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
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
“As I am signing off in EB Garamond, I notice that I didn’t find the belonging I came here to find; I found an identity. My experience in newspaper wasn’t defined by staying in room 1400, but by the confidence to leave this room, connect to the community at Rock Ridge, and find myself.” – Waas Swan Song: Belonging
Waas Swan Song: Belonging
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” - Dr. Suess
King Swan Song: One Last Time
“Even if the people who come in and out of this classroom don’t know me, these four walls always will.” — You’ll Always Know Me Courtesy of Kate Gutshall
Coleman Swan Song: You’ll Always Know Me
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
Media by the Minute: The Grammys Really Weren’t That Bad
Media by the Minute: The Grammys Really Weren’t That Bad
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
Three participants showcase their Puerto Rican culture by traditional dance, filling the auditorium with high energy and lots of applause.
Stone Hill Middle School Hosts Annual Culture Night, Uniting Ashburn Community
Surrounded by excited students, Harlem Wizards players turn the game into an interactive experience, filling the gym with laughter, energy, and spirit.
Harlem Wizards Bring Tricks, Laughter, and School Spirit to Rock Ridge
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE

How Was the American Music Awards In 2026?

How did the American Music Awards turn out? Who won and what are my thoughts and opinions?
Samantha Chang
Byline photo of Josiah Anderson
Josiah Anderson, Staff Writer • June 1, 2026

The 2026 American Music Awards has a lot in store for us this year. Who was nominated, who won, and who shows a lot of promise? Hi, I’m Josiah and welcome to Media by the Minute! In this episode, I’m going to explain my opinion and talk about how the awards went.

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About the Contributors
Josiah Anderson
Josiah Anderson, Staff Writer
Josiah Anderson is a junior and a new staff member of The Blaze. After receiving a recommendation letter to join the newspaper, he was immediately interested in contributing. His goals for this year are writing pieces people will actually enjoy and be interested in reading because he feels people his age don’t read enough anymore. Originally from outside of Atlanta, Georgia, Josiah has lived in Loudoun County for 6 years. Josiah is a veteran member of the Rock Ridge Marching Band, where he plays the Bass 3. In his free time, Josiah enjoys making rap and R&B-style music, drawing influence from artists like Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator. He recently taught himself how to produce music using FL Studio. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with friends and gaming.
Samantha Chang
Samantha Chang, Managing Editor
Samantha Chang is a senior, and this is her fourth year on The Blaze. As the managing editor, her job is to oversee the new staffers and to make sure they can be the best journalists they can be. Sam is looking forward to writing stories about the community and recording podcasts about politics. Sam hopes to win journalism awards for her writing and finish off her last year at Rock Ridge strong. When Sam joined The Blaze her freshman year, she never expected such a welcoming community. Sam stayed on The Blaze because she loves the environment, the work, and the teachers like Ms. Greiner and Mr. Anderson. She wants to major in journalism in college and cover stories for the rest of her life. Outside of The Blaze, Sam is the arts and marketing director for the Criminal Justice Club.