• Important Dates -->
  • Aug 12- Senior Pictures
  • Aug 13- Senior Pictures
  • Aug 21- First Day of School
  • Aug 29- NO SCHOOL
  • Sep 1- NO SCHOOL
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Two seniors engaging with other people as they explain their capstone experience with the “Mission Statement” project.
Celebrating Milestones: Seniors Conclude Year With Capstone Gala, Senior Awards Ceremony
While the event was a formal celebration for new inductees and current members, it was also filled with happiness and unity. After the speeches, the NEHS group all enjoyed food and drinks with friends and family attending the event.
Hard Work Pays Off: New NEHS Members Inducted
Students part of the Science Olympiad club hold their regional trophy, an award they haven’t won since 2014.
The Science Olympiad Team Achieves Record-Breaking Success
The 2025 All School Awards celebrated students' diligence and commitment to their academics, sports, and communities throughout the year.
Appreciating Accomplishments: Rock Ridge Distributes All-School Awards
Rock Ridge students celebrate as Sanvi Challa and Melissa Waas win the grand Prize along with an internship opportunity at Loudoun Now for the summer.
Rock Ridge Wins Big at First-Ever Loudoun Now Student Journalism Awards
Assistant Principal Jennifer Cavanaugh smiles while standing on Rainbow Street on a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.
From Foundations to Farewells: Jennifer Cavanaugh’s Parting Wisdom
Karen Curran, an avid traveler, hopes to traverse the world after her retirement.
A Legacy of Learning: Karen Curran Announces Retirement
Students part of the Free and Reduced Meal Program can get a full meal of lunch for free every day. Along with meal benefits, students can receive additional financial support through gift vouchers, fee waivers, and necessities such as clothing.
Lunch Dissatisfaction Drives Down Free and Reduced Meal Participation
“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
The Phoenix varsity soccer team huddles together during their timeout.
Phoenix Soccer Clawed by Wolverines in Final Minutes
Senior Eleser Santos running on the track during his race.
Senior Elieser Santos Shines on the Track Stage in Preparation for States
The Bethesda players line up after their game to take a picture
Bethesda Soccer Club Brings the Bang in Spain
Freshman Christian Bhide serves a ball during his singles match.
Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Team Triumphs Over Dominion Titans
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
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
The Phoenix varsity soccer team huddles together during their timeout.
Phoenix Soccer Clawed by Wolverines in Final Minutes
Freshman Christian Bhide serves a ball during his singles match.
Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Team Triumphs Over Dominion Titans
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
The album cover of “More Chaos” features a faceless Ken Carson in a blood-spattered shirt, visually capturing the album’s violent, chaotic tone, though the music rarely lives up to the image.
All Volume, No Vision: Ken Carson’s “More Chaos”
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.”
In the midst of all the end of year chaos, state testing can divert focus off of more important exams and activities and lead to an overly stressful time for students and faculty.
Get Rid Of State Testing in Middle and High Schools
Through taking photos, I found a way to share how I felt, even when I didn’t know how to say it.
Gerardi Swan Song: Not Just a Class Assignment
Sometimes life will show you so many light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnels, it becomes an overwhelming and blinding light. All you have to do is figure out which path you want to take, and follow that light til’ the end.
Manchala Swan Song: We Ended Up Alright
An image of the software TestNav that students use to take the Standards of Learning test.
State Testing: A Necessary Evil? Balancing the Burden With the Benefits
The album cover of “More Chaos” features a faceless Ken Carson in a blood-spattered shirt, visually capturing the album’s violent, chaotic tone, though the music rarely lives up to the image.
All Volume, No Vision: Ken Carson’s “More Chaos”
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
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
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
Lilly Khalkho

Lilly Khalkho, Website Coordinator

Lilly Khalkho is a senior and an excited third-year member of The Blaze. When she is not stressing over school, you can find her reading, chasing her dog, and binge-watching movies. Lilly’s favorite moments are when she spends time with her friends and family.

All content by Lilly Khalkho
“Anything But a Backpack Day” brought out the creativity in senior Alexa Kim, who brought her mini remote controlled Range Rover to school. “I really loved today's spirit day, because it [was] a chance for me to be absolutely ridiculous,” Kim said.

Last Spirit Week of the School Year Comes to an End

Lilly Khalkho, Aline Gonzalez, and Sydney Hackett
June 6, 2022
Khalkho Swan Song: A Broken Bubble

Khalkho Swan Song: A Broken Bubble

Lilly Khalkho, Website Coordinator
May 23, 2022
At the March 22 school board meeting, the board brought Rock Ridge student to represent the school.

[Photo] School Board Meeting declares new policies such as Autism Acceptance Month.

Hylay Assefa and Jackson Mitchell
March 31, 2022
Following the conclusion of the game, the Phoenix walked off the field, headed to their locker room to change and have a team meeting on how to prepare for the next match.

Phoenix Fight to Slide Home

Prajna Chakravarty, Sydney Hackett, and Lilly Khalkho
April 27, 2022
The Batman movies, starting from the original “Batman: The Movie” in 1966, have portrayed Batman fighting villains on the street and in his everyday life as Bruce Wayne; however, “The Batman” depicts these experiences unlike before.

Villain or Hero?: Batman Revists the Screen

Lilly Khalkho, Website Coordinator
March 23, 2022
Senior Anvita Sana serves in her first singles match of the regular season. Sana enjoys playing tennis not only for the sport, but also for the team. “Honestly I just like the team and how we all bond together we’re all like a little family,” Sana said. Sana’s match ended with a 7-3 with the Rams on the winning end.

Phoenix Strike Out Against Riverside Rams

Lilly Khalkho, Sydney Hackett, and Prajna Chakravarty
March 22, 2022
The PTSO members discussed plans for an end of the year party for seniors and what activities to include in the celebration.

[Photo] PTSO Plans For Senior Graduation Party

Rishi Sundaram and Lars Nyman
March 22, 2022
After accepting their first place award, seniors Sonique Alvarez and Roya Cranford give their winning speech to the crowd as the hosts and contestants stand behind them. “[We] had the mindset of knowing we were gonna win coming in,” Cranford said. “And we won coming out.”

Seniors Light up the Stage at Annual Phoenix Pageant

Lilly Khalkho, Prajna Chakravarty, and Sydney Hackett
February 25, 2022
In Chinese mythology, the Chinese zodiac was chosen when 12 animals were invited to a race organized by the ancient Jade emperor. Whichever animal finished the race first would earn a place on the Lunar calendar. The order of the animals that finished the race were as follows: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and finally, pig.

New Year, New LCPS: LCPS Implements New Holidays To Increase Representation

Lilly Khalkho and Sydney Hackett
February 25, 2022
At the meeting, sophomore Jagadeepram Maddipatla, a student equity ambassador, discussed how the school can be more inclusive. Maddipatla commented on the school’s efforts towards diversity and inclusion with a form where students can anonymously talk about their challenges. “I think [the survey is] a pretty important resource,” Maddipatla said. “It provides a lot of feedback to the county and if more people knew about it, then more people would use it.”

[Photo] PTSO Discusses Equity And Updates Courtyard Progress

Karis Adnan, Smrithi Balakumar, Aarohi Motwani, and Sruthi Sakala
February 16, 2022
The LCPS recycling program states that recyclable items are labeled correspondingly on recycling containers. Indoor containers recycle papers, while outdoor containers mostly recycle paper and bottles.

Environmental Club Encourages Recycling One Bin at a Time

Sydney Hackett and Lilly Khalkho
February 10, 2022
Senior Brett Suazo (11) shoots a free throw seconds before halftime. Suazo made both free throws to tie the game.

Phoenix Reach for the Rim

Prajna Chakravarty, Lilly Khalkho, and Sydney Hackett
February 8, 2022
Although the School Board originally thought that the future school enrollment levels would follow the projected FY22 model, after a reevaluation, the future school enrollment scenario will most likely follow the FY23 model. Future meetings to adopt the capital improvement program (CIP) are listed as well.

School Board Continues to Face Backlash From Recent Events

Prajna Chakravarty, Naomi Cho, Sydney Hackett, and Lilly Khalkho
November 16, 2021
The Phoenix and the Captains line up head to head as anticipation builds for the next play. “It was tough -- we played a good team, but I think we’ve been improving every game, '' senior Numair Huq said. “From that game, our biggest take away was that we needed to work more as a team and figure out what our goals were.”

Students Electrify The Stands as The Phoenix Take a Hit

Prajna Chakravarty and Lilly Khalkho
November 1, 2021
When joining the PTSO, new members are given PTSO magnets and entered into a raffle that awards prizes including free SAT classes. These magnets were available for pick up at the homecoming tailgate and were offered in the cafeteria from Oct. 11 to Oct 15.

The PTSO’s Dream: Creating Outdoor Learning Spaces

Lilly Khalkho, Lars Nyman, and Nicolas Biernacki
October 27, 2021
Freshman Saihaj Kaur and junior Deeksha Borra clash with the Captains in an attempt to score a goal. A few moments after the attempt, Kaur suffered an injury to her ankle and toe. “When I first joined, I was like ‘oh my God, I can’t do this,’ but now, it might be a little hard, but I can do it,” Kaur said.

Team Spirit Reignites

Prajna Chakravarty, Lilly Khalkho, Shaima Tora, and Rodrigue Gomado
October 26, 2021
The PTSO has a goal of fundraising up to $50,000 for the year. Donations can be made through the Rock Ridge website.

First PTSO Meeting of the Year Recap

Lilly Khalkho, Website Coordinator
October 6, 2021
Ananya Kesarinath, 12

Ananya Kesarinath, 12

Lilly Khalkho, Website Coordinator
September 30, 2021
Comparing statistics of Loudoun County and Rock Ridge students over five years. This includes total student dropouts, number of students enrolled in institutions of higher education after graduation, graduates with a standard and advanced diploma, and graduation rates in Loudoun County. It also includes the number of students taking AP/DE classes at Rock Ridge.

The Past, Present, and Future of High School

Lilly Khalkho and Prajna Chakravarty
February 22, 2021
The U.S. Capitol on the morning of President Biden's Inauguration.

Road To The Presidency

Shradha Dinesh, Prajna Chakravarty, Megan Langsam, Lilly Khalkho, and Megan Hayes
January 20, 2021
An evening view of the first frost of the season from senior Shirley Li’s home. The holiday lights added to the beautiful snow day. (Photo courtesy of Shirley Li)

It’s sNOw Surprise: Happy Snow Day!

Prajna Chakravarty, Lilly Khalkho, and Harini Kannan
December 18, 2020
Ankitha Kasavaraju, 12

Ankitha Kasavaraju, 12

Lilly Khalkho, Website Coordinator
November 9, 2020
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

Shradha Dinesh, Prajna Chakravarty, Megan Hayes, Lilly Khalkho, and Megan Langsam
November 2, 2020
Santa Claus, portrayed by science teacher Everette Callaway, narrates “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” accompanied with sound effects.

Orchestra Puts a Bow on the Holidays at the Annual Winter Concert

Lilly Khalkho, Website Coordinator
January 10, 2020
“Omigod You Guys” Rock Ridge Performing Arts Presents Legally Blonde

“Omigod You Guys” Rock Ridge Performing Arts Presents Legally Blonde

Prajna Chakravarty, Lilly Khalkho, and Kaley Chinoy
January 15, 2020
Principal John Duellman awards winner Alaina dressed as a giraffe of a costume competition.

[Photo] Running from your fears at the Haunted 5k

November 4, 2019
Sophomore Anurag Gottipati helps decorate her class hallway. Gottipati is an SCA representative for the sophomore class and was helping decide how to decorate the middle of the hallway. Gottipati explains the plans for the hallway, “We’re trying to make the rocket right now, and we are covering the ceilings with black paper so we can prevent any light from coming in because we’re trying to mimic space.”

Grade Levels Battle for Hallway Decorating Victory

Harini Kannan, Lilly Khalkho, and Dominika Butler
October 24, 2019
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