• Important Dates -->
  • 4/20: United Spring Fling
  • 4/27-5/4: RRPA's 'Frozen'
  • 4/23: NEHS Open Mic Night
  • 5/1: Senior Sports Signing
  • 5/3: Decision Day & Military Signing Day
  • 5/9: 'May I Serve' Day
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Surrounded by her colleagues from the social science department, Aisha Ahmed proudly displays her “New Teacher of the Year” award. “They did a really good job keeping it a surprise from me and I think its hopefully a testament to what I try to do,” Ahmed said. Photo courtesy of Katy Greiner Babcock.
Sincere Support: Ahmed Named LCPS “New Teacher of the Year”
Hostess and English teacher Jessica Berg engages the audience while leading the Summit. Before the event took place, Berg was working hard to organize, contact, and piece together the inner workings of the event, as many big names, scholars, and guests were attending the much-anticipated event.
Women’s Rights Activists Rise Above at the “Rise To” Summit
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
When Coach Barry isn’t coaching, he works at his main job as a study hall teacher. He also loves watching movies and is an avid reader. His favorite book is “Nausea” by Jean-Paul Sartre, and his favorite movie is “The Godfather Part II” by Francis Ford Coppola. Photo Courtesy of Ousmane Barry.
Meet Football and Softball Assistant Coach: Ousmane Barry
Standing center stage, senior Ananya Akula conducts the Phoenix Chorale. “[Conducting and teaching] is really fun,” Akula said. “Music education is what I want to do.” On the day of the choir assessment, Akula found out that she received the President’s Music Scholarship – a full ride to the University of Miami Frost School of Music.
Melodies of Emotion: Chorus Performs Pre-Assessment Concert
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
Senior Kyle Woody and sophomore Riya Cheruki pitch for their teams. The game had many ups and downs for both the opponent and the Phoenix, but in the end, the Lightning were able to secure the win for both their softball and baseball teams.
Lightning Strike Phoenix During Baseball/Softball Double Header
Freshman Leeyu Assefa returns a powerful serve in her scrimmage match. “It’s definitely an experience, sometimes it can be a lot seeing people who are more talented and really skilled when you’re first starting off,” freshman and Assefa’s teammate Skylar Helms said.
Cross-District Deuces: Phoenix Falter to Rams
The Phoenix set up for the next play as the Patriots gain possession of the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Takes on the Patriots in a Hard Fought Game
With unwavering concentration, sophomore Sathvik Mathi positions himself on the tennis court, eyes fixed on the fluorescent yellow ball, as he prepares to strike. His grip tightens around the handle of his racket as he gets ready to swing. With a swift and powerful motion, he connects with the ball, sending it hurtling toward his opponents side of the court.
Phoenix Boys Tennis Trample Over Spartans
With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”
Phoenix Stand Strong Against the Lightning’s Thunder
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
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 thats 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 Kyle Woody and sophomore Riya Cheruki pitch for their teams. The game had many ups and downs for both the opponent and the Phoenix, but in the end, the Lightning were able to secure the win for both their softball and baseball teams.
Lightning Strike Phoenix During Baseball/Softball Double Header
Freshman Leeyu Assefa returns a powerful serve in her scrimmage match. “It’s definitely an experience, sometimes it can be a lot seeing people who are more talented and really skilled when you’re first starting off,” freshman and Assefa’s teammate Skylar Helms said.
Cross-District Deuces: Phoenix Falter to Rams
The Phoenix set up for the next play as the Patriots gain possession of the ball.
Phoenix Girls Lacrosse Takes on the Patriots in a Hard Fought Game
With unwavering concentration, sophomore Sathvik Mathi positions himself on the tennis court, eyes fixed on the fluorescent yellow ball, as he prepares to strike. His grip tightens around the handle of his racket as he gets ready to swing. With a swift and powerful motion, he connects with the ball, sending it hurtling toward his opponents side of the court.
Phoenix Boys Tennis Trample Over Spartans
With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”
Phoenix Stand Strong Against the Lightning’s Thunder
Tiller released his fourth album as a self-titled album to show R&B enthusiasts that his run isn’t over, and that he’s starting a brand-new chapter in his music career.
He’s Back & He’s Better: Bryson Tiller Releases Self-Titled Album
The album cover for “Compliments of Grave Digger Mountain” portrays NBA YoungBoy as a mountain, hinting at the theme of him overcoming his challenges.
My Compliments to NBA YoungBoy for Making His Third Dull Album In a Row
Po must choose a worthy candidate of being the Dragon Warrior as he advances to a higher position in the kung fu hierarchy. The most unexpected candidate ends up being the one that strikes Po’s eyes the most and is trusted to ensure the peace of the people.
Kung Fu Panda Kicks Back Into Theaters
In “eternal sunshine,” Ariana Grande navigates the aftermath of her divorce from Dalton Gomez and the complexities of her new relationship with co-star Ethan Slater in the “Wicked” adaptation, exploring themes of heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery.
Ariana Grande Shimmers in the Bright Haze of ‘eternal sunshine’
A dark fantasy film, “Damsel” flips the classic trope of ‘knights in shining armor’ saving the distressed princess on its head. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
“Damsel:” A Testament to Women’s Empowerment
Artificial Intelligence did not stop evolving when the ChatGPT craze flatlined, and a big scare involving OpenAI’s latest project demonstrates it.
The Controversy That Is Artificial Intelligence Development in 2024
From Friday the 13th being an unlucky day to knocking twice on wood, everyone has their own beliefs and superstitions, and some are held more strongly than others.
Superstitions Found To Affect Mental Health
Many companies often ask customers to round up at the register, but whether or not to do so can be a difficult decision for uninformed shoppers.
Rounding up: Right or Wrong?
Gift-giving is a way for a person to show their love and admiration through something other than words, physical touch, quality time, etc. It gives people a reason to do something special for someone, and it can be prominent all year round, not only for special occasions.
The Art of Gift Giving
Alabama recently implemented a new form of execution: nitrogen-induced hypoxia. This is the newest form of execution since 1982 when lethal injections were first used; the execution has caused controversy among advocates against the death penalty and health professionals.
Death to the Death Penalty
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 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
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 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
Melissa Waas

Melissa Waas, Video Editor

Melissa Waas is a junior who is the Video Editor for The Blaze. Waas has a place in her heart for making films with her two sisters, who also love to make craft and movie projects.  Originally from France, Waas moved in 8th grade, and she loves being part of the Rock Ridge community, where she is also involved in PEER and is one of the WINGS mentors.

All content by Melissa Waas

Making Connections and Seeking Opportunities: Over 1000 Students Attend the Annual Summer Job Fair

Melissa Waas and Rachel Bhardwaj
April 12, 2024
Community of Care, a club focused on brightening the lives of senior nursing home citizens, enlarged its focus group by making joke and riddle cards for children over February. For one month, 28 students attended making 300 cards in total to be donated to the organization A BRIGHT SPOT, which distributes them to children.

Cards for Hearts: Community of Care Tackles Their February Challenge

Melissa Waas, Video Editor
March 14, 2024
In the days leading up to National School Counseling Week, students and teachers wrote notes demonstrating their appreciation to the counselors, which were compiled onto a large banner.

Celebrating Counselors with a Week of Cheer

Melissa Waas and Aarohi Motwani
March 14, 2024
In an age of digital communication, younger generations have taken to social media and the internet to spread awareness about mental health disorders and build communities of support. However, when one feels confused about conflicting feelings and possible mental health illness symptoms, an overload of information online can lead to more confusion and overdiagnosis.

Over-diagnosis in Mental Health Disorders Leads to Limited Mindsets

Melissa Waas, Video Editor
February 16, 2024
The DSM-V, a classification system with criteria to describe disorders such as depression, determines that for a person to be diagnosed with depression, they have to report at least five of the characteristic depression symptoms: self-isolation, disturbed sleep patterns or loss of interest being amongst those. However, such symptoms could also be the cause of a different disorder or physical/ mental problem, and classification systems invite misdiagnosis.

[Photo]

In an age of digital communication, younger generations have taken to social media and the internet to spread awareness about mental health disorders and build communities of support. However, when one feels confused about conflicting feelings and possible mental health illness symptoms, an overload of information online can lead to more confusion and overdiagnosis.

[Photo]

Senior Bradley Schraa (Roger) and sophomore Palmer Jolly (Mark) end the titular song, “RENT,” as all the characters tell the audience they are not going to pay “last year’s rent, this year’s rent, [and] next year’s rent.”

“Rent: School Edition:” A Powerful Story of Resilience and Hope

Aline Gonzalez, Leif Labianca, and Melissa Waas
February 1, 2024

Phoenix Friends Builds Connections and Mends Gaps in the Special Education Department

Melissa Waas and Aline Gonzalez
December 19, 2023
Members of Phoenix Friends hold up their “floor drawings.” Many of the drawings include doodles of flowers, tic-tac-toe boards, and even happy birthday signs to senior Latifatou Alibi.

[Photo]

James Madison High School students, senior Leslie Tayne, sophomore Michelle Crga, and senior Avery Canedo listen to junior Jenna Amro practice her speech for the Impromptu event she participated in.

The Rock Hosts Successful Debate Tournament, Chawla Takes Home Silver

James Bowles, Nadia Shirr, and Melissa Waas
December 18, 2023
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

Ria Athreya, James Bowles, and Melissa Waas
December 3, 2023

[Video] Treasure Island: Behind The Scenes

Melissa Waas, Video Editor
November 28, 2023
From the athletes to the academics, student backgrounds shine through in all aspects, highlighting the niche hobbies and lifestyles of the Phoenix student body. Graphic by: Tanishka Enugu and Aarohi Motwani.

Humans of Rock Ridge: Student Profiles

The Blaze Staff
November 3, 2023
Senior class participants pose for a picture with class sponsors Liz Grainger and Brittany Thomas after their 11-10 victory against the junior class.

Upperclassmen Clash in Annual Homecoming Kickball Game

Aarohi Motwani, Melissa Waas, and Ria Athreya
October 5, 2023
Junior Lola Aguilar and Lexi Anspach are singing “Juntos” by Jim Papoulis with the rest of their Vox Femina chorus class on Sept 18. Other songs Rock Ridge Sings is preparing for the programs first concert on Oct. 19 include“What About Us?” by P!nk or “Patch of Light” by Jacob Narverud, which are all inspired by RRS’s “uplift” theme.

Rock Ridge Sings Uplifts Through Music

Melissa Waas, Video Editor
October 5, 2023
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!

Melissa Waas and Aline Gonzalez
August 31, 2023

Rock Ridge Alumni Works to Outshine Skin Cancer One Stitch at a Time

Melissa Waas, Sitwat Mian, and Aline Gonzalez
June 12, 2023

Navigating a Balanced High School Life While Coping With Academic Competition and Pressure

Melissa Waas, Video Editor
June 10, 2023
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

Melissa Waas, Samantha Chang, and Raza Hassan
June 8, 2023

Class of 2023: 23 Questions with Jack Capobianco

Melissa Waas, Video Editor
June 1, 2023

Clean Air Month Highlights Importance of Improving Air Quality and Encourages Action

Melissa Waas, Video Editor
May 22, 2023

Model UN Brings Home a Win After Their Final Conference of the Year

Sitwat Mian, Sydney Nguyen, and Melissa Waas
May 22, 2023
Team Teiam (“team with an I”) responds to an entertainment question in round four. Round four consisted of two types of questions: a short audio clip from either a music video or a movie that the teams had to guess correctly. Teams had to guess the name of the song or the artists for the music questions, and guess the name of the movie for the movie-based questions.

A Game Night for the History Books

Sydney Nguyen, Melissa Waas, and James Bowles
May 18, 2023
At the fourth annual Tuesday school board meeting, members discussed the representation of African American leaders with regard to the naming of the new middle school and how to report sexual harassment in terms of Title XI violations. The school board also voted on celebrating National Professional Social Work Month and Social Emotional Learning day this school year.

School Board Discusses Naming of New Middle School, Title IX Overview Addressing Sexual Harassment

Jackson Mitchell, Melissa Waas, and Sitwat Mian
March 29, 2023
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

Raza Hassan, Rohan Iyer, Sydney Nguyen, and Melissa Waas
February 8, 2023
Cell phones can be a great tool and help student interaction, but incorporating them into the classroom can lead to distraction and interfere with students’ learning.

Cell Phones in School: Distraction or Interaction?

Melissa Waas, Video Editor
January 25, 2023
Economics teacher Peter Kim gets pied in the face by senior Akarsh Kontham, after gaining the most money from the hot chocolate sale.

Students Slide into Winter Break With Holiday Outfits

Mariam Abdelsayed, Karis Adnan, Raza Hassan, and Melissa Waas
January 17, 2023
Freshman Homecoming Court representatives Jade Lewis and Dawson Boupha walk down the dance floor as DJ Mario announces the 2022 Homecoming Court and Royalties. Lewis nominated herself for fun to see if she would get in with her boyfriend, and they did. Her favorite part of the evening was “walkin out for homecoming court, just being in the middle,” Lewis said.

Homecoming: SCA sets the Scene for a Night in the Cities

James Bowles, Melissa Waas, Bella Strano, and Samantha Chang
November 15, 2022
The board discussed renaming 19 schools, a new internship offered by elementary schools, and new calendar options for 2023-2024 school year.

LCPS Schools Renamed; New Computer Science Internship for Students

Melissa Waas and Nidhi Manchala
October 31, 2022
Ginny McGee, 10

Ginny McGee, 10

Melissa Waas, Video Editor
October 25, 2022
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