• Important Dates -->
  • 10/2--NO SCHOOL
  • 10/8-- PSAT Day/Civic Service Day
  • 10/13--NO SCHOOL
  • 10/20--NO SCHOOL
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Second-place winners, senior Answesha Rout and senior Kaelyn Alimusa, celebrate their performance at the FCCLA national tournament.
Flaming Success: Two FCCLA Members Earn Second at Nationals
Students from the German student exchange group and their host students from Rock Ridge visited the Capitol building during one of their field trips to Washington, D.C..
Bridging Worlds: German Exchange Students Experience American Lifestyle Firsthand
The SCC committee was responsible for recording all speeches of the residents and collecting any exhibitions they provided. To hear as many speakers as possible, the committee set a five-minute limit with a one-minute warning.
Residents Resist Dominion Energy’s Proposal as SCC Opens Public Comment
Parents laugh and talk amongst each other in English teacher Scott Schwarz’s room.
Building Connections: Parents and Educators Connect at Back to School Night
Juniors stand united as they cheer for the chance to win a spirit stick.
Cheer, Chant, Rally! Phoenix Pride Shines at Pep Rally
One of Adams’ main responsibilities as assistant principal is to monitor lunches. Often, he can be found in the cafeteria getting to know other students and staff.
New School, Same Mission: Adams Aims High as New AP
Community members gather together at the Sept. 13 power line rally, wearing shirts that read “No Power Lines Near Homes.”
A Community Charged in Controversy: Voices Raised Over Dominion Energy’s New Proposed Route
Mark Teague leads a warmup drill during the football team’s practice. “ I'm very aggressive, uptempo,” Teague said. “And I want the kids to feed off of that. I want them to feel as though our coach will run through a wall for us, and we do the same for him.”
From Writing Playbooks to Writing His Story, Teague is More Than Just a Coach
Assistant Principal Jennifer Cavanaugh smiles while standing on Rainbow Street on a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.
From Foundations to Farewells: Jennifer Cavanaugh’s Parting Wisdom
Karen Curran, an avid traveler, hopes to traverse the world after her retirement.
A Legacy of Learning: Karen Curran Announces Retirement
Red Cross club president Varnika Miryala leads her members with the intention of helping her community through a medical sense.
Varunika in Charge: 11 Questions with the Red Cross President
Vice president Vijeta Arora takes charge of all new members of her organization and keeps it running smoothly.
10 Questions with PASTA Vice President Vijeta Arora
Senior Nitya Matcha advises underclassmen to “try everything” and find activities they’re passionate about. Photo Courtesy of Nitya Matcha
Seven Questions with Nitya Matcha: A Master of Managing it All
PEER club leader senior Rishit Choudhari leads with a goal of making the act of being nice a common courtesy in Rock Ridge. Courtesy of Rishit Choudhari
10 Questions with Rishit Choudhari, Co-Leader of PEER
Obsidian Club Leader Keeya Makonnen leads with vision and passion, while also striving for greatness in the future. Courtesy of Keeya Makonnen
The President of the Obsidian Club: Keeya Makonnen
Junior right side hitter Jahnavi Kundoor sets for Junior middle blocker Katelyn Weicker.
Phoenix Volleyball’s Wings Clipped by the Knights
Freshman quarterback Nesai Phok steps back into the pocket and attempts a deep pass against Justice High School.
Athlete of the Week: Nesai Jordan Phok
Sophomore Sudhi Gudimettla jumps to hit the ball over the net.
Wolverines Scratch Out a Win Against Phoenix
Freshman Nandita Shaju attempts to dribble around a Tuscarora defender.
Field Hockey Blazes with Dedication, Despite 0-1 Loss to Huskies
Junior center Omar Abu-Saleh gets ready to snap the ball to freshman quarterback Nesai Phok.
Phoenix Football’s Flame Stomped Out By Bulldogs
Freshman quarterback Nesai Phok steps back into the pocket and attempts a deep pass against Justice High School.
Athlete of the Week: Nesai Jordan Phok
Senior Eleser Santos running on the track during his race.
Senior Elieser Santos Shines on the Track Stage in Preparation for States
This week’s athlete of the week spotlights a lacrosse player: sophomore Sehejdeep Kaur.
Athlete of the Week: Sehejdeep Kaur
Sophomore Anjali Gay posing for a pre-game picture. Courtesy of Anjali Gay
Athlete Spotlight: Anjali Gay
Senior Yug Kolla runs a leg in the boys distance 4x800 in the regional track meet hosted by Rock Ridge.
Athlete of the Week: Yug Kolla
Freshman Anshika Atluri charges for the ball on the wing as a Titan player sprints to catch up on the defense.
Titans Attack Phoenix Field Hockey in 8-0 Loss
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
Senior Rodrigue Gomado runs the boys 4x400 meter relay event.
Sprinting to Success: Rock Ridge Hosts Indoor Regionals Track Meet, Launches Two Teams to States
The team comes together for a cheer as they run back on the court for their last period. “Breaking their press was our biggest challenge,” sophomore Simone Diby (2) said. “We struggled to handle their defensive pressure, which led to a lot of mistakes”
Phoenix Girls Basketball Put Up a Commendable Fight Against the Pride
Senior and captain Will Beck defends his opponent and tries to stop the Pride guard from getting closer to the Phoenix basket.
Phoenix Fall to Pride in Hard Fought Battle
Racing for the puck, junior Connor Bultema and a Knights/Colts player sprint for a loose puck.
Pride/Phoenix Steal Crown from the Knights/Colts
Senior William Beck protects the ball from the opposing team.
Vikings Extinguish Phoenix Flame in Close Contest
The Phoenix varsity soccer team huddles together during their timeout.
Phoenix Soccer Clawed by Wolverines in Final Minutes
Freshman Christian Bhide serves a ball during his singles match.
Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Team Triumphs Over Dominion Titans
Junior Alex Alkhal pitches the ball. “[I] just let it go and keep practicing so we can focus on our goal for the next game to get better as a team,” Alkhal said.
Phoenix Shows Resilience in Loss Against Titans
Freshman Emerson Hagler (18), passes the ball to her teammates while attempting to move the ball away from her goal. “The season has been good; we obviously haven't won all the games we wanted to but we’re working hard,” Hagler said.
Phoenix Girls Soccer Gets Their First Win of the Season
Junior Riya Cherukuri locks into her target at home base. “Personally, I want to improve on my timing on the plate,” she said. “As a team, we could improve our consistency and execution of plays and putting the ball in play.”
Phoenix Fall Short Against the Captains
Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” contains 12 tracks that describe her view of what being a showgirl, a girl who loves being in the spotlight, is really about.
Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” Will Be The Death Of Her Career
The album cover of “More Chaos” features a faceless Ken Carson in a blood-spattered shirt, visually capturing the album’s violent, chaotic tone, though the music rarely lives up to the image.
All Volume, No Vision: Ken Carson’s “More Chaos”
Warner Bros’ latest game-turned-movie adaptation released on Friday, April 4 with a rather destructive response for a more-or-less forgettable movie. “A Minecraft Movie” promotional poster by Mojang
“A Minecraft Movie” Explodes in Theaters, Literally and Figuratively
Senior Isabella Hasbun puts her costume on, getting ready and into character before the rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes of Rock Ridge Performing Arts Tarzan Rehearsals
As the first person to sign their certificate, senior Ricardo Diaz starts his path towards joining the U.S. Air Force.
“Sinners” Delivers an Unforgettable Cinematic Experience
In the midst of all the end of year chaos, state testing can divert focus off of more important exams and activities and lead to an overly stressful time for students and faculty.
Get Rid Of State Testing in Middle and High Schools
Through taking photos, I found a way to share how I felt, even when I didn’t know how to say it.
Gerardi Swan Song: Not Just a Class Assignment
Sometimes life will show you so many light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnels, it becomes an overwhelming and blinding light. All you have to do is figure out which path you want to take, and follow that light til’ the end.
Manchala Swan Song: We Ended Up Alright
An image of the software TestNav that students use to take the Standards of Learning test.
State Testing: A Necessary Evil? Balancing the Burden With the Benefits
The album cover of “More Chaos” features a faceless Ken Carson in a blood-spattered shirt, visually capturing the album’s violent, chaotic tone, though the music rarely lives up to the image.
All Volume, No Vision: Ken Carson’s “More Chaos”
The Art of Being an Upperclassmen
The Art of Being an Upperclassmen
Community members gather together at the Sept. 13 power line rally, wearing shirts that read “No Power Lines Near Homes.”
A Community Charged in Controversy: Voices Raised Over Dominion Energy’s New Proposed Route
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
Classroom Conversations: What Do We Know About Title IX?
Classroom Conversations: What Do We Know About Title IX?
People with their family members celebrate Holi by throwing powder color at each other.
Ashburn Celebrates Holi, A Festival of Colors
Community members gather together at the Sept. 13 power line rally, wearing shirts that read “No Power Lines Near Homes.”
A Community Charged in Controversy: Voices Raised Over Dominion Energy’s New Proposed Route
People with their family members celebrate Holi by throwing powder color at each other.
Ashburn Celebrates Holi, A Festival of Colors
Recognizing the theme of ‘hope’, Keynote speaker and women’s rights activist Katherine Spillar held a speech about legislative milestones and the importance of community engagement. “We can’t put our heads under the pillow and say we’re going to wait it out because without the pushback, without us fighting, we can’t hold the line,” Spillar said. “We have to be organized and strong so when an opportunity becomes available to make forward movement, we're there to seize it. Begin the fight now, wherever you are.”
Women Inspire and Find Hope at Sixth Annual “Rise To” Summit
Students roast marshmallows over the fire pit, ready to make smores and watch “Home Alone 2” during the Frost Fest.
Freezing Fun: Annual Winter Frost Fest Brings Chilly Cheer
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
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
Junior right side hitter Jahnavi Kundoor sets for Junior middle blocker Katelyn Weicker.
Sports
Phoenix Volleyball’s Wings Clipped by the Knights
Dhruvsood Singh and AJ Aluko-Apata • October 16, 2025

On Thursday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix girls volleyball clashed against John Champe for their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Out game, losing...

Second-place winners, senior Answesha Rout and senior Kaelyn Alimusa, celebrate their performance at the FCCLA national tournament.
News
Flaming Success: Two FCCLA Members Earn Second at Nationals
Lia Davis, Tyla Simpson, and Noah Wilkins • October 16, 2025

Two Rock Ridge students proved that teamwork is the key. Seniors Anwesha Rout and Kaelyn Alimusa from the Family, Career, and Community Leaders...

Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” contains 12 tracks that describe her view of what being a showgirl, a girl who loves being in the spotlight, is really about.
Arts & Entertainment
Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” Will Be The Death Of Her Career
Lucinda Eskandar, Staff Writer • October 16, 2025

On Oct. 3, Taylor Swift, a pop singer and songwriter, released her 15th studio album “The Life of a Showgirl,” which was highly anticipated...

News
Students from the German student exchange group and their host students from Rock Ridge visited the Capitol building during one of their field trips to Washington, D.C..
Bridging Worlds: German Exchange Students Experience American Lifestyle Firsthand
Rachel Bhardwaj, Madelyn Tucker, Mariia Pecherkina, and Jasmin Ahmed • October 10, 2025

On Thursday, Oct. 2, students from Germany arrived in Loudoun County as part of a student exchange program, during which they stayed in Ashburn...

Parents laugh and talk amongst each other in English teacher Scott Schwarz’s room.
Building Connections: Parents and Educators Connect at Back to School Night
Sophia Dabre and Lucinda Eskandar • September 10, 2025
Juniors stand united as they cheer for the chance to win a spirit stick.
Cheer, Chant, Rally! Phoenix Pride Shines at Pep Rally
Lia Davis and Mariia Pecherkina • September 4, 2025
Rock Ridge juniors celebrate the end of the first annual spirit week with class colors. Left to right: Benjamin O'Connor, Xavier Goldberg, Graham Wilsey, Vishaal Omkaram, Om Mehta, Rithvik Ravishankar.
SCA Sparks School Spirit All Week Long
Arnav Mahajan and Saketh Nandam • September 2, 2025
Freshmen participate in the streamer activity during the trial pep rally held at the end of orientation, where the goal was to unravel the streamer throughout the bleachers.
The Class of ‘29 Takes Flight at Rock Ridge High School’s Freshman Orientation
Zahra Hameed, Photography Editor • August 25, 2025
Two seniors engaging with other people as they explain their capstone experience with the “Mission Statement” project.
Celebrating Milestones: Seniors Conclude Year With Capstone Gala, Senior Awards Ceremony
Rachel Bhardwaj and Divitha Mathe • June 19, 2025
View All
Sports
Freshman quarterback Nesai Phok steps back into the pocket and attempts a deep pass against Justice High School.
Athlete of the Week: Nesai Jordan Phok
Aakash Vivek, Staff Writer • October 9, 2025

A new athlete to the Rock Ridge football program, freshman quarterback Nesai Phok has quickly become one of the key leaders on the team. Off...

Sophomore Sudhi Gudimettla jumps to hit the ball over the net.
Wolverines Scratch Out a Win Against Phoenix
Sophia Dabre, Lucinda Eskandar, and Divitha Mathe • October 1, 2025
Freshman Nandita Shaju attempts to dribble around a Tuscarora defender.
Field Hockey Blazes with Dedication, Despite 0-1 Loss to Huskies
Zahra Hameed, Photography Editor • October 1, 2025
Junior center Omar Abu-Saleh gets ready to snap the ball to freshman quarterback Nesai Phok.
Phoenix Football’s Flame Stomped Out By Bulldogs
AJ Aluko-Apata and Dhruvsood Singh • September 25, 2025
The Phoenix varsity soccer team huddles together during their timeout.
Phoenix Soccer Clawed by Wolverines in Final Minutes
Arnav Mahajan and Amogh Sarasam • June 6, 2025
Senior Eleser Santos running on the track during his race.
Senior Elieser Santos Shines on the Track Stage in Preparation for States
Fran Rodriguez, Staff Writer • June 3, 2025
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Trending Stories
1
The SCC committee was responsible for recording all speeches of the residents and collecting any exhibitions they provided. To hear as many speakers as possible, the committee set a five-minute limit with a one-minute warning.

Residents Resist Dominion Energy’s Proposal as SCC Opens Public Comment

2
Junior center Omar Abu-Saleh gets ready to snap the ball to freshman quarterback Nesai Phok.

Phoenix Football’s Flame Stomped Out By Bulldogs

3
Freshman quarterback Nesai Phok steps back into the pocket and attempts a deep pass against Justice High School.

Athlete of the Week: Nesai Jordan Phok

4
Community members gather together at the Sept. 13 power line rally, wearing shirts that read “No Power Lines Near Homes.”

A Community Charged in Controversy: Voices Raised Over Dominion Energy’s New Proposed Route

5
Students from the German student exchange group and their host students from Rock Ridge visited the Capitol building during one of their field trips to Washington, D.C..

Bridging Worlds: German Exchange Students Experience American Lifestyle Firsthand

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  • 57% of students strongly believe the updated reassessment policy is unfair for LCPS.

  • 85.23% of students prefer the old reassessment policy.

  • 57% of students strongly believe the updated reassessment policy is unfair for LCPS.

  • 57% of students believe the updated reassessment policy is unfair for LCPS.

  • A set of retakes are marked at 70 percent to reflect the new policy.

    Arjun Chand

  • Junior middle blocker KatelynWeicker attacks against the Knights. “A goal in everyone’s mind [is] to keep pushing till the very end, no matter what the score ends up being,” senior Kaitlyn Harley said.

    AJ Aluko-Apata

  • Team huddles up after positive rally.

    AJ Aluko-Apata

  • Junior middle blocker Katelyn Weicker blocks the Knights’ kill.

    Dhruvsood Singh

  • Phoenix Volleyball girls defend against the Knights.

    Dhruvsood Singh
Arts & Entertainment
The album cover of “More Chaos” features a faceless Ken Carson in a blood-spattered shirt, visually capturing the album’s violent, chaotic tone, though the music rarely lives up to the image.
All Volume, No Vision: Ken Carson’s “More Chaos”
Aneeq Yussouf, Staff Writer • May 21, 2025

Ken Carson’s fourth studio album, “More Chaos," feels like walking through a collapsing building while listening to the same alarm on loop.  Released...

Warner Bros’ latest game-turned-movie adaptation released on Friday, April 4 with a rather destructive response for a more-or-less forgettable movie. “A Minecraft Movie” promotional poster by Mojang
“A Minecraft Movie” Explodes in Theaters, Literally and Figuratively
Nidhi Manchala and Lucian Tiller • May 19, 2025
Senior Isabella Hasbun puts her costume on, getting ready and into character before the rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes of Rock Ridge Performing Arts Tarzan Rehearsals
Hylay Assefa and Lucian Tiller • May 13, 2025
View All
Opinion
In the midst of all the end of year chaos, state testing can divert focus off of more important exams and activities and lead to an overly stressful time for students and faculty.
Get Rid Of State Testing in Middle and High Schools
Sophia Dabre and Lucinda Eskandar • June 3, 2025

When May rolls around, students eagerly anticipate the end of the school year. However, the excitement is quickly overshadowed by the stress...

Through taking photos, I found a way to share how I felt, even when I didn’t know how to say it.
Gerardi Swan Song: Not Just a Class Assignment
Bella Gerardi, Photo Editor • May 28, 2025
Sometimes life will show you so many light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnels, it becomes an overwhelming and blinding light. All you have to do is figure out which path you want to take, and follow that light til’ the end.
Manchala Swan Song: We Ended Up Alright
Nidhi Manchala, Design Editor • May 27, 2025
View All