• Important Dates -->
  • May 17 - Orchestra Concert
  • May 20 - Pep rally
  • May 21 - Prom
  • May 30 - Holiday (Memorial Day)
  • June 15 - Last Day of School/ End of Quarter 4
  • June 16 - Graduation at 9:00 am
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Posing for a picture, Phoenix MSA members await the announcement of the winners on March 27.
MSA Clears the “MIST” in D.C. Tournament
Holding a cup filled with the meeting’s mystery juice, Juice Club members gathered on April 6 before school in science teacher Michael Clear’s room to try new juices, mingle, and eat snacks.
Orange You Glad You Go Here?
On May 10, the school board held their second Tuesday meeting, continuing to discuss improvements to student welfare and allocating funds to fiscal year 22-23 budget items.
School Board Provides Updates on Budget Plan, New Schools and Expansion of “Literacy for All” Programs
A map in EL teacher Margareta Cernev’s room shows the names and countries of origin, written on the red phoenixes, of her current EL students. Above the map, the names and countries of origin of Cernev’s previous students, who have graduated from high school, are displayed on gray phoenixes.
Phoenix Immigrants: Their Lives, Struggles, and Experiences
Seniors Ashley Bademian, Vishal Mistry, and Aida Vera Marijani visit the cap decorating table in the gym after grabbing their burritos. After reviewing important dates with the seniors, Principal John Duellman announced the winners of the decorating contest—Marijani (“Most Creative”) and seniors Samantha Smith (“Funniest”) and Megan Hayes (“Most Powerful Message”)—who took home five dollar Starbucks gift cards.
Seniors Celebrate National Decision Day
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
Sophomore Sriya Yalamanchili, throws the ball in preparation for a smashing serve to start off the rally for another point. “My individual performances during my matches this season have been going well,” Yalamanchili said. “I was always trying to play my best.”
Phoenix Emerge Victorious After Battle With the Titans
Senior Anya Ambarish waits for her opponent to return the ball during her doubles match. Ambarish is the captain of the team this year and plans to continue playing club tennis at the University of Central Florida next year. “I might even walk on to their Varsity team,” Ambarish said.
Battle of the Dulles District: Phoenix Girls Tennis Wins Regular Season Championship
The girls varsity soccer team comes together for a team photograph at the last home game of the season. The seniors finished off their senior night with a leading score of 8-0.
The Phoenix Girls “Kick-It-Off” At Senior Night
Senior Ayanna Fabunmi (6) clears the ball from the Phoenix goal box in order to prevent the Titans from having a chance to score.
Phoenix Soccer Falls to the Titans at Home
Sophomore Tyler Valdov (18) fights for the ball in a face off during the second half.
Phoenix Lacrosse: Rising from the Ashes
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
Members of the freshmen and junior classes fire up the crowd with a cheer to increase the Phoenix spirit. “I loved [the tailgate], it was awesome. This is my very first high school event with people [and] other highschoolers. Even though this is a practice, it’s my very first football game. It’s been an incredible experience,” freshman Jaden Thomas said.
The Revival of Phoenix Spirit
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
Sophomore Sriya Yalamanchili, throws the ball in preparation for a smashing serve to start off the rally for another point. “My individual performances during my matches this season have been going well,” Yalamanchili said. “I was always trying to play my best.”
Phoenix Emerge Victorious After Battle With the Titans
Senior Anya Ambarish waits for her opponent to return the ball during her doubles match. Ambarish is the captain of the team this year and plans to continue playing club tennis at the University of Central Florida next year. “I might even walk on to their Varsity team,” Ambarish said.
Battle of the Dulles District: Phoenix Girls Tennis Wins Regular Season Championship
The girls varsity soccer team comes together for a team photograph at the last home game of the season. The seniors finished off their senior night with a leading score of 8-0.
The Phoenix Girls “Kick-It-Off” At Senior Night
Senior Ayanna Fabunmi (6) clears the ball from the Phoenix goal box in order to prevent the Titans from having a chance to score.
Phoenix Soccer Falls to the Titans at Home
Sophomore Tyler Valdov (18) fights for the ball in a face off during the second half.
Phoenix Lacrosse: Rising from the Ashes
Although the criminal masterminds were largely hated on in the beginning of the film, “The Bad Guys” implements the concept of “everybody deserves a second chance” to create an entertaining journey that the viewers can follow along with.
“The Bad Guys:” The Big Bad Wolf Likes Being Called a Good Boy
Asa Butterfield and Lola Evans share a stage in the horror and suspense of the film.
Horror Movie “Choose or Die” Lacks Jump Scares, but Makes Up For It With Exciting Plot
“Ambulance” satisfies with an extremely intense and emotional story, leaving viewers to question how strong their moral compass is.
“Ambulance,” The Perfectly Planned Heist Gone Wrong
Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Xochitl Gomez, Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, and more star in Marvel Studios newest blockbuster hit, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Multiverse of Madness Breaks Records and the Multiverse
On April 15, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” hit theaters after a long awaited return of the Harry Potter franchise.
Torn With Hate and Spells of Love: “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”
(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
Nagpaul Swan Song: Shivoy Nagpaul vs Rock Ridge High School, The Champions League Final
Nagpaul Swan Song: Shivoy Nagpaul vs Rock Ridge High School, The Champions League Final
Hayes Swan Song: Do Something Different, Do Something More
Hayes Swan Song: Do Something Different, Do Something More
Kannan Swan Story: From Strangers to Memories
Kannan Swan Story: From Strangers to Memories
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Sarah Baig

Sarah Baig, Staff Writer

Sarah is a junior and this is her 3rd year on staff. She radiates swagger.

All content by Sarah Baig
Senior Anya Ambarish waits for her opponent to return the ball during her doubles match. Ambarish is the captain of the team this year and plans to continue playing club tennis at the University of Central Florida next year. “I might even walk on to their Varsity team,” Ambarish said.

Battle of the Dulles District: Phoenix Girls Tennis Wins Regular Season Championship

May 24, 2022
Holding a cup filled with the meeting’s mystery juice, Juice Club members gathered on April 6 before school in science teacher Michael Clear’s room to try new juices, mingle, and eat snacks.

Orange You Glad You Go Here?

May 24, 2022
Freshman Kaushik Muskari prepares to hit the ball in his singles match. “I think I could’ve done a lot better,” Muskari said, “and of course there’s always a lot of room to improve, knowing that Im still learning.”

Phoenix Boys Tennis Ace the Huskies

May 4, 2022
Founder of the “Operation Smile” club sophomore Nicole Smith poses with fellow club members sophomores Anna Dillah and Juliana Noriega as they finish making their Valentine Day cards for kids who underwent cleft palate surgery.

Nicole Smith Brings Operation Smile to Life

April 7, 2022
During the boys varsity match, Senior Prince Amarante (13) dribbled the ball toward the goal. “Personally, I think I was able to run it behind and stretch them, creating an attacking threat,” Amarante said. Amarante is eager for the start of his senior season. “I’m looking forward to just enjoying it with my friends and having a great time,” he said. “I want to just make the best out of it and make lifelong memories.”

Double Trouble: Soccer Double Header Ends in Victory for Girls; Loss for Boys

March 22, 2022
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

March 2, 2022
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

February 25, 2022
Senior Aditya Kamath and junior Basit Qadri run in sync as they get back to defend their basket against the Lions.

Phoenix Basketball takes on the Lions in a Doubleheader

February 7, 2022
Junior James Lee starts the match in the starting position against Patriot. ¨Getting my hand raised and winning a match [is my favorite part],¨ Lee said.

Phoenix Wrestling Takes Over The Patriots and Huskies at Senior Night

February 4, 2022
Junior Basit Qadri dribbles through sophomore Bulldog Omar Abushaban´s defense in an effort to score. ¨[A big student section] gets me more into the game. [Also] working with my team, keeping the ball moving.¨ Qadri said.

Bulldogs Threaten Phoenix Territory

February 2, 2022
Phoenix cheerleaders lead the “go go, fight fight” chant in front of the student section to bring hype up the fans at the Pink Out game on Oct. 15. Freshman Jaden Thomas, sophomore Caitlynn Washington, and freshman Abby Welch stand in the front to lead the chant. The cheerleaders had pink bows in their hair for the pink out game.

Phoenix Cheerleaders Take Flight

November 16, 2021
Competing against the seniors, juniors Srikar Bangaru, Bhrugu Bhatt, Anirudh Rao, Mihir Prasad and Eshan Mathur cheer as loud as they can as streamers are thrown down the junior crowd. The minigame ended in a win for the, leaving the juniors in second place.

Homecoming Pep Rally Brings School Spirit to Students

October 26, 2021
Kamille Simon, 11

Kamille Simon, 11

September 30, 2021
Jett Cooper, 10

Jett Cooper, 10

November 9, 2020
Runners from all different schools compete in the cold for the VHSL Cross Country State Championship.

Seniors Cross the Finish Line At States

December 17, 2019
CTE teacher Ben Stodola gets blocked by senior Joel Viola.

Staff v. Student: The Battle Over Volleyball

December 17, 2019
Seniors Taylor Herrera and Raimundo Avalos get up from the messy pile of people after the referees blew their whistles.

[Photo]

Both teams end up on top of each other as they try to get the ball from under the mound of people.

[Photo]

Towards the end of the game, Senior Mattew Simmons intently watches the game from the sidelines.

[Photo]

Senior Rayyan Saleh kneels as he gets ready for his next play. “At the end of the game, it was kind of sad, because it was my last game,” Saleh said.

[Photo]

Independence Tigers start with the football as they come head-to-head with the Phoenix.

[Photo] Staying humble even after the fumble

November 25, 2019
Senior Jared Barker runs across the field. “This season as a whole may not have gone ideally, but the environment that the coach created I was really happy with [it]. Despite losing...he gave me a team I was proud to play on,” Barker said.

[Photo]

Senior Aiden Jessup plays center as he readies himself for the next play.

[Photo]

Freshman Jett Cooper poses in front of the 5k finish line. Cooper was awarded first place winner at the Haunted 5K. “I felt pretty good. It was tiring, definitely, but I’m proud of what I did,” Cooper said.

[Photo] Running from your fears at the Haunted 5k

November 4, 2019
Independence Tigers start with the football as they come head-to-head with the Phoenix.

Staying humble even after the fumble

November 25, 2019
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