• 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
Ivana Figueroa

Ivana Figueroa, Staff Writer

Ivana Figueroa is a sophomore, and this is her first year on "The Blaze" staff. She is a theater-obsessed gal who also loves writing and reading. When she’s not at her desk writing, she can be found procrastinating on her work until the last minute or anxiously finishing her homework at the last second. She hopes to pursue a career in theater or English after high school and is excited to explore journalism as a student reporter.

All content by Ivana Figueroa
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

Sruthi Vivek and Ivana Figueroa
March 8, 2023
Winter Drumline director Patrick O’Rourke instructs members of the ensemble as they prepare to play one of their pieces. This was the first year that the Winter Drumline program was active, and O’Rourke hoped that they would reach a high standard of performance over time. “There’s lots of programs in other high schools, and we’re hoping to get to that level,” O’Rourke said.

One Line, One Sound

Aline Gonzalez, Sruthi Vivek, and Ivana Figueroa
February 2, 2023
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

Ivana Figueroa, Staff Writer
February 2, 2023
Rock Ridge Choir poses after performing for the residents of Waltonwood senior center.

Bringing Our Spirits Back One Song at a Time

Muhammad Reda, Ivana Figueroa, and Bhargav Kuniki
January 31, 2023
The dreaded flu season has arrived. The coughing, the aches, the sneezing -- its all back, and more annoying than ever.

Flu Season Hits Rock Ridge as Students Finish Up the Quarter

Ivana Figueroa, Staff Writer
January 28, 2023
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
Inspired by the controversial and legendary life of Marilyn Monroe, the movie “Blonde” hit streaming platform Netflix on Sept. 16

Marilyn Monroe’s Inspiring Legacy Hits the Silver Screen in “Blonde”

Ivana Figueroa and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
November 1, 2022
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