March 2017 by chris waugaman

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THE ROYAL NEWS Volume XV, Issue 6

Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 www.trnwired.org - March 17, 2017 - @RoyalsMediaNow

PARTICIPANTS PREPARE FOR ANNUAL FASHION SHOW P. 14 p. 10-11 MARCH MADNESS p. 13 PG PLAYERS PRESENT ADDAMS FAMILY p. 20 TRACK MEMBERS PLACE AT NEW BALANCE NATIONALS MARCH TWITTER POLL QUESTION Will you be attending the 4-H talent show which takes place March 17th? 78 Responses Via Twitter

Yes 23%

No 77%

Fashion Marketing teacher and DECA sponsor Kim Beales walks out during the curtain call at the 2016 fashion show. The March 31st event will be the ninth consecutive year of the show. Photo by Dejanae Gibson.

2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.17.17

OP/ED

FRIDAY 3.17.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3

St. Patrick’s Day’s History Celebrated By Many

“We’ll see in May.”

theRoyalNews

reen and gold are common colors around the high school on any given day. However,

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 2008-2016 CSPA Gold Crown Winner 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 CSPA Silver Crown Winner 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2016 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010, 2017 NSPA Online Pacemaker Winner 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 NSPA Online Pacemaker Finalist 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

rti

ﬁc a

Illustration by Anna Mitchell

IB Program Discussion Postponed Until May

n the night of December 15th, 2016 the School Board voted that this year’s sixth graders who are currently in the Middle Years Programme will be the last group to complete this program. The program was cut due to the fact that the county cannot afford to keep up the expense of having it. After this decision, concerns and questions began to rise among parents, teachers, and students. There are also speculations regarding the way in which the program was ended, some insinuating that it was done illegally according to a March 12th Richmond Times-Dispatch article entitled, “Prince George school system eliminates IB program with vote that raises legal and transparency concerns” by Vanessa Remmers. After concerns were voiced, School Board members agreed to hold a meeting to possibly reconsider cancelling the program. The meeting, held on February 28th, included concerned individuals who stood before the Board and voiced their disappointment in the cancellation of the program.

After this meeting, the School Board announced that the decision to cut or keep IB would be announced at the March 13th regular meeting. However, at the March meeting it was announced that the decision will not be made until May. The fact that it is taking so long for the final decision is concerning for many. Some are saying that this is just a tactic to avoid talking about this topic, while others still have hope that the program will remain in place. Until the decision is made, scheduling for 2016-2017 is put on hold. Students now must consider what to do about taking advanced math and language classes in middle school. The original mission of the program was to prepare students for high school advanced classes. Classes like Dual Enrollment and AP give students the opportunity to earn college credits, which can be beneficial to students when applying to college. It also gives students a further look at what college-level work is like. Regardless of the decision, it is important to look at all the other options that Prince George has to offer.

there is one day this month in which people should expect to see a little more. March 17th, 2017, marks the annual, BREANNA RACKLEY international holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. In America, the St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold. However, according to www.history. com, the holiday started as a religious feast in honor of the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick was a priest who established several monasteries across Ireland during his time. He died on March 17th, 461 A.D., and the holiday has been in existence ever since. There are many legends and speculations about Saint Patrick that many modern associations take root. For example, many believe that he used shamrocks to represent the Holy Trinity during his teachings, thus being why they are commonly associated with the holiday. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is known across the globe as a day to celebrate the Irish culture. It is celebrated with parades, festivals, and more. Corned beef and cabbage are common traditional foods served at many St. Patrick’s Day events. According to www.history.com, the very first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the United States was held in New York on March 17th, 1762. Now, over one hundred parades are held annually in the United States, with New York and Boston hosting the largest of them all. This year, locally, the “Shamrock the Block” and “Saint Patrick’s Day Street Party” celebrations are being held on March 18th in Richmond in honor of the holiday. Many teachers, especially at the elementary schools, have decorated their rooms in green and gold in spirit of the holiday. Teachers also participate in telling the story of myths to their students. Students and staff are encouraged to wear green on Friday, March 17th in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day.

4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 03.17.17

OP/ED

Would A Ten-Point Scale Help Future Classes? Students have been asking for a better grading scale for a long time and in modern times it could happen. Chesterfield County Schools changed to a ten-point scale in 2014-2015... is Prince George next?

hroughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, there are many schools. While each and every school is unique, one thing that all of them have in common is the fact that as time goes by, many more schools are switching over from the seven point grading scale to the ten-point grading scale. According to the website yorkcountyschools.com, twenty-seven school divisions (approximately 21%) use the ten-point grading scale. While that number may not seem so drastic yet, as time goes by, the number and percent only increases. Prince George County is one of the few schools who use the seven-point grading scale. However, the ten-point grading scale would benefit the students at PGHS and other Prince George schools much more. Research has proven that those whom come from schools that use a ten-point grading scale have higher GPA’s, higher self-esteems, higher eligibility on GPA based awards/scholarships, and a higher opportunity to receive financial aid/benefits such as the “good student” discount offered by various automobile insurance agencies. Each one of these points is important. Colleges and universities look at not only your grade point average but also the determination that each potential student has. If they notice that the student is unmotivated to work and lacks a decent GPA then they will fail to allow them to enter their institution. Colleges and universities want to look good and will not allow those who do not try to be part of their name. In addition to those points previously made, the ten-point grading scale is more similar to the grading scales used in colleges and universities. If a student is aware of what to expect grade-wise upon entering a university, they will not be as behind as one who came from a different style of grading. In conclusion, there are far more benefits than consequences in the ten-point grading scale and Prince George should consider switching over.

PRO CON SHANICE DAVIS

ANNA MITCHELL

“Research has proven that those whom come from schools that use a ten-point grading scale have higher GPA’s, higher self-esteems, higher eligibility on GPA based awards/scholarships, and a higher opportunity to receive financial aid/benefits...” “If a student got a 60 in a class but passed because of the ten-point grading scale, that does not necessarily mean the student is proficient in the class and understands the subject.”

“Each and every one of these points are important. Colleges and universities look at not only your grade point average but also the determination that each potential student has.”

ne topic of controversy in Prince George is the grading scale. Many students believe that our grading scale should be changed from a seven-point scale to a ten-point scale. However, this might not be the best change for our county. A seven-point grading scale is more of a challenge to students. In a ten-point scale, not as much work would be required to get students to get good grades. This would be making school too easy for the students. To prepare them for college and careers in their adult life, students need to work hard, even in high school. College is much harder than high school, and once one starts a job, that will be even harder. To prepare for this, students must not take the easy route in high school. On another note, if a student was graded on a tenpoint grading scale, the minimum grade a student would need to pass would be a 60. On a seven-point scale, it would be a 70. If a student got a 60 in a class but passed because of the ten-point grading scale, that does not necessarily mean the student is proficient in the class and understands the subject. Schools should make sure that all their students are passing with at least some proficiency. If a student doesn’t understand one subject well, then when moving up to the next level in that subject, they are at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the kids in the class. For example, if a student passes Geometry with a 65, then the student will most likely not do well in Algebra II. The change to a ten-point scale for Prince George County students would not be a good one for students. Prince George should stick with the seven-point scale it uses today in order to ensure success for all students.

FRIDAY 3.17.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5

THE WEEKS AHEAD Guidance Scheduling Presentation March 20 - March 24

uidance counselors will begin visiting classrooms starting with juniors and then sophomores. They will be discussing the scheduling process and providing students with general information before meeting with individuals to schedule later.

Military Ball Takes Place March 18

his year’s Military Ball will take place Saturday, March 18th, at the Petersburg Country Club. The members of JROTC will celebrate their year with a formal dinner and dance along with guest speakers. Guests will be welcomed at the

Petersburg Country Club with a receiving line. There will also be a sabre line similar to Homecoming where honored guests will enter. The ceremonial cutting of the cake will take place during the dinner and dancing will follow. Be sure to look for photos of the event at trnwired.org and on social media @RoyalsMediaNow.

JROTC Blood Drive Takes Place March 21

#PGHSPromposal Contest Begins Now

elp out the local Virginia Blood Services division by signing up to donate blood. The JROTC is sponsoring the blood drive on Tuesday, March 21st. You must be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 lbs. Sign up during your lunches before this date with Col. Chandler.

hink you have the best idea for a promposal? Want to win free prom tickets for you and your date? Record your promposal and upload it to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag: #pghspromposal and you could win! The contest is open until April 3rd, and the winning submission will be awarded two

free prom tickets. The winner will be announced on PGTV News airing April 6th. Don’t miss out on this fun and perhaps viral contest. Please remember that when you post you must include the #pghspromposal - failure to tag your post with this hashtag will make it ineligible for the contest.

Posts must be made before Midnight, April 3rd.

March Madness Continues March 23 - March 26

asketball fans rejoice. Although many people skip work and obligations to watch the opening rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, there is still plenty left to watch.

The tournament continues from Thursday, March 23rd, to Sunday, March 26th, with the third and fourth rounds, which determine who the last four teams standing will be. The Final Four actually will extend March Madness into April this year.

6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.17.17

FEATURES Students Share Stories Of Local Heroines AP Classes Create Bulletin Board Full Of Stories For Women’s History Month

IN TIME

1848 The first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York.

1872

Kylie Cargill TRN Writer

Victoria Claflin Woodhull became the first woman presidential candidate in the United States when she was nominated by the National Radical Reformers.

omen’s Na t i o n a l History month is a time for students to acknowledge the hard work and effort women have put in to get to reach where they are today. This month is dedicated to women who have influenced people around the world. Efforts and motivations are being recognized this month for all women. Students around the school have their own female inspirations that they look up to. U.S. History teacher Cynthia Hasley is a proud supporter of the National Women’s History Month and believes it is important to introduce it to her students. Hasley wants to emphasize that women are strong and work hard for their loved ones. “March was made National History Month not too long ago, I remember that. I graduated from high school in 1973, so that’s the big decade of women getting rights and being treated equally. So I want to make sure that my students knew of their women’s history with the women throughout their lives,” Hasley said. Hasley brings light to the subject by requiring her students to do a biography about important women that are a part of their lives. “Sometimes you guys think that our lives don’t start until you grace us with your presence, but their mothers and grandmothers have their own history behind them. And also since I’m a history teacher, taking oral history and actually interviewing people, that’s a legitimate way of recording history. So [the students] have to interview this woman and take the information and create a one page bio for them,” Hasley said. With this project the students are able to learn more about the people they love. Hasley shares that when sitting down with them that

MOMENTS

1893

The year that New Zealand granted women the right to vote in the modern era, making it the first country.

1916 there are untold facts that never would have been shared if the questions were not asked. “One was amazing because I believe it was a young man who interviewed his grandmother who had a full life here in Prince George but didn’t know how the family farm started. And it started when his grandparents got married right before his grandfather went off to World War II. The woman gets part of the paycheck, and he just gets a little bit over there. She did not use it to live on, she ‘socked’ his money away in a sock drawer and did things like laundry, seamstress work, and supported herself. He came back and they are happy and he’s goes, ‘Oh no. What are we going to do? We have nothing. How are we going to start our lives?’ She walked in and grabbed the money and that was the down payment to what is now the family farm,” Hasley said. Hasley has her own influential women that she looks up to. Strong women can influ-

U.S. History teacher Cynthia Hasley stands in front of her students’ female inspirations. Students wrote a one page biography on women in the community that have an effect on them. Photo by Carlee Lively. ence us all even those who are already strong and influential. “There’s a lot of them: Abigail Adams, Dolly Madison, Sally Rider, women that have taken and gone beyond their comfort zone. There are women that raised money during the American Revolution that nobody knows their names, but they stepped out of what was comfortable to make a difference, to make a change to what was happening,” Hasley said. Many women look up to the women who inspire them the most whether that be a friend or a relative. Hasley brings the attention to the students whether it be to their mother or a woman who has been their friend. Students can see these stories in A-wing.

Jeannette Rankin, of Montana, became the first woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

1921 American novelist Edith Wharton was the first woman to receive a Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Information collected from http://www.factmonster.com/ womens-history-month/historytimelines.html

FRIDAY 3.17.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7

FEATURES

Scheduling Options Abound In Advanced Courses

Tiffany Whittington TRN Writer

or students searching for the right direction to take with scheduling for the 2017-2018 school year, the decision between Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, and Honors courses can be a hard choice. Students searching for advanced learning opportunities are often confused by the many options Prince George High School offers. Guidance Director Edwina Clissa and Guidance Counselor Nancy Odum clarify the benefits, preparation, and requirements for Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and Honors courses at Prince George High School. Advanced Placement courses are one of the advanced learning opportunities offered for students by Prince George’s County Public Schools. “An AP class is an accelerated class (college level) that has a national exam at the end. A national exam means that ALL students that take AP Government will take the same exam regardless of where they live. (Alaska to New York to overseas). This gives the AP scores credibility, therefore college may/will give a

student college credit for an AP class in which the student scored a 3 -5 on the AP test,” Odum said. “The scores range from 1-5 and it is up to the college on whether or not the give credit for the class. Although you may not get credit for the “exact” class, many schools will give you elective credit. PGHS teachers teach AP classes.” Junior Jared Kunkel made the decision to take AP during the current school year. “Well I know that at the end of the year I will take an AP test that can count towards college and may even let me opt out of taking English in college if I score high enough. So I decided to take the challenge rather than taking honors where I won’t get a chance at a college credit,” Kunkel said. Odum elaborates on the Advanced Placement courses Prince George High School offers. “Currently, PGHS offers English 11 & 12, Chemistry, Government, US History, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Spanish, and European History as AP Classes. Whether or not these classes are offered depends on enrollment -- AP French has also been offered,” Clissa said. Preparing for Advanced Placement courses allows you to succeed on the college level environment. CollegeBoard. org recommends that students take the PSAT before enrolling in an AP course so students can see which AP subjects they can potentially thrive in. “[Students can

prepare by] reading, working hard and taking honor level classes,” Clissa said. Students considering AP classes should be prepared for a commitment. “These classes are rigorous and require critical thinking, analysis and strong writing skills. Students need to attend every class, take notes, review notes, make sure all assignments are completed and turned in on time and communicate with the instructor for clarification. Some students find it beneficial to form study groups.” Odum said. Odum has a warning for bad testtakers. “If you truly are not a good test taker, AP may not be for you because whether or not you receive college credit depends on your test score,” Odum said. Another option PGHS offers for advanced learning are Dual Enrollment courses. “Dual Enrollment is a class where you receive high school credit and college credit at the same time. Currently, PGHS offers English 12, English 11 (next year),Sociology, Adv. CIS, Teachers for Tomorrow, Engineering Drawing Fundamental I & II, Machining, Welding, Electricity I & II, Criminal Justice I & II, PreCalculus, Calculus (Sometimes), College Biology I & II , Statistics/ College Algebra, Psychology,” Odum said. The many benefits of Dual Enrollment courses include the ability to earn college credit.

Junior Jared Kunkel completes an assignment for Advanced Placement Literature. This is Kunkel’s first year taking an Advanced Placement class. Photo by Carlee Lively. “Students will earn three college credits per semester for most classes, four college credits per semester for Biology,” Odum said. “Students should expect the same rigor as in the AP and should also give 100%. Students have to earn at least a C to transfer credit to another College/ University. As in AP, the receiving college may slide the credit in as an elective. In Dual Enrollment your grade is a sum total of the semester rather than what you earned on a test,” Odum said. Odum details the costs of Dual Enrollment for the courses offered by John Tyler Community College and Richard Bland Community College. “Students are responsible for purchasing their books. Most classes are taught by a member of our faculty. As far as I know, there will be no tuition for any DE class next year except Psychology, the charge for that class is $522.00 per semester,” Odum said. Students searching for more information can contact the guidance department with inquiries.

8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.17.17

FRIDAY 3.17.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9

FEATURES

Khan Brings Changes To SAT Preparation Carlee Lively Online Editor in Chief

New Smartphone App Proves Useful For Test Preparation

store and 4.6 stars in the Google Play store. As students download the application, local students are reaping the benefits as well. Junior Addison Wesson first downloaded the application to help him in Pre-Calculus and Chemistry, but now Wesson is starting to use it daily. “I plan on using this application to study for the SAT I take in March, I’ve taken the PSAT twice, but this is my first SAT,” Wesson

s new applications come out in the application store daily, there said. is a new Junior Caitlin Abernethy ColSAT. the for n the online test to study for catio uses study appli the with ered h testing session. She partn Marc has the d lege Boar Khan any t every other day to comp abou es ation studi educ online the is n ve the best score catio achie appli and This try Academy. p. ershi partn ible. their poss of product “My advice would be to focus Students previously have s, book elp self-h your weaknesses, I focus on ht on boug mostly reor and/ ng more than math because ing, readi tutor paid for from rials r at math,” Abernethy mate bette old am I their viewed SAT. the on cts subje said. of the list Scores on your SAT are a seriKhan Academy is a non-profides prov who factor in getting into desired ion ous nizat it orga the for s video ges. Some colleges do not nal colle uctio instr lus. Calcu to level ire SAT scores, but doing the en requ rgart kinde prof nona also is rch on different colleges d Boar resea ge Colle the ides prov let the applicant know that ld ion shou nizat it orga ge colle ect to take it or not. Sign up conn her whet helps SAT and c. at Collegeboard.org. publi SAT the the to n for informatio ved recei has emy Acad Khan 3.6 out of 5 stars in the Apple

DATES TO Remember May 6th Registration Deadline: April 7th 2017 Location: Richard Bland College

June 3rd Registration Deadline: May 9th 2017 Location: Virginia State University

August 26th Registration Deadline: July 28 2017 Location: TBA

October 7th Registration Deadline: TBA Location: TBA

12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.17.17

Starting Positions available in:

General Laborer With Advancement in:

Heavy Equipment Operation Pipefitting Welding

FRIDAY 3.17.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13

A&E

PG Players Present The Addams Family

BY THE NUMBERS

The number of people who are in the play.

The number of costume changes during the play.

The number of songs that are being performed in the play.

Kattie Iwanski TRN Writer

s Katie Helm walks into the auditorium with her audition song in head, she imagines herself on stage, on opening day, as Wednesday Addams. This year’s spring play will be a production of the The Addams Family Musical. “The basis of the storyline is that Wednesday, the daughter of the Addams Family, ends up falling in love with a normal guy, per say, and his name is Lucas. They end up falling in love and she wants Lucas and his family to come over and have dinner. For the Addams family one normal night is too much to ask,” junior Katie Helm said. The Addams Family is known for the dark and unique characters. This contributes to their abnormal behaviors based on societal standards. The characters of the show consist of the following: Gomez the father, Morticia the mother, Fester the uncle, Wednesday the

daughter, Pugsley the son, Lurch the butler, and Lucas (Wednesday’s love interest), Mr. and Mrs. Beineke the parents of Lucas, and Grandma. “I play Wednesday, the daughter, who is very much a solemn person and does not have a very happy go lucky personality. Wednesday is also very subdued and she ends up falling in love which makes her abnormally happy,” Helm said. The Addams Family originally started out as a cartoon, then progressed into a TV series in 1964. Later, the well-known family was portrayed in movies, books, and video games. “The Addams Family is a renounced TV show and movie. A lot of people know about the Addams Family and have enjoyed the story for multiple years,” said junior Sabrina Brown, who plays the mother Morticia. The franchise was later announced to be made into a musical on Broadway in 2007. The musical was officially released on Broadway on April 8, 2007. The Broadway production ran until December 31st, 2011. The show is still performing on tour and the most recent shows were in the United Kingdom. “This is a unique play because you normally don’t see the wacky family aspects of

The cast of the Addams Family pose for a picture after practice. The play will be performed on May 4th , 5th, and 6th. Photo by Rylee Hughes. the Addams Family. It is like the movie but different because it has a lot more music in it,” Helm said. The matinee, on May 6th, will be dedicated to the Marvin Massenburg Foundation. “Marvin Massenburg was a student at Prince George High School who passed away from a car accident. All our matinees profits will go toward the foundation, and his whole family comes to watch our performances,” Helm said. The first practice of the play was performed on March 6. The play will be held on May 4th - 6th at 7:30 PM and a matinee on May 6th at 2:00 PM. “We have so many amazing PG Players this year who put a lot of hard work and effort into the play,” Helm said. “It is a very upbeat show even though they are a dark and strange people. This show is extremely funny with the colorful characters and interesting story plot,” Brown said.

The number of times the play will be performed.

The number of planned rehearsals to take place before the play. Information collected from Daryl Phillips.

14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.17.17

A&E

Participants Prepare For Show

Ninth Annual Fashion Show Celebrates Students’ Sense Of Style

NUMBERS

The number of modeling scenes in the fashion show.

Breanna Rackley TRN Writer

any different, exciting, and entertaining events take place throughout the school year, and one of the largest and most popular ones is the DECA Fashion Show. The Ninth Annual DECA Fashion Show is currently in the making and in preparation for its debut. A lot goes into the putting together of the show. The show is directed by Kim Beales, sponsor of DECA and teacher of the fashion and sports marketing classes. Her Advanced Fashion Marketing class is responsible for coming up with the theme of the show at the beginning of each year. According to Beales, they usually start with a song and go from there. “This year, the theme for our show that was chosen is Fashion Forever,” said Beales. A variety of styles are featured in the fashion show each year from chic to grudge and so on. The clothing themes come from a fashion forecast project that the advanced class completes at the beginning of the school year. The project is centered on fashion trend watching, thus being the inspiration for the style choices featured. This year’s show will include street wear, athletic wear, formal dress, and dressycasual styles. The fashion show is broken down into scenes, each with one of the different clothing styles above and a different song to match. Artists such as Chris Brown, Rihanna, and Timbaland will be featured in this year’s show. However, modeling is not the only thing that the participants do. Several of the scenes include dancing as well. “Dancing adds entertainment to the show. When I was a buyer for Tiffany’s fashion shows, the entertainment

By The

5 The number of choreographers in the fashion show.

2 The number of times the fashion show is being performed. always kept my attention more,” said Beales. Each year the dances are choreographed by students who volunteer their skill. This year the choreographers include seniors Naysha Glover, Breanna Rackley, Kierra Hodges, Imani Thweatt and Tyra Banks. They split up the dances among themselves and work together to teach them to the dancers that were selected through tryouts. “Choreography is something that I’ve always wanted to do. The other choreographers for the show are so talented and driven that it pushes me to do better,” Glover said. “The dancers are talented too, and the fact that they try, even though they may not like the dance or think it’s hard, is what will make the fashion show great. It has always been successful in the past, and because of the drive everyone has, it will be great again.” The dancers practice usually three days a week after school in order to prepare for the show, and the models practice as well. They are taught basic modeling skills like how walk by Beales. This year, she had a graduate and former fashion participant, Jacqueline Mckay, come back to work with the

DECA sponsor and fashion show director Kim Beales takes a curtain call at the end of the 2016 fashion show. Beales begins planning for the spring fashion show early in the year by having her students track fashion trends and decide on the theme. Photo by Dejanae Gibson. models as well. “This is my first year participating in the show so it is a little nerve-racking, but practice is fun. Jacqueline helped motivate us all to be more confident,” said senior Denisha Harris. This year there are approximately 100 students in total participating. This includes models, which are the largest group, dancers, and backstage helpers. There is also a DJ and commentary done during the show by theatre teacher Daryll Phillips. “The night of the show is the best part of it all. Seeing the students’ excitement is priceless. With every show there are memories that I always cherish,” said Beales. The show will be held in the auditorium on Friday, March 31st, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $5 at the door, but can be purchased for $3 in advance from participants in the show.

2009 The year of the first fashion show.

8 The number of dancing scenes in the fashion show.

Information collected from Breanna Rackley.

PH TOGALLERY

FRIDAY 3.17.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15

Royals Battle In Weekend Double Header Against Woodside & JR Tucker For more photos of the baseball team and other spring sports in action go to www.trnwired.smugmug.com

LEFT: Junior Evan Kozen takes a secondary lead at third base as he waits for the batter to drive him in, while head coach Mickey Roberts watches the defense. The team faced Woodside prior to playing Tucker. They began the regular season this week with a home game against Highland Springs. Check Twitter @RoyalsmediaNow for up to the minute scores. Photo by Matteo Reed. ABOVE: Senior pitcher Cole Spain winds up to deliver the last pitch to strike out the opposing batter. Spain, who is a left handed pitcher, entered the game as a reliever. Photo by Matteo Reed. RIGHT: Junior Tevin Tucker catches a practice ball as he warms up in the top of the inning. Tucker is a two sport athlete playing on the basketball and baseball team. Photo by Matteo Reed.

LEFT: Junior first basemen Jonathan Walton sneaks in behind the runner to catch him coming back to the bag. The Royals return much of their team and still remain young with the majority of their players being juniors and sophomores. Photo by Matteo Reed.

16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.17.17

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FRIDAY 3.17.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17

A&E Critic’s Review ‘Get Out’ Thrills Fans, Addresses Current Topics

“

et out” is a horror-thriller that tackles timely issues related to race in a very thoughtful way. A mash-up of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “The Stepford Wives.” Chris, played by Daniel Kaluuya, a black photographer, travels with his white girlfriend, Rose, played by Allison Williams, to meet her family who live in an affluent suburb. Being a bit nervous to meet his girlfriend’s parents was enough, but come to find out Rose never told her parents that he is black. No worries, Rose’s parents Tatyanna Thaxton turn out to be very welcoming. Even when Dean, played by Bradley Whitford, Rose’s father, tells Chris that he would have voted for Obama a third time. Chris feels an awkward towards the parents’ black housekeeper and gardener. Dean tells Chris that they have been with them a long time. “Get Out” is Jordan Peele’s directorial debut,

but it feels as if the movie is the work of someone who has been making movies for years. His years crafting sketches for Key & Peele taught him the differences between parody and satire. Peele’s “Boo!” moments make you jump, but then make you laugh at yourself from jumping in the first place. Making Promotional photo courtesy of universalpictures.com you prepare yourself to jump again. for Chris’s license again. “Get Out” involves a scene with a racist cop It just goes to show, Peele isn’t afraid to make who stops the young couple while traveling to the a horror film with some current social & racial parent’s house. The police officer asks Chris for issues. The mother’s hypnotic abilities to make his license, when Rose was the one driving. She someone remember their most buried memories brings it to his attention that Chris wasn’t driving, could be another story to be told. to which the police officer shrugs it off and asks

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FRIDAY 3.17.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19

SPRING SPORTS

Senior Spotlight

JV Girls Soccer Acquires New Coach

Miracle Conaway TRN Writer

oach Stacey Hughes has just started her first year of becoming the new head soccer coach for the girls junior varsity soccer team. Hughes graduated from Virginia State University in December 2016; she graduated as a kindergarten through twelfth grade health and physical education teacher. Before going back to college, Hughes helped out with the soccer team. She eventually started coaching on her own. Hughes started her coaching career by coaching for eighth, ninth, and tenth graders. “It is a blast being in the field whether my position is a coach or a player. I want to help my girls grow in the sport and persuade them to love the sport as much as I did,” Hughes said. But as with any job, there is a mixture of enjoyment and the pressures of responsibility. “Being a coach is both fun and challenging. Our team has such a positive attitude that makes me look forward to going to practice each day. At the same time, there is so much more To coaching than I ever thought of as a player. Just like any job, you have to balance many different things,” Hughes said. Soccer is the only sport that Hughes has coached so far. Hughes said she was

not opposed to coaching other sports, soccer was just the first of many opportunities she has had thus far. “Soccer is certainly one of my favorite sports, but I’ve also always wanted to coach this sport. I have so much fun with this team,” Hughes said. “They are a joy to be around everyday and I feel that we will have an incredible season.” Coach Hughes also plays other sports besides soccer, like field hockey and volleyball. Not only does Hughes play regular sports, but she also plays more extreme sports like bowfishing, skydiving, wakeboarding, and snow skiing. Soccer has just been the sport she’s played the longest, and therefore the one she knows the most about. “I love being back on the soccer field with a fun, and talented group of girls. It amazes me how I watched them grow in skill from the first day of practice to the end,” Hughes said Hughes’s players feel the same way about her. “Our new coach is nice, she’s a great coach, really athletic, and a great person,” sophomore Kelsey Watts said. “Coach Hughes coaches us with fitness in mind, she is also fun and likes to joke around. One of my favorite things she makes us do at practice is scrimmages.” Sophomore Hannah Seymour also had praise for the new coach. “Our new coach is really nice, I like her and I think she will benefit the team in a good way. I like Coach Hughes because

Head coach Stacey Hughes goes over her game plan with her squad at a scrimmage against J.R. Tucker. Hughes is the new coach for the JV girls soccer squad. Photo by Kylie Cargill. she’s energetic. Our coach isn’t strict but if we do something wrong the only thing she’ll make us do is run.” Coach Hughes has a great bond with her players. “I feel that we have a great bond. It’s early in the season so I’m still learning about them, but we have mutual respect for each other, we still practice hard, and still have a great time,” Hughes said. Coach Hughes even has a good bond with girls varsity soccer coach Sara Owens. Coach Owens and Hughes have known each other for a good amount of time. Hughes was one of the assistant coaches on a team Owens used to coach. Hughes also used to be one of Owens’s players. “Knowing someone as a student and as a co-worker is always a good thing,” Owens said. Coach Hughes seems to have a positive impact on her students, co-workers, and people around her. She is well-liked and a well-known person, and even though it is her first year coaching, her players seem to have adapted to the adjustment pretty fast. Her players like the way she coaches and the kind of person she is.

Abby Gill

Girls Tennis

When did you first start playing tennis? “This will be my second year on the team.” What do you love most about the sport? “I love the independence of the game.” What are your favorite memories from playing? “My favorite memories are having fun with all of my team members - even if we lose it’s still a good time because everyone is genuine.” What are your plans for the future? “I plan on joining Richard Bland’s Tennis Club.” What are your goals for the season? “My goals for the season are to win more than half of my matches in seed three. Last year I was seed six so this year is definitely going to be a challenge.”

Boys varsity Boys varsity varsity tennis Varsity girls soccer Spring >> Boys >> baseball plays >> soccer plays competes at home >> plays Mills E. Varina at home Varina at home on against Varina on Sports Godwin at home on on Tuesday, Mar. Tuesday, Mar. 21st Tuesday, Mar. 21st Thursday, Mar. 23rd

UPCOMING EVENTS

at 5:00 PM.

at 7:00 PM.

at 6 PM.

21st at 7 PM.

Track Members Place At New Balance Nationals

From left to right, seniors Keith Brown, AlTarik Samuel, Aman Bivens, and Joseph Kemp pose for a picture with their medals from the New Balance Nationals. They were recognized at the March 13th School Board meeting. Photo by Anna Mitchell.

Tyler Brock TRN Writer

n the last weekend of February, the Indoor Track Team competed and placed first in Virginia’s 4x200 meter relay with a time of 1:28. and took medals in several other races. Collectively the team came in fourth place in the state. The heavily anticipated 4x200, run by seniors Aman Bivens, Keith Brown, Joseph Kemp, and Al-Tarik Samuel, was all the more intense after the team was unable to compete in the finals at regionals. It was a nail biter as the track team made an amazing comeback in the last 50 meters. They were a few strides behind Hampton going into the last leg but were able to make it across the finish line as state champs. Following this victory, several of the boys on the indoor track team headed to the New Balance High School Track and Field Nationals which took place in New York

on March 9th-12th. The annual event brings teams from across the country together to compete against each other. The Prince George boys indoor track team ranks fourth in the nation for being one of the fastest track teams in America. At nationals, the boys again found success with Aman Bivens winning second place in the 60 m along with Keith Brown in fourth place. Tarik Samuel also brought home sixth place in the 500 m event. Ever since that relay race, the boys have become local celebrities. They are also very honored to be viewed as a source of inspiration towards aspiring athletes. “It’s humbling to be a source of inspiration to other people. I was inspired by prior runners and this has helped pushed me to who I am today. If I can help push somebody to be their best, then I can believe that I helped make the world just a little bit better for somebody,” Samuel said. The indoor track team is led by their coach, Will Stevens. He is extremely proud of his players making it to nationals. “Nationals are big, it’s the best of the best period. These kids have embraced the concept of winning and

not just being on a team,” Stevens said. The track coach’s most important lesson to the team is to work together towards triumph and not underestimate their opponents. He wants to set their minds straight before the competition. Stevens is also not going to change anything in his training regime. “Physically nothing different but mentally I have to stress that every team there will be as great, as are we. Now that I have them thinking of themselves as a great team they just have to run and that’s the easy part,” Stevens said. “When I first joined the track team I was unsure if I was fast enough to even make the team. But as workouts got harder I started to separate from the others. Coach always recognizes hard work and potential and quickly made me feel like I was a part of the track family,” Samuel said. “My freshman year I only ran relays and even had a school record in the 4x8 with my team. Coach could see that I had the potential to be a great runner and as me and my brothers suffered through workouts together, we started to achieve greater things. To look back at when I first started it’s amazing how far I’ve grown with my team, as a runner and as a person.”