• Important Dates -->
  • Sept 5 - Sept 8: Spirit Week
  • Sept 7: Back to School Night
  • Sept 8: Pep Rally
  • Sept 10: PTSO community 5K
  • Sept 12: Senior Parent Meeting and PTSO meeting
  • Sept 22: Senior Breakfast
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Junior Ruth Gemechu guides her blindfolded partner, junior Kailyn Fetterman, as they try to stack cups.
Kicking off the School Year With Spirit Week
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 Ridges 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.
Welcome Back, Phoenix!
Senior Akanksha Potluri and her little sister paint her designated parking spot, inspired by her graduating year. Potluri enjoyed painting her spot. “I am doing the route 24 sign and then putting ‘the end of the road’ at the bottom,” Potluri said. “I just thought it would be cool because [it is] a little fun and creative.”
Parking Spot Picassos: Seniors Bring Creativity and Color to Start the Year Off Strong
Founded in 2019 by Erica Sullivan, who has a history of skin cancer in her family, Low Ultraviolet is a small, Virginia-based business aiming to “outshine skin cancer” by producing fashionable clothing articles with UPF 50+ protection, for younger women.
Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time
Sophie King plans to continue following her passion for horseback riding after high school, but for now, she enjoys spending her time schooling horses twice a week.
Talking to Something That Can’t Talk Back: The Story of Sophie King
Founded in 2019 by Erica Sullivan, who has a history of skin cancer in her family, Low Ultraviolet is a small, Virginia-based business aiming to “outshine skin cancer” by producing fashionable clothing articles with UPF 50+ protection, for younger women.
Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time
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
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
After fighting hard, the Phoenix and Bobcats congratulate each other on a game well played. While the game went on for four sets, ending with a victory for the Bobcats, the Phoenix kept their energy and enthusiasm at a max until the match point was won. “When [the team loses] a point or they start getting down, theyre good at not letting themselves fall into a hole,” assistant coach Whitney Leach said. “They’re really good at staying positive, pulling themselves up, and keeping that energy going during games.”
Phoenix Volleyball Faces First Loss of the Season
Celebrating a victorious end to his decade long hunt for the famed Stanley Cup, left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals, Alexander Ovechkin cheers on the celebrating fans at the championship parade in June of 2018. Simply known by many hockey fans as “Ovi,” Ovechkin has changed the game worldwide. Hailing from Russia, and largely known as one of the greatest players to ever play the sport (as he currently sits at number two on the all time goals scored list), he has single handedly grown the game in the D.C. Metropolitan area to unprecedented heights.
Breaking the Ice: Phoenix Hockey Club and the Stanley Cup Finals
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
Senior Sarah Baig holds surprise gifts from her teammates as a celebration of her senior night.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Celebrate Senior Night Against the Patriots
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
After fighting hard, the Phoenix and Bobcats congratulate each other on a game well played. While the game went on for four sets, ending with a victory for the Bobcats, the Phoenix kept their energy and enthusiasm at a max until the match point was won. “When [the team loses] a point or they start getting down, theyre good at not letting themselves fall into a hole,” assistant coach Whitney Leach said. “They’re really good at staying positive, pulling themselves up, and keeping that energy going during games.”
Phoenix Volleyball Faces First Loss of the Season
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
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
Celebrating a victorious end to his decade long hunt for the famed Stanley Cup, left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals, Alexander Ovechkin cheers on the celebrating fans at the championship parade in June of 2018. Simply known by many hockey fans as “Ovi,” Ovechkin has changed the game worldwide. Hailing from Russia, and largely known as one of the greatest players to ever play the sport (as he currently sits at number two on the all time goals scored list), he has single handedly grown the game in the D.C. Metropolitan area to unprecedented heights.
Breaking the Ice: Phoenix Hockey Club and the Stanley Cup Finals
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
Senior Sarah Baig holds surprise gifts from her teammates as a celebration of her senior night.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Celebrate Senior Night Against the Patriots
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
Released on April 5, The Super Mario Bros. Movie stands out in the world of cinematic renditions of video games, and proves a good video game movie is possible by making the top 20 list of highest grossing films of all time, and holds the third place spot for animated films.
Super Mario Bros.: A Video Game Movie Done Right
Freshman Parth Jaiswal strums his guitar. Because the performance was the last concert of the year, guitar teacher Teresa L. Gordon wanted her students to both enjoy and challenge themselves this time. “That was more of a challenge for the intermediate advanced artists just because there are four different parts in the music,” Gordon said. “But then the bass part, the fourth part, has more octaves and [moves] around like that, and chords in the third time. I think they enjoyed it for the most part.”
Rock Ridge Guitar Strikes the Right Chord at Their Spring Concert
Destroy Lonely goes on many people’s playlists and minds with the popularity of his release of his new album. The experimental aspect of the album gave it hype and interest to fans.
Destroy Lonely’s New Album “If Looks Could Kill” Goes Number 1 on Apple Music
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
Superhero movies and TV shows have been slowly declining in popularity and demand from younger audiences in the past few years.
Are Superhero Movies Dying?
Three days after its initial release on May 12, Nintendo’s new game “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” sold ten million units around the world.
Tears of the Kingdom: A Long Awaited Adventure
“They Both Die At The End,” “HomeGoing,” and “Little Fires Everywhere” are some of the many books that are being challenged in a few states due to the “explicit content” contained within the pages.
Opinion: Banning Books: Ignorance in Action
Throughout the school year, female sports often face lower attendance compared to male sports. Students should be supporting their fellow peers to help them to aim for victory.
Opinion: Girl Sports are Here Too!
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
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 Ridges 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 Unity
The Unity
Media by the Minute
Media by the Minute
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 Ridges 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
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
Amelia Chen

Amelia Chen, Editor-in-Chief

Amelia is a senior and this is her third year on staff. She is SCA executive president, does rhythmic gymnastics, and loves blazing for "The Blaze." In her free time, Amelia likes listening to music, hanging out with friends, and cooking. Amelia can't wait to make her last year her best one! #SeniorSlay

All content by Amelia Chen
At their second meeting of the month, the school board discussed new course recommendations for current CTE courses, gun awareness and LGBTQ+ month.

[Photo] School Board Discusses Funding for Nutrition Services, New Proclamations, Collective Bargaining

May 10, 2023
Chen Swan Song: What if?

Chen Swan Song: What if?

Amelia Chen, Editor-in-Chief
May 19, 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
On April 11, the Loudoun County School Board discussed changes regarding staff and learning materials in schools.

[Photo] School Board Members Discusses School Funding and Safety in Schools

April 28, 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
Dedicated to improving bathroom designs and privacy, worked to find solutions and plan bathroom renovations to avoid conflicts and other risks.

[Photo] School Board Meets to Discuss Mental Health, New Grading System, Bathroom Renovations

March 31, 2023
At the fourth annual Tuesday school board meeting, members discussed the representation of African American leaders with regard to the naming of the new middle school and how to report sexual harassment in terms of Title XI violations. The school board also voted on celebrating National Professional Social Work Month and Social Emotional Learning day this school year.

[Photo] School Board Discusses Naming of New Middle School, Title IX Overview Addressing Sexual Harassment

March 29, 2023
Freshman Brian Ayewouadan keeps the ball in his possession as he tries to move it away from the Pioneer defender. “We could have definitely had more goals, and our strikers were a little bit off. This was my first varsity [game] as a freshman, and I was kind of nervous, but I actually did pretty good,” Ayewouadan said.

Varsity Boys Soccer Springs into the Spring Season with a Scrimmage

Sarah Baig and Amelia Chen
March 9, 2023
The Loudoun County School Board considered a revision of Policy 2430, proclamations for National Professional Social Work Month, and the adoption of Policy 3210 at their Valentine’s Day meeting.

[Photo] School Board Talks Through Changes For the 2023-2024 School Year, Transparency With Public, New Middle School

March 8, 2023
To counter the influx of new middle and high school students in the Independence High School zone, a new middle school called MS-14 will be built to house students in sixth and seventh grade, while the already existing Brambleton Middle School will hold students in eighth grade and Independence freshmen. Independence High School will only hold sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

[Photo] Board Discusses Counseling Week, New Schools, Sexual Assault Case, New Push for Collective Bargaining

February 8, 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
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.

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

January 25, 2023
The LCPS School Board discussed the recent special grand jury report after Superintendent Scott Ziegler was fired and Public Information Officer Wayde Byard was indicted.

[Photo] LCPS School Board Reviews Grand Jury Report Recommendations Regarding Sexual Assault Investigation

January 18, 2023
Sophomore Mekhi Motilewa goes for an underhand reverse layup after facing intense pressure from the Huskies.

The Phoenix Lose a Tight Game Against the Huskies

Sarah Baig and Amelia Chen
January 18, 2023
On Nov. 15, the Loudoun County School Board opened their meeting by reviewing current LCPS matters like free and reduced-price meals as well as future plans regarding school renovations.

[Photo] LCPS Provides Updates on Free Lunches, Finance and Operation Matters, Funding School Programs, Health Benefits for Employees

December 19, 2022
At their Nov 29 meeting, the Loudoun County School Board finalized Policy 5055, which discussed parental notice of sexually explicit content. The new policy implemented by the school board, Policy 5055 requires thorough examination by parents for material deemed explicit, which in turn limits English teachers by flagging most literary material.

[Photo] LCPS Discusses 2023-2024 School Year Calendar, New Policy 5055, Student Transportation

December 19, 2022
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
The board discussed renaming 19 schools, a new internship offered by elementary schools, and new calendar options for 2023-2024 school year.

[Photo] LCPS Schools Renamed; New Computer Science Internship for Students

October 31, 2022
HUMANS OF ROCK RIDGE

[Photo] Phoenix Profiles: Humans of Rock Ridge

October 25, 2022
Senior Basit Qadri (11) tackles the Railroader opponent while sophomore DJ Harvey (10) runs to catch the ball.

Phoenix Suffer Tough Loss to the Railroaders

October 15, 2022
Senior and co-captain Harshroop Singh attempts to take the ball from the Titan opponent. “I think it’s crazy to see that I’ve learned a new sport just through the field hockey program here at Rock Ridge,” Singh said. “I’ve definitely seen a lot of improvement compared to previous years.”

Despite Loss to Titans, Field Hockey Celebrates Seasoned Seniors

Amelia Chen, Bhargav Kuniki, and Kamille Simon
October 18, 2022
Boys Varsity Soccer started their season strong with their first win in 2 years against the Stone Bridge Bulldogs. Senior Prince Amarante scored 2 goals, giving the Phoenix the win 2-1.

Closing of a Chapter, Prince Hangs Up His Crown

Sarah Baig, Amelia Chen, and Tanishka Enugu
June 10, 2022
On Tuesday, May 24, the LCPS School Board met for their 2nd Tuesday of the month meeting and discussed a variety of topics including gun violence; the first Friday in June was proposed to be celebrated as national gun violence awareness day in LCPS schools.

[Photo] School Board Honors National Merit Scholars, Recognizes Gun Violence and LGBTQ+ Awareness Month

June 8, 2022
Senior Anya Ambarish waits for her opponent to return the ball during her doubles match. Ambarish is the captain of the team this year and plans to continue playing club tennis at the University of Central Florida next year. “I might even walk on to their Varsity team,” Ambarish said.

Battle of the Dulles District: Phoenix Girls Tennis Wins Regular Season Championship

Amelia Chen, Tanishka Enugu, Harini Kannan, and Sarah Baig
May 24, 2022
On May 10, the school board held their second Tuesday meeting, continuing to discuss improvements to student welfare and allocating funds to fiscal year 22-23 budget items.

[Photo] School Board Provides Updates on Budget Plan, New Schools and Expansion of “Literacy for All” Programs

May 24, 2022
On April 5, the school board discussed the reassignment of staff and administrators throughout Loudoun County Public Schools, and announced the soon-to-open town halls to discuss their Strategic Plan with the community. The Strategic Plan outlines procedures that look to improve student and staff quality of life, absolve issues, and alleviate concerns brought forth from the public.

[Photo] Loudoun School Board Opens Town Hall Meetings, Moves Eid to May 2, Updates Student Mental Health Procedures

May 16, 2022
Freshman Kaushik Muskari prepares to hit the ball in his singles match. “I think I could’ve done a lot better,” Muskari said, “and of course there’s always a lot of room to improve, knowing that Im still learning.”

Phoenix Boys Tennis Ace the Huskies

Amelia Chen, Sarah Baig, Tanishka Enugu, and Abhi Sharma
May 4, 2022
On March 8, the LCPS school board held their second Tuesday meeting, discussing new CDC guidelines and the revision of the county equity statement.

[Photo] School Board Reviews New CDC Mitigation Recommendations; Recognizes Rock Ridge Accomplishments

March 31, 2022
Senior Aidie Bell (3) defends the ball from Falcon Taylor Price. “I think I did pretty well. [I just wish] I had scored,” Bell said.

The Battle of the Birds

Amelia Chen, Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2022
During the boys varsity match, Senior Prince Amarante (13) dribbled the ball toward the goal. “Personally, I think I was able to run it behind and stretch them, creating an attacking threat,” Amarante said. Amarante is eager for the start of his senior season. “I’m looking forward to just enjoying it with my friends and having a great time,” he said. “I want to just make the best out of it and make lifelong memories.”

Double Trouble: Soccer Double Header Ends in Victory for Girls; Loss for Boys

Sarah Baig, Amelia Chen, Tanishka Enugu, and Abhi Sharma
March 22, 2022
Sophomore Daniel Okoye (34) and freshman Trey Fitch (3) attempt to block Lightridge player Rishab Kantikanani (44). Okoye was able to block four Lightning shots in the game.

The Final “Battle of the Ridges”

Amelia Chen, Alexis Cortés, Bella Gerardi, and Nidhi Manchala
February 18, 2022
Junior Deric Gomado (1) dribbles through the Lightning defense and makes a slam dunk, adding two points to the Phoenix’s score. “I was a little nervous [for our first home double header game], but no [that did not affect me],” Gomado said.

The Battle of the Ridges

Amelia Chen, Editor-in-Chief
February 3, 2022
As the parent social came to an end, Matt Brooks, an art therapist from the Resilience Network, looks over to PTSO President Tiffany Ahmed as she makes her final closing statements.

Mental Health and Money: PTSO Meeting and Parent Social

Amelia Chen, Harini Kannan, and Lucian Tiller
February 2, 2022
During public comment, Loudoun County parents and students voiced their concerns over the School Board’s recent actions to deal with the sexual assault case.

Loudoun County School Board Discusses Current Affairs, Title IX, School Lunch

Amelia Chen, James Bowles, Kaleb Ryans, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
November 16, 2021
On Aug 24th in the blistering 90 degree heat, seniors paint their parking spots accompanied by their friends and family.

Class of 2022 Claims their Spots on the Lot

Amelia Chen and Zain Khalidi
November 1, 2021
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