• Important Dates -->
  • 3/31-NO SCHOOL
  • 4/3--End of Q3
  • 4/4--NO SCHOOL
  • 4/7--NO SCHOOL
  • 4/12--Spring Break Starts
  • 4/21--First Day Back
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Yearbook staffers smile, holding their Silver Crown Columbia Scholastic Press Association award for the 10th edition of “Genesis”.
A Silver Triumph: Yearbook Takes Home CSPA’s Silver Crown Award.
Relatives embrace one another after Eid prayer, taking place with ADAMS Center (All Dulles Area Muslim Society) at Broad Run High School.
Eid-al-Fitr: “Feast of Breaking the Fast”
The official logo for Shapeshift, a student-led startup revolutionizing 3D modelling. The geometric design reflects the platform's core purpose– to shift between sketches and adjustable digital sculptures. Posted with permission from Shapeshift founders Abhinav Duddala and Ajay Vinjamuri.
Shapeshift: High School Innovators Turn 2D Dreams into 3D Reality
Two debaters prepare for the next round of debate in a classroom.
Phoenix Debate Brings The Heat at VHSL 4C Regionals
A student focuses on completing his assignment in class, undistracted by the phone beside him.
Cell Phone Policy Update: Student Academic Culture Has Shifted
Vice president Vijeta Arora takes charge of all new members of her organization and keeps it running smoothly.
10 Questions with PASTA Vice President Vijeta Arora
Senior Nitya Matcha advises underclassmen to “try everything” and find activities they’re passionate about. Photo Courtesy of Nitya Matcha
Seven Questions with Nitya Matcha: A Master of Managing it All
PEER club leader senior Rishit Choudhari leads with a goal of making the act of being nice a common courtesy in Rock Ridge. Courtesy of Rishit Choudhari
10 Questions with Rishit Choudhari, Co-Leader of PEER
Many invitations to parties were sent out this year, with the arrival of a fun trend, Galentine's Day.
Rock Ridge Trends: Galentines Day
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
Freshman Emerson Hagler (18), passes the ball to her teammates while attempting to move the ball away from her goal. “The season has been good; we obviously haven't won all the games we wanted to but we’re working hard,” Hagler said.
Phoenix Girls Soccer Gets Their First Win of the Season
Sophomore Anjali Gay posing for a pre-game picture. Courtesy of Anjali Gay
Athlete Spotlight: Anjali Gay
Junior Riya Cherukuri locks into her target at home base. “Personally, I want to improve on my timing on the plate,” she said. “As a team, we could improve our consistency and execution of plays and putting the ball in play.”
Phoenix Fall Short Against the Captains
Senior Rodrigue Gomado runs the boys 4x400 meter relay event.
Sprinting to Success: Rock Ridge Hosts Indoor Regionals Track Meet, Launches Two Teams to States
Senior Yug Kolla runs a leg in the boys distance 4x800 in the regional track meet hosted by Rock Ridge.
Athlete of the Week: Yug Kolla
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 Rodrigue Gomado runs the boys 4x400 meter relay event.
Sprinting to Success: Rock Ridge Hosts Indoor Regionals Track Meet, Launches Two Teams to States
The team comes together for a cheer as they run back on the court for their last period. “Breaking their press was our biggest challenge,” sophomore Simone Diby (2) said. “We struggled to handle their defensive pressure, which led to a lot of mistakes”
Phoenix Girls Basketball Put Up a Commendable Fight Against the Pride
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
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
Freshman Emerson Hagler (18), passes the ball to her teammates while attempting to move the ball away from her goal. “The season has been good; we obviously haven't won all the games we wanted to but we’re working hard,” Hagler said.
Phoenix Girls Soccer Gets Their First Win of the Season
Junior Riya Cherukuri locks into her target at home base. “Personally, I want to improve on my timing on the plate,” she said. “As a team, we could improve our consistency and execution of plays and putting the ball in play.”
Phoenix Fall Short Against the Captains
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
Rock Ridge Chamber Choir claps and sways as they perform “We Sing as One”.
Singing Empowerment: Rock Ridge Sings, Stone Hill Choirs Perform Pre-Assessment Concert
Since the highly publicized arrest of family YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, stories have run rampant about the inner workings of the Franke household. Hulu’s “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” chronicles what actually happened with lackluster editing but a powerful story. Photo courtesy of Hulu
Behind the Scenes: ‘The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke’
Angel Labosette energetically sings “You’ll Be Back” from “Hamilton,” dressed as King George III.
Broadway Desserts Hits the Sweet Spot with Show-Stopping Performances
Rapper Kendrick Lamar performs on stage for the Super Bowl halftime show. Photo courtesy of elisfkc2 via Wikimedia Commons. Link to license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
A Halftime Show For The Ages: Kendrick Lamar
The Weeknd's main album cover showcases him sweating and in pain. This signifies the overall theme of the album itself of escaping reality and paralysis. Courtesy of XO Records
Hurry Up and Listen to the Weeknd’s Newest Album: “Hurry Up Tomorrow”
Surrounded by an overwhelming amount of news, this new Trump administration has solidified itself as perhaps one of the most controversial and highly covered presidencies in recent years.
A Different Kind of Drowning: The Media Strategy of the Trump Administration
As tests and workloads pile up on students, the stress of it all can be crushing, especially when the fear of failing is constant.
A Closer Look Into Why We Skip on Test Days
The Silver Line’s new stop in Ashburn was a hopeful addition to connect more of Northern Virginia to the hotspots of the DMV. However, this station has fallen short of its expectations. Image by Mint0ri via Wikimedia Commons, Graphic by Nidhi Manchala via Adobe Illustrator
When Silver Turns to Rust: The Shortcoming of the Ashburn Silver Line Metro Stop
Serving over 40,000 people in the Ashburn area, the Silver Line continues to make a positive impact on commuter and local teen lives.
The Silver Lining of the Silver Line
Mohaimen Kazi creates fresh waffles on a stick for his customers using their waffle maker.
Waffle-y Sweet: Our Waffle Creations Shows What it’s Like to Own a Small Business in Northern Virginia
People with their family members celebrate Holi by throwing powder color at each other.
Ashburn Celebrates Holi, A Festival of Colors
Recognizing the theme of ‘hope’, Keynote speaker and women’s rights activist Katherine Spillar held a speech about legislative milestones and the importance of community engagement. “We can’t put our heads under the pillow and say we’re going to wait it out because without the pushback, without us fighting, we can’t hold the line,” Spillar said. “We have to be organized and strong so when an opportunity becomes available to make forward movement, we're there to seize it. Begin the fight now, wherever you are.”
Women Inspire and Find Hope at Sixth Annual “Rise To” Summit
Rundown Politics: The Ever Growing Threat of Ending DEIA Programs
Rundown Politics: The Ever Growing Threat of Ending DEIA Programs
Rundown Politics: Can Celebrities Impact Political Affiliations?
Rundown Politics: Can Celebrities Impact Political Affiliations?
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
People with their family members celebrate Holi by throwing powder color at each other.
Ashburn Celebrates Holi, A Festival of Colors
Recognizing the theme of ‘hope’, Keynote speaker and women’s rights activist Katherine Spillar held a speech about legislative milestones and the importance of community engagement. “We can’t put our heads under the pillow and say we’re going to wait it out because without the pushback, without us fighting, we can’t hold the line,” Spillar said. “We have to be organized and strong so when an opportunity becomes available to make forward movement, we're there to seize it. Begin the fight now, wherever you are.”
Women Inspire and Find Hope at Sixth Annual “Rise To” Summit
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
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
The official logo for Shapeshift, a student-led startup revolutionizing 3D modelling. The geometric design reflects the platform's core purpose– to shift between sketches and adjustable digital sculptures. Posted with permission from Shapeshift founders Abhinav Duddala and Ajay Vinjamuri.

Shapeshift: High School Innovators Turn 2D Dreams into 3D Reality

Saketh Nandam and Abhinav Jammula
April 8, 2025
The Video Game Design team waits in the auditorium to receive their award. Howard Goldberg

TSA Transforms Hard Work into a Victory at Regionals

Amogh Sarasam, Abhinav Jammula, Saketh Nandam, and Arnav Mahajan
March 16, 2025
The academic team stands together for a group photo after a long and hard-fought competition. Photo courtesy of Aryan Manik

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 29, 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
Load More Stories