• Important Dates -->
  • 6/6: Capstone Gala and Senior Awards
  • 6/7: Rent Revival Performance
  • 6/13: Graduation Practice
  • 6/14: Last Day of School
  • 6/14: Graduation @ RRHS
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Turning back to 2020, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden will re-enter the political ring against each other, vying for the esteemed White House seat. Emma Kaden via Creative Commons
Time Traveling to 2020: Biden and Trump Return to the Ballot Box
CTE chair and DECA sponsor Ben Stodola has had a lasting impact on the Rock. He is leaving to work in technical education, although he will miss his students and coworkers.
The End of an Era: The Rock Says Goodbye to Ben Stodola
Senior Isabella Lopez (middle) plays alongside peers in the seniors only performance of “Habanera.”
Strumming To Success: Guitar Ensemble Has Their Final Concert Of The Year
Once the yearbook came out, students got the chance to pay for it online and pick it up at the concession stand, or bring money and pay for it at the concession stand during the lunch block.
Yearbook Shows That Rock Ridge Is “Exactly Like Nowhere Else”
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
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
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
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 thats 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
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
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
Sophomore Zoe Fyne-Okorie (left) and freshman Addison Dietz (right) strike a pose at the end of “Girls Just Wanna Dance,” arranged by Paul Langford.
Rock Ridge Sings Celebrates Seniors and Sends Them Off With Final Concert
Sophomore Bhanuteja Alluri, senior Umair Syed, and freshman Ethan Williams play the trumpets in “Thunderscape,” an up-tempo song about the power of nature — especially that of thunder.
Rock Ridge Bands’ Spring Concert Blooms With Unity
Carpenter’s fall and rise stands as a testament to how women in the music industry have to lean into the hate they receive to be successful.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Fall and Rise: From Lyrical Rage to the Eras Tour 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
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 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
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 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
Riya Cherukuri

Riya Cherukuri, Staff Writer

Riya Cherukuri is a sophomore and a first year staffer on The Blaze. In her free time, Cherukuri enjoys baking desserts. Cherukuri also spends her time playing softball for Rock Ridge. She was motivated to play because her brother played baseball, so being on the field felt just right. Cherukuri hopes to continue playing in college.

All content by Riya Cherukuri
Sophomore Zoe Fyne-Okorie (left) and freshman Addison Dietz (right) strike a pose at the end of “Girls Just Wanna Dance,” arranged by Paul Langford.

Rock Ridge Sings Celebrates Seniors and Sends Them Off With Final Concert

Sruthi Vivek, Riya Cherukuri, and Bhargav Kuniki
June 6, 2024
Steve Park keeps the Rock Ridge community happy and healthy by providing care for all students with a smile.

National School Nurse Day: Honoring Steve Park

Riya Cherukuri, Staff Writer
May 10, 2024
Sophomore Akash Vangala positions himself to deliver a commanding serve toward his opponent during his intense and sweaty singles match. “I think I played well against some good competition,” Vangala said.

Next Stop, States: Phoenix Boys Dominate Over Knights

Riya Cherukuri and Alexis Cortés
May 9, 2024
Seniors Elena Frisby, Jacobo Borgen, and Zalaan Khan (from left to right) along with their recruiters gather to commemorate their signing. “The military has great benefits, and I grew up in a military-style household, so I just felt that it was only right,” Borgen said. “I like to think of myself as disciplined and hardworking.”

A Salute To Seniors: Signing To Their Military Journey

Shaila Patel, Riya Cherukuri, Sitwat Mian, and Hylay Assefa
May 9, 2024
“Might Delete Later” struggles to impress due to Cole’s empty lyrics and lack of individuality. Photo courtesy of Interscope Records.

J. Cole’s New Album ‘Might Delete Later’ Should Be Deleted Right Now

Riya Cherukuri, Staff Writer
May 1, 2024
Senior Arshan Shahjahan pushes past a Spartan defender as he dribbles the ball.

A War With the Weather: First Phoenix Draw of the Season

Sruthi Vivek, Bhargav Kuniki, Alexis Cortés, and Riya Cherukuri
April 8, 2024
When Coach Barry isn’t coaching, he works at his main job as a study hall teacher. He also loves watching movies and is an avid reader. His favorite book is “Nausea” by Jean-Paul Sartre, and his favorite movie is “The Godfather Part II” by Francis Ford Coppola. Photo Courtesy of Ousmane Barry.

Meet Football and Softball Assistant Coach: Ousmane Barry

Riya Cherukuri, Staff Writer
April 8, 2024
English teacher, Paul Koch, and his wife, Joanne, take a selfie together. The two met at a party hosted by their mutual friends and have been in love since.

From Sunburns to Love at First Sight: A Valentine’s Day Special

Riya Cherukuri, Staff Writer
March 7, 2024
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

Sruthi Vivek, Fran Rodriguez, and Riya Cherukuri
February 20, 2024
After the COVID-19 pandemic slowly died down, 2023 was a year full of promises for many students. From new movies to new experiences, students appreciated that the year allowed them to feel free for the first time in a few years.

A Chaotic and Unforgettable Year: Top Ten Moments of 2023

Sruthi Vivek and Riya Cherukuri
February 6, 2024
The gymnastics team huddles together with bright smiles on their faces after successfully finishing their last meet of 2023. The meet was hosted by Park View High School, and the Phoenix placed 4th overall.

Vaulting Into Gymnastics: Season Recap

Sruthi Vivek, Maya Coleman, and Riya Cherukuri
February 6, 2024
Seniors line up for their winter breakfast as their class sponsor, Liz Grainger, checks if they were pre-registered to ensure that food was not being wasted.

Seniors Eat Their Well-Deserved Breakfast at Quarterly Senior Breakfast

Hylay Assefa, Riya Cherukuri, and Sitwat Mian
January 10, 2024
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

Riya Cherukuri, Staff Writer
November 28, 2023
Veterans share their regards and say their goodbyes as they head out of the breakfast to honor their service. “I enjoy spending time with my kids and meeting other kids and their friends with the same background in military service,” veteran Littopaul Bacas (pictured on left) said.

Red, White, and Blue: Veterans Day Breakfast Recognizes Purple Star Distinction

Shaila Patel, Riya Cherukuri, and Azciel Goodhart
November 27, 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
Seniors Hari Kommu and Raushan Goureddy participate in the donut lunch game on Friday, Sept. 29, attempting to be the first team to fully eat the sugary dessert. Kommu and Goureddy ultimately came in second, however, and the junior team claimed the victory.

Class Competition Climax: Homecoming Spirit Week and Pep Rally

Tanishka Enugu, Riya Cherukuri, and Sitwat Mian
October 25, 2023
Load More Stories

THE BLAZE

The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School
© 2024 • Advertise • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in