• Important Dates -->
  • 3/31-NO SCHOOL
  • 4/3--End of Q3
  • 4/4--NO SCHOOL
  • 4/7--NO SCHOOL
  • 4/12--Spring Break Starts
  • 4/21--First Day Back
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The senior class holds up red streamers, representing their class color, to attempt to win one of the pep rally games.
Rock Ridge Springs into Final Spirit Week and Pep Rally
Yearbook staffers smile, holding their Silver Crown Columbia Scholastic Press Association award for the 10th edition of “Genesis”.
A Silver Triumph: Yearbook Takes Home CSPA’s Silver Crown Award
Relatives embrace one another after Eid prayer, taking place with ADAMS Center (All Dulles Area Muslim Society) at Broad Run High School.
Eid-al-Fitr: “Feast of Breaking the Fast”
The official logo for Shapeshift, a student-led startup revolutionizing 3D modelling. The geometric design reflects the platform's core purpose– to shift between sketches and adjustable digital sculptures. Posted with permission from Shapeshift founders Abhinav Duddala and Ajay Vinjamuri.
Shapeshift: High School Innovators Turn 2D Dreams into 3D Reality
Two debaters prepare for the next round of debate in a classroom.
Phoenix Debate Brings The Heat at VHSL 4C Regionals
Vice president Vijeta Arora takes charge of all new members of her organization and keeps it running smoothly.
10 Questions with PASTA Vice President Vijeta Arora
Senior Nitya Matcha advises underclassmen to “try everything” and find activities they’re passionate about. Photo Courtesy of Nitya Matcha
Seven Questions with Nitya Matcha: A Master of Managing it All
PEER club leader senior Rishit Choudhari leads with a goal of making the act of being nice a common courtesy in Rock Ridge. Courtesy of Rishit Choudhari
10 Questions with Rishit Choudhari, Co-Leader of PEER
Many invitations to parties were sent out this year, with the arrival of a fun trend, Galentine's Day.
Rock Ridge Trends: Galentines Day
Obsidian Club Leader Keeya Makonnen leads with vision and passion, while also striving for greatness in the future. Courtesy of Keeya Makonnen
The President of the Obsidian Club: Keeya Makonnen
Freshman Emerson Hagler (18), passes the ball to her teammates while attempting to move the ball away from her goal. “The season has been good; we obviously haven't won all the games we wanted to but we’re working hard,” Hagler said.
Phoenix Girls Soccer Gets Their First Win of the Season
Sophomore Anjali Gay posing for a pre-game picture. Courtesy of Anjali Gay
Athlete Spotlight: Anjali Gay
Junior Riya Cherukuri locks into her target at home base. “Personally, I want to improve on my timing on the plate,” she said. “As a team, we could improve our consistency and execution of plays and putting the ball in play.”
Phoenix Fall Short Against the Captains
Senior Rodrigue Gomado runs the boys 4x400 meter relay event.
Sprinting to Success: Rock Ridge Hosts Indoor Regionals Track Meet, Launches Two Teams to States
Senior Yug Kolla runs a leg in the boys distance 4x800 in the regional track meet hosted by Rock Ridge.
Athlete of the Week: Yug Kolla
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
Senior Rodrigue Gomado runs the boys 4x400 meter relay event.
Sprinting to Success: Rock Ridge Hosts Indoor Regionals Track Meet, Launches Two Teams to States
The team comes together for a cheer as they run back on the court for their last period. “Breaking their press was our biggest challenge,” sophomore Simone Diby (2) said. “We struggled to handle their defensive pressure, which led to a lot of mistakes”
Phoenix Girls Basketball Put Up a Commendable Fight Against the Pride
Senior and captain Will Beck defends his opponent and tries to stop the Pride guard from getting closer to the Phoenix basket.
Phoenix Fall to Pride in Hard Fought Battle
Racing for the puck, junior Connor Bultema and a Knights/Colts player sprint for a loose puck.
Pride/Phoenix Steal Crown from the Knights/Colts
Senior William Beck protects the ball from the opposing team.
Vikings Extinguish Phoenix Flame in Close Contest
Freshman Emerson Hagler (18), passes the ball to her teammates while attempting to move the ball away from her goal. “The season has been good; we obviously haven't won all the games we wanted to but we’re working hard,” Hagler said.
Phoenix Girls Soccer Gets Their First Win of the Season
Junior Riya Cherukuri locks into her target at home base. “Personally, I want to improve on my timing on the plate,” she said. “As a team, we could improve our consistency and execution of plays and putting the ball in play.”
Phoenix Fall Short Against the Captains
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
Rock Ridge Chamber Choir claps and sways as they perform “We Sing as One”.
Singing Empowerment: Rock Ridge Sings, Stone Hill Choirs Perform Pre-Assessment Concert
Since the highly publicized arrest of family YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, stories have run rampant about the inner workings of the Franke household. Hulu’s “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” chronicles what actually happened with lackluster editing but a powerful story. Photo courtesy of Hulu
Behind the Scenes: ‘The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke’
Angel Labosette energetically sings “You’ll Be Back” from “Hamilton,” dressed as King George III.
Broadway Desserts Hits the Sweet Spot with Show-Stopping Performances
Rapper Kendrick Lamar performs on stage for the Super Bowl halftime show. Photo courtesy of elisfkc2 via Wikimedia Commons. Link to license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
A Halftime Show For The Ages: Kendrick Lamar
The Weeknd's main album cover showcases him sweating and in pain. This signifies the overall theme of the album itself of escaping reality and paralysis. Courtesy of XO Records
Hurry Up and Listen to the Weeknd’s Newest Album: “Hurry Up Tomorrow”
Surrounded by an overwhelming amount of news, this new Trump administration has solidified itself as perhaps one of the most controversial and highly covered presidencies in recent years.
A Different Kind of Drowning: The Media Strategy of the Trump Administration
As tests and workloads pile up on students, the stress of it all can be crushing, especially when the fear of failing is constant.
A Closer Look Into Why We Skip on Test Days
The Silver Line’s new stop in Ashburn was a hopeful addition to connect more of Northern Virginia to the hotspots of the DMV. However, this station has fallen short of its expectations. Image by Mint0ri via Wikimedia Commons, Graphic by Nidhi Manchala via Adobe Illustrator
When Silver Turns to Rust: The Shortcoming of the Ashburn Silver Line Metro Stop
Serving over 40,000 people in the Ashburn area, the Silver Line continues to make a positive impact on commuter and local teen lives.
The Silver Lining of the Silver Line
Mohaimen Kazi creates fresh waffles on a stick for his customers using their waffle maker.
Waffle-y Sweet: Our Waffle Creations Shows What it’s Like to Own a Small Business in Northern Virginia
People with their family members celebrate Holi by throwing powder color at each other.
Ashburn Celebrates Holi, A Festival of Colors
Recognizing the theme of ‘hope’, Keynote speaker and women’s rights activist Katherine Spillar held a speech about legislative milestones and the importance of community engagement. “We can’t put our heads under the pillow and say we’re going to wait it out because without the pushback, without us fighting, we can’t hold the line,” Spillar said. “We have to be organized and strong so when an opportunity becomes available to make forward movement, we're there to seize it. Begin the fight now, wherever you are.”
Women Inspire and Find Hope at Sixth Annual “Rise To” Summit
Rundown Politics: The Ever Growing Threat of Ending DEIA Programs
Rundown Politics: The Ever Growing Threat of Ending DEIA Programs
Rundown Politics: Can Celebrities Impact Political Affiliations?
Rundown Politics: Can Celebrities Impact Political Affiliations?
Rundown Politics: The Beginning of the Trump Administration and the End of Biden’s
Rundown Politics: The Beginning of the Trump Administration and the End of Biden’s
People with their family members celebrate Holi by throwing powder color at each other.
Ashburn Celebrates Holi, A Festival of Colors
Recognizing the theme of ‘hope’, Keynote speaker and women’s rights activist Katherine Spillar held a speech about legislative milestones and the importance of community engagement. “We can’t put our heads under the pillow and say we’re going to wait it out because without the pushback, without us fighting, we can’t hold the line,” Spillar said. “We have to be organized and strong so when an opportunity becomes available to make forward movement, we're there to seize it. Begin the fight now, wherever you are.”
Women Inspire and Find Hope at Sixth Annual “Rise To” Summit
Students roast marshmallows over the fire pit, ready to make smores and watch “Home Alone 2” during the Frost Fest.
Freezing Fun: Annual Winter Frost Fest Brings Chilly Cheer
‘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
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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