• Important Dates -->
  • 1/20 MLK Day
  • 1/24 End of Q2
  • 1/27 No School (Teacher Work Day)
  • 1/28 No School (Teacher Work Day)
  • 1/29 No School (Lunar New Year)
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
A prospective student speaks to a representative of Virginia State University.
LCPS Kicks Off Black History Month with 10th Annual HBCU Fair
Senior Deetya Mudakala engaged in a National English Honor Society officer meeting. Shayne German, courtesy of Yearbook
Pen to Paper: Deetya Mudakala & Leading NEHS
Sherri Foster-Craft sits at her desk by the cafeteria where she manages everything necessary for a successful day as a nutrition manager.
Sherri Foster-Craft: The Heart Behind a Thriving Cafeteria
English teacher Jessica Berg informs a student about the Women and Gender Studies elective.
Underclassmen Search for Classes of Interest at Electives Fair
A student tries opening the TikTok app but is restricted with a pop-up message that appears on millions of Americans’ phones, stating the ban on TikTok. Sanvi Challa and Lia Davis
TikTok’s Ban Comes to a Halt, But the Clock is Still Ticking
Senior Deetya Mudakala engaged in a National English Honor Society officer meeting. Shayne German, courtesy of Yearbook
Pen to Paper: Deetya Mudakala & Leading NEHS
Sherri Foster-Craft sits at her desk by the cafeteria where she manages everything necessary for a successful day as a nutrition manager.
Sherri Foster-Craft: The Heart Behind a Thriving Cafeteria
Senior Lorenz Penn brings hustle and heart to the court.
Athlete of the Week: Lorenz Penn
Sophomore Betsy Polanco fights to break free of her opponent's grasp during the “King of the Rock” tournament.
Fighting for More Than Pins: The Impact of Women’s Wrestling
Freshmen Sriram Chiripurapu (left), Bhavagnya Pallaki (center), and Sudhiksha Gudimettla (right), all Latin III students, pose with Roman-inspired props during their class’s celebration of the Roman festival, Saturnalia, on Dec. 19.
‘Labor Omnia Vincit’: Rock Ridge Latin Students ‘Conquer All Through Hard Work’
Senior Lorenz Penn brings hustle and heart to the court.
Athlete of the Week: Lorenz Penn
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
Sophomore Betsy Polanco fights to break free of her opponent's grasp during the “King of the Rock” tournament.
Fighting for More Than Pins: The Impact of Women’s Wrestling
Ready to wrestle, sophomore Jermone Barclay and his opponent square up and listen out for the referee’s whistle.
Phoenix Soar to New Heights in King of the Rock
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 Lorenz Penn brings hustle and heart to the court.
Athlete of the Week: Lorenz Penn
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
Sophomore Betsy Polanco fights to break free of her opponent's grasp during the “King of the Rock” tournament.
Fighting for More Than Pins: The Impact of Women’s Wrestling
Ready to wrestle, sophomore Jermone Barclay and his opponent square up and listen out for the referee’s whistle.
Phoenix Soar to New Heights in King of the Rock
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
Duke of York's Picturehouse, Brighton, United Kingdom. rawpixel.com via Creative Commons License
Fan Favorites and the Future: A&E Edition
Brick (junior Palmer Jolly) and Maggie’s (senior Jaden Thomas) relationship hangs on the edge while they take a break from their rigorous argument to take a good look at each other and what they have become.
Rock Ridge Performing Arts’ ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ Burns the House Down
Lil Baby shines on the “WHAM” album cover, showcasing his iced jewelry, which symbolizes his success and top spot as one of the top rappers around. Courtesy of Motown
‘Listen Up…’ Lil Baby’s New Album is Mediocre At Best
“SOS Deluxe: LANA” showcases a euphoric blend of chill R&B and upbeat pop, all woven together by the air of maturity shown throughout SZA’s album.
SZA Unveils Her Highly Anticipated ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’
(From right to left) Choir Director Jordan Markwood, Thomas Jefferson High school sophomore Aashika Pesaladinne, Rock Ridge junior Yash Sahoo, Stone Bridge High School junior Audrey Lam, Riverside High School junior Navya Suri and senior Akira Dasgupta pose for a picture after their performance.
Nostalgic Notes: RRSings Performs Music for Senior Citizens
On Nov. 23, 1993, President Bill Clinton signs the Apology Resolution with Vice President Al Gore and Hawaiian representatives Senator Daniel Inouye, Representative Patsy T. Mink, Representative Neil Abercrombie, and Senator Daniel Akaka behind him. Photograph by Sharon Farmer courtesy of William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
The 132-Year Fight for Freedom
An illustration of a data center is shown glowing, highlighting its significance to Loudoun County.
Data Centers: The Beating Heart, Not the Bane, of Loudoun County
Some of the most talked about moments in 2024, from politics to pop culture.
Defining Memories: Top 10 Moments of 2024
Students try to complete work for their classes, but are overwhelmed with all of the work that they receive weekly.
The Academic Burden: Why Students Should Avoid Taking Several AP Classes
It’s ultimately up to students to make the effort to go outside, but schools can also offer time within standard hours to allow them outside as well. Nidhi Manchala and Lucian Tiller via Canva
Why Students Should Spend More Time Outside During School
Rundown Politics: The Beginning of the Trump Administration and the End of Biden’s
Rundown Politics: The Beginning of the Trump Administration and the End of Biden’s
Classroom Conversations: Teachers Won Collective Bargaining, But What is That?
Classroom Conversations: Teachers Won Collective Bargaining, But What is That?
Rundown Politics: Biden's Legacy
Rundown Politics: Biden’s Legacy
Classroom Conversations: The Struggles of a Teenage Immigrant
Classroom Conversations: The Struggles of a Teenage Immigrant
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
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
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!
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE

Rundown Politics: The Beginning of the Trump Administration and the End of Biden’s

Samantha Chang
Byline photo of Samantha Chang
Byline photo of Aline Gonzalez
Samantha Chang and Aline Gonzalez • February 2, 2025

Welcome back to Rundown Politics. Today we’re going to talk about Inauguration of President Donald J Trump and vice president JD vance. We’re joined by senior Avery McCracken as well as juniors Nomin Altankhuyag and Julian Serna.

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About the Contributors
Samantha Chang
Samantha Chang, Multimedia Editor
Samantha Chang is a junior and in her third year on staff along with being a co-podcast editor for The Blaze this year.  Currently, she is looking forward to helping the new staffers and spreading the knowledge about Newspaper, including the podcast and video section. Furthermore, this year she wants to get the multimedia SNO badge and push for more video and audio pieces. Other than The Blaze she is very interested in politics and wants to join a club relating to that. She also dreams to also be a criminal prosecutor and help promote women  rights. On any day, you can find her at the Rock Ridge Lit Mag or drawing pictures and expressing her artistic ability. 
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.