• Important Dates -->
  • 11/22: Honor Society Ceremony
  • 11/26: Last day of School Before Break
  • 11/27: Thanksgiving Break
The Student News Site of Rock Ridge High School

THE BLAZE
Signs litter the lawn surrounding Rock Ridge High School discussing candidates running and their promises.
Polarized Politics: The 2024 Election Season
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
Junior defenseman Connor Bultema dumps the puck in the offensive zone as the Phoenix/Pride watch from the bench intently.
Meet the Team: Phoenix/Pride Hockey Starts Season on Fire
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
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
Junior defenseman Connor Bultema dumps the puck in the offensive zone as the Phoenix/Pride watch from the bench intently.
Meet the Team: Phoenix/Pride Hockey Starts Season on Fire
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
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
Classroom Conversations: All About the College Route
Classroom Conversations: All About the College Route
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
‘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
Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams, Website Coordinator

Rachel Adams is a senior. This is her third year on staff, and she is one of the Website Coordinators. She is part of the girls tennis team and the theater program. Her favorite hobbies include baking, hiking, crocheting, and reading. Her favorite books are murder mysteries, but she loves all genres. When she graduates high school, she hopes to get into aviation, specifically piloting commercial planes. She has only been on a plane twice, but she knew this was something she wanted to do for a career almost right away. Rachel is excited to see what the future holds, in both college and beyond.

All content by Rachel Adams
The courts are ablaze as “Challengers” hits theaters. The film is full of intense tennis and romance, as well as explorations of true intentions and the value of true friends. Promotional photo from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

“Challengers” Slams Into Theaters After Much Anticipation

Rachel Adams and Bella Gerardi
May 20, 2024
(From left to right) Seniors Austin Fisher, Dylan Neach, Paul Smith, Demarrius Stewart, and TeYany Kleiner sit together as their coaches, family members, and teammates wish them well in the next chapter of their sports careers.

Signing Into The Next Chapter: Next Steps in Sports Careers

Rachel Adams, Rachel Bhardwaj, and Maddie Nyman
May 17, 2024
"But here we are, one month left, one month until graduation, one month until the next chapter of my life." -Growth

Adams Swan Song: Growth

Rachel Adams, Website Coordinator
May 16, 2024
The Young Adult Literature Class targets students who love reading but don’t want to have some of the heavier English assignments attached to the coursework. Students are meant to have fun and enjoy the discussions and books they are working to read.

Launching Into the New Year With an All-New English Elective

Rachel Adams and Bella Gerardi
May 1, 2024
Rock Ridge Performing Arts cast of “Frozen” brings the energy while performing a sneak peek of their song “Fixer-Upper.”

Phoenix spring into the end of the year with a final Pep Rally

Rachel Adams, Bella Gerardi, and Maddie Nyman
April 28, 2024
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

Rachel Adams, Rodrigue Gomado, and Samantha Chang
April 9, 2024
The “Young Adult” genre has come to dominate the book side of TikTok. Teens mention finding the books they love on “BookTok” and are quick to share them with friends.

2024 Says It’s Time to “Do It Now”

Rachel Adams, Website Coordinator
April 8, 2024
Millions of teens are on social media viewing their favorite influencers and celebrities altering their facial features. Teens watch as their social media floods with quick hacks for beauty. As more celebrities admit to using mewing as a way to alter their appearance, teens learn the skill, but not the consequences.

Damaging Effect of “Mewing”

Rachel Adams and Bella Gerardi
April 3, 2024
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

Arnav Mahajan, Rachel Adams, Bella Gerardi, and Maddie Nyman
March 19, 2024
Sony’s “Madame Web” has gone from a poorly received trailer to a full-fledged cinematic catastrophe, defying redemption. Despite boasting A-list talent, the film’s descent into a Spider-Man misstep is apparent, leaving audiences forced to endure two hours of disappointment. Photo courtesy of Sony.

Even Spider-Man’s Spidey-Sense Couldn’t Detect the Mediocrity of ‘Madame Web’

Ananya Karthik and Rachel Adams
March 1, 2024
Sophomore Siddharth Donthireddy and junior Mekhi Motilewa bring up the ball as the Vikings put pressure on the defensive end of the basket.

Phoenix Face Vikings in Vicious Battle

Rachel Adams, James Bowles, and Bella Gerardi
January 29, 2024
Students roast marshmallows for s’mores at the station set up by SCA. Students also enjoyed a hot cocoa bar and a big screen, playing the movie “Home Alone,” for a night of warm and toasty fun.

Frost Fest Celebrates Winter with Fire and Festivities

Rachel Adams, Bella Gerardi, and Maddie Nyman
January 12, 2024
“Priscilla” tells the story of a young Priscilla Presley’s life changing in an instant when she meets the man she will soon fall in love with, taking viewers through her path to fame. Promotional Poster from A24 Films.

‘Priscilla:’ The Glamor and Grime of Being a Presley

Rachel Adams and Maddie Nyman
December 19, 2023
Performing the last song of the night, “United in Purpose,” all choir members joined together at the front of the stage. Creating connections through choir is important to both Markwood and his students. Expanding from her bubble, sophomore Kiera Bacas was able to develop skills that aided her in finding a sense of community among her peers. “I got to meet other people and make new friends,” Bacas said. “If I didn't do chorus, I probably wouldn't be talking right now.”

Rock Ridge Choir Aims to Uplift And Affirm The Community

Rachel Adams and Bella Gerardi
November 12, 2023
The Red Cast of “And” stands in a line before they take their final bow.

Rock Ridge Performing Arts’s ‘And’ Finds the ‘Why’

Maddie Nyman, Ananya Karthik, and Rachel Adams
November 12, 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
Through team building and a strong understanding of what high school truly is, the WINGS program works to assist freshmen through their transition into high school. Juniors and seniors serve as mentors to work together to make it as easy as possible for freshmen by providing advice and getting creative during advisory to create positive relationships between themselves and their freshmen crew.

WINGS Takes Flight Amongst Freshman Phoenix

Rachel Adams, Samantha Chang, and Nadia Shirr
November 1, 2023
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

Rachel Adams, Maddie Nyman, and Bella Gerardi
October 27, 2023
Sophomore Nila Divakar (left) and senior Noor Jiwad (right) share more about the Writers Union club with a fellow Phoenix. “My friend and I really like writing, so she recruited me. Writing is very important to us, so we made a club,” Divakar said.

Gyms Overflow With Unique Clubs, Old And New

Rachel Adams and Shaila Patel
September 27, 2023
Junior Ruth Gemechu guides her blindfolded partner, junior Kailyn Fetterman, as they try to stack cups.

Kicking off the School Year With Spirit Week

Ananya Karthik, Shivu Sathe, Maya Coleman, Rachel Adams, and Shaila Patel
September 11, 2023
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

Shaila Patel, Bella Strano, and Rachel Adams
May 22, 2023
Expressing his interest in the Marines as a possible career, junior Emmanuel Bankole signs up for one of the various programs offered by their display. The Marines came to the job fair to provide students with multiple pathways with a fast-track to joining the Marines, like summer programs, the Marine Reserves, or scholarship opportunities.

Summer Job Fair Kicks Off New Opportunities For Students

Aarohi Motwani, Ivana Figueroa, Aline Gonzalez, Rachel Adams, and Shaila Patel
March 29, 2023
Juniors Mariah Waters, Kaia Greene, Olivia McMahon, Emily Gruessing, Izzy Bock, and senior Julia Freeman perform “The Chain” from “X: 1969.”

Broadway Desserts Brings Sweet Performances to the Stage

Karis Adnan, Rachel Adams, Smrithi Balakumar, and Mariam Abdelsayed
March 1, 2023
At the Jan. 9 home double header against Briar Woods, senior Nick Canfield keeps an eye on the ball and defends the basket during the boys game. During the girls game, sophomore Kalen Walker prepares to take a free throw shot.

Double Headers Bring 2 Star Players Forward

Mariam Abdelsayed, Rachel Adams, Karis Adnan, and Shaila Patel
January 31, 2023
Junior Cora Bowen dribbles the ball towards the basket, following a turnover that led to Phoenix possession.

Phoenix Take Flight Against the Falcons in a Double Header Matchup

Mariam Abdelsayed, Rachel Adams, Karis Adnan, and Shaila Patel
January 31, 2023
Netflix has taken many popular TV shows and movies off of their platform, sparking a variety of opinions from Netflix’s users about the removal of their favorite media.

We All Love Netflix, but What About the New Changes?

Rachel Adams and Shaila Patel
January 19, 2023
Maneesh Getni strums the guitar, capturing everyone’s attention with his electrifying solo.

Rock Ridge and Stone Hill Guitar Come Together for a Gemstone of a Winter Concert

Smrithi Balakumar, Rachel Adams, Lucian Tiller, and Syd Nguyen
January 19, 2023
Many students at the Rock participate in something creative and unique to celebrate the holidays.

Phoenix Celebrate Unique Traditions This Holiday Season

Shaila Patel and Rachel Adams
January 4, 2023
Media by the Minute

Media by the Minute

Ananya Karthik, Jackson Mitchell, Sarah Baig, Tanishka Enugu, Rachel Adams, and Maya Coleman
November 6, 2022
Age plays a big part in how kids and teens feel about Halloween. When kids are younger, they tend to have more fun, but does that also mean that they get scared easier? While the next generation may love horror films, how this might affect kids at younger ages may keep both kids and parents up on Halloween night.

The Horrors Of Halloween

Rachel Adams and Shaila Patel
October 31, 2022
After winning a point for the Phoenix, sophomore Lola Aquilar serves the ball to the Panthers and starts the next point.

Phoenix Send the Panthers Home in Flames

Sarah Baig and Rachel Adams
October 17, 2022
On May 1, the TSA team proudly stands outside the Hampton Roads Convention Center ready to take on the competition.

TSA Places Sixth Overall At This Year’s State Competition

Aline Gonzalez and Rachel Adams
June 10, 2022
The track and field team warms up together with laps at practice after school.

Seniors Race to the Finish Line

Rachel Adams, Aline Gonzalez, and Pavani Aakarapu
June 6, 2022
Teachers line up in the library to grab their free lunch provided by the PTSO on May 5.

PTSO Honors Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week

Rachel Adams, Mars Foley, and Hylay Assefa
June 2, 2022
From candy jars to refreshments, we have the best Easter-themed decorations to make your Easter brunch stand out.

Three Fun Things To Include In Your Next Spring or Easter Brunch

Rachel Adams and Aline Gonzalez
May 6, 2022
Freshman Dhruv Vemuri (8) bats for the Phoenix, hitting the ball before running to first base. “One thing that I'd like to improve on is being able to hit off of the better pitchers,” Vemuri said. “We’re going to keep facing good pitchers and I want to be able to hit off of them.”

Phoenix Baseball Takes a Hit After Playing Heritage

Rachel Adams, Divya Iyer, and Aline Gonzalez
April 25, 2022
The sunflower has quickly become an international symbol of solidarity for Ukrainians and is a symbol of peace. When agreeing to denuclearize Ukraine, the country planted sunflowers in a ceremony in 1996. Encouraged by their teachers, students in social studies classes have decided to put up sunflowers around the school to show their support for Ukraine.

Students And Staff Adorn The Halls With Sunflowers For Ukraine

Rachel Adams and Aline Gonzalez
April 25, 2022
Jodi (Ava Michelle) explores her life through new eyes, she starts to see how others around her are accepting her for who she is. Jodi realizes being tall doesn’t get in the way of life unless you let it. She deals with personal problems that are later helped to be resolved by an unsuspecting friend.

“Tall Girl 2” Does Better Than “Tall Girl”

Rachel Adams and Aline Gonzalez
March 10, 2022
Volunteering with nonprofits like Mobile Hope is a way to give back, especially to help community members get back on their feet in light of the pandemic.

Mobile Hope Responds to COVID-19s Impact On Homelessness

Rachel Adams, Website Coordinator
March 1, 2022
Senior Alexa Veneros (12) blocks a Captains player (5) from scoring, while Veneros’ teammates remain open, ready to receive the ball.

Phoenix Girls Basketball Falls to the Captains on Senior Night

Nanaki Bawa, Rachel Adams, Zain Khalidi, and Alyssa Yoon
February 19, 2022
Freshman Andrew Takach dives in for his 200 yard IM race. “I love the competition and team environment. I enjoy improving and working hard,” Takach said. While this is Takach’s first year on the team, he has been swimming competitively for 8 years prior to joining.

Swim Team Kicks Off Season With The Encouragement Of An Exciting Win

Rachel Adams, Aline Gonzalez, Maddie Nyman, and Rishi Sundaram
February 3, 2022
Books and Movies, which one is a better choice of entertainment?

The Movies Aren’t Always Bad, but Books will Always Be Better

Rachel Adams, Website Coordinator
February 3, 2022
Adorned with paper snowflakes and wreaths, math teacher William Driggers’ advisory class won best overall door in the door decorating competition.

Winter Door Decorating Competition Ignites Winter Spirit

Nanaki Bawa, Mariam Abdelsayed, Rachel Adams, and Aline Gonzalez
February 2, 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
Phoenix varsity volleyball team discusses the game plan with their coaches as they prepare to take on the Captains.

Despite Loss Against Captains, Phoenix Ace Match

Rohan Iyer, Dominika Butler, Rachel Adams, and Alyssa Yoon
October 27, 2021
Charisse Caparros, 9

Charisse Caparros, 9

Rachel Adams, Website Coordinator
September 30, 2021
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