• Important Dates -->
  • June 3 - Seniors Last Day of School
  • June 15 - Last Day of School/ End of Quarter 4
  • June 16 - Graduation at 9:00 am
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
After weeks of hard work, members of the Rock Ridge debate team qualified for Nationals, placing in the top 100 teams. Sophomore Veer Sidhu worked for the most time on his research. “You need to know a lot about the topic before you can write your case,” Sidhu said.
Phoenix Debate Argues Their Way to Nationals
The Aluminum Falcons built their VEX robot last August, gaining new parts and assembling the robot throughout the year. “We’ve been working, testing several designs,” junior Krish Shah said. “If it doesn’t work, we restart, find a new design, and make sure it works.”
Aluminum Falcons Take the Stage at VEX Robotics Worlds
On May 1, the TSA team proudly stands outside the Hampton Roads Convention Center ready to take on the competition.
TSA Places Sixth Overall At This Year’s State Competition
Ida Lee Park hosted a Discovery Walk in honor of Park Day. It lasted for 5 days, and consisted of a tour around the grounds of the site.
Ida Lee Park Hosts “Discovery Walk” in Honor of Park Day
Through “Ask for Angela,” Leesburg restaurants have begun providing support for their employees and ensuring their safety at their workplace. In the program, used only in emergency situations where employees are at risk of assault, employees say a phrase to call for help and receive it from another trained staff member.
Leesburg Restaurants Protect Employees With “Ask for Angela” Program
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
Return to The Rock
Return to The Rock
A collage of all of the students profiled. (All photos courtesty of the profiled students.)
Humans of Rock Ridge: Pandemic Profiles
Theater teacher Rebekah Hess has spent quarantine and summer break preparing her home office for the school year. “I ended up decluttering over 2,320 items in the last three months,” Hess said. Her office contains scented candles, an open window, a ginormous planner, and a special furry friend, Gibbs.
Teachers Prep Back to School Teaching Spaces
Wearing masks, Sophia (left) and Amelie (right) pose for photos.
Sisters Launch Mask Business To Help Loudoun Community Combat Pandemic
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
Junior Maddy Springer attempts to swing at the coming softball, allowing her team to advance to further bases on the field. “We should go in expecting to win and we need to have high hopes and good spirits,” sophomore Emma Spielman said.
Phoenix Clash with Lightridge Lightning in Final Softball Game
Senior Ryan Buermeyer (22), mid-swing, aims to hit the ball and allow sophomore Dylan Neach (21) and freshman Nikhil Midda (9) to make it home from second and third bases respectively.
Phoenix Swing a Win for the Season
Boys Varsity Soccer started their season strong with their first win in 2 years against the Stone Bridge Bulldogs. Senior Prince Amarante scored 2 goals, giving the Phoenix the win 2-1.
Closing of a Chapter, Prince Hangs Up His Crown
The track and field team warms up together with laps at practice after school.
Seniors Race to the Finish Line
Seniors Atri Bathula and Advik Pasuparthi hustle their way through the field.
Head to Head: Lacrosse Double Header Showcases Phoenix Seniors
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
The Phoenix and Captains ready themselves for the next play after stoppage from the referee. “I got my first touchdown on friday and it was pretty nice; it was the first one of the season, you know, and Im still looking to get more,” junior Da’sean Mack said.
Loudoun County Captains Capture Phoenix Pink Out Game 45-6
Senior Calek Aguado protects the ball after rushing and completing the play. “Today we were focused… and we were ready to rock and roll,” head coach George Masten said.
Hoco or Go Home
Aiden Patel walks towards the golf hole to line up his next shot at the Brambleton Golf Course during the District Tournament.
Phoenix Golf Tees Off to States
Members of the freshmen and junior classes fire up the crowd with a cheer to increase the Phoenix spirit. “I loved [the tailgate], it was awesome. This is my very first high school event with people [and] other highschoolers. Even though this is a practice, it’s my very first football game. It’s been an incredible experience,” freshman Jaden Thomas said.
The Revival of Phoenix Spirit
Christian Djan (22) looks to pass while being double teamed in a Jan.6 game against the Dominion Titans.
The Heart of the Phoenix
Junior Ilias Cholakis stands on the podium at states on Feb. 18 holding his fourth place medal. ¨I did pretty well -- improved from last year, which was my goal,¨ Cholakis said.
Phoenix Wrestling Dominates At Districts and Soars to States
Varsitys junior Nick Canfield (23) looks around to find a teammate to throw the ball to as a Cougar plays tight defense on him. “We did a good job on defense communicating, that was something that we were really trying to work on this past game,” Canfield said.
Phoenix Pounce on the Cougars
On Jan. 24, Phoenix cheerleaders sophomore Isha Vepa, junior Tia Carter, freshman Almendra Del Aguila, and junior Prerana Telugu perform a cheer in unison at the basketball game against Tuscarora. “We almost got hit by a ball like two [or] three times, we just kinda stepped back and kept watching. We literally laughed about it afterwards -- it’s always fun to support with these wild things happening.” said Telugu.
Winter Cheer: The Highs and Lows
Senior Alexa Veneros (12) blocks a Captains player (5) from scoring, while Veneros’ teammates remain open, ready to receive the ball.
Phoenix Girls Basketball Falls to the Captains on Senior Night
Junior Maddy Springer attempts to swing at the coming softball, allowing her team to advance to further bases on the field. “We should go in expecting to win and we need to have high hopes and good spirits,” sophomore Emma Spielman said.
Phoenix Clash with Lightridge Lightning in Final Softball Game
Senior Ryan Buermeyer (22), mid-swing, aims to hit the ball and allow sophomore Dylan Neach (21) and freshman Nikhil Midda (9) to make it home from second and third bases respectively.
Phoenix Swing a Win for the Season
Boys Varsity Soccer started their season strong with their first win in 2 years against the Stone Bridge Bulldogs. Senior Prince Amarante scored 2 goals, giving the Phoenix the win 2-1.
Closing of a Chapter, Prince Hangs Up His Crown
The track and field team warms up together with laps at practice after school.
Seniors Race to the Finish Line
Seniors Atri Bathula and Advik Pasuparthi hustle their way through the field.
Head to Head: Lacrosse Double Header Showcases Phoenix Seniors
Some recommended Latino song selections from throughout this year include “Girl From Rio” by Anitta, “This Is Not America” by Residente, and “KI-KI” by YEИDRY.
Creation with Colors, Prides, and Pasts: A Review of Latino Artists from 2021 – 2022
Voces Virilis performs “Wellerman” by Nathan Evans and “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson. Both songs were popularized on TikTok last year, which led the group to choosing them.
Bittersweet Final Notes
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
An advertisement for “Girls’” second season in Brooklyn.
‘Girls’ Tenth Anniversary: A Retrospective Special
Red Velvet, a third-generation Kpop group, is known for their vivid and bold concepts. With their song “Bad Boy,” they quickly hit the charts and rose on the Canadian Billboard Hot Top 100.
Hallyu: The Korean Wave that became a Worldwide Phenomenon
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
We’ve all seen it: after the teacher has given out their lesson and passed out homework, some students finally catch up on the much needed rest they missed out on the night before. Some students may see it as a sign of them being hard working; I see it as a sign of being overworked and as not desirable.
Don’t Snooze on Student’s Sleep
An advertisement for “Girls’” second season in Brooklyn.
‘Girls’ Tenth Anniversary: A Retrospective Special
(Pictured in blue) I patch together what I can recall about my kindergarten graduation, a distant memory. However, my upcoming graduation may stay as a framed photograph, recognizing the growth I made throughout the years.
Butler Swan Song: Grown
Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process
Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process
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 todays 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

June 6, 2022
Khalkho Swan Song: A Broken Bubble

Khalkho Swan Song: A Broken Bubble

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 6, 2021
Ananya Kesarinath, 12

Ananya Kesarinath, 12

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

February 22, 2021
The U.S. Capitol on the morning of President Bidens Inauguration.

Road To The Presidency

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!

December 18, 2020
Ankitha Kasavaraju, 12

Ankitha Kasavaraju, 12

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

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

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

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

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

October 24, 2019
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