• Important Dates -->
  • May 1-12: AP Exams and SOL Testing
  • May 4: PTSO Meeting
  • May 5-13: Spring Musical
  • May 8-12: Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 15: Guitar Concert
  • May 16: Orchestra Concert
  • May 17: PTSO Parent Pep Rally
  • May 18: Chorus Concert
  • May 20: Prom
  • May 25: Band Concert
  • May 29: Memorial Day (Student Holiday)
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Whether you are an under or an upperclassmen, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy high school, as long as you make the moment last.
Upper Vs. Underclassman: The Views of High School
At their second meeting of the month, the school board discussed new course recommendations for current CTE courses, gun awareness and LGBTQ+ month.
School Board Discusses Gun Safety Awareness, Pride Month Proclamation, and Zone Changes
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
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Freshman Anthonya Lassissi skims through the Lit Mag after members go room to room passing out the magazines.
The Art Behind The Lit Mag
Phoenix Profiles: Humans of Rock Ridge
Phoenix Profiles: Humans of Rock Ridge
LCPS has experimented with the schedule in the past, leading to much controversy. Students and staff are left with mixed feelings regarding this years schedule change.
The New Schedule: the Positive, the Negative, and the Neutral
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
Return to The Rock
Return to The Rock
A collage of all of the students profiled. (All photos courtesty of the profiled students.)
Humans of Rock Ridge: Pandemic Profiles
The U.S. Capitol on the morning of President Bidens Inauguration.
Road To The Presidency
A distorted image of an I Voted sticker from Loudoun County. (Photo courtesy of Katy Greiner)
What’s A Rumor You’ve Heard About The Election?
The general election, and final day to vote, will take place on Nov. 3. In Virginia, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What To Expect On Decision Day: Ins and Outs Of Following A Major Election
President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 5, 2019. (White House/Shaelah Craighead)
Trump Agrees on New Spending Bill; Promises an Emergency Declaration
Senior Keerthi Uppalapati volleys the ball over the net. “My best memory with the team was with coach Neal after states last year,” Uppalapati said. “It was very nice and it was just a great team bonding moment.”
Phoenix Girls Tennis Sweep Patriots Off the Court
Junior Carter Divalerio dribbles the ball to keep it away from Captains. “It was a rough season, there were some ups and downs, we took some Ls, but well bounce back next season,” Divalerio said.
Phoenix Commanded by the Captains
Jennifer Virbickis huddles up with her team to discuss the game plan during a timeout as the Phoenix took on the Stone Bridge Bulldogs on April 19.
Back to Her Roots: Virbickis Returns to Phoenix Lacrosse
Junior Tarini Panidepu waits for her opponent to serve the ball. Panidepu has improved greatly over the course of the season. “I was definitely able to get my first serve percentage up,” Panidepu said.
#2 on the Court, #1 in our Hearts: Tarini Panidepu Takes on the World of Tennis
As freshman Nathan Martinez scoops up a ground ball, his teammate freshman Trevor Aucoin holds back the Atoms in an attempt to make room.
Boys Lacrosse: Tying for Victory
Senior Ethan Strine gets in position for the next play. “Even our juniors, sophomores, our younger guys, it really felt like all of our last games, even though they have next year and the year after,” Strine said. “It was just a team that we were all a part of. This whole season was very memorable for all of us.”
Seniors Appreciate Last Moments at Their Final Home Game
During halftime of the homecoming football game, senior Jack Capobianco wins homecoming royalty and is officially crowned by junior Maggie Miller. “I wasn’t expecting [winning homecoming royalty] at all,” Capobianco said. “I was very surprised but very excited.”
Phoenix Celebrate Homecoming With a Victory
Leaving the season behind, sophomore Aiden Patel walks along a golf course holding all his golf equipment. Patel, although not yet a senior, is already thinking about his future in golf. “Hopefully, [I’ll continue golf] in college, and if I can go pro, a 100%,” Patel said, “But if I cant, Ill probably just find a job.”
Putt-ing Another Season Away: Golf Season Recap
The Phoenix prepare to face the Huskies in a new play. “[We could improve by] focusing on trying to get people healthy, running the ball, and getting people work at different positions just in case [of] injuries,” Qadri said.
Huskies Put Out Phoenix Fire at Pink Out Game
Senior Karis Adnan sets off the point by serving the ball to the opposing team. The Phoenix kept the game lighthearted as they continued to lead. “We have been on a really good winning streak, so that was really fun,” Adnan said.
Phoenix Dominate the Patriots on Senior Night
As the 2022-2023 winter came to a close, teams across the state of Virginia competed for fame, glory, and titles.
Phoenix Athletes Rock Winter Championships
Ilias Cholakis attempts to pin down a struggling Spartan wrestler.
Phoenix Wrestling Reaches New Heights
In the final moments of the boys varsity game, Phoenix coach Jay Geyer lays out a gameplan to lock the Spartans down on the defensive end of the court and prevent them from scoring.
Phoenix Redeem Themselves in Clash with Spartans
At Rock Ridge’s home meet on Jan. 4, sophomore Micah Younger, junior Alyssa Tucker, and sophomore Lilia Jones line up at the start line for the Girls 55m Dash. “[The most difficult thing about this season] is that I’m not at my best right now, but I’m going to get there in [outdoor track],” Younger said.
Indoor Track & Field’s Record-Breaking Season Makes History
Senior Mehma Kathuria keeps the ball away from the Bolt defender. “Our game was together, we were playing with a new play,” Kathuria said. “[The Team’s] chemistry builds and gets better every game.”
The Battle of Ridges Results in Both Wins and Losses
Senior Keerthi Uppalapati volleys the ball over the net. “My best memory with the team was with coach Neal after states last year,” Uppalapati said. “It was very nice and it was just a great team bonding moment.”
Phoenix Girls Tennis Sweep Patriots Off the Court
Junior Carter Divalerio dribbles the ball to keep it away from Captains. “It was a rough season, there were some ups and downs, we took some Ls, but well bounce back next season,” Divalerio said.
Phoenix Commanded by the Captains
Junior Tarini Panidepu waits for her opponent to serve the ball. Panidepu has improved greatly over the course of the season. “I was definitely able to get my first serve percentage up,” Panidepu said.
#2 on the Court, #1 in our Hearts: Tarini Panidepu Takes on the World of Tennis
As freshman Nathan Martinez scoops up a ground ball, his teammate freshman Trevor Aucoin holds back the Atoms in an attempt to make room.
Boys Lacrosse: Tying for Victory
Sophomore Rishit Choudhari sets up to pass the ball while teammates attempt to get open. “Right now we’re in a good spot, our goal is to just keep improving as the season goes,” Choudhari siad.
After Unfortunate Injuries, Phoenix Boys Soccer Lose Against the Vikings
Voces Virilis sings “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” arranged by Roger Emerson.
Singing the Last Verses
United Sound group members pose for a picture after the end of their first ever performance, where they played ‘Forward March’ by Paul Murtha alongside the Rock Ridge band Wing Ensemble. The United Sound group was founded this year with the mission to ‘Foster Social Change Through Music.’ The group meets twice weekly, where student-teachers of the band, orchestra and choir department help teach music to students with special needs.
Senior’s Say ‘Goodbye’ at Final Band Concert of the Year, While United Sound Members Greet ‘Hello’ With First Ever Performance
Bryson Tiller fans are ecstatic as he announces his “Back And I’m Better” tour, as many have been waiting for six years to see him perform live again.
Ticket Trauma: Are the Bryson Tiller Tickets Worth the Cost?
Principal cello senior Sydney Pascual plays her solo piece: “Cello Suite No. 3 Sarabande” by Johann Sebastian Bach. “She has a lovely sound, a nice tone,” orchestra director Teresa Gordon said. “She always has, I remember when she was a freshman, taking notice of how beautiful her [playing was].”
Phoenix Orchestra’s Spring Concert Features Senior Spotlights
From baseball conflicts to relationship drama, the second season of “All American: Homecoming” goes everywhere, making it an extremely intriguing and addictive show.
A New Season of “All American: Homecoming” Comes With Relief to Viewers
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
Yoon Swan Song: Thank You
Yoon Swan Song: Thank You
From the expectations of a perfect SAT score to attending medical school to getting a degree in computer science, the profile of what someone from an Indian background “looks like” has not deviated much from its original mold.
Stuck in Stereotypes: Indian Misrepresentation in Media
As social media becomes more popular among teenagers, many are affected in negative ways. Sophomore Zahra Amusa believes that social medias growing popularity is one of the reasons why it has such an immense impact on teenagers and their beauty standards. “I think I can speak for myself and everyone when I say that social media has negatively impacted everyone because most people have it these days and have [in some way] been affected by it,” Amusa said.
Social Media Sets High Beauty Standards, Harming Teenagers Along the Way
Art block, the lack of motivation to draw, heavily affects artists of Rock Ridge.
Drawing a Blank
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
The Unity
The Unity
Media by the Minute
Media by the Minute
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Alyssa Yoon

Alyssa Yoon, Managing Editor

Alyssa is a senior and this is her third year on staff. This year, she will be working on the Executive Board as the Managing Editor. In her free time, Alyssa loves film/photography, playing guitar, watching sitcoms, and listening to music. Directioner for life.

All content by Alyssa Yoon
Yoon Swan Song: Thank You

Yoon Swan Song: Thank You

Alyssa Yoon, Managing Editor
May 31, 2023
Graduating high school has been at the forefront of seniors minds since the third quarter. And in just a few short weeks, the day will finally arrive.

23 TV Shows and Movies to Watch Before Graduating

Kamille Simon and Alyssa Yoon
May 22, 2023
Freshman Connor Bultema carries the ball while defending it from the Bulldog opponent. “[The team] worked together, but we were missing many of our players, so [the game] was challenging,” Bultema said.

The Bulldogs Take the Victory from the Phoenix

Sarah Bataineh, Alyssa Yoon, and Amelia Chen
May 10, 2023
Senior Arjun Vangala serves the ball during his singles match, with him in the lead at 3-1. “We knew we were playing up, so we were a little scared at the beginning,” Vangala said, “but then when we started hitting the ball and playing our game, we started to really go toe-to-toe with them.”

Battle of the Birds: Phoenix Triumph in Tennis

Alyssa Yoon, Abhi Sharma, and Amelia Chen
April 13, 2023
After three years, Miley Cyrus appears on the Spotify billboard in Times Square for her new studio album “Endless Summer Vacation.” The album finds Cyrus evaluating her life as she talks herself into having fun again after relationship complexities.

Cyrus’s Latest Drop Will Leave You Wanting an “Endless Summer Vacation”

Alyssa Yoon and Kamille Simon
April 13, 2023
Seniors Miriam Ahmed, Ava Wardrett, and Jenna Whaley work on finalizing their photos from previous coverages as the staff approaches their upcoming deadline. Yearbooks are now available for purchase for $85.

Behind the Art of the Yearbook

Alyssa Yoon and Bhargav Kuniki
March 24, 2023
Senior Mehma Kathuria keeps the ball away from the Bolt defender. “Our game was together, we were playing with a new play,” Kathuria said. “[The Team’s] chemistry builds and gets better every game.”

The Battle of Ridges Results in Both Wins and Losses

Amelia Chen, Abhi Sharma, Alyssa Yoon, and Kamille Simon
February 3, 2023
Senior Ilias Cholakis (third from right) stands on the first place podium in the 2022 King of the Rock Wrestling Tournament.

Senior Ilias Cholakis Wrestles to the End of his High School Career

Kamille Simon and Alyssa Yoon
January 26, 2023
As a junior, Sruthi Dacherla made the Dulles-District Second Team for Girls Varsity Basketball. Before her senior season ends, Dacherla has goals to end her time on the court in high school with a bang. “My personal goal this year is to get my name on the record board and to make the All-District and All-Region teams before I end my career,” Dacherla said.

Sruthi Dacherla Shoots for the Sky Before she Bids Farewell to The Rock

Kamille Simon and Alyssa Yoon
January 25, 2023
Sophomore Trey Fitch goes for a shot after making a steal. Fitch scored a total of thirteen points in the game. “I feel like I played alright, [I] could have done better,” Fitch said. “I was getting really pressed in the first half, I got led off towards the end. Individually, I did my contribution to the team, but it is a team effort.”

Despite a Fight, the Panthers Pounce on the Phoenix

Hylay Assefa, Amelia Chen, James Lee, and Alyssa Yoon
December 16, 2022
Junior Michelle Kim (7) jumps up to smack the ball over the net, defeating the opposing teams’ block wall.

Phoenix Volleyball Soars Past the Spartans

October 15, 2022
After a quick breakaway, senior Basit Qadri (11, wide receiver) catches the ball in the endzone, scoring his fourth touchdown of the night. “I think I did my job, tried my best to help the team win,” Qadri said. “[As a team] we can get more aggressive and focus on the main goal to win.”

Phoenix Suffer Tough Loss to the Railroaders

October 15, 2022
Seniors Atri Bathula and Advik Pasuparthi hustle their way through the field.

Head to Head: Lacrosse Double Header Showcases Phoenix Seniors

Zain Khalidi and Alyssa Yoon
June 6, 2022
Senior Anish Nandyala prepares to serve during the doubles matches, with partner sophomore Aryan Dhiman ready to play.

Causing a Racket: Boys Tennis Reigns Supreme

Zain Khalidi, Alyssa Yoon, and Maddie Nyman
June 6, 2022
The ‘As It Was’ music video was also the introduction to Harry Styles’ current era with a new aesthetic -- highlighted in the colors of the graphic above.

Harry Styles Releases Debut Single Music Video for New Album “Harry’s Home”

Alyssa Yoon, Managing Editor
April 27, 2022
Junior Taylor Cheek (14) attempts to steal the ball away from the Panthers.

Phoenix’s Girls Lacrosse Faces the Panthers with Determination

Alyssa Yoon, Maddie Nyman, Divya Iyer, and Zain Khalidi
April 25, 2022
The varsity boys tennis team gathered around tennis coach Chris Schamus following their triumphant round of singles.

Boys Tennis Serves Another Triumphant Win

Zain Khalidi and Alyssa Yoon
April 7, 2022
These Phoenix debaters qualified for VHSL Super Regionals

The Phoenix Debate Team Qualifies for Super Regionals

Alyssa Yoon, Managing Editor
April 1, 2022
Actors Donald Faison and Zach Braff discuss real-life topics and experiences from their time on hit television series “Scrubs” in their podcast “Fake Doctors, Real Friends.”

Fake Doctors, Real Friends: My Best Friend’s Baby’s Baby and My Baby’s Baby

Alyssa Yoon, Managing Editor
March 14, 2022
Headlines dictated Joshua Bassett’s career as much as they impacted his mental health.

Joshua Bassett and the Immorality of Modern Cancel Culture

Zain Khalidi and Alyssa Yoon
March 1, 2022
Senior Alexa Veneros (12) blocks a Captains player (5) from scoring, while Veneros’ teammates remain open, ready to receive the ball.

Phoenix Girls Basketball Falls to the Captains on Senior Night

Nanaki Bawa, Rachel Adams, Zain Khalidi, and Alyssa Yoon
February 20, 2022
Phoenix varsity volleyball team discusses the game plan with their coaches as they prepare to take on the Captains.

Despite Loss Against Captains, Phoenix Ace Match

Rohan Iyer, Dominika Butler, Rachel Adams, and Alyssa Yoon
October 27, 2021
Harshroop Singh, 11

Harshroop Singh, 11

Alyssa Yoon, Managing Editor
September 30, 2021
Kamille Simon, 10

Kamille Simon, 10

Alyssa Yoon, Managing Editor
October 26, 2020
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