• 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
Megan Langsam

Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief

Megan is a senior and third-year staff member of The Blaze. When they aren't reading or stressing out about school, they can be found in the auditorium with tech crew, talking about their favorite TV shows or the latest Red Sox game.

All content by Megan Langsam
Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process

Langsam Swan Song: Trust the Process

Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2022
Seniors Ashley Bademian, Vishal Mistry, and Aida Vera Marijani visit the cap decorating table in the gym after grabbing their burritos. After reviewing important dates with the seniors, Principal John Duellman announced the winners of the decorating contest—Marijani (“Most Creative”) and seniors Samantha Smith (“Funniest”) and Megan Hayes (“Most Powerful Message”)—who took home five dollar Starbucks gift cards.

Seniors Celebrate National Decision Day

Lily Bridges, Megan Langsam, and Megan Hayes
May 16, 2022
In the midst of a new wave of anti-trans and LGBTQ+ legislation around the country, the lack of information about recent equity trainings in Loudoun County has led to backlash and conversations over their importance. The discussions include questions on the impact of staff completing equity training and incorporating understandings about topics such as gender identity into classrooms on students’ education.

Opinion: Education vs. Equity and the LGBTQ+ Community

Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief
April 29, 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
In the final song of Act One at Broadway Desserts, junior Julia Freeman raises her fist while singing “Ex-Wives” from “Six,” accompanied by senior Maddie Kesler, junior D’Amora Brunson, and sophomores Mariah Waters and Kaia Greene, as well as junior Mary Kate Connor (not pictured). “We chose [“Ex-Wives”] since we wanted to do a group project. We usually only do individual projects, and we thought it would be fun to come together and perform it,” junior D’Amora Brunson said.

Broadway Desserts Returns to The Rock

Lily Bridges, Rodrigue Gomado, Megan Hayes, and Megan Langsam
March 4, 2022
Although women had the ability to play in sports before Title IX, they weren’t given the same equal opportunities as men. Title IX, now 50 years later, provides the same protections and equality for any athlete regarding equipment and participation in sports.

50 Years on the Field: Title IX Still Impacts Student Athletes Today

Dominika Butler and Megan Langsam
February 22, 2022
On Jan. 11, the school board met to discuss the rising COVID-19 cases within the county and how LCPS is addressing the surge using newly-released CDC guidelines.

LCPS School Board Works to Remain Open Through Omicron Surge

Megan Langsam, Manika Porchezhian, and Shaima Tora
February 8, 2022
On Oct. 27, “WVRDR_ERROR_100 notFound” premiered, marking 100 episodes of the CW’s superhero genre-defying “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.”

Redefining Humanity in a Memory Montage: Celebrating 100 Episodes of “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”

Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief
February 5, 2022
Phoenix cheerleaders lead the “go go, fight fight” chant in front of the student section to bring hype up the fans at the Pink Out game on Oct. 15. Freshman Jaden Thomas, sophomore Caitlynn Washington, and freshman Abby Welch stand in the front to lead the chant. The cheerleaders had pink bows in their hair for the pink out game.

Phoenix Cheerleaders Take Flight

Sarah Baig, James Bowles, Lily Bridges, and Megan Langsam
November 16, 2021
In a close election, Glenn Youngkin (R) wins the race for Va. Governor’s office against Terry McAuliffe (D).

Youngkin Elected 74th Governor of Va., Red Wave Sweeps Ballot

Megan Langsam, Megan Hayes, and Shreenidhi Manchala
November 16, 2021
On Oct. 12, the LCPS School Board met to discuss the school schedule for the week following Oct. 28, the end of the first quarter, new menu options in the cafeteria, and the proclamation declaring October LGBTQ+ History Month.

School Board Adds Asynchronous Days to Nov. Calendar Following End of Quarter

Abhishek Solipuram, Megan Langsam, Nidhi Manchala, and Anushka Goski
October 27, 2021
Christopher Berger

Christopher Berger

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Laura Kuhn

Laura Kuhn

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Scott Schwarz

Scott Schwarz

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Whitney Leach

Whitney Leach

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Victoria Webb

Victoria Webb

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Travis Herrity

Travis Herrity

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Amy Holliday

Amy Holliday

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Joseph Carter

Joseph Carter

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Kathryn Taylor

Kathryn Taylor

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Brittany Thomas

Brittany Thomas

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Moran with an intern in Project Search.

Catherine Moran

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Catherine McCarthy

Catherine McCarthy

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Joshua Dobbs

Joshua Dobbs

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
John Riddell

John Riddell

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Roumario Bector

Roumario Bector

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Matthew Dunlap

Matthew Dunlap

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
New Faces at Rock Ridge

New Faces at Rock Ridge

Megan Hayes and Megan Langsam
October 4, 2021
Seniors Esther McPalmer and Maryam Nabih eat Chick-fil-A breakfast sandwiches in the library during senior breakfast. “[Senior year] is going OK, it’s not bad, and I’m enjoying early release and [taking] less classes,” McPalmer said. McPalmer looks forward to prom and future senior breakfasts during her last year of high school.

The First Taste of Senior Traditions

October 3, 2021
The U.S. Capitol on the morning of President Bidens Inauguration.

Road To The Presidency

Shradha Dinesh, Prajna Chakravarty, Megan Langsam, Lilly Khalkho, and Megan Hayes
January 20, 2021
Joe Biden at a march in Clear Lake, Iowa in Aug. 2019.

Biden Wins White House

Shradha Dinesh, Megan Langsam, and Megan Hayes
November 7, 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
A sign reading “Arbeit Macht Frei” is located outside of Auschwitz, a complex of Nazi concentration camps, translating to “work sets you free.” This false message greeted the victims of Adolf Hitler’s concentration camps, which he formed as an attempt to wipe out Jews and other groups of people during World War II.

Learn, Stand Up, and Never Forget: The Holocaust and Modern Anti-Semitism

Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2020
“Guess the day we’ll get our first call from Wayde and win a gift card!” a sign reads, decked out with a Wayde-faced snowman and lights in the RRHS library. In front of the sign sits the box for students to place their guesses for the ‘Game of Phones.’

Saved By Wayde with the ‘Game of Phones’

Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief
January 15, 2020
High school students, like senior Conner McGovern, spend hours daily studying and working on homework and projects in order to maintain good grades. To many students the grades they get in high school determine if they go to a good college or get a secure job in the future.

The Effect of Grades on Students

Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief
January 15, 2020
Thanksgiving is the holiday where families come together to eat great food, but most importantly to give thanks for each other and other important parts of their lives. Everyone takes a seat at the table, and before they start eating, many families share what they are grateful for and then dive in to the incredible meal before them.

Family, Food, and Gratitude: The Thanksgiving Traditions of Rock Ridge

Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief
December 3, 2019

In a League of Their Own: The Rock Ridge Debate Team

Megan Langsam, Editor-in-Chief
October 29, 2019
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