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THE ROYAL NEWS Volume XV, Issue 3
Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 www.trnwired.org - December 9, 2016 - @RoyalsMediaNow
PG PLAYERS PERFORM SHAKESPEARE’S MACBETH P. 13 p. 9 NEW COUNSELOR ADDED TO STAFF p. 10-11 CREATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS UNDER $25 p. 15 ROYALS OPEN SEASON AT HOME WITH RIVAL HOPEWELL DECEMBER TWITTER POLL QUESTION Would you be interested in attending a Sadie Hawkins dance? 227 Responses Via Twitter
63% YES
37% NO
Senior Troy West, as Macbeth, contemplates the murder of King Duncan in the Shakespearean play Macbeth. The PG Players performed the play during the first weekend in December. Photo by Kylie Cargill.
2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.16
Yankee Coffee Shop
2557-A S. Crater Rd. Petersburg, VA 23805 (804)-861-4990 Hours of Operation: Thursday-Monday: 5:30 A.M.- 1:45 P.M. Closed: Tuesday & Wednesday
FRIDAY 12.9.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3
OP/ED
Clubs Tap Into The Season Of Giving
theRoyalNews
W
ith the holiday season approaching, many people are tapping into their Christmas spirit.
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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 Conoway
Editor-in-Chief Chance Thweatt
Adviser
Chris Waugaman
Managing Editor Paul Dennis Jr.
Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2013 CSPA Gold Crown Winner 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2016 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010 NSPA Online Pacemaker Winner 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 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.
Holiday Spirit Evokes Unity and Students Giving Back To Communities
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s the chill in the air becomes more apparent, the holiday season creates a mood of giving back to the community and an overall sense of unity. The holiday season is a time to come together and show acts of kindness to loved ones and the lessfortunate. With all of the commotion resulting from political matters and other issues, It is vital that the community takes this time to do work in the community. In the future, it should also be a policy that requires students to do community service. Whether its donating canned food items to the local food bank, or putting a smile on someone’s face, it is important to give back and show appreciation for others. Along with donating to food banks, students can also participate in toy drives to make sure every child has a gift to open on Christmas. Regardless of financial matters, everyone can help give back to the community. For example, students
could volunteer to cut a neighbor’s grass, or make a homemade card for someone special. These acts of kindness can go a long way and could potentially highlight someone’s day. In addition, it is important that students remember to have a humble and grateful attitude during the holidays. Always smile and show kindness to others, because you never know when someone is are going through a tough time, especially during the holiday season. For example, someone could be dealing with the loss of a loved one, and an act of kindness could make this tough time a little better. As mentioned earlier, it is important to work in unity and make a difference in the community this holiday season. Encourage others to donate canned food items, old clothes, and other items to make this holiday special for those in need. Students should always look for ways to give a helping hand to those in need. Remember to be kind and touch the hearts of others.
Aside from caroling, parades, and other Christmas activities, giving is a huge part of spreading holiday cheer throughout the community. Many people BREANNA RACKLEY during this time of the year chose to provide for people who are less fortunate than themselves. Clubs and organizations around the school have gotten involved in making the holiday season bright for those in need. Mu Alpha Theta held a Christmas stocking drive. Club members filled stockings with toys and other items to donate to the Elf Helpers Organization. “I believe the Elf Helpers Organization is a good cause. They support the community during this time of the year. This drive also allows members of Mu Alpha Theta to volunteer to others and learn more about the spirit of giving,” said club sponsor Cynthia Hall. Mu Alpha Theta donated a total of nineteen stockings to the Elf Helpers Organization. The stockings will be given to children around the community for Christmas. The librarians are also advocating the season of giving. They are directing their third annual teen toy drive. This year, the drive is being held in memory of Quinlan Thomas who lost his life in August of 2014 due to leukemia. “We gear this drive towards teenagers because most drives are geared towards younger kids, and this age group is overlooked. Doing this drive unites the student body and creates empathy,” said librarian Allison Heath. The toys that are donated will go to the teenagers of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Children’s Hospital in Richmond. Gifts are being accepted by Ms. Heath and Ms. Webb until Monday, December twelfth. There are many other organizations around the community that are aiming to spread the holiday cheer through giving. It is better to give than to receive, especially when you can brighten the holidays for people in your community.
4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.16
OP/ED
No time, No Help The 2016-2017 school year has come with many changes which include a new bell schedule that has taken away Extra Time, Extra Help. The removal of ETEH has caused concern in the student body due to the lack of time to seek the necessary help.
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tarting this 2016-2017 school year, the ETEH (Extra Time Extra Help) period during the recurring 5th block class has ended and it is causing controversy. ETEH was beneficial because it was a period where students could get help with their school work, watch PGTV and the Daily 10 announcements, do their makeup work, and relax before they went to their next class. The loss of this period has had a tremendous effect, especially on the students. Many students were distraught when they heard the bad news, and were concerned about where to go to find assistance. ETEH was very important to the students because it allowed them to be more efficient and get their work done easier and quicker. ETEH was unique because it gave everyone time to get assistance with their schoolwork without staying after school. Indeed, the special period was meant to make help more convenient for students. Teachers wouldn’t have to set aside more time after school to help their students. Now, everyone is struggling to get through this new school year. Since ETEH has been removed , many are worried about where to go to get help now. Students are finding it harder to get help and may have to stay after school for tutoring, or go somewhere else. Although, the biggest challenge is finding transportation. Students can’t stay after school and their only opportunity for help was during school. Whether the problem stems from lack of transportation or involvement in extra-curricular activities, after or before school doesn’t cater to everyone. ETEH’s cancellation was a poor choice for PGHS and has caused problems for students academically. With the loss of this special time, it has made getting assistance more difficult and strenuous to find. Others will have to endure the trouble of not finding help and watch their grades drop. The ending of ETEH has put everyone into a frenzy, and now students are trying hard to stay ahead of the curve.
PRO CON TYLER BROCK
PAUL DENNIS JR.
“Many students were distraught when they heard the bad news, and were concerned about where to go find assistance.” “Without ETEH the student body is receiving 35 more minutes all devoted to doing in-class work.” “Students are finding it harder to get help and may have to stay after school for tutoring, or go somewhere else.” “By adding class time to every block, we are helping prepare students for the end of the year.”
W
hen the new school year came around and the student body was forced to adjust to the new time schedule, many people soon began to dread the changes that were made. We needed to add more in-class time, and one of the ways we would have to do it is by removing ETEH (Extra Time, Extra Help). This initially sounds bad because we are essentially removing the only study hall, and possibly the only chance that students have to get extra help without being forced to stay after school. This may be one downside, but there are a surplus of positives to having ETEH removed. Without ETEH the student body is receiving 35 more minutes in class, all devoted to doing work. Every year teachers struggle to get all the required information efficiently included before the deadlines of the SOL tests. But by adding class time to every block and directly giving students more time to learn and ask questions, we are helping prepare students for the end of the year. People also greatly overrate exactly how much ETEH was actually used for what it was actually meant to be - a block that students used to study, finish work, and ask teachers for help with subjects that they struggle with. Often students failed to utilize the block correctly and often used it to converse with friends and sleep. Although there were students that might have used ETEH wisely, there was an overwhelming amount that did not. This way, all of the student body is constantly using their time to the best of their ability. The other positive to not having an ETEH is that now, we won’t be in an end-of-the-year panic that we experienced in the past because we had not recorded enough instructional time. This way we can be released for the summer on time, and keep every teacher workday.
FRIDAY 12.9.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5
THE WEEK AHEAD Holiday Concert Will Take Place Tues., Dec 13th In The Auditorium
C Star Wars Rogue One Hits Theaters
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n Dec. 15th, the Force is back with the story of how a group of rebels attempts to bring down the Emperor’s newest weapon of mass destruction, the Death Star. The story takes place between Star Wars Episode III and IV and sees the introduction of many new characters. But never fear it looks as though there will be an appear-
ance by everyone’s favorite villain Darth Vader. Don’t wait to get your tickets theaters in the area are selling out weeks before it’s premiere. Regal South Park’s Mall Stadium 16 is showing it at 7 PM, 8 PM, and 10:10 PM along with 3D showings at 7:30 PM and 10:40 PM. Destination Theater is also showing it at 7 PM and 7:20 PM. May the force be with you.
Patron Ads As Senior Quotes This Year
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his year seniors will have a chance to buy a patron ad in the yearbook like every year in the past. But instead of placing your quote on the patron
ad page you can have it placed under your senior photo. The price is still $10 as always. Please see a yearbook staff member or see our table the week of 12/12-12/16 in the Commons.
Club Picture Day Is Wednesday, Dec. 14
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emember to have your club card, photo ID, and don’t be late on Wed., Dec. 15th as the yearbook staff gets ready to take your photo on Club Picture Day. This event will be taking place in the auditorium all day on the 15th. Students are responsible for showing up five minutes before your scheduled photo time. Photo times and camera assignments will be sent to teachers via email. If you are not sure when your club is taking it’s photo see the @RoyalsMediaNow Twitter feed for a schedule on Tuesday night before photo day.
ome out to see the concert band and choirs celebrate the holiday season at 7 PM on Dec. 13th in the auditorium. Both groups will be performing a variety of songs. The concerts lasts roughly between an hour and 1 1/2 hours. There is no charge for the concert and it will begin promptly at 7 PM with the band performing a medley of songs. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the music groups this winter. Remember they will not perform for the school during the regular school day, so this is your only opportunity to hear them sing and play.
Did You Miss The PG Parade?
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on’t worry... if you missed the PG Holiday parade you can still attend either the Dinwiddie Christmas Parade which takes place on Dec. 11th from 1 PM - 3 PM, or the Colonial Heights parade which was moved due to rain to Monday night Dec. 12th at 7 PM on the Boulevard.
6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.16
FEATURES
LIGHT
Engineering Students Illuminate Home For Holiday Season Newbold gives volunteer hours for setting Christmas decorations
Nov. 25Jan. 9 DOMINION GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS AT LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN Richmond, VA
Nov. 24Dec. 31
Carlee Lively Online Editor-In-Chief
TACKY LIGHT TOUR WITH RICHMOND LIMOUSINE Richmond, VA
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or eight years, Newbold has pulled the bins and boxes from his attic to celebrate Christmas; but it is not just him. Alongside his family, many students volunteer to help him. “When my kids volunteer they learn teamwork, they learn about electricity, and a set of tools they did not know about,” Newbold said. “They learn all about the Christmas Spirit.” Newbold teaches the Pre-Engineering classes and sponsors the Skills USA club. The electrical engineering lessons transfer to real life situations around the holidays. The pre-season to Christmas is a chance to let the students have an opportunity for community services hours. The work done in helping spread the holiday spirit is a chance for students to earn service hours for school clubs that require hours to have a membership. One of the volunteers is senior Reman Hazaymeh, a second year student in the Pre-engineering class. “[The best part] was riding on the back of the trailer and climbing the trees because it was fun to ride the trailer,” Hazaymeh said. But putting up the decorations is not all fun, the Newbold’s and the volunteers work for four weekends to complete the yard. It is finished the last week of November and lights up the
TOURS
Dec. 26Dec. 27 whole month of December. That time is spent laughing and learning. As Hazaymeh learns the complex ways of electrical work, Newbold always reminds him of the basics, “I learned that it is important to label and lay cut electrical cards correctly because it makes things easier,” Hazaymeh said. With over 100 different parts and pieces of decorations, staying organized is key to successful putting up the decorations for the volunteers. Newbold’s wife, Carey Newbold is the mastermind of the lights. “It takes an army, you have one general, which is my wife. We get all the stuff down and she tells us where to put it five time,” Newbold said. With a display as grand as theirs, it can take hours to figure out when the decorations. Time is not the only thing the family is against, whether is a big factor as well. Wind and water can knock down and ruin entire pieces of lights and figures. Newbold started the decorations for his daughter, junior Liza Newbold
From left to right, junior Darcy McCoy, junior Chad Balch, senior Reman Hazaymeh, junior Ryan Krese, and junior Liza Newbold ride a trailer full of Christmas decorations. The students decorated the grounds to be ready for the first week of December. Photo courtesy of Carey Newbold. when she was three years old. Christmas is Newbold’s favorite holiday to celebrate because he can enjoy family time and think about the real reasons he celebrates the holiday. “[It’s] a time for family. The holiday season is the time for forgiving and caring more than you normally would. It is making someone feel special,” Newbold said. The holiday season is all about giving, whether is that is gifts, experiences, or skills. “I got out of it was enjoyment of helping out a teacher that I admire and respect, and I got to know my teacher on a more personal level,” Hazaymeh said.
HOLIDAY GLITTER: MONUMENT AVENUE AFTER DARK Richmond, VA
Nov. 18Jan. 1 MCDONALD’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE BEACH VA BEACH, VA
Nov. 25Jan. 2 BUSCH GARDENS CHRISTMAS TOWN Williamsburg, VA
FRIDAY 12.9.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7
FEATURES Fill-A-Sock-Ful Of Holiday Cheer Students Present Charitable Donations To Local Homeless Shelter Tiara Whirley TRN Writer
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uring the holidays, many organizations decide to sponsor fundraisers for causes. In November, the SGA hosted the Fill-ASock-A-Ful program in which students donated small snacks, travel size toiletries, etc. in tube socks to take to a local shelter. Boxes to collect donations were placed around the school in the main office, the attendance office, the guidance office, the library, room A10, and room A33. The acceptable items included, but were not limited to, travel size toiletries, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, small snacks, and tube socks. SGA sponsor Marcia Edmundson decided to host the program this year. She enjoyed watching the students pull things together to serve their community and seeing the happiness on the faces of the people that received these socks. “Last year we had boxes full,” said Edmundson when speaking about the amount of donations achieved. Participation has become more difficult to achieve each year. When students become uninterested in something, new ways must be found to capture their attention which is often difficult to achieve. Programs such as Fill-A-Sock-A-Ful may be the solution to this problem. By
getting the students in schools to participate, the school can influence the parents and adult figures in a community as well. According to Edmundson, the students feel good about donating and seeing the impact on society they have. This program takes place close to the holidays, which may have an effect on the amount of donations. Usually, people are more willing to contribute during the holidays because of the giving season. A sense of morality takes over and people recognize the needs of others who are less fortunate. This happens mostly in the winter months as the cold takes over and the chances of harsher weather increases. Homeless individuals scramble to find proper clothing, food, and shelter to endure the low temperatures. When snow sets in, these people have very few ways to protect themselves. Programs like Fill-A-Sock-A-Ful help these people by donating supplies to provide support in these pressing times. In December, Edmundson and a few students took the socks full of donations to a local homeless shelter and distributed them. “The response was phenomenal,” said Edmundson. The recipients of the socks showed extreme gratitude and emotion. Fill-A-Sock-A-Ful is a program in which everyone is encouraged to participate every year. It has been successful for a few years. It reaches many people in shelters each time. Fill-A-Sock-A-Ful will continue to make a difference every year through the students and sponsors that turn possibility into reality.
English teacher Beth Houlihan presents her Fill -ASock-Ful donation box. Boxes to collect donations were placed around the school in the main office, the attendance office, the guidance office, the library, room A10, and room A33. Photo by Gabriel Christian.
8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.16
FRIDAY 12.9.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9
FEATURES
Reactions
Military Makes Addition To Counseling Stoke Becomes New MFLC Counselor To Aid Students
To Fort Lee Counselor
Tiffany Whittington TRN Writer
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ecently a new member has been added to the school counseling team, and she is trained to work with students with activeduty parents, and make their experience in Prince George the best it can be. Julia Stoke, a licensed family and marriage counselor for over 20 years, has recently started her job as a MFLC (Military Family Life Counselor) counselor. Although she has previously worked with adolescents before, she is still adjusting to her new role and responsibilities. “I am new to the job and new to the program, so it’s kind of a learning experience for everybody,” Stokes said. Stokes hopes to reach military students by being a frequent figure in their classrooms. “I am going to be here doing presentations in classrooms and for different groups that’ll be on things like family transition, deployment, service members returning, any sort of family stress - all things that not only military families go through, but kids in general deal with,” Stoke said. Stoke also hopes to be a recurring presence at students’ activities outside of school. “I’ll be at the bus duty, I’ll be at after school programs like plays, sporting events, things like that,” said Stoke. She does not only want to work with students, she also wants to reach their active-duty guardians as well. “I’m going to be at after school activities because a lot of times parents will come to the sporting events or plays. Maybe have some parent breakfast or coffee time, things like that,” Stoke said. “They’re welcome to contact me. I can call them, they can call me. I’m very open to seeing how I can assist them in relation to the high school because this is my base.” As for availability, there will also
“I think it’s good because some people don’t understand what’s going on in Fort Lee and how the kids have to travel a lot,” said sophomore Marissa Morales.
be opportunities to speak with Mrs. Stokes throughout the school day. “I will be here in the mornings and in the commons area all through lunch. I’m hoping I’m going to have little crafts and things to do,” said Stoke. Military students can come to Stoke about a very wide range of topics that impact their mental health. “The issues I mainly work with are school adjustment, deployment and separation, reunion adjustment, sibling, parent, and child communication, behavior concerns, fear of grief and loss. Just anything students feel like they’re struggling with,” Stoke said. Although Stoke works alongside the guidance department, her counseling services are only available to students with active-duty military parents. “I can only see active military kids. Presentations and groups can benefit everybody, crafts things like that. But if you say you knew a family member was deploying and you were struggling with that, you could come to me and we would kind of work through that stuff. If say a non-military kid was having a stressor, they would go somewhere else for example guidance or school counseling,” Stoke said. Stoke is also planning on creating
Julia Stoke sits in the cafeteria , during lunch blocks, at the front of the commons and assists Fort Lee students with questions and problems they might be experiencing. Stoke started working as the MFLC in November. Photo by Kylie Cargill. a safe, comfortable space for students when they seek her counseling services. “I’m hoping to show the students that they’ll have a place to come and feel comfortable talking and will work through some of the issues with new kids transitioning in. I see we’ve got a lunch buddy table so I’m going to build on that and have people feel comfortable,” Stoke said. Stoke also has personal reasons for wanting to extend a warm welcome to new students and help current students. “For me personally, my kids go to Prince George Schools so it’ll be nice for me to see how the high school works and know that I’m involved in the community, a place where my kids will eventually funnel up through and so it’ll be nice that I’ll be here, be a presence.”
“It makes me know that they care about us. A lot of the time at other schools, they don’t really make military student their top priority,” said junior Zoe Koons.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” said sophomore Rebecca Wilson.
12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.16
YEARBOOK SENIORS Don’t forget to buy your senior ad!
And for the first time you can place your patron ad quote under your senior photo as a senior quote. See a staff member to purchase your quote space today.
Deadline Jan 20!
Thank You Patrons! SUPER Dennis & Janet Carr GOLD Louise Thornton Sherri Jones Art Club Cultural Awareness Daryl Phillips
Green Spanish Club National Honors Society Monica Curtis
Morgan Parker Patrons Warren Winterson Cathy Cleveland Jeff Darby Mr. Butler Roscoe Jones Blake Cox Edwina Clissa Ms. Truell Debbie Semien Carol Peterson Jamie Gilliam
If you would like to become a patron, please stop by A2 or ask any staff member how you can donate, so that Royals Media can continue to provide quality media to Prince George students.
FRIDAY 12.9.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13
A&E
PG Players Present Macbeth Play
BY THE NUMBERS
5
The number of seniors that starred in Macbeth.
30 The total number of people in the play.
2 The number of teachers that starred in the play.
Kylie Cargill TRN Writer
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he cursed Shakespeare play is hitting the theater of Prince George High school with full excitement. Macbeth’s rocky history isn’t causing panic with this crew. “It’s purely superstition. There are a lot of reasons why that superstition exists and all of it has to do with actors that no longer exist as viable of supportable things to be afraid of,” director Daryl Phillips said. “A lot of the superstition came from how people believed in God and Satan four hundred years ago, and the number of the other superstitions about the play developed because of the fact that there is a lot of combat in the play.” Phillips continued by saying that actors have received injuries due to that combat and so they connect those two things. “I don’t know how to feel about it because I seem to be getting it and I feel like everything is going to be fine but at the same time there’s something in the back of my head that says something is bound to go wrong,” senior Jordan Collins said. With all worries aside the cast prepares for the showing. The cast express why this
Shakespeare was a good pick. Junior Sam Preece stars as Lady Macbeth in her first Shakespeare play. “I’ve always wanted to do a Shakespeare play. I’ve never done one before.” Preece said. “It’s very different from most plays I’ve done because you have all these random words that shouldn’t even really be there. It’s challenge.” Collins said. “I chose it [Macbeth] for a couple of reasons. Number one, every couple of years I try to do some Shakespeare because studying theater without Shakespeare is like studying biology without cell structure,” Phillips said. Phillips added that, “Another reason is because there are a lot of things happening in the play politically and socially that sort of mirror some of the things we’ve been going through as a country in the last six months. I think anybody who comes to see it will know what I mean.” The play proves to be a challenge for the cast, but things are smoothing out with memorization. “The hardest part is the students learning the lines because it’s a four hundred year old play and its a language style that’s old so they’re just having a challenge getting the old style speaking in their mouths. We had a great rehearsal. They were just at the point where the words were flowing.” Phillips said.
Senior Troy West, who plays Macbeth, and Junior Samantha Preece, who plays Lady Macbeth, discuss a plot to overthrow the king. The cast performed Macbeth four times during the first weekend in December. Photo by Kylie Cargill. “It’s hard. There are a ton of monologues and a ton of dialogues but we’re good and I think it’ll be really cool,” Preece said. The cast worked together on the play and formed a bond with each other. “...the fact of working together with a group of people that you can relate with because you are all doing one thing together. If one messes up then we all mess up but we all recover together,” Collins said. Being out on the stage is a whole new world for the crew. “It feels fantastic because I get to be someone else and, I have stage fright but at the same time when you’re on that stage you’re not focused on the audience you’re focused on who you’re talking to,” Collins said. “You never really look at the audience unless you have a certain part.” “I just really like the feeling of being on stage and going out into the house and talking to people,” Preece said.
4 The number of performances of the play at the high school.
30 The number of people killed in 1849 because the play caused a riot.
Information collected from Senior Jordan Collins and www. historicmystories.com
14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 12.9.16
A&E
By The
Choir Students Advance To All Districts NUMBERS
Eighteen Members Of Choir Prepare To Take On All District Singers
18
The number of students selected to advance to All Districts.
Miracle Conoway TRN Writer
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ebruary isn’t just the month of Valentine’s day or the month that has the shortest amount of days in it. Many students are excited about the month of February because they get to participate in the annual All District Choir. All District Choir is a weekend of performance with the best choir students from all over Region III. It is also competitive where students between schools of all districts, those including, Prince George, Petersburg, Hopewell, and more tryout for states. Eighteen students, young ladies and gentlemen will represent Prince George at the All District Choir competition. For the choir students this is a very special week because they use this competition as an opportunity to learn more from their peers and guest conductors. Choir director Storm Burks stated that he was very excited for his students and he was proud of them for putting in so much time and effort to make it this far. Burks will be attending the exhibition with his students in February. “As a teacher my favorite part of this competition would have to be seeing all the young men and women coming together and working together as if they were all part of a family. It is a very beautiful and touching thing to see,” Burks said. The students that participate in the competition do not win trophies or awards, they win experience. “It’s not about winning, it’s about getting your voice heard and noticed,” senior Rachel Post said. “You can’t overpower others, you have to blend with them and work together.” Post’s favorite part about the competition is singing, meeting new people, and hearing others and their ability to sing. Post stated that this was her second time participating in the All District Choir weekend in the past two years. Most of the students state they like participating in the competition because of the experience they get and the people they meet.
10 The number of seniors advancing to All Districts.
8 The number of juniors and sophomores advancing to All Districts.
110 The number of people in the all female choir.
“This competition gives others a challenge, a challenge that they don’t get normally from school, it’s honestly a great experience to have,” sophomore Rylee Hughes said. Hughes’s favorite part about the competition is that she gets to have an opportunity outside of Prince George that she can use to better herself within Prince George. “It’s all about the singing and the opportunity,” sophomore Michael Germanos said. His favorite part is having the chance to sing with other children, and learn new songs. He also stated that his
Choir director Storm Burks instructs his 3rd block mixed choir during a practice session for the holiday concert. Eighteen singers will participate in February in All Districts. Photo by Royals Media. favorite part of choir in general would be just singing and learning new things. This competition means a lot to the students. They’ve been working really hard to be the best and to have fun. The All District Choir performance and state tryout will take place in the second week of February sometime near Valentine’s Day at Meadowbrook High School.
180 The number of people in the mixed choir group.
Information collected from Storm Burks and choir students.
PH TOGALLERY
FRIDAY 12.9.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15
Royals Open Season At Home With Rival Hopewell Left: Senior Kaejohn Jones sets up senior David Mcdougal for an open shot. Mcdougal would go on from this to score on the assist. Photo by Matteo Reed.
TOP RIGHT: Junior Tynan Bassett protects the ball from a Hopewell defender. The 2016 season is Bassett’s first year on the varsity squad. Photo by Matteo Reed. ABOVE: Junior Tevin Tucker looks for open teammates to put the ball in play. The Blue Devils defeated the Royals 65-64 on a free throw with less than a few seconds on the clock . Photo by Matteo Reed.
For more photos of all winter sports go to www.trnwired. smugmug.com
LEFT: Junior Tevin Tucker ends his fast break drive with a lay up over a Hopewell player. Tucker would go on to lead several more fast breaks in this game. Photo by Matteo Reed .
16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.16
Starting Positions available in:
General Laborer With Advancement in:
Heavy Equipment Operation Pipefitting Welding
FRIDAY 12.9.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17
A&E Gamer's Corner & Critic Review Madden 17 Changes Pace Over The Years
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adden has changed a lot over the years and reached at least two generations of gamers from 1988 to present day. Madden 17 was released on August 23, 2016, by Electronic Art for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 gaming systems. Madden 17 is the 26th installment in the Madden series. The developers of the game have made noticeable improvements to the special teams, commentary in the game, defense, and connected franchise. Along with the graphic changes that improve with each installment Madden has upped its gameplay also. In past installments special teams mainly showed favoritism to the players on offense meaning that blocking kicks and field goals were a rarity, which caused some players to not try on special teams, but Madden 17 has made it not such a rarity to make stops on special teams. The defense also got some help handling the offense with more focus on strengthening the defensive
Matteo Reed
artificial intelligence and making sure less known receivers who don’t have the attributes to make big catches or plays are contained fittingly. Receivers like Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons are more likely to populate the highlight reel with great plays. The virtual commentary booth has new faces with the game getting rid of long term duo Jim Nantz and Phil Simms and replacing them with Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, who have gotten rave reviews from critics and gamers. Promotional photo courtesy of easports.com The fan favorite connected franchise mode also got some new touches with the player prepares the team for success. additions of the big decision feature, which lets you set Madden 17 happens to be one of the best Madden’s a goal for player, coach, or owner at the beginning of so far, even with the glitches which are evident in any the season. The practices also mean more in Madden game. Madden gets an 8 out of 10 rating. 17 with team and player development tied to how the
Duck Dynasty Returns For Final Season
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uck Dynasty first aired March 21, 2012, on A&E and since then, they have shown 130 episodes leading up to the 11th and final season. During the past seasons we have experienced the madness behind the All-American Robertson family, famously known for their company, Duck Commander and Buck Commander, that produces duck calls and other hunting materials. Their goal, as a family, is to run the business while staying true to their Louisiana roots and values. The new season premiered November 16, 2016, and will run until January 18, 2017, then it will take an hiatus until March 1, 2017. In the new season the family is increasing in size with new additions and marriage to the family. Like in past epi-
Kattie Iwanski
sodes the Robertson’s will take their views on the crazy adventures in their hometown including starting snow cone stands, brothers competing to become their neighborhood HOA, and becoming models for the Duck & Dressing clothing line started by Rebecca Roberson. Four episode have aired so far and the next one will appear on December 14th, 2016, entitled “Good Wille Hunting.” In the last episode Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck Dynasty, gives his son, Will, his budget to get his first car, instead he purchases a new motorcycle. While back at the office Jase, Willie’s brother, is inspired to create a new product using zip lines. With these and other problems lying ahead of the family, the new season is predicted to be filled with adventure. New episodes air every Wednesday at 9/8c PM. The final episode of Duck Dynasty will air on April 12, 2017, but the family has announced that they hope to be able to come back and do a special on A&E.
Promotional photo courtesy of www.aetv.com.
18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 12.9.16
WINTER SPORTS
Girls Basketball Acquires New Coach
Wayne Coleman Sports Editor
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havohn Curley is the next up after former girls varsity basketball head coach Billy Gray stepped down from the position. Curley comes from Hampton, Virginia. She played basketball at Virginia Commonwealth University on a full scholarship. Her first coaching job was at Hermitage High School for two years as an assistant junior varsity coach. She proceeded to be the head coach at Essex High School for two years, and then went to Petersburg High School for three years as an assistant coach. Coaching has many aspects that make the job both challenging and easy for her. “The easiest is being around a sport I love, I like working with young people, and creating a positive family environment,” Curley said. “[The most difficult is] trying to meet all their needs.” She sees the process of tending to each athlete’s learning style as an obstacle that can be easily conquered. Curley expects her team to not just blow up the victory column, which to her, is not the only way to win. She wants her girls to
achieve academic success and reach their potential on the court. “I’m expecting to have a successful year both on and off the court,” Curley said. “Success isn’t all about wins, if I see players growing, I feel that’s part of our success.” Curley is hoping that first-hand experience will bring a positive force to her team. “[I’m bringing] experience from being a player; a lot of things we do together are to create a family environment,” Curley said. She says she enjoys coaching because it is something she feels familiar with. “I feel like it’s something I know, but at the same time I feel like I’m learning,” Curley said. Sophomore Rayven Martin, junior Dieonjonai Haupt, and senior Lilliauna Hopkins feel their coach is making her goal of trying to create a family environment. “She’s the type that will bring us more together as a family than separate us,” Martin said. The way she brings her team together is why they say it was not difficult to transition to her coaching style. “She brought us in as her own. We felt comfortable,” Haupt said. Her experience also helps the girls with learning more about the game. “Her strength is in her knowledge from when she played. She brings us the experi-
Girls varsity head basketball coach Shavohn Curley shouts defensive instructions from the sideline to her team at the Hopewell game. Curley has taken over as the new head coach this season . Photo by Wayne Coleman. ence from when she played,” Hopkins said. Another strength is showing her athletes the direction they need to go to get better. “She is showing us what’s right and how things are done,” Haupt said. The players have done everything they can to help Curley transition into her new role. “We have been open to her opinions and her way of teaching us,” Haupt said. The team has responded in a positive manner to their new coach so far as the season begins to develop. “[Our reaction has been] very positive, practice has been more productive, and we’ve come together more this year as a family,” Hopkins said. As for her future, Curley hopes that her success as a coach measures beyond the court for her athletes. “[I see myself] hopefully playing for a state ring, and making sure the girls are getting to a good college and good education,” Curley said.
Senior Spotlight Al-Tarik Samuel
Indoor Track
When did you first begin running track? “I have been running since I was in the third grade.” What do you love most about the sport? “I love the competitiveness that it brings, and that it forces the best out of everyone.” How do you all plan on building up from last year’s great season? “This year we plan on becoming state champions and then national champions, but it all starts here.” What are your plans for the future? “I am planning on running track in college, but I am undecided as to where right now.” What are your goals for the season? “I plan on becoming an individual All-American and a two-time state champion. I want to run a 33.0 second 300, a 47 second 400, and a 1.03 in the 500 meter.”
WINTER SPORTS
FRIDAY 12.9.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19
Football Players Make Transition To Wrestling Program
Shanice Davis TRN Writer
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ith the c l o s e of the football season, m a n y talented players are trading in the field for the mat and heading to the fieldhouse to wrestle. However, transitioning to wrestling after the football season is over isn’t uncommon. NFL players such as Ronnie Brown, the former running back for the Miami Dolphins and Randy Grossman, a former tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers would wrestle before the season. Whilst many athletes have made the transition from football to wrestling, it isn’t as easy as one may think. Junior Ray McLean, both a football player and wrestler, explains the difficulties between both
sports. “Wrestling is a lot harder and tougher than football. Football is just a season sport [while] wrestling is a whole other animal.” said McLean. Junior and former wrestler Nathan Skalsky added his struggles when he participated in both sports. “After the football season ends, you are beat up and tired [then] wrestling starts on the following Monday so you just get beat up and tired even more.” said Skalsky. While the physical challenge in wrestling is quite noticeable, many people fail to realize the effect it has on players mentally. Coach Glen Thomas, the wrestling and football coach, explains the mental aspect of the sport. “It could be that you’re on a mat with somebody and they’re bigger, stronger, and faster than you and they beat you. [What stays in your mind after that defeat is that you] have to get back on the mat later with somebody else.” The challenges of realizing you may not be good at wrestling are hard to overcome
but Coach Thomas is a key to the team’s multiple victories. Coach Thomas has been coaching for twelve years and throughout those years, he has developed several methods that help the team be victorious. One of those methods is discipline. “You’ve got to be disciplined to play any sport whether it’s football or to wrestling. You’ve got to be able to know the techniques and to understand maneuver. You’ve got to be tough, mentally strong and able to overcome adversity, especially in wrestling because it’s one on one,” Coach Thomas said. Coach Thomas also uses repetition to assist his players. “What I try to do is get them technically sound in their moves... We videotape matches and point out things like “you did that wrong,” and also let them know what works best for them and when it comes to wrestling. We show how a move is supposed to be performed and [assist them in] understanding a counter for every move that someone does,” Coach Thomas said.
Junior Wallace Canada spars with warmup partner junior Jakob Kennedy before the Petersburg match. Canada is one of a few wrestlers who must transition quickly from football season to wrestling. Photo by Royals Media. Thanks to Coach Thomas, those whom have played both football and wrestling have tighter, stronger, and faster techniques. It is thanks to him and his excellent coaching that the team does well. To those around him, he is not only a coach but also an inspiration. “Coach Thomas is like a father figure and he’s really hard on you but it’s for the best interest,” Skalsky said. McLean also praises the coaching methods Coach Thomas has to offer. “He knows a lot of motivation and his practices are the best to get you in shape.” Whilst Coach Thomas is content with the sports, there is one thing he really desires would change for wrestling.
Winter >> Sports
UPCOMING
Varsity Boys Basketball plays Colonial Heights at home on Fri., Dec. 16th at 7:15 PM.
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Wrestling faces Thomas Dale and Matoaca at home on Wed., Jan 4th at 5 PM.
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Girls Varsity Basketball plays Petersburg at home Thurs., Jan. 5th at 7:15 PM.
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The Indoor Track Conference 12 meet takes place at Prince George on Sun., Jan. 8th.
Basketball Team Mentors Walton Students Junior Tynan Basset teaches plays one-on-one with Walton Elementary student Jae’mon Siegler. Basset is a member of a mentor program which meets with students once a week. Photo by Breanna Rackley. Use this QR Code to view more images from our winter sports season.
Anna Mitchell TRN Writer
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asketball players have to balance school, sports, and their personal lives, which can take up quite some time. But these players are involved in another activity - “Carr’s Kids,” a program where the players mentor fifteen young students from Walton Elementary. The program is relatively new, created by head basketball coach Travis Carr, the program has been running for about one month. “With all the negativity you see in the news these days, I wanted to use our basketball platform for a positive movement,” Carr said. “I was actually inspired by President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper program for adults,” he said, mentioning a similar, nationwide program, in which young adults mentor students in grades six through nine.
Every Friday after school, Carr and the players head to Walton to meet the kids. Carr recognizes the kids who have had a particularly good week. Next, the kids and the players all take a break together. They have snacks, and each player talks with the student they mentor. If they have time, they all play basketball together at the end. One basketball team member, sophomore Patrick Gee, is a member of the group and mentors one of the students. “We try to see what their main problems are,” Gee said. “[Like] if you can’t get along with a student or a certain teacher, we try to help them with that.” Every Friday the students have a private conversation with the players. The talks help the students and the players bond more closely, and they are a place for the students to talk about things that are troubling them. The players and the students talk about all kinds of things, ranging from their grades to things happening at home. “They talk about what’s going on in their lives, any behavior improvements, academic improvements, and just ‘guy talk’ they may not get at home,” Carr said. And the players don’t just talk to the kids on Fridays -
they talk and give advice throughout the week. “Some of us text our kids [outside of school] to check up on them,” Gee said. While it has only been running for a short time, Carr’s Kids has already had a positive influence on the students. “We brought them their own PG Basketball T-shirt, and they wear it every Friday when we meet. One of the kids asked me ‘can I wear this on the other days of the week too?’” Carr said. “And that’s what it’s all about.” The mentoring program has been a positive experience for not only the kids, but for others, as well. The program has left a positive impact on the players’ lives, too. “It’s shown me how fortunate I am, and how lucky I am,” Gee said about his experiences in the program. The program has even positively influenced the team’s coach. “[It] has taught us that we are more than just varsity basketball players,” Carr said. “We have the potential to make life-altering impacts in the lives of young people. Wins on the court are great, but winning off the court at times [is] even better.”