• Important Dates -->
  • 8/16: Flight Day
  • 8/19: Freshmen Orientation
  • 8/22: First Day of School
  • 8/29: First Pep. Rally
  • 8/30: NO SCHOOL
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Social studies teacher Tori Webb provides her background to parents, including being a University of Virginia alum and pursuing her passion for being a teacher since her childhood.
Back to School Night: A+ Connections, One Classroom at a Time
Senior class officers Jackie Cheek, Saanvi Movva, and Maanu Karthikeyan demonstrate to the other SCA officers how the Tropical Relay race works. Games like this were the main highlight of the pep rally as competitive spirit grew over the week, eventually culminating in a faceoff between the Phoenix football team and Clark County on Friday, Aug. 30.
Shaking Up Tradition: Pep Rally Schedule Gets a Fresh Twist
Seniors Saanvi Movva, Jackie Cheek, Maanu Karthikeyan, and Nishitha Kancharla answer questions from freshmen about what to look forward to in their freshman year, including the Homecoming dance, spirit weeks, and tailgates. Karthikeyan believes that senior year provides her the opportunity to participate in occasions she didn’t throughout her past three years. “I’m excited about all the events we’ve been putting off for the entirety of high school,” Karthikeyan said. “This is the year that we all look forward to.”
New Phoenix RISE and Take Flight During Freshman Orientation
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 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 I've 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 it's 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 that's 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
“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
Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’: A Masterclass in Pop Precision and Playful Provocation
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
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
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!
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
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!
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Aline Gonzalez

Aline Gonzalez, Staff Writer

Aline is a junior at Rock Ridge High School and this is her second year on staff. Aline joined newspaper because she has a deep passion for journalism and plans to pursue a career in this field. Aline also has an interest in the law field and would also like to become a lawyer. Aline has many hobbies ranging from reading, drawing, painting, to playing video games with her friends and family. She likes to play football in her free time with her friends. Aline looks forward to making lots of new friends this year.

All content by Aline Gonzalez
Senior class officers Jackie Cheek, Saanvi Movva, and Maanu Karthikeyan demonstrate to the other SCA officers how the Tropical Relay race works. Games like this were the main highlight of the pep rally as competitive spirit grew over the week, eventually culminating in a faceoff between the Phoenix football team and Clark County on Friday, Aug. 30.

Shaking Up Tradition: Pep Rally Schedule Gets a Fresh Twist

Samantha Chang and Aline Gonzalez
September 5, 2024
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.

[Photo] TikTok is Running Out of Time: TikTok Ban Bill Was Signed

Samantha Chang, Staff Writer
June 18, 2024
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

Ria Athreya, Bella Gerardi, and Aline Gonzalez
June 18, 2024
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”

Hylay Assefa, Aline Gonzalez, and Samantha Chang
June 16, 2024
The marketing class created shirts to sell at the school store, The Phoenix Peak to bring awareness to different causes like special needs, or disabilities, as well as children of military family members. k. To accurately represent each cause, students from the marketing class got the chance to partner up with counselor Ashlee Erestain and different programs including the Special Education department.

Advocating For Inclusivity and Support Through Shirts

Dayanna Anton, Aline Gonzalez, and Leif Labianca
June 3, 2024
Although people can use peer pressure for good or bad, they can cross boundaries. Freshman Anika Ranadive believes that good peer pressure can cross a line, and there’s a point where it can get too far. “Sometimes people don’t want to do something and your friends only want to support you,” Ranadive said. Even with good intentions, people should mind others and their space and boundaries.

Pushing Perimeters with Peer Pressure

Dayanna Anton and Aline Gonzalez
May 20, 2024
Sophomore Ryan Hart, juniors Wardah Islam and Hannah Tyson, senior Mariah Waters, and the rest of the ensemble circle around junior Kaylie Rivers, who plays Anna, after the song “Colder by the Minute.”

Rock Ridge Performing Arts Takes the Crown for “Frozen”

Ria Athreya, Rachel Bhardwaj, and Aline Gonzalez
May 2, 2024
From Friday the 13th being an unlucky day to knocking twice on wood, everyone has their own beliefs and superstitions, and some are held more strongly than others.

Superstitions Found To Affect Mental Health

Samantha Chang and Aline Gonzalez
April 19, 2024
Senior Kyle Woody and sophomore Riya Cheruki pitch for their teams. The game had many ups and downs for both the opponent and the Phoenix, but in the end, the Lightning were able to secure the win for both their softball and baseball teams.

Lightning Strike Phoenix During Baseball/Softball Double Header

Aline Gonzalez, Maddie Nyman, and Nadia Shirr
April 18, 2024
Balancing schoolwork and social life is a potential difficulty that comes with holding a job. Therefore, it is important to prioritize your responsibilities.

[Photo] Glimpse into the Life of Rock Ridge Employees

Nadia Shirr, Staff Writer
April 3, 2024
Senior host Maggie Miller explains to the audience how the Pheud will go as the game will be based on which team will get the points by answering the questionnaires; as the crowd awaits for the event to start, both teams listen and ready themselves for the questions. As the event moved on, senior superlatives were announced based on student votes.

The Heat is On: Sophomores Battle the Seniors at Phoenix Pheud

Aline Gonzalez, Dayanna Anton, and Muhammad Reda
March 14, 2024
Show your appreciation and love to friends, family, and significant others with these five handmade Valentine’s Day gifts organized from easiest to hardest, or most time-consuming, to make.

Five DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts to Show Your Love

Aline Gonzalez, Staff Writer
February 20, 2024
Senior Bradley Schraa (Roger) and sophomore Palmer Jolly (Mark) end the titular song, “RENT,” as all the characters tell the audience they are not going to pay “last year’s rent, this year’s rent, [and] next year’s rent.”

“Rent: School Edition:” A Powerful Story of Resilience and Hope

Aline Gonzalez, Leif Labianca, and Melissa Waas
February 1, 2024
Some parents believe that children deserve to know all truths no matter what. However, children are only young for so long. Therefore, they deserve to believe in the Christmas magic of Santa.

[Photo] Keep the Magic of Christmas for Children

Nadia Shirr, Staff Writer
January 12, 2024

Phoenix Friends Builds Connections and Mends Gaps in the Special Education Department

Melissa Waas and Aline Gonzalez
December 19, 2023
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 I've gotten used to it. Before every meet, I always tell myself to try and be calm.”

Cross Country Races Towards Districts

Aline Gonzalez, Arnav Mahajan, and Bella Gerardi
November 28, 2023
From the athletes to the academics, student backgrounds shine through in all aspects, highlighting the niche hobbies and lifestyles of the Phoenix student body. Graphic by: Tanishka Enugu and Aarohi Motwani.

Humans of Rock Ridge: Student Profiles

The Blaze Staff
November 3, 2023
When it comes to finding new ideas or recommendations, it can be hard to pick the right choice from all kinds of media. The Blaze has recommendations spanning from the album “Red (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift to Halloween movies like “Hocus Pocus” and “Nightmare Before Christmas.”

The Blaze’s Favorite Fall Picks

Aline Gonzalez and Maddie Nyman
October 27, 2023
The field hockey team walks off the field at the end of the game, but the team didn’t let that loss ruin their spirits. Freshman Tanya Sharma (29) found the team didn’t let the outcome of the game discourage their spirits. “I think our team is really kind to each other,” Sharma said. “We always use positivity, like during the game. If someone makes a mistake, just keep cheering. It'll be fine.”

Field Hockey Fights Till The End

Aline Gonzalez, Muhammad Reda, and Diya Chand
October 25, 2023

Welcome Back, Phoenix!

Melissa Waas and Aline Gonzalez
August 31, 2023

Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time

Melissa Waas, Sitwat Mian, and Aline Gonzalez
June 12, 2023
John Hopkins Medicine finds that chocolate is proven to enhance athletic performance, improve brain function, and provide energy throughout your day. However, this is only the case when it is eaten in reasonable amounts.

Happiness is One Rich and Delicious Bite Away

Aline Gonzalez and Sitwat Mian
June 8, 2023
During Decision Day, the school set up a screen with college names where students could go up and pose in front of the college they are attending.

Final Senior Breakfast Ends With Decision Day

Aline Gonzalez, Iyush Hoysal, and James Lee
June 8, 2023

Social Media Sets High Beauty Standards, Harming Teenagers Along the Way

Aline Gonzalez and Sitwat Mian
May 22, 2023

The Force Takes Over The Spring Pep Rally

Abhi Sharma, Aline Gonzalez, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
May 22, 2023
When people first research the personality of a zodiac sign, they tend to use that information to justify some of their actions--and they shouldn't. Zodiac signs, little more than constellations, should not define a person’s actions.

OPINION: Do Zodiac Signs Define Who You Are?

Aline Gonzalez and Sitwat Mian
April 13, 2023
Expressing his interest in the Marines as a possible career, junior Emmanuel Bankole signs up for one of the various programs offered by their display. The Marines came to the job fair to provide students with multiple pathways with a fast-track to joining the Marines, like summer programs, the Marine Reserves, or scholarship opportunities.

Summer Job Fair Kicks Off New Opportunities For Students

Aarohi Motwani, Ivana Figueroa, Aline Gonzalez, Rachel Adams, and Shaila Patel
March 29, 2023
Seniors Casie Peng, Marisa Elengical, Zahria Ford, and Keerthi Kasaraneni gather around a table posted at the front of the library demonstrating different items to buy before they graduate. This table is to show seniors who haven’t bought anything that there is still time to buy their cap, gowns, and high school rings.

Breakfast and Friends –What More Could a Senior Need?

Aline Gonzalez and James Lee
March 24, 2023
Winter Drumline director Patrick O’Rourke instructs members of the ensemble as they prepare to play one of their pieces. This was the first year that the Winter Drumline program was active, and O’Rourke hoped that they would reach a high standard of performance over time. “There’s lots of programs in other high schools, and we’re hoping to get to that level,” O’Rourke said.

One Line, One Sound

Aline Gonzalez, Sruthi Vivek, and Ivana Figueroa
February 2, 2023
Sophomores, Gouri Challa, Truc Bui, and Dhyeya Chandi from Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Christopher Berger’s advisory work diligently to perfect the 3D elements of their door decor, which was a winter wonderland-themed cabin. Sophomore Jackie Cheek was a collaborator of the group who took charge of the decoration, “We are having some of the guys do snowflakes,” Cheek said. “I think Gouri and some of the other girls are [making] a fireplace.”

Phoenix Students Compete to Measure Their Festivity

Aline Gonzalez, Alexis Cortés, and Kamille Simon
January 25, 2023
“Puss and Boots: The Last Wish” came out this winter with both brand new and returning characters, as well as a new animation style.

Puss In Boots’ Final Battle Sends a Message to Viewers

Aline Gonzalez, Staff Writer
January 25, 2023
McCracken stands on stage, about to perform with her band from School of Rock. McCracken is determined to start a career in music. The studio manager of School of Rock, Jessica Flores, believes she can do it. “I think her wanting to perform as a career is awesome,” Flores said. “It's not an easy path to walk, for sure, but I think with passion, determination and grit, the sky's the limit.”

Rocking Out Her Passion for Music at the School of Rock

Aline Gonzalez and Nadia Shirr
January 19, 2023
Students were able to self-nominate for Homecoming court and were then voted on by their respective grade level to be a 2022 homecoming court finalist. Two overall winners were then selected by the school and crowned at the Homecoming dance and football game.

The Pressure and Excitement of Running For Homecoming Court

Aline Gonzalez, Staff Writer
November 14, 2022
The senior, junior, sophomore, and freshman classes come together to compete in hallway decorating. With the use of dimmed lights, extravagant decor, and friendly competition, they took the school on a tour of Las Vegas, Tokyo, Paris, and New York.

Sophomores Win Hallway Decorating After Strolling Through a Night in the City

Aline Gonzalez and Sarah Bataineh
November 1, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II photographed during her coronation on June 2, 1953, marking the start of her 70 year reign. “Throughout this memorable day, I have been uplifted and sustained by the knowledge that your thoughts and prayers are with me,” the Queen said in her speech, according to royal.uk.

The Queen’s Death and the Shoes To Fill

Aline Gonzalez, Staff Writer
October 11, 2022
On May 1, the TSA team proudly stands outside the Hampton Roads Convention Center ready to take on the competition.

TSA Places Sixth Overall At This Year’s State Competition

Aline Gonzalez and Rachel Adams
June 10, 2022
The track and field team warms up together with laps at practice after school.

Seniors Race to the Finish Line

Rachel Adams, Aline Gonzalez, and Pavani Aakarapu
June 6, 2022
“Anything But a Backpack Day” brought out the creativity in senior Alexa Kim, who brought her mini remote controlled Range Rover to school. “I really loved today's spirit day, because it [was] a chance for me to be absolutely ridiculous,” Kim said.

Last Spirit Week of the School Year Comes to an End

Lilly Khalkho, Aline Gonzalez, and Sydney Hackett
June 6, 2022
From candy jars to refreshments, we have the best Easter-themed decorations to make your Easter brunch stand out.

Three Fun Things To Include In Your Next Spring or Easter Brunch

Rachel Adams and Aline Gonzalez
May 6, 2022
Freshman Dhruv Vemuri (8) bats for the Phoenix, hitting the ball before running to first base. “One thing that I'd like to improve on is being able to hit off of the better pitchers,” Vemuri said. “We’re going to keep facing good pitchers and I want to be able to hit off of them.”

Phoenix Baseball Takes a Hit After Playing Heritage

Rachel Adams, Divya Iyer, and Aline Gonzalez
April 25, 2022
The sunflower has quickly become an international symbol of solidarity for Ukrainians and is a symbol of peace. When agreeing to denuclearize Ukraine, the country planted sunflowers in a ceremony in 1996. Encouraged by their teachers, students in social studies classes have decided to put up sunflowers around the school to show their support for Ukraine.

Students And Staff Adorn The Halls With Sunflowers For Ukraine

Rachel Adams and Aline Gonzalez
April 25, 2022
Although individually talented, all of the musicians appreciate the commardie of their artistic groups. “The people in band are really nice and inviting and no one makes you feel left out,” band student sophomore Ava Loh said.

Phoenix Musicians Hit the High Notes — and High Acclaim — in All-States, All-Districts, and All-County

Divya Iyer, Abby Welch, and Aline Gonzalez
March 22, 2022
Jodi (Ava Michelle) explores her life through new eyes, she starts to see how others around her are accepting her for who she is. Jodi realizes being tall doesn’t get in the way of life unless you let it. She deals with personal problems that are later helped to be resolved by an unsuspecting friend.

“Tall Girl 2” Does Better Than “Tall Girl”

Rachel Adams and Aline Gonzalez
March 10, 2022
Freshman Andrew Takach dives in for his 200 yard IM race. “I love the competition and team environment. I enjoy improving and working hard,” Takach said. While this is Takach’s first year on the team, he has been swimming competitively for 8 years prior to joining.

Swim Team Kicks Off Season With The Encouragement Of An Exciting Win

Rachel Adams, Aline Gonzalez, Maddie Nyman, and Rishi Sundaram
February 3, 2022
People can make assumptions about who we are and how we act when they look at us. Why? Because of the way we dress. We need to stop making conclusions about people before we get to know them.

Do Our Looks Show People Who We Really Are?

Aline Gonzalez, Staff Writer
February 3, 2022
Adorned with paper snowflakes and wreaths, math teacher William Driggers’ advisory class won best overall door in the door decorating competition.

Winter Door Decorating Competition Ignites Winter Spirit

Nanaki Bawa, Mariam Abdelsayed, Rachel Adams, and Aline Gonzalez
February 2, 2022
LGBTQ+ pride protests (like the one pictured in Katowice, Poland in Sept 2019) have been a recurring event since the 1900s. In the 21st century, these movements have spread globally and became more socially acceptable.

LGBTQ+ History: Defined Through the Timeline

Rachel Adams, Dominika Butler, Aline Gonzalez, and Sydney Hackett
November 18, 2021
Smiling and lifting up mini purple basketballs, juniors Rishita Valluru and Bhargavi Alluri attempt to shoot the balls into the inflatable basketball hoop.

Tailgate Festivities Ignite School Spirit For Homecoming Football Game

Karis Adnan, Smrithi Balakumar, Aline Gonzalez, and Sruthi Sakala
October 26, 2021
AJ Seshadri, 10

AJ Seshadri, 10

Aline Gonzalez, Staff Writer
September 30, 2021
Load More Stories