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THE ROYAL NEWS Volume XV, Issue I
Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 www.trnwired.org - October 14, 2016 - @RoyalsMediaNow
RAINY HOMECOMING GAME DOES NOT DAMPEN ROYAL SPIRIT P. 15 p. 10-11 TEACHERS BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY p. 13 PG PLAYERS PREPARE ‘US & THEM’ FOR THEATRE FESTIVAL p. 18 VOLLEYBALL TEAMS SUCCEED TOGETHER OCTOBER TWITTER POLL QUESTION Who do you think will win the presidential election? 98 Responses Via Twitter
Trump 56% Clinton 32 % Johnson 9% Stein 3%
Senior Jahcob Delong cheers for his class of 2017 at the student pep rally. The seniors went on to win the spirit stick. Photo by Chloe Lawrence.
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FRIDAY 10.14.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3
OP/ED
How Many Pep Rallies Will There Be In 2016-2017?
theRoyalNews
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O
ur mission as the school
newspaper for Prince George High School is to provide a form of media that represents all aspects of student life. The goal is to present factual accounts of newsworthy events in a timely manner. Our publication will be informative, entertaining and reflective of the student body’s opinions. It is the desire of the staff to reach every student and tell as many of their stories as possible. We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow. The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room A2, or e-mail them to trnwired@gmail.com We reserve the right to edit for clarity, brevity, accuracy, legality, spelling and grammar. Please include your name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. 500 word maximum. Thank you for the support this year. Please continue to communicate on trnwired.org. Publication theft. A person commits the offense of publication theft when he or she willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than three copies of an edition of a publication distributed on campus or in the surrounding community [with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading that edition of the publication]. A “publication” includes any periodical that is distributed on a complimentary or compensatory basis. In addition to the imposition of other campus disciplinary penalties, a person who violates this provision is responsible for compensating the publication for all reasonable costs incurred, including, where appropriate, the refund of advertising fees.
Section Editors Front page: Paul Dennis Jr. , Op/Ed: Matteo Reed, Features: Kattie Iwanski, Doubletruck: Aaliyah Capers, A&E: Chance Thweatt, Sports: Wayne Coleman, Photo Editor: Matteo Reed Online Editor-in-Chief: Carlee Lively
Writers Kylie Cargill- Breanna Rackley-Tyler Brock-Shanice Davis-Tiara Whirley-Tiffany Whittington-Tatyanna Thaxton-Anna Davis-Miracle Connoway
Editor-in-Chief Chance Thweatt
Adviser
Chris Waugaman
Managing Editor Paul Dennis Jr.
Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2013 CSPA Gold Crown Winner 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2016 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010 NSPA Online Pacemaker Winner 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 SIPA All Southern 2008-2015
The Royal News, PGHS trnwired.org
7801 Laurel Spring Road Prince George, Virginia 23875 804-733-2720 The Royal News is printed at The Progress-Index in Petersburg, Virginia
Illustration by Anna Mitchell.
Holding Onto School Events, Traditions Becoming More Difficult
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s the new school year begins, the topic of senior privileges remains a popular topic. The most prominent topic is the fact that seniors will no longer graduate a week earlier. As of right now, seniors are set to graduate on June 17th, 2017, which is a week later than usual. With graduation being later, that means that seniors will not be able to finish their senior year early, like the previous graduating classes. On another note, school pep rallies have been the hot topic among senior conversations as well. Due to conflicts and inclement weather, the high school has not had a spring pep rally since the 2014-2015 school year. Many of the seniors fear that administration will only allow us to have the one homecoming pep rally for the entire school year. For the senior class of 2017, it would add a level of completion to our final year of high school.
With the school calendar already set in place, it is likely that graduation will remain June 17th, 2017. It is also likely that seniors will not be able to change the fact that graduation will take place after the last day of school, unlike the previous years. For the sake of pep rallies, inclement weather cannot be the case for this school year. If the winter season is not as brutal, perhaps the students will be able to have more pep rallies. Student discipline also plays an important role on the scheduling and execution of student events. Last year, events were cancelled due to the increased risk of poor student behavior. If students are able to work hard and strive for success this school year, and the weather permits us, then perhaps the administration will allow us to have more than one pep rally. If they do their part hopefully the students can do their part in acting like responsible adults on social media and in the classrooms and hallways.
o many students, pep rallies are one of the most exciting events that take place at the high school. Dressing up for spirit week, competing for the spirit stick, and engaging in competitive games are all activities students look forward to participating BREANNA RACKLEY in. In previous years, three pep rallies were scheduled throughout the year. These included the back-toschool pep rally, the homecoming pep rally, and the winter/spring sports pep rally. Many speculated that this year the usual three pep rallies would be cut down to one. Though the back to school pep rally did not happen this year, this speculation is not true. According to Principal Mike Nelson, they are looking to schedule another pep rally for winter/spring sports. This is in addition to the homecoming pep rally that was held on October 7th, 2016. However, Mr. Nelson did clarify that the winter/ spring sports pep rally could be canceled or postponed due to missed school days. The decrease in the number of pep rallies is not the only change that has raised concern throughout the student body. It has come to the attention of many students that the tradition of the band playing through the hallways prior to pep rallies has been eliminated. According to Mr. Nelson, the student body is now too large to continue this. There are over one hundred more students now than there were a few years ago. This would make transportation to the gym lengthy and difficult. It also poses a safety hazard. Many students have expressed their discontent with this change. However, even though the band did not perform in the halls, the homecoming pep rally had a positive turnout. Students can now look forward to the winter/spring sports pep rally that will take place later on in the year.
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OP/ED
Revised Bell Schedule: Living In A New Age Last year it was discovered that Prince George High School students had not been attending school the required number of minutes as determined by the VA Department of Education. In order to remedy this issue, the county rearranged the bell schedule to be able to fit in the exact amount of time needed to be in accordance with the state. Now after having adjusted to the schedule for over a month, students react to life with the new schedule.
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n the 2016-2017 school year, there have been many changes; one of which is the bell schedule. The new bell schedule allows for a 59 minute first block every day and nearly 100 minutes in every other class. Students have lunches during fourth and fifth blocks, which means a different lunch every day for most. There is also no ETEH time. Although there have been complaints about the new bell schedule, there are some good points to this change. Nancy Odum, one of the counselors at Prince George High School, supports the new bell schedule. She recognizes that change is a good thing, even though adjustment may not be so easy. “I think it works well for attendance purposes. Having first block in the morning every day makes it easier on the teachers taking attendance,” said Odum. This may be true, as the first period teachers see the same set of students in the morning every day. It may also help the attendance office keep track of who is absent or tardy. In previous years, students were set on an even/odd day block schedule in which fifth block was the same class every day. This allowed for lunches to stay the same each day. However, associating with the same group of people every day may not be such a good thing. “The new schedule allows students to see a different set of people every other day,” says Odum. This can help avoid confrontations and allow new friendships to take place. This change can also help prepare students for college life. Depending on classes and careers, schedules will change daily. When students can adapt to changes easily, they will succeed more often in the business world. Even though some students may have complaints about the new bell schedule, it is still a positive adjustment that we all must get used to.
PRO CON TIARA WHIRLEY
TIFFANY WHITTINGTON
“...With the absence of an allotted ETEH time in the schedule, now students have to stay after school to catch up on missed work...” “The new schedule allows students to see a different set of people every other day,”
“The bell schedule also causes problems with the extended amounts of time that students are expected to focus.”
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ince the new bell schedule was implemented at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year, there have been many complaints. Students and teachers alike often feel frustrated with the change. Many students like to spend time relaxing and decompressing from a hard day after they get out of school at 2:30 PM. Many students wake up as early as 4:30 AM to get to school on time and are often extremely tired and use the time to rest. With the absence of an allotted ETEH time in the schedule, now students have to stay after school to catch up on missed work. Some parents might not be able to get off of work in time to pick their children up. It also poses a problem with students on sports teams, who are not allowed to miss practices. Another disadvantage to the new bell schedule is the shorter time given to eat lunch. Lunches also start later causing students to not perform at their best for long periods of time during the school day. Hungry students are unable to perform well in gym and they also lack the energy needed to fully participate in class. According to www.koin.com, doctors find that 25 minutes is the ideal amount of time students should be given to eat lunch, and students at Prince George High School barely get 20 minutes. With the long length of the lunch and snack lines, some students are only given ten minutes to eat. The bell schedule also causes problems with the extended amounts of time that students are expected to focus. With classes being 100 minutes long, students are forced to sit for extended periods of time and teachers lose student participation and attention. It has been scientifically proven that sitting for extended periods of time adversely affects us. Overall, the bell schedule has done little to improve and optimize our school days and many students would like to see a change.
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THE WEEK AHEAD Fall Television Premieres
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MC’s “The Walking Dead” returns October 23rd. TWD last left off with the main character, Rick Grimes, and his group of friends’ lives rest in the hands of the new antagonist, Negan. With the new season, fans are determined to figure out which one of their beloved characters has been killed. Sophomore Nick Humphries is especially excited for the return of “The Walking Dead.” “I’m excited about the new season because the storyline is great. I would like to know how it will go on and eventually end,” Humphries said. Humphries is not the only fan waiting, for both fan bases are rather huge. If interested, both shows are available to watch from
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Czech Slovak Folklife Festival ather your friends and family for the 4th annual Czech Slovak Folklife Festival. The festival is returning October 15th. Come join everyone at the Prince George Regional Heritage Center from 11 AM to 4 PM to experience new foods, traditions, and meet new people. There is no age restrictions and it is a family friendly event. Dr. Robert ŘEHÁK, a published scholar of biblical proper names and Dead Sea scrolls, will be presenting a lecture at the festival which is sure to impress and educate. Mr. Sebera, a middle school teacher at J.E.J. Moore, has been an active visitor and volunteer at the festival for the past two years. “Your eyes will definitely be open to a new culture that has such a rich historical background,” Sebera said.
season one on Netflix. Fans of “The Vampire Diaries” are also awaiting the return of the show on October 21st to figure out whether the beloved Damon Salvatore and Lorenzo St. John have turned to the dark side after kidnapping another character’s child.
Senior Photos Last Chance
he last day to have your senior pictures taken at the school is Wednesday, October 26th. There is no charge for the pictures to be taken at school. This is the last chance to be included in the yearbook, there will be no exceptions. For more information about the pictures see Mr. Waugaman in A-2 or refer to the high school website.
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Presidential Election
he 2016 Presidential Election is steadily headed this way. On November 8th, Americans will vote for the next president. The candidates who are currently in the race are Donald Trump (Republican Party), Hillary Clinton (Democratic Party), Gary Johnson (Libertarian Party), and Jill Stein (Green Party). Not only are registered voters aware of the race, but several local youths are as well. Senior Jack Drushal is one of the many youths who has been keeping up with the
election. “I think Hillary has a big advantage in the election because of the way almost all media is liberal news.” Junior Jessica Walker disagrees. “Trump [has a distinctive advantage of winning] because he is appealing to the masses with what they want,” Walker said. As for now, it’s still anyone’s race. Decide for yourself who will win the election November 8th at the polls. Every vote matters.
SATs & PSATs Dates Near
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SAT and SAT test dates are nearing quickly. The PSAT is open to sophomores and juniors. For the PSAT, the cost is $20. It will take place October 19th at 8 a.m., in the Lecture Hall. The SAT late registration for the November 5th test date is October 25th and the fee is $25.
Junior Meghan Hruska has prepared studying hacks for these tests. “Don’t procrastinate on the studying. Note cards are pretty nice, and don’t do all the studying at once. Take breaks,” Meghan said. She hopes that her studying advice will help others who are taking the test this year.
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FEATURES
Class of 2016 Graduate Becomes PTA President Emily Leonard Brings New Perspective To Association Aaliyah Capers Doubletruck Editor
Q A Q A Q A
How long have you been involved in the PTA?
“I started helping about seven years ago when I was in about sixth grade, but my mom has been part of the PTA for 20 years.” What are your goals as PTA president?
“My goals for this school year is to assist the faculties staff and students with project and activities both in school and out of school.”
Q A Q A Q A
What was it like following in your mom’s footsteps, by joining the PTA?
“I feel great about it because I get to follow in her footsteps volunteering and helping others when they need it. My goal is to be just as great as she was as a president.” What are some of the events the PTA this year?
“Our first event was the feeding the staff for back to school night and homecoming. Next we will have other events including the car show and after prom.” How does it feel jumping right into the PTA President position after high school?
“It feels good because I still get to interact and help in and out the school.”
What do you think about the staff this year?
“I am excited to see new faces and to see returning faculty. I think the staff this year is determined to make this a great school year for both the faculty and students..”
PTA President Emily Leonard helps at the football games by selling snowcones and funnel cakes. The snacks sold at the concession stand go towards funding PTA sponsored events such as After Prom.
The next PTA meeting will take place on Thursday, October 20 in the Prince George High School commons.
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FEATURES
Young Voices Make Voting Impact
Students Campaign For Their Selected Candidate Kattie Iwanski Features Editor
NUMBERS
1.2
Million
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ith the presidential election m o v ing full force, students are voicing their opinions. Even though most high school students cannot vote, they are still making sure their voices are being heard. A few students in Prince George have been showing their support outside of school by going to rallies and campaigning in support of their selected candidate. “I got involved with campaigning for Hillary when I was at the Scott Park Back to School Night with a friend and someone asked me to sign up to campaign for volunteer credits - I was like sure,” senior Christiaan Williams said. “It was something new I had never tried before and I wanted a new experience.” Williams gets involved with campaigning by making phone calls and canvassing neighborhoods. “I loving getting to meet new people by going door to door who have the same interest as me,” Williams said. “But at the same time it can be scary going door to door because people have dogs and some look mean. It is different, you never know how people are going to react it is not nerve wracking, but more of an adrenaline rush.” Other than campaigning, students show support by attending rallies. “I went to the Trump rally at the Richmond Coliseum on June 10th,” junior Meredith Topian said. “I saw it online and my friends and I wanted to go to support Trump. My favorite part was when he walked out and everyone was screaming.” At rallies supporters have the chance to hear what their candidates have to say about issues they think are important. “He covered topics including building the wall and bringing back jobs,” Topian said. Also at rallies people get to meet others who have the same political ideals and goals in getting their candidate elected. “The atmosphere at the rally was full
BY THE
The number of young citizens under 30 in the state of Virginia
21.3% of the voting population is under 30.
7th
of Trump supporters but outside there were a few protesters,” Topian said. With students getting involved teachers have noticed students talking about the campaign in the classroom. “We talk about [the election] almost everyday” government teacher Karen Webb said. “Sometimes students share their opinion, but I try not to focus too much on each individual candidate. It is more about the candidate’s qualities and the election in general.” With a large amount of talk about the election in class, Webb supports students who campaign outside of class. “I think if a student feels really strongly then they should support that candidate,” Webb said. Even though these students can’t show their support in the polls, it is import to make sure they are being heard in this election. “You get to get out and meet new people, try new things, and get involved in the community,” Williams said.
Young Democrats line the upper row of bleachers during the Tim Kaine Rally on August 1st, 2016. The rally took place at Hugenot High School in Richmond, the hometown of the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee. Photo by Kattie Iwanski. “It’s important to show support because even though I can’t vote I can show support at any age,” Topian said. With the election campaign season coming to an end in November, students are trying to get people now more than ever to vote. “I think it’s important for people to vote because everyone should get to have a say in who they want to be president,” Topian said. “I think it’s important to vote because everybody has a voice and opinion. Some people think who cares they are one person, their vote doesn’t count but every vote counts,” Williams said.
Virginia is ranked 7th in the United States for states with the strongest youth impact in voting.
19%
Percentage of youth who have one parent who was born in another country.
Information collected from http://www. civicyouth.org/ a website run by Tufts University.
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PTA Happenings Thank you to everyone who attended the 2016 Homecoming Dance! Next PTA meeting is scheduled for: Thursday, October 20th 5:30 PM PGHS Commons Make sure to visit our concession stand at the last two home football games. Please like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/PGHSPTA
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
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FEATURES Drum Majors Plan To Conquer VBODA
Drums Majors Strive To Get Superior Rating At Their Final Competition Carlee Lively Online EIC
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enior Khalayia Harris stands with butterflies in her stomach as she raises her arms above the band at halftime. For two years, she has been looking to the podium for directions but this year she is standing on that podium. Harris shares the job of drum major with Senior Jonathan Rowell. Rowell has been in band for three years and enjoys sharing the critical role with Harris. “It’s an honor and privilege to work
with another person who’s kind and is great with people, with addition benefits of having another perspective with the band,” Rowell said. The chemistry is strong between the two majors, it is helping the band’s chemistry and merging together as a whole. With many different moving parts in the halftime show, the movement and chemistry of the band can be the difference between a spectacular show and an average one. But with the roles being shared, it does not make their duties any easier. From conducting the show every Friday and competitions, providing advice to fellow members, and assisting Mr. Warnock, the majors stay busy. Being a drum major is a position that they have worked hard towards for many months or even years, “You have to try out and write an essay on how you can benefit the band,” Harris said. Being drum major is not just conducting the band or helping lead, it is being passionate about the program the students are in. “First, it’s fun,” Harris said. “It is so special to me because my
mom was the drum major at her high school [Petersburg High School]”. With big shoes to fill, Harris still gets nervous before a show but as soon as she steps on the podium it all fades away. Nervousness can be frightening at times but it can lead to a sense of motivation to make the halftime show flow smoothly. This year, the marching band halftime show is Latin American-themed with the name Latin. Mr. Warnock chooses the theme, but it is the band’s job to execute it. The theme is very important for the overall feeling that the band conveys. Other than the halftime show, the band competes in various competitions around the state. So far they have traveled to two competitions, Hermitage and Spotsylvania, with the next one in Hanover. That will be their last competition for the band before the VBODA. The VBODA is the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association that judges the marching band on many different aspects including general effects,
Senior Jonathan Rowell performs a solo at a Friday night halftime show. Rowell usually is on the podium, directing the band. Drum major senior Khalayia Harris (not pictured) also directs with Rowell. Photo by Breanna Rackley . marching and maneuvering, music, and a drum line. They will compete with over 90 bands across the state of Virginia. “The goal this year is to get a superior rating at the state competition,” Harris said. In order to earn the superior rating, they will need to score 90 or above out of 100 in the categories. Both majors have a high expectations for the band this school year. In 2015, the band scored in the 80’s and got an excellent rating. “We’ve had our ups and downs,” Rowell said. “But this year is amazing and is looking only to get better.”
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4550 Crossings Boulevard Prince George, VA 23875 804-458-5229
Contact Us:
FRIDAY 10.14.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13
A&E
PG Players Prepare ‘Us & Them’ For Virginia Theatre Festival Students Perform Play About How People Create Division Wayne Coleman sports editor
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his year, the PG Players are putting on their version of “Us & Them” for the upcoming Virginia Theater Association Play Festival. Here, students from all around the state come together in a conference and competition setting. Senior Sarah Brown and junior Sam Preece are part of the cast and they are excited to be apart of this year’s event. “We’re all really excited, we have a really great cast,” Preece said. “I’m sure people are nervous but we’re all really excited for the most part.” Sarah describes VTA as more than a “winner takes all” type of competition. “It’s not just a competition, it’s a convention where you can take master classes from people who do it for a living,” Brown said. As for the competition side, it breaks down like any other, with some minor changes. “There are three judges, and they judge it on your own play, not compared to others,” Brown said. PG Players have always loved performing for their peers. “Performing in school is always fun because our peers get to see what we worked hard to put on,” Brown said. It seems the response is also what is on the cast’s mind going in. “I’m excited to be apart of the competition show, since this is my first one,” Preece said. “We have a really good cast, so I’m excited to be the critique.” It seems new faces is a common theme for this year’s group, as there is a new young face among them. Sophomore Michaela Stawarz is ecstatic to show everyone what she can do
onstage. “I feel like I have to be really good so that they don’t regret it,” Stawarz said. Stawarz was received by warm and welcoming faces when she first walked in. “We were all friends before this, so it was a really nice environment,” Stawarz said. The cast shares their excitement with their teacher Daryl Phillips, who enjoys watching his students develop their skills. “[The production] gives more advanced students the chance to see the next level,” Phillips said. “It gives them a glimpse into the world outside of high school.” Daryl says that “Us & Them” is a fun production; everyone’s specific role adds to the intrigue. “I am the peacekeeper,” Brown said. “In the play they build a wall, and nobody
trusts what goes on the other side, so I try and keep the peace.” Stawarz is the “voice” of the production. She helps in keeping the story flowing smoothly. “I’m the recorder,” Stawarz said. “I take stuff down for history but it’s kind of a narrator.” Sam’s role adds to the conflict of the entire play, “I’m playing spokesperson A, I’m kind of the leader of Tribe A,” Preece said. “I’m easily convinced that the B Tribe is evil.” Flaws in her character aid to her tribe’s eventual defeat. “My character’s gullibility is my downfall because it plays to the other character’s strengths,” Preece said. As for Phillips, he enjoys the journey more than the destination. “I’m most excited about making this
Senior Noah George reacts to junior Sam Preece’s assertion during rehearsal of “Us & Them,” the piece selected for the Virginia Theatre Association’s One Act Play Festival. The PG Players will perform the piece for practice in front of the school before taking the show on the road. Photo by Jenna Miles. trip with the students,” Phillips said. The process for picking the cast was tough, but he feels accomplished with his selection. “The thing that is most common about this cast is experience and commitment,” Phillips said. “The difficulty is the short rehearsal time, which is why I Went with those most committed and experienced.”
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A&E Gamer's Corner & Critic Review
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BA 2K17 was released on September 20, 2016, and is the 18th installment in the NBA 2K Series. 2K is coming off of a strong selling performance with NBA 2K16, selling four million copies within its first week. 2K17 has two editions currently available to consumers, which are the standard edition - featuring the Indiana Pacers star Shooting Guard/ Small Forward Paul George, and the other version - the legend edition which features the future Hall of Fame shooting guard Kobe Bryant. NBA 2K is constantly evolving with each installment and in 2K17 the developing team has improved the ball control motions to help the players break the ankles of both
Matt Reed
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he FX tv series, “American Horror Story” has just started its new season. With this new season it strays away from
its original format. The storyline is produced by actual people who have witnessed their own nightmare. The producers leave the audience wondering with cryptic commercials of the upcoming season. Storylines are not revealed when previewing the premiere episode. The viewers are met with the explanation of the storyline on the first episode. This season is set in the forest of North Carolina. The inspired character, Matt, decides to move out of California after a life threatening attack. His wife Shelby suffers
Kylie Cargill
competitors and the game’s AI. Along with improvements with the ball control players can now tip rebounded balls to open shooters to keep the offense going. MyCareer mode offers star power with Michael B. Jordan, who can star along with your created player. Career mode also now allows you to do more things in a single day than in previous installments. For example, in the past 2K’s you were only able to practice, go to a sponsored event, or hang out with other NBA stars in a day but in 2K17 you can do more than one activity in a single make your off time more amusing. In an effort to make the overall gameplay more realistic Visual Con-
from a miscarriage after the attack giving them more of a reason to move out. They find an old house in the woods of North Carolina to suit their needs. Though they are not the only ones who want that house. A gang of hillbillies bid on the house but lose to Shelby and Matt. A series of terror-filled misfortunes rain down on the couple. They suspect that the group of hillbillies is trying to drive them out of the house. A turn of events change their views on the house completely and leaves them questioning their own sanity. Actors from last season have made a reappearance in the new story line. Shelby is played by Sarah Paulson who has been seen in previous seasons. Matt’s sister,
Photo courtesy of 2k.com. cepts, the developing company, has given each arena a unique atmosphere. Different arenas have team specific details in them, different court sounds when dribbling, and some nets now have different sounds when the players make shots. IGN.com has rated 2K17 an 8.9/10.
Photo courtesy of fxnetworks.com. Lee, is played by Angela Bassett who played a heartbroken vampire last season. Kathy Bates makes an entrance in the first episode. Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Matt as his first role to the show. Lady Gaga is expected to return for another season after she made her first appearance last season. American Horror Story comes on Wednesday nights at 10:00 PM, on FX.
PH TOGALLERY
FRIDAY 10.14.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15
Rainy Homecoming Game
Does Not Dampen Royal Spirit RIGHT: Senior Bailee Wyatt leads the varsity football team onto the field to face Colonial Heights. Each senior cheerleader is given the opportunity to carry the flag during home games. Photo by Breanna Rackley. BELOW: Junior dancer Kayla Bailey participates with the dance team during pregame. The Royalettes perform at football games, pep rallies, and competitions. Photo by Emily Whitehead.
TOP RIGHT: Senior Justin Nase and senior Trinitey Brown embrace the title of 2016 Homecoming King and Queen. The court announcement took place at halftime. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh.
For more photos of the opening pep rally go to www. trnwired.smugmug.com
BOTTOM LEFT: Senior Joseph Kemp, senior Paul Dennis, and junior Ryan Krese group tackle the ball carrier. The Royals defeated Colonial Heights 48-21. Photo by Emily Whitehead .
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Starting Positions available in:
General Laborer With Advancement in:
Heavy Equipment Operation Pipefitting Welding
FRIDAY 10.14.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17
FALL SPORTS
New Coaches Spark Change In Athletes’ Performances
Matteo Reed Opinions Editor
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he Royals opened the season by hosting and defeating the Clover Hill Cavaliers by a score of 28-24. It is a completely new season for the football team with many changes in the coaching staff. The varsity team is a predominantly young team with around 20 seniors on the 53 man roster. The team has enlisted the help of five new coaches who focus predominantly on the defensive side of the ball. Each coach has a different coaching style and with that comes different opportunities players. “It is definitely a different style than they were used to,” Coach Matt Weston said. “We work hard but we have a good time while doing it.” Weston is a Hopewell High School
graduate and former football player. Weston played fullback, running back and linebacker. He played his freshman year at Chowan College, which is now Chowan University, before he injured his rotator cuff. After college Weston went back to Hopewell High to continue coaching. He coached football for eight years, tennis for seven years, and wrestling for three years. This is Weston’s first year coaching the defense in Prince George. He has helped change the Royals defense from a one tier defense to a three system defense that can change at will. The defensive coaches have made it a noticeable effort in teaching the players better technique and training them to adjust in the middle of a game, or middle of a series more freely. “We’ve made a lot of growth,” said Weston. “The guys have said in the past that there were they weren’t able to do in the past.” Defensive backs coach Daniel Hamlet started playing football for Prince
George his eighth grade year where he played running back for the JV team. Hamlet’s sophomore year he started for the varsity team as cornerback and tailback. His junior season he made the All District First Team as a running back and the Second Team as an inside linebacker. After graduating from Prince George Hamlet went on to play two seasons for the Virginia State University Trojans. Every coach, no matter what sport, has goals for their players. These goals drive the whole team to perform at their peak levels. A coaching goal for Hamlet is to make the young men and women he makes as great as possible - to earn scholarships so that they may attend college and not have to pay for their schooling. Another goal for Hamlet is to win, plain and simple. He wants to make the playoffs and take his team as far as their talents can take them.
Assistant Offensive Coordinator Rick Green instructs his players on certain adjustments needed during the home game against Matoaca on Sept. 23. This is Green’s first year coaching the Royals along with several other new additions. Photo by Emily Whitehead. Coach Weston wants to help his players become more confident in their positions so they can own the position when on the field. Weston also wants to improve the careers of his players by making the rest of their time with the team enjoyable. He doesn’t want his players to look back and regret the things they have done with the team or in high school. Football helps shape the lives of many young men across America by keeping them off the streets and motivating them to do well in their academic lives. These coaches motivate their players to be the best they can be and chase their dreams.
18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 10.14.16
FALL SPORTS
Senior Spotlight
Volleyball Teams Succeed Together
Wayne Coleman Sports Editor
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alfway through the season, the varsity boys and girls volleyball teams seem to be making the push to assert their playoff spots. The boys squad is off to a strong start, currently with a record of seven wins and three losses. Boys varsity coach Mayes Marks expected his team to start strongly, and expects them to continue the strong play. “For the team, I expected, and still do, to compete in the conference championship and proceed further in the playoffs than previous years,” Marks said via email. Impressed with his team’s mental acuity, he believes his goals for his guys can be met. “Our team is mentally stronger than any volleyball team that I have ever coached,” said Marks via email. “The five matches in the two days at the showcase caused the player to gel and understand the level play needed to compete at a higher level.” Junior Josh Bland sees the strengths and weaknesses on his squad. “Our strengths are the back row guys like Justin Spates and Neil Marks,” Bland said via Instagram. “We need to work on our
front row play as a whole.” Mayes agrees with his players on the strong play of senior Neil Marks. “He is playing at an extremely high level, outperforming player at all levels during the regular season and in the recent showcase,” Marks said. To add to the mix, there are fresh faces on the squad this season. “Transfer student David Knipp, a sophomore, has brought several years of volleyball experience to the team as its new setter,” Marks said. “His knowledge and enthusiasm of the game are vital to the team’s success.” With the team’s collective competitiveness, a balance of youth and experienced, the boys team hopes to take itself to the next level. On the girls side, their goals for the season are set at the same level. Senior Sonia Tomei-Castro expects her girls to leave it all on the court. “[My expectation is] to go out there and be the best we could be, work as a team and do great things,” Tomei-Castro said. “[I want us to] manage our time well and play our hardest. Tomei-Castro and sophomore Haylee Macaraeg agree that their squad is pushing to exceed their expectation. Haylee says the team does not get mad collectively, but as individuals. They do however, pick themselves up as a unit. “We get frustrated individually, not as a
Senior Maria Bucciarelli (center) leads her Lady Royals in celebration after the team scores a point against Colonial Heights. Photo by Emily Whitehead. team, so we try to pick each other up,” Macaraeg said. This squad realizes the importance in not getting too focused on emotion, and wish to learn from their mistakes every set. “We work as a team, we encourage each other, we pick each other up,” TomeiCastro said. “We let bad plays go, and work on improving.” A playoff run is on both teams’ minds, and the girls feel just as strongly for making a deep run as the boys do. “Definitely [we can make a run],” TomeiCastro said. “We are a solid team, we just got to keep working really hard, we have a potential to push in the playoffs.” To end the season, Macaraeg’s desire is a key element to a winning atmosphere. “[I want to say] that we improved, and that we got closer as team,” Macaraeg said. This being her last curtain call, TomeiCastro wishes to show her teammates and coaches the appreciation she feels they deserve. “I just want to say thank you [the team, coaching staff] for the opportunity, thank you for working hard and being able to push to success,” Tomei-Castro said.
Preston Ramsey
Cross Country Track
What made you start running track? “I began cross country when I ran the Monument Avenue 10K in middle school. The event filled me with happiness, so I decided I would take up running track..” What do you love most about the sport? “It is an individual sport, so I am responsible for improving myself. And I still have a team to support me.” What is one thing you do outside of running track and going to school? “I am also a volunteer firefighter at the Carson Volunteer Fire Department.” What are your plans for the future? “I plan on attending a four year university and major in civil engineering.” What advice do you have for other runners? “Always keep a positive attitude, being strong mentally is just as important as being strong physically.”
FRIDAY 10.14.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19
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Fall Sports >> UPCOMING EVENTS
Varsity girls volleyball vs. Petersburg takes place Thurs., Oct. 20th at 5:45 PM.
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Varsity football final home game vs. Meadowbrook takes place Fri., Oct. 28th at 7:30 PM.
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Varsity field hockey conference tournament takes place Oct. 25th & 26th at River City Complex.
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Conference cheer competition will be held at PGHS on Tues., Oct 18th at 7 PM.
Players Bring New Skill To Field Paul Dennis Jr Managing Editor
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Senior Kendall Eaton runs down the field air dribbling the ball towards the Deep Run goal. Eaton is a captain and in her fourth year as a varsity player. Photo by Madison Winner. Use this QR Code to view more images from the field hockey season.
s senior Kendall Eaton sprints down the field, outrunning opponents with the ball in hand, the only thing on her mind is scoring. She sees an opening, passes the ball to a teammate, and the Royals go up by another
goal. The technique Eaton uses is called air-dribbling. It has been around for a long time, but many teams do not use it consistently or even at all. “An air dribble is a trick that gets the ball down the field quicker without it touching the ground,” Eaton said. Sophomore Georgia Adair is another player who has grown accustomed to air dribbling during game play. “It isn’t extremely valuable to the game plan, considering only two people on our team have been successful in performing it during gameplay. However, when we do air dribble, it definitely throws the other team off balance, which gives us an advantage,” Adair said. Part of the reason that most teams do not air dribble is due to the legality of the technique. If a player decides to use it, they have to use it correctly or they are penalized. “It is legal as long as it is not called as dangerous. So basically, if you are air dribbling and come within five yards of another player then you need to drop your stick below your waist and dribble as low as you can,” Adair said. The entire team actually knows how to air dribble, but Adair and Eaton are the only players who utilize the skill in games. “There are many ways you can do it, but the easiest one is pretty simple. You begin running towards the ball while it is lying on the ground, getting low, scooping it up with the hook of your stick, and continuously tapping the ball on your stick until you get to the point where you need to drop it,” Eaton said. The field hockey team is 9-2 as of Oct. 11. They are on a winning streak, and look to continue their excellent play by practicing hard and using all the advantages they can get.