• 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
Harini Kannan

Harini Kannan, Staff Writer

Harini is a senior and it’s her third year on staff. Harini loves jamming out to music where she can and enjoys helping out people. She enjoys taking pictures and loves spending time with her family and friends.

All content by Harini Kannan
Sophomore Sriya Yalamanchili, throws the ball in preparation for a smashing serve to start off the rally for another point. “My individual performances during my matches this season have been going well,” Yalamanchili said. “I was always trying to play my best.”

Phoenix Emerge Victorious After Battle With the Titans

Harini Kannan, Manika Porchezhian, and Anushka Goski
May 24, 2022
Senior Anya Ambarish waits for her opponent to return the ball during her doubles match. Ambarish is the captain of the team this year and plans to continue playing club tennis at the University of Central Florida next year. “I might even walk on to their Varsity team,” Ambarish said.

Battle of the Dulles District: Phoenix Girls Tennis Wins Regular Season Championship

Amelia Chen, Tanishka Enugu, Harini Kannan, and Sarah Baig
May 24, 2022
Kannan Swan Story: From Strangers to Memories

Kannan Swan Story: From Strangers to Memories

Harini Kannan, Staff Writer
May 23, 2022
The movie ranks 20 for highest grossing film in Japan, racking up more than 13 billion yen (112.60 million USD) with around 9.28 million tickets sold as of March 21. Total revenue made by the movie after international release is an estimated 143.65 million USD, making it the tenth highest grossing anime film coming short of “Arrietty.”

Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Perfect Prequel

Harini Kannan, Staff Writer
March 30, 2022
Senior Ayanna Fabunmi (6) attempts to steal the ball from a Pioneer after it was thrown back into the game. “The team is great,” Fabunmi said. “We're all getting along really well, no one's arguing.”

Phoenix Girls Soccer Kicks Off Their Season With a Win

Harini Kannan, Anik Mridha, and Anushka Goski
March 23, 2022
Junior Ilias Cholakis stands on the podium at states on Feb. 18 holding his fourth place medal. ¨I did pretty well -- improved from last year, which was my goal,¨ Cholakis said.

Phoenix Wrestling Dominates At Districts and Soars to States

Sarah Baig, Tanishka Enugu, Harini Kannan, and Abhi Sharma
March 2, 2022
Varsity's junior Nick Canfield (23) looks around to find a teammate to throw the ball to as a Cougar plays tight defense on him. “We did a good job on defense communicating, that was something that we were really trying to work on this past game,” Canfield said.

Phoenix Pounce on the Cougars

Sarah Baig, Tanishka Enugu, and Harini Kannan
February 25, 2022
Senior Aditya Kamath and junior Basit Qadri run in sync as they get back to defend their basket against the Lions.

Phoenix Basketball takes on the Lions in a Doubleheader

Sarah Baig and Harini Kannan
February 7, 2022
Junior James Lee starts the match in the starting position against Patriot. ¨Getting my hand raised and winning a match [is my favorite part],¨ Lee said.

Phoenix Wrestling Takes Over The Patriots and Huskies at Senior Night

Sarah Baig, Tanishka Enugu, and Harini Kannan
February 4, 2022
As the parent social came to an end, Matt Brooks, an art therapist from the Resilience Network, looks over to PTSO President Tiffany Ahmed as she makes her final closing statements.

Mental Health and Money: PTSO Meeting and Parent Social

Amelia Chen, Harini Kannan, and Lucian Tiller
February 2, 2022
Junior Basit Qadri dribbles through sophomore Bulldog Omar Abushaban´s defense in an effort to score. ¨[A big student section] gets me more into the game. [Also] working with my team, keeping the ball moving.¨ Qadri said.

Bulldogs Threaten Phoenix Territory

Sarah Baig and Harini Kannan
February 2, 2022
Poised for the perfect strike, sophomore Grace Tucker aims to score. Tucker was a team star in the first set, scoring multiple set winning strikes. “I’m really glad we won the game because it was our Dig Pink game and we all came together as a team and played well,” Tucker said.

Phoenix Show Out For Pink Out

Tanishka Enugu, Harini Kannan, Abhi Sharma, and Kaleb Ryans
November 16, 2021
Kneeling over the blue construction paper, junior Danny Fortuno puts finishing touches on his painting of Sully from Monsters Inc.

Class Competition Continues With Hallway Decorating

Tanishka Enugu, Harini Kannan, and Lily Bridges
October 26, 2021
An evening view of the first frost of the season from senior Shirley Li’s home. The holiday lights added to the beautiful snow day. (Photo courtesy of Shirley Li)

It’s sNOw Surprise: Happy Snow Day!

Prajna Chakravarty, Lilly Khalkho, and Harini Kannan
December 18, 2020
Junior Haley Priftis prepares to shoots for Rock Ridge after a foul by the Independence team. She made the shot and gained points for the Phoenix.

Phoenix’s Fight or Flight Against the Tigers

Prajna Chakravarty and Harini Kannan
January 15, 2020
Senior Matthew Simmons pushes through Independence Tigers in the first quarter.

Senior Nathan Sage holds down an Independence player in the first quarter. “Coach said during half time, ‘what would you want to be remembered for at Rock Ridge?’ And I just wanted to show everyone I worked hard,” Sage said.

Independence Tigers start with the football as they come head-to-head with the Phoenix.

Staying humble even after the fumble

Sarah Baig and Harini Kannan
November 25, 2019
Players freshman Anika Engen, junior Madison Anderson, junior Jayden Thomas, junior Joanelys Santiago, and senior Kiran Patel scream in joy as they score a point. The team made a comeback, scoring several points in a row.

Spiked out!

Harini Kannan, Staff Writer
November 25, 2019
Writing Center helps improve students’ papers

Writing Center helps improve students’ papers

Megan Hayes, Harini Kannan, Rachel Cuevas, and Virginia Breighner
November 25, 2019
Sophomore Anurag Gottipati helps decorate her class hallway. Gottipati is an SCA representative for the sophomore class and was helping decide how to decorate the middle of the hallway. Gottipati explains the plans for the hallway, “We’re trying to make the rocket right now, and we are covering the ceilings with black paper so we can prevent any light from coming in because we’re trying to mimic space.”

Grade Levels Battle for Hallway Decorating Victory

Harini Kannan, Lilly Khalkho, and Dominika Butler
October 24, 2019
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