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The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Students in the senior section cheer in hopes of winning the spirit stick.
Phoenix Fly into the Holidays with Winter Pep Rally
From the beginning of second quarter to the start of Thanksgiving break, all first, fourth, sixth, and eighth block classes competed to have the lowest absence rate. The prize for the winner acted as an incentive for students to stay in school.
A Reward for Showing Up: New Attendance Competition Implemented
PEER members juniors Maya Waas and Olivia Wilkins sit at a table, selling bracelets for a fundraiser.
Uplifting the School Community One Sticky Note at a Time: PEER Program is Committed to Providing Mentorship
The end of the class rank system marks the start of the new Latin Honors System, dividing students into distinct honors of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude.
Removal of the Ranks: LCPS Redefines Student Success
New Perspectives: Introduction to New Teachers
Sophomore Eryn Chamoiwa (14) shoots a free throw after getting fouled.
Phoenix Resilience Shines in a Fierce Battle Against Bulldogs
Phoenix/Heritage players meet at the bench to discuss the upcoming play with Coach David Bultema.
Phoenix/Pride Fight Down-to-the-Wire Against Panthers/Titans
Left to right: senior William Beck, Junior Dawson Boupha, and junior Lucas Wilsey.
Boys Basketball Tryouts Come to a Conclusion, with New and Old Faces on Varsity
The student team poses after the game with the trophy, which they won after defeating the teachers 36-30.
Students Spike Their Way to Victory in Annual Students vs. Staff Showdown
Junior defenseman Connor Bultema dumps the puck in the offensive zone as the Phoenix/Pride watch from the bench intently.
Meet the Team: Phoenix/Pride Hockey Starts Season on Fire
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
Sophomore Eryn Chamoiwa (14) shoots a free throw after getting fouled.
Phoenix Resilience Shines in a Fierce Battle Against Bulldogs
Phoenix/Heritage players meet at the bench to discuss the upcoming play with Coach David Bultema.
Phoenix/Pride Fight Down-to-the-Wire Against Panthers/Titans
Left to right: senior William Beck, Junior Dawson Boupha, and junior Lucas Wilsey.
Boys Basketball Tryouts Come to a Conclusion, with New and Old Faces on Varsity
Junior defenseman Connor Bultema dumps the puck in the offensive zone as the Phoenix/Pride watch from the bench intently.
Meet the Team: Phoenix/Pride Hockey Starts Season on Fire
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
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
On Nov. 22, Kendrick Lamar released an album with no warning titled “GNX.” The album is an intense narrative of Lamar’s perspectives of the music industry and culture in general. Photo Courtesy of pgLang
‘GNX’: The Cherry Atop Kendrick Lamar’s MVP Season
Senior Ragya Verma engages in “#19, Treasury of Scales” by Justin Ratcliff, playing the clarinet.
Rock Ridge Bands Wrap Up the Year with a Bow at Annual Winter Concert
“Outer Banks” is one of the fastest growing shows in teen television today. As the fourth season comes out, “Outer Banks” stays at the top and keeps viewers hooked. Promotional Image of “Outer Banks”
‘Outer Banks’ Season 4 Review: A Season That Left Fans Stunned
The album cover of “Chromakopia,” featuring Tyler, The Creator dressed as “St. Chroma”, the medium he uses to reveal his past to the world. The color green is generally used to signify growth or decay, which relates to the overall theme of the album. Photo courtesy of Columbia Records
I Hope ‘Chromakopia’ Finds Its Way to a Grammy
Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott, centers in an unsettling graphic of a smile, dripping with blood, with a look of fear and madness, a look that becomes commonplace as she traverses through a world of madness and mystery haunted by the entity known as the “Smile Monster,” whose purpose is to kill and consume people into darkness.
‘Smile 2’: A Smile to Die for, Literally and Metaphorically
Students are greeted with a display of new books when walking into the Rock Ridge library. The school library serves as a quiet place to study and a place for students to find unique books and resources.
From Books and Resources to Safe Havens: Libraries Are in Decline, But They Won’t Grow Obsolete
Black Friday is slowly declining, and needs to come back, as it is a big part of holiday traditions.
Is Black Friday Over? The Slow Fade of America’s Shopping Frenzy
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
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
Rundown Politics: Trump 2016, 2020, and 2024
Rundown Politics: Trump 2016, 2020, and 2024
Classroom Conversations: All About the College Route
Classroom Conversations: All About the College Route
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy
Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
‘X-traterrestrial’ Homecoming Week Celebrates X Years at the Rock
‘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
Nanaki Bawa

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor

A senior at Rock Ridge, Nanaki loves everything reading, writing, and calligraphy related. She has a great passion for service and currently serves as the president of Key Club and SNHS as well as the editor-in-chief of Art and Literary Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys rereading the Harry Potter series for the thousandth time, searching for a new quote to handletter on her calligraphy Instagram account, baking the wildest vegan desserts, and playing her Indian traditional stringed instrument, the Dilruba.

All content by Nanaki Bawa
Bawa Swan Song: Determination, Drive, and Dedication: From Powerless to Powerful

Bawa Swan Song: Determination, Drive, and Dedication: From Powerless to Powerful

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
May 17, 2023
Smiling at the board, Student Activities and Engagement Coordinator Annamika Hacikyan discussed specific information about the PTSO Pep Rally.

PTSO Members Address Important Updates Regarding the Special Education Department, Teacher Appreciation Week, and the PTSO Parent Pep Rally

Sruthi Vivek, Nanaki Bawa, and Muhammad Reda
May 16, 2023
While the 24-hour news cycle seems to keep viewers informed, the online discourse regarding and connectivity provided by social media has led broadcast media to do more harm than good, leaving uninformed, yet strongly opinionated Americans.

Dedicated to Making Cents: The Dangers of Modern Journalism and Broadcast Media

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
May 12, 2023
On April 11, the Loudoun County School Board discussed changes regarding staff and learning materials in schools.

School Board Members Discusses School Funding and Safety in Schools

Hylay Assefa and Nanaki Bawa
April 28, 2023
Dedicated to improving bathroom designs and privacy, worked to find solutions and plan bathroom renovations to avoid conflicts and other risks.

School Board Meets to Discuss Mental Health, New Grading System, Bathroom Renovations

James Lee, Nanaki Bawa, and Iyush Hoysal
March 31, 2023
After serving as the director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, Fauci stepped down from his duties in December 2022. He is not retiring, however, and cites this as the next big step in his career.

Misinformation Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: How Republican Hard-Liners Advanced Their Dangerous Agenda

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
March 3, 2023
Sitting around a table, the PTSO, Student Activities and Engagement Coordinator Annamika Hacikyan, and Principal John Duellman convene to review and devise a plan to move forward from recent incidents.

PTSO Honors Student, Discusses Future Actions to Improve Mental Health of School Community

Nanaki Bawa, Muhammad Reda, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
February 16, 2023
SB Recs

LCPS School Board Reviews Grand Jury Report Recommendations Regarding Sexual Assault Investigation

Nanaki Bawa and Sruthi Vivek
January 18, 2023
Seated at her desk, history and yearbook Michelle Menna meticulously edits a yearbook spread with her trustee black pen. Balancing her time between teaching AP U.S. history and yearbook, serving as the SCA sponsor, and leading history teachers as the department chair, Menna is often found typing away on her computer or standing in front of her enthusiastic students. The SCA has been an integral part of Menna’s life since 2014, when she first began planning elaborate school-wide events and sharing numerous meetings with administration; now, Menna has decided to take a step down from SCA to dedicate more time towards her personal life.

Humble Headship: History Teacher Michelle Menna Prepares to Step Down After 8 Years as SCA Sponsor

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
January 31, 2023
At the School Board Meeting, members discussed new proclamations and high school updates from two school board representatives. Senior and School Board Representative Srikar Bangaru presented his update along with the Tuscarora High School representative.

School Board Representative Senior Srikar Bangaru Presents School Update

Nanaki Bawa, Hylay Assefa, and Muhammad Reda
January 24, 2023
Ohio Senator-Elect J.D. Vance was selected to fill the open Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Rob Portman, a “common-sense conservative.” Without effective policies and support for the foundation of American democracy, trendy political nicknames will only get the country so far.

Election Denier, But Only When It Helps

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
December 7, 2022
Sitting at her desk, science teacher Kayla Hennessey plans lessons for her two classes. Hennessey began teaching in 2015 and received two college degrees, but she continues to pay off her student debt

Students Struggle With Skyrocketing Higher Education Costs, President Joe Biden Aims to Alleviate Student Debt

Nanaki Bawa and Sruthi Vivek
November 1, 2022
Accepting his Region 4 Teacher of the Year award, Jordan Markwood stands on the auditorium stage, smiling into the crowd of fine arts students and administrators. To cover the occasion, local news reporters were in attendance.

Rock Ridge Choral Director Jordan Markwood Sings His Way to Washington Post Teacher of the Year

Nanaki Bawa and Sruthi Sakala
October 31, 2022
Co-President Claire Cho stands at the front of the classroom towards the start of the Sept. 28 meeting, detailing the club’s future volunteer opportunities. This is Cho’s fourth year in MEDLIFE, and second year on the executive board.

MEDLIFE Members Move Mountains

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
October 11, 2022
President Tiffany Ahmed introduced herself and informed in-person and online attendees of the PTSO’s mission. The staff plans to incorporate more activities and events for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, while still hosting senior breakfasts and class-celebratory events for seniors. “I'm glad to be back and be in community with folks,” Ahmed said. “There’s so much that goes on in this school, and for parents to see first-hand the student activities builds that connection.”

PTSO Holds First In-Person Meeting After One Year

Nanaki Bawa and Sruthi Sakala
September 9, 2022
On Tuesday, May 24, the LCPS School Board met for their 2nd Tuesday of the month meeting and discussed a variety of topics including gun violence; the first Friday in June was proposed to be celebrated as national gun violence awareness day in LCPS schools.

School Board Honors National Merit Scholars, Recognizes Gun Violence and LGBTQ+ Awareness Month

Nanaki Bawa, Aarohi Motwani, Jackson Mitchell, and Rishi Sundaram
June 8, 2022
From the invention of the first menstrual products, which included rubber and aluminum menstrual cups in the late 19th century, to current innovations like washable menstrual pads, menstrual supplies have greatly evolved. Yet, countless menstruating students still go without access to these essential items, experiencing the constant taboo and intense symptoms associated with menstruation.

The Leak Week’s Trickling Effects: How Menstruation Impacts Students

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
May 31, 2022
On April 15, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” hit theaters after a long awaited return of the Harry Potter franchise.

Torn With Hate and Spells of Love: “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
May 20, 2022
Choir Director Jordan Markwood receives the Washington Post and LCPS awards for Teacher of the Year, as Mentoring and Coaching Supervisor Julie Baye applauds him. Looking back at receiving the award, Markwood said he was humbled. “I don't do any of the things I do to receive recognition, it's more about sharing a passion for what I love, and helping my students,” Markwood said.

Lunchtime Games, Spirit Day Celebrate Director Jordan Markwood as Washington Post Teacher of the Year

Aarohi Motwani, Nanaki Bawa, Mariam Abdelsayed, and Abby Welch
May 11, 2022
Author of The Nowhere Girls, Amy Reed, kicks off the Women's Summit in the library on March 26 by presenting her keynote speech, in which she talked about her books and how they impacted her. “It’s really important to try to listen to that voice inside of you that's there and steady and usually a little bit quiet when the whole world is telling you who to be and what to be and what to do,” Reed said. “Beneath all of that there's a part of us that knows what's good and what's right, and sometimes it's hard to listen to that part of us, sometimes it takes being vulnerable and scared to listen to it.”

Women Rise to the Occasion: “RISE To” Summit Brings Community Leaders Together

Mariam Abdelsayed, Nanaki Bawa, and Nicolas Biernacki
April 1, 2022
Joe Biden promises to continue providing assistance to Ukraine through the form of economic sanctions along with NATO. “Together, along with our allies, we are right now enforcing powerful economic sanctions,” Biden said.

Biden Debuts New Four Point Economic Plan During State of the Union Speech

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
March 8, 2022
Build Back Better legislation targets areas including revolutionizing the education system to improve the quality and access to education, while also providing a more holistic educational experience.

Building A Better Education System: How Build Back Better Aims to Affect Schools

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
March 1, 2022
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

Nanaki Bawa, Rachel Adams, Zain Khalidi, and Alyssa Yoon
February 19, 2022
Addressing history teacher Alison O’Leary’s class, senior Danielle Knick teaches her lesson to the eighth grade class at Stone Hill Middle School. “Teacher Cadet is a really fun experience. I have enjoyed it, and I hope it will help me in the future,” senior Danielle Knick said.

Teacher Cadet Students Rise as the Teachers of Tomorrow

Mariam Abdelsayed, Nanaki Bawa, and Abby Welch
February 4, 2022
Adorned with paper snowflakes and wreaths, math teacher William Driggers’ advisory class won best overall door in the door decorating competition.

Winter Door Decorating Competition Ignites Winter Spirit

Nanaki Bawa, Mariam Abdelsayed, Rachel Adams, and Aline Gonzalez
February 2, 2022
Looking to steal the ball from a Vikings player, freshman Nanci Marcello attempts to prevent a pass.

Phoenix Girls Field Hockey Falls to Vikings

Nanaki Bawa, Aarohi Motwani, Naomi Cho, and Zain Khalidi
October 27, 2021
Senior Kylie Miller sings along to the music with her peers. The dance floor filled as the DJ played songs like “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo, and “Baby Shark” by Pinkfong.

A Happily Ever After Homecoming

Nanaki Bawa, Karis Adnan, and Mars Foley
October 26, 2021
Ayesha Ansari, 11

Ayesha Ansari, 11

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
September 17, 2021
Both presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, participated in virtual Town Halls instead of an in-person debate.

Second Presidential Debate Canceled, Trump Rejects Virtual Format

Prajna Chakravarty, Rodrigo Villegas, Rishita Valluru, and Nanaki Bawa
January 20, 2021
Harneet Singh, 9

Harneet Singh, 9

Nanaki Bawa, Managing Editor
November 13, 2020
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