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THE ROYAL NEWS Volume XV, Issue 7
Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 www.trnwired.org - April 21st, 2017 - @RoyalsMediaNow
MILITARY CHILDREN CONVEY EXPERIENCES P. 7 p. 10-11 STUDENTS, STAFF SHARE IMPORTANCE OF BEING HONEST p. 14 ADVANCED CHOIR TRAVELS TO ORLANDO FOR FESTIVAL p. 19 SOCCER TEAM STARTS ON WINNING NOTE
APRIL TWITTER POLL QUESTION
Do you plan on going to After Prom? 44 Responses Via Twitter
Yes 36 %
No 64 %
Junior Alesia Dodson is one of many military students attending the school. She was recently stationed in Junction City, Kansas at Fort Riley. Photo by Matt Reed.
2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 4.21.17
OP/ED
theRoyalNews
FRIDAY 4.21.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3
But I already bought a dress. I can’t go?
Maybe next year!
O
ur mission as the school newspaper for Prince George High School is to provide a form of media that represents all aspects of student life. The goal is to present factual accounts of newsworthy events in a timely manner. Our publication will be informative, entertaining and reflective of the student body’s opinions. It is the desire of the staff to reach every student and tell as many of their stories as possible. We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow. The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room A2, or e-mail them to trnwired@gmail.com We reserve the right to edit for clarity, brevity, accuracy, legality, spelling and grammar. Please include your name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. 500 word maximum. Thank you for the support this year. Please continue to communicate on trnwired.org. Publication theft. A person commits the offense of publication theft when he or she willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than three copies of an edition of a publication distributed on campus or in the surrounding community [with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading that edition of the publication]. A “publication” includes any periodical that is distributed on a complimentary or compensatory basis. In addition to the imposition of other campus disciplinary penalties, a person who violates this provision is responsible for compensating the publication for all reasonable costs incurred, including, where appropriate, the refund of advertising fees.
Section Editors Front page: Paul Dennis Jr. , Op/Ed: Matteo Reed, Features: Kattie Iwanski, Doubletruck: Aaliyah Capers, A&E: Chance Thweatt, Sports: Wayne Coleman, Photo Editor: Matteo Reed Online Editor-in-Chief: Carlee Lively
Writers Kylie Cargill- Breanna Rackley-Tyler Brock-Shanice Davis-Tiara Whirley-Tiffany Whittington-Tatyanna Thaxton-Anna Mitchell-Miracle Conaway
Editor-in-Chief Chance Thweatt
Adviser
Chris Waugaman
Managing Editor Paul Dennis Jr.
Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2017 CSPA Gold Crown Winner 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2016 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010, 2016 NSPA Online Pacemaker Winner 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 SIPA All Southern 2008-2015
The Royal News, PGHS trnwired.org
7801 Laurel Spring Road Prince George, Virginia 23875 804-733-2720 The Royal News is printed at The Progress-Index in Petersburg, Virginia
Illustration by Anna Mitchell
Students Propose Ideas To Amend Prom In Future
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s prom is approaching on April 29th, students are thinking of ways to amend prom guidelines for next year. Grade level is of huge importance in regards to amending the prom guidelines for next year. Students have suggested that prom be for seniors only, meaning that underclassmen should not be able to attend. However, underclassman will be able to attend if he or she is invited by a senior student. This change would maybe spark more interest in underclassman dances like the junior dance that used to take place at the high school. This dance was for juniors, but it has not taken place for several years due to lack of interest. Also, the venue of prom is also on the list to amend. Prom has been held at the Old Towne Civic Center in Petersburg for the last two years, and hopefully next year the prom committee can pick a new venue.
One issue with the present venue is the fact that it has a rocky and soil rich ground. This makes it hard to walk in high heels and it makes it hard to keep your prom attire clean. Especially for ladies who have long dresses that drag on the ground to some degree. The music at prom is also a big concern among the students. Some suggest that the music should be more recent and enjoyable for all students. It should be a variety of all genres of music to make prom a fun night for everyone. Another concern is the fact that prom tickets increase after a certain date. It would be easier on students if tickets remain the initial price, considering all of the other expenses students have to face. The goal of prom is to make sure that all students have a fun night with their peers. These amendments will help make prom a night that students won’t forget.
April Highlights Stress Awareness
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tress. This is something that many high school students seem to know all too well. However, the stress that many people of all ages deal with and the effects of it are not going unnoticed. In fact, April is know as Stress Awareness Month, a national effort to spread all around knowledge about stress. BREANNA RACKLEY Since 1992, April has been rendered Stress Awareness Month. According to www. stressawarenessmonth.com, during this month of the year, healthcare professionals nationwide work together in an increased effort to spread public awareness about both the causes, the effects, and the cures for what is being referred to as “our modern stress epidemic”. Stress Awareness Month is sponsored by The Health Resource Network (HRN). According to www. stressawarenessmonth.com, The Health Resource Network is an educational organization working to elucidate the dangers, misconceptions, and coping methods that coincide with the stress that is prominent in society today. Dr. Morton C. Orman, M.D. is the fonder and current director of The Health Resource Network as well as the author of several stress related e-books. Orman works with several other healthcare organizations nationwide during the month of April. According to www. stressawarenessmonth.com, he also encourages these organizations to distribute educational materials and information concerning stress as well as hold community events, forums, and so on in order to spread awareness throughout communities. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at www.cdc.gov, provides several healthy options and ideas for coping with all types of stress. Some of these include eating healthy, exercising, getting plenty of sleep, talking to others, and most importantly, taking a break when it is needed. Despite the responsibilities and tasks that come with school, work, and more, it is important to pay close attention your health. Stress should not be ignored, but instead talked about, dealt with, and further avoided.
4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 04.21.17
OP/ED
Could The Environment Be Under Attack?
Donald Trump’s first budget as the 45th President of the United States includes many cuts. Many Americans strongly dislike this budget because it is set to take away 31 percent from the Environmental Protection Agency. As we approach Earth Day the question becomes should America invest in environmental protection?
T
he Environmental Protection Agency plays a very important role in our country: bettering the protection methods for our planet. The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect the environment and, along with it, human health. Endangering our environment can have negative side effects on the people who live on this planet. Gaseous fumes emitted into our atmosphere not only harm the ozone layer; they are hazardous to human lungs as well. The EPA studies pollutants in the air and the effects that they have on the climate. Using this data, the EPA finds ways to minimize air pollutants to better the air, climate, and human living conditions. Most of this area of study is conducted by the Air, Climate, and Energy Research Program. Another research program developed by the EPA, called the Human Health Risk Assessment Program, collects data on the amount of risk pollutants and certain environmental situations place on humans. This program helps develop ways to better the environment for sustainable human living. When biological, chemical, or radiological contamination incidents - mainly in bodies of water - occur, the EPA responds as quickly as possible to minimize the amount of destruction caused to the environment and the amount of harm that occurs to inhabitants. The Homeland Security Research Program allows the EPA immediate access to means of handling these situations as soon as possible. The EPA also provides clean, sustainable water through means of innovative technology and scientific developments. The Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program protects water systems and enhances the amount of safe water needed to sustain human life within the country. They also oversee aquatic life forms in these bodies of water to ensure no toxins reside in the water and no harm comes to the inhabitants of the bodies of water. The EPA has many research programs and many protections that ensure our well-being and the well-being of the world we live in. By protecting the environment and human health, the EPA helps to continue keeping this planet inhabitable.
PRO CON TIARA WHIRLEY
KATTIE IWANSKI
“The EPA studies pollutants in the air and the effects that they have on the climate. Using this data, the EPA finds ways to minimize air pollutants to better the air, climate, and human living conditions.“ “The main purpose of the termination was of an approximate increase in the budget by 7.5 billion dollars a year. To achieve this, the bill would require all unused properties of the EPA to be leased out.” “The EPA has many research programs and many protections that ensure our well-being and the well-being of the world we live in. By protecting the environment and human health, the EPA helps to continue keeping this planet inhabitable.”
T
here has been discussion about the termination of part of the Environmental Protection Agency, some parts include the Environmental Justice and Greenhouse programs. According to HuffingtonPost.com, the EPA was implemented under Republican President Richard Nixon on December 2, 1970. The president appoints an administrator which is later approved by Congress. The current administrator is Gina McCarthy who was appointed by President Trump. According to THEHILL.com, most major cuts would mostly be made to the climate organization under the agencies. The main purpose of the termination was of an approximate increase in the budget by 7.5 billion dollars a year. To achieve this the bill would require all unused properties of the EPA to be leased out. There have also been reports which were released by the Heritage Foundation, showing that the EPA has increased in the amount of money that the EPA has been wasting. This is a problem because the government wants to make sure they are not wasting citizens tax money on unproductive experiments and programs. According to CNBC.com, the bill was first introduced by Republican Representatives and Florida congressman Matt Gaetz in the House on February 3rd. There have been multiple other supporters including Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Steven Palazzo of Mississippi, and Barry Loudermilk of Georgia. A bill was later approved in the house on March 29 that prohibited the EPA from taking an action unless the experiment is already supported by extensive research and studies. According to CNN.com, there has been a recent debate about citizens trying to get a ban on the use of pesticides. Although pesticides can be the cause multiple ranges of symptoms, the EPA continues to say the pesticide are harmless.
FRIDAY 4.21.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5
THE WEEK AHEAD TEACHER ANNE ROBERTS WINS PGHS TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2017
B
usiness teacher Anne Roberts begins he reign as 2017 High School Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made at the April faculty meeting and the April School Board Meeting which took place this week. Roberts has taught many subjects in the Business Department and in the CTE curriculum. Along with her many jobs as classroom teacher she also oversees testing for coursework certification. Sponsor of Special Olympics Buddies, Roberts has conducted for the past two years a spring day for Special Olympics athletes which includes not only students from Prince George High School but also neighboring schools.
AFTER PROM AT SWADERS - APR. 29th/30th
A
fter Prom will be held at Swader’s this year. Tickets will be on sale April 25th -28th in all lunch blocks. The cost will be $15.00. You must have your school id to purchase your after
prom tickets. Remember you don’t have to go to prom to enjoy a night out. You can attend After Prom with your friends. Swader’s is a sports park where there will be games, contests, music, and food.
LAST SENIOR MEETING - APRIL 26th
T
he last Senior/Parent Mandatory Meetings will be held Wednesday, April 26th. Each senior student with at least ONE parent/guardian must attend one of the Senior/Parent Mandatory meetings. Each meeting will begin at 7 PM in the auditorium. NOT attending will result in not participating in
graduation. At the meeting you will receive a packet of information with all senior dates and material needed to be ready for senior activities, which include senior bash, convocation, baccalaureate, and graduation.
DAY OF SILENCE RECOGNIZED APR. 21st
D
id you know that 90% of LGBTQ students in the United States say their schools DO NOT have anti-bullying policies that specifically protect LGBTQ students. LGBTQ students in schools with an LGBTQ-inclusive policy were MORE LIKELY to report bullying incidents to staff and rate staff’s response as effective. The CDC states that the rate of suicide attempts is 4 times greater for LGB youth and 2 times greater for questioning youth than that of straight youth. Each episode of LGBT victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average. Friday, April 21st is the annual Day of Silence. Students throughout the building will be honoring this by keeping a code of silence for the day.
PROM AT OLD TOWNE CIVIC CENTER - APR. 29th
P
rom tickets are on sale for $25 each in the commons during odd lunches. Tickets will only be sold on ODD days, and you will need a student ID to purchase. On April 25th and 27th, tickets will increase to $30 each. The dance is again in Petersburg at the Olde Towne Civic Center. Doors open at 7:30 PM and the dance lasts until midnight. Prom date forms will be available in the front office, outside A4, and Junior Class board in the commons. Tickets for your non-PGHS date cannot be purchased until an approval has been obtained and the form has been returned to you.
6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 4.21.17
FEATURES
Prom, After Prom Details Revealed PTA, Prom Committee Answer Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Prom, After Prom Shanice Davis TRN Writer
W
ith the changing of the seasons, Spring brings many promising events. Two events that Spring has many Prince George students anticipating are prom and after prom. Many students and staff are excited for the occasions, already going out to buy supplies and attire. According to several PGHS students, these events seemed to have been on students’ minds since the start of the year. Despite how fast the night seems to go by, it takes a lot of planning from both the PTA and the student organized prom committee. The two teams have been working hard day and night to ensure all goes as planned. Each student and staff member has dedicated many hours of their lives to ensure that all events go as planned and everyone’s safety is ensured. Whilst not all the details about the events can be revealed, Senior Jessica Phillips, a chair spokesman for prom committee, has a few basic facts about prom that she wants people to know. “Prom will be taking place at the Old Town Civic Center in Petersburg. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and prom starts at 8:00 p.m. ending at midnight,” Phillips said. Maci McCormack, another senior and member of prom committee, was elated to explain this year’s theme as well as give readers a sneak peek as to what to expect at prom. “The theme is around the world (Royals Worldwide) and the tickets are passports. The students will be able to get different stamps on it at prom and at after prom! Students can expect many things this year. We will have many different types of food there and a new DJ. DJ’s will be inside and outside to give us more room to dance. We are very excited for prom this year because we are certain it will be one of the best Prince
BY THE NUMBERS
$1,078 Is the amount an average family, with teenagers, will spend on prom this year.
$20 to $250 Is the average cost of prom tickets, depending largely on location.
39% The percent of the cost covered by the kids.
George has had so far,” McCormack said. Whilst prom is typically reserved for just juniors and seniors, unless their dates are of a different grade, after prom includes sophomores. Cindy Leonard, a member of the Royals PTA staff, went on to share some crucial details about afterprom. “Just like last year, after prom is expected to be at Swaders. Around four hundred students are expected to attend this year, about the same as the year before if not a bit more,” Leonard said. “After prom will take place April 29th from eleven o’clock in the evening to four o’clock in the morning. If you desire attending, tickets will be sale from April 25th through April 28th during lunch blocks. The tickets cost a total of fifteen dollars and in order to purchase, you must have a student I.D.” “With your newly purchased ticket, all the games will be free to play for the night. Be sure you bring your card to Swaders in order to get these benefits. All activities at Swaders will be open for students to operate on with the exception of the go-kart driving range. Food will also be provided throughout after prom,”
Senior Hailey York and junior Cheyenne Nemeth celebrate at Prom 2016. Last year’s theme was A Night Under the Stars, while this year’s prom theme will be Royals Worldwide. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh . Leonard said. The exciting nights are only a few days away and with that in mind, here are some tips to ensure that prom and after prom goes as planned. Go there early and already have everything prepared the night before the big night. Not only that but pay attention to your surroundings and make sure to not make dumb mistakes that may ruin your night. The most important tip of them all is to have fun. These are memories that you will look back on years later and you should cherish the moment. For future inquiries, contact your local prom committee members, PTA members, or Royals News Staff. They will be happy to assist you in ensuring your night goes as planned.
61% The percent of the costs parents will cover.
$100 to $400 Is the average prom dress purchase.
Information collected from http://theweek.com/ articles/476391/s
.
FRIDAY 4.21.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7
FEATURES
By The
Glance Into Lives Of Military Children April Brings Attention To Children Of Those In Service Tatyanna Thaxton TRN Writer
900,000 Children have experienced the deployment of one or both parents multiple times.
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hen you hear the t e r m military brat, you immediately t h i n k of someone whose parents are in the armed forces but are very spoiled. But really, a “Military brat” is a child of a parent or parents who are active-duty in the United States Armed Forces, and can refer to the lifestyle. In the life of many military families, frequent moving is the best and the worst part. On one hand you get to see different corners of the world that you might not have been able to see until later in life. On the other hand, moving is stressful and potentially pricey. The good news is, moves do get a little easier. PCSing, Permanent Change of Station, is military jargon for moving. But the term “Military Brat” sounds almost like an insult but some see it as a label. “You shouldn’t be ashamed of it. You should be proud,” sophomore Alesia Dodson said. The military child is much like a dandelion. Putting their roots down almost anywhere. Military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them. They are happy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the military. They’re ready to go wherever the breeze takes them to new adventures with new friends in a new area. “My favorite place is Texas.” Dodson said, “South Korea is my favorite.” Senior Hailey Hill said. Experts say military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and resilient. They learn that to survive means to adapt. But new students shouldn’t have to worry about coming to PG. All new students who transfer to Prince George are welcome to come to the library before school and meet some fellow peers who share the same values. “I am grateful for the men and women who admirably serve our nation, and for their families and children who often bear tremendous burdens on their be-
NUMBERS
37% Of children with a deployed parent reported that they seriously worry about what could happen to their deployed caretaker.
2 million American children have had a parent deployed at least once.
half. Let us honor the service of these courageous men and women through our commitment to their children.” stated by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognizing the Month of the Military Child. The Student Ambassadors and Military Family Life Counselor were sponsoring a contest for the month of the military child. They accepted entries of a photo, poem, essay, or a poster and must be related to the question: “What does it mean to you to be a military child?” The judges were volunteers from Fort Lee. But as being civilian goes, some think that military children are spoiled. “They don’t know what they are talking about.” Hill said. Some have the thought that being in the military makes you rich. It doesn’t. “They don’t know what they are talking about.” Military persons have bills just like everyone else. Bills that they have to pay on their own. The children may have nice things but most of the time, those things are earned by hard work. But aside from that, military children have to sacrifice a lot. From not
Junior Alesia Dodson holds boots representing army life as a traveling child. This will be the 31st Anniversary of April being the month of appreciation of military children. Photo by Matteo Reed. being able to visit their family or friends as much as they like, they are basically forced to adapt more throughout the years. And the biggest disadvantages of being a military brat is deployment. Due to deployment, thirty-seven percent of military children often spend more time worrying about what could happen to their deployed caretaker. Depression was seen in about one in four children. And with parents constantly being deployed every so often, the child often develops a way of coping with it. Becoming used to it in a way. Later in life, they are so used to the feeling of loss that it doesn’t effect them emotionally anymore but mentally it still does. Military children may seem to be quiet and distant but it takes a lot for them to open up. Especially after a big move.
500,000 Military children change schools each year
1.82 million Is the present amount of military children.
Information collected from http://militaryspouse.com/military-life/pcs/the-impact-of-pcsmoves-on-your-kids/
8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 4.21.17
ANNUAL PRINCE GEORGE H.S. CAR SHOW May 6, 2017 9 am to 3 pm PRESENTED BY THE AFTER PROM COMMITTEE FOR PRINCE GEORGE HIGH SCHOOL
People’s Choice Silent Auction
Free Kid Zone Goodie Bags
50/50 Drawing 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, VA Registration Opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 11:00 AM Award Ceremony Starts at 2:00 PM Award for People Choice $1 Donation Award for Best of Show Award for Best Unfinished
Registration $20 Day of Show OFFICIAL JUDGING $15 Early Registration (May 3rd) $10 Student Vehicles
MAIL PRE-REGISTRATION & CONTACT: PGHS ATTN: CINDY LEONARD/PTA 7801 LAUREL SPRING ROAD, PRINCE GEORGE, VA 23875 804-720-2643 EMAIL PGHSPTA@GMAIL.COM
Rain date - June 3, 2017
FRIDAY 4.21.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9
FEATURES
Ecology Teacher Barnwell Explains Power Of Recycling in the waterway, one tear coming down the right of his eye. Those type of commercials made us aware, it captured your feelings and your heart was involved in it. You have to be part of it, that’s just the way it is.
Tiffany Whittington TRN Writer How often do your classes collect recycling? We try to do it on the last day of the week because I have classes on odd and even, every Friday or last day of the week is usually good to do because it spreads the duty of recycling over the entire group of kids I have because I want to give everyone an opportunity to contribute. So we usually try to do it on Fridays. How are the students involved? Well first of all, the recycling in the building is a microcosm of what should be going on in the world itself. Education is very important in that you educate on a small scale how to recycle and one of the things we don’t have to worry about here is separation of the different recycling items because our collection dumpster is a general catch-all and it goes to a materials recycling facility which has people employed to separate the different types of plastics and papers and other things of that nature. So they essentially are providing the removal from the classrooms and keeping the process going in the building. This is very important because it instills in everybody in the building the need for and the fact that it is very much alive, that the actual process is alive in our building. How do these collections impact the community? The biggest thing with recycling and what happened essentially in the country from around 1962, which is actually the year I was born, until now suggests that the environment did not necessarily have the same challenges throughout the history of the planet that we do now. In fact, the planet in the last century starting around 1889 or 1890, we didn’t really have these problems because our use of petroleum was simply for very crude types of oil lamps and heating devices. Now that everything we have runs on fossil fuels for the most part we have a very big issue with fossil fuels and with things that are made such as plastic and styrofoams that we have to find ways of disposing of properly and in the best way for the environment is very much an important part to educate people to the need for recycling and for then the method by which it should be done. Sometimes people think to dispose of something is enough, but correct disposal methods and environmentally friendly disposal is very important. We have to teach those things as well. As far as the community, everybody has a part in this process, I try to teach from the standpoint of my students, and have them go
Junior Nina Tran empties a recycling box into the recycling dumpster outside B-wing. This container recycles plastic, aluminum, and paper. Photo by Tiffany Whittington. out and be beacons for the same process so they in turn pass it on to their little brothers, little sisters, mother, father, and it will spread. Why is recycling important? We only have but one Earth, and people may dream of going to other planets and seeing other places but this is all we have for right now. If we destroy this planet or we destroy the efficiency of the way the planet handles waste, we are basically ending it for ourselves. If we can’t separate the things we do as humans from the things that affect all other species on the planet, they don’t deserve to have a world we destroyed. We don’t deserve to have a world that some of us destroy. It is just what it is. It is at the core of importance, it’s maintaining the planet, teaching people to reverse some of the bad processes that have happened in the past, and continuing to educate so that this doesn’t happen again. We cannot just assume that people know how to do these things, so education is paramount in turning things around. How should our school become more involved with recycling? I’d like to see more rallies and recycling events that really highlight those students who put forth extra effort. It should be an award type thing for people who work hard to insure the environment stays clean. As individuals in each school we can start to breed these types of occasions. Since we get together for everything else, I would like to see us getting together maybe once a month for walks picking up trash or something sim-
ilar. I haven’t quite seen this response and I’d like to see for those type of things to become reality. I plan to initiate some of these events, getting together and cleaning up here in the area, at least starting here right around the school and then moving away from the school up and down the roads that we have here away from the school and cleaning up. We would focus on the neighbourhoods that most of the kids live in and doing the same thing with those places on the weekends. How can students create a greener earth in their everyday lives? It starts with the thought. You have to have the mindset, you have to feel like it’s important and you have to feel like what you’re doing when you become a steward of the environment, you have to take it seriously. It’s not a plaything; it’s real - it means something. It’s not a great impact one person can have but one person, and many others like that one person, all together come to make something that we do notice and they make a big difference as a conglomerate. If I can expose one person to a method by which they can help the environment, than that in itself can grow exponentially. That’s the biggest thing in this whole movement, because it is a movement. Environmental protection and cleaning the environment is a movement. It has not always been this way. When I was younger I remember them first putting up signs of the first fees you were going to be charged for pollution or littering. We had commercials that we watched, one called the crying indian where he was going up a river and running into all kinds of garbage
What are materials people can recycle? It’s just about everything, really and truly. In it’s made in manufacturing senses it can be recycled. There are some things that are worse than others as far as being recycled, when we talk about nuclear waste that is a very big problem and chemical waste also poses a problem. We actually are in a area with what is now Honeywell, used to be Allied Chemical, which houses the historical chemical spill with the chemical kepone. Up until the Deepwater Horizon oil catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, Kepone was the worst chemical spill in the entire planet’s history. A lot of people don’t know this, but right here in Hopewell we hold the record for the worst chemical spill on the entire planet, up until Deepwater Horizon. If there’s an area that should really take environmental protection seriously, it’s this area. When we talk about recycling, we can just about recycle most of the things that are manufactured. Those things that are manufactured that we can’t recycle, this is where we need to educate people on not to use those types of products. We can recycle plastic and glass. We can do the different types of metals including aluminum, steel, iron. We can do all different types of papers like cardboard, regular paper that we use in the building, just pretty much across the board. There’s not too much you can’t recycle. What we have to be mos careful with is our water supply. Water is supposed to be a renewable resource but we can destroy water if we se too many of the devices that are being proposed, like the cars that split the water into hydrogen and oxygen atoms, can knock off the balance of the water that we need on the planet so we have to be careful with our water supply. If we contaminate water supply we will reduce the amount of water that is available for use by human beings and that’s another danger. What do you hope students learn from those experiences? Being stewards of the planet, we are only here for a certain period of time and during that time period we need to be as responsible as we can so that the next generation and the generation after that will be able to enjoy this beautiful planet that we have. And if anyone has ever seen any of this planet they will agree with me that we have a beautiful world we live in so want to keep it that way and keep it healthy.
12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 4.21.17
Starting Positions available in:
General Laborer With Advancement in:
Heavy Equipment Operation Pipefitting Welding
FRIDAY 4.21.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13
A&E
BY THE
Showcase Spotlights Dance Team
NUMBERS
23 The number of girls performing in the showcase.
6 The number of solos being performed
Carlee Lively Online Editor in Chief
A
s the family and friends shuffle into their seats, the dance team nervously awaits to hit the stage. With their costumes neatly tailored and makeup perfectly applied, the music begins and the show starts. This year’s showcase for the Royalettes features their usual hip-hop, jazz, and kick line but also includes modern, tap, and lyrical. The showcase every spring lets the team show off their hard work in front of their family, friends, and classmates. “I’m most excited to see how the showcase turns out knowing how much hard work we put into make it the best it can be,” junior India Richardson said. Richardson has been dancing on the dance team for three years but has danced for 15 years. “Dancing is important to me because I get to use a creative art form to express myself and have fun with my friends,” Richardson said. While many members of the team dance have been dancing since they were toddlers, junior Kayla Bailey has only been dancing for five years with four of those years being on the dance team.
“I haven’t been dancing for very long, but once I started, I immediately fell in love with the ability to express myself,” Bailey said. Expression on the floor, court, and/or field is a positive way for student athletes to relieve stress. Dancing, like many other sports, relieves stress and expresses emotion and passion for the activity. Whether the dancing is for a game, pep rally, or competition, the girls always find a way to pump up the crowd and themselves. Coach Ashley Foote said, “The crowd gets involved and make the girls get even more into their routines, knowing the crowd is loving what they are doing.” Dancing differs from most sports because the team does not compete, “Other than competitions, there is no win or lose, everyone goes out on the floor, smiles and performs their best routine that they can while having fun with their friends showing the crowd how hard they’ve worked to be where they are [now],” Foote said. It takes dedication to be a part of the Royalettes because it is considered an all year round team with tryouts starting in June. Dance camps throughout the summer prepare them for dancing at the pregame and halftime shows at Football and Basketball games. Performances during games run September through February with practices in between performances. They
Junior Kayla Bailey performed a pom dance during a competition at Clover Hill High School. Bailey will be performing in seven dances at the showcase. Photo by Royals Media. have been preparing for the showcase since the end of February. The showcase is unique from their usual performances because the girls dance two to three minutes long for sport games, while the showcase shows about two hours of routines. The difference in time and the amount of dancing takes practice to build endurance and remember all of the dances for the one show. 23 girls are performing in the showcase with some girls remembering four to five dance to girls dancing up to ten to twelve dances. There are sixteen dances altogether with six solos, one duo, one group of four, four dances with varying numbers and four full team numbers. The music varies from slower, meaningful songs to upbeat, lively hits to go with the style of dance. “It takes more effort, sweat, and dedication than people think to be a performer,” Foote said. This year’s showcase is May 20th at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. Purchase your five dollar ticket from a member of the dance team.
4 The number of full team dances being performed.
16 The number of dances being performed.
30 The number of days until the showcase.
14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 4.21.17
A&E
By The
Choir Travels To Orlando For Festival
NUMBERS
4
The number of songs the choir performed.
24 The number of students who traveled to Orlando.
6
T
Anna Mitchell TRN Writer
his past spring break, Prince George’s advanced choir attended the Festival Disney choir competition in Orlando, Florida. Approximately 24 students from PGHS attended, from grades 10 to 12. The ensemble did lots of hard work to prepare for this competition, from learning four new songs to working on technique and tone. “We did a lot of strenuous rehearsal to make sure we sounded our best when we got there. I think that Mr. Burks did a really good job preparing us for it,” said senior Caroline Brockwell, who attended the trip. The students also held fundraisers to raise money so that all of the students who wanted to go on the trip were able to attend. “We had to do a lot of fundraising in order to get everyone who wanted to go to go,” Brockwell said. Sophomore Michael Germanos also went on the trip and helped out with fundraising. “For the fundraiser, we sold chocolate bars towards the beginning of the year, and later in the year we did the spaghetti dinner, so we put tickets out and we sold them [for] 10 dollars each,” Ger-
manos said. “Then, on the night [of the dinner], we served everyone spaghetti and we had a to go lane, and then we performed at the end of the night.” Choir teacher Storm Burks went with the group. This is his first year teaching choir at PGHS. “We’ve really been preparing all year,” Burks said. “It started day one, with developing our tone and our sound, and creating our blend as an ensemble, and truly figuring out how we sound as a choir and putting our best foot forward.” The group arrived in Orlando on April 5th. They performed on Thursday, April 6th, and received a superior rating for all of their hard work. They performed four songs: Shosholoza, a traditional South American song, Lux Aurumque, a song written by American composer Eric Whitacre, Elijah Rock, a spiritual song composed by Jester Hairston, and Sicut Cervus, a religious song by the composer Palestrina. “I thought they performed very, very well,” Burks said about the group’s performance. “Was it our best? Maybe not. But we don’t go into each performance looking for a perfect performance. We practice for perfection and knowing that every performance there are flaws, and we found many ways that we can better ourselves, even though we did receive a superior rating. So we got a lot of great feedback, and we’re excited to apply those things to our spring concert.”
Choir students pose in front of the Epcot Statue at Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida. The choir received a superior rating at the festival. Photo contributed by Storm Burks. “I felt really accomplished,” said Brockwell. “There were obviously some things that we felt like we needed to work on, but we did so well given the pressure we were under. I think that we did awesome.” The students did not only compete while in Florida. They also visited the Walt Disney World Theme Park in Orlando, which was a big hit with the students. “My favorite part [of the Disney trip] was probably just walking around and hanging out with the rest of the people in choir and riding rides,” said Germanos. “[It] was so much fun,” Brockwell said. “I made so many memories, and it was just a really great trip. I’ll never forget it.” “It was a great reward for these studentst to get such an awesome opportunity for all their hard work and the hard money that they’ve raised to go towards this trip,” Burks said. The advanced choir’s next concert is on May 18th in the PGHS auditorium. Make sure to catch them there to hear their last performance of the 16-17 school year.
The number of chaperones that traveled to Orlando.
1 The number of awards the choir won at Festival Disney.
1 This was the first time the choir class has attended Festival Disney.
Information collected from Storm Burks.
PH TOGALLERY
FRIDAY 04.21.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15
Students Celebrate Ninth Annual DECA Fashion Show
TOP LEFT :.Senior Keith Brown jumps into a crowd of fellow performers for the “You Got Served” scene. The scene contained a dance battle choreographed by senior Naysha Glover and senior Kiara Hodge. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh. TOP CENTER: Junior Christine Bartruff poses for the 24K scene. This scene featured the cast wearing black and gold. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh. TOP RIGHT: The cast presents Kim Beales a card and balloons to show appreciation for everything she does. Mrs. Beales is the Marketing teacher and head of the DECA program. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh
For more photos of the DECA Fashion Show go to www.trnwired.smugmug.com
BOTTOM LEFT: Junior Kierra Jefferson, senior Lucy Mbugua, and senior Michelle Harris pose to show off their outfits for “You Got Served”. The performers wore athletic wear that allowed them to bend and move comfortably and look stylish. photo by Wessam Hazaymeh.
16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 4.21.17
is h t h t i w s u p l e h e s Plea ! r e s i a r d great fun -2700 3 3 7 4 0 Call 8 or email us 12.va. k . s g p @ l tcau
A&E CRITIC’S REVIEW
FRIDAY 4.21.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17
AMC’s ‘Into The Badlands’ Returns For Second Season
A
MC’s hit martial arts show “Into the Badlands” is returning for its second season. Viewers are left to wonder what will become of Sunny and the people he cares about with a cliffhanger ending of
season one. Fans left off with the explanations of season one to make their own theories of what is to come. With the beginning the show introduces the main character, Sunny, as a skilled martial arts killer, known as a clipper. Daniel Wu is returning back to his role of Sunny and Aramis Knight is coming back to play the character of M.K, the young teenager trying to embrace his dark power. In this society, the people are governed under rulers called barons. Throughout the season the barons find themselves in rage against one another and fighting not to begin a war among the people. While there is a power struggle between the Barons, Sunny fights to train M.K and the dark power
Kylie Cargill
within him. Anytime M.K is cut and bleeds, a power comes out and becomes unstoppable until his energy is used up. M.K promises Sunny that they can escape the Badlands if they can work together against the barons that keep them trapped. Though, Sunny has an alternative motive to escape the dangers of the Badlands. His love interest, Veil, is having a child and the only way to keep it is to leave. Sunny works against the baron, Quinn, to save the future of his child. Quinn isn’t liked by everyone though because his son, Ryder, is conspiring against him for the future title. The Widow, a baron of another sector, is trying to cause a rise out of Quinn to initiate another war. As the sectors fight against
Promotional photo courtesy of AMC.com the urge of another war, the struggle to escape the Badlands grows to a new height for Sunny. With action-filled shots the plot line grows thick to keep the viewers on their toes. The show premieres on Sunday nights on the network AMC.
18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 4.21.17
SPRING SPORTS
Top Six Define Tennis Team
Tyler Brock TRN Writer
T
he Royals Tennis Team permits its players by giving them a place to relax and unwind after school. It helps give them a peace of mind. The sport makes the kids more active and less anxious about school. Unlike most sports such as softball, baseball, basketball, and football, tennis is considered to be a quiet sport. There are not many fans cheering and holler for their team to get the most points and become the winner. Nor are there any cheer teams to give the athletes an extra boost of confidence. Just the sound of a tennis ball bouncing from one side of the tennis court, to the other side. Although, the tennis team has a goal that is common to most of the other sports teams: to encourage students to be more active and to have a healthier lifestyle.
Their practices are fun and exciting. The practices allows the kids to work on their forehand and backhand techniques. The warm-ups helps to relax and prepare the players’ muscles for their vigorous activities. “We keep things very relaxed. We practice our skills and I trust my boys to do their best and the results are what they are,” tennis coach Matt Weston said. The Royals Tennis Team has a special unit called the Top 6. The Top 6 is composed of the strongest players on the team. The Top 6 are so formidable, that when the tennis match begins, they’re practically guaranteed victory. “Top 6 are the best six players on the team. When they play other schools, their matches count towards conference,” Sophomore Sudie Halder said. Being chosen to be on the Top 6 makes the athletes feel very fortunate to be considered one of the best athletes on the team. Although, it can be quite stressful trying to get the team to advance to the next round.
“It can be stressful being in Top 6 at times because the matches you play count for your team. But it is fun playing against people at your skill level,” Halder said. Tennis coach Matt Weston is very proud of his team for winning a substantial number of games and tournaments. He also yearns for his team to give it their all in every tournament. The tennis team also wants to defeat their greatest rival: Clover Hill. “The season is going well. We are currently 6-3 on the season,” Weston said. The sports coach helps to relax and prepare his team by taking things one step at a time. He considers it key for players to feel free and to focus their energy on playing tennis. “As for lessons, I just want them to relax and enjoy playing,” Weston said. Ever since tennis was first introduced, it has evolved in some ways. For instance, athletes are playing a variety of sports and gaining new skills as well. This allows the players to be multi-talented and well rounded in all areas.
Sophomore Andrew Rhodes warms up hitting forehands before his match against Dinwiddie. Rhodes is one of the team’s top six players as a sophomore. Photo by Jenna Miles. “It is a different era for PG tennis. It used to be that most of the team only played tennis and that is okay. But we now find ourselves with mostly multi sport athletes; Wrestlers, golf, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and football players. They all bring a different skill set with them. But that is the fun of coaching, I get to show them how their skills for other sports is applied to tennis. I like the change and hope we continue to have anyone who wants to learn come out,” Weston said. The tennis team is like a family and welcomes anyone who wants to join them. The players get along very well with each other. The sports team considers teamwork the key to success.
FRIDAY 4.21.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19
SPRING SPORTS
Senior Spotlight
Soccer Starts Season On Winning Note
Wayne Coleman Sports Editor
V
arsity boys soccer started off the season winning their first two games. “We’ve all been pretty excited and motivated [going into the season], we’re ready to play,” junior Jared Kunkel said. “Our team confidence is helping us win our games. If we keep this confidence, we’re going to have an awesome season.” Expectations for the team mainly revolved on how to improve the offensive side, while the squad is comfortable with their defensive makeup. “We know we graduated 85 percent of our scoring this season, so the question was who was going to step up,” head coach Thomas Harrison said. “A positive is we have many returning players, in midfield and defending, so we’re strong in those assets.” After having a chance to evaluate the team from the five games played, the players feel they need to work on communication, among other things, in order to improve upon their season. “We need to work on reacting faster
to the ball, and just taking more shots,” senior Isaiah Hernandez said. “Our biggest strength is our fitness.” One feature of the squad this year is the large amount of juniors on the squad. Of the 15 student athletes, nine are in the current junior class. Harrison is used to the constant need for adjustment on his squad, and having a large portion of his athletes in one class is just another obstacle to overcome. “You never have the same team, you always have to change the dynamic,” Harrison said. Everyone on the team plays at different levels, and this, as Kunkel explains, brings balance to the squad. “Young guys or underclassmen are looking up to the older guys. They tend to be more hesitant with their abilities, while the upper class, the seniors, they’re more confident in their abilities, and they’re focused on giving leadership,” Kunkel said. “Juniors just fall in between, helping younger guys develop while continuing to learn.” The junior class is the bridging class for the team, and while still developing, provide a comfortable gateway for the underclassmen to hone their skills. “When I started out, the older guys liked to pick on us and that is one thing I’m trying not to do to the younger boys,” Kunkel said. “I try to encourage them and not
Freshman Kahlil Townsend juggles the ball past a Dinwiddie defender in an effort to get to the goal. Townsend is a first year varsity player. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh. discourage them. They are very talented and humble.” Kunkel feels that the presence of a majority of people from one class benefits his team. “Yeah I think it’s good [having this many juniors] because you don’t want too many seniors, or too many sophomores due to inexperience, you want a perfect balance,” Kunkel said. “Juniors are transitioning into role models. We’re not inexperienced, and more confident [in our ability].” Even with such a large portion of the team from one class, the team has gelled together well with little flaw. “We’ve worked well together, no conflict among team members,” Kunkel said. “I think when our junior class becomes seniors we’ll become good role models and experienced, because we’re going to have a big senior class, so it’s going to be crazy.” With everything coming together, a push to the regional tournament for this squad is possible. “Yeah, for sure [we can make a run],” Hernandez said. “As long as we keep our heads on straight and are focused.”
Mariah Ramirez
Girls Soccer
What do you love most about the sport? “The bond that you build with your team. You learn to rely on each other and trust your teammates.” What is your favorite memory you’ve experienced while playing? “Well, last year we almost went undefeated, but lost to Dale the first time we played them. When we played them the second time, it was close but we pulled through and Coach Warren threw himself into the mud celebrating. ” What are your plans for the future? “I plan on going to UTSA and become a labor and delivery doctor. I don’t think I want to play for the team but I’d like to do club sports. What are your goals for this season? “My goal is to do the best we can each game and become conference champions.”
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Spring >> Sports
UPCOMING
The softball team has a home game vs Atlee on Monday, April 24th at 5 PM.
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The girls tennis team has a home game against Meadowbrook on Tuesday, April 25th at 4:30 PM.
The boys soccer team has a home game against Meadowbrook on Tuesday, April 25th at 7 PM.
Pitchers Contribute Major Role To Game Management
Miracle Conaway TRN Writer
W
ith the game on the line, all eyes are on one player standing on the mound in the center of the diamond... he is the pitcher. Senior Cole Spain is one of these individuals who pitches and plays in the field. His job as pitcher is to throw strikes and help lead the team while out on the field. “The pitcher is the most important player on the team because he controls the game. If the pitcher makes a mistake then it affects the game,” Spain said. So much of preventing the opposition from scoring rests on the shoulders of the pitcher. When he
is on and throwing quality pitches, the Royals can keep the opposing team’s run total to a minimum. “Whether that player’s (the pitcher) mistake affects the game positively or negatively, the player’s choices still affect the game,” Spain said. All of the players on the team have a similiar view on why the pitcher is so important. But the defense must be there to back him up once the ball is put into play. Junior Tevin Tucker plays shortstop, and says some players who play different positions may have control over the game too. “My position is different from being a pitcher because the person who plays shortstop has a lot of control like the players who play outfield...,” Tucker said. Senior Justin Nase plays outfield, and says playing outfield and playing pitcher are different but also similiar. “My position is different from other positions such
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The baseball team has a home game against Meadowbrook on Tuesday, April 25th at 5 PM.
Senior Cole Spain prepares to release a pitch towards the J.R. Tucker batter. Spain is a second year varsity player. Photo by Matt Reed.
as pitcher because he (the pitcher) has control over everyone on the field. Pitchers have control over the whole game,” Nase said. Baseball is a game that requires a lot of concentration, because a person must keep their eye on the ball at all times. If the pitcher has a lot of control over the game, then the person behind the plate giving him signals and scooping up the curveballs in the dirt is also very key. “Another position that is similar to playing pitcher is playing catcher,” senior pitcher Jared Collier said. Pitchers and catchers are equally important, yet their jobs are different. The pitcher’s job is to throw strikes, while the catcher’s job is to let the pitcher know which pitches he should throw with the help of a coach. Whether or not the pitcher is important, one fact is true: it takes nine players working together on the field to win the game.