• Important Dates -->
  • 11/22-24: Thanksgiving Break
  • 12/5: School Store Holiday Shopping Night
  • 12/6: Orchestra Concert
  • 12/7: Band Concert
  • 12/8: Rock Ridge Hackathon
  • 12/8: Frost Fest
  • 12/11-12/15: Winter Spirit Week
  • 12/12: Guitar Concert
  • 12/14: Chorus Concert
  • 12/15: Winter Pep Rally
  • Dec. 20-Jan 1: Winter Break
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
In the past month, an increase in the number of drug overdoses involving the lethal opioid fentanyl has been reported from multiple high schools in Loudoun County. Because drugs containing fentanyl cannot be distinguished by taste, smell, or sight, anyone could potentially come in contact with such a pill.
Fentanyl: The Facts to Face the Fear
Srikha Manubolu smiles in her brand-new Diwali outfit. “This year, I got a sparkly red and orange lehenga,” Manubolu said. “It’s my favorite Diwali outfit yet.” Photo courtesy of Srikha Manubolu.
A House Full of Diyas and a Mouth Full of Sweets: How Students Celebrate Diwali
English teacher Tyler Anderson positions himself in the path of the ball, aiming to bump it back over the net to the students.
Students Smash Competition in Annual Volleyball Faceoff
The Republican and Democratic volunteers speak with voters at Rock Ridge to help them understand how to vote for certain candidates and to interact with their communities.
Enthralling Election: Virginia General Assembly Changes and School Board Replaced
During the Oct. 24 school board meeting, members discussed budget and legislative changes for the upcoming school year, clarified uncertainties about bus misconduct and security, and made several revisions to previous policies.
School Board Clears Up Concerns in School Bus Safety , Converges on New Legislative Program
Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time
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
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
(Left to right) Freshman Ayana Hill, freshman Amari Leman, and junior Elina Papageorgiou participate in cheerleading, basketball, and gymnastics tryouts. Photos by: Samantha Chang and Dayanna Anton.
Winter Tryouts Promise Strong Season for the Phoenix
Before the game starts, senior Cora Bowen dribbles two basketballs while sitting on the bench.
Atoms Go Negative From Phoenix Win
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
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
(Left to right) Freshman Ayana Hill, freshman Amari Leman, and junior Elina Papageorgiou participate in cheerleading, basketball, and gymnastics tryouts. Photos by: Samantha Chang and Dayanna Anton.
Winter Tryouts Promise Strong Season for the Phoenix
Before the game starts, senior Cora Bowen dribbles two basketballs while sitting on the bench.
Atoms Go Negative From Phoenix Win
As the 2022-2023 winter came to a close, teams across the state of Virginia competed for fame, glory, and titles.
Phoenix Athletes Rock Winter Championships
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
Celebrating a victorious end to his decade long hunt for the famed Stanley Cup, left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals, Alexander Ovechkin cheers on the celebrating fans at the championship parade in June of 2018. Simply known by many hockey fans as “Ovi,” Ovechkin has changed the game worldwide. Hailing from Russia, and largely known as one of the greatest players to ever play the sport (as he currently sits at number two on the all time goals scored list), he has single handedly grown the game in the D.C. Metropolitan area to unprecedented heights. Photo courtesy of Alexander Jonesi via Wikimedia Commons.
Breaking the Ice: Phoenix Hockey Club and the Stanley Cup Finals
Phoenix Girls Tennis Sweep Patriots Off the Court
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
Junior Carter Divalerio dribbles the ball to keep it away from Captains. “It was a rough season, there were some ups and downs, we took some Ls, but well bounce back next season,” Divalerio said.
Phoenix Commanded by the Captains
Junior Tarini Panidepu waits for her opponent to serve the ball. Panidepu has improved greatly over the course of the season. “I was definitely able to get my first serve percentage up,” Panidepu said.
#2 on the Court, #1 in our Hearts: Tarini Panidepu Takes on the World of Tennis
“Decided 2” is very similar to NBA YoungBoy’s previous albums, such as “Don’t Try This At Home,” which he released earlier this year.
NBA YoungBoy “Decided 2” Releases Yet Another Mediocre Album
From high profile murders to back stabbing twists, this emotional movie made viewers want to keep watching. Promotional Poster of “Locked In”.
“Locked In” Debuts on Netflix, Making Viewers Happy and Cheerful
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
Jim “Jamaica” Hawkins, played by senior Olivia McMahon, is shocked when she discovers that a hole was cut into the treasure map to steal coordinates that reveal the location of the treasure on Skeleton Island, which Jim, Long John Silver, and his pirates are after.
Treasure Island: Behind The Scenes
Maluma sings and dances on stage at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., captivating fans with his voice.
Maluma’s “Don Juan” World tour hits D.C.
Autotune seems to have morphed from a simple pitch-perfectionist’s tool to an instrument in and of itself.
From Tool to Instrument: The Evolution of Autotune
Anti-trans legislation targets transgender individuals and forces them to survive in a world that constantly challenges their existence and well-being.
Opinion: “Let Them Die” and Other Anti-Trans Legislation
After serving 17 years in prison for opening fire at his high school in 2004, Jon Romano started advocating for mental health support on TikTok and Instagram, under the handle @jonseekingpeace.
A Shooter’s Second Chance: Jon Romano and his Questionable Platform
Diverse student bodies have become a staple of college environments. As many students make their presence a priority during commitment, how higher institutions will continue to seek diversity in places where they cannot reference it directly remains uncertain.
Volatile Verdict: the End of Affirmative Action and the Future of College Admissions
Artists struggle to meet impossible standards to make “pretty art.” Such standards cause creatives to have limited growth and development in their work.
Creating for Validation and Perfectionism Leaves Artists with a Blank Canvas
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
Media by the Minute
Media by the Minute
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
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
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 Sweatshirts 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. ¨Its been great to have a season in-person because last year we did not have one, and its 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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