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Volume XVI, Issue 5
STUDENTS JOIN MOVEMENT TO SUPPORT MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS Junior Shelby Cox paints a sign for the March 14th day of remembrance to support the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. Cox worked with a group of students, teachers, and administrators to honor the day’s events. Photo by Harmony Thomas.
Visit trnwired.org to see the latest photo galleries and watch live broadcast events.
What’s Inside? p. 6 Students Fight For Voice p. 9 Enforcement Tightens
p. 18 Baseball Pursue Final Four p. 20 Outdoor Track Builds
What action do you plan on taking on the gun reform issue? - Write Local Congress (19%) -Moment Of Silence (71%) *Twitter poll of 28 votes - Write President(0%) -Write Condolence Letter (10%)
2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.16.18
d Owne y l i Fam ades! ec for d ! BBQ t a e r G
Cont act J
eff at to ha sbbq2@gma ve N il.com your anny’s ca t next event er . Nan ny
11900 South Crater Road - Petersburg, VA 23805 (Prince George County, VA) (804) 733-6619
(4:30 PM SUN. & 6:30 PM TUES.)
FRIDAY 3.16.18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3
OP/ED
Remembering The Parkland Victims
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theRoyalNews
O
ur mission as the school
newspaper for Prince George High School is to provide a form of media that represents all aspects of student life. The goal is to present factual accounts of newsworthy events in a timely manner. Our publication will be informative, entertaining and reflective of the student body’s opinions. It is the desire of the staff to reach every student and tell as many of their stories as possible. We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow. The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room A2, or e-mail them to trnwired@gmail.com We reserve the right to edit for clarity, brevity, accuracy, legality, spelling and grammar. Please include your name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. 500 word maximum. Thank you for the support this year. Please continue to communicate on trnwired.org. Publication theft. A person commits the offense of publication theft when he or she willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than three copies of an edition of a publication distributed on campus or in the surrounding community [with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading that edition of the publication]. A “publication” includes any periodical that is distributed on a complimentary or compensatory basis. In addition to the imposition of other campus disciplinary penalties, a person who violates this provision is responsible for compensating the publication for all reasonable costs incurred, including, where appropriate, the refund of advertising fees.
Section Editors Front page: Wayne Coleman , Op/Ed: Anna Mitchell, Features: Kattie Iwanski, Doubletruck: Tyler Brock, A&E: Aaliyah Capers, Sports: Wayne Coleman
Writers Haleigh Horne - Claudia King Shelby Hayes - Masako Kaneko Molly Ashcraft - Sarah Schrum - Carter Marks - Maddison Shawkey - Harmony Thomas Taylor Anderson
Editor-in-Chief Kattie Iwanski
Adviser
Chris Waugaman
Managing Editor Wayne Coleman
Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2016 CSPA Gold Crown Winner 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2017 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010, 2017 NSPA Online Pacemaker Winner 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 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.
Popular Businesses Put Age Restrictions On Gun Purchases
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n reaction to the recent events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the large chain businesses of Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart have released statements stating that they will be changing their gun purchase policies. At both establishments, customers must now be twenty-one years of age to purchase a gun. This is different from the federal law, which states people must be at least eighteen years old to buy a firearm. Dick’s Sporting Goods also announced they would no longer be selling assault style rifles and large capacity magazines. As a precaution to try to help prevent future incidents, this change could keep guns out of the hands of potentially dangerous young adults. There is a common belief that maturity comes with age, which is playing a role in the decisions being made. These
young adults may not understand the danger and consequences that firearms can cause. There are other businesses that will still sell assault style rifles and other weapons to consumers that are eighteen years old and above. However, with these two businesses being largely accessible because of their large number of establishments, it is important for them to have stricter gun policies. Some citizens have decided that this change is violating their constitutional rights. In Oregon, a twenty year old is pursuing a lawsuit against these two companies. It is important for Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart to continue their stance on the decision to change the store’s gun sale policies. For these companies, it is worth the losses they are going to take in gun sale revenue in exchange for the prevention and protection of school environments.
o matter what you believe about gun rights or the amount of security involved within public spaces, everyone can agree that the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School a month ago was a terrible tragedy. While it’s of course important to have a discussion TAYLOR ANDERSON about the politics involved, I sometimes feel that in the chaos of protests, demonstrations, and potential government bills, we sometimes forget about the most important aspect of this disaster: the students and teachers who were killed in the shooting. On February 14, seventeen students and teachers were killed. Alyssa Alhadeff (14), Scott Beigel (35), Martin Duque (14), Nicholas Dworet (17), Aaron Feis (37), Jaime Guttenberg (14), Chris Hixon (49), Luke Hoyer (15), Cara Loughran (14), Gina Montalto (14), Joaquin Oliver (17), Alaina Petty (14), Meadow Pollack (18), Helena Ramsay (17), Alex Schachter (14), Carmen Schentrup (16), and Peter Wang (15) are their names, and the more that becomes known about each of them, the greater the sense of heartache for those they left behind; their families, friends, and community. Nicholas and Meadow had both already been accepted into college, and along with Joaquin and Helena were seniors, about to head into the next stage of their lives. Beigel, Feis, Hixon, and Peter all helped students get to safe areas and/or physically shielded them during the attack. Alyssa played travel soccer. Martin came from a family that “likes to help everybody”, according to a family friend. Jaime was a dancer. Luke loved basketball and football. Cara danced at the Drake School of Irish Dance in South Florida. Gina was a member of the school’s color guard and a gifted artist. Alaina volunteered throughout her community, volunteering after Hurricane Irma hit. Alex was a part of the school marching band and orchestra. Carmen was a National Merit Scholar semifinalist. No matter what they were passionate about, every single one of these people will be sorely missed, and they all deserve to be remembered. Let’s all hope that in remembering this tragedy, we never will have to suffer through another like it again.
4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.16.18
OP/ED
Should Teachers Carry Guns In School?
After a steady rise in the number of school shootings, particularly after the shooting at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School in Florida that claimed 17 lives, many legislators have pushed for new forms of gun control, including having teachers carry guns. But should teachers really have that much power?
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n the past, students only concern was to save their grade, now they have to worry about saving their lives. A school is a place where students not only grow mentally and socially, but also learn about the world around them. The people who work everyday to help students are none other than the teachers. In the recent events of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, every school in the United States has been on its toes with worry and nervousness. Teachers have the responsibility of teaching their students and protecting them during school hours. An issue in the media is whether or not teachers should carry guns in schools. Teachers should be able to carry a gun in school in order to help protect their students against an armed intruder. In the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, a football coach by the name of Aaron Feis threw himself in the way of flying bullets to save his students. The beloved coach was rushed to the hospital and later died from his wounds. This teacher did not have to lose his life to save his students but he did. It is safe to say that this teacher could have lived if he was armed with a handgun. Teachers should be able to protect the students and themselves in an intruder alert situation. They should not have to be human sacrifices when students will still get hurt after their help. Teachers should not be defenseless in a situation such as this. Some people may argue that the job of the teacher is not to defend the students, but to share their knowledge in the classroom. Many teachers feel it is their obligation to help the students that they have grown closer to over the school year. Many people will argue that teachers carrying guns is just as unsafe. It would not be unsafe if the teachers carrying the guns were responsible and well-respected teachers who know how to operate a gun. Teachers should be able to protect themselves and others; therefore, they should be allowed to carry guns.
PRO CON SHELBY HAYES
MADDISON SHAWKEY
“[Teachers] should not have to be human sacrifices when students will still get hurt after their help.” “[Carrying a gun] makes them [teachers] primary targets. If the shooter sees the teacher with a gun, they may shoot the teacher first, leaving the students on their own.” “[Teachers carrying guns] would not be unsafe if the teachers carrying the guns were responsible and well-respected teachers who know how to operate a gun.”
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he idea of walking into a school where teachers can carry guns is alarming. The fact it is actually being considered is even more shocking. After the shooting in Florida, President Donald Trump suggested that teachers should carry guns in schools. The controversy is, would this really solve the problem? The answer is no. A gun problem cannot be solved with more guns. While it is a concern to keep the students safe, it is not the teacher’s primary job. The teachers are there to educate. They are not there to act as police officers in the incident of a shooting. Putting guns in their hands could possibly lead to disastrous events if they are not careful. One issue with teachers carrying is that it makes them primary targets. If the shooter sees the teacher with a gun, they may shoot the teacher first, leaving the students on their own, fighting for their lives. Another problematic situation could be that a student gets angry and knows that their teacher has a gun. If they get to a certain point they may decide to take the teacher’s gun and shoot whoever or whatever is angering them. A frightening issue is the teacher’s reaction in a crisis. Even if the teacher has been trained for an instance of a school shooter situation, they are still liable to panic and just shoot. This could result in harming an innocent student. President Trump has also proposed giving bonuses to the teachers who agree to carry. The problem is that some teachers can perform efficiently and others cannot. Some teachers could to be very helpful for students but aren’t able to receive a pay bonus just because of their beliefs on guns. Trump’s idea for allowing teachers to carrying guns in schools is a step in the wrong direction. Schools need more protection from guns and more trained officers who know how to handle a school shooter emergency. They do not need unsure teachers who just want a bonus check for carrying guns in the learning environment.
FRIDAY 3.16.18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5
THE WEEKS AHEAD DECA Fashion Show Takes Place Mar. 23rd
Teacher Of The Month is Christy Eliades
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rince George High School’s Teacher of the Month award goes to Christy Eliades. Eliades teaches Art 2, 3, and honors 4 and has been teaching for 19 years. This will be Eliades’ last year teaching art- she will be retiring after this school year. TOM Morgan Parker (Feb) Casey Dabney (Dec) Monte Williams (Nov)
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ECA’s annual fashion show will take place on Friday, March 23rd at 7:30 in the auditorium at PGHS. You can buy tickets from participants of the fashion show in advance for 3 dollars, or at the
door the day of for 5 dollars. The fashion show is sponsored by DECA and this will be their 10th annual show. There will be songs, dancing, and amazing outfits. Make sure to stop by to see the result of all of the participants’ hard work!
Military Ball Takes Place On March 17th
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GHS’ Annual Military Ball will take place on Saturday, March 17th from 4:00-11:00 p.m at the Petersburg Country Club. The purpose of the military ball is to bring all of the cadets together, and for all of them to have fun and enjoy the night in luxury. The students get to show off their skills that they have acquired over the year.
Activity Period During March
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here will be a Blue activity period during first block and third block on Monday, March 19th. The Blue clubs are: BuildOn, Chemistry Club, FCA, PAAS, Red Cross, Stream Team, TSA, Young Authors, and Young Educators. Listen to the announcements on the 19th to see if your club is meeting Monday morning.
Annual Blood Drive Donations
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ROTC will be sponsoring the annual blood drive on Thursday, March 22nd. Throughout the day, students who have signed up to donate will visit the auditorium and give blood during the time they signed up for. Students who are 16 and 17 must have a signed parent consent
form in order to donate. Students are required to bring in their consent forms the day of the drive. The week prior students should make sure to eat iron rich foods to ensure that their donation is healthy and clean. The day before the drive, students are urged to eat breakfast every morning and drink a lot of fluids.
6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.16.18
FEATURES
By The
Students Fight To Have Voices Heard Never Again Movement Pushes New Look At Gun Violence Harmony Thomas TRN Writer
3 percent of Americans own more than half the country’s guns.
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he recent school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida was said to be one of the worlds deadliest school massacres. Students at Stoneman Douglas soon realized this should be the last school shooting to ever happen so they started the Never Again movement which is a student led movement demanding an end to selling certain guns to people and getting stricter regulations on guns so shootings such as the one in Parkland could never happen again. Ever since the shooting, high school students across the country have joined together by walking out of their schools and they are determined to have their voices heard by congress. Students have made signs dedicated to the shooting and signs about their own personal opinions on the situation and what should be done. Junior Shelby Cox believes that the schools alternative to walking out, including writing a letter to government officials and sending condolence notes, is still going to be helpful to the cause. “I think it’s definitely gonna be effective if people participate I’m not sure if it will be as effective as walking out but I definitely think it will get the word out,” Cox said. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine spoke about the gun violence topic in a recent press release. “It is deep hope that after this horrible shooting in parkland, something may be different in this body. And the reason that I think this one might be different is – these students are standing up and challenging us,” Kaine said. ”The children of our nation are asking adults to be adults. They are asking us to look in the mirror. They’ve posed the question starkly. What is more important to you -your children or campaign contributions from an interest group? … The advocacy of students and their challenge to us may show us a way.” Kaine has thought of steps to reduce gun violence and he believes that there should not be anymore loopholes for people to get guns they shouldn’t have.
NUMBERS
46 percent of parents with guns keep at least one gun unlocked.
7 children and teens are killed with guns in the U.S. on an average day.
“Out of the pain, what we learned is you can actually take concrete steps that will make your community safer, that will reduce gun violence. You won’t eliminate it. That’s beyond our power as humble people to do, but you can reduce it. If you know you can, then you must. You have a responsibility to do what you can,” Kaine said. The people who do participate in the walk out of their school have to remember that there will be consequences for their actions. According to the ACLU, students have to recognize that they are still in school and protesting could mean that students are skipping class and could face a suspension. But the school can’t discipline students more for the message behind their protesting. When students walk into school they do not lose their first amendment rights for freedom of speech just as long as students do not the disrupt class time they could think of alternatives to protesting like writing a letter to congress or writing for their school newspaper. The ACLU (The American Civil Liberties Union) of Virginia has recently been providing information on how high school students should handle these protests and
Junior Shelby Cox paints a poster board in honor of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Cox displayed the poster in the cafeteria for the day of remembrance on March 14, 2018. Photo by Harmony Thomas. what to expect if they walk out of school. According to the ACLU of Virginia schools should seek a more educational approach rather than a disciplinary approach. The students of Stoneman Douglas have put together a march on Washington titled March of Our Lives which is happening on March 24th. They will be marching to show people that this is only the beginning for their fight to end all gun violence. These students who are protesting believe that no one should be able to get certain guns so easily they believe it is time for a big change in the world. Many adults see the actions of these students who are protesting as an example of how this generation of students can join together. This generation of students who speak their minds can begin to show how they could change the world.
57 percent of people live in a household without a gun.
11 percent of people do not own a gun but live in a household with someone who does.
Information collected from http://bigthink.com/ paul-ratner/a-minority-ofamericans-owns-most-ofthe-guns-and-drives-gunagenda-studies-show
FRIDAY 3.16.18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7
FEATURES
Virginia
Local Gun Expert Shares Key To Gun Safety Co-founder Of Dance’s Sporting Goods Tells Tips About Buying, Owning, And Protecting Guns Anna Mitchell Opinions Editor
18 Years At the age of 18 a person may purchase a gun.
21 Years
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uns are a tricky topic these days. As the frequency of gun violence rises, the amount of public fear of firearms rises, as well. But Marlon Dance knows that as long as you are educated about guns, then they are not a threat, and you will be safe. Dance is one of the founders of locally owned business Dance’s Sporting Goods, located in Colonial Heights. The business was founded by Marlon Dance himself, his father, Walter Dance, and his brother, Forrest Dance. Marlon Dance knows that it is never too early to learn about gun safety, whether you grow up around guns or not. He believes that it is essential to start teaching kids about guns and fire- Marlon Dance arm safety as soon as they are old enough to understand its seriousness. “If you’ve got guns in your house, they’re never too young,” Dance said. “My children, I started them as soon as they were old enough to know right from wrong, at three and four years old.” Dance recommends teaching kids about guns with hands-on learning. Once their curiosity has been satisfied, they will easily learn about how to use guns safely, he says. “The worst thing you can do is tell them not to touch it,” Dance said. “The best thing to do is to actually take the firearm and let them see what it does, let them see how the whole thing works.” Kids are not the only ones who need to learn about firearm safety and how-to’s. Adults must ensure that all of the things they do with guns are safe and legal. For example, when purchasing a firearm, there are several forms that buyers must fill out. This is to ensure that no buyer has a suspicious past- the government must keep an eye out to make sure that potential buyers do not have a criminal record. “You come in and you fill out two
GUN LAWS
At the age of 21 a person may apply to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the county or city they reside for a permit to carry a concealed handgun.
Proof The court may require proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence with a handgun.
Open Carrying The open carrying of a handgun in Virginia is legal.
5 Years forms when you come in the store,” Dance said. “One of them is a 4473 which is a federal form, and the other one is a form that the state of Virginia has you fill out. That one is transmitted through the Virginia state police, and they do a check on you to find out if there’s any outstanding warrants.” As for storing the gun, Dance has a plan. “Different people like to store guns different ways. Other people have them hidden in their houses, but if you do have a gun vault, that is hands down the best way to do it,” Dance said. One new rising issue that Dance feels very strongly about is the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. Proposed by U.S. Senator Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) in 2017, the bill has already made its way through the House of Representatives and was passed with 231 votes for and 198 votes against it. The main premise of the Concealed Carry
Dance’s Sporting Goods is located in Colonial Heights, VA. Many Prince George residents depend on Dance’s for their outdoor sporting equipment, which includes hunting rifles and handguns. Photo by Royals Media. Reciprocity Act is no matter where a concealed carry permit is issued, all states must honor it. While the Senate has yet to vote on the bill, Dance already knows how he feels about it. “I think that if you get a concealed carry permit, and you get checked out in Virginia, and you pay federal taxes in Virginia and state taxes in Virginia, then you should be able to carry it in any state,” Dance said. Overall, Dance knows that the key to firearm safety is knowledge and confidence.
Concealed permits shall be valid for 5 years.
Permits The person issued the permit shall have such permit on his or her person at all times when he or she is carrying a concealed handgun and must display the permit and proper photo identification upon demand of a law enforcement officer. Information collected from www.nraila.org
8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.16.18
William S. Grizzard, Jr. MD (Retired) Charles W. Smith, III, MD Edward Moschler, MD Keith M. Roberts, MD Joy J. Hogg, RN, MSN Certified Nurse Midwife
FRIDAY 3.16.18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9
FEATURES
Do You Feel
Enforcement Tightens On School Security
SAFE AT SCHOOL?
Administration Takes Extra Precautions To Insure Student Safety Aaliyah Capers A&E Editor
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n the morning of February 14th, on, a day dedicated to love and joy- geography teacher Scott Beigel woke up and got ready for a normal day at work at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school located in Florida. With his papers ready and packed he headed to school. On this fatal day, a High school, a place of learning, was turned into a shooting range. On this tragic day in February, Scott Beigel and the lives of 17 other innocent people have been lost due to a gunman on campus. With the events that happened on February 14th, it is important to discuss the steps that will protect students and faculty if a similar situation were to happen in your school. To amplify the safety for the students and teachers, security has been tightened. The first step taken to tighten security happened in 2015. This was the year that the electronic locks on the main door have been added. “It is electronic, it can be set up to lock and unlock all the doors at a certain time. Depending on who you are, you will have an electronic key to have access when you need it,” Officer Pearson said. The electronic locks have made it a lot more difficult to come into the schools building. If an outsider were to attempt to get into the school, they will need to ring the doorbell and wait for the front office to open the door. There is a school policy that students are not allowed to open the door for anyone that is waiting to be let inside, even if the person outside is someone that is recognizable. The importance of this policy is to ensure that no unwanted visitors will be enabled to enter the building. If the front office notices anything suspicious upon the guest waiting at the doors, they are told to notify security. In case an intruder happens to get inside the building, there are steps students and teachers are advised to take.
“I do feel safe in school because I feel we are really close to the police station so I don’t think anything will try anything, plus we have security office in the school,” sophomore Madison France said.
“I do. I mean we have the police officers so that should make us feel a little safe,” junior Annie Brando said.
The first step is to listen to the announcements. If there is an intruder in the building, they will announce “code red”. The main office will also announce the location of the intruder, and whether or not they are armed. The second and third step differentiates depending on the location of the shooter. If the shooter is in the hallway your classroom is in, you must immediately turn the lights off, and move to the corner on the side of which the door is on and hide. It is important to make the room look like there is no one inside the classroom. The next step is to make it harder for the intruder to enter the classroom. Moving bookcases, desks, tables, and chairs will decrease the likelihood of the intruder to come into the classroom, keeping everyone inside the room safe. If the shooter is not in the hall that you are in, it is best advised to run. Find your way to the nearest exit and run. With this step, in case of a legitimate gunman, you do not have to wait for your teacher. You run until you feel like you have gotten
Officer Anthony Hamlet tapes a new visitor sign to the door. All visitors who want to enter the school must show a DMV issued form of identification. Photo by Aaliyah Capers. away from the shooter. One thing to keep in mind throughout this event is that staying calm and quiet will increase the chances of your survival. To make sure students know what to do in case of an intruder, a school wide lock down drill took place on Friday, March 1st. With the scary statistic that there have already been 12 school shootings in the first nine weeks of 2018, it is important to know what you are needed to do in case of an armed intruder. Schools across the nation should be a place where students can come and feel safe while they are getting the education they need.
“I do not feel safe in school because it is very easy to access guns and it is very easy to bring them into the school,” senior Kayla Whittington said.
“I feel pretty safe in school we do have a few police officers here and it’s very rare that anything really bad would happen, so I think we are fine,” senior Aliyah Craft said.
12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3.16.18
A&E
Students Prepare For Runway
Runway ACTS
“Fashion Week” By Wale Females: All red outfits Males: White dress shirt with red tie
“Sorry Not Sorry” By Demi Lavato Females: Double denim
“Another Love Song” by NeYo Females: No jeans, summer wear Males: Assorted colors
Haleigh Horne TRN Writer
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ong before the opening night of any performance takes place numerous hours are spent rehearsing and practicing to perfect it. Seven weeks prior to the 2018 DECA Fashion Show the students began to pick songs, choreograph, advertise, and pick categories. This year’s theme for the fashion show is Paparazzi of Fashion. This theme was inspired by their opening song to their performance. “We are incorporating the paparazzi theme through our backdrop, our song choices, and the actual people taking pictures at the performance (paparazzi),” DECA Coordinator Kim Beales said. Although the fashion show is majority student-led, Beales oversees the entire event. This is Beales’s 10th year running the fashion show. She is very confident in her students abilities and is eagerly awaiting their performance. “It is more student-led as far as choreography or the scenes. I only step in when I feel like we need more practice, I’m the coach,” Beales said. “They are a well-oiled
machine and I have the same normal concerns that anyone would have putting on an event like this.” Two of the people stepping forward to make this year’s fashion show are India Richardson and Aalaya Poree. These two women are the main choreographers for the show and have a background in dance that will give all the performers an edge during the show. The main genre of dance that these girls are showcasing is hip-hop. “I am very grateful to have an opportunity to choreograph for the fashion show because choreographing is one of my favorite things to do,” Richardson said. Sometimes when putting on the same event for a number of years it can get kind of stale. However Beales only keeps a few things the same and then changes the rest to being a new flare and draw in an audience. “I like to keep the same set format, I also like to have flashbacks, and different categories based off of the new theme,” Beales said. One of the things the performers do in order to practice for the fashion show is a lock-in here at Prince George High School. The lock-in will take place on Mar. 16th, 2018, exactly one week before their Mar, 23rd, 2018 show. At the lock-in they will practice their scenes, figure out what
In this year’s fashion show, senior India Richardson will be one of the choreographers and will teach new, original, and exciting dances to the participants of the fashion show. Photo by Haleigh Horne. they will wear during the show, and work on their team-bonding. “I am most looking forward to the lock-in. Where we are up all night and like trying to rehearse to get it right,” senior Kierra Jefferson said. This fashion show always seems to draw in a big crowd and gains a lot of attention by our student body. The performers believe this is a big event for not only DECA but the school as well. “The impact of the fashion show is to let people show their diversity and like the way they dress and their style of clothing and express it through a way of music and styles,” Jefferson said. The performers along with Mrs. Beales hope to have a very big turn out for this year’s show. They have been advertising the show through PGTV, flyers and they will be selling tickets 2 weeks in advance. Tickets will be sold for $3 in advance and $5 at the door for the event.
“Earned It” By the Weekend Females: Rompers and heels
“Finesse” By Bruno Mars All: Purple, orange, hot pink, bright green clothes
“Unforgettable“ By French Montana Females: Tops and palazzo pants, can be floral
FRIDAY 3.16.18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13
A&E
Spring Season Welcomed With Spring Fling
Students, Volunteers Work Together To Put On Artistic Display Sarah Schrum TRN Writer
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alking into the school, the first thing that hits someone is the buzz of e xc i t e m e n t for the annual Spring Fling and what the event has in store for the participants. There, guests are greeted with a preview to the amazing art that is displayed throughout the school with decorations that were handmade by art students. For the fourth year in a row, Prince George High School has hosted the Spring Fling Fine Art Display. It brings every public school in Prince George
and participants together to take in the accomplishments of their youth. “I’d say here at the high school, there are probably anywhere upwards of 100 student’s artwork that are featured at the fling and for the entire county I would probably say upwards of 700 students,” Christian Burks, one of the organizers of the spring fling, estimated. Teachers from every school worked relentlessly to prepare for the Fling by choosing artwork, practicing musical numbers, and rehearsing their theatrical contribution for their 30 minutes of fame. The teachers were not the only ones who were hard at work to make the Fling perfect. Students volunteered to decorate the hallways and commons area during their art classes and even after school in their spare time. “They [students] have made just about everything,” organizer and art teacher Christy Eliades said. “We wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for them.” Although most students in the art
classes participated in beautifying the school, there are a few honorable mentions for their hard work and dedication: Heather Lawson, Jacie Gerol, Makala Parkens, Natalia Rivera, Dona Felton, and Maryia Carter. During the Fling, there were several activities and concerts for students to participate in and watch. All of them were conducted by the students and teachers that volunteered to help out in the event. “The Spring Fling was absolutely amazing. Everything to do, everything to see, all of the choirs, it was cool,” attendee Ryah Taylor said. “I feel like that was a good way to get everyone out there, these are our schools, this is what we can do”. Not only was the Fling a big hit with the students that attended, the event gave parents a chance to relax and take in the accomplishments of their children. If it was not for the kids, some adults would not have attended the Fling at all. “It makes it more interesting and is something to look for, and my son was
Sophomore Kyleigh Naylor creates a tattoo on one of the Spring Fling attendees. In addition to art being created and being displayed in F-wing, guests could listen to bands from the middle, junior high and high school, as well as choirs and theater presentations. Photo By Ashley Thacker. in the band this morning,” parent Haley Foster said. But at the end of the day, the Spring Fling is for the students to really feel the pride in their accomplishments. Without them there would be no art to display at the Fling. Their excitement in finding their art hanging up for all to see is part of what the Fling is about. “It’s cool cause other people can look at it [the art],” said Anna Davis, fourth grader from South Elementary. “We have done pots… we’ve done a small project and we did doodles.”
14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.16.18
A&E Kirby’s Star Allies
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intendo’s big bellied best friend joins us again on the Nintendo Switch with Kirby’s Star
Allies. Kirby’s loving players do not have to wait long for this game, for it comes out today, March 16th 2018. Its the same game many have come to know and love but with a few updates. In this new edition, the game celebrates the 25th year anniversary of Kirby. The first Kirby game came out in 1992. The game was Kirby’s Dream Land on the Nintendo Gameboy. HAL Laboratory is the company that has developed many of the Kirby games in the franchise. They have
Maddison Shawkey
Gamer's Corner
worked with Nintendo on a multitude of games. On big jump for HAL laboratory and this game is the fact it is the first HD game for Kirby. Kirby’s Star Allies is a four player, platform game that takes the gamer through four distinct, adorable worlds. Familiar worlds and characters are present in this game. The game begins when Kirby’s slumber is disrupted by a ominous, evil force bent on taking over the world. In this new version of the colorful game, you fight enemies and steal their abilities. Fan favorite powers include sword, tornado, and U.F.O. These abilities can be mixed leaving room for the players imagination to run free. Game play is very similar to the 2011 Kirby’s Return to Dream Land for the Wii U. Players can charge weapons and with have to go through
Promotional photo from mynintendonews.com many new and interesting puzzles. Compared to previous games Kirby’s Star Allies is one of the more traditional unlike the most recent installment Kirby: Planet Robobot, which was more experimental. Kirby’s Star Allies is a game for all
Kirby lovers who wish to experience new heights with their fun loving friend. This game is fun for everyone and will be sold in stores today, March 16th 2018.
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FRIDAY 3.16.18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15
PH TOGALLERY Royals Honor Lives Lost at Parkland
ABOVE: Senior Abby Crosier writes a postcard to the families of those lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Photo by Wayne Coleman.
TOP RIGHT: Senior Kayla Whittington writes her condolences to the families of Parkland. Photo by Wayne Coleman. BELOW: Senior Laura Thompson writes a letter to the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, as well as a letter to her local Congressman. Photo by Wayne Coleman .
RIGHT: Senior Ian Siemen writes a letter to Senator TIm Kaine, one of VIrginia’s elected officials . Photo by Wayne Coleman.
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16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.16.18
Starting Positions available in:
General Laborer With Advancement in:
Heavy Equipment Operation Pipefitting Welding
FRIDAY 3.16.18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17
SPRING SPORTS
Sophomores Take Over Top Six
Molly Ashcraft TRN Writer
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his season’s varsity tennis team has three sophomores who have been working hard and are previewed as part of the top six. Sophomores Carter Marks, Mark Hutson, and Max Bennett are some of the young leaders on the team. Marks has been on varsity for three years. He likes the game because it can be controlled at your pace and not have to worry about how your other teammates are doing. “The way you play determines how your other teammates play and each individual has to do their job,” Marks said.
Marks describes tennis as an individual game and one’s only job is to focus on getting the job done. “Being one of the top sophomores gives me room to grow and for my senior year to make a great shot to playoffs,” Marks said. Marks expects the new players to work hard and give it their all during every practice and match. Hutson has been on varsity for two years. Hutson also enjoys the game because he can focus on himself and his matches and not have to rely on the other players. “Since I started playing tennis, I have been less stressed and enjoying myself more,” Hutson said. Hutson likes how tennis is not a sit down sport and you are constantly moving throughout every hit. Hutson knows it is humbling being named in the top six, but he knows he can’t lose focus and still needs to work
hard to get better and better. His friends help him get better and to improve his skills. “Playing against Miles who is a close friend to me always inspires me because at this moment in time he is where I want to be skill-wise for this season and even above,” Hutson said. Hutson puts in time on and off the court by practicing everyday after school and behind his house. Bennett is returning to the team for the third, and has been playing tennis for several years before. Bennett likes the game because he gets to play with his friends and it’s not an overly competitive sport. “Knowing I’m one of the best players as a sophomore makes me want to get even better and thrive in the future,” Bennett said. Last year Bennett only lost one match during the regular season, but took a disappointing loss in playoffs last
Sophomore Max Bennett hits a backhand while practicing before their first match of the season. Bennett is one of the three sophomores ranked in top six. Photo by Taylar Bauschatz. season. Bennett remains humble about his accomplishments and he hopes his entire team has the intensity to get better. He practices a lot outside the season, in the offseason and offseason tournaments. Bennett told the new players that it takes a while to become good, so never get down on yourself and always stay positive. One of Bennett’s inspiration would definitely be Marks. “We push each other to become better each day and we also play doubles together and help each other along the way,” Hutson said.
18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.16.18
Spring Sports
Senior
Baseball Pursues Return To Final Four
Spotlight
Jared Kunkel
Boys Soccer What made you get into soccer? I’ve been playing since I was 5. I always liked sports and soccer just seemed fun. Over the years I stuck with it and got better and better.
Who is your role model and why? I would say my dad. He always has pushed me forward during times when I was close to quitting and he’s always had my back. He supports me and I respect him for that. I get a lot of my inspiration and personality from him.
What advice do you have for young soccer players?
Carter Marks TRN Writer
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t the top of the seventh inning, the Royals are desperately in need of two runs. With the game tied with two outs, then senior Tucker Majetic steps into the box. The pitcher winds up throwing a wild pitch which allows Tucker to arrive at third safely. Majetic proceeds to walk. Senior Jonathan Walton, junior at the time singles to left allowing Tucker to arrive home safely. The Royals went on to win by a run. Such was the scene which led the Royals to win the regional tournament last year. “My favorite part of last season was our comeback win in the last inning against Thomas Dale,” Walton said. With Roberts leading his squad to the state tournament last year, the Royals try
to get back to that stage with eleven players returning this season. “Experience is a big factor in baseball, so having 11 returning players is a huge benefit to the team,” Walton said. As a team, varsity baseball is a model of consistency under Robert’s leadership. His teams are always well prepared, stocked with players who have played at many levels in preparation for playing at the varsity level. As the team has had great success over the years, many of its players have gone on to reach great individual accomplishments at the collegiate and professional levels. In fact, five of the seniors who graduated last year are continuing their baseball career on the collegiate stage. Players are anxious to start this season, several who will be finishing out their high school career. As seniors, their leadership and experience will be vital to pushing this year’s squad forward as they strive for the ultimate goal - the state championship. “As a team, we would like to win a
Senior Tevin Tucker bunts on a pitch in a regional tournament match last season. Tucker is the returning shortstop from last season. Photo by Kyla Nase. state ring this year and repeat as regional champs,” senior Tevin Tucker said. With VHSL passing a new playoff system where only the top eight in region make the playoffs, Roberts is going to have to keep his team focused and ready to play every game. With Prince George having successful teams year after year, every team that plays them brings their full effort, trying to knock the Royals off. Roberts has long been recognized as one of the leaders in the coaching profession. He dedicates considerable time and effort to his squad, going as far as attending to the field, ordering uniforms, and teaching skills to his players. With Roberts and his squad’s mindset, they look to continue the success that is Prince George baseball.
I personally want to play every game like it’s my last. I want to play hard and just play like I know how to play soccer. As for our team I want to make it to regionals and win. It’s a high goal but I think we can do it by taking it 1 game at a time. All of the boys feel the same way so I really think we can do it this year.
What are your plans after high school? If you plan to go to college, where are you planning on attending and what will be your major? I know that when I get older I wanted to go into the science field but I wasn’t sure what exactly to do. This program at JMU “integrated science and technology or (ISAT) “can let me try out 6 different areas of science and tech and let’s me specify in my favorite one my senior year. It lets me try things broadly, see what I like, and then narrow it down.
As captain what are some of your responsibilities? My job is to lead the boys in the usual things such as in practices or during warmups but I also have the responsibility of bringing the boys up when things are going sour. I have to motivate them and get them ready to win each and every game
FRIDAY 3.16.18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19
CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR ROYALS MEDIA 2018-2019
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR ROYALS MEDIA 2018-2019
baseball Varsity girls Outdoor track have Varsity girls >> >> Spring >> Varsity and softball play a meet at Matoaca >> soccer play tennis have a Glen Allen at home Manchester at High School on match at home on Sports on Mon., Mar. 19th home on Thurs., Wed., Mar. 21st at Tues., Mar. 20th at 5:00 PM. Mar. 22nd at 3:30 PM. at 4:30 PM.
UPCOMING EVENTS
7:00 PM.
Outdoor Builds On Indoor’s Success
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Senior Kai Samuels takes the lead in the 50 meter race at an indoor meet at Suffolk. Samuels placed at the indoor state meet this past season. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh. For more sports photos scan this QR code.
Wayne Coleman Managing Editor
enior Kai Samuels, junior Javonte’ Harding, and sophomore Anthony Thomas competed in this past state meet, and all placed top ten in their respective events. Samuels, who placed third in the state triple jump event, has done track for the past three years, with this past season being his second competing in the event. He came back with an edge this season after getting knocked out of state contention last year by his older brother. “Last year I did do the triple jump, but my brother had basically knocked me out of going to states,” Samuels said. “This year I came back, I worked hard, and I qualified for states in my first meet.” Samuels put his focus on building his speed and strength in the offseason in order to accomplish this feat. “I worked harder, I did a lot more speed work. I did a lot more distance work, and just overall worked on getting stronger and faster, and worked on my form and my technique which let me jump that far,” Samuels said. His first season, he ran the 400 meter, and says there are a few subtle differences between the events. “It’s different because triple jump you have to have coordination with your feet, and you have to know how to control your speed, so it’s definitely different from running the 400,” Samuels said. Thomas also took some time to adjust, coming from not only a different event, but program, as well as new environment. “[I came from] Kansas, Jefferson City,” Thomas said. “In indoor I run the 55 [meter] which was my first time running the 55. I’ve only run the 100 [meter] for outdoor. I’ve never done indoor season, so it was a surprise to me too when I placed.” Thomas says it is a quicker pace with the 55 meter than his usual event. He says although it was his first time competing for indoor, he is not satisfied with his results. “Tenth place, I don’t care if it’s my first time doing the event, it’s not good enough for me, so I’m always looking to improve. I’m looking at outdoor as a big season, and I’m expecting huge improvements,” Thomas said. Assistant track coach Daniel Hamlet worked closely with Thomas and Harding, who placed fifth in the 55 meter event. He hopes to spark more of a fire into both of his young athletes. “Anthony you can tell has some abilities, and is still trying to learn some of those mechanics, and break those mechanics down and fix them back up, so he’ll be a more efficient runner moving on as a senior,” Hamlet said. Harding has a background in track, with a sibling competing at the collegiate level, and Hamlet hopes to encourage him to reach that level competitiveness. “He has a lot more in him, but he [Javonte] doesn’t bring it out to the track meets, which is not bad, but the more he puts in for practice, the better he will be at track meets,” Hamlet said. “Coach Stevens does a really good job of motivating him. If he has to get in his ear a lot, just let him know, ‘hey, you got to step your game up,’ you have to lead by example, not by what you say, but by your performance, not only in competition, but at practice.”