• Important Dates -->
  • Feb. 16: Orchestra Pre-Assessment Concert
  • Feb. 17: Broadway Desserts
  • Feb. 17: Phoenix Pageant
  • Feb. 20: Presidents' Day - No School
  • Feb. 20 - 24: Student Press Freedom Week
  • Feb. 23: 3rd Quarter Senior Breakfast
  • March 7: Chorus Pre-Assessment Concert
  • March 8: World Language Honor Society Inductions
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Gifting Palentines is now a yearly tradition of the National Art Honors Society. It aims to strengthen the community here at Rock Ridge, challenge social norms, and provide a chance for members to perform community service.
National Art Honors Society: Repainting Valentine’s Day
Ever since their official start in August 2022, the Phoenix Mock Trial chapter has been practicing their attorney and witness skills through lessons from actual lawyers, legal jargon, and, of course, mock trials.
Mock Trial Tries Regionals
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.
School Board Talks Through Changes For the 2023-2024 School Year, Transparency With Public, New Middle School
Surrounded by her fellow HBCU alumni, Director of Equity and Virginia State University graduate Lottie Spurlock talks to the audience about why attending an HBCU was right for her. “I don’t know if I appreciated it then like I do know, but going through attending [an HBCU], I felt like I was not robbed of any college experience,” Spurlock said.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Come Together to Help Students
Sitting around a table, the PTSO, Student Activities and Engagement Coordinator Annamika Hacikyan, and Principal John Duellman convene to review and devise a plan to move forward from recent incidents.
PTSO Honors Student, Discusses Future Actions to Improve Mental Health of School Community
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
Returning and new athletes came out to show their skills and passion for their sport as the 2022-23 spring season commenced.
New Season, New Sports
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
Senior Deric Gomodo goes up to take a jump shot as a Captain attempts to block him.
Captains Defeat Phoenix in Last Home Double-Header
Senior Morgan Fowle celebrates after winning his 50 yard freestyle heat at the county championships on Jan. 14. Most of Fowle’s preparation prior to races is mental. “I try to visualize my races step by step and frame by frame to help me get a better feel for how the race is going to unfold,” Fowle said.
Dedication Pays Off for the Phoenix Swim Teams
Ilias Cholakis attempts to pin down a struggling Spartan wrestler.
Phoenix Wrestling Reaches New Heights
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
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 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
Returning and new athletes came out to show their skills and passion for their sport as the 2022-23 spring season commenced.
New Season, New Sports
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
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
Although the couple has gone through tough times, they still manage to stick together and stay strong. The bond between the couple and their children is unexplainable, and the family has stuck together despite Royal Family drama.
Netflix Show Dives Into the Controversies of “Harry & Meghan”
For Styles, this residency tour meant that he would perform consecutive nights at a few locations — 15 times at Madison Square Garden, 15 times at the Kia Forum, five times at Moody Center and United Center, and twice at Scotiabank Arena.
North America is Invited to Harry’s House
The Grammys, hosted by Trevor Noah, had ups and downs, but in the end, the theme of community and friendship tied the event together.
Grandma Served at the Grammys
“Chainsaw Man” is the anime adaptation of the Shonen manga, written by Tatsuki Fujimoto, and follows the life of the devil hunter Denji as he tries to defend the citizens of Japan from the physical embodiments of their biggest fears.
Chainsaw Man: MAPPA’s Buzzing New Anime
Juniors Mariah Waters, Kaia Greene, Olivia McMahon, Emily Gruessing, Izzy Bock, and senior Julia Freeman perform “The Chain” from “X: 1969.”
Broadway Desserts Brings Sweet Performances to the Stage
Getting overwhelmed in high school can drag down your performance in other activities that you’re involved in. It’s important to be proactive and practice good habits such as time management so that you can have a more enjoyable high school experience.
A High Schooler’s Worst Enemy
After serving as the director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, Fauci stepped down from his duties in December 2022. He is not retiring, however, and cites this as the next big step in his career.
Misinformation Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: How Republican Hard-Liners Advanced Their Dangerous Agenda
Coach Richard Gaskin hugs Pelé as he presents the All American award to him in Jan, 1998. The award is either earned by an athletic achievement at a championship event or by being selected by members of the national media, coaches association, or through a poll.
Meet Soccer Coach Richard Gaskin
As someone who practices spirituality, it is important to be aware of your well being. Auras help with knowing how your physical body connects emotionally.
The Significance of Auras
During the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards, businesswoman and socialite Kim Kardashian wore a new hairstyle, cornrows, drawing controversy and criticism from some of her followers. “I actually did that look because North said she wanted braids and asked if I would do them with her. So we braided her hair and then we braided my hair,” Kardashian said to Bustle. (An earlier version of an image for this piece was taken down due to unclear copyright requirements)
Should Certain Hairstyles Be Gatekept?
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
The Sound Of The Game
The Sound Of The Game
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
Hylay Assefa

Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer

Hylay is a sophomore who enjoys playing soccer and looks forward to playing for the school's team. Besides soccer, he plans on seeking advice throughout the year from his older peers to help better navigate the whole “high school experience.” Although not being in high school for as long as his older peers, he does have a piece of advice, and that's to never procrastinate.

All content by Hylay Assefa
Coach Richard Gaskin hugs Pelé as he presents the All American award to him in Jan, 1998. The award is either earned by an athletic achievement at a championship event or by being selected by members of the national media, coaches association, or through a poll.

Meet Soccer Coach Richard Gaskin

Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer
February 16, 2023
Messi versus Ronaldo, a rivalry which started when the two athletes were in Barcelona and Real Madrid, is now one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.

Phoenix Soccer Fans Embrace the World Cup

Hylay Assefa and James Lee
January 25, 2023
At the School Board Meeting, members discussed new proclamations and high school updates from two school board representatives. Senior and School Board Representative Srikar Bangaru presented his update along with the Tuscarora High School representative.

School Board Representative Senior Srikar Bangaru Presents School Update

Nanaki Bawa, Hylay Assefa, and Muhammad Reda
January 24, 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
On the right, junior Daniel Okoye (55) observes the free throw. Okoye stood at the side, getting ready to intercept the rebound in case the free throw was missed. “A lot of embarrassing moments happened in the game,” Okoye said. “But I think we stayed mentally strong and kept going.”

Phoenix and Bobcats Go Head to Head in First Scrimmage of the Season

Anik Mridha, Hylay Assefa, and Bhargav Kuniki
December 15, 2022
Junior Ibrahim Rostom stands happily with a thumbs up after the trial with the youth Egyptian National Team. He had just played well and was pleased with his performance.

Ibrahim Rostom Makes the Youth Egyptian National Team

Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer
November 14, 2022
After directing “When I Rise Up” by Donald Moore, the second song of the concert, Assistant Choir Director Terrian Jennings faces the audience to present the choir and take a bow. Jennings came in to help Choir Director Jordan Markwood prepare for the concert while he was away for meetings related to his Teacher of the Year award. “Once I was able to open up for the kids, they were able to open up for me on stage, and that’s been my favorite part [of preparing for the concert],” Jennings said.

Phoenix Choir “Rises Up” for Fall Concert

Aarohi Motwani, Hylay Assefa, and Ivana Figueroa
November 1, 2022
Aarav Marwaha, 10

Aarav Marwaha, 10

Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer
October 25, 2022
Teachers line up in the library to grab their free lunch provided by the PTSO on May 5.

PTSO Honors Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

Rachel Adams, Mars Foley, and Hylay Assefa
June 2, 2022
Asa Butterfield and Lola Evans share a stage in the horror and suspense of the film.

Horror Movie “Choose or Die” Lacks Jump Scares, but Makes Up For It With Exciting Plot

Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer
May 24, 2022
At practice, the Phoenix crew team rows an 8-person boat. “In each boat, you have either 4 people or 8 people,” junior Alan Saju said. “And so if all those people aren’t working together at the same time, the boat’s not going to be going anywhere.”

How Crew Makes a Splash with Teamwork

Hylay Assefa, Dominika Butler, and Rohan Iyer
May 6, 2022
Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) stands with a rifle in her arms while Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) are in the background. They are hunting which I think is a part of the second season.

“Bridgerton” Tops Netflix Once Again

Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer
May 4, 2022
At the March 22 school board meeting, the board brought Rock Ridge student to represent the school.

School Board Meeting declares new policies such as Autism Acceptance Month.

Hylay Assefa and Jackson Mitchell
March 31, 2022
Kanye West performs at Lollapalooza in 2011; “Jeen-yuhs” helps explain his journey to such a large stage by showing his come up.

First Episode of Kanye West’s “Jeen-yuhs” Tops the Netflix Top 10

Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer
March 14, 2022
Junior Jett Cooper sprints at a track meet at Lightridge on Dec. 4.

The Track Team Sprints Past Their Competition

Hylay Assefa, Mars Foley, and Jackson Mitchell
February 8, 2022
At their Nov. 30 meeting, the school board made improvements to elementary literacy and to medication guidelines.

School Board Discusses Elementary Literacy, Medication, Recent Sexual Assault Allegations

Hylay Assefa, Lars Nyman, and Rishi Sundaram
February 4, 2022
Micheal Myers, the main villain in all “Halloween” franchise movies, stands with a knife in his hand in front of a house he just burned in Haddonfield, Illinois in 1978.

The 12th Movie In The “Halloween” Franchise, “Halloween Kills,” Continues to Captivate

Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer
February 4, 2022
The Clash of the Classes tournament was held on Oct. 4, in replacement of the annual Powder Puff Football game. The seniors managed to pull through and win the game, with a final score of 4-3.

Juniors, Seniors ‘Kick’ Off Homecoming Week

Rohan Iyer, Smrithi Balakumar, Aarohi Motwani, and Hylay Assefa
October 28, 2021
Sam Austria, 9

Sam Austria, 9

Hylay Assefa, Staff Writer
September 30, 2021
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