• Important Dates -->
  • 6/6: Capstone Gala and Senior Awards
  • 6/7: Rent Revival Performance
  • 6/13: Graduation Practice
  • 6/14: Last Day of School
  • 6/14: Graduation @ RRHS
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
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 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
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”
French teacher and language department chair Veronique Billington announces the 26 students who got the Seal of Biliteracy. Students receive the seal upon passing an exam, which tests their ability to read and write one or more languages next to English; usually, this is a language that is not offered at school and for which students can earn extra language credits by passing the exam.
Seniors Put Their Caps on Senior Year With Capstone Gala and Awards Ceremony
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 Ive 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 its 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 thats 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
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
Carpenter’s fall and rise stands as a testament to how women in the music industry have to lean into the hate they receive to be successful.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Fall and Rise: From Lyrical Rage to the Eras Tour Stage
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
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 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
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 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
Bella Strano

Bella Strano, Staff Writer

Sophomore Bella Strano is a staff writer on "The Blaze." Strano enjoys playing volleyball for Rock Ridge's JV team. Other than volleyball, Strano likes to spend time drawing. Strano is trying to learn a new medium of art, digital. When Strano joined newspaper this year, it wasn't what she thought it'd be, but she's open to it. "I'm kind of screwed for the whole interview thing," Bella said. "It's kind of scary for me, but I'm trying!"

All content by Bella Strano

Tears of the Kingdom: A Long Awaited Adventure

Bella Strano and Sebastian Penagos Sandoval
June 10, 2023
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!

Bella Strano and Sebastian Penagos Sandoval
June 10, 2023
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

Shaila Patel, Bella Strano, and Rachel Adams
May 22, 2023

Boys Lacrosse: Tying for Victory

Bella Strano, Bella Gerardi, and Sebastian Penagos Sandoval
May 10, 2023
Senior Kamaal Reel races in the 100m dash, setting a school record with a time of 11.08 seconds. “I was just proud of myself, since I’ve had that goal ever since I started here,” Reel said.

Phoenix Track Athletes Set Records at Senior Night

Rohan Iyer, Bella Strano, and Zahria Ford
May 10, 2023
During this years band assessment, Rock Ridge highlighted both their concert band and wind ensemble. Though preparations were difficult for the instrumentalists, such as Senior Bhargavi Alluri, sophomore Ragya Verma, and freshmen Risha Varma, Nathan Martinez, and Anwesha Rout, they believed that it paid off. “I think the concert went pretty good,” freshman clarinetist Nathan Martinez said.

For Band Assessment, Freshmen Take on a New Challenge

Bella Strano, Sebastian Penagos Sandoval, and Raza Hassan
March 31, 2023
Senior Basit Qadri tries to find another player to pass off the ball to his teammate without the Tigers stealing it.

Phoenix Varsity Basketball Takes Down the Tigers

Smrithi Balakumar, James Bowles, and Bella Strano
February 2, 2023
With a diverse student body, Rock Ridge students celebrate a variety of holidays and traditions. Learning about various backgrounds and holidays can help spread awareness and recognition of other cultures and religions.

Holidays at The Rock

Maya Coleman and Bella Strano
January 26, 2023
Sophomore Chhaya Sou, sophomore Brian Pham, and junior Christopher Danh compete in a game of League of Legends, an online MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game that pits players against each other as they attempt to destroy their enemy’s base. The esports club hosts weekly competitions, where members compete against teams from other schools.“It’s been a really fun time,” Pham said. “You get to play games with good friends, meet friends, and be a little bit more competitive, unlike other clubs.”

I Paused My Game To Be Here!

Bella Strano and Sebastian Penagos Sandoval
January 17, 2023
Sophomore Mekhi Motilewa dribbles around his defender while they pressure him.“[We need to] play at our own pace,” Motilewa said. “Sometimes we sped up and we didnt keep our composure when we were pressured by the defense…and running our own plays and some communication would help.”

Spartans Conquer the Phoenix in a Head-to-Head Matchup

Sarah Baig, Tanishka Enugu, Shaila Patel, and Bella Strano
December 19, 2022

Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan

Smrithi Balakumar and Bella Strano
December 7, 2022
Student Council Association (SCA) members decorate a large arch for the Homecoming Dance before students arrive. The front entrance, gym, and cafeteria were transformed into city themed attractions on the morning of Oct. 22.

Homecoming: SCA sets the Scene for a Night in the Cities

James Bowles, Melissa Waas, Bella Strano, and Samantha Chang
November 15, 2022
Keira Bacas, 9

Keira Bacas, 9

Bella Strano, Staff Writer
October 25, 2022
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