august 2026

OUR MONTHLY HAPPENINGS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

fall sports meeting & cheer/football kick-off event

Photos courtesy of Grace Driscoll

Sandra Rodriguez, Athletic Director, leads the informative Fall Sports Meeting.

Senior Announcers: Eian Cruz, Varsity Quarterback, and Mattea Camasto, Cheer Captain, prepare to announce their coaches at the Kick-Off Event hosted at Rosati's in Anthem.

Jake Paul, Section Editor | August 22, 2026

It was a packed house on Tuesday, August 11th, at our 2026 Fall Sports Meeting. About 200-plus parents, coaches, and students attended the meeting to learn more about the sports offered, the athletic staff, and guidelines for the upcoming fall season.

Sandra Rodriguez, in her first year as Ridgeline's athletic director, introduced herself and led all who attended through the athletic policies and expectations under Canyon Athletic Association (AZCAA). “I enjoy allowing our students to participate in sports and ensuring we are invested in developing our student-athletes.” Coach Rodriguez also wants families to know that she has “an extensive background in athletics,” and is “happy to continue to build up and maintain our athletic programs.”

Varsity football, varsity/junior high cross country, varsity boys soccer, junior high baseball, and varsity/junior high volleyball are among the sports offered this season. In addition to Coach Rodriguez, the 2026-2027 athletic staff also features Keven Barker, Minio Maldonado, Todd Beougher, and Tre Clymer.

Coach Beougher, school mentor and coach, is our Varsity football team's defensive coordinator. When asked about their upcoming season he says, "There's a lot of excitement mixed with anxiousness." He adds that the team has already gone through adversity with filling crucial positions. "We lost a lot of seniors who were key players last year, so the new and younger kids have to step up to the plate." To get to the finish line he encourages his players "to trust in each other and build the connection on and off the field." With confidence he says that the team has what it takes to bring it home this season, but they have to consistently put in the work.

Eian Cruz, senior quarterback, also shared his setbacks over the summer and beginning of the season. He sprained his ankle over the summer and reaggravated it again early this school year. He says, "Even with the injury, I had to focus on healing so I can show up for my team the rest of the season. It is my last year of high school ball and I want to make the most out of the experience. To end his interview, he adds, "Our team is like family. As one of the senior leaders this year, I want to motivate all of our players on and off the field."

Noam Estes, senior defensive end, is looking forward to meet his goal of 25 sacks or more. When asked about the strength of the team, he says, "I think we have the physicality and the heart to win a championship this year. We just have to be willing to give it our all."

It is clear that our athletes and coaches are setting a high standard for themselves this season. They can't do it without a crowd! If you would like to support our Cheerleaders and Football team, attend our home games scheduled for August 28, September 11, September 18, and September 25. Kick-off is at 7pm sharp. Bring on the orange and blue and let's get loud for our athletes!

Senior Backpacks: Full-Circle Nostalgia

Jona Cruz, Yearbook Advisor | August 19, 2026
Photos courtesty of Miyah Pabalinas

As a proud millennial, it is a no-brainer that Jansport was thee brand. That is quite different for today's seniors. Their backpacks do not only serve as practical daily wear, they have become a nostalgic reminder of childhood.

The senior backpack trend grew in popularity as early as the 2000s, but erupted through social media in 2020. With the help of viral postings on TikTok, it became a nationwide phenomenon in 2023. Reports have also stated that even parts of Canada are joining the bandwagon.

A quick search on "senior backpacks" on TikTok or Instagram will lead you to an endless array of seniors across the country excitedly sporting their little kid backpacks, which look like they belong in an elementary school hallway.

The choices are as unique as the students themselves: childhood cartoon shows, superheroes, Disney characters, videogame characters, and everything in between. Each backpack tells a little story about the senior carrying it. One of our very own seniors, Tianna Ammons, is sporting a Bluey backpack this year. "I did not watch it as a child, but watching it brings me comfort. It makes me happy to see things happen that I didn't necessarily get growing up," she says. Dragon Ball Z is what Senior, Peyton Burdick, joyfully wears on his back. He says that it is definitely something he would have worn as a kid. Both Peyton and Tianna agree that this trend sets seniors apart in the halls.

As a mom of a senior this year, I know in my heart of hearts that this is more than just a cutesy trend. There is something beautifully symbolic about a senior holding on to a little piece of childhood during their final year of school.

There are so many uncertainties when thinking about life after graduation. College. Careers. All things adulting. Walking on that stage with a diploma in hand is a milestone and can represent a new beginning. Yet, beneath the excitement, it also means saying goodbye to a version of yourself that has existed for close to two decades.

So seniors, I encourage you to hold on to your childhood-self a little longer. Embrace the backpack. Embrace your inner-child. Do it for the mems.

You have your whole life to be an adult.

I promise,

Mrs. Cruz

back-t0-school bash

Locked in together

Lulu and Nadia, 8th graders, created personalized charmed keychains during the BTS Bash.

senior sunglasses

Mattea and Grace, 12th graders, bedazzled their sunglasses just in time for Senior Sunrise.

friends reunited

Olivia, sophomore, reunites with former Eagles, Makenna and Maddie.

Christian Clemmer, Yearbook Staff | August 21, 2026

On Friday, August 14, 2026, Ridgeline held their annual Back-To-School Bash which boomed with student attendance. Many students had a blast with activities, hung out with their friends, and enjoyed the small details that made it even better. For the first major event of the school year, it made a strong impact among the students and other attendees.

During this event, students could take part in playing sports like pickleball, volleyball, making arts and crafts with glasses or jewelry, or simply using this gathering as an opportunity to hang out with their friends. The event was also selling food for students to eat, like pizza and Rice Krispie Treats made by Mr. Bolo and his students. “This is the best Back To School Bash we’ve had in the last four years,” claimed senior Miyah Pabalinas, the president of Student Goverment.

Although the event was positively received, there were troubles during the preparation of the event. “Student government showed up strong,” said Mrs. Pennell, “but we definitely ran into hiccups.” For example, there were problems like trouble with the pizza delivery, last second table scrambling, and especially Dalton spilling water all over the gym lobby and rushing to clean up the mess. Funnily enough, Mrs. Pennell claimed this to be her favorite part of preparing the event.

Students had also decided to suggest one thing they would’ve done differently with the experience as well. “I think I would’ve opened more stuff sooner,” senior Tianna Ammons requested. Two students, 8th grader Alanah Brown-Shannon and 7th grader Levi Ringe, had also both suggested for more food and snacks to be added to the shopping menu. Regardless of these small suggestions, the event was still a hit among everyone that had attended.

The Back-To-School Bash was a school event for everyone to gather with friends from school and have fun with activities handled by the student government. Without this occasion, Ridgeline Academy would not have the opportunity to spread their spirit and encourage students to make memories at amazing adventures like this one. You should be proud to be an Eagle!

donuts with dads

Sweet moments at Donuts with Dad! Isabella and her dad, David Maxey, enjoy quality time before starting their day.

A TRADITION WORTH KEEPING

Inaya Khan, Section Editor | August 24, 2026

With powdered sugar on their fingers and smiles on their faces, students and their dads came together to share a sweet morning at our elementary campus. The cafeteria was filled with laughter as parents and their children connected over fresh donuts. Donuts with Dads turned a simple breakfast into an unforgettable memory, as the. The gym was filled to the brim with smiling children hand-in-hand with their fathers. “Everyone was having an incredible time, and this is probably the most participating families we’ve had have been over the years since we started this event,” says Melissa, the current PTO President. In fact, the event was so well-attended that they ran out of donuts in the end.

If your dad could have a superpower, what would it be?

“My dad’s superpower would be lifting weights!” - Autumn, 5th Grade

If your dad became the principal for a day, what would be a rule he would change?”

“He would let everyone have candy all the time.” - Emma, 2nd grade

Who had the most donuts today?

“Definitely my dad!”

How do you feel about this event?

“Honestly, I love having this one-on-one moment with my child right before her school starts. It's been so much fun being able to have our family together for breakfast.” - Autumn's father

College and career fair

Photos Courtesy of Joscelyn Bachara

Joscelyn Bachara, Section Editor | August 27, 2026

Wandering around the room looking at future possibilities, students and teachers had an amazing time at our first College and Career Fair coordinated by Mr. Greg Ohannessian, also known as Mr. O. The event took place on August 27, 2026 with students being split into different time slots. The career fair helps students to seek opportunities that otherwise they might not have been able to research. “I feel more exposed to things I may not have even considered for myself,” said Melanie Malisanovic, a freshman here at Ridgeline academy.

Gaining fresh perspectives and knowledge about new opportunities for students' futures is the main goal of this event. Even teachers enjoy this event majorly, feeling confident that they’re helping to equip the future generations with practical knowledge and foresight to what’s ahead after high school. When questioned how the fair affects attendees, Coach Beougher said, “Students are leaps and bounds ahead, students become equipped to succeed in what they’re striving to do.” It also helps to bond students with similar interests. Overall, the college and career fair was an excellent opportunity for students to look to their future, spend time with friends, and learn from those who have experienced the transition to “the real world”.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

Students, families, and teachers sift through the endless choices at Ridgeline's annual Scholastic Book Fair.

BOOK FAIR FUN (K-6 Campus)

Nora Bacchus, Editor-in-Chief | August 26, 2026

Ridgeline Academy's elementary students buzz with excitement as the 2026 Book Fair begins. One of Ridgeline’s most anticipated events is the Book Fair, beginning on August 21st and ending on August 28th. It is an annual event that has been hosted since 2013, growing more every year. In the beginning, the event was small with booths snug in the reading and math lab, but has now grown into a mini book store in the library.

Teachers and students alike benefit from the fair. Students become more interested and excited about reading, they look forward to bringing money and buying books that make them curious. They learn what a dollar is worth and budgeting skills from a young age, determining what they can and cannot afford with the money they have. In the classroom afterwards, teachers agree that their students' enthusiasm to read becomes prominent and they will often ask to read them in their free time. Fourth grade teacher Ms. Rowell says “They [the kids] are still figuring out what brings them joy or what interests them, and every kid has a different area that they get excited about and I think books are a really great way to fuel that curiosity.”

There are always high value items that the kids gravitate towards every year. This year, the students are buying the Dog Man Series by Dave Pilkey, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books by Jeff Kinney, and the Humble Pie by Jory John. The school's librarian, Mrs. Schomer, also notes that highland cow plushies and gummy bear squishies have been selling out within one to two days of the fair.

The final great profit of the Book Fair are the scholastic points the school earns. The Book Fair materials are provided by Scholastic, a company that supports schools and students in their reading endeavors. The money made at the book fair translates into scholastic dollars, which the school uses to buy more books, give to teachers to fill their classrooms, and even buy a book vending machine. Overall, the Book Fair is a pivotal part of encouraging kids to read on campus and reaps a multitude of benefits.

CURRICULUM NIGHT

TEACHERS AND PARENTS UNITE

Nora Bacchus, Editor-in-Chief | August 26, 2026

There are few nights in the year when a parent can step into their child's shoes, and Curriculum Night is one of them. On August 26th at the 7-12 campus, Ridgeline invited all parents and guardians of their students to come and experience what a day in their child’s life looks like. Parents follow the schedule of their student, going from class to class, meeting with teachers and learning about their child's curriculum.

Ninth Grade English Language Arts curriculum is displayed for parents to peruse. Novel studies and Savvas myPerspectives is used throughout 9th-12th grade at Ridgeline.

Teachers find this night crucial for better understanding of their students by communicating and meeting with the parents face to face. Mr. Schomer notes “it takes a village to raise a child,” and relates that statement to parent and teacher partnerships. Ridgeline Academy takes parent involvement seriously, Mrs. Debbie Ayer, the school’s Front Office Manager says, “We want them [parents] to be a part of the community, it is a team effort to educate children here, so we want everyone to be a part of that. Whether it is teachers, admin, students, or families, we want them to engage and take an interest.”

Parents learned teachers goals, classroom expectations, and an understanding of how their child will grow throughout the school year. This year, Ridgeline is working to strengthen the students’ academic skills and expect to see overall school growth.

Students, parents, and staff gather in the gym for a quick meet-and-greet before families can explore the campus.

tackle football SEASON OPENER

Multimedia Feature by Valentina Oxios, Yearbook Staff | August 28, 2026

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SENIOR SUNRISE

Joscelyn Bachara, Section Editor | August 29, 2026

"It is so important for students to be a part of events like these,” Mrs. Cruz, a parent of a senior said. She adds that the small school feel of Ridgeline is felt the most when you are able to bond with every single person in your entire class without the fear of judgement. It is what sets this class apart from the rest. The Senior Sunrise is one of the earliest events (not just because it’s in the morning) for the senior class, and it helps to set the tone for the rest of the year. Seniors had a big family style breakfast, took photos, and painted their parking spots during this time. This event was full of laughter, whether it was trying to figure out how to make a video or spending time with friends. “They’re building memories, it gives them an opportunity to be around each other outside of the classroom,” this helps to build the senior class into one united group, asserted Mrs. Downing. Events like these help to strengthen the relationships and identity of the senior class.

There were several teachers and parents there alongside the seniors experiencing this event. “We’ve gotten a great amount of parental support for these events, not just that they drop their children off and think it's a great idea, but they are actually here at the event experiencing this alongside them.” This support is truly foundational in creating a great senior year. Being in their fourth year of high school, seniors have experienced every awkward moment, all the drama, and are readying to enter their not-so-distant future. Senior sunrise is the perfect event to relax and reflect with their peers on just about anything, especially how far they have come.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

In the midst of hectic camaigning strategies, Asher finds the time to strike a confident and stoic pose.

asher baker: a leader on the rise

Ridgeline Academy senior Asher Baker takes the Arizona Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) stage by storm as the newly appointed Vice President of Leadership. After joining FBLA in his 8th grade year, Baker has been inspired by the FBLA Arizona officers that plan and organize its statewide conferences. For the past five years, he has been working toward his goal of becoming one of them. Baker is a state and national award winner, former chapter President and Vice President, and has served on the Chapter Development council for Arizona in pursuit of this goal.

At the state conference of 2026, he campaigned for the position and was elected as the Vice President of Leadership. Baker says “When I heard my name called, confirming my position as a state officer, I was ecstatic. State office is something I have only dreamed of in high school, and I finally made it.” For the 2026/2027 school year, Baker will lead the state by teaching key leadership skills and represent Ridgeline Academy at one of the highest levels. Ridgeline is proud to have Asher Baker as a student, and looks forward to seeing all he accomplishes this school year.

Dream Team: Nora Bacchus, Asher Baker, and Miyah Pabalinas celebrating their 3rd Regional winnings during the annual FBLA competition at ASU.

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