• Important Dates -->
  • 10/2--NO SCHOOL
  • 10/8-- PSAT Day/Civic Service Day
  • 10/13--NO SCHOOL
  • 10/20--NO SCHOOL
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
There's been a noticeable drop in Celsius consumption in the classroom since its discontinuation in the vending machines.
Celsius Discontinued: The Buzz Behind the Ban
A set of retakes are marked at 70 percent to reflect the new policy.
Retakes Redone: LCPS Implements Updated 70% Reassessment Policy
Second-place winners, senior Answesha Rout and senior Kaelyn Alimusa, celebrate their performance at the FCCLA national tournament.
Flaming Success: Two FCCLA Members Earn Second at Nationals
Students from the German student exchange group and their host students from Rock Ridge visited the Capitol building during one of their field trips to Washington, D.C..
Bridging Worlds: German Exchange Students Experience American Lifestyle Firsthand
The SCC committee was responsible for recording all speeches of the residents and collecting any exhibitions they provided. To hear as many speakers as possible, the committee set a five-minute limit with a one-minute warning.
Residents Resist Dominion Energy’s Proposal as SCC Opens Public Comment
New Year, New Faces: Meet The New Staff for the 25-26 School Year
New Year, New Faces: Meet The New Staff for the 25-26 School Year
Anderson claps after the Phoenix executes a play, winning a point.
From Middle to Mentor: Meet Coach Maddie Anderson
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
One of Adams’ main responsibilities as assistant principal is to monitor lunches. Often, he can be found in the cafeteria getting to know other students and staff.
New School, Same Mission: Adams Aims High as New AP
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
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
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
Senior quarterback Xavier Smith clutches the ball as he avoids Tuscarora’s defense.
Phoenix Fall Short Against Huskies
Anderson claps after the Phoenix executes a play, winning a point.
From Middle to Mentor: Meet Coach Maddie Anderson
Junior right side hitter Jahnavi Kundoor sets for Junior middle blocker Katelyn Weicker.
Phoenix Volleyball’s Wings Clipped by the Knights
Freshman quarterback Nesai Phok steps back into the pocket and attempts a deep pass against Justice High School.
Athlete of the Week: Nesai Jordan Phok
Sophomore Sudhi Gudimettla jumps to hit the ball over the net.
Wolverines Scratch Out a Win Against Phoenix
Freshman quarterback Nesai Phok steps back into the pocket and attempts a deep pass against Justice High School.
Athlete of the Week: Nesai Jordan Phok
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
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
Several of the movie posters are shown. Starting from the top left and continuing down the rope, the movies are “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, “Black Phone”, Smile 1, Smile 2, Insidious, IT, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
The Perfect Halloween Horror Flicks for 2025
Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” contains 12 tracks that describe her view of what being a showgirl, a girl who loves being in the spotlight, is really about.
Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” Will Be The Death Of Her Career
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
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

Welcome Back, Phoenix!

Teachers and students jumped into the 2023-2024 school year with good energy, new projects, and ideas to make classrooms more engaging.
Byline photo of Melissa Waas
Byline photo of Aline Gonzalez
Melissa Waas and Aline Gonzalez • August 31, 2023
Melissa Waas
SPED Dean Jesse Hudson fist bumps sophomore Keira Bacas as she steps out of the school bus to begin her first day of school on Aug. 24. Teachers and students were excited to return back to school for Rock Ridge’s 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.

Thursday, Aug. 24, marked the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year and the school’s 10th year. The building swarmed with students falling into each other’s arms after long summers away, staff welcomed buses pulling in, and teacher prepared for their first day of classes. Students and teachers shared how it felt to be back in the building and what they were looking forward to as a new school year began.

 

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The Art of Being an Upperclassmen
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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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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
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A set of retakes are marked at 70 percent to reflect the new policy.
Retakes Redone: LCPS Implements Updated 70% Reassessment Policy
Second-place winners, senior Answesha Rout and senior Kaelyn Alimusa, celebrate their performance at the FCCLA national tournament.
Flaming Success: Two FCCLA Members Earn Second at Nationals
Students from the German student exchange group and their host students from Rock Ridge visited the Capitol building during one of their field trips to Washington, D.C..
Bridging Worlds: German Exchange Students Experience American Lifestyle Firsthand
The SCC committee was responsible for recording all speeches of the residents and collecting any exhibitions they provided. To hear as many speakers as possible, the committee set a five-minute limit with a one-minute warning.
Residents Resist Dominion Energy’s Proposal as SCC Opens Public Comment
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
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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
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
Rock Ridge students celebrate as Sanvi Challa and Melissa Waas win the grand Prize along with an internship opportunity at Loudoun Now for the summer.
Rock Ridge Wins Big at First-Ever Loudoun Now Student Journalism Awards
AP art students Nitya Matcha and Sitwat Mian paint their mural in the main hallway for their senior capstone.
Seniors Leave Their Final Mark with Capstone Murals
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
Dominion Energy’s electrical substation in Brambleton is one of the many substations located in Loudoun County to power transmission lines. Residents feel threatened by the proximity of the proposed power lines. “Many students and I attend school for eight to ten hours, so it's scary that a big corporation will have the power to put dangerous power lines so close to our school,” Leana Paradkar said.
High Voltage, Higher Stakes: Residents Protest Dominion Energy’s Power Expansion
About the Contributors
Melissa Waas
Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
Melissa Waas, a senior, has been a part of the newspaper staff for three years, and is one of the Managing Editors for the Blaze. She enjoys participating more in the media and video aspect of the Blaze. Even outside of the paper she loves making videos and has favored art and making things visually. Her goals as a journalist this year are to continue contributing to the multimedia department of the Blaze and recruit more students to join. Melissa heavily encourages people to get out of their comfort zone, and try something new in the Blaze, like the multimedia aspects. She really enjoys writing about social issues in our world and finds they can be more challenging than we realize since the facts are not always obvious. She participates in many school extracurriculars: Peer, Wings, and NEHS. Melissa moved from France to the United States in 2020. Her family was looking for an adventure, and chose the U.S. to explore new horizons. She is an extremely creative person, who is always looking for something new to learn.
Aline Gonzalez
Aline Gonzalez, Multimedia Editor
Aline Gonzalez is a senior and the Multimedia Editor for The Blaze. This is her fourth year on staff, and her passion for journalism started in third grade after joining her elementary paper. On the staff, she enjoys writing impactful opinion pieces to give a wider perspective on various topics. One of her proudest accomplishments was writing a piece on pronouns and the way schools use them now. Her goal in newspaper this year is to fulfill her editor position by having a video or podcast up every month. In the future, Aline wants to pursue law and criminology, as well as eventually go into journalism. She plans on joining the Mock Trial club at Rock Ridge this year to fuel her passion for law as well as the Hispanic Latinx club to connect with her heritage. Her other hobbies include reading, pet-sitting animals, and staying active by going to the gym.