• Important Dates -->
  • June 2- Athletics Signing
  • June 4-Last Day for Seniors
  • June 10-Capstone Gala and Senior Awards
  • June 16- Graduation
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
While the event was a formal celebration for new inductees and current members, it was also filled with happiness and unity. After the speeches, the NEHS group all enjoyed food and drinks with friends and family attending the event.
Hard Work Pays Off: New NEHS Members Inducted
Students part of the Science Olympiad club hold their regional trophy, an award they haven’t won since 2014.
The Science Olympiad Team Achieves Record-Breaking Success
The 2025 All School Awards celebrated students' diligence and commitment to their academics, sports, and communities throughout the year.
Appreciating Accomplishments: Rock Ridge Distributes All-School Awards
Rock Ridge students celebrate as Sanvi Challa and Melissa Waas win the grand Prize along with an internship opportunity at Loudoun Now for the summer.
Rock Ridge Wins Big at First-Ever Loudoun Now Student Journalism Awards
AP art students Nitya Matcha and Sitwat Mian paint their mural in the main hallway for their senior capstone.
Seniors Leave Their Final Mark with Capstone Murals
Assistant Principal Jennifer Cavanaugh smiles while standing on Rainbow Street on a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.
From Foundations to Farewells: Jennifer Cavanaugh’s Parting Wisdom
Karen Curran, an avid traveler, hopes to traverse the world after her retirement.
A Legacy of Learning: Karen Curran Announces Retirement
Students part of the Free and Reduced Meal Program can get a full meal of lunch for free every day. Along with meal benefits, students can receive additional financial support through gift vouchers, fee waivers, and necessities such as clothing.
Lunch Dissatisfaction Drives Down Free and Reduced Meal Participation
“I know that hope isn’t solid, because just like books and poems: It is up to you to decide what you take away from it.”--Why Must We Hurt?
Gonzalez Swan Song: Why Must We Hurt?
“The best endings don’t feel like endings at all. They feel like showing up to the same hallway for the thousandth time and realizing, finally, that it meant something. That you were building a life the whole time — even in the chaos, even in the ordinary.” – This One’s Better
Karthik Swan Song: This One’s Better
The Phoenix varsity soccer team huddles together during their timeout.
Phoenix Soccer Clawed by Wolverines in Final Minutes
Senior Eleser Santos running on the track during his race.
Senior Elieser Santos Shines on the Track Stage in Preparation for States
The Bethesda players line up after their game to take a picture
Bethesda Soccer Club Brings the Bang in Spain
Freshman Christian Bhide serves a ball during his singles match.
Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Team Triumphs Over Dominion Titans
With his eyes on the prize, the Phoenix varsity all-time number two player, Akash Vangale returns the ball against the Tuscarora Huskies.
Phoenix Tennis Blazes Past Tuscarora With Eyes Locked on States
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
The Phoenix varsity soccer team huddles together during their timeout.
Phoenix Soccer Clawed by Wolverines in Final Minutes
Freshman Christian Bhide serves a ball during his singles match.
Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Team Triumphs Over Dominion Titans
Junior Alex Alkhal pitches the ball. “[I] just let it go and keep practicing so we can focus on our goal for the next game to get better as a team,” Alkhal said.
Phoenix Shows Resilience in Loss Against Titans
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
The album cover of “More Chaos” features a faceless Ken Carson in a blood-spattered shirt, visually capturing the album’s violent, chaotic tone, though the music rarely lives up to the image.
All Volume, No Vision: Ken Carson’s “More Chaos”
Warner Bros’ latest game-turned-movie adaptation released on Friday, April 4 with a rather destructive response for a more-or-less forgettable movie. “A Minecraft Movie” promotional poster by Mojang
“A Minecraft Movie” Explodes in Theaters, Literally and Figuratively
Senior Isabella Hasbun puts her costume on, getting ready and into character before the rehearsal.
Behind the Scenes of Rock Ridge Performing Arts Tarzan Rehearsals
As the first person to sign their certificate, senior Ricardo Diaz starts his path towards joining the U.S. Air Force.
“Sinners” Delivers an Unforgettable Cinematic Experience
After a lawsuit against Tiffany Smith, the manager and mother of popular child influencer Piper Rockelle, for alleged assault of the minors, many speculations were made regarding the rumors and if they were true. Netflix’s “Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing” seeked to clear up the mystery and share stories from the victims about their experiences with Tiffany. Courtesy of Netflix
“Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing.”
In the midst of all the end of year chaos, state testing can divert focus off of more important exams and activities and lead to an overly stressful time for students and faculty.
Get Rid Of State Testing in Middle and High Schools
Through taking photos, I found a way to share how I felt, even when I didn’t know how to say it.
Gerardi Swan Song: Not Just a Class Assignment
Sometimes life will show you so many light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnels, it becomes an overwhelming and blinding light. All you have to do is figure out which path you want to take, and follow that light til’ the end.
Manchala Swan Song: We Ended Up Alright
An image of the software TestNav that students use to take the Standards of Learning test.
State Testing: A Necessary Evil? Balancing the Burden With the Benefits
The album cover of “More Chaos” features a faceless Ken Carson in a blood-spattered shirt, visually capturing the album’s violent, chaotic tone, though the music rarely lives up to the image.
All Volume, No Vision: Ken Carson’s “More Chaos”
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
Classroom Conversations: AI in Classrooms
Classroom Conversations: What Do We Know About Title IX?
Classroom Conversations: What Do We Know About Title IX?
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
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
Assistant Principal Jennifer Cavanaugh smiles while standing on Rainbow Street on a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.

From Foundations to Farewells: Jennifer Cavanaugh’s Parting Wisdom

Saketh Nandam, Staff Writer
June 12, 2025
Rock Ridge students celebrate as Sanvi Challa and Melissa Waas win the grand Prize along with an internship opportunity at Loudoun Now for the summer.

Rock Ridge Wins Big at First-Ever Loudoun Now Student Journalism Awards

Saketh Nandam and Abhinav Jammula
June 9, 2025
Through the credit recovery program, students have the opportunity to piece back together previously failed or unattempted assignments.

Credit Recovery: A Safety Net for Struggling Grades

Abhinav Jammula and Saketh Nandam
May 19, 2025
With his eyes on the prize, the Phoenix varsity all-time number two player, Akash Vangale returns the ball against the Tuscarora Huskies.

Phoenix Tennis Blazes Past Tuscarora With Eyes Locked on States

Abhinav Jammula and Saketh Nandam
May 5, 2025
With spring break finally here, students are trading homework for adventure, relaxation, and new memories. Courtesy of CCNull via Creative Commons

Hallways to Airways: Students Take Off for Spring Break

Saketh Nandam and Abhinav Jammula
April 29, 2025
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
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