• Important Dates -->
  • 9/23: Clash of Classes Kickball Game
  • 9/24: Anything But a Backpack Day
  • 9/25: Hallway Decorating
  • 9/26: Pep Rally!
  • 9/27: Homecoming Football Game
  • 9/28: Homecoming Dance
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
On the first Tuesday of two monthly meetings, the school board met to discuss streamlining processes, public opinion, policy changes, and more.
School Board Meeting Discusses School Accountability and Accreditation Changes, Free Speech Policy Changes, Distinguished Schools in English Learning
A new influx of campaign materials has entered the social media rings in recent years. Politicians are taking advantage of the new ability to reach millions of people simultaneously, and voters have begun to get much more of their information about elections online.
Tweets and Tactics: How Social Media Transformed the World of Politics
Social studies teacher Tori Webb provides her background to parents, including being a University of Virginia alum and pursuing her passion for being a teacher since her childhood.
Back to School Night: A+ Connections, One Classroom at a Time
Senior class officers Jackie Cheek, Saanvi Movva, and Maanu Karthikeyan demonstrate to the other SCA officers how the Tropical Relay race works. Games like this were the main highlight of the pep rally as competitive spirit grew over the week, eventually culminating in a faceoff between the Phoenix football team and Clark County on Friday, Aug. 30.
Shaking Up Tradition: Pep Rally Schedule Gets a Fresh Twist
Seniors Saanvi Movva, Jackie Cheek, Maanu Karthikeyan, and Nishitha Kancharla answer questions from freshmen about what to look forward to in their freshman year, including the Homecoming dance, spirit weeks, and tailgates. Karthikeyan believes that senior year provides her the opportunity to participate in occasions she didn’t throughout her past three years. “I’m excited about all the events we’ve been putting off for the entirety of high school,” Karthikeyan said. “This is the year that we all look forward to.”
New Phoenix RISE and Take Flight During Freshman Orientation
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
The team huddles together before the second set starts, displaying their strong bond. “We hang out a lot during school,” senior Lola Aguilar said. “I'd recommend trying to get to know everyone.”
Despite Best Efforts, Rams Take the Win Against Phoenix in Second Home Volleyball Game
Senior Kaushik Muskari: “This might be my favorite season out of all four years because we’ve been winning a lot and I’ve been spending a lot of time with the team and on the court. When we don’t have a match, we usually have morning practice, and it’s a really good time for team bonding and working on everything that we need to on the court. My favorite part of the season has been when I won region doubles with my partner so now we’re progressing to states. I’m planning to continue tennis at George Mason University and major in computer engineering, so I’ve got a long road ahead of me.”
Tennis Triumphs: An Insight Into the Champions
Junior Lilia Jones has exemplified what it means to be a Phoenix. Although she partakes in many activities, she still finds a way to juggle her personal life with her school life -- and on top of her busy schedule, she also holds the title of all-state athlete. Photo courtesy of Lilia Jones, graphic by Rodrigue Gomado
Lilia Jones Leaps Over Hurdles of High School
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
The team huddles together before the second set starts, displaying their strong bond. “We hang out a lot during school,” senior Lola Aguilar said. “I'd recommend trying to get to know everyone.”
Despite Best Efforts, Rams Take the Win Against Phoenix in Second Home Volleyball Game
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 I've 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
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 that's 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 Kaushik Muskari: “This might be my favorite season out of all four years because we’ve been winning a lot and I’ve been spending a lot of time with the team and on the court. When we don’t have a match, we usually have morning practice, and it’s a really good time for team bonding and working on everything that we need to on the court. My favorite part of the season has been when I won region doubles with my partner so now we’re progressing to states. I’m planning to continue tennis at George Mason University and major in computer engineering, so I’ve got a long road ahead of me.”
Tennis Triumphs: An Insight Into the Champions
Junior Lilia Jones has exemplified what it means to be a Phoenix. Although she partakes in many activities, she still finds a way to juggle her personal life with her school life -- and on top of her busy schedule, she also holds the title of all-state athlete. Photo courtesy of Lilia Jones, graphic by Rodrigue Gomado
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Senior Teyany Kleiner looks to take the lead away from a Huskies runner and a Wolverines runner. Kleiner became the regional runner-up after racing in the 100 and 200 meter.
Phoenix Leave a Blazing Trail for Track Regionals
With his eyes on the ball, senior Aryan Dhiman swings his racket hard in order to get an advantage over his opponent.
Phoenix Tennis Teams Take the Title at Districts
Seniors Sierra Bell and Ashi Akula advance upfield with the ball.
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‘Infinite Icon’: Paris Hilton’s Recent Album Has Been Forgotten in the New Generation of Pop
“Short n’ Sweet” showcases Sabrina Carpenter’s seamless blend of wit and catchy melodies, making it her most compelling and confident album to date. Photo Courtesy of Island Records
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Sophomores Ronald Hodge III, who plays Tom Collins, and Angel LaBosette, who plays Angel Dumott Schunard, star center stage during their number, “Santa Fe.”
Running It Back: ‘‘RENT’’ Revival to Take International Thespian Festival Main Stage
While sophomore Tyler Nguyen, senior Shubha Ballurkar, and junior Norah Thomas concentrate on playing their cello in tune with the music, junior Andrew Takach stands behind them, moving his hands across the fingerboard of his double bass as the only player with this instrument.
Moving Music and Final Farewells: Seniors Take Last Bow at Orchestra’s Annual Spring Concert
Sophomore Zoe Fyne-Okorie (left) and freshman Addison Dietz (right) strike a pose at the end of “Girls Just Wanna Dance,” arranged by Paul Langford.
Rock Ridge Sings Celebrates Seniors and Sends Them Off With Final Concert
TikTok is on death row for nine months as the US government recently passed a bill to ban the use and download of TikTok across the US.
TikTok is Running Out of Time: TikTok Ban Bill Was Signed
Colors, contrasts, font, size, neatness, background, context, and more, all contribute to the particular style of one’s handwriting. How far has handwriting, as an art form, come? Taking a look back in history and comparing it to modern-day practices shows how little yet how far the art form has transitioned, especially with its recent booming on digital platforms.
The Lost Art of Penmanship: Rediscovering the Beauty of Handwriting
The phone-free school movement started as a small act and is now spreading all over the United States, and will continue until something is done about it.
Should Schools Go Phone Free?
Rock Ridge Road Infrastructure poses grave concerns due to immense traffic during congested pickup and drop off times for car riders and bus riders, along with potential safety hazards for bicyclists and pedestrians having to share a sidewalk.
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It seems like nowadays Gen Z kids act very grown up. Instead of playing in playgrounds, they are running around Sephora. Instead of sending notes to each other in class, they are Snapping each other on Snapchat. Why has this happened to Gen Z, and is it going to cause any lasting effects on the kids?
Maturity Levels are Getting Higher and Higher
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Senior Pranjal Deshmukh carefully applies paint to the outline of her name on a Barbie box parking spot design. At the annual parking spot painting event, rising seniors got a chance to claim a parking spot; brainstorm a personal design; come equipped with gallons of paint, various brushes, and rolling pins; and have fun coloring the asphalt with friends and family.
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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.
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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.
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‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
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Senior Pranjal Deshmukh carefully applies paint to the outline of her name on a Barbie box parking spot design. At the annual parking spot painting event, rising seniors got a chance to claim a parking spot; brainstorm a personal design; come equipped with gallons of paint, various brushes, and rolling pins; and have fun coloring the asphalt with friends and family.
Class of 2025 Makes Their Mark in the Parking Lot
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 Ridge's 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
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE

Phoenix spring into the end of the year with a final Pep Rally

Starting the fourth quarter off strong, SCA put together a fun-filled spirit week that ended with the final pep rally of the year. The event hosted multitudes of games, cheers, and a hoard of school spirit.
Rachel Adams
Rock Ridge Performing Arts cast of “Frozen” brings the energy while performing a sneak peek of their song “Fixer-Upper.”
Byline photo of Rachel Adams
Byline photo of Bella Gerardi
Byline photo of Maddie Nyman
Rachel Adams, Bella Gerardi, and Maddie Nyman • April 28, 2024

On Thursday, April 11, the gym was packed with students as the final pep rally kicked off celebrations for the end of the spring season. SCA put together a fun-filled pep rally with games like human bowling and teacher races.

The students took on the challenge of class cheers, as they competed to be the loudest to win the spirit stick. The freshman took home the spirit stick in addition to their overall win during this spirit week. Freshman Keeya Makonnen participated in the spirit week and was surprised with the freshmen winning the spirit week. “That was a first,” Makonnen said. “Seniors always get it, so I’m so happy that we won.”

SCA President Maggie Miller noticed the excitement from the underclassmen. “I think the freshmen and the sophomores had a lot of spirit and it was really fun,” Miller said. 

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The gym was filled with loud cheers and screams as the cast of  “Frozen” took the floor to perform a part of the song “Fixer-Upper” from the upcoming play. They demonstrated their dancing talents as they put on an energizing performance for their classmates.

The preceding spirit week was filled with fun days, from dressing up like minions to acting like a “soccer mom” or “barbecue dad.” Students got many opportunities to earn points throughout the week by both dressing up and participating in the lunch games presented by SCA. 

Through the spirit week and the pep rally, the Phoenix community came closer together to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of summer. Students put in their best efforts to get their class final points for the year in an overall effort to win the spirit stick. This final pep rally was an exciting start to the final quarter of the 2023-24 school year.

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Bella Gerardi
As president of SCA, senior Maggie Miller leads the pep rally and tries to keep the energy high as the classes compete for the spirit stick. Being a member of SCA since freshman year has given Miller the opportunity to work up to her current position. “It’s really fun just kind of stepping into that leadership position,” Miller said.

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On the first Tuesday of two monthly meetings, the school board met to discuss streamlining processes, public opinion, policy changes, and more.
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About the Contributors
Rachel Adams
Rachel Adams, Website Coordinator
Rachel Adams is a senior. This is her third year on staff, and she is one of the Website Coordinators. She is part of the girls tennis team and the theater program. Her favorite hobbies include baking, hiking, crocheting, and reading. Her favorite books are murder mysteries, but she loves all genres. When she graduates high school, she hopes to get into aviation, specifically piloting commercial planes. She has only been on a plane twice, but she knew this was something she wanted to do for a career almost right away. Rachel is excited to see what the future holds, in both college and beyond.
Bella Gerardi
Bella Gerardi, Photo Editor
Senior Bella Gerardi has been a member of the Blaze for four years and this year she has the role of the Photo Editor. Bella has had a history with writing since a young age. Her grandmothers were both authors, and it led her down the journalism path.  While she started off writing opinion pieces her first few years, she slowly started to love taking pictures and realized she was very good at it. Over the last year she grew her position to the highest role in photo editing with all the pictures getting sent to her for approval. This year, she wants to hopefully find someone to pass her role as Photo Editor down to. When she's not working at Kung Fu Tea, she loves to read, especially horror and romance, go to the gym and listen to music. After college she wishes to pursue a career in social work, particularly CPS. As for her love for journalism, she wants to pursue a career as a journalist on the side and hopefully build it up to a good job and decent pay. She hopes to combine her love for social work and journalism in the future.
Maddie Nyman
Maddie Nyman, Staff Writer
Maddie Nyman is a senior, and this is her second year on The Blaze. She enjoys working on The Blaze because she can focus on one of her favorite things: writing. She is starting her third year of running indoor and outdoor track on the Rock Ridge team, and is co-president of Chapter 9 ¾ of National English Honor Society. When not in school, Maddie enjoys running, reading, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with friends.  She hopes to continue writing great pieces for The Blaze and make this year the best yet!