• Important Dates -->
  • June 3 - Seniors Last Day of School
  • June 15 - Last Day of School/ End of Quarter 4
  • June 16 - Graduation at 9:00 am
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
After weeks of hard work, members of the Rock Ridge debate team qualified for Nationals, placing in the top 100 teams. Sophomore Veer Sidhu worked for the most time on his research. “You need to know a lot about the topic before you can write your case,” Sidhu said.
Phoenix Debate Argues Their Way to Nationals
The Aluminum Falcons built their VEX robot last August, gaining new parts and assembling the robot throughout the year. “We’ve been working, testing several designs,” junior Krish Shah said. “If it doesn’t work, we restart, find a new design, and make sure it works.”
Aluminum Falcons Take the Stage at VEX Robotics Worlds
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
Ida Lee Park hosted a Discovery Walk in honor of Park Day. It lasted for 5 days, and consisted of a tour around the grounds of the site.
Ida Lee Park Hosts “Discovery Walk” in Honor of Park Day
Through “Ask for Angela,” Leesburg restaurants have begun providing support for their employees and ensuring their safety at their workplace. In the program, used only in emergency situations where employees are at risk of assault, employees say a phrase to call for help and receive it from another trained staff member.
Leesburg Restaurants Protect Employees With “Ask for Angela” Program
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
Theater teacher Rebekah Hess has spent quarantine and summer break preparing her home office for the school year. “I ended up decluttering over 2,320 items in the last three months,” Hess said. Her office contains scented candles, an open window, a ginormous planner, and a special furry friend, Gibbs.
Teachers Prep Back to School Teaching Spaces
Wearing masks, Sophia (left) and Amelie (right) pose for photos.
Sisters Launch Mask Business To Help Loudoun Community Combat Pandemic
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
Junior Maddy Springer attempts to swing at the coming softball, allowing her team to advance to further bases on the field. “We should go in expecting to win and we need to have high hopes and good spirits,” sophomore Emma Spielman said.
Phoenix Clash with Lightridge Lightning in Final Softball Game
Senior Ryan Buermeyer (22), mid-swing, aims to hit the ball and allow sophomore Dylan Neach (21) and freshman Nikhil Midda (9) to make it home from second and third bases respectively.
Phoenix Swing a Win for the Season
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
The track and field team warms up together with laps at practice after school.
Seniors Race to the Finish Line
Seniors Atri Bathula and Advik Pasuparthi hustle their way through the field.
Head to Head: Lacrosse Double Header Showcases Phoenix Seniors
Poised for the perfect strike, sophomore Grace Tucker aims to score. Tucker was a team star in the first set, scoring multiple set winning strikes. “I’m really glad we won the game because it was our Dig Pink game and we all came together as a team and played well,” Tucker said.
Phoenix Show Out For Pink Out
The Phoenix and Captains ready themselves for the next play after stoppage from the referee. “I got my first touchdown on friday and it was pretty nice; it was the first one of the season, you know, and Im still looking to get more,” junior Da’sean Mack said.
Loudoun County Captains Capture Phoenix Pink Out Game 45-6
Senior Calek Aguado protects the ball after rushing and completing the play. “Today we were focused… and we were ready to rock and roll,” head coach George Masten said.
Hoco or Go Home
Aiden Patel walks towards the golf hole to line up his next shot at the Brambleton Golf Course during the District Tournament.
Phoenix Golf Tees Off to States
Members of the freshmen and junior classes fire up the crowd with a cheer to increase the Phoenix spirit. “I loved [the tailgate], it was awesome. This is my very first high school event with people [and] other highschoolers. Even though this is a practice, it’s my very first football game. It’s been an incredible experience,” freshman Jaden Thomas said.
The Revival of Phoenix Spirit
Christian Djan (22) looks to pass while being double teamed in a Jan.6 game against the Dominion Titans.
The Heart of the Phoenix
Junior Ilias Cholakis stands on the podium at states on Feb. 18 holding his fourth place medal. ¨I did pretty well -- improved from last year, which was my goal,¨ Cholakis said.
Phoenix Wrestling Dominates At Districts and Soars to States
Varsitys junior Nick Canfield (23) looks around to find a teammate to throw the ball to as a Cougar plays tight defense on him. “We did a good job on defense communicating, that was something that we were really trying to work on this past game,” Canfield said.
Phoenix Pounce on the Cougars
On Jan. 24, Phoenix cheerleaders sophomore Isha Vepa, junior Tia Carter, freshman Almendra Del Aguila, and junior Prerana Telugu perform a cheer in unison at the basketball game against Tuscarora. “We almost got hit by a ball like two [or] three times, we just kinda stepped back and kept watching. We literally laughed about it afterwards -- it’s always fun to support with these wild things happening.” said Telugu.
Winter Cheer: The Highs and Lows
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
Junior Maddy Springer attempts to swing at the coming softball, allowing her team to advance to further bases on the field. “We should go in expecting to win and we need to have high hopes and good spirits,” sophomore Emma Spielman said.
Phoenix Clash with Lightridge Lightning in Final Softball Game
Senior Ryan Buermeyer (22), mid-swing, aims to hit the ball and allow sophomore Dylan Neach (21) and freshman Nikhil Midda (9) to make it home from second and third bases respectively.
Phoenix Swing a Win for the Season
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
The track and field team warms up together with laps at practice after school.
Seniors Race to the Finish Line
Seniors Atri Bathula and Advik Pasuparthi hustle their way through the field.
Head to Head: Lacrosse Double Header Showcases Phoenix Seniors
Some recommended Latino song selections from throughout this year include “Girl From Rio” by Anitta, “This Is Not America” by Residente, and “KI-KI” by YEИDRY.
Creation with Colors, Prides, and Pasts: A Review of Latino Artists from 2021 – 2022
Voces Virilis performs “Wellerman” by Nathan Evans and “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson. Both songs were popularized on TikTok last year, which led the group to choosing them.
Bittersweet Final Notes
Young Wabo’s “Mirage” was released on May 1, 2022, and was Wabo’s newest release since his previous EP, “Mid,” released in 2021.
A Look Into The “Mirage:” An Interview With Young Wabo
An advertisement for “Girls’” second season in Brooklyn.
‘Girls’ Tenth Anniversary: A Retrospective Special
Red Velvet, a third-generation Kpop group, is known for their vivid and bold concepts. With their song “Bad Boy,” they quickly hit the charts and rose on the Canadian Billboard Hot Top 100.
Hallyu: The Korean Wave that became a Worldwide Phenomenon
A carrion crow rests on a mossy branch, surveying the area for carcasses. While the albatross has quite the reputation, it’s infamy is dwarfed in the presence of any species of crow⸺they’re almost always depicted as omens of death, decay, and bad luck. Carrion crows, in comparison to other species, were particularly associated with death and sickness (as their name suggests), and their presence often foreshadowed catastrophic events.
Exploring the Implications of Attribution With the Help of the Albatross
We’ve all seen it: after the teacher has given out their lesson and passed out homework, some students finally catch up on the much needed rest they missed out on the night before. Some students may see it as a sign of them being hard working; I see it as a sign of being overworked and as not desirable.
Don’t Snooze on Student’s Sleep
An advertisement for “Girls’” second season in Brooklyn.
‘Girls’ Tenth Anniversary: A Retrospective Special
(Pictured in blue) I patch together what I can recall about my kindergarten graduation, a distant memory. However, my upcoming graduation may stay as a framed photograph, recognizing the growth I made throughout the years.
Butler Swan Song: Grown
Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process
Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process
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, Design and Graphics Editor

Amelia is a junior and this is her second year on staff. She does rhythmic gymnastics, is a part of SCA, and a member of Dear Asian Youth NOVA. In her free time, Amelia enjoys listening to music, watching anime, and hanging out with friends. #GIrlbossification

All content by Amelia Chen
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

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

November 1, 2021
Michelle Federico coaches the varsity field hockey team in the Phoenix v. Patriots match on Oct. 5 at the Rock. As head coach, she wants more girls to be interested in a sport like field hockey. “[Field hockey has] always been my favorite sport,” Federico said, “It’s unique, it’s hardcore. People dont realize how difficult it is.”

Despite Field Hockey Loss Against the Parkview Patriots, Field Hockey Coach Federico is Optimistic for the Phoenix

October 26, 2021
Nina Lal, 11

Nina Lal, 11

September 17, 2021
Ava Loh, 9

Ava Loh, 9

November 9, 2020
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