• 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
Sudeepa Pasupuleeti

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Staff Writer

Sudeepa is a senior who is in her second year on staff. She joined newspaper because last year she had a lot of fun and she had a lot of friends — even though it’s kind of stressful. Sudeepa’s favorite thing about the newspaper is friends, going to games and taking pictures, and representing RRHS. During her free time, Sudeepa likes to read, watch Netflix, and spend time with her brother. She also likes food hopping.

All content by Sudeepa Pasupuleeti

The Force Takes Over The Spring Pep Rally

Abhi Sharma, Aline Gonzalez, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
May 22, 2023
Pasupuleeti Swan Song: “Where’d All The Time Go”

Pasupuleeti Swan Song: “Where’d All The Time Go”

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Staff Writer
May 17, 2023
Fair participants and judges from various organizations walk around in the Regional Science and Engineering fair looking at various projects.

Students Show Off Scientific Successes

Nicolas Biernacki and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
May 10, 2023
Sitting around a table, the PTSO, Student Activities and Engagement Coordinator Annamika Hacikyan, and Principal John Duellman convene to review and devise a plan to move forward from recent incidents.

PTSO Honors Student, Discusses Future Actions to Improve Mental Health of School Community

Nanaki Bawa, Muhammad Reda, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
February 16, 2023
Social sciences teacher Kevin Briscoe presents to freshman Karthik Mittadhoddi the Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology class, an elective course that focuses on behavioral and mental processes of a person.

Electives Fair Entrances Participants

Anushka Goski, Aarohi Motwani, Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, and Sruthi Sakala
February 8, 2023
On Nov. 15, the Loudoun County School Board opened their meeting by reviewing current LCPS matters like free and reduced-price meals as well as future plans regarding school renovations.

LCPS Provides Updates on Free Lunches, Finance and Operation Matters, Funding School Programs, Health Benefits for Employees

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti and Anushka Goski
December 19, 2022
Orchestra Director Teresa Gordon directs the musicians to play softly while conducting the third piece of the winter concert, “Holiday Salute,” arranged by James “Red” McLeod.

Orchestra Celebrates the Holiday Season with Winter Concert

Aarohi Motwani, Anushka Goski, Sruthi Sakala, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
December 19, 2022
Inspired by the controversial and legendary life of Marilyn Monroe, the movie “Blonde” hit streaming platform Netflix on Sept. 16

Marilyn Monroe’s Inspiring Legacy Hits the Silver Screen in “Blonde”

Ivana Figueroa and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
November 1, 2022
Junior Ankita Kamath (9) lunges towards the ball to prevent it from hitting the ground. “I think the last time we played Broad Run, it was a lot closer than expected, so we really wanted to go in and kill them,” junior Kamath said.

Phoenix Volleyball Soars Past the Spartans

Iyush Hoysal, Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, and Alyssa Yoon
October 15, 2022
Based on true events, “The Woman King” is centered around African female warriors called the Agoji ,who strengthen their powerful skills in order to protect their Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s.

Family vs. Career: Generational Issues Brought to Light by “The Woman King”

Anushka Goski and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
October 13, 2022
The Aluminum Falcons built their VEX robot last August, gaining new parts and assembling the robot throughout the year. “We’ve been working, testing several designs,” junior Krish Shah said. “If it doesn’t work, we restart, find a new design, and make sure it works.”

Aluminum Falcons Take the Stage at VEX Robotics Worlds

Anik Mridha and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
June 11, 2022
“Ambulance” satisfies with an extremely intense and emotional story, leaving viewers to question how strong their moral compass is.

“Ambulance,” The Perfectly Planned Heist Gone Wrong

Abhishek Solipuram and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
May 24, 2022
On May 10, the school board held their second Tuesday meeting, continuing to discuss improvements to student welfare and allocating funds to fiscal year 22-23 budget items.

School Board Provides Updates on Budget Plan, New Schools and Expansion of “Literacy for All” Programs

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Kaleb Ryans, and Abhishek Solipuram
May 24, 2022
Senior Ayanna Fabunmi (6) clears the ball from the Phoenix goal box in order to prevent the Titans from having a chance to score.

Phoenix Soccer Falls to the Titans at Home

Abhishek Solipuram, Anik Mridha, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
May 20, 2022
In episode two, Kim Seon-U hints at his love and affection for Mi-Jo as he remembers that her favorite flowers are Peonies and has them delivered to her house. The Peonies come back in the last episode around Chan-Young's funeral to symbolize the support that Mi-Jo has after her best friend's death.

“Thirty-Nine:” The Heartwarming, Heart-Wrenching K-Drama

Abhishek Solipuram and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
April 21, 2022
Seniors Shahaan Bashir (8), Varun Reddy (2), and Hamza Hirad (4) prepare to head the ball from a cross into the box during the first half.

The Phoenix Crush the Cardinals At Home In a Boys Soccer Match

Abhishek Solipuram, Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, and Shivoy Nagpaul
March 28, 2022
The NBA holds an All Star game every season to showcase the best players in the league in one exciting game.

Team LeBron Wins the NBA All Star Game in a Nail biter

Abhishek Solipuram and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
March 2, 2022
During an intense fourth quarter, the rest of the Phoenix eagerly waited for the opportunity to rebound after a shot from senior Aditya Kamath (5).

The Phoenix Protect The Rock on Senior Night

Anik Mridha, Abhishek Solipuram, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
February 14, 2022
On Jan. 25, the school board met to discuss the FY23 budgeting plan and its adoption process. The plan aims to help the Digital Innovation and Human Resources and Talent Development departments combat issues faced by LCPS.

Loudoun County School Board Discusses the FY23 Budget Plan

Abhishek Solipuram and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
February 8, 2022
Sophomore Bennett Koch takes a video of sophomore Myles Hemlock as he enjoys his s'mores around the bonfire at Frost Fest.

Festive fun at SCA’s first ever “Frost Fest”

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Abhi Sharma, Abhishek Solipuram, and Anushka Goski
February 3, 2022
The Phoenix and Captains ready themselves for the next play after stoppage from the referee. “I got my first touchdown on friday and it was pretty nice; it was the first one of the season, you know, and I'm still looking to get more,” junior Da’sean Mack said.

Loudoun County Captains Capture Phoenix Pink Out Game 45-6

Megan Hayes, Lucian Tiller, Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, and Manika Porchezhian
November 16, 2021
During public comment, Loudoun County parents and students voiced their concerns over the School Board’s recent actions to deal with the sexual assault case.

Loudoun County School Board Discusses Current Affairs, Title IX, School Lunch

Amelia Chen, James Bowles, Kaleb Ryans, and Sudeepa Pasupuleeti
November 16, 2021
Saish Koneru, 12

Saish Koneru, 12

Sudeepa Pasupuleeti, Staff Writer
September 17, 2021
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