• Important Dates -->
  • May 2-Senior Breakfast and Decision Day
  • May 5- Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 5- AP Testing Starts
  • May 19--Capstone Starts
  • May 19- SOL Testing
  • May 19- SOL Testing
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Through the credit recovery program, students have the opportunity to piece back together previously failed or unattempted assignments.
Credit Recovery: A Safety Net for Struggling Grades
An image of Biryani Grill’s Ashburn location.
From Hyderabad to Ashburn: The Story Behind Biryani Grill
Before students began arriving, Inova hospital staff set up seating beds and medical equipment to help guide students through the process.
A Different Kind of Giving: FBLA Hosts Annual Blood Drive at Rock Ridge
Through generous donations from the community, Women Giving Back stepped in to help students with affordable prom dresses. Through the dates April 4, 12, 14, and 28 their boutique was filled with dresses, shoes, accessories.
From Heart to Hanger: Women Giving Back Allows Every Girl to Shine at Prom
On May 2, seniors enlisting for the military gathered in the cafeteria to sign certificates and be recognized for their commitment to the military. Staff Sergeant Ryan Haley shakes senior John Lunn's hand. Haley has been Lunn’s sponsor for the Army National Guard for over a year since he first came to Rock Ridge during a lunch presentation and met Lunn.
Seniors’ Final Salute to High School, First Salute to the Future
“I know that hope isn’t solid, because just like books and poems: It is up to you to decide what you take away from it.”--Why Must We Hurt?
Gonzalez Swan Song: Why Must We Hurt?
“The best endings don’t feel like endings at all. They feel like showing up to the same hallway for the thousandth time and realizing, finally, that it meant something. That you were building a life the whole time — even in the chaos, even in the ordinary.” – This One’s Better
Karthik Swan Song: This One’s Better
English teacher Susan Spengeman stands in the back of her classroom, instructing her AP (Advanced Placement) Literature students.
Susan Spengeman: A Teacher’s Teacher
Red Cross club president Varnika Miryala leads her members with the intention of helping her community through a medical sense.
Varunika in Charge: 11 Questions with the Red Cross President
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
With his eyes on the prize, the Phoenix varsity all-time number two player, Akash Vangale returns the ball against the Tuscarora Huskies.
Phoenix Tennis Blazes Past Tuscarora With Eyes Locked on States
This week’s athlete of the week spotlights a lacrosse player: sophomore Sehejdeep Kaur.
Athlete of the Week: Sehejdeep Kaur
Senior Jamari Anthony runs the Boys 4x400 Meter Relay Finals.
Phoenix Host Home Track Meet, Celebrates Seniors with Strong Performances
Junior Alex Alkhal pitches the ball. “[I] just let it go and keep practicing so we can focus on our goal for the next game to get better as a team,” Alkhal said.
Phoenix Shows Resilience in Loss Against Titans
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
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
Junior Alex Alkhal pitches the ball. “[I] just let it go and keep practicing so we can focus on our goal for the next game to get better as a team,” Alkhal said.
Phoenix Shows Resilience in Loss Against Titans
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
Warner Bros’ latest game-turned-movie adaptation released on Friday, April 4 with a rather destructive response for a more-or-less forgettable movie. “A Minecraft Movie” promotional poster by Mojang
“A Minecraft Movie” Explodes in Theaters, Literally and Figuratively
Senior Isabella Hasbun puts her costume on, getting ready and into character before the rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes of Rock Ridge Performing Arts Tarzan Rehearsals
As the first person to sign their certificate, senior Ricardo Diaz starts his path towards joining the U.S. Air Force.
“Sinners” Delivers an Unforgettable Cinematic Experience
After a lawsuit against Tiffany Smith, the manager and mother of popular child influencer Piper Rockelle, for alleged assault of the minors, many speculations were made regarding the rumors and if they were true. Netflix’s “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing” seeked to clear up the mystery and share stories from the victims about their experiences with Tiffany. Courtesy of Netflix
“Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing.”
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
“Even if the people who come in and out of this classroom don’t know me, these four walls always will.” — You’ll Always Know Me Courtesy of Kate Gutshall
Coleman Swan Song: You’ll Always Know Me
“I’ve always felt like I had to chase the polished version of life, look for closure, clarity and carefully filtered success. But I always find something real in the rough drafts, the scraps, the clippings on the drawing board floor.” - It Happens Courtesy of Deetya Mudakala
Yussouf Swan Song: It Happens
“How do I explain what newspaper means to me? How do I write about one of the most life-changing classes I have ever taken?” - How Do I Say Goodbye? Courtesy of Yoshi Sarkar
Sathe Swan Song: How Do I Say Goodbye?
“From ‘have a good summer’ to ‘have a good life,’ from walking into high school for the first time to leaving it for the last time, time doesn't wait for anyone.” - Here’s to New Beginnings
Mian Swan Song: Here’s to New Beginnings
Four phases, countless memories.
Assefa Swan Song: Phases
Classroom Conversations: What Do We Know About Title IX?
Classroom Conversations: What Do We Know About Title IX?
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?
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
Kaleb Ryans

Kaleb Ryans, Staff Writer

Kaleb is a sophomore and this is his first year on staff. Kaleb likes to read, write, and play games recreationally. Kaleb uses a lot of personal experiences and thoughts to fuel his creative writing, and he hopes that through journalism, he can find new ways to express his creativity.

All content by Kaleb Ryans
A carrion crow rests on a mossy branch, surveying the area for carcasses. While the albatross has quite the reputation, it’s infamy is dwarfed in the presence of any species of crow⸺they’re almost always depicted as omens of death, decay, and bad luck. Carrion crows, in comparison to other species, were particularly associated with death and sickness (as their name suggests), and their presence often foreshadowed catastrophic events.

Exploring the Implications of Attribution With the Help of the Albatross

Kaleb Ryans, Staff Writer
June 14, 2022
On May 10, the school board held their second Tuesday meeting, continuing to discuss improvements to student welfare and allocating funds to fiscal year 22-23 budget items.

School Board Provides Updates on Budget Plan, New Schools and Expansion of “Literacy for All” Programs

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Kaleb Ryans, and Abhishek Solipuram
May 24, 2022
On April 5, the school board discussed the reassignment of staff and administrators throughout Loudoun County Public Schools, and announced the soon-to-open town halls to discuss their Strategic Plan with the community. The Strategic Plan outlines procedures that look to improve student and staff quality of life, absolve issues, and alleviate concerns brought forth from the public.

Loudoun School Board Opens Town Hall Meetings, Moves Eid to May 2, Updates Student Mental Health Procedures

Kaleb Ryans, Lucian Tiller, and Shaima Tora
May 16, 2022
An adult hermit thrush rests on a mid-winter branch with its down feathers fluffed out in order to regulate heat. In the United States, hermit thrushes don’t migrate during the winter, and are one of the only species of thrush that do so. Thrushes of all kinds are some of the most common migratory birds, and are consequently some of the most negatively affected by artificial lights.

Artificial Light Fails to Illuminate an Unseen Problem: Hazardous Passage for Nightly Migrants

Kaleb Ryans, Staff Writer
May 12, 2022
Trash and recycling are categorized in groups for a reason—they were never meant to be mixed. However, due to recent technological advances, some areas within the U.S. are vying for mixed waste systems as more efficient and lucrative alternatives.

Rock Ridge Recycling: The Unknown Crisis

Kaleb Ryans, Staff Writer
April 7, 2022
On March 8, the LCPS school board held their second Tuesday meeting, discussing new CDC guidelines and the revision of the county equity statement.

School Board Reviews New CDC Mitigation Recommendations; Recognizes Rock Ridge Accomplishments

James Bowles, Megan Langsam, Kaleb Ryans, and Lucian Tiller
March 31, 2022
Due to the highly sociable and intelligent nature of black vultures, they are almost never scared by usual nonlethal pest control tactics, such as bright lights, loud noises, or attempting to intimidate them, which likely exacerbates the incentive to use sublethal or completely lethal force.

Should I Care About Vultures? The Fluctuating Population of Carrion-Eating Raptors

Kaleb Ryans, Staff Writer
March 22, 2022
During their opening statements, the school board announced that virtual public comments would continue alongside in-person speaking following Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s passage of executive order 22 which allowed people to go in public areas without a mask. The executive order stated in light of the variety of circumstances confronted by students in the Commonwealth, parents should have the ability to decide whether their child should wear masks for the duration of the school day.

School Board Provides Updates on Mental Health, COVID-19 Case Reports, Policy Revisions, Rock Ridge Musician Honors

Kaleb Ryans, Lucian Tiller, and James Bowles
February 25, 2022
Focused and not backing down, sophomore Cora Bowen guards the Vikings alongside senior Alexa Veneros as the game comes to a close.

Fired Up Phoenix Clash Against Vikings

James Bowles, Bella Gerardi, and Kaleb Ryans
February 5, 2022
Shining under the spotlight, the Chamber Choir performs a thoroughly choreographed number at the Dec. 9 choir concert.

Choir Has Their First Concert in Over 600 Days

Anik Mridha, Lily Bridges, Bella Gerardi, and Kaleb Ryans
February 4, 2022
Conservation efforts made by the US Forest Service have been steadily increasing the population of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers. Their population has increased by over 60% since 1990, rising incrementally each year.

Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers are Declining Rapidly: Why It’s an Alarming Representation of Climate Change

Kaleb Ryans, Staff Writer
February 3, 2022
Poised for the perfect strike, sophomore Grace Tucker aims to score. Tucker was a team star in the first set, scoring multiple set winning strikes. “I’m really glad we won the game because it was our Dig Pink game and we all came together as a team and played well,” Tucker said.

Phoenix Show Out For Pink Out

Tanishka Enugu, Harini Kannan, Abhi Sharma, and Kaleb Ryans
November 16, 2021
During public comment, Loudoun County parents and students voiced their concerns over the School Board’s recent actions to deal with the sexual assault case.

Loudoun County School Board Discusses Current Affairs, Title IX, School Lunch

Amelia Chen, James Bowles, Kaleb Ryans, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
November 16, 2021
Hilton Foley, 10

Hilton Foley, 10

Kaleb Ryans, Staff Writer
September 30, 2021
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