• Important Dates -->
  • 3/31-NO SCHOOL
  • 4/3--End of Q3
  • 4/4--NO SCHOOL
  • 4/7--NO SCHOOL
  • 4/12--Spring Break Starts
  • 4/21--First Day Back
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
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
Rock Ridge students, Ghrini Sai Jella, Priya Bojji, Roma Rudrakshala, Lasya Thammineni and Zunairah Hasan dress up in green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. “I [celebrate] for fun because it seems very festive, and it's really enjoyable to see all the different people wearing green with you,” freshman Roma Rudrakshala said.
Shamrocks and Rainbows: Rock Ridge Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
The purpose of Ramadan is to practice gratefulness and bring yourself closer to God.
“No, Not Even Water”: Understanding Ramadan
The Video Game Design team waits in the auditorium to receive their award. Howard Goldberg
TSA Transforms Hard Work into a Victory at Regionals
Title IX was born out of a fight for gender equity in education, but its impact depends on how — or if — it is enforced. Ananya Karthik via Canva
Title IX in LCPS: Clarity, Compliance, and Change
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
Many invitations to parties were sent out this year, with the arrival of a fun trend, Galentine's Day.
Rock Ridge Trends: Galentines Day
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Senior Lorenz Penn brings hustle and heart to the court.
Athlete of the Week: Lorenz Penn
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
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
Rock Ridge Chamber Choir claps and sways as they perform “We Sing as One”.
Singing Empowerment: Rock Ridge Sings, Stone Hill Choirs Perform Pre-Assessment Concert
Since the highly publicized arrest of family YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, stories have run rampant about the inner workings of the Franke household. Hulu’s “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” chronicles what actually happened with lackluster editing but a powerful story. Photo courtesy of Hulu
Behind the Scenes: ‘The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke’
Angel Labosette energetically sings “You’ll Be Back” from “Hamilton,” dressed as King George III.
Broadway Desserts Hits the Sweet Spot with Show-Stopping Performances
Rapper Kendrick Lamar performs on stage for the Super Bowl halftime show. Photo courtesy of elisfkc2 via Wikimedia Commons. Link to license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
A Halftime Show For The Ages: Kendrick Lamar
The Weeknd's main album cover showcases him sweating and in pain. This signifies the overall theme of the album itself of escaping reality and paralysis. Courtesy of XO Records
Hurry Up and Listen to the Weeknd’s Newest Album: “Hurry Up Tomorrow”
As end of year assessments get closer for students, there has been a perceived rise of people skipping their classes in order to either relax or study, which leaves many teachers scrambling to schedule make-ups and stay on schedule.
Should I Stay, or Should I Go?: Test Days
A play on Playboi Carti’s new album cover of “Music.” Previously, the album cover said “I AM MUSIC,” although due to its “mid” reception–a result of its raucous beats and dull lyrics–“I AM MID” might be more appropriate. Arnav Mahajan via PixelFrame
Review: I AM MID
Gifts and treats that you can exchange for Valentines Day
The Season of Love: 9 Ways You Can Celebrate This Valentine’s Day
From the food, to their favorite locations and their music, this is Argentina.
A Peek into Argentina: Celebrating Family, Friends, and Culture
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
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
Rundown Politics: The Ever Growing Threat of Ending DEIA Programs
Rundown Politics: The Ever Growing Threat of Ending DEIA Programs
Rundown Politics: Can Celebrities Impact Political Affiliations?
Rundown Politics: Can Celebrities Impact Political Affiliations?
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?
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
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
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 Ever Growing Threat of Ending DEIA Programs

Samantha Chang
Byline photo of Aline Gonzalez
Byline photo of Samantha Chang
Aline Gonzalez and Samantha Chang • March 26, 2025

In this episode of Rundown Politics, we are covering the topic of DEI, why the Trump Administration began plans for ending it, and how classes at Rock Ridge might be affected. Today we are joined by LCPS DEIA specialist Anthony Beckett, US history and African American history teacher Justin Brown and senior Blessing Amuga.

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The purpose of Ramadan is to practice gratefulness and bring yourself closer to God.
“No, Not Even Water”: Understanding Ramadan
Title IX was born out of a fight for gender equity in education, but its impact depends on how — or if — it is enforced. Ananya Karthik via Canva
Title IX in LCPS: Clarity, Compliance, and Change
The 24 role-playing, written, and independent event qualifiers stand with their medals and glass awards. Courtesy of Rock Ridge HS DECA via Instagram
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About the Contributors
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.
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.