• Important Dates -->
  • 5/17: Rocky awards
  • 5/20: All School Awards (virtual)
  • 5/22: Region Track Champs
  • 5/23: Band Concert
  • 5/28: Orchestra Concert
  • 5/29: Chorus Concert
  • 6/4: Miscast Caberet
  • 6/6: Capstone Gala
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
(From left to right) Seniors Austin Fisher, Dylan Neach, Paul Smith, Demarrius Stewart, and TeYany Kleiner sit together as their coaches, family members, and teammates wish them well in the next chapter of their sports careers.
Signing Into The Next Chapter: Next Steps in Sports Careers
Exchange students from Bosnia & Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia, France, Lebanon, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, and Italy, arrived for the annual Loudoun International Youth Summit.
LCPS Hosts Exchange Students for Annual Summit
Speaking into the microphone, Principal John Duellman speaks to the parents of rising fifth-grade and eighth-grade students.
Students and Parents Prepare to Rise with Rock Ridge
The Loudoun County School Board met in their administrative offices to discuss policies 2620 and 6650 and address that May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Jewish Heritage Month.
School Board Meeting Discusses Policy Changes, Student Mental Health, and Recognizes History Teacher Aisha Ahmed as LCPS New Teacher of the Year.
As part of their week at ICDC, the Rock Ridge DECA group attended various Disney events hosted by the DECA organization to foster networking and fun between the schools. Photo courtesy of Ben Stodola.
Polished Presentations: DECA Competitors Prepare for ICDC
Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time
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
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
Seniors Sierra Bell and Ashi Akula advance upfield with the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Displays Impressive Effort Against Briar Woods
Sophomores Enzo Diego Pinto Vazquez, Enzo Gomes, and Arjav Iyer on the pitch against the Loudoun Valley Vikings on Apr 25, 2024.
Sophomore Soccer Stars Step Up to the Pitch
Sophomore Akash Vangala positions himself to deliver a commanding serve toward his opponent during his intense and sweaty singles match. “I think I played well against some good competition,” Vangala said.
Next Stop, States: Phoenix Boys Dominate Over Knights
Junior Lola Aguilar spikes the ball to the other team in a match at her volleyball club, Loudoun Elite. Photo courtesy of Lola Aguilar.
Lola Aguilar Bumps, Sets, and Spikes Her Way to Victory
Senior Kyle Woody and sophomore Riya Cheruki pitch for their teams. The game had many ups and downs for both the opponent and the Phoenix, but in the end, the Lightning were able to secure the win for both their softball and baseball teams.
Lightning Strike Phoenix During Baseball/Softball Double Header
As the cross country season comes to an end, team members managed to qualify for districts. Although it was the first time the boys made it to districts, senior Ayush Marwaha still treated the meet like any other. “The atmosphere has always been crazy at the meet,” Marwaha said. “The adrenaline rush is always insane, but I feel like Ive gotten used to it. Before every meet, I always tell myself to try and be calm.”
Cross Country Races Towards Districts
A four-year member of the program, senior Austin Fisher searches for an opening in hopes of securing a crucial first down for the Phoenix. An elite receiver and linebacker, Fisher has consistently made an impact not only on offense and defense, but also off the field.
Senior Night Sparks Phoenix Win Over Atoms
Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.
From Practice to Performance and Beyond: Cheer Season Recap
Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.
Phoenix Face Loss, Falling Victim to Friday the 13
The Phoenix football team runs out onto the field to take on the Loudoun Valley Vikings for the Homecoming football game, concluding a week of fun and games for students.
Spirit Week Ends with a Final Play Against Vikings
The team celebrates their win against the Titans in a huddle around star player of the night, Eryn Chemoiwa, congratulating her on her accomplishments.
Free Throws and Four-Point Plays: A New Phoenix Rises to the Challenge
Phoenix cheerleaders complete a chant at a home basketball game. “Smooth and easy thats what we do,” senior cheer captain Reagan Carper said.
From Friday Night Lights to Bright Gym Lights
As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”
Phoenix Take Down the Titans
Freshman defenseman Brooks Furtek (44) cross-checks a Seahawk in a race to get the puck.
Pride/Phoenix Stir Up the Hornets/Seahawks Nest
Students rush onto the court to celebrate with the team after the buzzer beater three-pointer made by junior William Beck. “Honestly, I thought the game was over but then the clock stopped and my heart stopped, junior Mihir Peta said. “I was like, there’s no way this happened.”
Sinking a Last Shot on Senior Night: Phoenix Parade Over the Pride
Seniors Sierra Bell and Ashi Akula advance upfield with the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Displays Impressive Effort Against Briar Woods
Sophomores Enzo Diego Pinto Vazquez, Enzo Gomes, and Arjav Iyer on the pitch against the Loudoun Valley Vikings on Apr 25, 2024.
Sophomore Soccer Stars Step Up to the Pitch
Sophomore Akash Vangala positions himself to deliver a commanding serve toward his opponent during his intense and sweaty singles match. “I think I played well against some good competition,” Vangala said.
Next Stop, States: Phoenix Boys Dominate Over Knights
Senior Kyle Woody and sophomore Riya Cheruki pitch for their teams. The game had many ups and downs for both the opponent and the Phoenix, but in the end, the Lightning were able to secure the win for both their softball and baseball teams.
Lightning Strike Phoenix During Baseball/Softball Double Header
Freshman Leeyu Assefa returns a powerful serve in her scrimmage match. “It’s definitely an experience, sometimes it can be a lot seeing people who are more talented and really skilled when you’re first starting off,” freshman and Assefa’s teammate Skylar Helms said.
Cross-District Deuces: Phoenix Falter to Rams
The intimidating character of Abigail frightens and terrorizes many as they fall into her trap and fulfill her goal of killing all of the people. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.
“Abigail” Enthralls Audiences With Its Devious Plot
Senior Ananya Akula stands next to Rock Ridge Sings choral director Jordan Markwood after the concert. Photo courtesy of Ananya Akula.
The Note in a Bigger Journey: Rock Ridge Sends Three Musicians to All-States
Taylor Swift’s eleventh studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department” released on April 19 brought contradicting opinions from those who loved the album and appreciated the vulnerability expressed, versus those who believed all of the songs were similar and could not distinguish the differences.
Double Trouble: Taylor Swift’s Eleventh Album Comes With Secret Double Drop
The album cover of “We Still Don’t Trust You” features Metro Boomin standing next to Future. The album cover hints at the theme of money, due to the extensive jewelry the rappers wear. Album cover via Freebandz.
Metro Boomin’s New Album is Boomin’ with Undeserved Hate
As Woody is kicked out by his own people in the forest because of his behavior, he is forced to learn about the power of teamwork. For this, he travels to Camp Woo Hoo for experiences that will change his point of view. Photo courtesy of Universal Picture Home Entertainment.
Woody The Woodpecker’s Newest Adventure: Camp
Nguyen Swan Song: No Knowing
Nguyen Swan Song: No Knowing
Chand Swan Song: What Will Be, Did Be
Chand Swan Song: What Will Be, Did Be
Cho Swan Song
Cho Swan Song
One of my friends, senior Nikki Khanna, and I at our prom. My suit was bought at the last minute but it looked fine either way. Photo courtesy of Nikki Khanna.
Cortés Negrón Swan Song: I, A Tired Pitirre
Nyman Swan Song: I Wish
Nyman Swan Song: I Wish
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
SPED Dean Jesse Hudson fist bumps sophomore Keira Bacas as she steps out of the school bus to begin her first day of school on Aug. 24. Teachers and students were excited to return back to school for Rock Ridges 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.
Welcome Back, Phoenix!
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
The Unity
The Unity
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
SPED Dean Jesse Hudson fist bumps sophomore Keira Bacas as she steps out of the school bus to begin her first day of school on Aug. 24. Teachers and students were excited to return back to school for Rock Ridges 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.
Welcome Back, Phoenix!
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
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

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THE BLAZE

The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School
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