![Standing center stage, senior Ananya Akula conducts the Phoenix Chorale. “[Conducting and teaching] is really fun,” Akula said. “Music education is what I want to do.” On the day of the choir assessment, Akula found out that she received the President’s Music Scholarship – a full ride to the University of Miami Frost School of Music.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ananya-1200x800.jpg)
![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
![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.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![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.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.jpg)
![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.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.jpg)
B. Doughnut Now Available in One Loudoun; Emotional Reactions to The Hate U Give; The Hype Towards the Last Football Game
Ashburn patrons who are fans of gourmet doughnuts are in luck because B. Doughnut has recently opened in One Loudoun; The Hate U Give receives major acclaim from fans for the striking story told in the movie; the autumn football season is coming to a close, and the buzz around the school for the last football game has gone unnoticed.
Rock Ridge Senior NIght game VS. Pot Falls
December 6, 2018
1) B. Doughnut, once located exclusively in Leesburg and around the D.C. area, recently opened a storefront in One Loudoun. Its term as a pop-up concluded in September, and it is now a permanent fixture of the Loudoun area. B. Doughnut’s products are always baked fresh, both a blessing and a curse for its potential customers, as it limits the store’s operating hours to 9 AM to 1 PM. Patrons can now enjoy freshly baked goods in Loudoun, rather than commuting to D.C.
2) The Hate U Give, released on October 5th, 2018, has been the talk of the week at school, home, and social media, receiving support from both critics and fans. The story focuses on the trials and tribulations black people encounter in society, like police brutality. The Hate U Give, which received 7.7 million dollars in the box office, earned an A+ rating from Cinemascore for its opening night.
3) This week’s football game against Potomac Falls is the final game of the season. Not only is it the last game, but it is also Senior Night, the time to commemorate the football players’, cheerleaders’, and band members’ countless contributions to Rock Ridge. Come out and join the seniors as they celebrate the highlights of their Rock Ridge
careers.
