• Important Dates -->
  • 6/6: Capstone Gala and Senior Awards
  • 6/7: Rent Revival Performance
  • 6/13: Graduation Practice
  • 6/14: Last Day of School
  • 6/14: Graduation @ RRHS
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Turning back to 2020, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden will re-enter the political ring against each other, vying for the esteemed White House seat. Emma Kaden via Creative Commons
Time Traveling to 2020: Biden and Trump Return to the Ballot Box
CTE chair and DECA sponsor Ben Stodola has had a lasting impact on the Rock. He is leaving to work in technical education, although he will miss his students and coworkers.
The End of an Era: The Rock Says Goodbye to Ben Stodola
Senior Isabella Lopez (middle) plays alongside peers in the seniors only performance of “Habanera.”
Strumming To Success: Guitar Ensemble Has Their Final Concert Of The Year
Once the yearbook came out, students got the chance to pay for it online and pick it up at the concession stand, or bring money and pay for it at the concession stand during the lunch block.
Yearbook Shows That Rock Ridge Is “Exactly Like Nowhere Else”
French teacher and language department chair Veronique Billington announces the 26 students who got the Seal of Biliteracy. Students receive the seal upon passing an exam, which tests their ability to read and write one or more languages next to English; usually, this is a language that is not offered at school and for which students can earn extra language credits by passing the exam.
Seniors Put Their Caps on Senior Year With Capstone Gala and Awards Ceremony
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
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.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Displays Impressive Effort Against Briar Woods
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 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
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.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Displays Impressive Effort Against Briar Woods
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
Sophomore Bhanuteja Alluri, senior Umair Syed, and freshman Ethan Williams play the trumpets in “Thunderscape,” an up-tempo song about the power of nature — especially that of thunder.
Rock Ridge Bands’ Spring Concert Blooms With Unity
Carpenter’s fall and rise stands as a testament to how women in the music industry have to lean into the hate they receive to be successful.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Fall and Rise: From Lyrical Rage to the Eras Tour Stage
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.
Traffic Trauma: Rock Ridge Road Infrastructure Causes Heavy Traffic Every Morning
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
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

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Turning back to 2020, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden will re-enter the political ring against each other, vying for the esteemed White House seat. Emma Kaden via Creative Commons

Time Traveling to 2020: Biden and Trump Return to the Ballot Box

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As Woody is kicked out by his own people in the forest because of his behavior, he is forced to learn about the power of teamwork. For this, he travels to Camp Woo Hoo for experiences that will change his point of view. Photo courtesy of Universal Picture Home Entertainment.

Woody The Woodpecker’s Newest Adventure: Camp

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Social media is impacting society through positive actions as well as negative ones; It is used for connecting with others and belonging to communities, but sometimes it’s often used incorrectly in cases of false information or negative comments which lead to depression or other mental/physical health issues.

Is Social Media Dangerous To Society?

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Siwa’s new song is a completely different genre when compared to her first song, “Boomerang,” and many are against the genre switch.

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Turning back to 2020, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden will re-enter the political ring against each other, vying for the esteemed White House seat. Emma Kaden via Creative Commons
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Time Traveling to 2020: Biden and Trump Return to the Ballot Box
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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.
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Polished Presentations: DECA Competitors Prepare for ICDC

As a result of their placement finishes at SLC, 38 teams were given the opportunity to travel to Anaheim, California for this year’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC). On April 24, 12 teams ran through their presentations in front of peers, family, and teachers, hoping for some last-minute critiques before their final competition.
As+part+of+their+week+at+ICDC%2C+the+Rock+Ridge+DECA+group+attended+various+Disney+events+hosted+by+the+DECA+organization+to+foster+networking+and+fun+between+the+schools.+Photo+courtesy+of+Ben+Stodola.
As part of their week at ICDC, the Rock Ridge DECA group attended various Disney events hosted by the DECA organization to foster networking and fun between the schools. Photo courtesy of Ben Stodola.
Byline photo of Tanishka Enugu
Byline photo of Shaila Patel
Byline photo of Maya Coleman
Byline photo of Shivu Sathe
Tanishka Enugu, Shaila Patel, Maya Coleman, and Shivu Sathe • May 11, 2024

Following their performances at the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference in March, on Wednesday, April 24,  12 teams geared up to travel across the country and take their passion projects to the next level by practicing at the annual DECA ICDC Showcase. After working tirelessly all year, whether individually or with a partner, each team detailed their various companies, apps, community events, and more in extensive presentations for feedback. Hoping to improve their script, acting, or overall content, each participant in the showcase was eager to further elevate their products prior to their moment in front of the official judges.

A total of 7 teams made the top 20 at ICDC, and 3 of those teams made it to the top 10. Senior Varsha Korumilli and juniors Nikhita Kuniti and Deeksha Ramakole placed 3rd overall in their event Buying and Merchandising operations Research.

This trip wrapped up the DECA competition season.

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Turning back to 2020, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden will re-enter the political ring against each other, vying for the esteemed White House seat. Emma Kaden via Creative Commons
Time Traveling to 2020: Biden and Trump Return to the Ballot Box
CTE chair and DECA sponsor Ben Stodola has had a lasting impact on the Rock. He is leaving to work in technical education, although he will miss his students and coworkers.
The End of an Era: The Rock Says Goodbye to Ben Stodola
Senior Isabella Lopez (middle) plays alongside peers in the seniors only performance of “Habanera.”
Strumming To Success: Guitar Ensemble Has Their Final Concert Of The Year
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.
Shaila Patel
Shaila Patel, Website Coordinator
Shaila Patel is a senior in her second year on the newspaper staff, fueled by her strong sense of curiosity. Since a young age, Patel has been aiding people close to her. Whether it be through PEER or through daily actions, she is passionate about helping strangers, close friends, and family who are struggling in any way, but especially with any mental health concerns. Caring is a big part of who she is. Patel is also an avid dancer. She believes that dance is a form of art, especially the Indian classical dance she practices, Bharatanatyam. Patel sees it as a useful tool for many to convey stories, culture, who people are, and more. 
Maya Coleman
Maya Coleman, Business Manager
Maya Coleman is a junior and this is her second year on “The Blaze.” She is the Business Manager and is excited for another year on the school newspaper! Ever since she was younger, she’s loved to write, and it’s something she believes she will always be very passionate about. She is a part of Rock Ridge Sings as another elective, and in her free time she enjoys reading books, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends.
Shivu Sathe
Shivu Sathe, News Editor
Shivu Sathe is a valued member of staff, always fast and efficient when it comes to editing articles in her role as News Editor. She’s always liked writing, so it was no surprise that she found a home in newspaper and journalism. Although she’s already beginning to prepare for her life as a college student, she enjoys staying active and up to date in terms of what’s going on around Rock Ridge as part of The Blaze.

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