• Important Dates -->
  • 9/15--Food Coma Day, Clash of Classes Kickball
  • 9/16--Take Out Tuesday
  • 9/17--BBQ Dad vs. Football Mom
  • 9/18--Favorite Food Thursday
  • 9/19--Black Out
  • 9/19--Tailgate and Homecoming Football Game
  • 9/20--Homecoming Dance
  • 9/26--Gray Activity Day
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Parents laugh and talk amongst each other in English teacher Scott Schwarz’s room.
Building Connections: Parents and Educators Connect at Back to School Night
Juniors stand united as they cheer for the chance to win a spirit stick.
Cheer, Chant, Rally! Phoenix Pride Shines at Pep Rally
Rock Ridge juniors celebrate the end of the first annual spirit week with class colors. Left to right: Benjamin O'Connor, Xavier Goldberg, Graham Wilsey, Vishaal Omkaram, Om Mehta, Rithvik Ravishankar.
SCA Sparks School Spirit All Week Long
Seniors add their finishing touches to their parking spot during the annual tradition in the Phoenix lot.
Rising With Color: Parking Spots Shine With Class of 2026 Spirit
Freshmen participate in the streamer activity during the trial pep rally held at the end of orientation, where the goal was to unravel the streamer throughout the bleachers.
The Class of ‘29 Takes Flight at Rock Ridge High School’s Freshman Orientation
Community members gather together at the Sept. 13 power line rally, wearing shirts that read “No Power Lines Near Homes.”
A Community Charged in Controversy: Voices Raised Over Dominion Energy’s New Proposed Route
Mark Teague leads a warmup drill during the football team’s practice. “ I'm very aggressive, uptempo,” Teague said. “And I want the kids to feed off of that. I want them to feel as though our coach will run through a wall for us, and we do the same for him.”
From Writing Playbooks to Writing His Story, Teague is More Than Just a Coach
Assistant Principal Jennifer Cavanaugh smiles while standing on Rainbow Street on a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.
From Foundations to Farewells: Jennifer Cavanaugh’s Parting Wisdom
Karen Curran, an avid traveler, hopes to traverse the world after her retirement.
A Legacy of Learning: Karen Curran Announces Retirement
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
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
Vice president Vijeta Arora takes charge of all new members of her organization and keeps it running smoothly.
10 Questions with PASTA Vice President Vijeta Arora
Senior Nitya Matcha advises underclassmen to “try everything” and find activities they’re passionate about. Photo Courtesy of Nitya Matcha
Seven Questions with Nitya Matcha: A Master of Managing it All
PEER club leader senior Rishit Choudhari leads with a goal of making the act of being nice a common courtesy in Rock Ridge. Courtesy of Rishit Choudhari
10 Questions with Rishit Choudhari, Co-Leader of PEER
Obsidian Club Leader Keeya Makonnen leads with vision and passion, while also striving for greatness in the future. Courtesy of Keeya Makonnen
The President of the Obsidian Club: Keeya Makonnen
Mark Teague leads a warmup drill during the football team’s practice. “ I'm very aggressive, uptempo,” Teague said. “And I want the kids to feed off of that. I want them to feel as though our coach will run through a wall for us, and we do the same for him.”
From Writing Playbooks to Writing His Story, Teague is More Than Just a Coach
The Phoenix varsity soccer team huddles together during their timeout.
Phoenix Soccer Clawed by Wolverines in Final Minutes
Senior Eleser Santos running on the track during his race.
Senior Elieser Santos Shines on the Track Stage in Preparation for States
The Bethesda players line up after their game to take a picture
Bethesda Soccer Club Brings the Bang in Spain
Freshman Christian Bhide serves a ball during his singles match.
Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Team Triumphs Over Dominion Titans
Senior Eleser Santos running on the track during his race.
Senior Elieser Santos Shines on the Track Stage in Preparation for States
This week’s athlete of the week spotlights a lacrosse player: sophomore Sehejdeep Kaur.
Athlete of the Week: Sehejdeep Kaur
Sophomore Anjali Gay posing for a pre-game picture. Courtesy of Anjali Gay
Athlete Spotlight: Anjali Gay
Senior Yug Kolla runs a leg in the boys distance 4x800 in the regional track meet hosted by Rock Ridge.
Athlete of the Week: Yug Kolla
Senior Lorenz Penn brings hustle and heart to the court.
Athlete of the Week: Lorenz Penn
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
The Phoenix varsity soccer team huddles together during their timeout.
Phoenix Soccer Clawed by Wolverines in Final Minutes
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
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.”
In the midst of all the end of year chaos, state testing can divert focus off of more important exams and activities and lead to an overly stressful time for students and faculty.
Get Rid Of State Testing in Middle and High Schools
Through taking photos, I found a way to share how I felt, even when I didn’t know how to say it.
Gerardi Swan Song: Not Just a Class Assignment
Sometimes life will show you so many light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnels, it becomes an overwhelming and blinding light. All you have to do is figure out which path you want to take, and follow that light til’ the end.
Manchala Swan Song: We Ended Up Alright
An image of the software TestNav that students use to take the Standards of Learning test.
State Testing: A Necessary Evil? Balancing the Burden With the Benefits
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”
The Art of Being an Upperclassmen
The Art of Being an Upperclassmen
Community members gather together at the Sept. 13 power line rally, wearing shirts that read “No Power Lines Near Homes.”
A Community Charged in Controversy: Voices Raised Over Dominion Energy’s New Proposed Route
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
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
Community members gather together at the Sept. 13 power line rally, wearing shirts that read “No Power Lines Near Homes.”
A Community Charged in Controversy: Voices Raised Over Dominion Energy’s New Proposed Route
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
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE

The Art of Being an Upperclassmen

Rachel Bhardwaj
Byline photo of Rachel Bhardwaj
Byline photo of Divitha Mathe
Rachel Bhardwaj and Divitha Mathe • September 19, 2025

In this episode, we discuss students’ real experiences of the transition from being an underclassman to an upperclassman. With this shift, it’s not only a new year for them, but it’s a year with increased responsibility that might impact their daily life as they need to plan for their upcoming future. In this episode, we discuss the value of Internships, SAT, AP classes, and more as they bring a difficult path for upperclassmen. Joining us today are Counselor Jennifer Domingeues, English Teacher Johanna Ayala-Walsh, senior Vanshika Putta, junior Anika Dosapati, and junior Yazheny Jothiramalingam. 

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Community members gather together at the Sept. 13 power line rally, wearing shirts that read “No Power Lines Near Homes.”
A Community Charged in Controversy: Voices Raised Over Dominion Energy’s New Proposed Route
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
Classroom Conversations: What Do We Know About Title IX?
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About the Contributors
Rachel Bhardwaj
Rachel Bhardwaj, Staff Writer
Rachel Bhardwaj is a second year staff writer on the Rock Ridge Blaze who likes drawing, sketching  and singing when she’s not doing hip hop dancing. She hopes to join DECA and Debate and more clubs as the year goes by. Her goal for the year is to learn more about visual media and create more visual media. She joined this class because she likes writing about her opinions and expressing her thoughts . Outside of class she wants to pass junior year and hopefully pass her AP exams and the SAT. She also started tutoring sessions for K-5 students to get ready for the year.
Divitha Mathe
Divitha Mathe, Staff Writer
Divitha Mathe is a sophomore at Rock Ridge this year. She joined The Blaze this year and recently moved here from Fairfax two weeks before school started. She picked journalism because that’s what she wants to do in the future. She likes creative writing, and likes how journalism has a frame that you could already use. This year she hopes to understand journalism more, but hopes to be on the editorial board by junior or senior year. She loves the A&E writing, because she can be more creative. She did badminton for a team, and still does with her dad, since he was a professional player. Apart from journalism and English, she enjoys chemistry, particularly blowing stuff up. In the future, she wants to take psychology.