• Important Dates -->
  • Dec 6-10 -- Winter Spirit Week
  • Dec 7 -- Band Concert
  • Dec 9 -- Choir Concert
  • Dec 10 -- Frost Fest, School Store Shopping Night
  • Dec 20-31 -- Winter Break
  • Jan 3 -- Classes Resume
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Return to The Rock
Return to The Rock
LGBTQ+ pride protests (like the one pictured in Katowice, Poland in Sept 2019) have been a recurring event since the 1900s. In the 21st century, these movements have spread globally and became more socially acceptable.
LGBTQ+ History: Defined Through the Timeline
Senior Gabriela Cedillos Cornejo watches as Sophomore Lina Boughaba knits her project.
Keep Calm and Knit & Crochet On
Although the School Board originally thought that the future school enrollment levels would follow the projected FY22 model, after a reevaluation, the future school enrollment scenario will most likely follow the FY23 model. Future meetings to adopt the capital improvement program (CIP) are listed as well.
School Board Continues to Face Backlash From Recent Events
During public comment, Loudoun County parents and students voiced their concerns over the School Board’s recent actions to deal with the sexual assault case.
Loudoun County School Board Discusses Current Affairs, Title IX, School Lunch
Return to The Rock
Return to The Rock
A collage of all of the students profiled. (All photos courtesty of the profiled students.)
Humans of Rock Ridge: Pandemic Profiles
Theater teacher Rebekah Hess has spent quarantine and summer break preparing her home office for the school year. “I ended up decluttering over 2,320 items in the last three months,” Hess said. Her office contains scented candles, an open window, a ginormous planner, and a special furry friend, Gibbs.
Teachers Prep Back to School Teaching Spaces
Wearing masks, Sophia (left) and Amelie (right) pose for photos.
Sisters Launch Mask Business To Help Loudoun Community Combat Pandemic
When connecting devices to computers, a warning appears on the phone about trusting unfamiliar networks.
Click With Caution
The U.S. Capitol on the morning of President Bidens Inauguration.
Road To The Presidency
A distorted image of an I Voted sticker from Loudoun County. (Photo courtesy of Katy Greiner)
What’s A Rumor You’ve Heard About The Election?
The general election, and final day to vote, will take place on Nov. 3. In Virginia, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What To Expect On Decision Day: Ins and Outs Of Following A Major Election
President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 5, 2019. (White House/Shaelah Craighead)
Trump Agrees on New Spending Bill; Promises an Emergency Declaration
On Oct. 19, the Phoenix celebrated after scoring a hardfought point during a close game against Light Ridge.
Rock Ridge Volleyball Wins in Dominant Fashion on Senior Night
Poised for the perfect strike, sophomore Grace Tucker aims to score. Tucker was a team star in the first set, scoring multiple set winning strikes. “I’m really glad we won the game because it was our Dig Pink game and we all came together as a team and played well,” Tucker said.
Phoenix Show Out For Pink Out
The Phoenix and Captains ready themselves for the next play after stoppage from the referee. “I got my first touchdown on friday and it was pretty nice; it was the first one of the season, you know, and Im still looking to get more,” junior Da’sean Mack said.
Loudoun County Captains Capture Phoenix Pink Out Game 45-6
Phoenix cheerleaders lead the “go go, fight fight” chant in front of the student section to bring hype up the fans at the Pink Out game on Oct. 15. Freshman Jaden Thomas, sophomore Caitlynn Washington, and freshman Abby Welch stand in the front to lead the chant. The cheerleaders had pink bows in their hair for the pink out game.
Phoenix Cheerleaders Take Flight
The Phoenix and the Captains line up head to head as anticipation builds for the next play. “It was tough -- we played a good team, but I think we’ve been improving every game, senior Numair Huq said. “From that game, our biggest take away was that we needed to work more as a team and figure out what our goals were.”
Students Electrify The Stands as The Phoenix Take a Hit
Poised for the perfect strike, sophomore Grace Tucker aims to score. Tucker was a team star in the first set, scoring multiple set winning strikes. “I’m really glad we won the game because it was our Dig Pink game and we all came together as a team and played well,” Tucker said.
Phoenix Show Out For Pink Out
The Phoenix and Captains ready themselves for the next play after stoppage from the referee. “I got my first touchdown on friday and it was pretty nice; it was the first one of the season, you know, and Im still looking to get more,” junior Da’sean Mack said.
Loudoun County Captains Capture Phoenix Pink Out Game 45-6
Senior Calek Aguado protects the ball after rushing and completing the play. “Today we were focused… and we were ready to rock and roll,” head coach George Masten said.
Hoco or Go Home
Aiden Patel walks towards the golf hole to line up his next shot at the Brambleton Golf Course during the District Tournament.
Phoenix Golf Tees Off to States
Members of the freshmen and junior classes fire up the crowd with a cheer to increase the Phoenix spirit. “I loved [the tailgate], it was awesome. This is my very first high school event with people [and] other highschoolers. Even though this is a practice, it’s my very first football game. It’s been an incredible experience,” freshman Jaden Thomas said.
The Revival of Phoenix Spirit
Junior Haley Priftis prepares to shoots for Rock Ridge after a foul by the Independence team. She made the shot and gained points for the Phoenix.
Phoenix’s Fight or Flight Against the Tigers
From Nov. 11 to Nov. 14, Rock Ridge had its annual winter sports tryouts for all athletes interested.
Phoenix Welcome New Athletic Season with Winter Sports Tryouts
Varsity gymnastics huddles together at the Regional competition on February 5th.
Gymnastics takes its bond to new heights
The Rock Ridge girls’ varsity team gets hyped up before a tense game.
Lady Phoenix Ready to Rebound
Rock Ridge vs Stone Bridge triple overtime game
Senior Evan Grace and sophomore Charlie Blundell run the mile at Liberty University’s indoor track complex during the Bulldog Invitational meet.
Indoor Track Season Wraps Up
In the act ‘Caf Zombies,’ freshmen Tenlee Czarny and Lily Bridges play characters Zantac and Tagamet. The act “Caf Zombies” was the first of the two freshman acts in the play. “I was extremely nervous, I messed up some words, but other than that [it was good],” Czarny said.
Scared Silly: An Opportunity For Everyone
“Omigod You Guys” Rock Ridge Performing Arts Presents Legally Blonde
“Omigod You Guys” Rock Ridge Performing Arts Presents Legally Blonde
Friends and family gather in the library to participate in the NEHS movie night.
NEHS Wraps Up Pajama Project With Christmas Spirit
Rocky and former physics teacher Myron Hanke spread the holiday cheer as they share a hug during Hanke’s lip-sync performance. The students were on their feet as he continued to saunter around the gym to the beat of the song.
Cold Weather Can’t Freeze School Spirit
Santa Claus, portrayed by science teacher Everette Callaway, narrates “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” accompanied with sound effects.
Orchestra Puts a Bow on the Holidays at the Annual Winter Concert
Students crowd the hallways, swarming towards the concession stand for their weekly treat of a Chick-fil-A sandwich.
I survived Chick-fil-A Friday
Arman Fathi: Swan Song
Arman Fathi: Swan Song
Alexa Varela-Escobar: Swan Song
Alexa Varela-Escobar: Swan Song
Colin Wilkinson: Swan Song
Colin Wilkinson: Swan Song
Rodrigo Villegas Valle: Swan Song
Rodrigo Villegas Valle: Swan Song
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
On Oct. 19, the Phoenix celebrated after scoring a hardfought point during a close game against Light Ridge.
Sports
Rock Ridge Volleyball Wins in Dominant Fashion on Senior Night

On Oct. 19,  the Phoenix volleyball team defeated the Lightridge Lightning in five sets. After being down two sets to none, the Phoenix...

Poised for the perfect strike, sophomore Grace Tucker aims to score. Tucker was a team star in the first set, scoring multiple set winning strikes. “I’m really glad we won the game because it was our Dig Pink game and we all came together as a team and played well,” Tucker said.
Fall Sports
Phoenix Show Out For Pink Out

Meeting in the main gym of Rock Ridge, the Park View Patriots and the Phoenix meet to clash during their Dig Pink match, in support of breast...

The Phoenix and Captains ready themselves for the next play after stoppage from the referee. “I got my first touchdown on friday and it was pretty nice; it was the first one of the season, you know, and Im still looking to get more,” junior Da’sean Mack said.
Fall Sports
Loudoun County Captains Capture Phoenix Pink Out Game 45-6

On Oct. 15, the Phoenix played the Captains at their pink-out football game for breast cancer awareness and lost 45-6. After the introduction...

Although the School Board originally thought that the future school enrollment levels would follow the projected FY22 model, after a reevaluation, the future school enrollment scenario will most likely follow the FY23 model. Future meetings to adopt the capital improvement program (CIP) are listed as well.
News
School Board Continues to Face Backlash From Recent Events

As the School Board meeting commenced at 4pm on Nov 9, the board reviewed the rates and statistics of Loudoun County Public School student...

News
During public comment, Loudoun County parents and students voiced their concerns over the School Board’s recent actions to deal with the sexual assault case.
Loudoun County School Board Discusses Current Affairs, Title IX, School Lunch
Amelia Chen, James Bowles, Kaleb Ryans, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti • November 16, 2021
A display in the foreign language hallway celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. Included in the display were books related to Hispanic heritage as well as examples of Hispanic foods and prominent figures accompanying descriptions. The library also celebrated the occasion by displaying books and a decorated window that said “leer,” which translates to “to read” in Spanish.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrated with Displays and Cultural Foods
Megan Hayes, Rodrigue Gomado, Lucian Tiller, and Manika Porchezhian
In a close election, Glenn Youngkin (R) wins the race for Va. Governor’s office against Terry McAuliffe (D).
Youngkin Elected 74th Governor of Va., Red Wave Sweeps Ballot
Megan Langsam, Megan Hayes, and Shreenidhi Manchala
On Aug 24th in the blistering 90 degree heat, seniors paint their parking spots accompanied by their friends and family.
Class of 2022 Claims their Spots on the Lot
Amelia Chen and Zain Khalidi
The Clash of the Classes tournament was held on Oct. 4, in replacement of the annual Powder Puff Football game. The seniors managed to pull through and win the game, with a final score of 4-3.
Juniors, Seniors ‘Kick’ Off Homecoming Week
Rohan Iyer, Smrithi Balakumar, Aarohi Motwani, and Hylay Assefa
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Sports
The Phoenix and the Captains line up head to head as anticipation builds for the next play. “It was tough -- we played a good team, but I think we’ve been improving every game, senior Numair Huq said. “From that game, our biggest take away was that we needed to work more as a team and figure out what our goals were.”
Students Electrify The Stands as The Phoenix Take a Hit
Prajna Chakravarty and Lilly Khalkho • November 1, 2021

Looking to steal the ball from a Vikings player, freshman Nanci Marcello attempts to prevent a pass.
Phoenix Girls Field Hockey Falls to Vikings
Nanaki Bawa, Aarohi Motwani, Naomi Cho, and Zain Khalidi
Seniors Tai Trieu, Tiernan Caulfield, and other athletes skip as a warmup before their practice run. ¨Its been great to have a season in-person because last year we did not have one, and its been a great experience to be with the team again,¨ Caulfield said.
Cross Country Races Towards a Successful Season
Mariam Abdelsayed, Nicolas Biernacki, and Jackson Mitchell
Phoenix varsity volleyball team discusses the game plan with their coaches as they prepare to take on the Captains.
Despite Loss Against Captains, Phoenix Ace Match
Rohan Iyer, Dominika Butler, Rachel Adams, and Alyssa Yoon
Michelle Federico coaches the varsity field hockey team in the Phoenix v. Patriots match on Oct. 5 at the Rock. As head coach, she wants more girls to be interested in a sport like field hockey. “[Field hockey has] always been my favorite sport,” Federico said, “It’s unique, it’s hardcore. People dont realize how difficult it is.”
Despite Field Hockey Loss Against the Parkview Patriots, Field Hockey Coach Federico is Optimistic for the Phoenix
Amelia Chen, Bella Gerardi, Shivoy Nagpaul, and Alexis Cortés
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Trending Stories
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Students crowd the hallways, swarming towards the concession stand for their weekly treat of a Chick-fil-A sandwich.

I survived Chick-fil-A Friday

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Senior Kylie Miller sings along to the music with her peers. The dance floor filled as the DJ played songs like “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo, and “Baby Shark” by Pinkfong.

A Happily Ever After Homecoming

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Seniors Tai Trieu, Tiernan Caulfield, and other athletes skip as a warmup before their practice run. ¨Its been great to have a season in-person because last year we did not have one, and its been a great experience to be with the team again,¨ Caulfield said.

Cross Country Races Towards a Successful Season

4
New Faces at Rock Ridge

New Faces at Rock Ridge

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The Clash of the Classes tournament was held on Oct. 4, in replacement of the annual Powder Puff Football game. The seniors managed to pull through and win the game, with a final score of 4-3.

Juniors, Seniors ‘Kick’ Off Homecoming Week

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Arts & Entertainment
“Omigod You Guys” Rock Ridge Performing Arts Presents Legally Blonde
“Omigod You Guys” Rock Ridge Performing Arts Presents Legally Blonde
Prajna Chakravarty, Lilly Khalkho, and Kaley Chinoy • January 15, 2020

“Legally Blonde,” the latest Rock Ridge Performing Arts production, hit the stage on  Dec. 5, 6, and 7. The winter play was put on by...

Continue Reading
Friends and family gather in the library to participate in the NEHS movie night.
NEHS Wraps Up Pajama Project With Christmas Spirit
Megan Hayes, Editor-in-Chief
Rocky and former physics teacher Myron Hanke spread the holiday cheer as they share a hug during Hanke’s lip-sync performance. The students were on their feet as he continued to saunter around the gym to the beat of the song.
Cold Weather Can’t Freeze School Spirit
Bethany Walker and Madisyn Smith
Santa Claus, portrayed by science teacher Everette Callaway, narrates “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” accompanied with sound effects.
Orchestra Puts a Bow on the Holidays at the Annual Winter Concert
Lilly Khalkho, Website Coordinator
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Opinion
Students crowd the hallways, swarming towards the concession stand for their weekly treat of a Chick-fil-A sandwich.
I survived Chick-fil-A Friday
Dominika Butler, A&E Copy Editor

I hate Chick-fil-A Fridays. It’s not the restaurant that I hate. It’s not the sandwich that I hate. It’s the swarm that I hate. Picture...

Continue Reading
Arman Fathi: Swan Song
Arman Fathi: Swan Song
Arman Fathi, Multimedia Editor
Alexa Varela-Escobar: Swan Song
Alexa Varela-Escobar: Swan Song
Alexa Varela-Escobar, Staff Writer
Colin Wilkinson: Swan Song
Colin Wilkinson: Swan Song
Colin Wilkinson, Staff Writer
View All

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