![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)
Long-Awaited Brambleton Library Opens
The new library is located in the middle of the popular Brambleton Town Center and will benefit the entire community
Library visitors extensively explore the advanced glass walled teen room overlooking the esteemed Brambleton Town Center. This room is designed specifically for teens and is the perfect place to curl up with a good book or spend long studying hours.
December 13, 2018
On December 1, 2018, hundreds of people crowded the Brambleton Library as an ornamental ribbon was cut to celebrate its grand opening. Located in the Brambleton Town Center, the new library is a lofty 40,000 square feet. Given the central location, the state-of-the-art facility will be utilized by high school students in the area. In fact, according to the Loudoun County Public Library webpage, this library is expected to be the busiest of all the Loudoun County Public Library branches. Packed with collaboration rooms, a makerspace, a gaming room, and a recording studio, the library is ideal for innovation.
Students at Rock Ridge High School flocked to the opening of the new library. Sophomore Sanya Shetty was excited to utilize the new space. “The location is very convenient to go and do homework with peers on school nights and has a great atmosphere in general,” she said. Shetty also plans on going to just check out the broad selection of new books.
Other students are more interested in using the makerspace with 3D printers and recording studios. Sophomore Mary Zeno intended to start exploring the world of 3D printing. Zeno said, “The new library gives everyone around Loudoun County so many new opportunities which we didn’t have before. The 3D printer is what I’m looking forward to the most right now.”
The ten collaboration rooms provide a quiet area to study alone or function as meeting rooms. The sleek architecture and modern furniture surrounding the teen area, found on the upper floor, create an open ambience.
“This library is going to benefit our entire community and the long-awaited time for the opening was definitely worth it,” said sophomore Neha Dacherla. The new Brambleton library is sure to be a big hit for kids, teens, and adults all around.
![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-600x400.jpg)
![Senior Fatima Qaderi grew into the person she wanted to become when she was younger and continues to work towards growing more confident in using her voice when it matters. “I didnt get treated the way I wanted to be treated, and I realized that it wasnt just them treating me the wrong way, it was me treating me the wrong way,” Qaderi said. “I forced them to like to look at me in a way where Im someone who needs to be respected; they cant just disregard me, they cant just look over me because I have a different opinion, because Im a woman, because Im Afghan, because Im Muslim, or whatever. It just took going through different experiences to figure out how [I wanted to] be heard.” Photo courtesy of Fatima Qaderi.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_3870-600x471.jpeg)
