The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Daisan Jones walks to the start line with his teammate Ohene Akenteng to begin his event. Photo courtesy of Daisan Jones.
10 Questions With Athlete of the Week: Daisan Jones
Freshman Ayan Chethan performs butterfly stroke.
Athlete of the Week: Ayan Chethan
Sophomore Brayden Coleman sets up the Phoenix offense against the Loudoun County Captains on Jan. 23.
Athlete of the Week: Brayden Coleman
Ethan Duval smiles for a photo.
Athlete of the Week: Ethan Duval
Sophomore forward Shawn Makassi goes up strong in an attempt to dunk the ball.
Athlete of the Week: Shawn Makassi
Phoenix gets in position to initiate the beginning of an intense game. “It's coming to the end of the season here, so [our goal] is to just focus on working harder,” senior lineman Ryan Abbondanza said.
Phoenix Freeze at the Hands of the Vikings
Senior Abby Knick prepares to bump the ball.
Phoenix Falter on Senior Night against Panthers
Senior quarterback Xavier Smith clutches the ball as he avoids Tuscarora’s defense.
Phoenix Fall Short Against Huskies
Junior right side hitter Jahnavi Kundoor sets for Junior middle blocker Katelyn Weicker.
Phoenix Volleyball’s Wings Clipped by the Knights
Sophomore Sudhi Gudimettla jumps to hit the ball over the net.
Wolverines Scratch Out a Win Against Phoenix
HRR boys' hockey team gathers together for a group photo. “We were all on the bench, excited. I couldn't wait for the game to end to see the medals,” Freshmen Forward Noah Wilkins said. Photo courtesy of Bhavitha Doma.
Rock Ridge Hockey Wins Big in Provisional Capital Cup Championship
Sophomore Addison Copeland jumps over hurdles during the girls 55m hurdles event.
Sprinting to States: 11 Athletes Qualify for State Meet
Senior Dawson Boupha scores the team’s first 3 points of the game and his last 3 points of the season.
Seniors Put a Lid on the Season and the Patriots
Sophomore small forward Shawn Makassi takes the ball from the tip-off. “We did get some easy buckets, and in the 2nd half, we did do better on defense, so that's what I really like,” sophomore shooting guard Ashwin Rapolu said.
Spartans Storm Past Phoenix
The girls basketball team huddles while Coach Joseph Smith explains the strategy. “Our coach is there for us,” junior Nada Elsayed said. “He definitely knows what he's doing.”
Despite Strong Start, Phoenix Flamed by Pride
Senior David Cheong attempts to stop the Dominion Titans from scoring a goal.
Boys Lacrosse Tumbles to Titans
Number seven, Senior Jackie Malapira attempts to attack the Loudoun County net.
Phoenix Turned to Ashes in 3-15 Loss
Senior Xavier Smith steadies himself before running a relay race.
Phoenix Track Celebrates Seniors at Home Meet
Senior Sreeram Gourineni tosses the ball high in preparation to serve.
Tennis Seniors Take Their Bow Before Playoffs
Junior Aidan Lita steps up on defense.
Huskies Extinguish an Injured Phoenix Squad
Subhashree Munagala puts in diligent efforts to help animals live a better life.
Leader of the Week: 10 Questions with Animal Alliance Leader Subhashree Munagala
Reagan Sutton performs as Rusty in RRTA’s production of “Footloose” this fall.
Leader of the Week: 9 Questions with RRTA President Reagan Sutton
Debate President Parth Jaiswal manages his time with discipline, friends, and a little bit of fingerpicking.
Leader of the Week: Parth Jaiswal
The Mock Trial club hosts an after school meeting on Mondays. Senior Mahika Talaulicar stands at the front of the classroom, going over Mock Trial’s most recent defamation case.
Leader of the Week: 10 Questions With Mock Trial President Mahika Talaulicar
President Laura Adams takes on new challenges and keeps the Rock Ridge Choir Board running effortlessly.
Leader of the Week: 8 Questions with Choir Board President Laura Adams
Writing not just till the end, but for myself and the people I love.
Chang’s Swan Song: Writing My Way Out
Thank you Newspaper for helping me find my words, on and off the website, and thank you for showing me that my full potential is not just in the words I write on paper, or on a website, but also the ones that I speak out loud and the ones that I share with others.
Challa Swan Song: Finding My Words
To newspaper, the people in my life, and fate, thank you for this unexpected yet thrilling life journey. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Kalluri’s Swan Song: Right on Time
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
Do AP’s matter?
Do AP’s matter?
How Was the American Music Awards In 2026?
How Was the American Music Awards In 2026?
Why is TV Getting More Expensive?
Why is TV Getting More Expensive?
Do PJs Affect Productivity?
Do PJs Affect Productivity?
Media by the Minute: The Olympic Hockey Drama
Media by the Minute: The Olympic Hockey Drama
Wrestler Rex Lawless celebrates a successful takedown during the main title fight.
Virginia Championship Wrestling Visits Rock Ridge
Gas prices remain at significantly higher levels amidst months of Iran-U.S. wars.
New Gas Prices, New Issues
Senior Xavier Smith steadies himself before running a relay race.
Phoenix Track Celebrates Seniors at Home Meet
A New Face Behind the Badge: Derek Brown is Rock Ridge's Lead Security Officer
A New Face Behind the Badge: Derek Brown is Rock Ridge’s Lead Security Officer
Daisan Jones walks to the start line with his teammate Ohene Akenteng to begin his event. Photo courtesy of Daisan Jones.
10 Questions With Athlete of the Week: Daisan Jones
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE

A New Face Behind the Badge: Derek Brown is Rock Ridge’s Lead Security Officer

Rock Ridge welcomes lead security officer Derek Brown as he enjoys his first year ensuring the Phoenix community stays safe.
Tyla Simpson
Byline photo of Devika Goureddy
Byline photo of Tyla Simpson
Byline photo of Tanvi Challa
Devika Goureddy, Tyla Simpson, and Tanvi Challa • May 13, 2026

Since joining the Phoenix family this year, Derek Brown has not just made the hallways of Rock Ridge safer, but also has given a sense of belonging to many students through his friendly interactions with the student body. Mr. Brown has made a major impact with Rock Ridge, whether it’s giving high-fives between classes or asking students about their day.

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Daisan Jones walks to the start line with his teammate Ohene Akenteng to begin his event. Photo courtesy of Daisan Jones.
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About the Contributors
Devika Goureddy
Devika Goureddy, Staff Writer
Devika Goureddy is a freshman this year, starting her first year as a new staff writer on The Blaze. She is excited to get comfortable with the camera and explore her interest in photography through taking many photos in event coverage, especially sports games. To diversify her skills, Devika wants to take on other forms of journalism, such as creating videos and podcasts, as well as writing opinion pieces. By joining The Blaze, she is enthusiastic to be a part of the journalism community and make lasting memories, along with improving her writing skills, to produce strong, good-quality articles. Outside of the newsroom, Devika is the freshman class president of the Student Council Association and is on the Rock Ridge volleyball team. She is also planning to join the basketball and tennis teams for future seasons and participate in clubs such as Model UN.
Tyla Simpson
Tyla Simpson, Staff Writer
Tyla Simpson is a freshman and a first-year staff writer for the Blaze. Tyla’s motivation to write for the Blaze began with her striving to improve in writing and finding her own voice. She has a piqued interest in event-based coverage and photography, with her primary goal of capturing the energy of Rock Ridge’s student life. Outside of the Blaze, she runs for the Phoenix Cross Country team and participates in Care4Kiddos, which reflects her passion for teamwork and volunteering. She also has an aspiration of becoming a nurse. During her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and relaxing in her bedroom with a TV show on. This year, Tyla is excited to bring her enthusiasm to the Blaze, contributing to the stories that highlight the people and events that shape the community.
Tanvi Challa
Tanvi Challa, Staff Writer
Tanvi Challa is a freshman this year and a new staff writer for the Blaze. She joined the staff this year because she believes journalism is a way of keeping people informed, and she wanted to take a class she would enjoy. This year, she wants to work on her writing as well as photography skills in order to try to win awards and become a better writer overall. Outside of school, she likes to spend time with her friends and family, as well as enjoy watching movies like Spiderman and horror movies. She’s planning on joining extracurriculars that involve public speaking, such as debate, Model UN, and mock trial, since she wants to go into law. Her goal for this year is to write hardcore impact-based news in order to keep her school informed on important topics. She looks forward to learning more about journalism and having an impact on her community this year.