• Important Dates -->
  • Sept 23: 1st Quarter Senior Breakfast
  • Sept 26: No School -- Teacher Work Day
  • Oct 5: No School -- Yom Kippur
  • Oct 10: No School -- Indigenous People's Day
  • Oct 12: PSAT Day
  • Oct 21: Homecoming Game
  • Oct 22: Homecoming Dance
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
After volunteering to participate in the “Hungry Hungry Hippos” inspired pep rally game, freshmen Conner Bultema and David Lassissi attempt to collect the most balls in their laundry basket while competing against four other duos.
Freshmen Get the “Scoop”
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. “Im 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
As freshmen and returning students enter the building after summer break, they are greeted by teachers for the upcoming school year ahead. One such teacher is ASL teacher Elizabeth Bush, who was eager to greet students coming to her class. “Just come in with a good attitude and readiness to try something new,” Bush said.
New and Old Phoenix Rise For Flight Day
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
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 outside hitter Sidney Powell jumps as she serves the ball over the net to the opposing side.
Phoenix Sweep the Vikings as Volleyball Wins First Home Game of the Season
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
Junior outside hitter Sidney Powell jumps as she serves the ball over the net to the opposing side.
Phoenix Sweep the Vikings as Volleyball Wins First Home Game of the Season
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
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
Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams, Staff Writer

Rachel Adams is a junior. This is her second year on staff as a writer. She is part of the girls tennis team and also plays tennis outside of school. Her favorite hobbies include baking, hiking, crocheting, and reading. Her favorite series is Agatha Christie, but she loves all genres. When she graduates high school she hopes to get into aviation, specifically piloting commercial planes. She has only been on a plane twice, but she knew this was something she wanted to do for a career almost right away. Rachel is looking forward to another great year with new experiences and challenges to overcome.

All content by Rachel Adams
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

June 10, 2022
The track and field team warms up together with laps at practice after school.

Seniors Race to the Finish Line

June 6, 2022
Teachers line up in the library to grab their free lunch provided by the PTSO on May 5.

PTSO Honors Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

June 2, 2022
From candy jars to refreshments, we have the best Easter-themed decorations to make your Easter brunch stand out.

Three Fun Things To Include In Your Next Spring or Easter Brunch

May 6, 2022
Freshman Dhruv Vemuri (8) bats for the Phoenix, hitting the ball before running to first base. “One thing that Id like to improve on is being able to hit off of the better pitchers,” Vemuri said. “We’re going to keep facing good pitchers and I want to be able to hit off of them.”

Phoenix Baseball Takes a Hit After Playing Heritage

April 25, 2022
The sunflower has quickly become an international symbol of solidarity for Ukrainians and is a symbol of peace. When agreeing to denuclearize Ukraine, the country planted sunflowers in a ceremony in 1996. Encouraged by their teachers, students in social studies classes have decided to put up sunflowers around the school to show their support for Ukraine.

Students And Staff Adorn The Halls With Sunflowers For Ukraine

April 25, 2022
Jodi (Ava Michelle) explores her life through new eyes, she starts to see how others around her are accepting her for who she is. Jodi realizes being tall doesn’t get in the way of life unless you let it. She deals with personal problems that are later helped to be resolved by an unsuspecting friend.

“Tall Girl 2” Does Better Than “Tall Girl”

March 10, 2022
Volunteering with nonprofits like Mobile Hope is a way to give back, especially to help community members get back on their feet in light of the pandemic.

Mobile Hope Responds to COVID-19s Impact On Homelessness

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

February 20, 2022
Freshman Andrew Takach dives in for his 200 yard IM race. “I love the competition and team environment. I enjoy improving and working hard,” Takach said. While this is Takach’s first year on the team, he has been swimming competitively for 8 years prior to joining.

Swim Team Kicks Off Season With The Encouragement Of An Exciting Win

February 3, 2022
Books and Movies, which one is a better choice of entertainment?

The Movies Aren’t Always Bad, but Books will Always Be Better

February 3, 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

February 2, 2022
LGBTQ+ pride protests (like the one pictured in Katowice, Poland in Sept 2019) have been a recurring event since the 1900s. In the 21st century, these movements have spread globally and became more socially acceptable.

LGBTQ+ History: Defined Through the Timeline

November 18, 2021
Phoenix varsity volleyball team discusses the game plan with their coaches as they prepare to take on the Captains.

Despite Loss Against Captains, Phoenix Ace Match

October 27, 2021
Charisse Caparros, 9

Charisse Caparros, 9

September 30, 2021
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