• Important Dates -->
  • 4/20: United Spring Fling
  • 4/27-5/4: RRPA's 'Frozen'
  • 4/23: NEHS Open Mic Night
  • 5/1: Senior Sports Signing
  • 5/3: Decision Day & Military Signing Day
  • 5/9: 'May I Serve' Day
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Rock Ridge Performing Arts cast of “Frozen” brings the energy while performing a sneak peek of their song “Fixer-Upper.”
Phoenix spring into the end of the year with a final Pep Rally
Shake Shack is going after Chick-fil-A in this latest marketing run, potentially introducing a new competitor to the landscape of fast food chicken sandwiches.
Shack Shack’s Latest Promo and What it Means for Chick-fil-A
Surrounded by her colleagues from the social science department, Aisha Ahmed proudly displays her “New Teacher of the Year” award. “They did a really good job keeping it a surprise from me and I think its hopefully a testament to what I try to do,” Ahmed said. Photo courtesy of Katy Greiner Babcock.
Sincere Support: Ahmed Named LCPS “New Teacher of the Year”
Hostess and English teacher Jessica Berg engages the audience while leading the Summit. Before the event took place, Berg was working hard to organize, contact, and piece together the inner workings of the event, as many big names, scholars, and guests were attending the much-anticipated event.
Women’s Rights Activists Rise Above at the “Rise To” Summit
Debaters Nitya Matcha and Rayna Budigelli discuss the next move for their plans to go about the second round of debates. “Our first two rounds were pretty interesting, it is very inspirational to see the types of thinking that people undergo trying to make their debate cases,” Matcha said.
Rock Ridge Debaters Sweep VHSL Regional Competition
Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time
Phoenix Profiles: Humans of Rock Ridge
Phoenix Profiles: Humans of Rock Ridge
LCPS has experimented with the schedule in the past, leading to much controversy. Students and staff are left with mixed feelings regarding this years schedule change.
The New Schedule: the Positive, the Negative, and the Neutral
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
Return to The Rock
Return to The Rock
The U.S. Capitol on the morning of President Bidens Inauguration.
Road To The Presidency
A distorted image of an I Voted sticker from Loudoun County. (Photo courtesy of Katy Greiner)
What’s A Rumor You’ve Heard About The Election?
The general election, and final day to vote, will take place on Nov. 3. In Virginia, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What To Expect On Decision Day: Ins and Outs Of Following A Major Election
President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 5, 2019. (White House/Shaelah Craighead)
Trump Agrees on New Spending Bill; Promises an Emergency Declaration
Junior Lola Aguilar spikes the ball to the other team in a match at her volleyball club, Loudoun Elite. Photo courtesy of Lola Aguilar.
Lola Aguilar Bumps, Sets, and Spikes Her Way to Victory
Senior Kyle Woody and sophomore Riya Cheruki pitch for their teams. The game had many ups and downs for both the opponent and the Phoenix, but in the end, the Lightning were able to secure the win for both their softball and baseball teams.
Lightning Strike Phoenix During Baseball/Softball Double Header
Freshman Leeyu Assefa returns a powerful serve in her scrimmage match. “It’s definitely an experience, sometimes it can be a lot seeing people who are more talented and really skilled when you’re first starting off,” freshman and Assefa’s teammate Skylar Helms said.
Cross-District Deuces: Phoenix Falter to Rams
The Phoenix set up for the next play as the Patriots gain possession of the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Takes on the Patriots in a Hard Fought Game
With unwavering concentration, sophomore Sathvik Mathi positions himself on the tennis court, eyes fixed on the fluorescent yellow ball, as he prepares to strike. His grip tightens around the handle of his racket as he gets ready to swing. With a swift and powerful motion, he connects with the ball, sending it hurtling toward his opponents side of the court.
Phoenix Boys Tennis Trample Over Spartans
As the cross country season comes to an end, team members managed to qualify for districts. Although it was the first time the boys made it to districts, senior Ayush Marwaha still treated the meet like any other. “The atmosphere has always been crazy at the meet,” Marwaha said. “The adrenaline rush is always insane, but I feel like Ive gotten used to it. Before every meet, I always tell myself to try and be calm.”
Cross Country Races Towards Districts
A four-year member of the program, senior Austin Fisher searches for an opening in hopes of securing a crucial first down for the Phoenix. An elite receiver and linebacker, Fisher has consistently made an impact not only on offense and defense, but also off the field.
Senior Night Sparks Phoenix Win Over Atoms
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.
From Practice to Performance and Beyond: Cheer Season Recap
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.
Phoenix Face Loss, Falling Victim to Friday the 13
The Phoenix football team runs out onto the field to take on the Loudoun Valley Vikings for the Homecoming football game, concluding a week of fun and games for students.
Spirit Week Ends with a Final Play Against Vikings
The team celebrates their win against the Titans in a huddle around star player of the night, Eryn Chemoiwa, congratulating her on her accomplishments.
Free Throws and Four-Point Plays: A New Phoenix Rises to the Challenge
Phoenix cheerleaders complete a chant at a home basketball game. “Smooth and easy thats what we do,” senior cheer captain Reagan Carper said.
From Friday Night Lights to Bright Gym Lights
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.”
Phoenix Take Down the Titans
Freshman defenseman Brooks Furtek (44) cross-checks a Seahawk in a race to get the puck.
Pride/Phoenix Stir Up the Hornets/Seahawks Nest
Students rush onto the court to celebrate with the team after the buzzer beater three-pointer made by junior William Beck. “Honestly, I thought the game was over but then the clock stopped and my heart stopped, junior Mihir Peta said. “I was like, there’s no way this happened.”
Sinking a Last Shot on Senior Night: Phoenix Parade Over the Pride
Senior Kyle Woody and sophomore Riya Cheruki pitch for their teams. The game had many ups and downs for both the opponent and the Phoenix, but in the end, the Lightning were able to secure the win for both their softball and baseball teams.
Lightning Strike Phoenix During Baseball/Softball Double Header
Freshman Leeyu Assefa returns a powerful serve in her scrimmage match. “It’s definitely an experience, sometimes it can be a lot seeing people who are more talented and really skilled when you’re first starting off,” freshman and Assefa’s teammate Skylar Helms said.
Cross-District Deuces: Phoenix Falter to Rams
The Phoenix set up for the next play as the Patriots gain possession of the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Takes on the Patriots in a Hard Fought Game
With unwavering concentration, sophomore Sathvik Mathi positions himself on the tennis court, eyes fixed on the fluorescent yellow ball, as he prepares to strike. His grip tightens around the handle of his racket as he gets ready to swing. With a swift and powerful motion, he connects with the ball, sending it hurtling toward his opponents side of the court.
Phoenix Boys Tennis Trample Over Spartans
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.”
Phoenix Stand Strong Against the Lightning’s Thunder
Siwa’s new song is a completely different genre when compared to her first song, “Boomerang,” and many are against the genre switch.
Boomerangs May Come Back, But Jojo Siwa’s Career Won’t
Tiller released his fourth album as a self-titled album to show R&B enthusiasts that his run isn’t over, and that he’s starting a brand-new chapter in his music career.
He’s Back & He’s Better: Bryson Tiller Releases Self-Titled Album
The album cover for “Compliments of Grave Digger Mountain” portrays NBA YoungBoy as a mountain, hinting at the theme of him overcoming his challenges.
My Compliments to NBA YoungBoy for Making His Third Dull Album In a Row
Po must choose a worthy candidate of being the Dragon Warrior as he advances to a higher position in the kung fu hierarchy. The most unexpected candidate ends up being the one that strikes Po’s eyes the most and is trusted to ensure the peace of the people.
Kung Fu Panda Kicks Back Into Theaters
In “eternal sunshine,” Ariana Grande navigates the aftermath of her divorce from Dalton Gomez and the complexities of her new relationship with co-star Ethan Slater in the “Wicked” adaptation, exploring themes of heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery.
Ariana Grande Shimmers in the Bright Haze of ‘eternal sunshine’
Artificial Intelligence did not stop evolving when the ChatGPT craze flatlined, and a big scare involving OpenAI’s latest project demonstrates it.
The Controversy That Is Artificial Intelligence Development in 2024
From Friday the 13th being an unlucky day to knocking twice on wood, everyone has their own beliefs and superstitions, and some are held more strongly than others.
Superstitions Found To Affect Mental Health
Many companies often ask customers to round up at the register, but whether or not to do so can be a difficult decision for uninformed shoppers.
Rounding up: Right or Wrong?
Gift-giving is a way for a person to show their love and admiration through something other than words, physical touch, quality time, etc. It gives people a reason to do something special for someone, and it can be prominent all year round, not only for special occasions.
The Art of Gift Giving
Alabama recently implemented a new form of execution: nitrogen-induced hypoxia. This is the newest form of execution since 1982 when lethal injections were first used; the execution has caused controversy among advocates against the death penalty and health professionals.
Death to the Death Penalty
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
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 Ridges 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.
Welcome Back, Phoenix!
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
The Unity
The Unity
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
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 Ridges 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.
Welcome Back, Phoenix!
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Trending Stories
1
The symbolism and writing in “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” is note-worthy. However, the excessive amount of characters and details on their backstory is a drag to get through. The marbles, a consistent symbol of interconnectedness throughout the book, is also its downfall due to the excessive number of characters.

“The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” is Not Heaven on Earth

2
Alabama recently implemented a new form of execution: nitrogen-induced hypoxia. This is the newest form of execution since 1982 when lethal injections were first used; the execution has caused controversy among advocates against the death penalty and health professionals.

Death to the Death Penalty

3
The cover of “Coming Home” shows Usher’s back with the chain of a cross, as well as him holding a peach. This hints at his journey making it to the title of “King of R&B” through determination and with the help of God. Photo Courtesy of Gamma Records.

Usher’s New Album is Definitely a ‘Bop’

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Rodrigo showcases her stellar lyrics and 2000s-inspired production in “GUTS.”

“GUTS:” Olivia Rodrigo’s Newest Self-Loathing Record is a Means of Catharsis

5
From the athletes to the academics, student backgrounds shine through in all aspects, highlighting the niche hobbies and lifestyles of the Phoenix student body. Graphic by: Tanishka Enugu and Aarohi Motwani.

Humans of Rock Ridge: Student Profiles

Recent Stories
Rock Ridge Performing Arts cast of “Frozen” brings the energy while performing a sneak peek of their song “Fixer-Upper.”
News
Phoenix spring into the end of the year with a final Pep Rally
Rachel Adams, Bella Gerardi, and Maddie Nyman
Junior Lola Aguilar spikes the ball to the other team in a match at her volleyball club, Loudoun Elite. Photo courtesy of Lola Aguilar.
Sports
Lola Aguilar Bumps, Sets, and Spikes Her Way to Victory
Aarohi Motwani and Ananya Karthik
Siwa’s new song is a completely different genre when compared to her first song, “Boomerang,” and many are against the genre switch.
Arts & Entertainment
Boomerangs May Come Back, But Jojo Siwa’s Career Won’t
Ria Athreya, Staff Writer

Cross-District Deuces: Phoenix Falter to Rams

On March 14, the Phoenix girls tennis team battled the visiting Riverside Rams in a competitive matchup, with the Rams ultimately taking the win with a final score of 6-3.
Freshman+Leeyu+Assefa+returns+a+powerful+serve+in+her+scrimmage+match.+%E2%80%9CIt%E2%80%99s+definitely+an+experience%2C+sometimes+it+can+be+a+lot+seeing+people+who+are+more+talented+and+really+skilled+when+you%E2%80%99re+first+starting+off%2C%E2%80%9D+freshman+and+Assefa%E2%80%99s+teammate+Skylar+Helms+said.
Danielle Kimpson Kaley
Freshman Leeyu Assefa returns a powerful serve in her scrimmage match. “It’s definitely an experience, sometimes it can be a lot seeing people who are more talented and really skilled when you’re first starting off,” freshman and Assefa’s teammate Skylar Helms said.
Byline photo of Tanishka Enugu
Byline photo of Sam Cho
Byline photo of Danielle Kimpson Kaley
Tanishka Enugu, Sam Cho, and Danielle Kimpson Kaley • April 11, 2024

In a tense contest between two highly-ranked teams, on Tuesday, March 14, the Phoenix girls tennis team went up against the Riverside Rams. The Phoenix kept up a good fight with a few singles wins; however, the Rams came out on top with a win of 6-3.

In the first portion of the match, the Phoenix were met with strong opponents all around. As a result, the singles round ended with a 4-2 score, with freshman Iza Paul and senior Sannidhi Sangisetti claiming the two wins for the Phoenix. After the six singles rounds, the teams moved onto the doubles section of the match. Once again, the Rams took the majority as they ended the match with a final score of 6-3. The Phoenix took victory in one doubles match however, a team effort by Paul and sophomore Mrudu Annavarapu. 

IMG_1096
Gallery • 7 Photos
Danielle Kimpson Kaley
Attempting to catch the volley, junior Karis Huang runs to get to the opposite side of the court in time.

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More in Sports
Junior Lola Aguilar spikes the ball to the other team in a match at her volleyball club, Loudoun Elite. Photo courtesy of Lola Aguilar.
Lola Aguilar Bumps, Sets, and Spikes Her Way to Victory
Senior Kyle Woody and sophomore Riya Cheruki pitch for their teams. The game had many ups and downs for both the opponent and the Phoenix, but in the end, the Lightning were able to secure the win for both their softball and baseball teams.
Lightning Strike Phoenix During Baseball/Softball Double Header
The Phoenix set up for the next play as the Patriots gain possession of the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Takes on the Patriots in a Hard Fought Game
More in Spring Sports
With unwavering concentration, sophomore Sathvik Mathi positions himself on the tennis court, eyes fixed on the fluorescent yellow ball, as he prepares to strike. His grip tightens around the handle of his racket as he gets ready to swing. With a swift and powerful motion, he connects with the ball, sending it hurtling toward his opponents side of the court.
Phoenix Boys Tennis Trample Over Spartans
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.”
Phoenix Stand Strong Against the Lightning’s Thunder
Senior Arshan Shahjahan pushes past a Spartan defender as he dribbles the ball.
A War With the Weather: First Phoenix Draw of the Season
About the Contributors
Tanishka Enugu
Tanishka Enugu, Editor In Chief
Tanishka Enugu is a senior and this is her fourth year on The Blaze staff! A passionate writer who appreciates the community the newspaper brings, she loves being able to represent the student body through the paper. Tanishka is also a huge history buff who strives to engage in all things related to the subject through her role as president of both the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, and the Academic Team here at the Rock. Formerly the sports section editor, she is also a four year member of the track and field team, and loves to watch and discuss all things hockey. Similar to some of her favorite pieces to write, she enjoys indulging in pop culture, good books, and even better TV shows during her free time.
Sam Cho
Sam Cho, Staff Writer
Sam Cho is a senior in his first year on the Newspaper staff. He decided to join because he wanted to become a part of a new source at Rock Ridge. As of right now, Cho is part of the SCA, where he helps organize events such as prom, pep rallies, and homecoming. He is part of the lacrosse team as a long stick middie. He is looking forward to graduating and attending college and studying Public Health. Cho also enjoys playing basketball with friends and maintaining his reselling business in his free time. “I believe that a key to newspaper, from what I’ve seen so far, is to be more open to new people and be more active in finding resources,” Cho said.
Danielle Kimpson Kaley
Danielle Kimpson Kaley, Staff Writer
Danielle is a sophomore and this is her first year on staff. In her free time, she loves sleeping whenever she gets the chance. She also watches anime and recently finished “Chainsaw Man,” and enjoys playing the guitar, which she has been doing for six years. She enjoys all genres of music, except country, and her favorite album is “HOPE” by NF. While her favorites change a lot, they have a very similar vibe. Danielle's mom is the reason she joined the newspaper. When her mom found out about “The Blaze,” she was so excited and encouraged Danielle to join the paper.

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