• 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
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
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
Shradha Dinesh

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief

Shradha is a senior and third-year staff member of The Blaze. This is her second year as the editor in chief. When she isn’t reading or writing, you can find her crafting scathing reviews of Netflix originals over text messages and collecting too many blank notebooks.

All content by Shradha Dinesh
Shradha Dinesh: Swan Song

Shradha Dinesh: Swan Song

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2021
The U.S. Capitol on the morning of President Biden's Inauguration.

Road To The Presidency

Shradha Dinesh, Prajna Chakravarty, Megan Langsam, Lilly Khalkho, and Megan Hayes
January 20, 2021
Joe Biden at a march in Clear Lake, Iowa in Aug. 2019.

Biden Wins White House

Shradha Dinesh, Megan Langsam, and Megan Hayes
November 7, 2020
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?

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2020
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

Shradha Dinesh, Prajna Chakravarty, Megan Hayes, Lilly Khalkho, and Megan Langsam
November 2, 2020
An “I voted” sticker is segmented like a pie chart, the outstanding portion representing the growing Generation Z voting population. According to Pew Research Center, one-in-ten voters in the 2020 general election are 18 to 23 years old.

Gen Z Voters Take To Polls; Focus On Economy, Racial Inequality, Health Care As Top Concerns

Shradha Dinesh, Selivia Habib, and Ayesha Ansari
November 1, 2020
Wearing masks, Sophia (left) and Amelie (right) pose for photos.

Sisters Launch Mask Business To Help Loudoun Community Combat Pandemic

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2020
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[Photo] Shradha Dinesh

December 13, 2018
Senior Gabby Lozada rolls gray paint on her spot with her family.

Rolling Into Senior Year: Students Paint Parking Spots in Second Year Tradition

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
August 31, 2020
The College Board Releases Details for Modified, Online AP Exams

The College Board Releases Details for Modified, Online AP Exams

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2020
When connecting devices to computers, a warning appears on the phone about trusting unfamiliar networks.

Click With Caution

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2020
Assistant principal Dawn Dickerson falls out of her chair after being pied in the face by a student. Dickerson was all smiles as the students and faculty shared a laugh about the fun moment.

[Photo] Cold Weather Can’t Freeze School Spirit

Bethany Walker and Madisyn Smith
January 12, 2020
The Marching Band takes the field at the Homecoming Game Friday night during the second half.

[Photo] The Rock Ridge Marching Band conquers states

Mihika Rao, Business Manager
November 11, 2019
In Germany, a holiday market prepares for the commercial season.

How to Survive a Three-Month Holiday Season Before it Survives You

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
November 25, 2019
Waving their hands, homecoming-goers dance along to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.”

From Area 51 to Outer Space, Homecoming 2019 Shoots for the Stars

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2019
Senior Aidan Emanuel kneels on the sidelines minutes before the clock starts. To prepare for his games, Emanuel separates himself from his high-energy surroundings to pray. “I seclude myself and talk to my Lord,” Emanuel said.

Phoenix Stumble in Homecoming match against Potomac Falls

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2019
Rock Ridge hosts and delegates gather together at the farewell dinner. (Photo by Rida Ali)

Road Trip: International Students Visit Rock Ridge

Shradha Dinesh and Rida Ali
May 20, 2019
President Donald Trump delivers an address on the state of the government shutdown in the Rose Garden. On Jan. 25, Trump signed a bill to temporarily reopen the government. (White House/Tia Dufour)

Trump Signs Spending Bill; Declares a National Emergency

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2019
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

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
January 23, 2019
A memorial dedicated to the victims of the Pittsburgh mass shooting stands outside the Tree of Life synagogue. On Saturday, 11 people were killed and six were injured during a massacre allegedly fueled by anti-Semitism. (Photo by Andrea Hanks/White House)

Oct 29th -Nov 9th Round-Up: Cross Country Advances to Regionals; Midterm Election Rundown; Mass Shooting at a Pittsburgh Synagogue.

Shradha Dinesh, Editor-in-Chief
December 12, 2018
The Rock Ridge Football team emerges, ready to play Freedom.

From the Ashes: Rock Ridge’s Historic Homecoming Victory

Shradha Dinesh, Rida Ali, and Elise Tsao
December 6, 2018
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