• Important Dates -->
  • 9/23: Clash of Classes Kickball Game
  • 9/24: Anything But a Backpack Day
  • 9/25: Hallway Decorating
  • 9/26: Pep Rally!
  • 9/27: Homecoming Football Game
  • 9/28: Homecoming Dance
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Students expressed their gratitude towards the veterans of Rock Ridge by organizing a breakfast food for them.
Veterans Day Breakfast Recognizes Former Service Members
The LCPS School Board meeting covered financial aspects of the county, such as Policy 4030 and school funds.
School Board Meeting Discusses Budget Changes, Issues New Attendance Policy
Lightspeed is a technology management software that provides visibility of students’ devices during class time, ensuring engagement and productivity during school hours. Rachel Bhardwaj and Divitha Mathe
Watchful Eye: The Implementation of Lightspeed in LCPS
Junior Laura Adams puts her phone into the device holder at the beginning of her AP Language and Composition class.
From Phone-Friendly to Phone-Free: Virginia Dept. of Education Implements State-Wide Cell Phone Policy
Rosh Hashanah has many traditions, including feasting on traditional foods as well as celebrating with family. On Rosh Hashanah, a horn known as a shofar, is used to awaken people from repentance.
Rosh Hashanah: Celebrating the Start of a New Year
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
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
The team celebrates their win against the Titans in a huddle around star player of the night, Eryn Chemoiwa, congratulating her on her accomplishments.
Free Throws and Four-Point Plays: A New Phoenix Rises to the Challenge
Phoenix cheerleaders complete a chant at a home basketball game. “Smooth and easy that's what we do,” senior cheer captain Reagan Carper said.
From Friday Night Lights to Bright Gym Lights
As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”
Phoenix Take Down the Titans
Freshman defenseman Brooks Furtek (44) cross-checks a Seahawk in a race to get the puck.
Pride/Phoenix Stir Up the Hornets/Seahawks Nest
Students rush onto the court to celebrate with the team after the buzzer beater three-pointer made by junior William Beck. “Honestly, I thought the game was over but then the clock stopped and my heart stopped," junior Mihir Peta said. “I was like, there’s no way this happened.”
Sinking a Last Shot on Senior Night: Phoenix Parade Over the Pride
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
With his eyes on the ball, senior Aryan Dhiman swings his racket hard in order to get an advantage over his opponent.
Phoenix Tennis Teams Take the Title at Districts
Seniors Sierra Bell and Ashi Akula advance upfield with the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Displays Impressive Effort Against Briar Woods
Senior Wardah Islam sings her solo for “A Choice to Change the World.”
Voices of Change: Rock Ridge Sings is in Tune with Community
The plot of “Monsters” juggles conflicting tones and confusing characterizations, turning a complex case into a muddled narrative mess. Promotional Image of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
Sensationalism Over Substance: ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Turns Tragedy into Trash
Paris Hilton falls from a star, showcasing her fall from stardom in the pop industry. Her recent release of “Infinite Icon” is accelerating her fall due to its poor quality.
‘Infinite Icon’: Paris Hilton’s Recent Album Has Been Forgotten in the New Generation of Pop
“Short n’ Sweet” showcases Sabrina Carpenter’s seamless blend of wit and catchy melodies, making it her most compelling and confident album to date. Photo Courtesy of Island Records
Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’: A Masterclass in Pop Precision and Playful Provocation
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
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
TikTok is on death row for nine months as the US government recently passed a bill to ban the use and download of TikTok across the US.
TikTok is Running Out of Time: TikTok Ban Bill Was Signed
Colors, contrasts, font, size, neatness, background, context, and more, all contribute to the particular style of one’s handwriting. How far has handwriting, as an art form, come? Taking a look back in history and comparing it to modern-day practices shows how little yet how far the art form has transitioned, especially with its recent booming on digital platforms.
The Lost Art of Penmanship: Rediscovering the Beauty of Handwriting
The phone-free school movement started as a small act and is now spreading all over the United States, and will continue until something is done about it.
Should Schools Go Phone Free?
Rock Ridge Road Infrastructure poses grave concerns due to immense traffic during congested pickup and drop off times for car riders and bus riders, along with potential safety hazards for bicyclists and pedestrians having to share a sidewalk.
Traffic Trauma: Rock Ridge Road Infrastructure Causes Heavy Traffic Every Morning
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Rundown Politics: Voting Registration
Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy
Classroom Conversations: The Cell Phone Policy
‘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
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
‘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
At the U.S. Air National Guard stand, two guardswoman talk to interested students and parents about participation and college programs offered. Other divisions of the military, like the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force attended the event as well, spreading information about their various scholarships and military programs.
Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair
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 Ridge's 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
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Sydney Hackett

Sydney Hackett, Staff Writer

Sydney is a senior and this is her first year on staff. Sydney loves to play golf, and is the captain of the team here at Rock Ridge. When she’s not golfing, she enjoys cooking, hanging out with friends, and playing the viola.

All content by Sydney Hackett
“Anything But a Backpack Day” brought out the creativity in senior Alexa Kim, who brought her mini remote controlled Range Rover to school. “I really loved today's spirit day, because it [was] a chance for me to be absolutely ridiculous,” Kim said.

Last Spirit Week of the School Year Comes to an End

Lilly Khalkho, Aline Gonzalez, and Sydney Hackett
June 6, 2022
Hackett Swan Song: Why Should I Care?

Hackett Swan Song: Why Should I Care?

Sydney Hackett, Staff Writer
May 23, 2022
Following the conclusion of the game, the Phoenix walked off the field, headed to their locker room to change and have a team meeting on how to prepare for the next match.

Phoenix Fight to Slide Home

Prajna Chakravarty, Sydney Hackett, and Lilly Khalkho
April 27, 2022
Teachers and students around the county are faced with the decision of whether to wear a mask or not. After schools became mask-optional, some are choosing to go maskless.

LCPS Lifts Mask Mandate

Sydney Hackett and Prajna Chakravarty
March 31, 2022
Senior Anvita Sana serves in her first singles match of the regular season. Sana enjoys playing tennis not only for the sport, but also for the team. “Honestly I just like the team and how we all bond together we’re all like a little family,” Sana said. Sana’s match ended with a 7-3 with the Rams on the winning end.

Phoenix Strike Out Against Riverside Rams

Lilly Khalkho, Sydney Hackett, and Prajna Chakravarty
March 22, 2022
After accepting their first place award, seniors Sonique Alvarez and Roya Cranford give their winning speech to the crowd as the hosts and contestants stand behind them. “[We] had the mindset of knowing we were gonna win coming in,” Cranford said. “And we won coming out.”

Seniors Light up the Stage at Annual Phoenix Pageant

Lilly Khalkho, Prajna Chakravarty, and Sydney Hackett
February 25, 2022
In Chinese mythology, the Chinese zodiac was chosen when 12 animals were invited to a race organized by the ancient Jade emperor. Whichever animal finished the race first would earn a place on the Lunar calendar. The order of the animals that finished the race were as follows: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and finally, pig.

New Year, New LCPS: LCPS Implements New Holidays To Increase Representation

Lilly Khalkho and Sydney Hackett
February 25, 2022
The LCPS recycling program states that recyclable items are labeled correspondingly on recycling containers. Indoor containers recycle papers, while outdoor containers mostly recycle paper and bottles.

Environmental Club Encourages Recycling One Bin at a Time

Sydney Hackett and Lilly Khalkho
February 10, 2022
Senior Brett Suazo (11) shoots a free throw seconds before halftime. Suazo made both free throws to tie the game.

Phoenix Reach for the Rim

Prajna Chakravarty, Lilly Khalkho, and Sydney Hackett
February 8, 2022
James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the timeless holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Frank Capra.

It’s Still A Wonderful Life

Sydney Hackett, Staff Writer
February 5, 2022
LGBTQ+ pride protests (like the one pictured in Katowice, Poland in Sept 2019) have been a recurring event since the 1900s. In the 21st century, these movements have spread globally and became more socially acceptable.

LGBTQ+ History: Defined Through the Timeline

Rachel Adams, Dominika Butler, Aline Gonzalez, and Sydney Hackett
November 18, 2021
Although the School Board originally thought that the future school enrollment levels would follow the projected FY22 model, after a reevaluation, the future school enrollment scenario will most likely follow the FY23 model. Future meetings to adopt the capital improvement program (CIP) are listed as well.

School Board Continues to Face Backlash From Recent Events

Prajna Chakravarty, Naomi Cho, Sydney Hackett, and Lilly Khalkho
November 16, 2021
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

Sydney Hackett, Maddie Nyman, Mars Foley, and Rishi Sundaram
October 26, 2021
Zoe Loh, 12

Zoe Loh, 12

Sydney Hackett, Staff Writer
September 30, 2021
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