• Important Dates -->
  • 9/23: Clash of Classes Kickball Game
  • 9/24: Anything But a Backpack Day
  • 9/25: Hallway Decorating
  • 9/26: Pep Rally!
  • 9/27: Homecoming Football Game
  • 9/28: Homecoming Dance
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Rosh Hashanah has many traditions, including feasting on traditional foods as well as celebrating with family. On Rosh Hashanah, a horn known as a shofar, is used to awaken people from repentance.
Rosh Hashanah: Celebrating the Start of a New Year
If a LCPS student attempts to open a Pinterest page on a school device or school Wi-Fi, they are met with a blocked notice featuring the link name accompanied by the comment “is not available because it is categorized as Pinterest.” Many other pages are banned under the category of “mature art” or “games,” so it is notable that the platform has received its own block category.
A Block on Creativity: LCPS Broadens Website Bans to Include Pinterest
On the first Tuesday of two monthly meetings, the school board met to discuss streamlining processes, public opinion, policy changes, and more.
School Board Meeting Discusses School Accountability and Accreditation Changes, Free Speech Policy Changes, Distinguished Schools in English Learning
A new influx of campaign materials has entered the social media rings in recent years. Politicians are taking advantage of the new ability to reach millions of people simultaneously, and voters have begun to get much more of their information about elections online.
Tweets and Tactics: How Social Media Transformed the World of Politics
Social studies teacher Tori Webb provides her background to parents, including being a University of Virginia alum and pursuing her passion for being a teacher since her childhood.
Back to School Night: A+ Connections, One Classroom at a Time
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
The team huddles together before the second set starts, displaying their strong bond. “We hang out a lot during school,” senior Lola Aguilar said. “I'd recommend trying to get to know everyone.”
Despite Best Efforts, Rams Take the Win Against Phoenix in Second Home Volleyball Game
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
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
The team huddles together before the second set starts, displaying their strong bond. “We hang out a lot during school,” senior Lola Aguilar said. “I'd recommend trying to get to know everyone.”
Despite Best Efforts, Rams Take the Win Against Phoenix in Second Home Volleyball Game
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 I've 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
The team celebrates their win against the Titans in a huddle around star player of the night, Eryn Chemoiwa, congratulating her on her accomplishments.
Free Throws and Four-Point Plays: A New Phoenix Rises to the Challenge
Phoenix cheerleaders complete a chant at a home basketball game. “Smooth and easy that's what we do,” senior cheer captain Reagan Carper said.
From Friday Night Lights to Bright Gym Lights
As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”
Phoenix Take Down the Titans
Freshman defenseman Brooks Furtek (44) cross-checks a Seahawk in a race to get the puck.
Pride/Phoenix Stir Up the Hornets/Seahawks Nest
Students rush onto the court to celebrate with the team after the buzzer beater three-pointer made by junior William Beck. “Honestly, I thought the game was over but then the clock stopped and my heart stopped," junior Mihir Peta said. “I was like, there’s no way this happened.”
Sinking a Last Shot on Senior Night: Phoenix Parade Over the Pride
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
Senior Teyany Kleiner looks to take the lead away from a Huskies runner and a Wolverines runner. Kleiner became the regional runner-up after racing in the 100 and 200 meter.
Phoenix Leave a Blazing Trail for Track Regionals
With his eyes on the ball, senior Aryan Dhiman swings his racket hard in order to get an advantage over his opponent.
Phoenix Tennis Teams Take the Title at Districts
Seniors Sierra Bell and Ashi Akula advance upfield with the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Displays Impressive Effort Against Briar Woods
Senior Wardah Islam sings her solo for “A Choice to Change the World.”
Voices of Change: Rock Ridge Sings is in Tune with Community
The plot of “Monsters” juggles conflicting tones and confusing characterizations, turning a complex case into a muddled narrative mess. Promotional Image of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
Sensationalism Over Substance: ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Turns Tragedy into Trash
Paris Hilton falls from a star, showcasing her fall from stardom in the pop industry. Her recent release of “Infinite Icon” is accelerating her fall due to its poor quality.
‘Infinite Icon’: Paris Hilton’s Recent Album Has Been Forgotten in the New Generation of Pop
“Short n’ Sweet” showcases Sabrina Carpenter’s seamless blend of wit and catchy melodies, making it her most compelling and confident album to date. Photo Courtesy of Island Records
Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’: A Masterclass in Pop Precision and Playful Provocation
Sophomores Ronald Hodge III, who plays Tom Collins, and Angel LaBosette, who plays Angel Dumott Schunard, star center stage during their number, “Santa Fe.”
Running It Back: ‘‘RENT’’ Revival to Take International Thespian Festival Main Stage
TikTok is on death row for nine months as the US government recently passed a bill to ban the use and download of TikTok across the US.
TikTok is Running Out of Time: TikTok Ban Bill Was Signed
Colors, contrasts, font, size, neatness, background, context, and more, all contribute to the particular style of one’s handwriting. How far has handwriting, as an art form, come? Taking a look back in history and comparing it to modern-day practices shows how little yet how far the art form has transitioned, especially with its recent booming on digital platforms.
The Lost Art of Penmanship: Rediscovering the Beauty of Handwriting
The phone-free school movement started as a small act and is now spreading all over the United States, and will continue until something is done about it.
Should Schools Go Phone Free?
Rock Ridge Road Infrastructure poses grave concerns due to immense traffic during congested pickup and drop off times for car riders and bus riders, along with potential safety hazards for bicyclists and pedestrians having to share a sidewalk.
Traffic Trauma: Rock Ridge Road Infrastructure Causes Heavy Traffic Every Morning
It seems like nowadays Gen Z kids act very grown up. Instead of playing in playgrounds, they are running around Sephora. Instead of sending notes to each other in class, they are Snapping each other on Snapchat. Why has this happened to Gen Z, and is it going to cause any lasting effects on the kids?
Maturity Levels are Getting Higher and Higher
‘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
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
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 Ridge's 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
‘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
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
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 Ridge's 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
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Melissa Waas

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor

Melissa Waas, a senior, has been a part of the newspaper staff for three years, and is one of the Managing Editors for the Blaze. She enjoys participating more in the media and video aspect of the Blaze. Even outside of the paper she loves making videos and has favored art and making things visually. Her goals as a journalist this year are to continue contributing to the multimedia department of the Blaze and recruit more students to join. Melissa heavily encourages people to get out of their comfort zone, and try something new in the Blaze, like the multimedia aspects. She really enjoys writing about social issues in our world and finds they can be more challenging than we realize since the facts are not always obvious. She participates in many school extracurriculars: Peer, Wings, and NEHS. Melissa moved from France to the United States in 2020. Her family was looking for an adventure, and chose the U.S. to explore new horizons. She is an extremely creative person, who is always looking for something new to learn.

All content by Melissa Waas
Screenshot 2024-10-04 at 12.32.52 PM

‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock

Rachel Bhardwaj, Melissa Waas, and Aline Gonzalez
October 4, 2024

[Video] Class of 2025 Makes Their Mark in the Parking Lot

Melissa Waas and Bella Gerardi
August 23, 2024
French teacher and language department chair Veronique Billington announces the 26 students who got the Seal of Biliteracy. Students receive the seal upon passing an exam, which tests their ability to read and write one or more languages next to English; usually, this is a language that is not offered at school and for which students can earn extra language credits by passing the exam.

Seniors Put Their Caps on Senior Year With Capstone Gala and Awards Ceremony

Rachel Bhardwaj, Melissa Waas, and Rodrigue Gomado
June 16, 2024
While sophomore Tyler Nguyen, senior Shubha Ballurkar, and junior Norah Thomas concentrate on playing their cello in tune with the music, junior Andrew Takach stands behind them, moving his hands across the fingerboard of his double bass as the only player with this instrument.

Moving Music and Final Farewells: Seniors Take Last Bow at Orchestra’s Annual Spring Concert

Ananya Karthik, Melissa Waas, and Muhammad Reda
June 6, 2024
After a year of collecting artwork and written pieces, and long design work nights, members of the Art and Literary Magazine, “The Renaissance,” distributed the issue's 10th volume on May 2 during advisory. The magazine featured everything from poems and short stories to photos and artwork, all surrounding the theme of “The 10th First Draft.”

‘The 10th First Draft’: Lit Mag Celebrates a Decade of Production

Sitwat Mian, Sruthi Vivek, and Melissa Waas
June 3, 2024
Students dance the night away on the floor as the music blasts in a “Vegas-inspired” ballroom, decorated with casino-themed adornments.

[Video] Prom: A Sinless Night in Sin City

Bhargav Kuniki, Nidhi Manchala, Lucian Tiller, and Melissa Waas
May 2, 2024
Senior Ananya Akula explains the Rock Ridge Sings electives to the eighth graders at the Club Expo. Rising freshmen have the opportunity to join the all-female Cantus Avem choir or the all-male Voces Virilis choir.

Future Phoenix Soar Into High School

Ananya Karthik, Dayanna Anton, and Melissa Waas
April 29, 2024

Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair

Melissa Waas and Rachel Bhardwaj
April 12, 2024
Community of Care, a club focused on brightening the lives of senior nursing home citizens, enlarged its focus group by making joke and riddle cards for children over February. For one month, 28 students attended making 300 cards in total to be donated to the organization A BRIGHT SPOT, which distributes them to children.

Cards for Hearts: Community of Care Tackles Their February Challenge

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
March 14, 2024
In the days leading up to National School Counseling Week, students and teachers wrote notes demonstrating their appreciation to the counselors, which were compiled onto a large banner.

Celebrating Counselors with a Week of Cheer

Melissa Waas and Aarohi Motwani
March 14, 2024
In an age of digital communication, younger generations have taken to social media and the internet to spread awareness about mental health disorders and build communities of support. However, when one feels confused about conflicting feelings and possible mental health illness symptoms, an overload of information online can lead to more confusion and overdiagnosis.

Over-diagnosis in Mental Health Disorders Leads to Limited Mindsets

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
February 16, 2024
The DSM-V, a classification system with criteria to describe disorders such as depression, determines that for a person to be diagnosed with depression, they have to report at least five of the characteristic depression symptoms: self-isolation, disturbed sleep patterns or loss of interest being amongst those. However, such symptoms could also be the cause of a different disorder or physical/ mental problem, and classification systems invite misdiagnosis.

In an age of digital communication, younger generations have taken to social media and the internet to spread awareness about mental health disorders and build communities of support. However, when one feels confused about conflicting feelings and possible mental health illness symptoms, an overload of information online can lead to more confusion and overdiagnosis.

Senior Bradley Schraa (Roger) and sophomore Palmer Jolly (Mark) end the titular song, “RENT,” as all the characters tell the audience they are not going to pay “last year’s rent, this year’s rent, [and] next year’s rent.”

“Rent: School Edition:” A Powerful Story of Resilience and Hope

Aline Gonzalez, Leif Labianca, and Melissa Waas
February 1, 2024

Phoenix Friends Builds Connections and Mends Gaps in the Special Education Department

Melissa Waas and Aline Gonzalez
December 19, 2023
Members of Phoenix Friends hold up their “floor drawings.” Many of the drawings include doodles of flowers, tic-tac-toe boards, and even happy birthday signs to senior Latifatou Alibi.

James Madison High School students, senior Leslie Tayne, sophomore Michelle Crga, and senior Avery Canedo listen to junior Jenna Amro practice her speech for the Impromptu event she participated in.

The Rock Hosts Successful Debate Tournament, Chawla Takes Home Silver

James Bowles, Nadia Shirr, and Melissa Waas
December 18, 2023
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

Ria Athreya, James Bowles, and Melissa Waas
December 3, 2023

[Video] Treasure Island: Behind The Scenes

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
November 28, 2023
From the athletes to the academics, student backgrounds shine through in all aspects, highlighting the niche hobbies and lifestyles of the Phoenix student body. Graphic by: Tanishka Enugu and Aarohi Motwani.

Humans of Rock Ridge: Student Profiles

The Blaze Staff
November 3, 2023
Senior class participants pose for a picture with class sponsors Liz Grainger and Brittany Thomas after their 11-10 victory against the junior class.

Upperclassmen Clash in Annual Homecoming Kickball Game

Aarohi Motwani, Melissa Waas, and Ria Athreya
October 5, 2023
Junior Lola Aguilar and Lexi Anspach are singing “Juntos” by Jim Papoulis with the rest of their Vox Femina chorus class on Sept 18. Other songs Rock Ridge Sings is preparing for the program's first concert on Oct. 19 include“What About Us?” by P!nk or “Patch of Light” by Jacob Narverud, which are all inspired by RRS’s “uplift” theme.

Rock Ridge Sings Uplifts Through Music

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
October 5, 2023
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 Ridge's 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.

Welcome Back, Phoenix!

Melissa Waas and Aline Gonzalez
August 31, 2023

Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time

Melissa Waas, Sitwat Mian, and Aline Gonzalez
June 12, 2023

Navigating a Balanced High School Life While Coping With Academic Competition and Pressure

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
June 10, 2023
United Sound group members pose for a picture after the end of their first ever performance, where they played ‘Forward March’ by Paul Murtha alongside the Rock Ridge band Wing Ensemble. The United Sound group was founded this year with the mission to ‘Foster Social Change Through Music.’ The group meets twice weekly, where student-teachers of the band, orchestra and choir department help teach music to students with special needs.

Senior’s Say ‘Goodbye’ at Final Band Concert of the Year, While United Sound Members Greet ‘Hello’ With First Ever Performance

Melissa Waas, Samantha Chang, and Raza Hassan
June 8, 2023

Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
June 1, 2023

Clean Air Month Highlights Importance of Improving Air Quality and Encourages Action

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
May 22, 2023

Model UN Brings Home a Win After Their Final Conference of the Year

Sitwat Mian, Sydney Nguyen, and Melissa Waas
May 22, 2023
Team Teiam (“team with an I”) responds to an entertainment question in round four. Round four consisted of two types of questions: a short audio clip from either a music video or a movie that the teams had to guess correctly. Teams had to guess the name of the song or the artists for the music questions, and guess the name of the movie for the movie-based questions.

A Game Night for the History Books

Sydney Nguyen, Melissa Waas, and James Bowles
May 18, 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
At Rock Ridge’s home meet on Jan. 4, sophomore Micah Younger, junior Alyssa Tucker, and sophomore Lilia Jones line up at the start line for the Girls 55m Dash. “[The most difficult thing about this season] is that I’m not at my best right now, but I’m going to get there in [outdoor track],” Younger said.

Indoor Track & Field’s Record-Breaking Season Makes History

Raza Hassan, Rohan Iyer, Sydney Nguyen, and Melissa Waas
February 8, 2023
Cell phones can be a great tool and help student interaction, but incorporating them into the classroom can lead to distraction and interfere with students’ learning.

Cell Phones in School: Distraction or Interaction?

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
January 25, 2023
Economics teacher Peter Kim gets pied in the face by senior Akarsh Kontham, after gaining the most money from the hot chocolate sale.

Students Slide into Winter Break With Holiday Outfits

Mariam Abdelsayed, Karis Adnan, Raza Hassan, and Melissa Waas
January 17, 2023
Freshman Homecoming Court representatives Jade Lewis and Dawson Boupha walk down the dance floor as DJ Mario announces the 2022 Homecoming Court and Royalties. Lewis nominated herself for fun to see if she would get in with her boyfriend, and they did. Her favorite part of the evening was “walkin out for homecoming court, just being in the middle,” Lewis said.

Homecoming: SCA sets the Scene for a Night in the Cities

James Bowles, Melissa Waas, Bella Strano, and Samantha Chang
November 15, 2022
The board discussed renaming 19 schools, a new internship offered by elementary schools, and new calendar options for 2023-2024 school year.

LCPS Schools Renamed; New Computer Science Internship for Students

Melissa Waas and Nidhi Manchala
October 31, 2022
Ginny McGee, 10

Ginny McGee, 10

Melissa Waas, Managing Editor
October 25, 2022
Load More Stories