• Important Dates -->
  • 11/22-24: Thanksgiving Break
  • 12/5: School Store Holiday Shopping Night
  • 12/6: Orchestra Concert
  • 12/7: Band Concert
  • 12/8: Rock Ridge Hackathon
  • 12/8: Frost Fest
  • 12/11-12/15: Winter Spirit Week
  • 12/12: Guitar Concert
  • 12/14: Chorus Concert
  • 12/15: Winter Pep Rally
  • Dec. 20-Jan 1: Winter Break
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
In the past month, an increase in the number of drug overdoses involving the lethal opioid fentanyl has been reported from multiple high schools in Loudoun County. Because drugs containing fentanyl cannot be distinguished by taste, smell, or sight, anyone could potentially come in contact with such a pill.
Fentanyl: The Facts to Face the Fear
Srikha Manubolu smiles in her brand-new Diwali outfit. “This year, I got a sparkly red and orange lehenga,” Manubolu said. “It’s my favorite Diwali outfit yet.” Photo courtesy of Srikha Manubolu.
A House Full of Diyas and a Mouth Full of Sweets: How Students Celebrate Diwali
English teacher Tyler Anderson positions himself in the path of the ball, aiming to bump it back over the net to the students.
Students Smash Competition in Annual Volleyball Faceoff
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
During the Oct. 24 school board meeting, members discussed budget and legislative changes for the upcoming school year, clarified uncertainties about bus misconduct and security, and made several revisions to previous policies.
School Board Clears Up Concerns in School Bus Safety , Converges on New Legislative Program
Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time
Phoenix Profiles: Humans of Rock Ridge
Phoenix Profiles: Humans of Rock Ridge
LCPS has experimented with the schedule in the past, leading to much controversy. Students and staff are left with mixed feelings regarding this years schedule change.
The New Schedule: the Positive, the Negative, and the Neutral
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
Volume V, Issue II: Winter 2022
Return to The Rock
Return to The Rock
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
(Left to right) Freshman Ayana Hill, freshman Amari Leman, and junior Elina Papageorgiou participate in cheerleading, basketball, and gymnastics tryouts. Photos by: Samantha Chang and Dayanna Anton.
Winter Tryouts Promise Strong Season for the Phoenix
Before the game starts, senior Cora Bowen dribbles two basketballs while sitting on the bench.
Atoms Go Negative From Phoenix Win
As the cross country season comes to an end, team members managed to qualify for districts. Although it was the first time the boys made it to districts, senior Ayush Marwaha still treated the meet like any other. “The atmosphere has always been crazy at the meet,” Marwaha said. “The adrenaline rush is always insane, but I feel like Ive gotten used to it. Before every meet, I always tell myself to try and be calm.”
Cross Country Races Towards Districts
A four-year member of the program, senior Austin Fisher searches for an opening in hopes of securing a crucial first down for the Phoenix. An elite receiver and linebacker, Fisher has consistently made an impact not only on offense and defense, but also off the field.
Senior Night Sparks Phoenix Win Over Atoms
Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.
From Practice to Performance and Beyond: Cheer Season Recap
As the cross country season comes to an end, team members managed to qualify for districts. Although it was the first time the boys made it to districts, senior Ayush Marwaha still treated the meet like any other. “The atmosphere has always been crazy at the meet,” Marwaha said. “The adrenaline rush is always insane, but I feel like Ive gotten used to it. Before every meet, I always tell myself to try and be calm.”
Cross Country Races Towards Districts
A four-year member of the program, senior Austin Fisher searches for an opening in hopes of securing a crucial first down for the Phoenix. An elite receiver and linebacker, Fisher has consistently made an impact not only on offense and defense, but also off the field.
Senior Night Sparks Phoenix Win Over Atoms
Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.
From Practice to Performance and Beyond: Cheer Season Recap
Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.
Phoenix Face Loss, Falling Victim to Friday the 13
The Phoenix football team runs out onto the field to take on the Loudoun Valley Vikings for the Homecoming football game, concluding a week of fun and games for students.
Spirit Week Ends with a Final Play Against Vikings
(Left to right) Freshman Ayana Hill, freshman Amari Leman, and junior Elina Papageorgiou participate in cheerleading, basketball, and gymnastics tryouts. Photos by: Samantha Chang and Dayanna Anton.
Winter Tryouts Promise Strong Season for the Phoenix
Before the game starts, senior Cora Bowen dribbles two basketballs while sitting on the bench.
Atoms Go Negative From Phoenix Win
As the 2022-2023 winter came to a close, teams across the state of Virginia competed for fame, glory, and titles.
Phoenix Athletes Rock Winter Championships
Ilias Cholakis attempts to pin down a struggling Spartan wrestler.
Phoenix Wrestling Reaches New Heights
In the final moments of the boys varsity game, Phoenix coach Jay Geyer lays out a gameplan to lock the Spartans down on the defensive end of the court and prevent them from scoring.
Phoenix Redeem Themselves in Clash with Spartans
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
Phoenix Girls Tennis Sweep Patriots Off the Court
Senior Sarah Baig holds surprise gifts from her teammates as a celebration of her senior night.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Celebrate Senior Night Against the Patriots
Junior Carter Divalerio dribbles the ball to keep it away from Captains. “It was a rough season, there were some ups and downs, we took some Ls, but well bounce back next season,” Divalerio said.
Phoenix Commanded by the Captains
Junior Tarini Panidepu waits for her opponent to serve the ball. Panidepu has improved greatly over the course of the season. “I was definitely able to get my first serve percentage up,” Panidepu said.
#2 on the Court, #1 in our Hearts: Tarini Panidepu Takes on the World of Tennis
“Decided 2” is very similar to NBA YoungBoy’s previous albums, such as “Don’t Try This At Home,” which he released earlier this year.
NBA YoungBoy “Decided 2” Releases Yet Another Mediocre Album
From high profile murders to back stabbing twists, this emotional movie made viewers want to keep watching. Promotional Poster of “Locked In”.
“Locked In” Debuts on Netflix, Making Viewers Happy and Cheerful
With production wrapping up in April 2023, “FNAF” has been one of the most anticipated movies of the fall, but barely fell into the horror genre that was most sought-after during the Halloween season. Photo courtesy of Blumhouse.
‘Five Nights At Freddy’s:’ A Movie Truly For The Fans
Jim “Jamaica” Hawkins, played by senior Olivia McMahon, is shocked when she discovers that a hole was cut into the treasure map to steal coordinates that reveal the location of the treasure on Skeleton Island, which Jim, Long John Silver, and his pirates are after.
Treasure Island: Behind The Scenes
Maluma sings and dances on stage at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., captivating fans with his voice.
Maluma’s “Don Juan” World tour hits D.C.
Autotune seems to have morphed from a simple pitch-perfectionist’s tool to an instrument in and of itself.
From Tool to Instrument: The Evolution of Autotune
Anti-trans legislation targets transgender individuals and forces them to survive in a world that constantly challenges their existence and well-being.
Opinion: “Let Them Die” and Other Anti-Trans Legislation
After serving 17 years in prison for opening fire at his high school in 2004, Jon Romano started advocating for mental health support on TikTok and Instagram, under the handle @jonseekingpeace.
A Shooter’s Second Chance: Jon Romano and his Questionable Platform
Diverse student bodies have become a staple of college environments. As many students make their presence a priority during commitment, how higher institutions will continue to seek diversity in places where they cannot reference it directly remains uncertain.
Volatile Verdict: the End of Affirmative Action and the Future of College Admissions
Artists struggle to meet impossible standards to make “pretty art.” Such standards cause creatives to have limited growth and development in their work.
Creating for Validation and Perfectionism Leaves Artists with a Blank Canvas
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 Ridges 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.
Welcome Back, Phoenix!
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
The Unity
The Unity
Media by the Minute
Media by the Minute
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 Ridges 10th year and were looking forward to starting the school year with new projects.
Welcome Back, Phoenix!
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Sitwat Mian

Sitwat Mian, Graphic Editor

Sitwat is a junior, and the Graphics Editor for the Newspaper. She enjoys art and is excited to create graphics for the staff this year. When she’s not frantically worrying about school, you can find her listening to music, spending time with her family, and eating. She is probably the most unathletic person you will ever meet, and has the memory and attention span of an Ostrich. Ultimately, Sitwat hopes for another creative and successful year in Newspaper.

All content by Sitwat Mian
Unlike many other parts of the world, Mexico celebrates death colorfully and cheerfully. The festival is focused on healing and understanding the fact that death is inevitable. “Usually, we go to the cemetery and visit family [members] that have passed away,” Spanish teacher Celia Nagle said. “We also bring flowers [to decorate their graves.]”

A Dedication to the Deceased: Day of the Dead Bridges Generations

Sruthi Vivek, Hylay Assefa, Sitwat Mian, and Alexis Cortés
November 15, 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
Seniors Hari Kommu and Raushan Goureddy participate in the donut lunch game on Friday, Sept. 29, attempting to be the first team to fully eat the sugary dessert. Kommu and Goureddy ultimately came in second, however, and the junior team claimed the victory.

Class Competition Climax: Homecoming Spirit Week and Pep Rally

Tanishka Enugu, Riya Cherukuri, and Sitwat Mian
October 24, 2023
IMG_7069

[Photo] McCarthy gets McOusted

October 20, 2023
Artists struggle to meet impossible standards to make “pretty art.” Such standards cause creatives to have limited growth and development in their work.

Creating for Validation and Perfectionism Leaves Artists with a Blank Canvas

Sitwat Mian, Graphic Editor
October 19, 2023

Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time

Melissa Waas, Sitwat Mian, and Aline Gonzalez
June 12, 2023

Awards All Around: All School and Senior Awards

Lucian Tiller, Sitwat Mian, and Ananya Karthik
June 10, 2023
John Hopkins Medicine finds that chocolate is proven to enhance athletic performance, improve brain function, and provide energy throughout your day. However, this is only the case when it is eaten in reasonable amounts.

Happiness is One Rich and Delicious Bite Away

Aline Gonzalez and Sitwat Mian
June 8, 2023

Social Media Sets High Beauty Standards, Harming Teenagers Along the Way

Aline Gonzalez and Sitwat Mian
May 22, 2023

Model UN Brings Home a Win After Their Final Conference of the Year

Sitwat Mian, Sydney Nguyen, and Melissa Waas
May 22, 2023
Senior Jasmine Lewis hugs senior Valentina Lopez as she reads a poem in remembrance of her late dog. “[I chose this poem] because it is very significant to me and I wanted to share that with everyone else, knowing how significant it is to me, but hopefully I can change someone elses view and give them the same emotion that I had,” Lopez said.

Raving Rants: NEHS Spring Open Mic Night

Tanishka Enugu, Sarah Baig, and Sitwat Mian
May 18, 2023
When people first research the personality of a zodiac sign, they tend to use that information to justify some of their actions--and they shouldnt. Zodiac signs, little more than constellations, should not define a person’s actions.

OPINION: Do Zodiac Signs Define Who You Are?

Aline Gonzalez and Sitwat Mian
April 13, 2023
At the fourth annual Tuesday school board meeting, members discussed the representation of African American leaders with regard to the naming of the new middle school and how to report sexual harassment in terms of Title XI violations. The school board also voted on celebrating National Professional Social Work Month and Social Emotional Learning day this school year.

School Board Discusses Naming of New Middle School, Title IX Overview Addressing Sexual Harassment

Jackson Mitchell, Melissa Waas, and Sitwat Mian
March 29, 2023
Although the couple has gone through tough times, they still manage to stick together and stay strong. The bond between the couple and their children is unexplainable, and the family has stuck together despite Royal Family drama.

[Photo] Netflix Show Dives Into the Controversies of “Harry & Meghan”

March 8, 2023
To counter the influx of new middle and high school students in the Independence High School zone, a new middle school called MS-14 will be built to house students in sixth and seventh grade, while the already existing Brambleton Middle School will hold students in eighth grade and Independence freshmen. Independence High School will only hold sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Board Discusses Counseling Week, New Schools, Sexual Assault Case, New Push for Collective Bargaining

Nidhi Manchala, Lucian Tiller, and Sitwat Mian
February 8, 2023
Stress leaves a major impact on students and may leave them stuck in place, not knowing what to do or how to handle it.

Behind the Scenes of Stress

Sitwat Mian and Bella Gerardi
February 1, 2023
With a rise in development of AI, there’s rising controversy over whether AI art is legitimate.

AI Art: Beneficial or Threatening to Artists?

Sitwat Mian, Graphic Editor
January 19, 2023
At their Nov 29 meeting, the Loudoun County School Board finalized Policy 5055, which discussed parental notice of sexually explicit content. The new policy implemented by the school board, Policy 5055 requires thorough examination by parents for material deemed explicit, which in turn limits English teachers by flagging most literary material.

LCPS Discusses 2023-2024 School Year Calendar, New Policy 5055, Student Transportation

Nidhi Manchala, Sitwat Mian, and Jackson Mitchell
December 19, 2022
There are many different religious perspectives on Halloween. The holiday is stirring up the cauldron on whether it should be celebrated amongst religions.

Is Halloween Anti-Religion? A Look into the Holiday’s History

Bella Gerardi and Sitwat Mian
October 31, 2022
Alisha Jenkins, 11

Alisha Jenkins, 11

Sitwat Mian, Graphic Editor
October 25, 2022
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