• 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
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 todays 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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