Oct 2015 by chris waugaman

Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 - www.trnwired.org - October 2, 2015

Volume XIV Issue I Free

Single Copy Only

NEW FORMS OF SMOKING DRAW IN STUDENTS p. 9 p. 10-11 NEW FACES ADDED TO FACULTY AND STAFF p. 16 ALUMNUS STEPS IN, OFFERS HELP

p. 18 RAMSEY RETURNS TO PUSH TEAM TO REGIONALS

R N ROYALNEWS

Senior Michael Scott displays a new form of smoking called “Vaping.” Vaping has become popular in society for all ages. Photo by Daniel Puryear. Visit trnwired.org to see the latest photo galleries and watch live broadcast events.

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OP/ED

Can’t I get in free?

theRoyalNews

I’m sorry you have to pay.

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/Briefs: April Buckles, Op/Ed: Alexis Stewart, Features: Ryan Albright, Doubletruck: Hydeia Nutt, A&E: Chance Thweatt Sports: Madison Strang and Paul Dennis, Jr., Photo Editor: Ebony Gilchrist - Business & Ad Editor: Daniel Puryear, Online Editor-inChief: Alesondra Adams-Special Edition Editor-In-Chief Madison Strang and Ebony Gilchrist

Writers Aaliyah Cooper- Katherine Iwanski- Madison FosterWayne Coleman- Morgan Eminhizer- Willow HartCarlee Lively- Jacob Wood

Editor-in-Chief Ryan Albright

Managing Editor Daniel Puryear

Business Manager Daniel Puryear

Adviser

Chris Waugaman

Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2013 CSPA Gold Crown Winner 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2013 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010 NSPA Online Pacemaker Winner 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 SIPA All Southern 2008-2015

The Royal News, PGHS trnwired.org

7801 Laurel Spring Road Prince George, Virginia 23875 804-733-2720 The Royal News is printed at The Progress-Index in Petersburg, Virginia

Trump to Run for Republican Nomination

Illustration by Rosemarie Hopkins

Students Support for Athletics Continues to Dwindle

oing out on a Friday night and supporting the football team at a home football game, no matter how good they are doing in the current season, is something that just seems to come naturally to high school students. But for the other fall sports, like field hockey, golf, volleyball, and cross country, they do not seem to get anywhere close to the same support. In fact, football recently sold just over 1,700 tickets for the first home game of the season, while field hockey only sold 97, and volleyball only 94, on their biggest home games of the year, thus far. Of course, the field hockey and volleyball games are not going to have anywhere close to 1,700 tickets sold, but most of the tickets sold for these games are to the parents or family members of the athletes that play. Meanwhile, students are trying their hardest to get a crowd and student sections at the football game. That is the main difference between the two, and there should be something that promotes students to go out to other sporting events. The Royal Nation Sporting Events Pass for fifty dollars is the only thing that helps promote a student crowd at these events, otherwise there is really nothing else.

For starters, there should be a discount for students who show their student identification. Also, the coaches of other sports should be pushing their players to support the other teams. Football expects support at their home matches, so if you are the football coach why are you not pushing your players to support the other sports? Varsity football alone could potentially bring up to sixty-seven players to a game. The only time this has happened was when the basketball team went out and supported both field hockey and volleyball games as a team. Why does that not happen more often? One of the biggest reasons it does not happen is money. Going to every sporting event would end up costing quite a bit. That is why athletes who participate in sports in the fall should be able to get into other fall sports for free. Same goes to winter and spring athletes supporting their seasons’ sports, too. Not only would it make more students want to try out for sports and make the teams more competitive during tryouts, it would pay them back for the hard work they do in practices and games, as well as creating a better home field advantage and environment to play in for athletes.

ith possible presidential nominees campaigning going on around the United States for the 2016 presidential election, potential voters have argued over deciding whether or not they should elect Donald Trump, a world-renowned ALEXIS STEWART businessman, who is running for the Republican Presidential Nomination. Many debate over whether Trump should or should not run since he has no political background. Many may feel that a man with no knowledge in politics should be in the oval office. Trump announced that he is running for the Republic Nomination on June 16th. According to www.donaldjtrump. com, the first of his two main goals that Trump is focusing on is enforcing the second amendment, which gives citizens the right to keep and bear arms. Trumps argues that even though law enforcement is good, the only way for citizens to be ultimately safe is when they protect themselves, so being a gun carrier can help protect yourself better than law enforcement can. Even though defending yourself against potential harm can be vital, giving people so much power by being able to carry a firearm may not help Americans feel safer and protected but do the exact opposite. The second main goal that Trump wants to resolve in America is immigration laws, which have been controversial for many years. He wants to ultimately have an immigration plan that improves jobs, wages, and security for all Americans. He also wants a mandatory return of all criminal aliens by canceling visas to foreign countries. He wants applicants who enter the United States to be required to certify that they can pay for their own housing and health care before entering the country. America should allow people from different countries to come or live in the country and give them some rights but we should be finding ways to improve the situations of Americans who are living in the country before helping out foreign countries and illegal immigrants. Overall, Trump does have some significant points to improve America’s current standing but he is also missing some other vital points.

FRIDAY 10.02.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3

OP/ED

Community College Home of Dual Enrollment Since the recent changes of Richard Bland Dual Enrollment program to John Tyler Community College program, many wonder the affect on how credits will transfer to other colleges. Does the change affect how colleges will take the transfer credits?

witching schools is rarely a good thing but likely for PGHS students the change isn’t something major. “Richard Bland has an easier application process but the classes should be equal,” says Guidance Counselor Nancy Odum. `Although the courses are offered from different schools the programs are overall the same because the teachers did not change, the classes still learn the same material, and the credits are still transferable.“You get High School credit for both and you get college credit for both, they are both transferable, they are absolutely the same,” says Odum. The several courses offered by Richard Bland College have been switched to John Tyler Community College due to Richard Bland choosing to withdraw from their deal with the Prince George High School. The change affects more than just the name on the credits,it also affects the students financially because with the switch students don’t have to pay for books which means there’s more money left for them to pay for other much needed expenses or even save money for later. “The process is different, you have to take a placement test for the John Tyler classes,” says Odum. The Dual Enrollment teachers are more than qualified to teach the curriculum to the students. This change unofficially opens the doors to more courses to be added as the program numbers inspire to increase over the next few years. “The students who take Dual Enrollment this year typically did not take Dual Enrollment last year so they do not know there is a difference,” says Odum. It is a matter of opinion which school is the better educational institution but John Tyler Community College will offer Prince George student a chance to get college courses out of the way and hopefully help to create some of tomorrow’s greatest minds or inspire the students to help other students achieve a higher education.

PRO CON MATTEO REED

MADISON STRANG

“Although the courses are offered from different schools the programs are overall the same...” “Guidance counselors are not responsible for getting students transcripts ...” “This change unofficially opens the doors to more courses to be added...”

he new school year is in full swing and students are getting use to their classes and regular routines. There has been recent controversy on how the Dual Enrollment program has switched from being through Richard Bland College and Virginia State University to strictly being through John Tyler Community College with a few exceptions to some classes like Psychology and Probability Statistics. The Dual Enrollment program is supposed to be beneficial to the student and help them get a head start on earning college credits, but some do not know the side effects of the Dual Enrollment program being through a certain school. Guidance Counselor Nancy Odum discusses some of these side “Some schools do not have to accept these credits,” Odum said. “Credits can count as an elective and not an actual course credit.” Students may work really hard to receive these credits and they might not even transfer to the school that they want to attend. Also, students are responsible for just about everything as far as getting the credit to transfer. “Guidance counselors are not responsible for getting students transcripts from these schools anymore,” Odum said. “The student is responsible for retrieving their transcripts to send these credits to other schools.” These classes can be very rigorous and challenging to the students. If a student slacks off they are at risk of their credit not transferring or other consequences. “In order for the credit to transfer the student has to earn a C average or better,” Odum said. “If the student does not have a C average they will be forced to withdraw from the class.” It is always good for a student to challenge themselves but if they are not rewarded for their hard work they may choose to not sign up for dual enrollment classes.

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Starting Positions available in:

General Laborer With Advancement in:

Heavy Equipment Operation Pipefitting Welding

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BRIEFLY

Survey conducted of 100 juniors and seniors in English classes.

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FEATURES Eighteen Year Old Runs for Public Office

Reeve Ashcraft Takes On Challenge Of Running For School Board

Q A Q A Q A

What motivated you to run for school board?

“I saw a lot of things that were being done that I did not necessarily agree with, and as a student, I had a visual perspective and I believe I could provide a philosophy that would be beneficial to the school system.”

How did your dad, working as the county administrator for both Caroline County and Prince George County, affect your decision to run for School Board?

Q A Q A

“Public service has been a core value for my family and so seeing the opportunity to better the community. It felt natural to help the community and run for school board.”

What kind of support are you getting from the older crowd, compared to the generation of your peers? “The ‘older crowd’ is looking for a change and I believe by the support that I have been getting that they think I can be that change. My age group has been great and I look to them for their opinions.”

Q A

How are you trying to gain support of the County?

“By telling people the facts and letting them decide for themselves. I also do my best to provide new ideas of how I plan to help our school system.”

What has been your biggest challenge so far, and how do you plan to overcome this challenge? “My biggest challenge while campaigning has definitely been proving to the citizens of Prince George County that my age is my greatest asset, and not weakness. I believe the more I talk to people and show them my plans for our school system, they are a lot more willing to support me. Along with that, going out and meeting people, through events and door knocking, has given me the greatest opportunity to grow support. What do you have to say to people in the County who think you are too young to run for/be elected into the School Board?

“My generation is here to lead. I believe my age is my greatest strength. Seeing things as a student allowed me to see what changes we need to make.”

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FEATURES

ThorntonTeaches Generations Government Teacher Louise Thornton Begins Her Fiftieth Year At Prince George April Buckles Front Page/Briefs Editor

er heart skips a beat as she pulls into the same parking lot she has been parking in for the past 50 years of her life. She smiles at familiar faces and some new. She makes her way down the hallway and unlocks the door to her classroom. She can smell the freshly cleaned white board and desks. She strides over to her desk and sits. When she finishes setting up for the new school year she takes a bittersweet glance around the classroom. This could be it. Government teacher Louise Thornton has been teaching for 50 years. She has been motivated and encouraged by her fellow colleagues and students for the past 50 years to continue her teaching career at the high school. She finds that being around the younger students energizes her along with other teachers. “What has motivated me the most in the past 50 years are the students and the love I have for the subject that I teach. Young people make adults like me feel more energized and younger. I also need to make enough money to support the lifestyle that I live in,” Thornton said. Thornton values her time here. Instead of looking forward to the idea of retirement and having time off to herself, she is somewhat anxious. She is worried about the possibility of the loss of the strong rapport that she has made with this staff. “I am not excited about retiring. It’s a very sad thing. I could potentially lose friendships with my colleagues here. Teachers who are in the foreign language, history, and English hall are all my friends. It’s hard. I wouldn’t be able to see them on a daily basis like we do now. I would still see and visit them but maybe only once

a month. It would be different,” Thornton said. Thornton admits that it is very likely that she will not be retiring, but teaching another year. “It is very possible I will be teaching another year here at this high school. I just love teaching and being around a young group of people. The teachers and students here are wonderful. I love being around the teachers. I have made lots of friends with the teachers here. If I retire this year I have the chance of losing the

friendship because I can’t see them on a daily basis,” Thornton said. With Thornton’s time spent in the classroom and in the halls of Prince George, she has some advice for the newer generation of teachers. She explains that it is crucial to have fun and build a strong relationship with the students and everyone at the school. “It is very important to remember to not be too walled in. You should not be so concentrated on lesson plans, schedules, grading, and essays that teaching is no

Government teacher Louise Thornton instructs her fifth block government class. This is Thornton’s fiftieth year as a teacher at the high school. Photo by April Buckles. longer fun to you or to your students. Keep in mind that you have to make sure that every day there is some kind of laughter. Whether that laughter is between you and students, or even between the students,” Thornton said.

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Yankee Coffee Shop

2557-A S. Crater Rd. Petersburg, VA 23805 (804)-861-4990

Hours of Operation: Thursday-Monday: 5:30 A.M.- 1:45 P.M. Closed: Tuesday & Wednesday

PTA Happenings Homecoming Ticket Sales will be October 15th, 16th and the 21st thru the 23rd. During lunch blocks Ticket cost is $10.00. Includes a drink and a snack Homecoming Dance: October 24th 8:00p.m.- 11:00p.m Upcoming PTA meeting dates: October 8th @ 5:30 November 12th @ 5:30

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FEATURES New Forms of Smoking Draw in Students Hookahs, E-Cigarettes, Vape Pens Bring Attraction of Smoking to Younger Crowd Daniel Puryear Managing Editor

ately the general consensus has been that cigarettes contribute to poor health, with ad campaigns against them and laws passed to prohibit the use of tobacco products in public areas. Students and adults alike have switched to more mainstream forms of smoking such as hookah and electronic cigarettes. According to the National Center for Disease Control, the national percentage of high school students who smoke is at the lowest point in the past twenty-two years. The national percentage peaked in 1997 at 36.4% and has hit its lowest percentage in 2013 at 15.7%. Senior Nathan Johnson smokes hookah, a type of flavored tobacco, which is a common replacement for traditional tobacco products. “I smoke hookah with my aunt up in Chester,” Johnson said. “I like it because it is a stress reliever and I like to play with the smoke. I like the feeling, it is like a light headed feeling but you are still aware.” Many young adults have dropped cigarettes and feel that cigarettes are held in a much more negative light in this day and age. Johnson explains some differences between hookah and smoking cigarettes. “Hookah is better [than cigarettes] even though, apparently, if you smoke hookah for an hour it is the equivalent to one hundred cigarettes,” Johnson said. “It is less harmful than cigarettes because it has less harmful chemicals other than the carbon monoxide from the coal. Cigarettes just aren’t cool anymore after all of these videos of people and seeing the harmful effects of cigarettes with cancer and diseases. It is just nasty.” Some of the newest forms of smoking

that have replaced cigarettes, including electronic cigarettes, have not gotten the chance to have legislation passed to regulate them. Principal Mike Nelson clarifies his understanding of the laws on such smoking devices. “As far as I know the General Assembly hasn’t made any determination about age requirements for electronic cigarettes, like they have other tobacco products and the law is really unclear on that,” Nelson said.

Senior Michael Scott smokes his vape pen. He has been smoking a vape pen for a year. Photo courtesy of Michael Scott. Due to the laws not being specific regarding electronic cigarettes, the High School Administration has their own stance on it. “We in the school handle an electronic cigarette like a tobacco product,” Nelson

said. “So, for instance, if someone had cigarettes here as a student it’s a one day suspension. Yes, it’s against the law for someone, based on your age, to have tobacco products, but we typically don’t pursue it as a law enforcement matter.” Although there has been a decrease in the amount of tobacco related incidents there has not been an increase in alternative forms. “I haven’t seen [any incidents with electronic cigarettes] this year,” Nelson said. “Last year we had a few incidents, maybe three or four, still not a huge amount. I would say in the last four or five years we have seen a real decline in tobacco related incidents. I remember when I started teaching here in the late 90’s and you would just walk into the bathroom and get knocked over by the smoke and smell.” Senior Michael Scott has been smoking electronic cigarettes for over a year. Scott has transitioned from smoking cigarettes to smoking electronic cigarettes. ‘I didn’t like the way cigarettes smelled, the way they taste,” Scott said. “It is just a nasty habit and it is a lot of money.” Even though, according to webmd. com, there is no way of knowing whether or not electronic cigarettes are dangerous long-term, some argue they should be allowed in public facilities. “I think it could be allowed in school but there should be designated areas for it,” Scott said. “You should not be able to just start vaping in the middle of your classroom.” The administration realizes that electronic cigarettes could be a positive in comparison to traditional tobacco products. “I remember two instances where a student had an electronic cigarette on him and he was actually trying to quit smoking,” Nelson said. “We worked with the student and returned the cigarette to their parent. We are going to work with the student in a situation like that.”

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New Faces Added to Faculty, Staff

BY THE NUMBERS

New Teachers Begin Their Tenure Within Royals Family to Help Educate, Support Student Body Blake Cox

Raven Holc

Octavia Spann

Jessica Stainback

Reagan Brown

p 

There have been fifteen new teachers added to the faculty and staff this school year.

Matteo Reed Photo Editor

hen students graduate and are long gone they will look back and not only remember fond memories but also their favorite teachers. Raven Holc is a Prince George alumni and after years of working on her teaching skills, she has returned to teach future graduates and hopes to inspire them. Holc has multiple inspirations but the two who had the biggest impact on her career so far are her husband, who worked while she attended college to finish her degree, and her mother, who inspired her to teach by connecting with students and being able to discuss important topic with them. “Watching my mom teach and watching her interact with her students, and the things she gets to discuss on a daily basis inspired me to [teach] too,” Holc said. Holc played soccer during her student days and, as part of the 2015 faculty, she has become the girls soccer Varsity assistant coach. As the assistant coach, her job entitles her to help the girls run drills, plan for the opponent, and help motivate them to go out and perform at their highest level. Although Holc is a new teacher at Prince George, she hopes to achieve a lot before she gets close to retirement. Since getting a college education is important to Holc, she hopes that she can inspire her students to seek higher learning and run into them later in life whether they are successful in sports, academics, or become a successful person in the corporate world. “I just think connecting with students and seeing them achieve things outside of high school, like running into them later and seeing them do the things they want to do is nice.” Holc said.

April Buckles Front Page Editor

long with the new school regulations and dress code came new teachers. One of the many new teachers is Blake Cox. Cox is a first year biology teacher. With teaching positions being left unfilled, and the need for adequate teachers being at an all time high, some wonder what all does it take to be a teacher. “Since the fourth grade I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was raised around a family filled with teachers. My grandfather used to teach here and I actually have his old desk,” Cox said. Although many think teaching is a chore, some enjoy their job and love what they do. “Probably the best thing about my job is explaining to the students the lesson. When I see their face when they have that moment when everything clicks and they get it is just amazing. To truly be a good teacher you have to have that enthusiasm for the subject. How are the students supposed to get excited for the lesson if they aren’t excited?” Cox said. Cox doesn’t dislike many things about his job. “There isn’t much I don’t like about my job. The only thing I don’t really like is all the paperwork the first couple weeks of school, it definitely takes away from teaching time to the students,” Cox said. Cox even gives advice to the students of all grades. “If I could give advice to the student, I would say to stay on top of things. One of the biggest problems in high school is falling behind in your studies. It’s really hard to catch up, so I would say to just try your absolute hardest to stay on top of all your work so you don’t fall behind,” Cox said.

Hydeia Nutt Doubletruck Editor

Ebony Gilchrist Special Edition Editor

rowing up in Brooklyn, New York, Octavia Spann and her family were the only ones in her building that could speak English clearly. The other tenants spoke Spanish. This was where her journey began. “I was curious about the language and what was being said,” Spann said. Her curiosity led her to the University of Massachusetts as an undergraduate. Spann received a scholarship to play softball for the university. Before Spann became a teacher at the high school, she worked for the Army. “I worked for the Army as a program director,” Spann said. She mentioned how she has had the opportunity to work with children in all grades. Her teachings began in the program where she taught Spanish. Over the summer, Spann applied to work at the high school as a Spanish teacher. “I had no connections for this job. I applied and came in for an interview, “ Spann said. Her successful interview led to her becoming a Spanish teacher, and she is very excited about the upcoming school year. “I really enjoy working with kids, I think it is going to be fun,” Spann said. Spann’s goal for this school year is to be successful. “I enjoy teaching and my kids enjoy learning,” Spann said To help Spann with reaching her goal, she lives by the motto, “ Si nosotros podemos!” (Yes we can!) “I chose this motto because it gives us hope. It’s positive. There is no room we cannot,” Spann said.

essica Stainback walks into Prince George High School feeling anxious, excited, and nervous. She is a new tenth and twelfth grade English teacher at the school, but she is not new to Prince George. “[ I chose to teach here], because I live here, and graduated from here. It is a great school system. Why wouldn’t I come back?,” Stainback said. Stainback learned she wanted to become a teacher while she was in class as a student here. “I was sitting in Statistics class, which is taught by Dr. Witt, and the students around me were having problems with the work. I found it easy to help them, and then a light bulb clicked on in my head. I said this might be something I want to do,” Stainback said. She attended Longwood University and majored in Math. “When I got to college, I realized that Calculus II was not for me. I realized I did not want to spend five hours on two math problems,” Stainback said. Then Stainback decided to change her major. “I really enjoyed English class, and I liked Brit Lit (British Literature). I really enjoyed the content and materials. It is fun to sit around and talk about books, and to see everyone’s perspective,” Stainback said. Stainback wants her students to take away different things from her class. “I want my 10th graders to understand the academic bar set here at Prince George, and the expectations they have here. [Also] that they can apply the books they read in their daily lives,” Stainback said. She also wants her seniors to take away something from her class. “I want my 12th graders to know they are ready to leave by the end of the year, and be confident. The skills they learn here are not just used in this class, but in others,” Stainback said. Stainback wants her students to remember another thing. “Reading is fun!”

Chance Thweatt A&E Editor

s the new school year begins, new teachers arrive and begin their journey of teaching at Prince George High School. With the school year just starting, many teachers are slowly starting to learn the normal routine of the high school and its many students. Among the new teachers is Reagan Brown, who started the new school year as a Math teacher. In further details, Brown also has a daughter in eleventh grade who attends the high school. “I teach tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade, and the subjects that I teach are Geometry and Statistics,” Reagan Brown said. In further details, Brown has the opportunity to teach all of the grades at the high school. Brown looks forward to teaching students and making a difference in the students’ lives. She also wants to be a positive influence on the students at the high school and send them on their way with success. Furthermore, Brown also wants to teach students math skills to, not only succeed in school, but in everyday life. “I wanted to start teaching at the high school to be closer with my daughter, whom is a junior here at the high school. I have enjoyed riding with her to school in the mornings and being able to have a closer bond with her,” Brown said. Teaching at the high school has allowed Brown to do what she loves to do and be within the same distance as her daughter. According to Brown, that has been the highlight of her school year so far. “This year, I am looking forward to teaching my students and being a positive role model for them. I want to teach them to the best of my ability and set them up for future success. I am also looking forward to spending the school year with my daughter.” Furthermore, Reagan Brown hopes for the very best school year with her students. By teaching them the necessary skills to succeed, they should be very successful. For Reagan Brown, the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning.

Out of the fifteen new staff members, two are joining relatives who have been apart of this school for over a year.

1 One teacher, Ms. Stainback, inspires students to read and helps them to remember this by saying “Reading is fun!”

Ms. Holc has five connections to this school, which include: having a parent as a teacher here, being a new teacher to the high school, being an assistant varsity soccer coach, having played soccer during her days as a student, and being a Prince George alumni.

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FRIDAY 10.02.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 11

New Faces Added to Faculty, Staff

BY THE NUMBERS

New Teachers Begin Their Tenure Within Royals Family to Help Educate, Support Student Body Blake Cox

Raven Holc

Octavia Spann

Jessica Stainback

Reagan Brown

p 

There have been fifteen new teachers added to the faculty and staff this school year.

Matteo Reed Photo Editor

April Buckles Front Page Editor

Hydeia Nutt Doubletruck Editor

Ebony Gilchrist Special Edition Editor

Chance Thweatt A&E Editor

Out of the fifteen new staff members, two are joining relatives who have been apart of this school for over a year.

1 One teacher, Ms. Stainback, inspires students to read and helps them to remember this by saying “Reading is fun!”

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A&E

Graphic Arts Preps Success Students Express Creativity Through Graphic Arts Projects, Which Help Prepare Students for Future College Courses. Chance Thweatt A&E editor

s the school year has just begun, students are enjoying the many classes that the high school has to offer. In further details, the Graphic Arts Class has sparked much interest at the high school by offering new opportunities for students to be successful in their future. Having exposure and experience gives students a great chance to get a head start on their future career, if wishing to pursue a profession in this field of work. It also gives students a chance to gain as much knowledge as they can while still attending high school, which gives students a jump start if wishing to attend college. “Originally called the Print Program , the class has been here at the high school since the opening, but it has been greatly modernized/revamped. The class is an entrepreneurship of printing. It is basically project based learning,. We are also learning how to Photoshop, and we use InDesign”, Graphic Arts Teacher Matthew Weston said. The high school first opened in the 1978-1979 school year, which also started the printing program or the Graphic Arts class. As said previously, the program has been greatly modernized by now having access to many programs such as InDesign, which is used by professionals. On the other hand, the Graphic Arts class also focuses on the theory behind graphics and printing, which gives further knowledge and experience to students.

“I have built this program up since I’ve first started at the high school. I teach sophomores, juniors, seniors and occasionally some freshman.” “I also teach third, sixth, seventh, and fifth block. My fifth block is double booked, I’ve had a surplus of students, my fifth block has some of my level two students”, Teacher Matthew Weston said. The surplus of students is significant progress for the Graphic Arts class. This adds insight that many students are interested in learning more about photography and graphic design. This also suggests that students are interested in hands-on experience which would be beneficial in the future. “I don’t necessarily encourage all students to take this class, but I promote it to people who have a great interests in this field of work. Especially the ones who wish to go to college to major in Photography and

Graphic Design. I highly encourage exposure”, Weston Said. In further details, students that are interested in pursuing a further career in Photography and Graphic Design are encouraged to take this class to provide them with much experience as possible. This class is able to give students all the right exposure to succeed in college. More so, the class serves as a source of knowledge, which is significant for all students, not just those that aren’t interested in pursuing a career in photography or graphic design. It also looks good on college applications to have already have experience for the field of work you are anticipating to major in. However, students that have no desire to further their career of photography and graphic design are still welcome to take the class. “I really like this class! Especially when it comes to creating new things, like T-shirts,

Mr. Westin, Graphic Arts/Photography teacher, demonstrates assignment instructions to his fifth block students. Photo by April Buckles. car details, bags, and key chains. I also think this class is great exposure for someone who wants to pursue a career in this. I highly encourage my peers to take this class”, junior Allison Strawser said. In addition, Strawser also loves the free atmosphere that the class has to offer. Being that Allison has this class everyday for fifth period, it is something to look forward to. Socializing and sharing project work with others in the class is also a reason why Strawser loves the class. In the end, it is beneficial to see how everything is created, and the dynamics behind things seen in stores or on the internet.

14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 10.02.15

PGHS Spanish Club Wishes BUENA SUERTE to all fall sports!

FRIDAY 10.02.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15

PH TOGALLERY Students Bring Energy, Volume To Rally

LEFT: Senior Kevin Foster pumps up the crowd for the first pep rally of the school year, while other SGA officers cheered him on. He lip synced a medley of Beyoncé songs. This is Fosters’ first time being the MC . Photo by Dejanae Gibson .

ABOVE: Sophomore Anthony Hunter motivates the sophomores to get excited. He lip-synced “Hot Line Bling” by Drake. Photo by Dejanae Gibson . RIGHT: Sophomore Candace Kanney holds on tight while she stands at the top of the pyramid. The cheerleaders performed during the first pep rally. Photo by Dejanae Gibson.

For more photos of the opening pep rally go to www. trnwired.smugmug.com

ABOVE: Junior Justin Nase pulls with all his might in tug-a-war. Tug-a-war was one of several games at the pep rally where classes competed against one another. LEFT: Senior Savannah Watkins dances along with the Royalettes Dance Team . She choreographed the dance they performed. Photos by Dejanae Gibson.

16 | THE ROYAL NEWS| FRIDAY 10.02.15

A&E

Alumnus Steps In, Offers Help Graduate Devan Andrews Takes on Long Term Substitute Teacher, Director Role During Phillips’ Recovery

BY THE NUMBERS

11 Days until Phillips’ possible return

22 Ebony Gilchrist Photo Editor

raduate and former PG Player Devan Andrews has returned to Prince George High School. Andrews is currently a substitute teacher for theatre teacher Daryl Phillips, while he is out recovering from cancer surgery and chemo and radiation therapy. Andrews is also the co-director and playwright of the play which will be performed for Virginia Theatre Association festival. Andrews has been running rehearsals solo ,with feedback and guidance from Phillips. The play, Passed On, will be performed on the weekend of Oct. 23rd-Oct. 25th. “The VTA competition is a conference held for three days,” Andrews said. “The first day, all the schools perform in front of the judges. Afterwards they go to workshops. On the second day they have fun, and find out the six finalists. The six finalists perform once more for the conference, before a winner is decided.” Preparing the students for a competition weekend can be challenging, but Andrews has experience. “All of my years in attending this school and in college, has prepared me to be with the

PG Players,” Andrews said. “I’ve directed plays and taken courses that have helped me.” With Phillips absent, not only does Andrews have to prepare the students, he also has to give them confidence about their performance. “I feel that I have to first demonstrate that I’m an adequate theatre maker. I guide them through exercises I have done myself, and tell them stories. They also have faith in themselves,” Andrews said. Senior Kevin Foster has been performing in school plays for five years. Andrews has taught Foster and the other performers to use different techniques. “Mr. Andrews is a really awesome teacher,” Foster said. “He is adding a lot of new activities and has brought a new perspective to the class. He has taught me new techniques on memorizing lines.” Foster feels that their performance will be good. “I feel very confident about this show. It is a very well written show, and a very talented cast,” Foster said. Along with Foster, Andrews believes their performance will be great. During Phillips time directing plays, the PG Players have a history of competing all across the state. “We have been in nine VTA competitions

Alumnus Devin Andrews leads the fifth period theatre class in warm-ups. Andrews is substituting for theatre teacher Daryll Phillips while he is out recovering. Photo by April Buckles. since I have been here. We have won several special awards for acting and ensemble work,” Phillips said. With Phillips being absent, he has no idea how his absence has affected the performers. “This situation is extraordinary, so I [cannot] guess,” Phillips said. Even though Phillips has been out for quite some time, he felt confident in having a reliable substitute and director, whom he suggested for the job. “He is good and he knows our system. He has experience as a student in successful competition at PGHS,” Phillips said. Foster will greatly miss Andrews, but he is excited for Phillips return. “I miss him, he is talented and I miss his process of how he does things,” Foster said. Phillips will be returning October 12th, just in time for the competition. “I will be back just in time for finishing touches,” Phillips said. “I can’t wait to get back. I miss all of my PGHS students and colleagues.”

Days until the start of VTA performances

4 PGHS actors participating in the VTA performance

9 VTA Competitions with Phillips by PGHS

FRIDAY 10.02.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17

A&E Gamer's Corner & Critic Review

adden 16 is the twenty-eighth installment of John Madden Football or simply Madden. This was released on August 25, 2015 for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One and has had overall positive review from the Madden fans. In this installment of the popular sports franchise they focused on the realism and gameplay aspects of things for instance, they have added new catching mechanics so the player is indeed the playmaker with the ability to make a possession, run after catch, aggressive catch. The different catching styles benefits every situation in a different way. Like if the player is trying to avoid losing the ball, they would use the possession catch option. If they wanted to gain extra yards, they would

use the run after catch or RAC option. Even if the gamer wanted to look like a true playmaker, they could use the aggressive option, which allows the receiver to compete with the cornerback or safety for the catch. Along with offensive mechanics the defensive mechanics have also been improved by adding new ways to defend the offensive counterparts. The ball hawk style of play has been improved to make the battle for supremacy an aggressive one when played the right way but when played the wrong way the defense will give up a big play or even a touchdown. Another option is the play receiver option which allows you tackle the receiver to either prevent him from making the catch or keeping him from gaining more yards. Along with this, they have also made gang tackles more organic, in a sense that it looks more

rey’s Anatomy started their twelfth season on the 24th of September. Their premier episode for the season sadly received one of the lowest

the show with the title named after her. She is the constant staple of the show that keeps people watching. The audience is most likely getting tired of the constant loss of characters throughout the show. Most likely starting with George O’Malley who was in the same intern group as Grey at the start of the show. O’Malley died as a result of being hit by a bus. He was a beloved character with a funny, quirky personality. The tipping point for many Grey’s Anatomy advocates could have been when Dr. Yang, Meredith Grey’s best friend, moved away to work at another hospital. Sadly, the ultimate finale of the show seems far too close and far too real. The writers have tried to make up for the loss of beloved characters with more characters and

Matt Reed

number of viewers since the show first premiered. The show is a medical drama where the doctors constantly bond over their own life issues outside of the hospital along with the stress and emergencies of the hospital. The surgeons have suffered constant loss with only four members from the original cast still being starred. The most recent tragedy was the death of Dr. Derek Shepherd or “McDreamy” who suffered fatal wounds from a car wreck. Shepherd was one of the few remaining members of the original cast and was the husband to Dr. Meredith Grey. Grey is the main character of

Daniel Puryear

realistic. Photo courtesy of Madden 16 has sportingnews.com. also added a game mode called Draft Champions, which ties into the popular Madden Ultimate Team mode. Draft Champions allows you to make a team built by you with random players who rank anywhere from gold to legendary. In this new mode, you are playing online against real life competition. You can use this team until you lose then you have to start over with a new team.

Photo courtesy of netflixlife.com new conflicts within those characters lives but it does not seem to be the same. Although, the shows general popularity most likely associates with the series being shown on Netflix. The majority of fans of the show are most likely not even past the third season. This popularity in show does not affect the shows ability to extend its season since Netflix is not connected with the ABC company that produces the show.

18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 10.02.15

FALL SPORTS

Senior Spotlight

Ramsey Returns to Push Team to Regionals

Paul Dennis, Jr. Sports Editor

n team sports, the importance of having a good relationship with your teammates is downplayed often. Yes, every good team fights and has disagreements, but when it comes time to focus they know when to buckle down and support each other. Being close with one’s team members is proven to help the team succeed. The golf team has just finished their regular season with a 10-4 record, and the return of senior Evan Ramsey has been one of the main reasons why. “Our team chemistry is great. Five of the top six are seniors and we all know each other well; it’s a great combination,” Ramsey said. “We have a solid top six that will definitely do well in our upcoming conference tournament.” Ramsey lived in Prince George and moved to Illinois about four years ago, and has returned in time for his senior year. He and some members of the golf team have known each other for over a decade, are close friends, and have a bond that is only built through time. Being able to return for a last run with his teammates and friends is something that has inspired them all to play well. “I think my return has helped propel us to new levels,” Ramsey said. “I always try and push the guys so we can always show our best effort, and because of our hard work as a team, we recently won our last game of the season and were able to finish our regular season on a high note. I have a lot of confidence in our team and I’m sure we can go out and win conference together.” Senior Wesley Warren occupies one of the six top spots in the rotation, and acknowledges that Ramsey’s return has been a big factor in the golf team’s performance this year. “Evan’s return has helped build our structure. Without him we wouldn’t have posted such low scores, and played so well. He’s basically elevated our team to much better standards. This team is a family; we know, love, and support each other, and we have confidence in our abilities. I trust this team. I can always count on my teammates to come in with good scores; they’re always reliable,” Warren said. The talent that this team has been reflected in their record, and they will get another chance to show it on Mon., Oct. 5th at

Kaleb Stevens

Cross Country Track

How long have you been running track? “I have been running track since I was in the seventh grade.” What do you love most about the sport? “I love seeing how fast you can run and being able to push your body to the limit.” Do you plan on running track in college? Why or why not? “I do plan on running track in college to help pay for it.”

the regional tournament. One thing that the team doesn’t have to worry about is their confidence in each other, and that’s evident in their words. “I’ve known Evan for 14 years; he was my best friend before he left, and it’s good to have him back. Now that he is here and we are all playing so well, this is probably the best team we have had in a decade,” Warren said. Golf head coach Earl Burton has coached the team this season and agrees that Ramsey’s return has positively impacted the season. “Since he’s moved back he’s been one of our best players. It’s been such a plus to have a player of Evan’s talent come in; he’s one of the top players in our conference. We’ve got four seniors who are very even, and he’s made us so much stronger having a quality

Senior Evan Ramsey hits an approach shot from the fairway with an iron. Ramsey and his team defeated Thomas Dale 170-183. Photo by Daniel Puryear. player like him come in and add to the rotation,” Burton said. “We have players who have been playing for three or four years together. They have a close bond and are experienced, and it really helps out a lot. Obviously, these players have to have talent – God given talent - but they all still come in and work hard, especially Evan. As a senior, you have a lot of distractions, but this team has done a great job at focusing,” Burton said.

How did you get into running track? “I ran the Ukrops 10K and after that I realized that I wanted to run track.” How do you think your performance has been so far this season, team-wise and individually? “I believe that I have gotten better because I have more experience from running more.” How do you feel about it being your last year playing with PG? ”Being my last year, I have to make sure I go all out and end this year with a bang.”

FRIDAY 10.02.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19

FOLLOW ROYALSMEDIANOW ON TWITTER

SENIORS, TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Last Chance to have Candid Color take your photo for the yearbook only!

Oct. 28

Mark your calendar and listen for the announcements. Remember to follow @RoyalsMediaNow on Twitter.

ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK FOR ONLY $60 UNTIL... Visit www.jostens.com to order your book now.

DEC. 1

NOV.27

We will begin accepting senior ads for the yearbook on December 1st. For information on how to order a senior ad visit: http://www.jostens.com/ and click on Senior Recognition Ads

football Fall Sports >> Varsity game vs.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thomas Dale is postponed indefinitely.

country >> Varsity girls >> Varsity field >> Cross hockey game volleyball meet vs. vs. Hopewell game vs. Matoaca is Wed., Oct. 7th at 4:30 P.M.

Matoaca is Thurs., Oct. 8th at 7:15 P.M.

is Mon., Oct. 12th at 4:00 P.M.

Seniors Miss Out On Home Field Advantage Hydeia Nutt Doubletruck Editor

Senior Malik Gurley runs the ball outside against Lee Davis. Gurley is a third year varsity football player. For more football photos visit trnwired.org. Photo by Daniel Puryear.

his school year the football team has only four home games. They have usually encountered six home games for several years. Changes in the schedule has interfered with the twelve year streak. “We have been blessed to have six to seven home games [every year] for twelve years,” Athletic Director Bill Russell said. Scheduling this year has made it difficult for the royals to play their usual six games at home. However, next school year they will be going back to their traditional six. “It is just the way the schedule works out, picking up new teams in the cycle,” Assistant Athletic Director Hezekiah Butler said. Because the varsity football team has four home games, the junior varsity football team now has the opportunity to gain experience and have more enjoyment playing on home grounds. The JV team will play at home six times this school year. “When Varsity plays home on Fridays, the Junior Varsity plays away on Wednesdays, the Junior Varsity will have six home games instead of the usual four this school year,” Russell said. Playing at home has its advantages. It is more comfortable to the team and for their fans. “You always like to play at home, but good teams adjust, home or away,” Russell said. Attending home games are traditional to some students and their family. Many people were looking forward to going to the six home games this school year. Some were even shocked to hear about the lack of home games. Friday nights will not be the same for a number of students. “I was kind of disappointed because the

football games are a part of my senior year and I want to do everything this school year,” Ashlyn Hagee said. Instead of going to the football games, a few will socialize and enjoy the company of friends in different environments. A select few may even work or stay at home. “I will probably hang out with my friends or work,” Hagee said. While other students are working some may be sleeping. “I will go out with my friends or maybe even get my sleep in,” Avian Coleman said. Not only are the students and the Royals fans affected by this, but also the football players. For seniors this will be the last high school football season. “This hurts my heart because it is senior year,” Malik Gurley said. “You want your home to see you play more than four times.” Although some players are emotional this will not affect how the team will play. They will still strive to do their best and come out on top. “We are still going to play for each other and play our hardest,” Gurley said. Another group affected by this is the Marching Royals. They will not be able to set up concession stands at the away games which helps financial wise. “We are going to lose money because of the concession stands but we may do really well during the four games we have,” band teacher Michael Warnock said. But the four home games will not be the last time you hear the vibrant sounds of the Marching Royals. The band will be able to follow the team around unless they are instructed not to do so by the home team. “We are going to five away games as long as the home team allows us and are not doing anything special those nights,” Warnock said. Despite the scheduling this school year, the Varsity football team will play hard whether they are away or at home. “We play where we play,” Butler said.