Some want things done a certain way. You have to be patient and take your time, both with customers and your own progress. You’re not going to be amazing overnight.”

CJ SHAFER

Another junior, Avigail Wiedeman, who started doing nails in December, came into it from the opposite direction. “I just didn’t like paying $60 to $80 for nails every month,” Wiedeman said. “So for Christmas, I asked my dad to get me a beginner nail kit, and I just got really into it.” Wiedeman is completely self-taught, learning from YouTube and TikTok tutorials. “I watched a couple videos, but mostly I practiced on my own,” she said. “Now, I just kind of make it up as I go.” Unlike Truong, Wiedeman keeps her business small, mostly doing nails for friends and classmates through word of mouth. “I don’t charge more than $20,” she said. Wiedeman prefers doing elaborate, creative designs over simple styles. “I mess up plain nails all the time,” she said. “But I love designing flowers, chrome, even some 3D stuff.” She works around her school and sports schedule, often doing nails on weekends or during free time. Though

“

“ You don’t get good overnight, but if you stick with it it starts to come together

-Sophia Truong

she doesn’t promote herself heavily, she occasionally posts photos of her work on her story. Her price range is modest $15 for a French tip and up to $20 for more detailed sets. Both students credit TikTok as a major source of inspiration. “I’ll see a cool video, and I’ll try it on myself first,” Wiedeman said.

Truong said clients also often bring in inspiration pictures. “If it’s something new, I’ll look it up and teach myself, or my mom helps me,” she said. Although they’re still in high school, both students see their nail work as more than a hobby. “It’s a really good skill to have,” Truong said. “Especially for college, you can make money doing something you’re good at.”

Her advice to other teens starting a business: “Be patient, trust yourself and don’t give up. It’s hard at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be OK.”

By: CJ Shafer Editor-in-Training

COURTESY OF AVIGAIL WIEDEMAN

COURTESY OF AVIGAIL WIEDEMAN $20

COURTSEY OF AVIGAIL WIEDMAN

Avigail Wiedeman’s nail sation in her room

- OCTOBER 2025

AJ GUEVARRA

CAMERON GOMES

DHRUVA JAGADISH

ELLIOT FARREN

JOSHUA GUNTER

KIANA BARNES

YASARIE GALIZA

SAMANTHA JIMENEZ

WHEN SECONDS MATTER

The high stakes world of hazmat and bomb squads.

OOutside the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, robots rolled across the concrete, racing to defuse a mock hazardous waste course in front of cheering teams. It might sound like a game, but the stakes can be serious. The event is part of the Hazmat Continuing Challenge, a four-day training workshop where first responders from across the region learn life-saving skills.

utside the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, robots rolled across the concrete, racing to defuse a mock hazardous waste course in front of cheering teams. It might sound like a game, but the stakes can be serious. The event is part of the Hazmat Continuing Challenge, a four-day training workshop where first responders from across the region learn life-saving skills.

This year marked the 36th annual event, featuring highlights such as a pot extraction lab, a chemical incident drill, extinguishing a burning fuel tank and, most notably, a bomb robot race. In the race, robots performed simulated bomb defusal tactics in rapid succession to see which team could achieve the fastest time. Teams from across the region competed, including units from Roseville and Rocklin, which chose to partner rather than compete against one another.

Sgt. Darryl Jantz of the Rocklin Police Department serves on the bomb

“We work together and overcome challenges -Darryl Jantz

Over the years, Jantz has encountered numerous challenges in the field.

“A lot of the military members and veterans from the older wars, World War II and Vietnam era, had used to bring home hand grenades and things like that,” Jantz said. His team uses bomb defusal suits to handle those items safely.

“A lot of times we’ve come across hand grenades, things along those lines, and some small pipe bombs that we’ve had to deal with,” he said. Many of those cases involved leftover munitions brought home by veterans. “A lot of the military members and veterans from the older wars, World War II and Vietnam era, had used to bring home hand grenades and things like that,” Jantz said. His team uses bomb defusal suits to handle those items safely.

The Rocklin bomb squad doesn’t just handle explosives. As a sergeant, Jantz also deals with hazardous chemicals. “As bomb squads, we deal with hazmat stuff as well,” he said. “So we’re part of the hazmat community, which is hazardous materials.” In addition to the robot competition, his team attended workshops at the event to stay up to date on the newest safety practices.

behind the scences

Hazmat members volenter to set up and map out the race course for the robots.

“ “

We work together and overcome challenges -Darryl Jantz

“squad, which protects the community from threats such as explosives, fireworks, hazardous materials and dangerous chemicals. He has been doing real bomb squad operations for 13 years. Asked why he joined the unit, Jantz laughed. “I liked the idea of getting to play with robots and blow things up and being able to fix and identify things, so we used that during that process,” he said.

squad, which protects the community from threats such as explosives, fireworks, hazardous materials and dangerous chemicals. He has been doing real bomb squad operations for 13 years. Asked why he joined the unit, Jantz laughed. “I liked the idea of getting to play with robots and blow things up and being able to fix and identify things, so we used that during that process,” he said.

That training includes learning how to clean up hazardous substances or chemical spills. “Anytime there’s a spill or something along those lines, they’ll call us out for that to help with the hazmat and the fire department,” Jantz said. “So we have the ability to put on the hazmat suits, put on the SCBA breathing apparatus and go through and help them with their situations.”

Whether it’s defusing a bomb, cleaning up a spill or racing robots in Sacramento, Jantz and his team train so Rocklin is safer when real emergencies happen.

By: Evan Gordon Senior Editor

The rocklin and roseville bomb defusal squads working together to take gold in the race led by Darryl Jantz

“The bomb technicians carefully calibrate these robots to ensure its operations even with the network errors faced at the event”

EVAN GORDAN

FRIGHTS IN THE LIGHTS

How one past performance shaped their future lives

I stepped onto the stage. The lights were blinding. With them in my eyes, the audience didn’t exist. I was in a different world. That world was bright and colorful. Much practice had led up to that moment. With it all, I was ready to pretend.

This described what Colin Arriaga, a senior at RHS, experienced during Hello, Dolly!, a musical he performed in his freshman year. The musical centered around four characters who went to New York and had an adventure. “I got to be Barnaby,” Arriaga said. “I remember walking into

auditions. I was super nervous. I wasn’t sure if I would get in.” Hoping to at least land a spot in the ensemble, he ended up being cast as a lead in the play — a first for him.

Before his first performance, Arriaga was excited. “Near the beginning of the show, there was a scene where I had to get on the ground and, with a rag, start mopping it on my knees. I remember feeling all the grains of dirt, and it was kind of gross,” he said. Eventually, he had to get into a box with another member in the musical. “We spent half of a scene just in

there, kind of miming to each other,” Arriaga said. “On closing night, during that scene, we were hyping ourselves up, like, ‘Alright. This is the last one. One more time. You got this.’” In his final scene, Arriaga and some cast members “were goofing off behind the curtains.”

Though initially nervous, Arriaga was glad to be with his friends, who he met in theater. “Getting a lead gave me a lot more confidence that I didn’t have before, and I was able to open up, and I ended up gaining a lot more friends and expanding my social

MICAH BIELLING

COURTESY OF COLIN ARRIAGA

circle,” Arriaga said. He felt his experience was eased by the people he worked with directly, who, he said,

horrifying, traumatic experience ...

... I loved it

-Roman

Camber “ “

“didn’t shy away from the socially awkward kid.” He said, “Before Hello, Dolly!, I was really nervous. I wasn’t sure about myself as an actor. I wasn’t sure if I was too awkward to hold a real conversation.” Arriaga’s experience shaped who he is today. “Theater is such a collaborative medium, so I definitely had to get over my social fears to collaborate with my double, who is now one of my best friends.”

Arriaga’s double was Roman Camber, a senior at RHS, who was also shaped by a school musical.

Camber was a lead character in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which was primarily set in an office setting. “It was the most lines and most songs I ever had to learn for any show ever,” he said.

The area Camber entered the stage through was tight. He had to wait four minutes until it was his turn to perform. During those four minutes of what he called the “music of dread,” he was panicking, telling himself not to mess up. “It was a horrifying, traumatic experience … I loved it,” Camber said. In a later scene, his stress centered on a ladder, where he was reading a book while miming wiping windows. “That stressed me out because the ladder

was not that big - so you have to worry about not falling off,” he said.

That show was what Camber cited as sparking his interest in musical theater. He began performing in musicals outside of school, listening to their music, and learning about more shows and the history of the art. Through different performances, often doubling for each other, both Arriaga and Camber arrived at a shared passion to perform professionally. Ultimately, those performances contributed to the character growth that shaped who they are today.

By: Micah Bielling Staff Reporter

“don’t mess up”

Tristan Montano, a junior at RHS, creates his own music as a hobby. He works on projects that blend pop and rap, though he has never released one. “I’m a perfectionist when it comes to it so I have never actually finished a project all the way,” Montano said. Citing XXXTentacion and Eminem as inspirations, he tries to make his music emotional, incorporating elements such as catchy guitar riffs, heavy bass, and piano. Montano hopes to release an EP soon. “I want to become a consistent person at making [music] so I have to just let go of being a perfectionist. I just want to get a community that actually supports the music,” Montano said.

COURTESY OF ROMAN CAMBER

COURTESY OF TRISTAN MONTANO

MICAH BIELLING

COURTESY OF TRISTAN MONTANO

IN COLD BLOOD

Mock trial takes on new case while welcoming new members.

Years of late night practices, witness objections, closing and opening statements have led the senior of mock trial to this moment. For the seniors, this year has made a huge impact on the team, and their last season will be the best the team has ever had. This year’s case: a celebrity chef has mysteriously been poisoned by a contestant on their cooking show and our seniors will use this case and the evidence given to make our defense and prosecution teams the best at county competition this year. The team sorted through all the elaborate evidence and complex witness statements and worked together under pressure to win this year’s county competition. This year will prove the dedication and time the seniors put into the team.

Senior and co-captain of the team

Andrew John is now into his 3rd year of mock trial and hopes to be an attorney to either defense or prosecution. John’s leadership and hard work throughout his time in mock

“

Mock Trial has given me a chance to improve my confidence in myself

-Nat Woodall

“

trial has really shined and become one of the main reasons that he was made captain. “I was surprised that

I was captain, and honestly, I am a little nervous, but I do think that I will be able to lead a team this year,” John said. “We have a really strong team …, and with the addition of new members, we’ll be able to perform very well.” John wants to continue helping the new people on the team with debate strategies such as crosses, directs, openings, and closing. He will continue to use his knowledge that he has gained from his years of mock trial to lead the team to the top and win county. “My legacy would be to improve the team and help new members understand how to do everything when it comes to being an attorney so they can win,” John said.

While John is focused as an attorney, we have Natalie Woodall as the team bonding member on the executive board this year. Woodall joined the

COLE MCCOY

team in her sophomore year and now has three years of experience as a witness to bring to the team. Both seniors aim to make an impact on next year’s team, and they have been working diligently to ensure their team’s success. “My experiences have always been great with this team,” Woodall said. Sharing your kindness and love can make a difference in how people operate with the other members of the team. “I want to be able to create an environment that is open and welcomes kindness and empathy,” Woodall said. These simple and fun activities can make someone’s day, whether the outcome of the scrimmage was good or bad. After a scrimmage with another school, activities such as having lunch together or going to someone’s house to talk can really bring team members closer together. ”We want to have the team as one unified group,” Woodall said. Mock trial isn’t just a club, it’s a community of all kinds of people that you might have never even thought to talk to or get along with. This team is a place where everyone has the same opportunities to excel for the club and to learn about various life skills that can be applied in everyday life. “Mock trial has given me a chance to improve my confidence in myself,” said Woodall.

While the seniors are leaving their mark, the team’s dedicated coach, Mrs. Jones, has been a key factor in how this program has been succeeding these past years. Jones organizes scrimmages for the team, hosts fundraisers to raise money for the club, and provides well-needed constructive criticism to those who need it. Jones has put a lot of time and effort into this team to make sure that not only the team wins the county, but that each student learns more about where they stand in the subject of law. “I’m really excited because we have a great combination of older members who want to leave a legacy and that know the importance of teaching, and they aren’t just competing for themselves, but also helping the newer members be successful,” Jones said. Mrs. Jones said that she doesn’t have a legacy or philosophy for the team “and the reason why is because mock trial is one of those things where I feel like I learn so much from the students,” Jones said.

By: Cole McCoy, Staff Reporter

Mock trial has many roles and parts that make up the team. During club rush this year the team had the new members sign up with their email on their team list. A google form was then sent out to all of the new members and the form was asking what part of the team they would want to join the most. This is a poll of 36 people, but there are only around 18 spots for the team. Hard work and dedication are the ways you will get picked for the 2026 mock trial team.

50% 30.6% 11.1% 8.3%

COLE MCCOY

MAKING THE NEXT MOVE

Chess club is being revamped at RHS this year.

Three times a week, passionate chess players met in classrooms to play chess with one another. This was not the case for the previous two years, when club meetings usually happened about two weeks apart. After the leadership positions became open last year due to seniors leaving Rocklin High School (RHS), sophomore Shray Bagga became the club president.

Bagga said that in the past, the club never had tournaments and that club meetings often consisted of people not playing chess. According to him, “[People] didn’t do anything” during last year, when he joined.

This year, Bagga invested “about seven hours a week” to improve the club,

“ “ I spend about seven hours a week to improve the club. -Shray Bagga

saying, “My only goal with these seven hours is to make sure that chess club can either get more members, start more tournaments, and overall, just be a better club.”

Junior Ari Raffs joined the chess club last year, but the inactivity led him to skip going “half of the year.” Nevertheless, he still enjoyed casual play, but said “a couple of tournaments would have been fun.”

The thing that members wanted most from the chess club was tournaments, which had been lacking in previous years. According to senior Anderson Wang, one major way the chess club “could have improved is by having more organized tournaments.”

“Some people like myself would prefer

more [tournaments] to bring out that competitive side of chess club,” Wang said.

The only organized matches in the chess club for the past two years were against Granite Bay High School (GBHS). Raffs did not join because he would have had to “schedule a game” by himself and another GBHS student. Instead of a match against another school, Raffs preferred a tournament only among RHS students, where everything could be more controlled.

This year, Bagga and the rest of the

SHRAY BAGGA

board members planned to have many tournaments, with a few being against other schools. “We can take on other high schools around us, and hopefully RHS can be the first chess club to host a multi-school tournament,” he said. This revelation excited many club members, including Raffs and Wang.

Wang looked forward to tournaments and more organized matches. “I like to consider myself a good chess player … I’d like to prove it with matches and tournaments,” he said.

Some members joined the chess club only for casual play, like Raffs. However, he said that he “might want to participate in a tournament” this

“

“ I can earn medals from tournaments, which sounds fun.

-Shray Bagga

chess lessons for anyone

The chess club secretary is designing free chess lessons for any skill level. In order to do so, he creates a master document filled with lesson topics and the puzzles for the club coaches to use.

The secretary, vice president, and treasurer use a third-party website to build the puzzles for lessons The finished puzzles get uploaded to a chess club website where learners can solve them.

year. “Also, [the board members said] I can get medals, which sounds fun,” he said.

By: Kevin Feng, Staff Reporter

The club meetings are held in O’Donnell’s classroom (C-3) on Mondays after school and in Kirk’s classroom (K-2) every Tuesday and Thursday lunch.

White to move. Mate in 3.

Nathaniel Knolle makes a chess puzzle using a website.

KEVIN FENG

With the new school year starting, so do fall sports. The glaring lights shine bright on Friday night, the spikes from every volleyball set are heard around the school, and waves of water are splashing in with every water polo game. After Rocklin dominated many sports last year, get up to date and see what you may have missed in the world of sports here in this section of the Flash.

COMMITTED Josiah Andrews commits to NAU.

JOSHUA GUNTER

Approximately seven percent of all high school athletes continued their sport in college. Only 3% of those were at the Division I level. Senior Josiah Andrews certified his legacy at Rocklin High by becoming part of that 3%. Andrews announced his commitment to continue his football career at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in July. Andrews said, “NAU found out about me from the film. I put some pretty good film out from last year’s junior season, and I chose them because I really like the coaching style, the team, the environment, and the place.”

It was well known how hard achieving the level of a Division I athlete was. It required a strict work ethic. “I would say I’m one of the hardest workers on the team. We have to wake up at six, then practice after school. But I pour into myself a little bit more, I have training and I go before weights,” Andrews said. Andrews would be going into his freshman year next season, but despite being the new guy, he had set high goals for himself. “I want to start and play as a freshman. I want to be an All-American and just kill it.”

Wide receiver coach Jason Yallich, the most important coach to Andrews, said, “We’ve always kind of seen it in him. You know, he didn’t play his sophomore year, but his freshman year we got a chance to see him out on the field, and there were just some special things that he did.”

While Andrews had seen many of his teammates come and go throughout his football career, senior Connor Bow had been by his side since eighth grade. “Basketball really started the friendship there. We started in third or second grade, I think. Then I started football in eighth grade, playing with [Andrews],” Bow said. It was clear from very early on that Andrews wasn’t an ordinary athlete. Bow noticed his potential when they were just “12 years

“

“ This has been a dream since I was a kid

-Josiah Andrews

old or 13 years old. He was all work, all the time.” Andrews was known within his team to be very impactful. His leadership and friendliness made him the ideal player for both coaches and teammates. Bow said, “He’s always trying to uplift us, give us a good look, and just [try] to be the best leader he can be.”

By: Brady Kretzmer Senior Editor

BRADY KRETZMER

COLE BROUMAS

EITAN RUBINSTEIN

Josiah Andrews returns a punt for a touchdeown agaisn’t Davis SR High School on 10/11/24.

THE BEST OF

BOTH WORLDS

The pros and cons of club and school soccer.

KIANA BARNES

With a growing interest in club soccer, student-athletes at Rocklin were challenged with playing for both a club team and the school team. There were many different aspects that varied between the two, including team chemistry, skill level, and campus life.

To start, team chemistry majorly affected how a team could play on the field. Ashleigh Fosson explained the RHS soccer team was affected by relationships, saying, “I feel like [the team is not as] good at passing because we don’t have as much communication.” However, Payton Nollette said that playing with her classmates allowed the players to feel a level of trust even though they had never met before. “I think it makes us more comfortable with each other, even though we’ve never met before, because you have to have a level of trust with soccer. And I think it just makes everyone feel more comfortable with each other, and it

“ “ I like to have the best of both worlds.

kind of connects you more with people you don’t already know,” she said. She continued, “I think I gained new relationships with people on campus.” Brady Kaley agreed, stating, “In high school soccer, you get to see people every day and around school. It’s kind of cool.” Presley Gale also said, “I feel like we connect more because you see them in school, so you see them more often than just at practice.” Seeing teammates at school helped deepen trust and bonds, which created cleaner communication and overall better play. However, for some players, their

club teammates did not go to the same school. Casey Abad said she “[was] not as close with [her] club team because most of them go to high schools in Roseville.” With that team only seeing each other at practice, it didn’t create the same clean communication compared to her high school team.

Another important characteristic of a team was having the same skill level among players. Gale said, “Club soccer is more high level, more foot skills, and high school is more kind of relaxed and laid back.” Kaley added, “The level is a little bit higher in clubs because you’re playing with new people who may play at a higher level.” Nollette agreed. “Club soccer is taken a lot more seriously than high school soccer, because high school soccer is just students who sign up because they just want to participate in athletics. But I think club soccer takes another level of dedication. I think the club players that are on the school team want to actually play soccer,” she said. For those who only played high school soccer, there was a long break between seasons, while other girls played year-round, which added a division in ability and skill level. Abad argued, “On the high school team, the levels are more combined together. And it’s just mixed levels.” Competitive player Chloe Kadden agreed when she noted, “Sometimes the level can just differ on levels of communication and knowledge of the game.” High school teams had to organize people by both skill level and grade.

In addition, school and club soccer had their own effects on campus life. Kaley said, “[On my school team] I got to know a lot more people, and I’d walk around, make friends, and notice people that I’d seen or played soccer with.” Kadden explained her experience on campus. “I think it’s cool

if you want to go talk to teammates, or ask them any questions. I think it’s a good thing if you have questions regarding the game, or if you just want to say hello,” she said. She also described the collision between school and soccer. “It’s definitely interesting, because you have your soccer life, and you have your school life. And two worlds collide, and some people like it, and some people don’t. I don’t like it, but that’s my opinion. Because I like to have the best of both worlds. You know, I like to have an athletic life and a knowledge life,” she said. School soccer allowed students to connect with others on campus about their interests, helping to bridge school life and soccer life. It also helped with gaining friendships and creating closer relationships with teammates. Nollette said, “I think I gained new relationships with people on campus in general, because some of the people that were on my team this past year for school, I didn’t know them around school until I met them through soccer. And then that way, I was able to be friends with them on campus, just wave and smile.”

All in all, school and club soccer had their differences, both positive and negative, mainly in skill level, campus life, and relationships with others. In the end, both school and club soccer offered many opportunities for aspiring soccer players.

By: Kaitlyn Tri & Larsyn Strait Staff Reporters

-Chloe Kadden

JOSHUA GUNTER

EITAN RUBINSTEIN

AJ GUEVARRA

EITAN RUBINSTEIN

BRADY KRETZMER

ZHIXIANG YANG

ELI ANDERSON

NATHAN THORNDYKE

EITAN RUBINSTEIN

FANTASY FRENZY

Fantasty Football at Rocklin High

COLE BROUMAS

For many Rocklin High School (RHS) students, the fall was the most enjoyable time of the year due to the start of the National Football League (NFL) and Fantasy Football. At RHS, Fantasy Football wasn’t simply a game, it was a tradition that took over a multitude of friend groups throughout campus. Friends could come together or be torn apart, yet Fantasy Football was still something people came back to

every year.

Fantasy Football was a game played among a group of people where teams consisting of NFL players were all put onto the same fantasy team. Depending on how these players performed in their games, they earned points to add to the fantasy team’s total. Whoever accumulated the most points by the final game of the week won. In each fantasy league, a culture was built, rivalries were made, and competition was encouraged. Draft

night, where fantasy teams were assembled, was one of the most anticipated nights of the year. Having complete control of selecting a team and choosing what to do with the team was what made Fantasy Football special. It was a night where people spent time with friends and grew a close bond. However, relationships could be altered when rewards and punishments were introduced.

“

ZACHARY BURDICK

“ Draft Night creates a sense of camraderie and friendship that is hard to find elsewhere

-Cayden Ochoa

Choosing the draft order could go two different ways. Some leagues went with a random draft order while others preferred to play a game to determine the order. Playing a game beforehand increased the competition before the true game even began. RHS senior Shane Nelson described the advantage of selecting by the “idea of how [he] was going to set up my draft based on [his] position.” Senior Kunjan Devkota’s league decided to play poker, which “added excitement and made it more memorable.”

Shane Nelson played poker for their leagues draft order.

Devkota enjoyed seeing his friends make questionable decisions that eventually led him to win poker and draft first. But poker was just one of the many ways to decide draft order. Games such as timed relays or different tournaments also rallied members and brought out the best of draft night. These activities increased strategy and autonomy by not having the order be random. ESPN and Yahoo also gave out draft grades, which were always funny to reflect on.

There were many reasons why RHS students played Fantasy Football. Motivations varied: some people were peer-pressured by their friends to join a league, while for others the main motive was social interaction or monetary gain. So while the reasons at the start were variable, one thing was for sure. By the end, everyone enjoyed the experience and hoped to play again the next year.

It was a thrilling, interactive activity with friends. Senior Cayden Ochoa said, “It connect[ed] [me] with my friends day in and day out.”

According to a study by Civic Science, there were a multitude of reasons why people played Fantasy Football. The most common reason was having fun with friends. At Rocklin, the reasons to play could be summarized into three main points: the love of the game, the chance to bond with people in the league, and having an extra way to

Cayden Ochoa tried Trey Joyce’s punishment.

too hot to handle

Senior Trey Joyce lost in the playoffs in his league and had to take a bite of a Dave’s reaper wing. It took mere seconds for the spice to kick him and for Joyce to begin to regret his drafting desicions. In less than a minute his eyes began to swell up and he began crying. Drinking water did not help and made it the longest ten minutes of his life.

enjoy watching the NFL. Nelson said, “Fantasy allow[ed] [him] to connect with [his] friends and create memories.”

Fantasy didn’t just bond students; it bonded teachers as well. At RHS, there was a teacher fantasy league that had been going on for several years. Fantasy Football wasn’t just for the youth, it brought out the best in anyone who enjoyed football.

By: Zachary Burdick & Ian Valdivia Staff Reporters

It felt like I got punched in the throat

-Trey Joyce “ “

Most leagues at Rocklin have punishments. They can vary in type and how brutal they are. From a milk mile to deciding outfits for a week; punishments are something people absolutely want to avoid.

Reasons People Play Fantasy Football

ZACHARY BURDICK

LAST FIRSTS

Friday night lights shine for their last first time for seniors.

As we ring in the new school year with football games, dances, and actual schoolwork, many seniors began to realize that their time at Rocklin High School (RHS) was almost up. Those Friday night lights are dimming by the day, so it is important to remember the seniors who kept them lit. From their inspiration, to their legacy, to their plans for the future, every senior helped shape the culture at RHS.

The seniors are inspired to be hardworking and committed to leaving a legacy at RHS. Senior Talia Gridley, drum major, said, “There were some people who were really, really great leaders my freshman and sophomore year that inspired me to want to step up and lead. And then also it was like if I stepped up and led, how could I help? How could I change things? What would I do? Stuff like that?” Senior Brooke Hanegan, current co-captain of the dance team, said, “I was really fortunate to have really good people and leaders to follow. And I hope that also happens with the team below us, and that they can learn from the things we do now, so that they can also bring that to their team.” Varsity football player and senior Josiah Andrews credited his success and commitment to football to his fellow teammates and leaders. Andrews said, “We have a lot of great players on that team, Mikey Cunningham and Maverick

Collins. They helped me get better and improve in every aspect of the game, offense and defense. And I just think that they really influenced me. I think we need that chemistry and we need those bonds to be able to perform

““ It’s a brotherhood out there, and we take that mentality and use it on game nights.

-Josiah Andrews

well on the field and just even off the field. I think we’re closer than just friends and stuff. It’s a brotherhood out there, and we take that mentality and use it on game nights.” The key to feeling inspired and being motivated to achieve goals was found within each other. These seniors had role models who inspired them and went on to inspire others, creating a cycle at Rocklin that continued to create leaders.

Through dedication and defining moments, many seniors had, or were looking to leave, a legacy at RHS. Andrews said, “I would say making it to sections, yeah, going super far [is

my goal for this year]. I wanna leave a big impact. I think we’re going to be a great team even in the future. We got a lot of good young players, Malachi Kendall, Mason Cunningham, CJ, we got a lot of transfers coming in, and I think they’re going to be really good.”

Gridley was also candid about the future of the band and what she and her bandmates did to improve the program over the years.

“I think that we took a lot of what was great about the band, the fun and the energy and the people and the excitement and stuff like that, but I feel like this year and hopefully future years, I feel like we look a lot more polished and clean and that our skills are better. That’s something I really wanted to work on, and I think today, they really show that, and I’m very proud of them.”

Hanegan reflected on her personal difference in the dance program, and her hopes for future dancers. “I think I’ve left a positive legacy. I’m the type [of] person [to] really be involved with everybody on the team. It doesn’t matter your age, it doesn’t matter your grade, it doesn’t matter how skilled you are or not. You just always want to be friends and loving to others, because I would want that if I was an underclassman. I hope that it can be at the level it was when all four years on my team, I was really fortunate to

SOFIA PATTERSON

have really good people and leaders to follow. And I hope that also happens with the team below us, and that they can learn from the things we do now, so that they can also bring that to their team.”

Looking back on the last four years, there were many prideful and emotional moments that defined people and gave them hope for the future. Hanegan said, “I think I’m kind of sad. I love the dance team. It’s been my life since freshman year, but I’m excited to have new beginnings. But the game was awesome. It was really fun. I’m glad we won.” Though Andrews wasn’t leaving football behind, as he was committed to NAU, he reflected on his journey.

“It’s crazy. You know, high school went by super fast. It feels like I was just a freshman a year ago. And you know, you just can’t take any of it for granted, because you never know what can happen,” he said. Gridley, who was participating in her final year of band, said, “I’m happy about it. It’s, you know, senior year, I feel really energized for it, but also every time [I think] about it, I remember when it was my first time, and how nervous I was and all this stuff, and all the people who were with me freshman year are still with me now. So that’s made it more fun, but also more, I think, emotional. I’m not

sure how it’ll go on senior night.” Ending high school was an event marked by a blend of emotions, as it could feel like both a celebration and a new beginning.

While senior year was a period of transition and stress, these seniors illustrated what it was like to be involved and committed to a program at Rocklin High School, and what it meant to be immensely passionate about something and then have to leave it behind. There was a lesson to learn from all of them, however, to make the most of our time at Rocklin, because it would all be over in a flash.

By: Sofia Patterson Staff Reporter

EITAN RUBINSTEIN

SOFIA PATTERSON

SOFIA PATTERSON COLE BROUMAS

SWINGING INTO THE SEASON

With such a small team, the relationships built will last.

The Rocklin High School girls golf team, with only nine members, has gotten extremely close this year with not just the players, but coaches as well. Van rides, food stops, and practices were where the girls and the coaches bonded. Kennedy Wilson, a senior, believed a smaller team

“ “ Coach Wagner knew all the words to the whole song of Baby Got Back -Kennedy Wilson

helped “everybody get along [and] it’s very easy to sit and talk and be able to have fun because it’s not such a huge team where there’s cliques.” Janie Serrano, a junior, agreed and added that the team was “really close knit, [they’re] all basically a family. That’s the vibe.” With fewer girls on the team, each player had the chance to get to know one another better and build relationships that would last.

Not only would the relationships last, but the memories would live on

as well. Serrano’s favorite memory was one of their “band trips. [They] go to a lot of away matches, and on the way home, [they] always stop for something sweet. [They] sit down, [they] talk about the match and stuff going on, and it’s always really [fun].” Wilson’s favorite moment was when they “were blasting the music super loud [on the drive home from a match] and Coach Wagner knew all the words to the whole song of Baby Got Back, and he sang it so perfectly.” Moments like these were ones players would never forget because of the fun and excitement tied to them.

The team also spent extra time together when they got food after every away match. This was one of Wilson’s favorite traditions because

NATHAN THORNDYKE

they “get free food after school.” Since it was such a small team, the funds didn’t always have to go toward jerseys and equipment; instead, they could be put toward team bonding and hangouts after practices and matches.

By: Tessa Wagnon Editor-in-Training

why play golf?

When parents start putting their kids in sports, not many choose golf. Most players don’t start until later, in middle school or high school. Serrano said she chose “to play golf because it’s one of [her] favorite sports and [she] enjoys watching it. [She] started playing with [her] grandpa at the end of seventh grade.” She has played ever since and still enjoys it just as much as when she first started with her grandpa.

On the other hand, Wilson did not start playing until freshman year. She said she “didn’t have any sports to play and [her] dad offered golf up,” so she “chose to play, and [has] stuck with it for all four years.”

Labubus, Dubai chocolate, matcha, it seems like almost everyday there is a new trend or style to discuss. In a day and age where the internet is a huge part of everyone’s life, find out where the opinion of Rocklin students lies here in this section of the Flash.

LABUBU’S ON THE LOOSE

JOSHUA GUNTER

In the first half of 2025, more than $670 million worth of Labubus have been sold. To put that in perspective: even if you bought your own private island with a beach house, jet skis and 10 yachts, you would still have cash left over for more.

Labubus are snaggle-toothed monster plushies from Hong Kong that first appeared in 2019. This year, they have blown up on social media, celebrated for their oddly cute faces and elvish features. Beneath the charm, however, lies a darker reality: these toys are wildly overpriced and designed to be addictive.

The main hook is the blind box. Buyers do not know which Labubu they are getting, so when they fail to pull the one they want, they buy another and then another. What seems like harmless collecting quickly becomes a cycle of overconsumption, where the excitement fades fast but the spending never stops.

The prices make the problem worse. Rarity has always influenced value, but Labubus take this logic to absurd extremes. One rare Labubu has been listed for more than $170,000. Spending that much money on a

mass-produced stuffed toy is not charming or quirky. It is ridiculous and it shows just how far consumer culture has spun out of control.

Economists have even suggested that the craze signals something deeper. During uncertain times, people often chase short bursts of happiness instead of making longterm investments. Labubu buyers may not spend thousands at once, but small impulsive purchases pile up and reflect a culture obsessed with instant gratification.

To be fair, Labubus can be cute and collectible, and they do bring joy to fans. However, their inflated prices and manipulative marketing reveal something troubling. They are not just plush toys. They are a warning sign of how easily consumer culture can take advantage of people, turning simple joys into cycles of waste and addiction.

Written By: Ashley Kim, Senior Editor

Design By: Kaelyn Cunningham Senior Editor

labubu vs lafufu

JOSHUA GUNTER

Real: Crafted with crisp detail, vibrant paint, and authentic signature packaging.

Fake: Cheap plastic, messy paint, and packaging that feels like you’re buying it from the back alley.

GLUTEN-FREE GOODNESS

delicious baked goods, no gluten or dairy, and no compromises on taste.

I’m not gluten-free, and I don’t avoid dairy. So, when I visited Pushkin’s Bakery in Roseville, a place known for making everything without gluten or dairy, I didn’t expect to be overly impressed.

But I was curious. I’ve heard people rave about their baked goods, and I wanted to see what all the buzz was about. So, I ordered a slice of banana bread, a chocolate chip cookie and an iced chai made with oat milk.

I’ve tried gluten-free baked goods before that tasted dry, bland or just plain off. But after trying a few things from Pushkin’s, I walked out with a new respect for what a good gluten-free bakery can do. It’s located in Roseville, California. The

bakery itself is clean and welcoming, and the staff were quick to help and answered questions easily.

There’s a mix of grab-and-go items and fresh-baked goods behind the glass case. Everything is labeled clearly, and knowing that the entire menu is safe for people avoiding gluten or dairy made it feel trustworthy.

The banana bread came as a thick slice with a soft but sturdy texture. It didn’t crumble in my hands like some gluten-free breads do, and it wasn’t overly sweet. The banana flavor was authentic and natural, not artificial or overpowering, and the bread had a slightly nutty, hearty taste. It felt like something you could eat in the

DHRUVA JAGADISH

morning with coffee or as a midday snack. If no one told me it was glutenfree, I might not have noticed.

The chocolate chip cookie looked great, with golden edges, generous chocolate chips and a solid flavor. Sweet, but not too sweet, and the chocolate was rich without being too intense. The only downside was the texture. While the outside had a nice crunch, the inside was a bit dry. I missed the chewiness I usually look for in a cookie. Still, I ate the whole thing, and if you’re gluten-free, it’s a good option. For people like me who eat traditional cookies all the time, it might not totally hit the mark, but it’s close.

The iced chai was another pleasant surprise. It was made with oat milk, which added a smooth, creamy feel without being heavy. The chai itself had just the right amount of cinnamon taste and sweetness, nothing too strong or too bland. It was cold, refreshing and had a buttery flavor, a perfect match for the baked goods. As someone who usually gets dairy in my drinks, I didn’t miss it at all.

I came to Pushkin’s wondering if I’d leave thinking, “Well, that was good…for gluten-free.” But I didn’t feel the need to add that last part. The items that I tried at Pushkin’s were just as good as other bakery items I’ve had with gluten and dairy in them.

It’s definitely one of the best I’ve tried in the gluten-free space, and that says a lot coming from someone who isn’t gluten-free. If you’re someone with dietary restrictions, Pushkin’s is a clear win. But even if you’re not, it’s worth stopping in to try.

Written By: Cecilia Shafer, Editor-in-Training

Design By: Bailee Sexton, Senior Editor

BREAD

SWEETS

DHRUVA JAGADISH

EDIT RIAL

EITAN RUBINSTEIN

Together starts here, together we learn, together we lead.” Longtime assistant principal Michael Pappas stepped into the role of principal this year with a strong focus on connection. In this position, Pappas has placed himself at the center of communication, translating policies into action while emphasizing the importance of “learning by doing,” he said.

Compared with his role as assistant principal last year, “it feels like an even higher level of ownership,” Pappas said. The shift to principal naturally brought more responsibility, but instead of feeling daunting, it deepened his bond with the school, making him feel like the campus “is another home.” Viewing Rocklin High School as his home away from home, Pappas takes pride in the community. He even took editors-in-chief Cole Broumas and Eitan Rubinstein on a tour of the campus, showing what a day in his role looks like. Along the way, he introduced them to everyone from Mindi Diemer at the front desk to the new assistant principals. These meetings revealed how deeply Pappas values relationships.

The tour also highlighted his compassion, love for the school, and drive for innovation. He showcased the

campus improvements, beginning with the grounds crew, which refreshed the campus before the school year began. Next was the newly revamped Sports Medicine classroom, reorganized for better use of space, “we didn’t even know a treadmill was back here,” he said.

Another significant change was the addition of a beach volleyball court, giving the team a place to practice on campus. Early into his time as principal, Pappas has already led visible changes aimed at creating a school environment that students, parents, and staff can take pride in. For students his focus is simple, connection. Pappas believes Rocklin offers programs for every student to find a place to belong, whether in athletics, publications, or VAPA. His conversations did not center on grades; while he values academic success, he prioritizes helping students thrive in what they care about. “If students leave here saying they had an awesome time, I feel pretty good about what we’re doing,” he said.

Pappas continues to oversee the Career and Technical Education and math departments, but his larger goal is building relationships and maintaining constant communication.

“I’d want colleagues to say this was the best admin team we’ve had,” he said. To him, ensuring teachers have the right resources and responsibilities will strengthen the school as a whole.

Looking ahead, Pappas comes in with humility about the challenges of his new role. “I’m going to learn a lot by doing, and I need to be willing to ask for help,” he said. His true mission, however, is making sure every student, “Is valued, and if you take one person out, everything gets harder.” In the opinion of this editorial board it’s safe to say the campus is in good hands, and that Pappas is a principal who is dedicated, compassionate, and committed to his community.

By: The Editorial Board

EITAN RUBINSTEIN

WHEN SECONDS MATTER

“A lot of times we’ve come across hand grenades, things along those lines ...”

Story by Evan Gordon

pg. 13

The Flash Magazine | Volume 33, Issue 1 | October 10, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FLASH FEATURES

BEHIND THE RUSH

closer look at how Rocklin’s clubs draw students to their booth.

prep time

WHAT’S

DRINK?

DRINK?

STEP INTO THE JUNGLE

NAILED IT

RHS Students use creative interests to create business.

WHEN SECONDS MATTER

“We work together and overcome challenges -Darryl Jantz

behind the scences

behind the scences

FRIGHTS IN THE LIGHTS

How one past performance shaped their future lives

horrifying, traumatic experience ...

-Roman

Camber “ “

IN COLD BLOOD

Mock trial takes on new case while welcoming new members.

MAKING THE NEXT MOVE

Chess club is being revamped at RHS this year.

chess lessons for anyone

COMMITTED Josiah Andrews commits to NAU.

THE BEST OF

BOTH WORLDS

FANTASY FRENZY

Fantasty Football at Rocklin High

too hot to handle

Reasons People Play Fantasy Football

LAST FIRSTS

Friday night lights shine for their last first time for seniors.

-Josiah Andrews

SWINGING INTO THE SEASON

why play golf?

LABUBU’S ON THE LOOSE

labubu vs lafufu

GLUTEN-FREE GOODNESS

delicious baked goods, no gluten or dairy, and no compromises on taste.

BREAD

SWEETS

EDIT RIAL

WHEN SECONDS MATTER

UPCOMING DATES: