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
Constant use of AirPods can trap headphone users in their own bubble, decreasing their ability to socialize with others around them.
Best of SNO
Commuting from all over the DMV area, 89.4% of Rock Ridge teachers don’t live or rent in a neighborhood zoned for Rock Ridge.
Best of SNO
Commitment Over Commute: Rock Ridge Teachers Put Students First, Miles Second
Sanvi Challa, AJ Aluko-Apata, and Devika Goureddy • November 25, 2025
Attendance Secretary Mary Howard hands a student a late pass while pausing to talk to her about her day. “I have kids who stop by every single morning or at least just walk by and say good morning,” Howard said. “It’s fun, and I love it. I’m by nature a caretaker, and I want everyone to be happy and everyone to have what they need.”
Best of SNO
Codes, Calls, and Care: Howard Turns Routine into Relationships
Sanvi Challa, AJ Aluko-Apata, and Devika Goureddy • October 29, 2025
Mark Teague leads a warmup drill during the football team’s practice. “ I'm very aggressive, uptempo,” Teague said. “And I want the kids to feed off of that. I want them to feel as though our coach will run through a wall for us, and we do the same for him.”
Best of SNO
From Writing Playbooks to Writing His Story, Teague is More Than Just a Coach
Sanvi Challa, Editor-in-Chief • September 5, 2025
Students part of the Free and Reduced Meal Program can get a full meal of lunch for free every day. Along with meal benefits, students can receive additional financial support through gift vouchers, fee waivers, and necessities such as clothing.
Best of SNO
Lunch Dissatisfaction Drives Down Free and Reduced Meal Participation
Melissa Waas, Sanvi Challa, and Sitwat Mian • May 21, 2025
English teacher Susan Spengeman stands in the back of her classroom, instructing her AP (Advanced Placement) Literature students.
Best of SNO
Susan Spengeman: A Teacher’s Teacher
Ananya Karthik and Maya Coleman • May 4, 2025
Dominion Energy’s electrical substation in Brambleton is one of the many substations located in Loudoun County to power transmission lines. Residents feel threatened by the proximity of the proposed power lines. “Many students and I attend school for eight to ten hours, so it's scary that a big corporation will have the power to put dangerous power lines so close to our school,” Leana Paradkar said.
Best of SNO
High Voltage, Higher Stakes: Residents Protest Dominion Energy’s Power Expansion
Sanvi Challa, Kristian Bryant, and Lia Davis • April 29, 2025
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.”
Best of SNO
Women Inspire and Find Hope at Sixth Annual “Rise To” Summit
Rachel Bhardwaj, Mariia Pecherkina, and Melissa Waas • March 29, 2025
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
Best of SNO
Title IX in LCPS: Clarity, Compliance, and Change
Ananya Karthik, Editor-in-Chief • March 14, 2025
An AXIS Strobe Siren lights up the 1300 hallway outside of the bathroom as the HALO Smart Sensor, located inside all bathrooms, gets triggered. The installation of HALO Smart Sensors at Rock Ridge in January 2025 caused confusion amongst the student body.
Best of SNO
Smoking Out the Truth Surrounding Rock Ridge’s New HALO Smart Sensors
Sanvi Challa and Melissa Waas • February 26, 2025
Sophomore Simone Nagpual poses with two signed copies of “Firekeeper’s Daughter” and a themed mug, gifts she received from best-selling author Angeline Boulley. Photo courtesy of Scott Schwarz
Best of SNO
Reading Recognition: Sophomore Connects with Best-Selling Author Angeline Boulley
Rachel Bhardwaj, Melissa Waas, and Sitwat Mian • February 5, 2025
Classroom Conversations: The Struggles of a Teenage Immigrant
Best of SNO
Classroom Conversations: The Struggles of a Teenage Immigrant
Aline Gonzalez, Multimedia Editor • December 23, 2024
Junior Diya Arun stares out a window. For Arun, the winter season brings out the holiday blues. “ I think [the winter] has a negative effect on my mental health because I feel like the cold weather and people around me are also sadder [and] that affects me,” Arun said.
Best of SNO
Searching for Cheer at the End of the Year: RRHS Supports Students Navigating the ‘Holiday Blues’
Sanvi Challa, Aline Gonzalez, and Zahra Hameed • December 20, 2024
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.
Best of SNO
Removal of the Ranks: LCPS Redefines Student Success
Sanvi Challa, Editor-in-Chief • December 3, 2024
If a LCPS student attempts to open a Pinterest page on a school device or school Wi-Fi, they are met with a blocked notice featuring the link name accompanied by the comment “is not available because it is categorized as Pinterest.” Many other pages are banned under the category of “mature art” or “games,” so it is notable that the platform has received its own block category.
Best of SNO
A Block on Creativity: LCPS Broadens Website Bans to Include Pinterest
Azciel Goodhart, Staff Writer • October 17, 2024
“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
Best of SNO
Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’: A Masterclass in Pop Precision and Playful Provocation
Ananya Karthik, Editor-in-Chief • August 28, 2024
Jim “Jamaica” Hawkins, played by senior Olivia McMahon, is shocked when she discovers that a hole was cut into the treasure map to steal coordinates that reveal the location of the treasure on Skeleton Island, which Jim, Long John Silver, and his pirates are after.
Best of SNO
Treasure Island: Behind The Scenes
Melissa Waas, Managing Editor • November 28, 2023
“For All the Dogs” finds itself merely blending in among other hip-hop albums from different prolific artists. Graphic by Leif LaBianca.
Best of SNO
‘For All the Dogs’ Lacks Innovation, Gets Lost in Sea of Competition
Jackson Mitchell and Leif Labianca • October 24, 2023
Accepting his Region 4 Teacher of the Year award, Jordan Markwood stands on the auditorium stage, smiling into the crowd of fine arts students and administrators. To cover the occasion, local news reporters were in attendance.
Best of SNO
Rock Ridge Choral Director Jordan Markwood Sings His Way to Washington Post Teacher of the Year
Nanaki Bawa and Sruthi Sakala • November 1, 2022
A map in EL teacher Margareta Cernev’s room shows the names and countries of origin, written on the red phoenixes, of her current EL students. Above the map, the names and countries of origin of Cernev’s previous students, who have graduated from high school, are displayed on gray phoenixes.
Best of SNO
Phoenix Immigrants: Their Lives, Struggles, and Experiences
Rohan Iyer, Editor-in-Chief • May 20, 2022
In the midst of a new wave of anti-trans and LGBTQ+ legislation around the country, the lack of information about recent equity trainings in Loudoun County has led to backlash and conversations over their importance. The discussions include questions on the impact of staff completing equity training and incorporating understandings about topics such as gender identity into classrooms on students’ education.
Best of SNO
Opinion: Education vs. Equity and the LGBTQ+ Community
Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief • April 29, 2022
As 15% of Americans have been diagnosed with hearing problems, it’s time for movie theaters to start normalizing open captioning.
Best of SNO
Making Movie Theaters More Inclusive
Shaima Tora, Staff Writer • April 8, 2022
Build Back Better legislation targets areas including revolutionizing the education system to improve the quality and access to education, while also providing a more holistic educational experience.
Best of SNO
Building A Better Education System: How Build Back Better Aims to Affect Schools
Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor • March 1, 2022
Tone tags are beneficial for individuals who struggle to pick up social and emotional cues, especially through text. Tone tags can be viewed as simple labels at the end of text messages to clarify the voice or tone of the individual’s text.
Best of SNO
The Internet Tool That Makes Conversations Click
Dominika Butler, A&E Copy Editor • February 3, 2022
Wearing masks, Sophia (left) and Amelie (right) pose for photos.
Best of SNO
Sisters Launch Mask Business To Help Loudoun Community Combat Pandemic
Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief • November 1, 2020
Commuting from all over the DMV area, 89.4% of Rock Ridge teachers don’t live or rent in a neighborhood zoned for Rock Ridge.
Best of SNO
Commitment Over Commute: Rock Ridge Teachers Put Students First, Miles Second
Sanvi Challa, AJ Aluko-Apata, and Devika Goureddy • November 25, 2025
Attendance Secretary Mary Howard hands a student a late pass while pausing to talk to her about her day. “I have kids who stop by every single morning or at least just walk by and say good morning,” Howard said. “It’s fun, and I love it. I’m by nature a caretaker, and I want everyone to be happy and everyone to have what they need.”
Best of SNO
Codes, Calls, and Care: Howard Turns Routine into Relationships
Sanvi Challa, AJ Aluko-Apata, and Devika Goureddy • October 29, 2025
Mark Teague leads a warmup drill during the football team’s practice. “ I'm very aggressive, uptempo,” Teague said. “And I want the kids to feed off of that. I want them to feel as though our coach will run through a wall for us, and we do the same for him.”
Best of SNO
From Writing Playbooks to Writing His Story, Teague is More Than Just a Coach
Sanvi Challa, Editor-in-Chief • September 5, 2025
Students part of the Free and Reduced Meal Program can get a full meal of lunch for free every day. Along with meal benefits, students can receive additional financial support through gift vouchers, fee waivers, and necessities such as clothing.
Best of SNO
Lunch Dissatisfaction Drives Down Free and Reduced Meal Participation
Melissa Waas, Sanvi Challa, and Sitwat Mian • May 21, 2025
English teacher Susan Spengeman stands in the back of her classroom, instructing her AP (Advanced Placement) Literature students.
Best of SNO
Susan Spengeman: A Teacher’s Teacher
Ananya Karthik and Maya Coleman • May 4, 2025
Dominion Energy’s electrical substation in Brambleton is one of the many substations located in Loudoun County to power transmission lines. Residents feel threatened by the proximity of the proposed power lines. “Many students and I attend school for eight to ten hours, so it's scary that a big corporation will have the power to put dangerous power lines so close to our school,” Leana Paradkar said.
Best of SNO
High Voltage, Higher Stakes: Residents Protest Dominion Energy’s Power Expansion
Sanvi Challa, Kristian Bryant, and Lia Davis • April 29, 2025
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.”
Best of SNO
Women Inspire and Find Hope at Sixth Annual “Rise To” Summit
Rachel Bhardwaj, Mariia Pecherkina, and Melissa Waas • March 29, 2025
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
Best of SNO
Title IX in LCPS: Clarity, Compliance, and Change
Ananya Karthik, Editor-in-Chief • March 14, 2025
An AXIS Strobe Siren lights up the 1300 hallway outside of the bathroom as the HALO Smart Sensor, located inside all bathrooms, gets triggered. The installation of HALO Smart Sensors at Rock Ridge in January 2025 caused confusion amongst the student body.
Best of SNO
Smoking Out the Truth Surrounding Rock Ridge’s New HALO Smart Sensors
Sanvi Challa and Melissa Waas • February 26, 2025
Sophomore Simone Nagpual poses with two signed copies of “Firekeeper’s Daughter” and a themed mug, gifts she received from best-selling author Angeline Boulley. Photo courtesy of Scott Schwarz
Best of SNO
Reading Recognition: Sophomore Connects with Best-Selling Author Angeline Boulley
Rachel Bhardwaj, Melissa Waas, and Sitwat Mian • February 5, 2025
Classroom Conversations: The Struggles of a Teenage Immigrant
Best of SNO
Classroom Conversations: The Struggles of a Teenage Immigrant
Aline Gonzalez, Multimedia Editor • December 23, 2024
Junior Diya Arun stares out a window. For Arun, the winter season brings out the holiday blues. “ I think [the winter] has a negative effect on my mental health because I feel like the cold weather and people around me are also sadder [and] that affects me,” Arun said.
Best of SNO
Searching for Cheer at the End of the Year: RRHS Supports Students Navigating the ‘Holiday Blues’
Sanvi Challa, Aline Gonzalez, and Zahra Hameed • December 20, 2024