• Important Dates -->
  • May 1-12: AP Exams and SOL Testing
  • May 4: PTSO Meeting
  • May 5-13: Spring Musical
  • May 8-12: Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 15: Guitar Concert
  • May 16: Orchestra Concert
  • May 17: PTSO Parent Pep Rally
  • May 18: Chorus Concert
  • May 20: Prom
  • May 25: Band Concert
  • May 29: Memorial Day (Student Holiday)
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Whether you are an under or an upperclassmen, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy high school, as long as you make the moment last.
Upper Vs. Underclassman: The Views of High School
At their second meeting of the month, the school board discussed new course recommendations for current CTE courses, gun awareness and LGBTQ+ month.
School Board Discusses Gun Safety Awareness, Pride Month Proclamation, and Zone Changes
During Decision Day, the school set up a screen with college names where students could go up and pose in front of the college they are attending.
Final Senior Breakfast Ends With Decision Day
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Freshman Anthonya Lassissi skims through the Lit Mag after members go room to room passing out the magazines.
The Art Behind The Lit Mag
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
A collage of all of the students profiled. (All photos courtesty of the profiled students.)
Humans of Rock Ridge: Pandemic Profiles
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
Senior Keerthi Uppalapati volleys the ball over the net. “My best memory with the team was with coach Neal after states last year,” Uppalapati said. “It was very nice and it was just a great team bonding moment.”
Phoenix Girls Tennis Sweep Patriots Off the Court
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
Jennifer Virbickis huddles up with her team to discuss the game plan during a timeout as the Phoenix took on the Stone Bridge Bulldogs on April 19.
Back to Her Roots: Virbickis Returns to Phoenix Lacrosse
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
As freshman Nathan Martinez scoops up a ground ball, his teammate freshman Trevor Aucoin holds back the Atoms in an attempt to make room.
Boys Lacrosse: Tying for Victory
Senior Ethan Strine gets in position for the next play. “Even our juniors, sophomores, our younger guys, it really felt like all of our last games, even though they have next year and the year after,” Strine said. “It was just a team that we were all a part of. This whole season was very memorable for all of us.”
Seniors Appreciate Last Moments at Their Final Home Game
During halftime of the homecoming football game, senior Jack Capobianco wins homecoming royalty and is officially crowned by junior Maggie Miller. “I wasn’t expecting [winning homecoming royalty] at all,” Capobianco said. “I was very surprised but very excited.”
Phoenix Celebrate Homecoming With a Victory
Leaving the season behind, sophomore Aiden Patel walks along a golf course holding all his golf equipment. Patel, although not yet a senior, is already thinking about his future in golf. “Hopefully, [I’ll continue golf] in college, and if I can go pro, a 100%,” Patel said, “But if I cant, Ill probably just find a job.”
Putt-ing Another Season Away: Golf Season Recap
The Phoenix prepare to face the Huskies in a new play. “[We could improve by] focusing on trying to get people healthy, running the ball, and getting people work at different positions just in case [of] injuries,” Qadri said.
Huskies Put Out Phoenix Fire at Pink Out Game
Senior Karis Adnan sets off the point by serving the ball to the opposing team. The Phoenix kept the game lighthearted as they continued to lead. “We have been on a really good winning streak, so that was really fun,” Adnan said.
Phoenix Dominate the Patriots on Senior Night
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
At Rock Ridge’s home meet on Jan. 4, sophomore Micah Younger, junior Alyssa Tucker, and sophomore Lilia Jones line up at the start line for the Girls 55m Dash. “[The most difficult thing about this season] is that I’m not at my best right now, but I’m going to get there in [outdoor track],” Younger said.
Indoor Track & Field’s Record-Breaking Season Makes History
Senior Mehma Kathuria keeps the ball away from the Bolt defender. “Our game was together, we were playing with a new play,” Kathuria said. “[The Team’s] chemistry builds and gets better every game.”
The Battle of Ridges Results in Both Wins and Losses
Senior Keerthi Uppalapati volleys the ball over the net. “My best memory with the team was with coach Neal after states last year,” Uppalapati said. “It was very nice and it was just a great team bonding moment.”
Phoenix Girls Tennis Sweep Patriots Off the Court
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
As freshman Nathan Martinez scoops up a ground ball, his teammate freshman Trevor Aucoin holds back the Atoms in an attempt to make room.
Boys Lacrosse: Tying for Victory
Sophomore Rishit Choudhari sets up to pass the ball while teammates attempt to get open. “Right now we’re in a good spot, our goal is to just keep improving as the season goes,” Choudhari siad.
After Unfortunate Injuries, Phoenix Boys Soccer Lose Against the Vikings
Voces Virilis sings “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” arranged by Roger Emerson.
Singing the Last Verses
United Sound group members pose for a picture after the end of their first ever performance, where they played ‘Forward March’ by Paul Murtha alongside the Rock Ridge band Wing Ensemble. The United Sound group was founded this year with the mission to ‘Foster Social Change Through Music.’ The group meets twice weekly, where student-teachers of the band, orchestra and choir department help teach music to students with special needs.
Senior’s Say ‘Goodbye’ at Final Band Concert of the Year, While United Sound Members Greet ‘Hello’ With First Ever Performance
Bryson Tiller fans are ecstatic as he announces his “Back And I’m Better” tour, as many have been waiting for six years to see him perform live again.
Ticket Trauma: Are the Bryson Tiller Tickets Worth the Cost?
Principal cello senior Sydney Pascual plays her solo piece: “Cello Suite No. 3 Sarabande” by Johann Sebastian Bach. “She has a lovely sound, a nice tone,” orchestra director Teresa Gordon said. “She always has, I remember when she was a freshman, taking notice of how beautiful her [playing was].”
Phoenix Orchestra’s Spring Concert Features Senior Spotlights
From baseball conflicts to relationship drama, the second season of “All American: Homecoming” goes everywhere, making it an extremely intriguing and addictive show.
A New Season of “All American: Homecoming” Comes With Relief to Viewers
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
Yoon Swan Song: Thank You
Yoon Swan Song: Thank You
From the expectations of a perfect SAT score to attending medical school to getting a degree in computer science, the profile of what someone from an Indian background “looks like” has not deviated much from its original mold.
Stuck in Stereotypes: Indian Misrepresentation in Media
As social media becomes more popular among teenagers, many are affected in negative ways. Sophomore Zahra Amusa believes that social medias growing popularity is one of the reasons why it has such an immense impact on teenagers and their beauty standards. “I think I can speak for myself and everyone when I say that social media has negatively impacted everyone because most people have it these days and have [in some way] been affected by it,” Amusa said.
Social Media Sets High Beauty Standards, Harming Teenagers Along the Way
Art block, the lack of motivation to draw, heavily affects artists of Rock Ridge.
Drawing a Blank
Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco
Meet RRHS: Vaishnavi Raghunandan
The Unity
The Unity
Media by the Minute
Media by the Minute
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
Book Bans: Silencing the Voices of Now
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
Sudeepa Pasupuleeti

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Staff Writer

Sudeepa is a senior who is in her second year on staff. She joined newspaper because last year she had a lot of fun and she had a lot of friends -- even though it's kind of stressful. Sudeepa's favorite thing about the newspaper is friends, going to games and taking pictures, and representing RRHS. During her free time, Sudeepa likes to read, watch Netflix, and spend time with her brother. She also likes food hopping.

All content by Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
During the Spring Pep Rally on Thursday, April 20, chemistry teacher Kyle Hayne got knocked down when technology education teacher Peter Johnson used the Force on him during the surprise duel.

The Force Takes Over The Spring Pep Rally

Abhi Sharma, Aline Gonzalez, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
May 22, 2023
Pasupuleeti Swan Song: “Where’d All The Time Go”

Pasupuleeti Swan Song: “Where’d All The Time Go”

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Staff Writer
May 17, 2023
Fair participants and judges from various organizations walk around in the Regional Science and Engineering fair looking at various projects.

Students Show Off Scientific Successes

Nicolas Biernacki and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
May 10, 2023
Sitting around a table, the PTSO, Student Activities and Engagement Coordinator Annamika Hacikyan, and Principal John Duellman convene to review and devise a plan to move forward from recent incidents.

PTSO Honors Student, Discusses Future Actions to Improve Mental Health of School Community

Nanaki Bawa, Muhammad Reda, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
February 16, 2023
Social sciences teacher Kevin Briscoe presents to freshman Karthik Mittadhoddi the Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology class, an elective course that focuses on behavioral and mental processes of a person.

Electives Fair Entrances Participants

Anushka Goski, Aarohi Motwani, Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, and Sruthi Sakala
February 8, 2023
On Nov. 15, the Loudoun County School Board opened their meeting by reviewing current LCPS matters like free and reduced-price meals as well as future plans regarding school renovations.

LCPS Provides Updates on Free Lunches, Finance and Operation Matters, Funding School Programs, Health Benefits for Employees

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti and Anushka Goski
December 19, 2022
Orchestra Director Teresa Gordon directs the musicians to play softly while conducting the third piece of the winter concert, “Holiday Salute,” arranged by James “Red” McLeod.

Orchestra Celebrates the Holiday Season with Winter Concert

Aarohi Motwani, Anushka Goski, Sruthi Sakala, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
December 19, 2022
Inspired by the controversial and legendary life of Marilyn Monroe, the movie “Blonde” hit streaming platform Netflix on Sept. 16

Marilyn Monroe’s Inspiring Legacy Hits the Silver Screen in “Blonde”

Ivana Figueroa and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
November 1, 2022
Junior Ankita Kamath (9) lunges towards the ball to prevent it from hitting the ground. “I think the last time we played Broad Run, it was a lot closer than expected, so we really wanted to go in and kill them,” junior Kamath said.

Phoenix Volleyball Soars Past the Spartans

October 15, 2022
Based on true events, “The Woman King” is centered around African female warriors called the Agoji ,who strengthen their powerful skills in order to protect their Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s.

Family vs. Career: Generational Issues Brought to Light by “The Woman King”

Anushka Goski and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
October 13, 2022
The Aluminum Falcons built their VEX robot last August, gaining new parts and assembling the robot throughout the year. “We’ve been working, testing several designs,” junior Krish Shah said. “If it doesn’t work, we restart, find a new design, and make sure it works.”

Aluminum Falcons Take the Stage at VEX Robotics Worlds

Anik Mridha and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
June 11, 2022
“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

Abhishek Solipuram and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
May 24, 2022
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

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Kaleb Ryans, and Abhishek Solipuram
May 24, 2022
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

Abhishek Solipuram, Anik Mridha, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
May 20, 2022
In episode two, Kim Seon-U hints at his love and affection for Mi-Jo as he remembers that her favorite flowers are Peonies and has them delivered to her house. The Peonies come back in the last episode around Chan-Youngs funeral to symbolize the support that Mi-Jo has after her best friends death.

“Thirty-Nine:” The Heartwarming, Heart-Wrenching K-Drama

Abhishek Solipuram and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
April 21, 2022
Seniors Shahaan Bashir (8), Varun Reddy (2), and Hamza Hirad (4) prepare to head the ball from a cross into the box during the first half.

The Phoenix Crush the Cardinals At Home In a Boys Soccer Match

Abhishek Solipuram, Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, and Shivoy Nagpaul
March 28, 2022
The NBA holds an All Star game every season to showcase the best players in the league in one exciting game.

Team LeBron Wins the NBA All Star Game in a Nail biter

Abhishek Solipuram and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
March 2, 2022
During an intense fourth quarter, the rest of the Phoenix eagerly waited for the opportunity to rebound after a shot from senior Aditya Kamath (5).

The Phoenix Protect The Rock on Senior Night

Anik Mridha, Abhishek Solipuram, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
February 14, 2022
On Jan. 25, the school board met to discuss the FY23 budgeting plan and its adoption process. The plan aims to help the Digital Innovation and Human Resources and Talent Development departments combat issues faced by LCPS.

Loudoun County School Board Discusses the FY23 Budget Plan

Abhishek Solipuram and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
February 8, 2022
Sophomore Bennett Koch takes a video of sophomore Myles Hemlock as he enjoys his smores around the bonfire at Frost Fest.

Festive fun at SCA’s first ever “Frost Fest”

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Abhi Sharma, Abhishek Solipuram, and Anushka Goski
February 3, 2022
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

Megan Hayes, Lucian Tiller, Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, and Manika Porchezhian
November 16, 2021
During public comment, Loudoun County parents and students voiced their concerns over the School Board’s recent actions to deal with the sexual assault case.

Loudoun County School Board Discusses Current Affairs, Title IX, School Lunch

Amelia Chen, James Bowles, Kaleb Ryans, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
November 16, 2021
Saish Koneru, 12

Saish Koneru, 12

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Staff Writer
September 17, 2021
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