Hey, it’s Kallie Bourgeois the editor from the Rebel Express. With the long awaited Christmas break coming up and the second quarter exams coming to a close, I would like to reflect on everything that has happened at Riverside Academy during the second quarter.

After the conclusion of the two-day Fall Break on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 10-11. RA held its annual Trunk or Treat for the younger students. Not long after, the Marching Pride of Riverside competed in the Bayouland Marching Competition on Saturday, Oct. 22 receiving third in class and a superior rating, then they received another superior rating in the District 6 Marching Assessment the following weekend and placed first in drum major, auxiliary, and percussion. RA held their annual Elementary Fall Festival for the students on Thursday, Oct. 27 as they got to dress up in Halloween costumes, play games, and even enjoy a petting zoo.

In November, all of Riverside’s 2022 fall sports concluded just before the Thanksgiving holidays. RA’s volleyball team ended their season on Thursday, Nov. 3 in Lafayette as they reached the Division V quarterfinals before being defeated by Country Day 3-0. The Lady Rebels finished their season 20-17. The swim season came to an end on Thursday, Nov. 17 in Sulphur as the team competed in the 2022 LHSAA State Swim Meet. The girls finished seventh out of 19 teams and the boys finished ninth out of 23 teams. RA’s football team made it to the second round of playoffs, but fell to the Ascension Catholic Bulldogs with a score of 38-31 on Friday, Nov. 18. The Rebels finished their season 9-2.

During the Thanksgiving Holidays from Saturday, Nov. 19 to Sunday, 27, the soccer teams from opening their season with multiple home games. The girls team beat Chalmette but lost to Walker and Thibodaux. The boys team defeated Ascension Christian but lost to A.J. Ellender and Belle Chasse. The Class of 2023 had their annual Senior Picnic on Wednesday, Nov. 30 in the gym.

In the start of December, it was pretty slow, because of exams and many were ready for the break. The boys soccer team lost to Christ Episcopal School 2-0 on Thursday, Dec. 1. The girls soccer team beat East St. John 8-0 but the boys team lost to East St. John 4-2 on Monday, Dec. 5. Several students received letterman jackets on Wednesday, Dec. 7. The Marching Pride of Riverside, Southern Sweethearts, and RA Color Guard marched in the annual Norco Christmas Parade this year. RA Ovations held their successful annual Caroling in the Courtyard on Thursday, Dec. 8 where the Marching Pride of Riverside, Southern Sweethearts, and RA Color Guard put on a performance and many the visit of many Christmas characters. There was also Christmas activities for kids including decorating cookies, making reindeer food, coloring gnomes, and roasting marshmallows. The girls soccer team beat East St. John 5-0 on Friday, Dec. 9 in their first away game of the season.

The boys basketball season opened on Saturday, Dec. 10 with a 51-49 loss against Thomas Jefferson and the girls season opened on Monday, Dec. 12 with a 38-32 loss against Haynes Academy. Before exam week the seniors held their annual Christmas Party where they wore ugly sweaters, ate breakfast, and exchanged gifts. The second quarter exams took place from Tuesday, Dec. 13 to Friday, Dec. 16. The Marching Pride of Riverside held their annual Christmas Concert on Thursday, Dec. 15 in the gym. On Friday, Dec. 16, Riverside Academy students and faculty finished exam week up.

On behalf of the Rebel Express staff, I would like to say thank you for all your donations, comments, likes, and shares. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!