• 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
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

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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