The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Daisan Jones walks to the start line with his teammate Ohene Akenteng to begin his event. Photo courtesy of Daisan Jones.
10 Questions With Athlete of the Week: Daisan Jones
Freshman Ayan Chethan performs butterfly stroke.
Athlete of the Week: Ayan Chethan
Sophomore Brayden Coleman sets up the Phoenix offense against the Loudoun County Captains on Jan. 23.
Athlete of the Week: Brayden Coleman
Ethan Duval smiles for a photo.
Athlete of the Week: Ethan Duval
Sophomore forward Shawn Makassi goes up strong in an attempt to dunk the ball.
Athlete of the Week: Shawn Makassi
Phoenix gets in position to initiate the beginning of an intense game. “It's coming to the end of the season here, so [our goal] is to just focus on working harder,” senior lineman Ryan Abbondanza said.
Phoenix Freeze at the Hands of the Vikings
Senior Abby Knick prepares to bump the ball.
Phoenix Falter on Senior Night against Panthers
Senior quarterback Xavier Smith clutches the ball as he avoids Tuscarora’s defense.
Phoenix Fall Short Against Huskies
Junior right side hitter Jahnavi Kundoor sets for Junior middle blocker Katelyn Weicker.
Phoenix Volleyball’s Wings Clipped by the Knights
Sophomore Sudhi Gudimettla jumps to hit the ball over the net.
Wolverines Scratch Out a Win Against Phoenix
HRR boys' hockey team gathers together for a group photo. “We were all on the bench, excited. I couldn't wait for the game to end to see the medals,” Freshmen Forward Noah Wilkins said. Photo courtesy of Bhavitha Doma.
Rock Ridge Hockey Wins Big in Provisional Capital Cup Championship
Sophomore Addison Copeland jumps over hurdles during the girls 55m hurdles event.
Sprinting to States: 11 Athletes Qualify for State Meet
Senior Dawson Boupha scores the team’s first 3 points of the game and his last 3 points of the season.
Seniors Put a Lid on the Season and the Patriots
Sophomore small forward Shawn Makassi takes the ball from the tip-off. “We did get some easy buckets, and in the 2nd half, we did do better on defense, so that's what I really like,” sophomore shooting guard Ashwin Rapolu said.
Spartans Storm Past Phoenix
The girls basketball team huddles while Coach Joseph Smith explains the strategy. “Our coach is there for us,” junior Nada Elsayed said. “He definitely knows what he's doing.”
Despite Strong Start, Phoenix Flamed by Pride
Senior David Cheong attempts to stop the Dominion Titans from scoring a goal.
Boys Lacrosse Tumbles to Titans
Number seven, Senior Jackie Malapira attempts to attack the Loudoun County net.
Phoenix Turned to Ashes in 3-15 Loss
Senior Xavier Smith steadies himself before running a relay race.
Phoenix Track Celebrates Seniors at Home Meet
Senior Sreeram Gourineni tosses the ball high in preparation to serve.
Tennis Seniors Take Their Bow Before Playoffs
Junior Aidan Lita steps up on defense.
Huskies Extinguish an Injured Phoenix Squad
Subhashree Munagala puts in diligent efforts to help animals live a better life.
Leader of the Week: 10 Questions with Animal Alliance Leader Subhashree Munagala
Reagan Sutton performs as Rusty in RRTA’s production of “Footloose” this fall.
Leader of the Week: 9 Questions with RRTA President Reagan Sutton
Debate President Parth Jaiswal manages his time with discipline, friends, and a little bit of fingerpicking.
Leader of the Week: Parth Jaiswal
The Mock Trial club hosts an after school meeting on Mondays. Senior Mahika Talaulicar stands at the front of the classroom, going over Mock Trial’s most recent defamation case.
Leader of the Week: 10 Questions With Mock Trial President Mahika Talaulicar
President Laura Adams takes on new challenges and keeps the Rock Ridge Choir Board running effortlessly.
Leader of the Week: 8 Questions with Choir Board President Laura Adams
Writing not just till the end, but for myself and the people I love.
Chang’s Swan Song: Writing My Way Out
Thank you Newspaper for helping me find my words, on and off the website, and thank you for showing me that my full potential is not just in the words I write on paper, or on a website, but also the ones that I speak out loud and the ones that I share with others.
Challa Swan Song: Finding My Words
To newspaper, the people in my life, and fate, thank you for this unexpected yet thrilling life journey. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Kalluri’s Swan Song: Right on Time
Through taking photos, I found a way to share how I felt, even when I didn’t know how to say it.
Gerardi Swan Song: Not Just a Class Assignment
Sometimes life will show you so many light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnels, it becomes an overwhelming and blinding light. All you have to do is figure out which path you want to take, and follow that light til’ the end.
Manchala Swan Song: We Ended Up Alright
Do AP’s matter?
Do AP’s matter?
How Was the American Music Awards In 2026?
How Was the American Music Awards In 2026?
Why is TV Getting More Expensive?
Why is TV Getting More Expensive?
Do PJs Affect Productivity?
Do PJs Affect Productivity?
Media by the Minute: The Olympic Hockey Drama
Media by the Minute: The Olympic Hockey Drama
Wrestler Rex Lawless celebrates a successful takedown during the main title fight.
Virginia Championship Wrestling Visits Rock Ridge
Gas prices remain at significantly higher levels amidst months of Iran-U.S. wars.
New Gas Prices, New Issues
Senior Xavier Smith steadies himself before running a relay race.
Phoenix Track Celebrates Seniors at Home Meet
A New Face Behind the Badge: Derek Brown is Rock Ridge's Lead Security Officer
A New Face Behind the Badge: Derek Brown is Rock Ridge’s Lead Security Officer
Daisan Jones walks to the start line with his teammate Ohene Akenteng to begin his event. Photo courtesy of Daisan Jones.
10 Questions With Athlete of the Week: Daisan Jones
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Gas prices remain at significantly higher levels amidst months of Iran-U.S. wars.
Features
New Gas Prices, New Issues

Sriram Chiripurapu and Samantha Chang | June 10, 2026

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The cast and crew of “Hadestown Teen Edition” at the Glamies Gala. Photo courtesy of Raine Surla.
RRTA’s Production of “Hadestown Teen Edition” is “Livin’ It Up On Top” at the Glamies Gala
Megan Marr, Staff Writer • June 9, 2026
Rock Ridge Yearbook wins national awards for its yearbook, which commemorates the tenth anniversary of the opening of Rock Ridge High School. Photo courtesy of Michelle Prince.
Rock Ridge Yearbook Staff Wins Two National Awards
Kaushal Kalluri, Staff Writer • June 1, 2026
From left to right: Tyler Anderson, adviser of The Blaze, poses with the first-place winners of the “Best Podcast” category, Rachel Bhardwaj, Saketh Nandam, and Divitha Mathe.
The Blaze Wins Best Podcast at Loudoun Now Awards
Arjun Chand and Tanvi Challa • May 29, 2026
Three participants showcase their Puerto Rican culture by traditional dance, filling the auditorium with high energy and lots of applause.
Stone Hill Middle School Hosts Annual Culture Night, Uniting Ashburn Community
Lia Davis, Mariia Pecherkina, and Aakash Vivek • May 4, 2026
The LCPS school board recently made the decision to change the last day of school from Monday, June 15, to Friday, June 12.
LCPS Makes Last Minute Change to the Last Day of School.
Kaushal Kalluri, Staff Writer • April 30, 2026
Children of the English department decorated a banner with their handprints, drawings, and names.
A Day in Their Parents’ Shoes: Take Your Child to Work Day at Rock Ridge
Lia Davis and Noah Wilkins • April 29, 2026
Senior Arjun Krishnagiri fills out the voting ballot at the Rock Ridge polls on April 21.
Virginia Voters Approve Redistricting Amendment
Rachel Bhardwaj, Sanvi Challa, and Tanvi Challa • April 29, 2026
Assistant Athletic Director Mick Mullins created the Phoenix Rising Podcast to feature faculty. Graphic elements courtesy of LCPS.
Mullins’ New Podcast Celebrates Rock Ridge Faculty
Zahra Hameed and Dhruvsood Singh • April 29, 2026
The junior class screams and cheers in order to win the spirit stick.
Phoenix Scream Proudly at the Final Pep Rally of the Year
Arjun Chand and Megan Marr • April 25, 2026
The menu at Desi Spot features a variety of traditional Indian and Nepali street food dishes, offering customers a range of traditional and authentic flavors.
A Hidden Gem in Ashburn: Inside Desi Spot
Rachel Bhardwaj and Divitha Mathe • March 31, 2026
Surrounded by excited students, Harlem Wizards players turn the game into an interactive experience, filling the gym with laughter, energy, and spirit.
Harlem Wizards Bring Tricks, Laughter, and School Spirit to Rock Ridge
Rachel Bhardwaj, Mariia Pecherkina, and Devika Goureddy • March 24, 2026
Math teacher Logan Flannigan dribbles the ball up the court.
“They Can’t Comprehend Our Next Moves”: Students Defeat Staff in Annual Basketball Game
Megan Marr and Zahra Hameed • March 24, 2026
At the “Rise To” Summit at Rock Ridge High School, speakers represented organizations from the National Organization for Women to the National Women’s Law Center.
Speaking Up: Rock Ridge Hosts Seventh Women’s Summit
Sriram Chiripurapu, Samantha Chang, and Tanvi Challa • March 23, 2026
Superintendent Aaron Spence answers students' questions and concerns at the town hall event.
Students Speak Up: Superintendent Visits Rock Ridge to Hear Student Concerns
Sophia Dabre and Tanvi Challa • March 23, 2026
Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the passing score threshold for the SOL is no longer a 400. Any score below a 420 for reading, and 413 for Algebra 1 will be considered a fail.
“It’s Kind of Radio Silence”: Uncertainty Lingers Around Virginia’s New SOLs
Sanvi Challa, Rachel Bhardwaj, and Sophia Dabre • March 21, 2026
Seniors Marian Lindsey and Andrés Marrero performed “Love is My Legs” from “Dirty Rotten Scoundrel." “Some performances that stood out to me were Andrés Marrero and Marian Lindsey; [they were] really funny,” senior Reagan Sutton said.
Broadway Desserts Brings Sweet Singing to the Stage
Megan Marr and Madelyn Tucker • March 14, 2026
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Aarnav Trivedi dons the first prototype of the AI Fire Helmet. Photo courtesy of Aarnav Trivedi.

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The end of the class rank system marks the start of the new Latin Honors System, dividing students into distinct honors of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude.

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From left to right: Tyler Anderson, adviser of The Blaze, poses with the first-place winners of the “Best Podcast” category, Rachel Bhardwaj, Saketh Nandam, and Divitha Mathe.

The Blaze Wins Best Podcast at Loudoun Now Awards

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To newspaper, the people in my life, and fate, thank you for this unexpected yet thrilling life journey. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kalluri’s Swan Song: Right on Time

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The cast and crew of “Hadestown Teen Edition” at the Glamies Gala. Photo courtesy of Raine Surla.Rock Ridge Yearbook wins national awards for its yearbook, which commemorates the tenth anniversary of the opening of Rock Ridge High School. Photo courtesy of Michelle Prince.From left to right: Tyler Anderson, adviser of The Blaze, poses with the first-place winners of the “Best Podcast” category, Rachel Bhardwaj, Saketh Nandam, and Divitha Mathe.Three participants showcase their Puerto Rican culture by traditional dance, filling the auditorium with high energy and lots of applause.The LCPS school board recently made the decision to change the last day of school from Monday, June 15, to Friday, June 12.
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Rock Ridge Yearbook Staff Wins Two National Awards

Kaushal Kalluri, Staff Writer | June 1, 2026

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