• 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
The senior class holds up red streamers, representing their class color, to attempt to win one of the pep rally games.
Rock Ridge Springs into Final Spirit Week and Pep Rally
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
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
Shivu Sathe

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor

Shivu Sathe is a senior who has been in journalism for the past three years. She is the Lead Copy Editor and loves writing and sharing her work with the world. Shivu loves reading and writing about politics, and some of her goals for her last year in journalism are to write articles about politics and cover some topics she hasn’t covered before, such as football, soccer, and lacrosse. While Shivu can’t ice skate, she likes to spend her time watching ice hockey and is a Hurricanes fan. She enjoys movies, reading, and listening to music.

All content by Shivu Sathe
The senior class holds up red streamers, representing their class color, to attempt to win one of the pep rally games.

Rock Ridge Springs into Final Spirit Week and Pep Rally

Ananya Karthik, Shivu Sathe, Maya Coleman, and Lia Davis
April 21, 2025
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

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
April 10, 2025
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

Maya Coleman and Shivu Sathe
March 26, 2025
Team captains junior Angel Labosette and senior Sophie King, with host junior Shaun Sahayadarlin at the podium, prepare themselves to answer the presented question.

Underclassmen Rise Above: Juniors Win Second Annual Phoenix Pheud

Maya Coleman, Shivu Sathe, and Nidhi Manchala
February 28, 2025
Duke of York's Picturehouse, Brighton, United Kingdom. rawpixel.com via Creative Commons License

Fan Favorites and the Future: A&E Edition

Sophie King and Shivu Sathe
February 3, 2025
Senior William Beck protects the ball from the opposing team.

Vikings Extinguish Phoenix Flame in Close Contest

Sophie King and Shivu Sathe
January 20, 2025
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

Mariia Pecherkina, Shivu Sathe, and Melissa Waas
December 20, 2024
Phoenix/Heritage players meet at the bench to discuss the upcoming play with Coach David Bultema.

Phoenix/Pride Fight Down-to-the-Wire Against Panthers/Titans

Sophie King and Shivu Sathe
December 13, 2024
The student team poses after the game with the trophy, which they won after defeating the teachers 36-30.

Students Spike Their Way to Victory in Annual Students vs. Staff Showdown

Ananya Karthik, Shivu Sathe, and Sophie King
November 24, 2024
Signs litter the lawn surrounding Rock Ridge High School discussing candidates running and their promises.

Polarized Politics: The 2024 Election Season

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
November 19, 2024
A new influx of campaign materials has entered the social media rings in recent years. Politicians are taking advantage of the new ability to reach millions of people simultaneously, and voters have begun to get much more of their information about elections online.

Tweets and Tactics: How Social Media Transformed the World of Politics

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
September 20, 2024
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

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
June 18, 2024
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

Maya Coleman, Shivu Sathe, and Danielle Kimpson
June 16, 2024

Polished Presentations: DECA Competitors Prepare for ICDC

Tanishka Enugu, Shaila Patel, Maya Coleman, and Shivu Sathe
May 11, 2024
Taylor Swift’s eleventh studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department” released on April 19 brought contradicting opinions from those who loved the album and appreciated the vulnerability expressed, versus those who believed all of the songs were similar and could not distinguish the differences.

Double Trouble: Taylor Swift’s Eleventh Album Comes With Secret Double Drop

Maya Coleman and Shivu Sathe
May 5, 2024
Every year, one cabinet member is selected as the Designated Survivor to ensure the government will remain functioning in case every other member of the line of succession is incapacitated during the State of the Union.

Biden Comes Out Strong at 2024 State of the Union

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
April 8, 2024
Junior Lauren Madison stands with her Presidential Award. Photo courtesy of Lauren Madison.

Lauren Madison Lends a Helping Hand: Promoting Volunteering in the Community

Maya Coleman and Shivu Sathe
April 8, 2024
Seniors Tanishka Enugu, Emily Dabre, Krish Kanwar, and Veer Sidhu listen attentively for the next question to win their team points.

Brainiac Breakthrough: Academic Team Named Runner-Up at Regionals

Shivu Sathe and Alexis Cortés
March 19, 2024
The 2023-2024 winter sports athletes competed in their respective district, regional, and state events.

Winter Warriors: A Flurry of District and State Champs

Shivu Sathe, Maya Coleman, and Danielle Kimpson Kaley
March 14, 2024
Senior forward Daniel McConiche attempts to make a move to hit the puck to one of his teammates during a face-off. The game against the Madison Warhawks ended in a 9-1 loss for the Pride/Phoenix.

Warhawks Soar to Victory Over Pride/Phoenix

Maya Coleman and Shivu Sathe
January 24, 2024
Senior Karla Jaen-Valle guesses how many cotton balls are in the mason jar. “I participated in trivia because I wanted to help the seniors get more spirit points,” Jaen-Valle said.

Phoenix Deck the Halls With Winter Spirit

Maya Coleman, Danielle Kimpson Kaley, and Shivu Sathe
December 19, 2023
The long anticipated film “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” soared past predictions, earning over 99 million dollars during opening weekend.

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Lands On Top

Maya Coleman and Shivu Sathe
December 15, 2023
Before the game starts, senior Cora Bowen dribbles two basketballs while sitting on the bench.

Atoms Go Negative From Phoenix Win

Maya Coleman, Shivu Sathe, and Sam Cho
November 28, 2023
The Republican and Democratic volunteers speak with voters at Rock Ridge to help them understand how to vote for certain candidates and to interact with their communities.

Enthralling Election: Virginia General Assembly Changes and School Board Replaced

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
November 28, 2023
The styles of yesterday may not be the same today, why does this happen and what’s coming next?

The Twists and Turns of Trends

Shivu Sathe and Danielle Kimpson Kaley
November 12, 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
Freshman Daniela Rojas attempts to steal the ball from the opponent. “This game was kind of an off day, but it happens. [We’ve] definitely had a lot of improvement since our first game.”

Phoenix Burnout at Hands of Pride

Maya Coleman and Shivu Sathe
October 20, 2023
McCarthy gets McOusted

McCarthy gets McOusted

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
October 20, 2023
The Phoenix volleyball team gets into a group huddle to deliberate their next move.

Wolverines Burn at the Wings of the Phoenix

Maya Coleman and Shivu Sathe
October 19, 2023
Junior Ruth Gemechu guides her blindfolded partner, junior Kailyn Fetterman, as they try to stack cups.

Kicking off the School Year With Spirit Week

Ananya Karthik, Shivu Sathe, Maya Coleman, Rachel Adams, and Shaila Patel
September 11, 2023

Parking Spot Picassos: Seniors Bring Creativity and Color to Start the Year Off Strong

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
August 25, 2023
Celebrating a victorious end to his decade long hunt for the famed Stanley Cup, left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals, Alexander Ovechkin cheers on the celebrating fans at the championship parade in June of 2018. Simply known by many hockey fans as “Ovi,” Ovechkin has changed the game worldwide. Hailing from Russia, and largely known as one of the greatest players to ever play the sport (as he currently sits at number two on the all time goals scored list), he has single handedly grown the game in the D.C. Metropolitan area to unprecedented heights. Photo courtesy of Alexander Jonesi via Wikimedia Commons.

Breaking the Ice: Phoenix Hockey Club and the Stanley Cup Finals

Tanishka Enugu and Shivu Sathe
June 10, 2023

Phoenix Girls Tennis Sweep Patriots Off the Court

Shivu Sathe, Maya Coleman, and Zahria Ford
May 22, 2023
Are student-athletes entitled to a form of monetary compensation for the revenue and advertising they bring in for the schools? Or is playing sports in college merely a privilege they have that prepares them for the real world and the rest of their lives?

Sports and Money: How Do The Two Mix at the Collegiate Level?

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
May 19, 2023
Seniors Shruta Thum and Rohan Misra introduce their company, Homesavey. Homesavey’s goal is to help their clients save money and make their experience as personal as possible.

Rock Ridge DECA Goes National

Shivu Sathe, Lead Copy Editor
May 18, 2023
Junior Kyle Woody slides into home and junior Emily Spielman swings hard in hopes of getting a run to help her team.

Phoenix Baseball and Softball Take On Titans During Nail-Biting Home Game

Raza Hassan, Shivu Sathe, and Samantha Chang
May 10, 2023
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