• Important Dates -->
  • Jan. 20: End of Semester 1
  • Jan. 23: Lunar New Year - No School
  • Jan. 24: Teacher Workday
  • End of Jan. - Mid Feb.: Course Selection
  • Feb. 2: PTSO Meeting
  • Feb. 3: Broadway Desserts
  • Feb. 10: Phoenix Pageant
  • Feb. 16: Orchestra Pre-Assessment Concert
  • Feb. 20: Presidents' Day - No School
  • Feb. 20 - 24: Student Press Freedom Week
  • Feb. 23: 3rd Quarter Senior Breakfast
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Stress leaves a major impact on students and may leave them stuck in place, not knowing what to do or how to handle it.
Behind the Scenes of Stress
Seated at her desk, history and yearbook Michelle Menna meticulously edits a yearbook spread with her trustee black pen. Balancing her time between teaching AP U.S. history and yearbook, serving as the SCA sponsor, and leading history teachers as the department chair, Menna is often found typing away on her computer or standing in front of her enthusiastic students. The SCA has been an integral part of Menna’s life since 2014, when she first began planning elaborate school-wide events and sharing numerous meetings with administration; now, Menna has decided to take a step down from SCA to dedicate more time towards her personal life.
Humble Headship: History Teacher Michelle Menna Prepares to Step Down After 8 Years as SCA Sponsor
Rock Ridge Choir poses after performing for the residents of Waltonwood senior center.
Bringing Our Spirits Back One Song at a Time
The dreaded flu season has arrived. The coughing, the aches, the sneezing -- its all back, and more annoying than ever.
Flu Season Hits Rock Ridge as Students Finish Up the Quarter
Fresh from placing 4th on March 5, 2022 at SLC (State Leadership Conference) in the Project Management Career Development category, Emily Lam (right) poses with her friend, senior Nina Lal (left), in celebration of both of their successes.
The Face of DECA
Phoenix Profiles: Humans of Rock Ridge
Phoenix Profiles: Humans of Rock Ridge
LCPS has experimented with the schedule in the past, leading to much controversy. Students and staff are left with mixed feelings regarding this years schedule change.
The New Schedule: the Positive, the Negative, and the Neutral
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
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
Senior Mehma Kathuria keeps the ball away from the Bolt defender. “Our game was together, we were playing with a new play,” Kathuria said. “[The Team’s] chemistry builds and gets better every game.”
The Battle of Ridges Results in Both Wins and Losses
Senior Basit Qadri tries to find another player to pass off the ball to his teammate without the Tigers stealing it.
Phoenix Varsity Basketball Takes Down the Tigers
At the Jan. 9 home double header against Briar Woods, senior Nick Canfield keeps an eye on the ball and defends the basket during the boys game. During the girls game, sophomore Kalen Walker prepares to take a free throw shot.
Double Headers Bring 2 Star Players Forward
Junior Cora Bowen dribbles the ball towards the basket, following a turnover that led to Phoenix possession.
Phoenix Take Flight Against the Falcons in a Double Header Matchup
Senior Basit Qadri sprints down the court, weaving through defenders as he looks for an open teammate.
Phoenix Battle the Pride During First Double Header of the New Year
Senior Ethan Strine gets in position for the next play. “Even our juniors, sophomores, our younger guys, it really felt like all of our last games, even though they have next year and the year after,” Strine said. “It was just a team that we were all a part of. This whole season was very memorable for all of us.”
Seniors Appreciate Last Moments at Their Final Home Game
During halftime of the homecoming football game, senior Jack Capobianco wins homecoming royalty and is officially crowned by junior Maggie Miller. “I wasn’t expecting [winning homecoming royalty] at all,” Capobianco said. “I was very surprised but very excited.”
Phoenix Celebrate Homecoming With a Victory
Leaving the season behind, sophomore Aiden Patel walks along a golf course holding all his golf equipment. Patel, although not yet a senior, is already thinking about his future in golf. “Hopefully, [I’ll continue golf] in college, and if I can go pro, a 100%,” Patel said, “But if I cant, Ill probably just find a job.”
Putt-ing Another Season Away: Golf Season Recap
The Phoenix prepare to face the Huskies in a new play. “[We could improve by] focusing on trying to get people healthy, running the ball, and getting people work at different positions just in case [of] injuries,” Qadri said.
Huskies Put Out Phoenix Fire at Pink Out Game
Senior Karis Adnan sets off the point by serving the ball to the opposing team. The Phoenix kept the game lighthearted as they continued to lead. “We have been on a really good winning streak, so that was really fun,” Adnan said.
Phoenix Dominate the Patriots on Senior Night
Senior Mehma Kathuria keeps the ball away from the Bolt defender. “Our game was together, we were playing with a new play,” Kathuria said. “[The Team’s] chemistry builds and gets better every game.”
The Battle of Ridges Results in Both Wins and Losses
Senior Basit Qadri tries to find another player to pass off the ball to his teammate without the Tigers stealing it.
Phoenix Varsity Basketball Takes Down the Tigers
At the Jan. 9 home double header against Briar Woods, senior Nick Canfield keeps an eye on the ball and defends the basket during the boys game. During the girls game, sophomore Kalen Walker prepares to take a free throw shot.
Double Headers Bring 2 Star Players Forward
Junior Cora Bowen dribbles the ball towards the basket, following a turnover that led to Phoenix possession.
Phoenix Take Flight Against the Falcons in a Double Header Matchup
Senior Basit Qadri sprints down the court, weaving through defenders as he looks for an open teammate.
Phoenix Battle the Pride During First Double Header of the New Year
Junior Maddy Springer attempts to swing at the coming softball, allowing her team to advance to further bases on the field. “We should go in expecting to win and we need to have high hopes and good spirits,” sophomore Emma Spielman said.
Phoenix Clash with Lightridge Lightning in Final Softball Game
Senior Ryan Buermeyer (22), mid-swing, aims to hit the ball and allow sophomore Dylan Neach (21) and freshman Nikhil Midda (9) to make it home from second and third bases respectively.
Phoenix Swing a Win for the Season
Boys Varsity Soccer started their season strong with their first win in 2 years against the Stone Bridge Bulldogs. Senior Prince Amarante scored 2 goals, giving the Phoenix the win 2-1.
Closing of a Chapter, Prince Hangs Up His Crown
The track and field team warms up together with laps at practice after school.
Seniors Race to the Finish Line
Seniors Atri Bathula and Advik Pasuparthi hustle their way through the field.
Head to Head: Lacrosse Double Header Showcases Phoenix Seniors
Winter Drumline director Patrick O’Rourke instructs members of the ensemble as they prepare to play one of their pieces. This was the first year that the Winter Drumline program was active, and O’Rourke hoped that they would reach a high standard of performance over time. “There’s lots of programs in other high schools, and we’re hoping to get to that level,” O’Rourke said.
One Line, One Sound
Eleven years after the last book in the “Maze Runner” series came to a close, James Dashner continues the series with his new book “The Maze Cutter.”
Peace Before Collapse
“Back 2 Life” by Thaiboy Digital was released on Nov. 18, 2022, under his record label YEAR0001. This project features two of the three members of the artist collective, Drain Gang. It also includes fellow Swedish rapper Yung Lean, who is a member of SBE.
Swedish Icon Thaiboy Digital is Finally Back (2 Life)
“God Of War Ragnarök” has blown the expectations of fans and critics out of the water, landing the “Best Narrative” award among others during the Game Awards 2022.
“God Of War Ragnarök:” The Perfect Sequel
To kick off the new year, Blumhouse released their first horror/thriller film of 2023. The audience found “M3gan” to be a sensational masterpiece with a score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
“M3gan” Has Gone Mad
As someone who practices spirituality, it is important to be aware of your well being. Auras help with knowing how your physical body connects emotionally.
The Significance of Auras
During the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards, businesswoman and socialite Kim Kardashian wore a new hairstyle, cornrows, drawing controversy and criticism from some of her followers. “I actually did that look because North said she wanted braids and asked if I would do them with her. So we braided her hair and then we braided my hair,” Kardashian said to Bustle.
Should Certain Hairstyles Be Gatekept?
Doctors are held to expectations that are beyond human capability. While most crumble from the stress, some can take advantage of their power over patients and abuse it.
Trust Your Doctor — or Don’t
Students find history teacher Katharina Felts’ quiet space to be very productive because of the time available to students. The room has been available to students during activity block since the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.
I’m at “Quiet Space” Right Now
Cell phones can be a great tool and help student interaction, but incorporating them into the classroom can lead to distraction and interfere with students’ learning.
Cell Phones in School: Distraction or Interaction?
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
The Unity
The Unity
Media by the Minute
Media by the Minute
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
The Sound Of The Game
The Sound Of The Game
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
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
Senior Mehma Kathuria keeps the ball away from the Bolt defender. “Our game was together, we were playing with a new play,” Kathuria said. “[The Team’s] chemistry builds and gets better every game.”
Sports
The Battle of Ridges Results in Both Wins and Losses

As the first 2023 “Battle of the Ridges” approached, students from both schools began to exchange blows about who would be the true winner...

Winter Drumline director Patrick O’Rourke instructs members of the ensemble as they prepare to play one of their pieces. This was the first year that the Winter Drumline program was active, and O’Rourke hoped that they would reach a high standard of performance over time. “There’s lots of programs in other high schools, and we’re hoping to get to that level,” O’Rourke said.
Arts & Entertainment
One Line, One Sound

Excitement rises as the winter drumline director stands in front of the room and pulls up “Legatos B,” the newest warmup for practice. Basses...

Senior Basit Qadri tries to find another player to pass off the ball to his teammate without the Tigers stealing it.
Sports
Phoenix Varsity Basketball Takes Down the Tigers

Following a win against the Heritage Pride, the Rock Ridge Phoenix went against the Brentsville Tigers on Jan. 5. The Phoenix took home the win...

As someone who practices spirituality, it is important to be aware of your well being. Auras help with knowing how your physical body connects emotionally.
Opinion
The Significance of Auras

We all know our colors: red, white, green, blue, indigo, black, brown, orange. But what if colors played a role in our field of energy?  Auras...

News
Rock Ridge Choir poses after performing for the residents of Waltonwood senior center.
Bringing Our Spirits Back One Song at a Time
Muhammad Reda, Ivana Figueroa, and Bhargav Kuniki • January 31, 2023

With a packed winter schedule, not only were the choir students preparing for their seasonal concert, but also they were spending time giving back to the community. On Dec. 12,...

The dreaded flu season has arrived. The coughing, the aches, the sneezing -- its all back, and more annoying than ever.
Flu Season Hits Rock Ridge as Students Finish Up the Quarter
Ivana Figueroa, Staff Writer
Fresh from placing 4th on March 5, 2022 at SLC (State Leadership Conference) in the Project Management Career Development category, Emily Lam (right) poses with her friend, senior Nina Lal (left), in celebration of both of their successes.
The Face of DECA
James Lee and Iyush Hoysal
The classroom of L503, where the course takes place, is designed to look and feel like a preschool or kindergarten level classroom. It’s colorful and filled with decorations, arts and crafts, board games, and more -- all to simulate that early childhood feel. Some of the items in the room come from both students and little ones from the Head Start Program.
A Deep Dive into the Early Childhood Education Courses
James Bowles, Opinion Section Editor
With a diverse student body, Rock Ridge students celebrate a variety of holidays and traditions. Learning about various backgrounds and holidays can help spread awareness and recognition of other cultures and religions.
Holidays at The Rock
Maya Coleman and Bella Strano
View All
Sports
At the Jan. 9 home double header against Briar Woods, senior Nick Canfield keeps an eye on the ball and defends the basket during the boys game. During the girls game, sophomore Kalen Walker prepares to take a free throw shot.
Double Headers Bring 2 Star Players Forward
Mariam Abdelsayed, Rachel Adams, Karis Adnan, and Shaila Patel • January 31, 2023

As the Phoenix basketball season approaches the final weeks of regular season play, senior Nick Canfield and sophomore Kalen Walker are proud of their time on the court thus far. Both...

Senior Basit Qadri sprints down the court, weaving through defenders as he looks for an open teammate.
Phoenix Battle the Pride During First Double Header of the New Year
Iyush Hoysal, Adi Kidiyoor, and Sarah Bataineh
Senior Ilias Cholakis (third from right) stands on the first place podium in the 2022 King of the Rock Wrestling Tournament.
Senior Ilias Cholakis Wrestles to the End of his High School Career
Kamille Simon and Alyssa Yoon
As a junior, Sruthi Dacherla made the Dulles-District Second Team for Girls Varsity Basketball. Before her senior season ends, Dacherla has goals to end her time on the court in high school with a bang. “My personal goal this year is to get my name on the record board and to make the All-District and All-Region teams before I end my career,” Dacherla said.
Sruthi Dacherla Shoots for the Sky Before she Bids Farewell to The Rock
Kamille Simon and Alyssa Yoon
Messi versus Ronaldo, a rivalry which started when the two athletes were in Barcelona and Real Madrid, is now one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.
Phoenix Soccer Fans Embrace the World Cup
Hylay Assefa and James Lee
View All
  • Rock Ridge High School
    38
    Tuscarora
    51
    Jan 25 / Boys Varsity Basketball
  • Rock Ridge High School
    58
    Broad Run
    49
    Jan 20 / Boys Varsity Basketball
  • Rock Ridge High School
    34
    Broad Run
    52
    Jan 20 / Girls Varsity Basketball
  • Rock Ridge High School
    42
    Loudoun Valley
    55
    Jan 17 / Boys Varsity Basketball
  • Rock Ridge High School
    21
    Loudoun Valley
    64
    Jan 17 / Girls Varsity Basketball
  • Rock Ridge High School
    42
    Lightridge
    27
    Jan 13 / Boys Varsity Basketball
  • Rock Ridge High School
    22
    Lightridge
    46
    Jan 13 / Girls Varsity Basketball
  • Rock Ridge High School
    47
    Loudoun County
    51
    Jan 11 / Boys Varsity Basketball
  • Rock Ridge High School
    20
    Loudoun County
    35
    Jan 11 / Girls Varsity Basketball
  • Rock Ridge High School
    61
    Briar Woods
    48
    Jan 9 / Boys Varsity Basketball
Trending Stories
1
Seated at her desk, history and yearbook Michelle Menna meticulously edits a yearbook spread with her trustee black pen. Balancing her time between teaching AP U.S. history and yearbook, serving as the SCA sponsor, and leading history teachers as the department chair, Menna is often found typing away on her computer or standing in front of her enthusiastic students. The SCA has been an integral part of Menna’s life since 2014, when she first began planning elaborate school-wide events and sharing numerous meetings with administration; now, Menna has decided to take a step down from SCA to dedicate more time towards her personal life.

Humble Headship: History Teacher Michelle Menna Prepares to Step Down After 8 Years as SCA Sponsor

2
As a junior, Sruthi Dacherla made the Dulles-District Second Team for Girls Varsity Basketball. Before her senior season ends, Dacherla has goals to end her time on the court in high school with a bang. “My personal goal this year is to get my name on the record board and to make the All-District and All-Region teams before I end my career,” Dacherla said.

Sruthi Dacherla Shoots for the Sky Before she Bids Farewell to The Rock

3
At their Nov 29 meeting, the Loudoun County School Board finalized Policy 5055, which discussed parental notice of sexually explicit content. The new policy implemented by the school board, Policy 5055 requires thorough examination by parents for material deemed explicit, which in turn limits English teachers by flagging most literary material.

LCPS Discusses 2023-2024 School Year Calendar, New Policy 5055, Student Transportation

4
Loving Hut’s vegan stir-fried noodles feature broccoli, bok choy, and other assorted vegetables, as well as tofu and imitation shrimp as meat substitutes.

Loving Hut: the Vegan, Vietnamese Restaurant with an Elusive Past

5
Senior Ilias Cholakis (third from right) stands on the first place podium in the 2022 King of the Rock Wrestling Tournament.

Senior Ilias Cholakis Wrestles to the End of his High School Career

The Blaze on Instagram
Arts & Entertainment
Eleven years after the last book in the “Maze Runner” series came to a close, James Dashner continues the series with his new book “The Maze Cutter.”
Peace Before Collapse
Sebastian Penagos Sandoval, Staff Writer • February 1, 2023

Readers of the “Maze Runner” series will know that at the end of the final book, “The Death Cure,” Thomas finds an island where they...

Continue Reading
“Back 2 Life” by Thaiboy Digital was released on Nov. 18, 2022, under his record label YEAR0001. This project features two of the three members of the artist collective, Drain Gang. It also includes fellow Swedish rapper Yung Lean, who is a member of SBE.
Swedish Icon Thaiboy Digital is Finally Back (2 Life)
Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
“God Of War Ragnarök” has blown the expectations of fans and critics out of the water, landing the “Best Narrative” award among others during the Game Awards 2022.
“God Of War Ragnarök:” The Perfect Sequel
Iyush Hoysal, Staff Writer
To kick off the new year, Blumhouse released their first horror/thriller film of 2023. The audience found “M3gan” to be a sensational masterpiece with a score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
“M3gan” Has Gone Mad
Raza Hassan, Staff Writer
View All
Opinion
During the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards, businesswoman and socialite Kim Kardashian wore a new hairstyle, cornrows, drawing controversy and criticism from some of her followers. “I actually did that look because North said she wanted braids and asked if I would do them with her. So we braided her hair and then we braided my hair,” Kardashian said to Bustle.
Should Certain Hairstyles Be Gatekept?
Nadia Shirr, Staff Writer

Should people be able to follow their fashion desires if they want to wear styles like cornrows or box braids but don’t have the traditional...

Continue Reading
Doctors are held to expectations that are beyond human capability. While most crumble from the stress, some can take advantage of their power over patients and abuse it.
Trust Your Doctor -- or Don’t
Zahria Ford, Staff Writer
Students find history teacher Katharina Felts’ quiet space to be very productive because of the time available to students. The room has been available to students during activity block since the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.
I’m at “Quiet Space” Right Now
Raza Hassan, Staff Writer
With a rise in development of AI, there’s rising controversy over whether AI art is legitimate.
AI Art: Beneficial or Threatening to Artists?
Sitwat Mian, Staff Writer
View All

THE BLAZE

The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School
© 2023 • Advertise • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in