• Important Dates -->
  • 11/22: Honor Society Ceremony
  • 11/26: Last day of School Before Break
  • 11/27: Thanksgiving Break
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Signs litter the lawn surrounding Rock Ridge High School discussing candidates running and their promises.
Polarized Politics: The 2024 Election Season
Students expressed their gratitude towards the veterans of Rock Ridge by organizing a breakfast food for them.
Veterans Day Breakfast Recognizes Former Service Members
The LCPS School Board meeting covered financial aspects of the county, such as Policy 4030 and school funds.
School Board Meeting Discusses Budget Changes, Issues New Attendance Policy
Lightspeed is a technology management software that provides visibility of students’ devices during class time, ensuring engagement and productivity during school hours. Rachel Bhardwaj and Divitha Mathe
Watchful Eye: The Implementation of Lightspeed in LCPS
Junior Laura Adams puts her phone into the device holder at the beginning of her AP Language and Composition class.
From Phone-Friendly to Phone-Free: Virginia Dept. of Education Implements State-Wide Cell Phone Policy
Junior defenseman Connor Bultema dumps the puck in the offensive zone as the Phoenix/Pride watch from the bench intently.
Meet the Team: Phoenix/Pride Hockey Starts Season on Fire
Freshman Anshika Atluri charges for the ball on the wing as a Titan player sprints to catch up on the defense.
Titans Attack Phoenix Field Hockey in 8-0 Loss
The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.
Set, Spike, Win, Repeat: Phoenix Serve The Huskies
Senior Aiden Patel swings his club aiming to get close to the hole. He ended the season undefeated and qualified for the All-State Virginia golf team. Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Virbickis
Phoenix Golf Hits Into Green This Season
Junior Xavier Smith, a wide receiver/defensive back, breaks a tackle. Smith ended the day with 59 rushing yards and six receiving yards.
Annual Homecoming Football Game is Out-of-this-World
Freshman Anshika Atluri charges for the ball on the wing as a Titan player sprints to catch up on the defense.
Titans Attack Phoenix Field Hockey in 8-0 Loss
The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.
Set, Spike, Win, Repeat: Phoenix Serve The Huskies
Senior Aiden Patel swings his club aiming to get close to the hole. He ended the season undefeated and qualified for the All-State Virginia golf team. Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Virbickis
Phoenix Golf Hits Into Green This Season
Junior Xavier Smith, a wide receiver/defensive back, breaks a tackle. Smith ended the day with 59 rushing yards and six receiving yards.
Annual Homecoming Football Game is Out-of-this-World
Senior running back Shamar Ferrell celebrating in the endzone after narrowly avoiding a Patriot player.
Phoenix Football Proves Patriotism Against Patriots During America Out
Junior defenseman Connor Bultema dumps the puck in the offensive zone as the Phoenix/Pride watch from the bench intently.
Meet the Team: Phoenix/Pride Hockey Starts Season on Fire
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 that's 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
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
Senior Wardah Islam sings her solo for “A Choice to Change the World.”
Voices of Change: Rock Ridge Sings is in Tune with Community
The plot of “Monsters” juggles conflicting tones and confusing characterizations, turning a complex case into a muddled narrative mess. Promotional Image of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
Sensationalism Over Substance: ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Turns Tragedy into Trash
Paris Hilton falls from a star, showcasing her fall from stardom in the pop industry. Her recent release of “Infinite Icon” is accelerating her fall due to its poor quality.
‘Infinite Icon’: Paris Hilton’s Recent Album Has Been Forgotten in the New Generation of Pop
“Short n’ Sweet” showcases Sabrina Carpenter’s seamless blend of wit and catchy melodies, making it her most compelling and confident album to date. Photo Courtesy of Island Records
Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’: A Masterclass in Pop Precision and Playful Provocation
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
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
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
Classroom Conversations: All About the College Route
Classroom Conversations: All About the College Route
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy
Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
Senior Pranjal Deshmukh carefully applies paint to the outline of her name on a Barbie box parking spot design. At the annual parking spot painting event, rising seniors got a chance to claim a parking spot; brainstorm a personal design; come equipped with gallons of paint, various brushes, and rolling pins; and have fun coloring the asphalt with friends and family.
Class of 2025 Makes Their Mark in the Parking Lot
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
Senior Pranjal Deshmukh carefully applies paint to the outline of her name on a Barbie box parking spot design. At the annual parking spot painting event, rising seniors got a chance to claim a parking spot; brainstorm a personal design; come equipped with gallons of paint, various brushes, and rolling pins; and have fun coloring the asphalt with friends and family.
Class of 2025 Makes Their Mark in the Parking Lot
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 Ridge's 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
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Jackson Mitchell

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer

Jackson is a senior and this is his third year on staff. In his free time, he likes to wrestle and hang out with his friends. Jackson also loves music and his favorite artists are Bladee and Yung Lean. One thing Jackson loves to do is make people laugh and he is really funny and good looking.

All content by Jackson Mitchell
"Chance after chance, I learned to just run blindly and not turn back." -Chance

Mitchell Swan Song: Chance

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
May 16, 2024
The Loudoun County School Board met in their administrative offices to discuss policies 2620 and 6650 and address that May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Jewish Heritage Month.

School Board Meeting Discusses Policy Changes, Student Mental Health, and Recognizes History Teacher Aisha Ahmed as LCPS New Teacher of the Year.

Jackson Mitchell and Samantha Chang
May 15, 2024
At their 4th Tuesday meeting, the LCPS School Board addressed a variety of topics – from small policy wording changes to big-picture progress on performance goals.

School Board Issues March Proclamations, Presents Mid-Year Data, Hosts Rock Ridge Representative

Diya Chand, Jackson Mitchell, and Sydney Nguyen
March 14, 2024
At the second Tuesday meeting of the month, School Board members met to acknowledge student mental health services, re-zoning concerns, and brainstorm for the new schedule.

School Board Meeting Discusses Student Mental Health, Zoning Concerns, and a New Schedule.

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
March 3, 2024
A musical artist can just as easily lose attention as they can gain it, causing fame to be a liability, with tomorrow never being promised on top, and the inevitable fall coming closer each day.

The Rise and Falls of Music Artists: Analyzing The Double-Edged Sword of Fame

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
February 27, 2024
With his career truly taking off after the 2015 release of his self-titled debut album, “Fetty Wap,” two albums later landing us at “King Zoo,” we can truly observe the growth of this R&B/rap fusion genius.

Fetty Wap: The One-Eyed King

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
January 4, 2024
With production wrapping up in April 2023, “FNAF” has been one of the most anticipated movies of the fall, but barely fell into the horror genre that was most sought-after during the Halloween season. Photo courtesy of Blumhouse.

‘Five Nights At Freddy’s:’ A Movie Truly For The Fans

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
December 4, 2023
“For All the Dogs” finds itself merely blending in among other hip-hop albums from different prolific artists. Graphic by Leif LaBianca.

‘For All the Dogs’ Lacks Innovation, Gets Lost in Sea of Competition

Jackson Mitchell and Leif Labianca
October 24, 2023
With a strong genre-hop from her last album, which was a synth-pop centric sound, to a 17-person choir accompanied by an orchestra, this album serves as a reminder that Mitski can convey emotion regardless of musical method. Photo Courtesy of Dead Oceans.

Mistki’s Divinely Inhospitable World

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
October 24, 2023
With only a small fraction of monthly listeners as his primary stage face, Yung Lean’s grunge abilities fall short of the spotlight with Död Mark, where he and fellow Sad Boys member, Yung Gud, come together to form a beautifully charged album, embracing not only their Swedish roots, but also the everlasting stretch of musical genius they’ve accumulated over their years in the industry. (Promotional photo courtesy of YEAR0001).

The Forever Dead Land: Död Mark’s “4Evigt”

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
October 19, 2023

Super Mario Bros.: A Video Game Movie Done Right

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
June 10, 2023
Throughout the school, fentanyl posters have been put up on the walls. These posters recognize the importance of fentanyl awareness and sharing information about the dangers of fentanyl.

School Board Discusses Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Student Athletes, Excused Absences for Religion, Funding for Student Breakfasts, and National Fentanyl Awareness Day

Nidhi Manchala, Jackson Mitchell, and Sebastian Penagos Sandoval
May 22, 2023
This album continuation represents the closing of Tyler’s Baudelaire era, his current alter ego to go along with “CMIYGL.” In the music video for “SORRY NOT SORRY,” fans get a glimpse of the past with each alter ego from Tyler’s entire discography.

“The Estate Sale” & The End of Tyler Baudelaire

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
May 18, 2023
The School Board, devoted to ensuring the education of all LCPS students, in person or online, made an effort to reinstate the Virtual Loudoun Elementary option at their April 25 meeting.

School Board Meets to Discuss Proclamations, Denied FOIA Requests, Virtual Loudoun Elementary, Board of Directors

Lucian Tiller, Jackson Mitchell, and Sebastian Penagos Sandoval
May 18, 2023
Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley, and James McNew have been together since 1984, with this being a picture from their 2009 tour. Through the last 39 years, Yo La Tengo has released seventeen studio albums, with “This Stupid World” being the newest addition to the discography.

Yo La Tengo’s Stupid World

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
May 16, 2023
At their second meeting of the month, the school board discussed new course recommendations for current CTE courses, gun awareness and LGBTQ+ month.

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

Jackson Mitchell and Lucian Tiller
May 10, 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.

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

Jackson Mitchell, Melissa Waas, and Sitwat Mian
March 29, 2023
“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

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
March 3, 2023
Ilias Cholakis attempts to pin down a struggling Spartan wrestler.

Phoenix Wrestling Reaches New Heights

Jackson Mitchell, Bella Gerardi, Zahria Ford, and Sebastian Penagos Sandoval
February 16, 2023
“Back 2 Life” by Thaiboy Digital was released on Nov. 18, 2022, under his record label YEAR0001. This project features two of the three members of the artist collective, Drain Gang. It also includes fellow Swedish rapper Yung Lean, who is a member of SBE.

Swedish Icon Thaiboy Digital is Finally Back (2 Life)

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
January 30, 2023
Sophomore Tom Roberts does an ollie over a wet floor sign, right out of a bank.

Rise and Grind: Loudoun’s Newest Skatepark

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
January 19, 2023
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.

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

Nidhi Manchala, Sitwat Mian, and Jackson Mitchell
December 19, 2022
Media by the Minute

Media by the Minute

Ananya Karthik, Jackson Mitchell, Sarah Baig, Tanishka Enugu, Rachel Adams, and Maya Coleman
November 6, 2022
Based on the 2010 novel, “Maria Beetle,” “Bullet Train” delivers a tolerable adaptation from director David Leitch.

“Bullet Train:” Brad Pitt and the Forgettables

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
October 13, 2022
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

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
June 8, 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.

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

Nanaki Bawa, Aarohi Motwani, Jackson Mitchell, and Rishi Sundaram
June 8, 2022
Sophomore Tyler Valdov (18) fights for the ball in a face off during the second half.

Phoenix Lacrosse: Rising from the Ashes

Mars Foley, Lars Nyman, and Jackson Mitchell
May 16, 2022
Popular cloud rap artist, Yung Lean, released his newest mixtape “Stardust” on April 8, 2022. The second track, ‘Trip,” was released as a single the same day as the announcement for the full mixtape that nobody expected.

The Yung Lean Mixtape That Took Fans For a Trip

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
May 10, 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 during his Saint Pablo tour in 2016, when he was still married to media icon Kim Kardashian and still on good terms with fellow rapper Kid Cudi.

Kanye West’s Chaotic Battle with The Media

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
March 24, 2022
School board members discussed how to improve the education of students and Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s recent ban on the teaching of critical racial theory.

School Board Discusses Black History and Equity in Education Month, COVID-19 Mask Mandate

Lars Nyman, Jackson Mitchell, and Rishi Sundaram
March 14, 2022
Earl Sweatshirt's album “SICK!” debuted with a single titled “2010,” the year his debut mixtape released, showing his growth in his style and in the music industry.

The Album That Made People SICK!

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
March 10, 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
Trombone player senior Tj Lynch performs during the first half of the concert.

Phoenix Band Delivers Breathtaking Performance with Help of Stone Hill Band

Divya Iyer, Abby Welch, and Jackson Mitchell
February 4, 2022
The alternate album cover for “Donda,” the tenth studio album. West later scrapped this for a blank and black square; however, West hasn’t revealed the real reason for changing it.

The “Donda” Update that Keeps Our Spirits Alive

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
February 3, 2022
Seniors Tai Trieu, Tiernan Caulfield, and other athletes skip as a warmup before their practice run. ¨It's been great to have a season in-person because last year we did not have one, and it's been a great experience to be with the team again,¨ Caulfield said.

Cross Country Races Towards a Successful Season

Mariam Abdelsayed, Nicolas Biernacki, and Jackson Mitchell
October 27, 2021
Kinda Rchaid, 10

Kinda Rchaid, 10

Jackson Mitchell, Staff Writer
September 30, 2021
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