• Important Dates -->
  • 9/23: Clash of Classes Kickball Game
  • 9/24: Anything But a Backpack Day
  • 9/25: Hallway Decorating
  • 9/26: Pep Rally!
  • 9/27: Homecoming Football Game
  • 9/28: Homecoming Dance
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Lightspeed is a technology management software that provides visibility of students’ devices during class time, ensuring engagement and productivity during school hours. Rachel Bhardwaj and Divitha Mathe
Watchful Eye: The Implementation of Lightspeed in LCPS
Junior Laura Adams puts her phone into the device holder at the beginning of her AP Language and Composition class.
From Phone-Friendly to Phone-Free: Virginia Dept. of Education Implements State-Wide Cell Phone Policy
Rosh Hashanah has many traditions, including feasting on traditional foods as well as celebrating with family. On Rosh Hashanah, a horn known as a shofar, is used to awaken people from repentance.
Rosh Hashanah: Celebrating the Start of a New Year
If a LCPS student attempts to open a Pinterest page on a school device or school Wi-Fi, they are met with a blocked notice featuring the link name accompanied by the comment “is not available because it is categorized as Pinterest.” Many other pages are banned under the category of “mature art” or “games,” so it is notable that the platform has received its own block category.
A Block on Creativity: LCPS Broadens Website Bans to Include Pinterest
On the first Tuesday of two monthly meetings, the school board met to discuss streamlining processes, public opinion, policy changes, and more.
School Board Meeting Discusses School Accountability and Accreditation Changes, Free Speech Policy Changes, Distinguished Schools in English Learning
The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.
Set, Spike, Win, Repeat: Phoenix Serve The Huskies
Senior Aiden Patel swings his club aiming to get close to the hole. He ended the season undefeated and qualified for the All-State Virginia golf team. Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Virbickis
Phoenix Golf Hits Into Green This Season
Junior Xavier Smith, a wide receiver/defensive back, breaks a tackle. Smith ended the day with 59 rushing yards and six receiving yards.
Annual Homecoming Football Game is Out-of-this-World
Senior running back Shamar Ferrell celebrating in the endzone after narrowly avoiding a Patriot player.
Phoenix Football Proves Patriotism Against Patriots During America Out
The team huddles together before the second set starts, displaying their strong bond. “We hang out a lot during school,” senior Lola Aguilar said. “I'd recommend trying to get to know everyone.”
Despite Best Efforts, Rams Take the Win Against Phoenix in Second Home Volleyball Game
The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.
Set, Spike, Win, Repeat: Phoenix Serve The Huskies
Senior Aiden Patel swings his club aiming to get close to the hole. He ended the season undefeated and qualified for the All-State Virginia golf team. Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Virbickis
Phoenix Golf Hits Into Green This Season
Junior Xavier Smith, a wide receiver/defensive back, breaks a tackle. Smith ended the day with 59 rushing yards and six receiving yards.
Annual Homecoming Football Game is Out-of-this-World
Senior running back Shamar Ferrell celebrating in the endzone after narrowly avoiding a Patriot player.
Phoenix Football Proves Patriotism Against Patriots During America Out
The team huddles together before the second set starts, displaying their strong bond. “We hang out a lot during school,” senior Lola Aguilar said. “I'd recommend trying to get to know everyone.”
Despite Best Efforts, Rams Take the Win Against Phoenix in Second Home Volleyball Game
The team celebrates their win against the Titans in a huddle around star player of the night, Eryn Chemoiwa, congratulating her on her accomplishments.
Free Throws and Four-Point Plays: A New Phoenix Rises to the Challenge
Phoenix cheerleaders complete a chant at a home basketball game. “Smooth and easy that's what we do,” senior cheer captain Reagan Carper said.
From Friday Night Lights to Bright Gym Lights
As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”
Phoenix Take Down the Titans
Freshman defenseman Brooks Furtek (44) cross-checks a Seahawk in a race to get the puck.
Pride/Phoenix Stir Up the Hornets/Seahawks Nest
Students rush onto the court to celebrate with the team after the buzzer beater three-pointer made by junior William Beck. “Honestly, I thought the game was over but then the clock stopped and my heart stopped," junior Mihir Peta said. “I was like, there’s no way this happened.”
Sinking a Last Shot on Senior Night: Phoenix Parade Over the Pride
Senior Kaushik Muskari: “This might be my favorite season out of all four years because we’ve been winning a lot and I’ve been spending a lot of time with the team and on the court. When we don’t have a match, we usually have morning practice, and it’s a really good time for team bonding and working on everything that we need to on the court. My favorite part of the season has been when I won region doubles with my partner so now we’re progressing to states. I’m planning to continue tennis at George Mason University and major in computer engineering, so I’ve got a long road ahead of me.”
Tennis Triumphs: An Insight Into the Champions
Junior Lilia Jones has exemplified what it means to be a Phoenix. Although she partakes in many activities, she still finds a way to juggle her personal life with her school life -- and on top of her busy schedule, she also holds the title of all-state athlete. Photo courtesy of Lilia Jones, graphic by Rodrigue Gomado
Lilia Jones Leaps Over Hurdles of High School
Senior Teyany Kleiner looks to take the lead away from a Huskies runner and a Wolverines runner. Kleiner became the regional runner-up after racing in the 100 and 200 meter.
Phoenix Leave a Blazing Trail for Track Regionals
With his eyes on the ball, senior Aryan Dhiman swings his racket hard in order to get an advantage over his opponent.
Phoenix Tennis Teams Take the Title at Districts
Seniors Sierra Bell and Ashi Akula advance upfield with the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Displays Impressive Effort Against Briar Woods
Senior Wardah Islam sings her solo for “A Choice to Change the World.”
Voices of Change: Rock Ridge Sings is in Tune with Community
The plot of “Monsters” juggles conflicting tones and confusing characterizations, turning a complex case into a muddled narrative mess. Promotional Image of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
Sensationalism Over Substance: ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Turns Tragedy into Trash
Paris Hilton falls from a star, showcasing her fall from stardom in the pop industry. Her recent release of “Infinite Icon” is accelerating her fall due to its poor quality.
‘Infinite Icon’: Paris Hilton’s Recent Album Has Been Forgotten in the New Generation of Pop
“Short n’ Sweet” showcases Sabrina Carpenter’s seamless blend of wit and catchy melodies, making it her most compelling and confident album to date. Photo Courtesy of Island Records
Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’: A Masterclass in Pop Precision and Playful Provocation
Sophomores Ronald Hodge III, who plays Tom Collins, and Angel LaBosette, who plays Angel Dumott Schunard, star center stage during their number, “Santa Fe.”
Running It Back: ‘‘RENT’’ Revival to Take International Thespian Festival Main Stage
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
TikTok is on death row for nine months as the US government recently passed a bill to ban the use and download of TikTok across the US.
TikTok is Running Out of Time: TikTok Ban Bill Was Signed
Colors, contrasts, font, size, neatness, background, context, and more, all contribute to the particular style of one’s handwriting. How far has handwriting, as an art form, come? Taking a look back in history and comparing it to modern-day practices shows how little yet how far the art form has transitioned, especially with its recent booming on digital platforms.
The Lost Art of Penmanship: Rediscovering the Beauty of Handwriting
The phone-free school movement started as a small act and is now spreading all over the United States, and will continue until something is done about it.
Should Schools Go Phone Free?
Rock Ridge Road Infrastructure poses grave concerns due to immense traffic during congested pickup and drop off times for car riders and bus riders, along with potential safety hazards for bicyclists and pedestrians having to share a sidewalk.
Traffic Trauma: Rock Ridge Road Infrastructure Causes Heavy Traffic Every Morning
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy
Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
Senior Pranjal Deshmukh carefully applies paint to the outline of her name on a Barbie box parking spot design. At the annual parking spot painting event, rising seniors got a chance to claim a parking spot; brainstorm a personal design; come equipped with gallons of paint, various brushes, and rolling pins; and have fun coloring the asphalt with friends and family.
Class of 2025 Makes Their Mark in the Parking Lot
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
Senior Pranjal Deshmukh carefully applies paint to the outline of her name on a Barbie box parking spot design. At the annual parking spot painting event, rising seniors got a chance to claim a parking spot; brainstorm a personal design; come equipped with gallons of paint, various brushes, and rolling pins; and have fun coloring the asphalt with friends and family.
Class of 2025 Makes Their Mark in the Parking Lot
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
SPED Dean Jesse Hudson fist bumps sophomore Keira Bacas as she steps out of the school bus to begin her first day of school on Aug. 24. Teachers and students were excited to return back to school for Rock Ridge's 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.
Welcome Back, Phoenix!
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Latest from The Blaze
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Multimedia
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration

Welcome to Rundown Politics. In this episode we will talk to Rock Ridge seniors about  the many questions they may be considering this November:...

The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.
Fall Sports
Set, Spike, Win, Repeat: Phoenix Serve The Huskies

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the Phoenix girls varsity volleyball team defeated the Tuscarora Huskies in a competitive contest, taking the win 3-0.  The...

Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy
Multimedia
Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy

In this episode of Classroom Conversations, we are joined by English teacher Samuel Colston, freshman Brian Shi, and juniors Dayanna Anton and...

Senior Aiden Patel swings his club aiming to get close to the hole. He ended the season undefeated and qualified for the All-State Virginia golf team. Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Virbickis
Fall Sports
Phoenix Golf Hits Into Green This Season

From August to October in the 2024-2025 season, the Phoenix golf team has consistently exceeded expectations at every competition, with senior...

News
Rosh Hashanah has many traditions, including feasting on traditional foods as well as celebrating with family. On Rosh Hashanah, a horn known as a shofar, is used to awaken people from repentance.
Rosh Hashanah: Celebrating the Start of a New Year
Arnav Mahajan and Amogh Sarasm • October 18, 2024

On the evening of Oct. 2, the Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashanah began, lasting until Oct. 4. Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) recently...

On the first Tuesday of two monthly meetings, the school board met to discuss streamlining processes, public opinion, policy changes, and more.
School Board Meeting Discusses School Accountability and Accreditation Changes, Free Speech Policy Changes, Distinguished Schools in English Learning
Azciel Goodhart, Staff Writer
A new influx of campaign materials has entered the social media rings in recent years. Politicians are taking advantage of the new ability to reach millions of people simultaneously, and voters have begun to get much more of their information about elections online.
Tweets and Tactics: How Social Media Transformed the World of Politics
Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
Social studies teacher Tori Webb provides her background to parents, including being a University of Virginia alum and pursuing her passion for being a teacher since her childhood.
Back to School Night: A+ Connections, One Classroom at a Time
Ananya Karthik and Maya Coleman
Senior class officers Jackie Cheek, Saanvi Movva, and Maanu Karthikeyan demonstrate to the other SCA officers how the Tropical Relay race works. Games like this were the main highlight of the pep rally as competitive spirit grew over the week, eventually culminating in a faceoff between the Phoenix football team and Clark County on Friday, Aug. 30.
Shaking Up Tradition: Pep Rally Schedule Gets a Fresh Twist
Samantha Chang and Aline Gonzalez
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Sports
Junior Xavier Smith, a wide receiver/defensive back, breaks a tackle. Smith ended the day with 59 rushing yards and six receiving yards.
Annual Homecoming Football Game is Out-of-this-World
Samantha Chang and Danielle Kimpson • October 6, 2024

After an eventful  Homecoming spirit week and Rededication Ceremony commemorating the school’s 10-year anniversary, the week’s festivities...

Senior running back Shamar Ferrell celebrating in the endzone after narrowly avoiding a Patriot player.
Phoenix Football Proves Patriotism Against Patriots During America Out
Lucian Tiller and Nidhi Manchala
The team huddles together before the second set starts, displaying their strong bond. “We hang out a lot during school,” senior Lola Aguilar said. “I'd recommend trying to get to know everyone.”
Despite Best Efforts, Rams Take the Win Against Phoenix in Second Home Volleyball Game
Bella Gerardi and Bhargav Kuniki
Senior Kaushik Muskari: “This might be my favorite season out of all four years because we’ve been winning a lot and I’ve been spending a lot of time with the team and on the court. When we don’t have a match, we usually have morning practice, and it’s a really good time for team bonding and working on everything that we need to on the court. My favorite part of the season has been when I won region doubles with my partner so now we’re progressing to states. I’m planning to continue tennis at George Mason University and major in computer engineering, so I’ve got a long road ahead of me.”
Tennis Triumphs: An Insight Into the Champions
Arnav Mahajan, Samantha Chang, and Nadia Shirr
Junior Lilia Jones has exemplified what it means to be a Phoenix. Although she partakes in many activities, she still finds a way to juggle her personal life with her school life -- and on top of her busy schedule, she also holds the title of all-state athlete. Photo courtesy of Lilia Jones, graphic by Rodrigue Gomado
Lilia Jones Leaps Over Hurdles of High School
Rodrigue Gomado, Staff Writer
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The symbolism and writing in “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” is note-worthy. However, the excessive amount of characters and details on their backstory is a drag to get through. The marbles, a consistent symbol of interconnectedness throughout the book, is also its downfall due to the excessive number of characters.

“The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” is Not Heaven on Earth

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Social media is impacting society through positive actions as well as negative ones; It is used for connecting with others and belonging to communities, but sometimes it’s often used incorrectly in cases of false information or negative comments which lead to depression or other mental/physical health issues.

Is Social Media Dangerous To Society?

3
Junior Laura Adams puts her phone into the device holder at the beginning of her AP Language and Composition class.

From Phone-Friendly to Phone-Free: Virginia Dept. of Education Implements State-Wide Cell Phone Policy

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Creatives question whether digital art should be considered as “real” art, due the the widespread of the new medium on account of the accessibility and flexibility it provides.

Traditional Vs. Digital: The Battle of the Arts

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Junior Xavier Smith, a wide receiver/defensive back, breaks a tackle. Smith ended the day with 59 rushing yards and six receiving yards.

Annual Homecoming Football Game is Out-of-this-World

The Blaze on Instagram
Arts & Entertainment
Senior Wardah Islam sings her solo for “A Choice to Change the World.”
Voices of Change: Rock Ridge Sings is in Tune with Community
Ananya Karthik, Sophia Dabre, and Zahra Hameed • October 16, 2024

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Rock Ridge Sings held their annual fall choral concert at 7 p.m., showcasing a diverse repertoire that celebrated themes...

The plot of “Monsters” juggles conflicting tones and confusing characterizations, turning a complex case into a muddled narrative mess. Promotional Image of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
Sensationalism Over Substance: ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Turns Tragedy into Trash
Ananya Karthik, Editor-in-Chief
Paris Hilton falls from a star, showcasing her fall from stardom in the pop industry. Her recent release of “Infinite Icon” is accelerating her fall due to its poor quality.
‘Infinite Icon’: Paris Hilton’s Recent Album Has Been Forgotten in the New Generation of Pop
Arnav Mahajan, Arts & Entertainment Editor
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Opinion
TikTok is on death row for nine months as the US government recently passed a bill to ban the use and download of TikTok across the US.
TikTok is Running Out of Time: TikTok Ban Bill Was Signed
Samantha Chang, Multimedia Editor • June 18, 2024

It seems like everyone has TikTok. From elementary school children to grandmothers, there are about 150 million US users on the platform to date....

Colors, contrasts, font, size, neatness, background, context, and more, all contribute to the particular style of one’s handwriting. How far has handwriting, as an art form, come? Taking a look back in history and comparing it to modern-day practices shows how little yet how far the art form has transitioned, especially with its recent booming on digital platforms.
The Lost Art of Penmanship: Rediscovering the Beauty of Handwriting
Azciel Goodhart and Danielle Kimpson
The phone-free school movement started as a small act and is now spreading all over the United States, and will continue until something is done about it.
Should Schools Go Phone Free?
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