• Important Dates -->
  • 1/20 MLK Day
  • 1/24 End of Q2
  • 1/27 No School (Teacher Work Day)
  • 1/28 No School (Teacher Work Day)
  • 1/29 No School (Lunar New Year)
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Bashing the Buzzer: Academic Team’s Astounding Season
Bashing the Buzzer: Academic Team’s Astounding Season
Austrian students explored American culture as they visited the White House during one of their field trips to D.C. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Eaton
From Vienna to the DMV: Rock Ridge High School Welcomes Austrian Exchange Students
Photo depicts an annual New Year tradition of releasing sky balloons containing personal wishes or prayers. It is believed that releasing these sky balloons into the night sky carries away any worries or misfortunes. Courtesy of Humphrey Muleba via Creative Commons
The Year of the Slithering Snake: LCPS Celebrates the Lunar New Year
(Left to right) Several delegates who represent countries including Vietnam, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Australia hold up their nameplates in order to have their motion heard and voted on in the World Health Organization (WHO) committee.
“RockMUN’s” First Iteration Excels, Shatters Expectations
Freshman Sriram Chiripurapu animatedly delivers his rebuttal speech during a mock debate at one of the Public Forum practices.
Rising to the Top: Rock Ridge High School’s Debate Team Soars With Mid-Season Success
Obsidian Club Leader Keeya Makonnen leads with vision and passion, while also striving for greatness in the future. Courtesy of Keeya Makonnen
The President of the Obsidian Club: Keeya Makonnen
Valentine's Day celebrations are filled with sweet treats and spending time with the one you love.
Phoenix Love is in the Air
Sophomore Simone Nagpual poses with two signed copies of “Firekeeper’s Daughter” and a themed mug, gifts she received from best-selling author Angeline Boulley. Photo courtesy of Scott Schwarz
Reading Recognition: Sophomore Connects with Best-Selling Author Angeline Boulley
Senior Deetya Mudakala engaged in a National English Honor Society officer meeting. Shayne German, courtesy of Yearbook
Pen to Paper: Deetya Mudakala & Leading NEHS
Sherri Foster-Craft sits at her desk by the cafeteria where she manages everything necessary for a successful day as a nutrition manager.
Sherri Foster-Craft: The Heart Behind a Thriving Cafeteria
Senior and captain Will Beck defends his opponent and tries to stop the Pride guard from getting closer to the Phoenix basket.
Phoenix Fall to Pride in Hard Fought Battle
Senior Lorenz Penn brings hustle and heart to the court.
Athlete of the Week: Lorenz Penn
Racing for the puck, junior Connor Bultema and a Knights/Colts player sprint for a loose puck.
Pride/Phoenix Steal Crown from the Knights/Colts
Senior William Beck protects the ball from the opposing team.
Vikings Extinguish Phoenix Flame in Close Contest
Sophomore Betsy Polanco fights to break free of her opponent's grasp during the “King of the Rock” tournament.
Fighting for More Than Pins: The Impact of Women’s Wrestling
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
Senior and captain Will Beck defends his opponent and tries to stop the Pride guard from getting closer to the Phoenix basket.
Phoenix Fall to Pride in Hard Fought Battle
Senior Lorenz Penn brings hustle and heart to the court.
Athlete of the Week: Lorenz Penn
Racing for the puck, junior Connor Bultema and a Knights/Colts player sprint for a loose puck.
Pride/Phoenix Steal Crown from the Knights/Colts
Senior William Beck protects the ball from the opposing team.
Vikings Extinguish Phoenix Flame in Close Contest
Sophomore Betsy Polanco fights to break free of her opponent's grasp during the “King of the Rock” tournament.
Fighting for More Than Pins: The Impact of Women’s Wrestling
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
Miller's seventh studio album explores themes of addiction, death, and reflects on the human experience. Photo Courtesy of Warner Records
Incredible Even After Death: Mac Miller’s ‘Balloonerism’
Duke of York's Picturehouse, Brighton, United Kingdom. rawpixel.com via Creative Commons License
Fan Favorites and the Future: A&E Edition
Brick (junior Palmer Jolly) and Maggie’s (senior Jaden Thomas) relationship hangs on the edge while they take a break from their rigorous argument to take a good look at each other and what they have become.
Rock Ridge Performing Arts’ ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ Burns the House Down
Lil Baby shines on the “WHAM” album cover, showcasing his iced jewelry, which symbolizes his success and top spot as one of the top rappers around. Courtesy of Motown
‘Listen Up…’ Lil Baby’s New Album is Mediocre At Best
“SOS Deluxe: LANA” showcases a euphoric blend of chill R&B and upbeat pop, all woven together by the air of maturity shown throughout SZA’s album.
SZA Unveils Her Highly Anticipated ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’
Gifts and treats that you can exchange for Valentines Day
The Season of Love: 9 Ways You Can Celebrate This Valentine’s Day
From the food, to their favorite locations and their music, this is Argentina.
A Peek into Argentina: Celebrating Family, Friends, and Culture
On Nov. 23, 1993, President Bill Clinton signs the Apology Resolution with Vice President Al Gore and Hawaiian representatives Senator Daniel Inouye, Representative Patsy T. Mink, Representative Neil Abercrombie, and Senator Daniel Akaka behind him. Photograph by Sharon Farmer courtesy of William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
The 132-Year Fight for Freedom
An illustration of a data center is shown glowing, highlighting its significance to Loudoun County.
Data Centers: The Beating Heart, Not the Bane, of Loudoun County
Some of the most talked about moments in 2024, from politics to pop culture.
Defining Memories: Top 10 Moments of 2024
Rundown Politics: The Beginning of the Trump Administration and the End of Biden’s
Rundown Politics: The Beginning of the Trump Administration and the End of Biden’s
Classroom Conversations: Teachers Won Collective Bargaining, But What is That?
Classroom Conversations: Teachers Won Collective Bargaining, But What is That?
Rundown Politics: Biden's Legacy
Rundown Politics: Biden’s Legacy
Students roast marshmallows over the fire pit, ready to make smores and watch “Home Alone 2” during the Frost Fest.
Freezing Fun: Annual Winter Frost Fest Brings Chilly Cheer
Rundown Politics: Trump 2016, 2020, and 2024
Rundown Politics: Trump 2016, 2020, and 2024
Students roast marshmallows over the fire pit, ready to make smores and watch “Home Alone 2” during the Frost Fest.
Freezing Fun: Annual Winter Frost Fest Brings Chilly Cheer
‘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!
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Saketh Nandam

Saketh Nandam, Staff Writer

Saketh Nandam is a sophomore and a new staffer for the Blaze. He’s looking forward to strengthening his essay writing skills as well as gaining exposure to podcast and interview techniques. His hobbies include reading books and coding. His ultimate goal is to become an editor next year and possibly win a SNO Award for the Blaze. He is also a part of many extra curricular activities, including TSA and Robotics.

All content by Saketh Nandam
Bashing the Buzzer: Academic Team’s Astounding Season

Bashing the Buzzer: Academic Team’s Astounding Season

Arnav Mahajan and Saketh Nandam
February 20, 2025
Photo depicts an annual New Year tradition of releasing sky balloons containing personal wishes or prayers. It is believed that releasing these sky balloons into the night sky carries away any worries or misfortunes. Courtesy of Humphrey Muleba via Creative Commons

The Year of the Slithering Snake: LCPS Celebrates the Lunar New Year

Saketh Nandam and Abhinav Jammula
February 10, 2025
An illustration of a data center is shown glowing, highlighting its significance to Loudoun County.

Data Centers: The Beating Heart, Not the Bane, of Loudoun County

Arnav Mahajan and Saketh Nandam
January 28, 2025
“Kraven the Hunter” follows themes of violence and righteousness. The plot starts with Kraven as a boy who avoids death just barely after swallowing a magical solution that gives him superhuman strength. Fueled by his fathers wrongdoing, Kraven sets out into the world to eliminate “bad” men. Promotional Courtesy of Sony Pictures

‘Kraven the Hunter’ Has Claws but Lacks a Bite

Abhinav Jammula and Saketh Nandam
January 13, 2025
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

Saketh Nandam and Abhinav Jammula
November 30, 2024
Grace Carper sings "Love in the Dark" by Adele during the band’s final performance. Courtesy of Anand Alagappa

Hard Work and Harmonious Music: Phoenix Marching Band Displays an Impressive Performance at States

Saketh Nandam, Abhinav Jammula, Amogh Sarasam, and Arnav Mahajan
November 21, 2024
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

Lucian Tiller and Saketh Nandam
November 13, 2024
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