• Important Dates -->
  • May 17 - Orchestra Concert
  • May 20 - Pep rally
  • May 21 - Prom
  • May 30 - Holiday (Memorial Day)
  • June 15 - Last Day of School/ End of Quarter 4
  • June 16 - Graduation at 9:00 am
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Posing for a picture, Phoenix MSA members await the announcement of the winners on March 27.
MSA Clears the “MIST” in D.C. Tournament
Holding a cup filled with the meeting’s mystery juice, Juice Club members gathered on April 6 before school in science teacher Michael Clear’s room to try new juices, mingle, and eat snacks.
Orange You Glad You Go Here?
On May 10, the school board held their second Tuesday meeting, continuing to discuss improvements to student welfare and allocating funds to fiscal year 22-23 budget items.
School Board Provides Updates on Budget Plan, New Schools and Expansion of “Literacy for All” Programs
A map in EL teacher Margareta Cernev’s room shows the names and countries of origin, written on the red phoenixes, of her current EL students. Above the map, the names and countries of origin of Cernev’s previous students, who have graduated from high school, are displayed on gray phoenixes.
Phoenix Immigrants: Their Lives, Struggles, and Experiences
Seniors Ashley Bademian, Vishal Mistry, and Aida Vera Marijani visit the cap decorating table in the gym after grabbing their burritos. After reviewing important dates with the seniors, Principal John Duellman announced the winners of the decorating contest—Marijani (“Most Creative”) and seniors Samantha Smith (“Funniest”) and Megan Hayes (“Most Powerful Message”)—who took home five dollar Starbucks gift cards.
Seniors Celebrate National Decision Day
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
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
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
Sophomore Sriya Yalamanchili, throws the ball in preparation for a smashing serve to start off the rally for another point. “My individual performances during my matches this season have been going well,” Yalamanchili said. “I was always trying to play my best.”
Phoenix Emerge Victorious After Battle With the Titans
Senior Anya Ambarish waits for her opponent to return the ball during her doubles match. Ambarish is the captain of the team this year and plans to continue playing club tennis at the University of Central Florida next year. “I might even walk on to their Varsity team,” Ambarish said.
Battle of the Dulles District: Phoenix Girls Tennis Wins Regular Season Championship
The girls varsity soccer team comes together for a team photograph at the last home game of the season. The seniors finished off their senior night with a leading score of 8-0.
The Phoenix Girls “Kick-It-Off” At Senior Night
Senior Ayanna Fabunmi (6) clears the ball from the Phoenix goal box in order to prevent the Titans from having a chance to score.
Phoenix Soccer Falls to the Titans at Home
Sophomore Tyler Valdov (18) fights for the ball in a face off during the second half.
Phoenix Lacrosse: Rising from the Ashes
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
Christian Djan (22) looks to pass while being double teamed in a Jan.6 game against the Dominion Titans.
The Heart of the Phoenix
Junior Ilias Cholakis stands on the podium at states on Feb. 18 holding his fourth place medal. ¨I did pretty well -- improved from last year, which was my goal,¨ Cholakis said.
Phoenix Wrestling Dominates At Districts and Soars to States
Varsitys junior Nick Canfield (23) looks around to find a teammate to throw the ball to as a Cougar plays tight defense on him. “We did a good job on defense communicating, that was something that we were really trying to work on this past game,” Canfield said.
Phoenix Pounce on the Cougars
On Jan. 24, Phoenix cheerleaders sophomore Isha Vepa, junior Tia Carter, freshman Almendra Del Aguila, and junior Prerana Telugu perform a cheer in unison at the basketball game against Tuscarora. “We almost got hit by a ball like two [or] three times, we just kinda stepped back and kept watching. We literally laughed about it afterwards -- it’s always fun to support with these wild things happening.” said Telugu.
Winter Cheer: The Highs and Lows
Senior Alexa Veneros (12) blocks a Captains player (5) from scoring, while Veneros’ teammates remain open, ready to receive the ball.
Phoenix Girls Basketball Falls to the Captains on Senior Night
Sophomore Sriya Yalamanchili, throws the ball in preparation for a smashing serve to start off the rally for another point. “My individual performances during my matches this season have been going well,” Yalamanchili said. “I was always trying to play my best.”
Phoenix Emerge Victorious After Battle With the Titans
Senior Anya Ambarish waits for her opponent to return the ball during her doubles match. Ambarish is the captain of the team this year and plans to continue playing club tennis at the University of Central Florida next year. “I might even walk on to their Varsity team,” Ambarish said.
Battle of the Dulles District: Phoenix Girls Tennis Wins Regular Season Championship
The girls varsity soccer team comes together for a team photograph at the last home game of the season. The seniors finished off their senior night with a leading score of 8-0.
The Phoenix Girls “Kick-It-Off” At Senior Night
Senior Ayanna Fabunmi (6) clears the ball from the Phoenix goal box in order to prevent the Titans from having a chance to score.
Phoenix Soccer Falls to the Titans at Home
Sophomore Tyler Valdov (18) fights for the ball in a face off during the second half.
Phoenix Lacrosse: Rising from the Ashes
Although the criminal masterminds were largely hated on in the beginning of the film, “The Bad Guys” implements the concept of “everybody deserves a second chance” to create an entertaining journey that the viewers can follow along with.
“The Bad Guys:” The Big Bad Wolf Likes Being Called a Good Boy
Asa Butterfield and Lola Evans share a stage in the horror and suspense of the film.
Horror Movie “Choose or Die” Lacks Jump Scares, but Makes Up For It With Exciting Plot
“Ambulance” satisfies with an extremely intense and emotional story, leaving viewers to question how strong their moral compass is.
“Ambulance,” The Perfectly Planned Heist Gone Wrong
Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Xochitl Gomez, Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, and more star in Marvel Studios newest blockbuster hit, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Multiverse of Madness Breaks Records and the Multiverse
On April 15, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” hit theaters after a long awaited return of the Harry Potter franchise.
Torn With Hate and Spells of Love: “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”
(Pictured in blue) I patch together what I can recall about my kindergarten graduation, a distant memory. However, my upcoming graduation may stay as a framed photograph, recognizing the growth I made throughout the years.
Butler Swan Song: Grown
Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process
Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process
Nagpaul Swan Song: Shivoy Nagpaul vs Rock Ridge High School, The Champions League Final
Nagpaul Swan Song: Shivoy Nagpaul vs Rock Ridge High School, The Champions League Final
Hayes Swan Song: Do Something Different, Do Something More
Hayes Swan Song: Do Something Different, Do Something More
Kannan Swan Story: From Strangers to Memories
Kannan Swan Story: From Strangers to Memories
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
Posing for a picture, Phoenix MSA members await the announcement of the winners on March 27.
News
MSA Clears the “MIST” in D.C. Tournament

On March 26 and 27, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) participated in the D.C. Muslim Interscholastic Tournament (MIST), an event filled with...

Sophomore Sriya Yalamanchili, throws the ball in preparation for a smashing serve to start off the rally for another point. “My individual performances during my matches this season have been going well,” Yalamanchili said. “I was always trying to play my best.”
Sports
Phoenix Emerge Victorious After Battle With the Titans

On April 28, the Phoenix Girls tennis took on the Dominan Titans at home. The team was excited to take on the Titans to maintain their top position...

Senior Anya Ambarish waits for her opponent to return the ball during her doubles match. Ambarish is the captain of the team this year and plans to continue playing club tennis at the University of Central Florida next year. “I might even walk on to their Varsity team,” Ambarish said.
Sports
Battle of the Dulles District: Phoenix Girls Tennis Wins Regular Season Championship

On Tuesday, May 10, the Phoenix girls varsity tennis team went up against the Lightridge Lightning. That night, the girls held their senior...

Although the criminal masterminds were largely hated on in the beginning of the film, “The Bad Guys” implements the concept of “everybody deserves a second chance” to create an entertaining journey that the viewers can follow along with.
Arts & Entertainment
“The Bad Guys:” The Big Bad Wolf Likes Being Called a Good Boy

Redemption—a scary search for self development, approval, and an improved reputation. It’s even scarier when you have to prove to others...

News
Holding a cup filled with the meeting’s mystery juice, Juice Club members gathered on April 6 before school in science teacher Michael Clear’s room to try new juices, mingle, and eat snacks.
Orange You Glad You Go Here?
Sarah Baig, Staff Writer • May 24, 2022
On May 10, the school board held their second Tuesday meeting, continuing to discuss improvements to student welfare and allocating funds to fiscal year 22-23 budget items.
School Board Provides Updates on Budget Plan, New Schools and Expansion of “Literacy for All” Programs
Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Kaleb Ryans, and Abhishek Solipuram
Lying down, senior Sonique Alvarez waits to have her blood drawn as junior Anais Alvarez stays next to her for moral support.
FBLA’s Annual Blood Drive Is An “A+” Service Project
Naomi Cho , Staff Writer
On April 5, the school board discussed the reassignment of staff and administrators throughout Loudoun County Public Schools, and announced the soon-to-open town halls to discuss their Strategic Plan with the community. The Strategic Plan outlines procedures that look to improve student and staff quality of life, absolve issues, and alleviate concerns brought forth from the public.
Loudoun School Board Opens Town Hall Meetings, Moves Eid to May 2, Updates Student Mental Health Procedures
Kaleb Ryans, Lucian Tiller, and Shaima Tora
Choir Director Jordan Markwood receives the Washington Post and LCPS awards for Teacher of the Year, as Mentoring and Coaching Supervisor Julie Baye applauds him. Looking back at receiving the award, Markwood said he was humbled. “I dont do any of the things I do to receive recognition, its more about sharing a passion for what I love, and helping my students,” Markwood said.
Lunchtime Games, Spirit Day Celebrate Director Jordan Markwood as Washington Post Teacher of the Year
Aarohi Motwani, Nanaki Bawa, Mariam Abdelsayed, and Abby Welch
View All
Sports
The girls varsity soccer team comes together for a team photograph at the last home game of the season. The seniors finished off their senior night with a leading score of 8-0.
The Phoenix Girls “Kick-It-Off” At Senior Night
Pavani Aakarapu, Naomi Cho, and Prajna Chakravarty • May 20, 2022

On Monday, May 9, the Phoenix girls soccer team faced the Park View Patriots for senior night. The Phoenix were able to take an early lead and pushed through with senior Ayanna...

Senior Ayanna Fabunmi (6) clears the ball from the Phoenix goal box in order to prevent the Titans from having a chance to score.
Phoenix Soccer Falls to the Titans at Home
Abhishek Solipuram, Anik Mridha, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
Sophomore Tyler Valdov (18) fights for the ball in a face off during the second half.
Phoenix Lacrosse: Rising from the Ashes
Mars Foley, Lars Nyman, and Jackson Mitchell
Freshman Kaushik Muskari prepares to hit the ball in his singles match. “I think I could’ve done a lot better,” Muskari said, “and of course there’s always a lot of room to improve, knowing that Im still learning.”
Phoenix Boys Tennis Ace the Huskies
Amelia Chen, Sarah Baig, Tanishka Enugu, and Abhi Sharma
Junior Peytan Sutherland (10) pitches a knuckleball to throw off Tuscarora’s batter.
First Pitch of the Season for the Phoenix
Bella Gerardi, Nidhi Manchala, and James Bowles
View All
Trending Stories
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Return to The Rock

Return to The Rock

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A map in EL teacher Margareta Cernev’s room shows the names and countries of origin, written on the red phoenixes, of her current EL students. Above the map, the names and countries of origin of Cernev’s previous students, who have graduated from high school, are displayed on gray phoenixes.

Phoenix Immigrants: Their Lives, Struggles, and Experiences

3
In the midst of a new wave of anti-trans and LGBTQ+ legislation around the country, the lack of information about recent equity trainings in Loudoun County has led to backlash and conversations over their importance. The discussions include questions on the impact of staff completing equity training and incorporating understandings about topics such as gender identity into classrooms on students’ education.

Opinion: Education vs. Equity and the LGBTQ+ Community

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Tone tags are beneficial for individuals who struggle to pick up social and emotional cues, especially through text. Tone tags can be viewed as simple labels at the end of text messages to clarify the voice or tone of the individual’s text.

The Internet Tool That Makes Conversations Click

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In episode two, Kim Seon-U hints at his love and affection for Mi-Jo as he remembers that her favorite flowers are Peonies and has them delivered to her house. The Peonies come back in the last episode around Chan-Youngs funeral to symbolize the support that Mi-Jo has after her best friends death.

“Thirty-Nine:” The Heartwarming, Heart-Wrenching K-Drama

The Blaze on Instagram
Arts & Entertainment
Asa Butterfield and Lola Evans share a stage in the horror and suspense of the film.
Horror Movie “Choose or Die” Lacks Jump Scares, but Makes Up For It With Exciting Plot
Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer • May 24, 2022

The horror movie “Choose or Die,” released on April 15, 2022, caught viewers’ attention with a familiar cast.  Isaac, the main character,...

Continue Reading
“Ambulance” satisfies with an extremely intense and emotional story, leaving viewers to question how strong their moral compass is.
“Ambulance,” The Perfectly Planned Heist Gone Wrong
Abhishek Solipuram and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Xochitl Gomez, Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, and more star in Marvel Studios newest blockbuster hit, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Multiverse of Madness Breaks Records and the Multiverse
Divya Iyer and Abby Welch
On April 15, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” hit theaters after a long awaited return of the Harry Potter franchise.
Torn With Hate and Spells of Love: “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”
Nanaki Bawa, News Copy Editor, Outreach Chair
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Opinion
(Pictured in blue) I patch together what I can recall about my kindergarten graduation, a distant memory. However, my upcoming graduation may stay as a framed photograph, recognizing the growth I made throughout the years.
Butler Swan Song: Grown
Dominika Butler, A&E Copy Editor

My brain is a continuous cycle of inconsistent flow. The ball starts rolling, yet it fumbles and begins to fall apart, barely reaching the end.  Without...

Continue Reading
Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process
Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process
Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief
Nagpaul Swan Song: Shivoy Nagpaul vs Rock Ridge High School, The Champions League Final
Nagpaul Swan Song: Shivoy Nagpaul vs Rock Ridge High School, The Champions League Final
Shivoy Nagpaul, Sports Copy Editor
Hayes Swan Song: Do Something Different, Do Something More
Hayes Swan Song: Do Something Different, Do Something More
Megan Hayes, Editor-in-Chief
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