• Important Dates -->
  • May 2-Senior Breakfast and Decision Day
  • May 5- Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 5- AP Testing Starts
  • May 19--Capstone Starts
  • May 19- SOL Testing
  • May 19- SOL Testing
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Through the credit recovery program, students have the opportunity to piece back together previously failed or unattempted assignments.
Credit Recovery: A Safety Net for Struggling Grades
An image of Biryani Grill’s Ashburn location.
From Hyderabad to Ashburn: The Story Behind Biryani Grill
Before students began arriving, Inova hospital staff set up seating beds and medical equipment to help guide students through the process.
A Different Kind of Giving: FBLA Hosts Annual Blood Drive at Rock Ridge
Through generous donations from the community, Women Giving Back stepped in to help students with affordable prom dresses. Through the dates April 4, 12, 14, and 28 their boutique was filled with dresses, shoes, accessories.
From Heart to Hanger: Women Giving Back Allows Every Girl to Shine at Prom
On May 2, seniors enlisting for the military gathered in the cafeteria to sign certificates and be recognized for their commitment to the military. Staff Sergeant Ryan Haley shakes senior John Lunn's hand. Haley has been Lunn’s sponsor for the Army National Guard for over a year since he first came to Rock Ridge during a lunch presentation and met Lunn.
Seniors’ Final Salute to High School, First Salute to the Future
Students part of the Free and Reduced Meal Program can get a full meal of lunch for free every day. Along with meal benefits, students can receive additional financial support through gift vouchers, fee waivers, and necessities such as clothing.
Lunch Dissatisfaction Drives Down Free and Reduced Meal Participation
“I know that hope isn’t solid, because just like books and poems: It is up to you to decide what you take away from it.”--Why Must We Hurt?
Gonzalez Swan Song: Why Must We Hurt?
“The best endings don’t feel like endings at all. They feel like showing up to the same hallway for the thousandth time and realizing, finally, that it meant something. That you were building a life the whole time — even in the chaos, even in the ordinary.” – This One’s Better
Karthik Swan Song: This One’s Better
English teacher Susan Spengeman stands in the back of her classroom, instructing her AP (Advanced Placement) Literature students.
Susan Spengeman: A Teacher’s Teacher
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
Freshman Christian Bhide serves a ball during his singles match.
Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Team Triumphs Over Dominion Titans
With his eyes on the prize, the Phoenix varsity all-time number two player, Akash Vangale returns the ball against the Tuscarora Huskies.
Phoenix Tennis Blazes Past Tuscarora With Eyes Locked on States
This week’s athlete of the week spotlights a lacrosse player: sophomore Sehejdeep Kaur.
Athlete of the Week: Sehejdeep Kaur
Senior Jamari Anthony runs the Boys 4x400 Meter Relay Finals.
Phoenix Host Home Track Meet, Celebrates Seniors with Strong Performances
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 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
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
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
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
After a lawsuit against Tiffany Smith, the manager and mother of popular child influencer Piper Rockelle, for alleged assault of the minors, many speculations were made regarding the rumors and if they were true. Netflix’s “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing” seeked to clear up the mystery and share stories from the victims about their experiences with Tiffany. Courtesy of Netflix
“Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing.”
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”
“As I am signing off in EB Garamond, I notice that I didn’t find the belonging I came here to find; I found an identity. My experience in newspaper wasn’t defined by staying in room 1400, but by the confidence to leave this room, connect to the community at Rock Ridge, and find myself.” – Waas Swan Song: Belonging
Waas Swan Song: Belonging
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” - Dr. Suess
King Swan Song: One Last Time
“Even if the people who come in and out of this classroom don’t know me, these four walls always will.” — You’ll Always Know Me Courtesy of Kate Gutshall
Coleman Swan Song: You’ll Always Know Me
“I’ve always felt like I had to chase the polished version of life, look for closure, clarity and carefully filtered success. But I always find something real in the rough drafts, the scraps, the clippings on the drawing board floor.” - It Happens Courtesy of Deetya Mudakala
Yussouf Swan Song: It Happens
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
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
Rundown Politics: The Ever Growing Threat of Ending DEIA Programs
Rundown Politics: The Ever Growing Threat of Ending DEIA Programs
Rundown Politics: Can Celebrities Impact Political Affiliations?
Rundown Politics: Can Celebrities Impact Political Affiliations?
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
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
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
Freshman Christian Bhide serves a ball during his singles match.
Sports
Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Team Triumphs Over Dominion Titans
Zahra Hameed, Staff Writer • May 22, 2025

The Rock Ridge Phoenix Boys Tennis team scored another win this season in their game against Dominion High School, with a final score of 8-1...

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.
Arts & Entertainment
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...

“As I am signing off in EB Garamond, I notice that I didn’t find the belonging I came here to find; I found an identity. My experience in newspaper wasn’t defined by staying in room 1400, but by the confidence to leave this room, connect to the community at Rock Ridge, and find myself.” – Waas Swan Song: Belonging
Opinion
Waas Swan Song: Belonging
Melissa Waas, Managing Editor • May 21, 2025

Truthfully, I am not sure I feel sad about waving goodbye to Rock Ridge or even The Blaze… yet. I feel sad about leaving the people who helped...

News
Through the credit recovery program, students have the opportunity to piece back together previously failed or unattempted assignments.
Credit Recovery: A Safety Net for Struggling Grades
Abhinav Jammula and Saketh Nandam • May 19, 2025

Failing a class can be discouraging for students, but now students at Rock Ridge High School have the choice to make up their missing credits...

An image of Biryani Grill’s Ashburn location.
From Hyderabad to Ashburn: The Story Behind Biryani Grill
Arnav Mahajan and Amogh Sarasam • May 13, 2025
Before students began arriving, Inova hospital staff set up seating beds and medical equipment to help guide students through the process.
A Different Kind of Giving: FBLA Hosts Annual Blood Drive at Rock Ridge
Shivu Sathe and Bella Gerardi • May 5, 2025
Through generous donations from the community, Women Giving Back stepped in to help students with affordable prom dresses. Through the dates April 4, 12, 14, and 28 their boutique was filled with dresses, shoes, accessories.
From Heart to Hanger: Women Giving Back Allows Every Girl to Shine at Prom
Melissa Waas, Rachel Bhardwaj, and Samantha Chang • May 5, 2025
On May 2, seniors enlisting for the military gathered in the cafeteria to sign certificates and be recognized for their commitment to the military. Staff Sergeant Ryan Haley shakes senior John Lunn's hand. Haley has been Lunn’s sponsor for the Army National Guard for over a year since he first came to Rock Ridge during a lunch presentation and met Lunn.
Seniors’ Final Salute to High School, First Salute to the Future
Aline Gonzalez, Multimedia Editor • May 5, 2025
With spring break finally here, students are trading homework for adventure, relaxation, and new memories. Courtesy of CCNull via Creative Commons
Hallways to Airways: Students Take Off for Spring Break
Saketh Nandam and Abhinav Jammula • April 29, 2025
View All
Sports
With his eyes on the prize, the Phoenix varsity all-time number two player, Akash Vangale returns the ball against the Tuscarora Huskies.
Phoenix Tennis Blazes Past Tuscarora With Eyes Locked on States
Abhinav Jammula and Saketh Nandam • May 5, 2025

On Monday, April 25, the Phoenix boys tennis team faced off against the Tuscarora Huskies and came out with a commanding victory of 5-0. Despite...

This week’s athlete of the week spotlights a lacrosse player: sophomore Sehejdeep Kaur.
Athlete of the Week: Sehejdeep Kaur
Kristian Bryant, Staff Writer • May 5, 2025
Senior Jamari Anthony runs the Boys 4x400 Meter Relay Finals.
Phoenix Host Home Track Meet, Celebrates Seniors with Strong Performances
Zahra Hameed, Staff Writer • May 5, 2025
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
Lia Davis and Mariia Pecherkina • May 5, 2025
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
April 8, 2025
Sophomore Anjali Gay posing for a pre-game picture. Courtesy of Anjali Gay
Athlete Spotlight: Anjali Gay
Fran Rodriguez, Staff Writer • April 2, 2025
View All
Trending Stories
1
Dominion Energy’s electrical substation in Brambleton is one of the many substations located in Loudoun County to power transmission lines. Residents feel threatened by the proximity of the proposed power lines. “Many students and I attend school for eight to ten hours, so it's scary that a big corporation will have the power to put dangerous power lines so close to our school,” Leana Paradkar said.

High Voltage, Higher Stakes: Residents Protest Dominion Energy’s Power Expansion

2
An image of Biryani Grill’s Ashburn location.

From Hyderabad to Ashburn: The Story Behind Biryani Grill

3
Since the highly publicized arrest of family YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, stories have run rampant about the inner workings of the Franke household. Hulu’s “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” chronicles what actually happened with lackluster editing but a powerful story. Photo courtesy of Hulu

Behind the Scenes: ‘The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke’

4
The senior class holds up red streamers, representing their class color, to attempt to win one of the pep rally games.

Rock Ridge Springs into Final Spirit Week and Pep Rally

5
AP world history and US history teacher Megan Adair and sophomore Alexandra Takach talk to each other while analyzing pieces of propaganda replicas from WWII. “I think it’s really interesting to put what they’ve learned in the classroom and then visualize it,” Takach said. “Across all aspects, culturally and then also messages and gas masks, and pamphlets, just to see what they are talking about in effect.”

Traveling Back In Time: Rock Ridge US History Students are Exposed to Artifacts from WWII

Follow The Blaze on Instagram
SNO Distinguished Sites Badges

Site Excellence

Story Page Excellence

Excellence in Writing

Multimedia Excellence

Audience Engagement

Ashburn


  • 6 AM
    65 °
  • 7 AM
    65 °
  • 8 AM
    65 °
  • 9 AM
    65 °
  • 10 AM
    64 °
  • 11 AM
    64 °
  • 12 PM
    65 °
  • 1 PM
    65 °
  • 2 PM
    65 °
  • 3 PM
    65 °
  • 4 PM
    65 °
  • 5 PM
    65 °
  • 6 PM
    65 °
  • 7 PM
    64 °
  • 8 PM
    64 °
  • 9 PM
    63 °
  • 10 PM
    64 °
  • 11 PM
    63 °
  • 12 AM
    63 °
  • 1 AM
    63 °
  • 2 AM
    62 °
  • 3 AM
    62 °
  • 4 AM
    61 °
  • 5 AM
    60 °
  • 6 AM
    60 °
May 13
66°/ 63°
Heavy rain
May 14
75°/ 60°
Heavy rain
May 15
81°/ 65°
Cloudy
Arts & Entertainment
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

SPOILER WARNING The movie theater was destroyed, left in complete shambles by what looked like everyone and their mothers. Moviegoers couldn’t...

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
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
Hylay Assefa, Website Coordinator • May 7, 2025
View All
Opinion
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” - Dr. Suess
King Swan Song: One Last Time
Sophie King, Staff Writer • May 21, 2025

I can’t believe we are actually standing here today. The memories we’ve made and the experiences we’ve lived through are flashing before...

“Even if the people who come in and out of this classroom don’t know me, these four walls always will.” — You’ll Always Know Me Courtesy of Kate Gutshall
Coleman Swan Song: You’ll Always Know Me
Maya Coleman, Social Media Coordinator • May 19, 2025
“I’ve always felt like I had to chase the polished version of life, look for closure, clarity and carefully filtered success. But I always find something real in the rough drafts, the scraps, the clippings on the drawing board floor.” - It Happens Courtesy of Deetya Mudakala
Yussouf Swan Song: It Happens
Aneeq Yussouf, Staff Writer • May 19, 2025
View All
Recently Added Photos

  • Freshman Noah Vizzi gets his eyes on the ball during his singles match.

    Zahra Hameed

  • Freshman Karthik Uppalapati serves a ball during his singles match.

    Zahra Hameed

  • Freshman Karthik Uppalapati concentrates on the ball while playing his singles game.

    Zahra Hameed

  • Freshman Christian Bhide prepares to hit a ball during his doubles match, meanwhile Freshman Noah Vizzi focuses on his own doubles match on the court next to him.

    Zahra Hameed

  • Junior Harsha Antham readies to hit a ball mid singles match.

    Zahra Hameed

  • Freshman Christian Bhide serves a ball during his singles match.

    Zahra Hameed

  • Junior Harsha Antham plays a ball during his singles match.

    Zahra Hameed