dec

TEN QUESTIONS WITH EMT TRAVIS STOKES > p.11

a midsummer night’s dream unites students with faculty > p.20

The Student Vote

have you ever given blood?

Yes 8%

Source population 100 students Infographic by Madison Moss

Do you plan on giving blood in the future?

No 92%

No 22%

Maybe 12%

Yes 66%

theRoyalNews

Issue 4, Volume VII - Friday, December 12, 2008 Prince George High School’s Student Newspaper 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 804-733-2720 - www.trnwired.com

ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE SAVES LIVES p. 4 Junior Joshua Mayes donates blood at the drive last year. This month’s blood drive will be held on Thurs., Dec. 18.

Photo by Brittany Carpenter Teacher receives National Board Certification p. 7 / Layaway gives additional shopping option p. 8 / Light show p. 10

Page 2 -The Royal News - December 12, 2008

OP/ED

Editorial

Op/ED

Speech conflicts arrive with holidays

C

hristmas is a time of giving and joy for those who celebrate. Sounds perfect right? Recently this wonderful season has been tarnished.

It is now marked by cursing over toys not found, fighting over in-demand products, and altering language to maintain politically safe climates. The last concern is the focus of this editorial.

Holiday vernacular has become a highly disputed topic between people of all beliefs. The Constitution protects the freedom of religion and covers those who wish their friends ‘Merry Christmas’ vs. ‘Happy Hanukkah’, etc.

But now it seems that the use of ‘Merry Christmas’ may be taboo.

First, even though freedom of speech and religion are covered in the Constitution, people still get offended at how they are greeted in this merry time of the year. One should not be concerned with a simply ‘Merry Christmas’. Good will should encompass everyone’s belief. For anyone who is not of that particular Christian faith, just return the merry offering with what you believe. No harm done.

Second, it is understandable to want to protect children from suggestive terms, but changing a tradition and the magic of Santa Clause?

What kind of perverse world do we live in to change to ‘ha ha ha’ in order to skirt the possible meaning of ‘ho ho ho’ to ladies of the night?

Third, holiday break versus winter break is absurd. How should the school system encompass everyone’s beliefs to keep parents and students pacified? They simply cannot. The precaution is taken to keep away from the holiday subject entirely. Regardless of what you support or you believe in, this special time of year is designated to giving. Why not give your courteousness to others and respect their beliefs? For this one month, put your walls down and realize that there is so much more to this season than being appalled at a simple phrase used for greeting.

theRoyalNews

O

ur mission as the school newspaper for Prince George High School is to provide a form of media that represents all aspects of student life. The goal is to present factual accounts of newsworthy events in a timely manner. Our publication will be informative, entertaining and reflective of the student body’s opinions. It is the desire of the staff to reach every student and tell as many of their stories as possible.

We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow.

The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room A6, or e-mail them to cwaugaman@pgs.k12. va.us 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. Please submit letters to the editors by Jan. 6th for the Jan. issue.

Editor-in-Chief Chelsea Nave

Editorial Cartoonist Tori Anderson

Adviser

Chris Waugaman

Section Editors Liana Elopre-News; Erica Bulger-Op/Ed; Mia Norman-Features; Katie Adams-Ampersand; Kayla Carneal-A&E; Josh Stewart-Sports; Kenneth Wooten-Sports; Spencer Lambert-Sports; Taryn Langley-Double Truck; Brittany Carpenter-Photo; Savanah Stricklin-Photo; Shereese Blanks-Copy Editor; Madison Moss-Webpage manager/Ads manager; Alexandria Binford-Circulation

Writers Tori Anderson - Jami Davis - Colby Eliades - Nate Hunt - Jessica Lee - Jordan Minter - Devyn Pachmayr - Amir Vera - Janai Cunningham - Delbria Walton - Erika Bedwell

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

Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008 National Scholastic Press Assoc. 1st Class Award 2008 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2008 Quill & Scroll International 1st Place 2008 SIPA All Southern 2008

Holiday postponement

P

rocrastinating. Something a good majority of us do, often too frequently, even when we have everything going for us. Our teachers tell us the exact Madison Moss date of homework and projects to be done. Our parents remind us, over, and over to take out the trash, clean our rooms, feed the dog; etc. and so forth. So why do we keep pushing things that are so important to the back burner?

Well, that’s not a question I can necessarily answer with complete wisdom. If I did, I might come off as being hypocritical; because I, as awful as it sounds, classify myself as a procrastinator. You might as well stamp, “If you need me to do something, tell me three months in advance” on my forehead. I don’t like it; who does? But it’s something I’ve learned to live with. And, frankly, I’ve suffered the consequences.

Procrastination is a funny thing.

We all know what will happen if we wait until four in the morning to do our history projects. They are turned in half done, poorly written and off topic. But we still do it.

With the holiday season in full swing now, I predict that procrastination rates are going to jump to all time highs. Think about the last gift you bought someone. Did you know what you were going to get them right away, or did you brush it off until two days before Christmas, and had to resort to some strange, dollar store trinket?

Plan ahead! You can throw in hints in every day conversation, to get ideas of what they might want. You could even just ask them straight up. Either way, you’re going to get some sort of result, and you’ll be saved the stress of running around like a chicken with its head cut off two days before Christmas. We all should really appreciate those people who go Black Friday shopping; because they are planning ahead. WAY ahead.

Regardless of whether you are trying to figure out what gift to buy someone for the holidays, or if you’re trying to motivate yourself to stop pulling all-nighters with your homework, you, and I, should just prepare a tiny bit more. Start whatever you’re doing a day or two earlier than you normally would, and you’ll find that it’s a little bit easier to accomplish your goals. I’ll admit, it’s something I need to work on also, but if we make a big enough effort, we can achieve almost anything and everything... maybe.

OP/ED

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 3

Making the Grade

Letters to the Editor

A C C

My kingdom for a fork A few days ago I forgot to bring my fork to school for lunch. This was the first day it has ever happened, so, I went to the lunch lady and asked if I could get one. She responded, “It costs ten cents”.

I was mad, how can they charge ten cents for one fork? It is not going to hurt them to give out one fork. I know these are hard economic times but we are not that desperate for money that we have to charge ten cents for a FORK! There has to be another solution.

PS- Not everybody can afford ten cents for a fork.

The Christmas window, located on B-wing, is

a display designed to reflect shopping windows of clothing stores during the holidays.

Clocks in the hallways are helpful to students, but not when they are wrong. Eleven out of forty-eight clocks in the building are incorrect.

Temperatures in the building have been extremely unpredictable.

Students are having difficulty trying to determine whether to dress warm or to be prepared for warm conditions.

Nov. Retractions

On page 13 the student pictured as Katie Christopher is Shannon Pavasco.

On page 19 those pictured are seniors Karl Lothamer, Lee Anderson; soph.

Megan Greenwell, Hope Song; freshman Jaymine Davis. On page 27 the past Powderpuff scores are 2004 seniors 12 juniors 10; 2005 seniors 7 juniors 0; 2006, juniors 18 seniors 15; 2007 juniors 32 seniors 28.

Demitris Ramsey, Ty Govans, Kaitlyn Johnson, Alexandria Doss, Brady Jones, Givonie Johnson, Jimmy Richardson, Rebecca Earnhardt

Pro/Con: New Year’s Resolutions Is there any point in still making a New Year’s Resolution? Have they become so insignificant or impractical to the point that they serve no purpose? Two sophomores debate this issue on New Year’s Resolutions.

I

feel that New Year’s resolutions are impractical because no one ever keeps them. They say that they are going to go on a diet and loose weight, or stop smoking. Yes, they may keep their resolution for a few weeks, but then they give up or forget about it. I think that if you’re going to make a New Year’s resolution then you should keep it, or just not make one at all. People say that these new year resolutions benefit you and your health, but I disagree because if you Colby Eliades are not putting forth the effort, you will not get the results you want.

Another thing is that if people try to make very unrealistic goals for themselves, they get caught up in making these goals successful. Say a person’s resolution is losing weight; they might get too caught up in losing weight that they hurt themselves. This could end up really hurting the people you love and care about.

I really feel that New Year’s resolutions are more damaging than good. I think that they are redundant, and have no point if you do not pursue them, or become too caught up in them. If you are going to make a New Year’s resolution then be sure that you can keep it, and make a list of goals for yourself that you know you will be able to reach.

PRO Con

Damaging “they might get too caught up in losing weight that they hurt themselves”

Benefits

“a great way to start off the New Year and try to improve life”

N

ew Year’s resolutions can be an excellent way for people to create and attain goals they may not have had the drive to accomplish at any other time of the year. Something about the excitement of the New Year can inspire people to change their lives for good. Making a decision to better one’s life is a great way to start the year. Many people do make resolutions that are a bit out of their reach but with proper re-evaluation many resolutions can be Jami Davis kept. If someone has honestly put effort into making the choice to become better, even if they do not carry it out, it is at least a step in the right direction.

With proper effort and attainable goals, resolutions are a great way to start off the New Year and try to improve life. Instead of making a very broad goal that will end up being one of the all too common disregarded resolutions, one should narrow down their goals so that accomplishing the resolution is in reach. So instead of creating a resolution to lose a ton of weight, it seems a lot more achievable to set a smaller goal of eating healthier foods or exercising. So if one makes a reasonable goal and amount of effort, resolutions can be a great way to start off the New Year on the right foot.

Page 4 - The Royal News -December 12, 2008

Opportunity to help others through annual blood drive Jami Davis trn writer

S

enior Sam Siltz did not have to jump over a building or fight an evil villain to save a life.

Something a lot simpler, which a majority of students can take part in, can be just as effective. Donating blood may not be as action packed but it can save just as many lives.

Students, teachers and some county employees will be able to donate blood from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 in the Auditorium.

Potential donors have to meet certain qualifications to be able to give blood, however.

“Students need to be at least 16 and have permission from their parents. They also need to have a normal iron count, but they will decide that once you get there.

You also need to weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health,” nurse Kathy Thompson said.

Approximately one pint of blood is taken from each donor and it takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the amount of blood to be drawn.

“One pint of blood can save three lives.

They separate it into red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate. They can be used to help people with chronic anemia, cancer patients and also sickle cell patients who all require transfusions,” Thompson said.

If students meet certain requirements, they can participate in the double red blood cell donation instead.

To be eligible to participate in the double red blood cell donation, females must weigh at least 150 pounds and be at least 5’5” inches tall. Males must weigh at least 130 pounds and be at least 5’1” inches tall.

The double red blood cell donation takes 35 to 40 minutes, which is about 15 to 20 minutes longer than a whole blood donation, and uses a cell separator.

The double red blood cell donation can help up to two patients urgently needing red blood cells because the donation results in two units of red blood cells.

Student donors also realize the importance their donations can have on someone’s life.

Siltz has donated five times since he has become eligible to donate. He has donated at the school blood drives and plans on doing so again this year.

“Knowing that my donation could save someone’s life made me feel good about donating,” Siltz said. “I donate at the Red Cross most of the time and they usually can tell you where your blood is going. Once they told me that my blood donation was going to Iraq.”

Junior Emily Michalek plans to donate at this year’s blood drive.

“A friend asked me if I was going to donate which made me decide to do it. I want to donate because it will help people,” Michalek said.

Donating blood takes no more than 15 minutes, but some students do have side effects after they give blood.

“Some students may pass out, feel weak or become dizzy. Students are laying down as they give blood, and if they start feeling really bad they can slow down the rate the blood is being drawn,” Thompson said.

“I felt sick the very first time I donated blood, but after that I just felt tired,” Siltz said.

Students can do things in advance to help ease the effects of donating blood.

Eating a good breakfast and getting a good night’s sleep before donating can ease the ill effects that donating may cause.

After the process is complete, donators should not skip meals and should drink plenty of liquids. Also, heavy lifting with the arm the blood was drawn from should be avoided. The bandage should be left on for four to six hours. Within 24 hours, the donator’s volume of blood should be restored to normal.

Are you eligible?

At least 16 years of age.

Weigh at least 110 pounds.

Be in generally good health and pass a mini-physical.

Sign up and fill out information sheet in clinic.

Heroes donate

e blood to save lives

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 5

By the Numbers

4.5

More than million patients need blood transfusions each year in the U.S. and Canada.

1 7

About in people entering a hospital need blood.

2

Every seconds someone needs blood.

46.5 gallons: amount

of blood you could donate if you begin at age 16 and donate every 56 days until you reach 78 years old.

43,000 pints: amount of donated blood used each day in the U.S. and Canada.

Senior Sam Siltz worried about the pain as he waited for his blood donation as a nurse prepared the skin with alcohol.

Photo by Madison Moss

13 tests, 11 for infectious diseases, are performed on each unit of donated blood.

According to: http://vablood.org

Ads

Page 6 - The Royal News - December 12, 2008

5 8 8 2 8 5 w!

4 ) o 4 n 0 s (8 ll u : l e T Ca

Elephant

Dine In - Take

Out - Deliver

y - Catering

FREE DELIVERY (Minimum oWrITHIN 7 MIles Radius der required )

Thai Restaurant

The Crossings Center 5230 Oaklawn Blvd.

Hopewell, VA 23860 Tel: (804) 458-2885 Open 7 Days Monday - Sunday 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 7

News

Teacher receives National Board Certification Wanda Gilbert awarded high ranking after two year process

The winner of the Fat Turkey Contest is Mr. Owens’ class with 89.42 feathers per student.

Janai Cunningham trn writer

T

he National Board of Certification is the highest symbol of professional teaching excellence s t a t e d b y Na t i o n a l B o a rd for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and Wanda Gilbert has recently received it. Gilbert, a tenth grade physical education teacher, had worked endlessly to accomplish it.

She is the second teacher in the county to receive this award.

“I think she deserves it because she really works hard with us,” sophomore Heather Woods said. “She inspires us to work out hard in P.E.” NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan and nongovernmental organization. It was founded in 1987 by a group of educators who strive for change in teaching. Since 1987 around 64,000 teachers out of 32 million have achieved the National Board Certification according to NBPTS. According to NBPTS the teachers who try to receive the National Board Certification have to go through a process of strenuous studying, evaluation, selfassessment and peer review.

The certificate lasts for ten years and has shown to positively impacted teachers comprehension of students, learning professional skills, and students’ achievement as recognized by the National Research Council. Other studies show that students do better on standardized tests with National Board Certified Teacher’s.

“It made me better all around because students learn more now and I’m more able to get through to kids,” Gilbert said.

“Last year was my 20th year of teaching and going through the process was a motivational jolt because the process had increased my motivation to do better and trying to be a better teacher and has

News briefs N.B. Clements Presents “Willy Wonka Junior” Production Dec. 12 and 13 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $6.

Early release for Winter Break on Dec. 19 at 11:45 am.

club news briefs Wanda Gilbert helps a sophomore Ana Watson during class. Gilbert was newly awarded with The National Board of Certificate. Photo by Janai Cunningham allowed me to get students on a personal level which is enjoyable.”

Gilbert received her certificate in the subject of Physical Education-Early Adolescence to Young Adulthood (18 teachers in VA have this distinction).

Gilbert had to meet standards such as knowledge of students and subject matter, student engagement in learning, and promoting an active lifestyle.

Starting in Sept. 2007 she created her portfolio, took an exam in May 30, and finally received her results in Nov. of 2008. “[It] made me grow a lot on a professional level. Helped me step out and get involved in family and community,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert received an email from NBPTS stating her score would be posted

in the mid-morning. When it was time, she typed in her name and password.

Then she clicked on scoring to see “Congratulations!” pop up on the scoring screen she received a 292 (passing is a 275).

“I feel very excited. It was definitely worth it to commit the time to do this.

I’m fortunate that out of the four teachers that tried, I was one of the two that made it,” Gilbert said.

Having help from of the school faculty helped her to accomplish her goal.

“Knowing how much she did to earn it. It takes a lot of dedication… it’s huge!”

Cosgrove said.

“I’m not sure I would have been successful without their help,” Gilbert stated in an email sent to all of faculty.

Beta Club Christmas Wrapping Party Thursday, Dec. 18. Sign up on bulletin board.

Stream Team field trip forms due to D-11 on Friday, Dec. 13.

The Royal Enterprise selling holiday snowflakes .

News

Page 8 - The Royal News - December 12, 2008

Layaway gives customers options

Select retail stores reinstate old payment programs Nate Hunt trn writer

S

ince the new age of credit cards and online shopping, many big retail stores ended their out of date layaway programs.

Several stores such as Sears regained the program for the holiday season, due to the wide popularity and impact of the program.

Layaway provides a way for customers to put items on hold, until they can pay for it at a later date.

“It’s good stores finally brought it back, otherwise I would’ve had to run out and buy cheaper gifts,” senior David C. Moody said.

By using layaway customers can avoid high interest credit card rates and shipping and handling fees from online purchases.

“Layaway saves me money that I need to buy gifts for my family during the holidays,” junior Bobby Holden said.

Layaway programs allow customers to hold items for months at a time, while charging no interest. Customers have to pay a fee for holding the item, which is fully refunded when the purchase is complete.

Retailers such as K-mart, Sears, and Marshalls recognize the budget crunch many people are in, and are willing to do anything to draw people back to their stores.

“We get more business because of layaway since most department stores don’t have layaway,” Marshalls’ employee Miranda Smith said.

Besides the budget crisis there are other reasons people decide to put items on layaway.

“I used layaway to keep some shoes that I wanted from everyone else,” Moody said.

Usually for the bigger retailers the only restriction for items that can be held on layaway is anything with an expiration date.

Layaway proves itself to be a useful shopping technique according to junior Taylor Fletcher.

“You get what you want when they have it, and you don’t have to pay for it right away,” Fletcher said.

Still there are a few stores such as Wal-Mart, JC Penny’s, and Target that reject layaway.

These businesses fear that layaway is a hindrance on the company and its overall profits. They believe that customers too often “abuse” their layaway programs and cause the corporations to lose major sums of money.

Customers cheat the layaway program by holding items on layaway until the selected item goes on sale, hurting the profits earned by the business, an eventual cause of higher prices.

Retailers attempt to reduce the abuse of the program by updating strict rules, which are usually located in the layaway area vicinity.

Senior David C. Moody buys a Christmas gift that was on layaway. photo by Savanah Stricklin “Layaway definitely affects business at Marshalls by bringing more business since most department stores no longer carry the program,” Smith said.

Customers can also look to use layaway at other outlets beyond the major retailers. There are new online layaway sites that allow customers to use a regular layaway program for smaller businesses online.

Online layaway sites such as eLayaway and Lay-Away.com require customers to pay shipping and handling making the process a little more expensive, but remain a layaway program experience nonetheless.

Whatever the case may be, the opportunity to buy off layaway this holiday season will truly be a wonderful gift and a helpful tool for many.

“When they say I have 30 days to finish my purchase, that’s one day I’m sure not to miss,” Fletcher said.

Features

Lending helping hand to those in need

Features

For past fifteen years, Food Bank volunteer makes days brighter for county residents Erika Bedwell trn writer

C

lay Garrett is a hero, although not in the typical sense of the word. He does not have the ability to fly, nor does he wear a fancy costume complete with tights and a cape. And while he does not possess superhuman strength, he makes up for it with his boundless capacity for empathy and compassion He works for the local food bank, an organization stemming from a outreach program of several Prince George churches. For fifteen years he has been a dedicated volunteer, giving up his holidays to collect food from Food Lion, Ukrop’s, Wal-Mart, and Kroger’s for those who need it most. The holidays are usually a busier time of year, and this season is proving to be no different.

“Normally we take care of 24 families. This year we’re donating food to over 40 families,” Garrett said.

The food bank obtains its cans from many locations, predominantly from the county.

“We get our cans from the Central Virginia Food Bank in Richmond, the U.S.D.A, donations from the county, and local high schools. The support in this county is unbelievable,” Garrett said.

The dedication of the county is especially unbelievable considering the food bank is mainly advertised by word of mouth. Garrett’s support of the organization is also commendable.

“He’s the most self-sacrificing person I’ve ever met. The amazing thing about him is that he genuinely loves what he

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 9

How do you help others during the holiday season?

“I go sing carols to the elderly.”

Demetris Ramseys, 12th

“I bring gifts to a nursing home.”

Jimmy Richardson, 10th

Volunteer Clay Garrett places donated cans into a paper bag that will soon aid hungry families in need during this holiday season. Contributed photo does.” English teacher Levi Owens said.

Owens recently volunteered at the food bank with Garrett and several students.

“I carried heavy boxes and prepared bags for families,” Mr. Owens said.

Although the volunteers only worked with canned goods, the food bank also takes money and clothing donations.

“If someone makes a twenty-five cent donation, they can have something from our clothes closet,” Garrett said.

This year the high school volunteers only aided the food bank with canned goods. Next year, however, they may become more actively involved in donating clothes.

“There would be a lot less work involved and I think our time would be better spent,” Owens said.

Garrett is very enthusiastic about

the prospect of working with high school students and teachers again.

“They were incredible,” Garrett said.

“We had a lot of fun,” said Katrina Lockhart, who also volunteered at the food bank. “We put together bags and filled them with nonperishable items like rice and spaghetti. Then we distributed them.”

Garrett, as well as the charitable work, made the day memorable.

“He’s a very nice man with a great passion for what he’s doing,” Lockhart said. “It was a really great experience.”

If you would like to make a money donation, you can send it to the Prince George Food Bank, Post Office Box 1386, Prince George.

“I give toys to homeless shelter.”

Courtney Satterwhite, 11th

“I buy gifts for kids for a charity called ‘Angel Tree’” Tyeshia Govans, 11th

Feature

Page 10 - The Royal News -December 12, 2008

Lights electrify Christmas spirit

‘The Christmas Lady’ lights up people’s spirits with yard Liana Elopre and Chelsea Nave trn editors

D

riving through the dark on I-95 it is easy to be caught off guard by a dazzling array of multi-colored lights. After nearly a decade of brightening the holiday nights, this community landmark off Route 301 will come to an end. Margie Wood explains her joys in decorating and gives background information.

Q. Why did you start?

A. I just wanted to. When we started it was small and it got bigger.

Q. Why do you continue decorating year after year?

A. I enjoy it, I like to see kids happy.

They all tell me I can’t shut down.

Q. What’s your favorite decoration?

Why? A. My cross because it’s the most important thing. It’s the real meaning of Christmas.

Q. How long does it take?

Q. Who helps you decorate?

A. It took 38 days straight this year to put them up. It takes 6 weeks to take them down.

A. My son, husband, daughter and her husband.

Q. How long will they be up?

Q. How long have you done it?

A. They started Thanksgiving night and they will be cut off Jan. 2nd.

A. Seven to eight years; it just started getting bigger three to four years ago.

This is the last year.

Q. What kind of recognition, award have you had from it?

A.Watching the kids. They fill my heart because they love it so much.

A. I don’t really enter any contests, but I received two first places, two second places, and one third place. I have also been on the front page of the Progress Index.

Q. Are the decorations the same every year?

Q. How long does it take for cars to go through?

A. We add more and may relocate them.

A.It all depends on the driver. Maybe a five minute drive.

Q. What’s the greatest reward of doing this?

Margie Wood’s house brightens the county and free for viewing.

Photo by Crystal Green

Q. Where is the farthest your visitors have come from?

A. Germany and Paris. You name it and they came here. There are Penn. People who always stop by.

Q. Do you decorate for other holidays?

Inside your house?

A. No, I mostly do it for Christmas. I barely get to decorate in my house, I used to let people in my house. Christmas Eve police come through to protect me, it’s a nice neighborhood.

Q. Is there anything you would like to add?

A. We weren’t going to do it because the economy, but I know this might make it for someone. If you really want to see something come the 20th through the 25th. Its bumper to bumper.

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 11

Features

Ten questions with EMT Travis Stokes

Mia Norman trn features editor

T

he Prince George Emergency Crew was formed on November 19th, 1969. The mission of the crew was and still is: to save lives, administer and teach first aid, alleviate suffering, and to promote safety and render emergency medical services to the citizens and population of Prince George County. As a member of the crew, Travis Stokes explains the duties of an EMT and his involvement.

Q. What exactly is an EMT? A. EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician.

Q. What types of licenses are there?

A. There are three types of licenses; an EMT B (Basic) license, and EMT Intermediate license, and an EMT Paramedic license. I have an EMT B license.

Q. How did you get involved?

A. My friend was an EMT and he told me about it. I took a five month class, got my certification and began volunteering.

Q. What are the jobs done by an EMT? A. The Prince George Emergency Crew is made up of 24 hour ALS (Advanced Life Support) providers and volunteer providers. We provide emergency medical service and support to the citizens of Prince George county.

Q. Have you won any awards or special recognitions?

A. I was recognized as crew member of the month for pulling a lot of hours, and my one year anniversary for joining the crew is coming up in March.

Q. What has been the experience that sticks out in your mind the most? Why? A. Working on a gunshot victim is something I will never forget. The first time you see someone who has been shot it is going to stick in your mind forever.

Q. What is your favorite part of being an EMT? A. Providing services to the citizens and being able to help people.

Q. What is your least favorite part of being an EMT? A. Waking up at three in the morning or really late at night to go on a call is the part I don’t like.

Q. Do you work harder during the holiday season?

A. As an EMT, you work hard all the time, but sometimes there are more accidents during the holidays.

Q. Do you plan on using your EMT experience in the future?

A. Yes, I plan to attend VCU and get my degree in paramedics, then attend medical school and become a doctor in the army. photo by Alexandria Binford

Page 12 - The Royal News - December 12, 2008

Ads

PG POLICE EXPLORERS Sergeant W.C. Douglas Crime Prevention Specialist

Call 733-2773 Join today to get an inside look at today’s law enforcement careers!

Celebri-tees 8 6 6 9d!

8 5 4rts aroun t a n a -shi t t B s l l e be h t a r C fo 206 E. Broadway Ave Hopewell, VA 23860

s ’ y d Cin a p S & n o l Sa

It’s where TRN, Peerage and Girls Soccer get their screenprinting done.

The Eliades Law Firm, P.L.L.C. 731 W. Broadway, PO Box 1007 Hopewell, VA 23860

(804) 541-1941 If you need representation call us.

Burgess Shopping Center 2557-B S. Crater Road Petersburg, Virginia 23805

804-733-6286 www.cindys-salon.com

10% off when you mention this ad

Features

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 13

Muslim student honors faith

Ramadan Fast Facts What: Muslim holiday.

When:During the ninth month of the Muslim calander when the full moon appears. It lasts one month.

Junior Haseena Abur-Rahman rehearses here for Deep Blue Funk. Abur-Rahman celebrates Ramadan. Photo by Savanah Stricklin

Ramadan strengthens Muslim faith during this holiday season Savanah Stricklin trn photo editor

I “

don’t celebrate Christmas because it’s not what I believe in. My religion just doesn’t participate in it. We have our own holidays,” sophomore Haseena Abdur-Rahman said.

Abdur-Rahman comes from a Muslim family and is active in her religion. As a result, she is part of the minority at the school that does not celebrate Christmas. Even though Abdur-Rahman does not partake in the Christmas holiday, they have some holidays of their own.

“My family celebrated Ramadan in the month of September. During that, we fast for thirty days and are only permitted to eat at the very end of the day. So typically we go about fifteen hours

without eating. We can’t eat, drink, or even chew gum,” Abdur-Rahman said.

The holiday may sound like a challenge to most people, but the AbdurRahman’s see the time as a period of thanks and thirty days to learn a valuable lesson.

“We celebrate Ramadan because it helps us learn to be thankful for everything we have and because we are grateful to have everything we have,” Abdur-Rahman said.

As well as Ramadan, Abdur-Rahman takes part in another Muslim holiday called Eid. Eid is a three-day period that follows Ramadan and is a time of family celebration as well as gift giving.

“Eid is most like Christmas for us.

We celebrate and thank Allah and we spend time with our friends and family.

It’s always so much fun. We get lots of presents and I get to see friends and family from all over the world,” AbdurRahman said.

Abdur-Rahman also has special traditions in which she partakes around the time of Eid. “Our entire family always decorates the inside of our house with lights. It’s always really pretty. And we always have a huge dinner on Eid. We have chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and other food. Sometimes we do a pot

luck dinner with our family,” AbdurRahman said.

Ramadan and Eid are AbdurRahman’s favorite times of the year.

These holidays brings her family closer together and allows Abdur-Rahman time to catch up with friends.

“It’s just the best time of the year. We have so much fun and we get to see so many people. Everyone always has a great time. It’s just nice to be surrounded by people you love,” Abdur-Rahman said, For Abdur-Rahman, growing up Muslim was not always the easiest thing.

In school, Christmas is the predominant holiday celebrated by students, as well as teachers. During Ramadan, fasting became difficult when students eating their lunches in the cafeteria surrounded Abdur-Rahman. But all of these factors have helped Abdur-Rahman to grow as strong Muslim teenager.

“I used to feel left out because I never knew any of the Christmas songs or traditions. And when Christmas did come around, I never participated in those activities because it’s not what I believed in. But now I know that I don’t need those things and I can understand why we don’t celebrate Christmas. I am very proud to be a Muslim.”

Where: In their homes and in the mosques.

How: By fasting and praying from sunrise to sunset.

Why: To praise Allah.

According: http:// www.msichicago.org/ scrapbook/scrapbook_ exhibits/catw2004/ traditions/countries/ ramadan.html

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 15

Page 14 - The Royal News - December 12, 2008

Cynthia Hasley Adopt-A-Soldier Why do you choose to give?

“I feel that I have been blessed and I want to share those blessings with others.”

Who do you give to?

“Here at school I participate in the fund raising that teachers do by donating five dollars to wear jeans on Fridays and I also spearhead the ‘Adopt a Soldier’ project.”

What do you think this means to the people that you help?

“I get e-mail responses from the soldiers. We give them joy and they know that they have not been forgotten. No matter what one may think of the war, we cannot forget to support the soldiers.”

Why is this important to you?

“I personally believe you can make a difference. The more joy you spread, the more joy that finds you. It should not be just at Christmas.”

How do you plan on inspiring other students to give?

“Word of mouth, and they see me collecting, giving, and packing. Hopefully they will follow my example.”

Is giving necessarily for the underprivileged?

“No, there are those who have possessions, but are missing family, have sickness, or home bound, etc. They need us too.”

What makes this giving different from any other giving you have done?

“The soldiers are people that I have never met. Usually my giving involves people I know: church members, communities. I probably will never meet them, although that would be great to meet them face to face.”

Cynthia Hall Mu Alpha Theta Elf Helpers Stockings Why do you choose to give?

“I believe giving and serving others is one of our greatest duties while here on Earth.”

Who do you give to?

“My church, my family, the elderly, and children from disadvantaged homes.”

Can others help?

“As a human race, we must all help others if we are to flourish as a society.”

What do you think this means to the people that you help?

“I think they are very appreciative that their burden is a little lighter.”

Why is this important for you?

“Giving to others is important to me because I know I have made a difference in someone else’s life.”

How are this year’s preparations different from previous years?

“This year’s preparations are the same as previous years.”

How do you plan on inspiring other students to give?

“As sponsor of Mu Alpha Theta, I encourage all members to make a stocking for the Elf Helper’s Organization and bake cookies for the teachers during Teacher Appreciation week.”

Is giving necessarily for underprivileged families?

“Giving is for anyone who needs a burden or their spirits lifted.”

Beth Kendall FCA Operation Christmas Child

Giving Around the World Designed by: Taryn Langley

Why do you choose to give?

“Because there are so many kids who don’t have anything.”

Who do you give to?

“Most of it goes to third world countries, not just the people that are here in America. We give gifts to a group called Samaritan’s Purse and they distribute them to the different kids around the world.”

Can others help?

“Yes, we give kids from the school opportunities to donate shoeboxes, which we put, the gifts in, and they can donate money and the five dollar club dues actually go toward the gifts.”

What do you think this means to the people that you help?

“I think they are very appreciative, I think it gives them hope in some cases to survive. I think it lets them know that people do care.”

Why is this important for you?

“It gives me the opportunity just to give, even though I can’t see their faces I know that it was something that they probably would not have gotten and they appreciate much more.”

How are this year’s preparations different from previous years?

“We spent a lot more money this year and we had a lot of new faces in the FCA.” How do you plan on inspiring other students to give?

“Just realizing how fortunate our lives are and that five or ten dollars may not mean much to us but to others less fortunate it does.”

What is your personal feeling on giving?

“Christmas is my favorite time of the year and it makes me feel good that I can make some one else feel special.”

Britney Ceney NHS Historian Turkey Feathers for Gifts Why do you choose to give?

“It gives me happiness to see someone else happy.”

Who do you give to?

“The kids who can’t afford to receive gifts in Prince George.”

Can others help?

“Not outside of National Honor Society, but the money raised through the turkey feathers contributed to the gifts.”

What do you think this means to the people that you help?

“They get a sense of joy that others are thinking of them.”

Why is this important to you?

“It’s important because it shows that I am helping my community.”

How do you plan on inspiring other students to give?

“I would tell other students of the enjoyment that it brings knowing that you’ve done something to help someone else.”

What is your personal feeling on giving?

“I feel that people should be less greedy and stop being Mr. Scrooges.”

What makes this giving different from any other giving that you’ve done?

“This giving is through National Honor Society and it’s a different group of people then I would normally give to.”

Page 16 - The Royal News - December 12, 2008

Ads

Thank You Patrons Gold Patrons Jane M. Eliades William A. Havard John Pelter Beta Club Tracey Smallwood Dixie Diner

Green Patrons

Patrons

Bryan Griffin Cynthia Hasley Kim Bailey Vickie Cosgrove Naomi Brown Pam Alley Carlos Sanchez

Paul Cash Larry Tyler

As part of our fundraising campaign, the second phase is sponsored by generous supporters. The Royal News greatly appreciates the financial gifts our patrons have given to allow our staff to continue to produce our award-winning paper for our student body and community. We take pride in knowing that every one of our issues is given to our students free of charge. In addition to printing, your contribution allows for our staff to join various news organizations and honor societies. Gold patrons - gifts of $20 and up...Green patrons - gifts under $20.

Mon. & Fri. 8 am - 8 pm Tues. - Thurs. 8 am - 6 pm Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Phone: (804) 526-8399 570 Southpark Boulevard - Colonial Heights, VA 23834 www.dancessportinggoods.net

Quality Car Center

3535 S. Crater Rd. Petersburg, VA 23805

861-2204

5295 Prince George Drive Prince George, VA 23875

804-458-1660

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 17

&

AMPERSAND

Top Five Holiday Movies 1. A Christmas Story (1983) 2. Elf (2003) 3. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) 4. The Santa Claus (1994) 5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) Page layout by: Madison Moss Information Collected by: Katie Adams Poll from: http://ezinearticles.com/?Top5-Christmas-Movies-Of-All-TIme2007&id=849104

The PG Players eagerly anticipates the VHSL One Act Show

Room of My Remembering” PG“White Players Try-outs this week

Be sure to catch A Midsummer’s Night Dream & The Cabaret

Top Five Holiday Charities 1. Angel Tree -2. Operation Christmas Child -3. Make A Wish Foundation -4. Toys For Tots -5. My Two Front Teeth

Statistics from: http://christianity.about.com/od/holidaytips/tp/christmascharit.htm

Senior Countdown... only 99 Days Left!

The section formerly known as “Variety” will now be called “Ampersand”. An ampersand is that key on your keyboard used to make the “&” symbol. It means “everything else” and in true Variety tradition, that is exactly what this section is about. It is meant for all the miscellaneous subjects that the newspaper as a whole does not cover.

Ads

Page 18 - The Royal News - December 12, 2008

Covenant Presbyterian Church Located at 201 Walnut Ave, Petersburg, VA

Nanny’s Restaurant & Catering

804-732-8240

By the lake behind the new Food Lion on S. Crater Rd

You are invited to come celebrate

11900 S. Crater Road - Petersburg, VA 23805 Find us on the web at: nannysbbq.com

Christmas Eve Service with a harp, carols and candelit communion

Tues, Wed, Thurs - 11 AM - 2:30 PM Fri - 11 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday 4 PM - 9 PM Sunday & Monday - Closed

Last chance to buy yearbooks!!!

S! K O BO AR YE

YE AR BO O K S!

Wed., Dec. 24th

~Jan. 5th-16th ~Sold during lunch blocks ~$50 ($4 for Senior icon)

Save some of that holiday spending for something you’ll cheerish for the rest of your life.

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 19

A&E A&E

A&E

Senior Jared Peyton participates in the Christmas parade.

Photo by Kayla Carneal

What was your favorite thing about the parade?

“Getting to dance with Brittany Moring because it is her last year being in the parade with Gotta Dance .”

Courtney Stewart, 11th

Traditional parade with new twists Jessica Lee trn writer

O

n Dec. 6, 2008, crowds lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the legendary Santa Claus in the Prince George Christmas Parade.

Organizations made floats and decorations to make the feeling of Christmas even stronger in the air.

“There are lots of new things in the parade this year. The old and new organizations are combining to get the parade even more exciting,” assistant to the Special Activities Coordinator Keith Poland said.

With the diversity of organizations being larger than previous years, the Parks and Recreation Department expected more floats and decorations because of the opportunity to win a plaque at the end of the parade.

“We had a small ‘competition’ this year and the best float won a first prize and a plaque,” Special Activities Coordinator Debbie Lafland said.

The parade started at Beazley

Elementary School, where the floats made last minute alterations or put the “riders” on the float. Excitement gathered as the fire trucks started their sirens and people wishing bystanders “Happy Holidays!”

“This year Santa came before the parade and started to greet the people that decided to get their spots to watch early,” Lafland said.

Children waited and watched to see Santa one more time at the end of the parade and walked to where it stopped at the 295 overpass on Courthouse Road at Gregory Memorial Church. The line of 60 units made the parade even more exciting than before.

“My favorite part of the parade is all the little kids because they are so happy,” junior Morgan Garrett said.

Some of the new organizations include Boy and Girl Scouts from around the county, dance teams, churches, and many more. The Royal’s band appeared in the parade once again, keeping up the tradition they have had for years.

“The longest that people can remember having the parade is at least 25 years,” Lafland said.

For the first time in the parade

history, a choir will be singing before the parade begins. Also making history is that there will be judges at the parade judging to see who has the best float or decorations in their unit.

“Some of the new organizations in the parade this year will be the Prince George Animal Shelter, Fort Lee Federal Credit Union, and even a few walking groups,” Lafland said.

The competition and choir were not the only changes that were made. Lafland had assistance in the parade by Poland and the two of them arranged the order of floats appearing in the event.

“We expected to have applications coming in until the very last minute possible,” Poland said.

Candy was passed out and small gifts were given to the bystanders of the parade. Candy canes, message bracelets and other small candies were just a few of the things given out.

“The best float from a past parade would be the Rugrats float to me,” junior Tiffany Dumas said.

Growing up with a parade is something that many people experience.

It is fun, free, and it has great holiday cheer.

“I helped with the girl scouts even though I was not in the parade.”

Hillary Blake, 11th

“The old fashion cars were really cool, especially the one with the Grinch.”

Amanda Kanak, 12th

“All I had to do was keep the kids I was with warm, and smile and wave. The best thing was not having to stand in the freezing cold.”

Molly Nicol. 11th

Page 20 - The Royal News - December 12, 2008

T

Sophomore Jesse Vaughan, playing Lysander, rehearses lines with history teacher Cynthia Hasley.

Photo by Tori Anderson

A&E

Two thumbs up

wilight came out on Nov. 21st and a lot of the reviews weren’t too good. I went and saw it twice, the day it came out and about a week after that. It was great, easily the best movie I’ve seen all year.

I am a huge fan of the series, I read the book about two years ago and that’s when I heard talk Kayla Carneal about a movie being made. I was extremely excited when I saw a preview for it, being able to see the book come alive was just too cool. At first I wasn’t too thrilled with the actors they chose to play Edward and Bella, they just didn’t match up to what I had pictured. But after seeing the movie I think they did a great job at portraying the characters that I love.

The whole theatre was packed with fans of the book. People of all different ages, I even saw a group of old women together. It was a different experience than normally going to the movies.

Crazy, but it was as if the audience became one. Everyone cheered at the same times, and got really quiet at important parts.

The movie started off with a little background of Bella and her life. She was moving in with her dad in Forks, very rainy town. They defiantly showed the entire green life well, the color hurt my eyes a bit.

Her dad Charlie wasn’t what I pictured him to be, he needed to loose the stash. His personality was perfect.

The music chosen for all parts of the movie was fantastic. Every scene that had music was way more intense. I got goose bumps a few times.

And of course Edward, ahh..

Edward. At the very start he had to avoid Bella and as the movie went on, his part only got better. He is simply beautiful.

The love that they show for each other is amazing. It’s what everyone hopes to find. As if no one else in the world matters when they’re together.

One thing that I wish was different was their meadow. The book made it seem absolutely incredible and I was a little disappointed.

I don’t have enough space to go on about how much I loved the movie. If you haven’t read the book I recommend that you do and then go see it after.

Midsummer unites students with faculty Tori Anderson trn writer

S

tudents brush up on their poetry speaking skills and pull out the tights and breeches.

For the first time in many years, the theater department is putting on a facultystudent combination play, in which both students and teachers take on the roles of the characters. However, this is not just any play. The final production will be Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever directed a nearly complete high school cast of one of Shakespeare’s plays,” Theater Director Daryl Phillips said. “I see a great potential in these students for a Shakespeare production.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a story that, like Shakespeare’s other works, contains several different plots as well as a play within a play. The plays main characters are the eloping couple Hermia and Lysander, who are pursued by Hermia’s intended husband, Demetrius and his old lover Helena. However, they become lost in the woods and accidental

targets of the mischievous faerie Puck’s magic.

The play will be performed on the 6th and 7th of Feb., with approximately seven weeks of rehearsal beforehand.

“There is a little to stress over, as the rehearsals will run at the same time as the VHSL play and working with the student’s other activities. The process is like making eggs, messy, but the end result is tasty.”

Phillips said.

Though Shakespeare language may be the bane of many high school students, Phillips thinks the play will turn out well.

“So far, the students I cast are speaking poetry square one, but I feel we have a very strong casting for this play.

All of them can speak the poetry, and my knowledge will help us along.” Phillips said.

The interpretation of Midsummer Night’s Dream will stay pretty close to the original, save for a few minor exceptions, such as eliminating certain things that did not progress the plot.

“I eliminated some 400-year-old jokes that no one would understand, and some eight to ten other pages. But the plot stays the same. It should be easier to understand this way,” Phillips said.

Senior Kayland Huckaby will be designing the costumes for the production, making a few new changes to the design.

“I got the name of the play last June, so I’ve been examining for costumes since

then. But now that I have the cast list, things will really start to get set in motion,” Huckaby said. “We are changing a few things about the faeries. Before humans came into the forest, they just ran around naked-so, now they have to put on clothes that they don’t know how to use. So they will be pretty disheveled.” Huckaby said.

It is not just the costumes that are being altered for this production. There will be more than just spoken roles.

“The play will have tumblers and music too,” Huckaby said. “In the original version there were a lot of songs, but the musical accompaniment has been lost to time. We are putting those to a tune, so the choir will be in the production as well.

There will be dancing and singing.”

Huckaby is also playing the role of Titiana, the faerie queen of the woods the humans become lost in.

The teachers also have important parts in the play. Marcia Skiffington will be playing the role of Petera Quince, the director of the play-within-the play.

“It was the first time I had auditioned for a play in fifteen years. It was very nerve-wracking,” Skiffington said. “I had to read selections of different monologues from the play on stage. I was the first one to go! It was a challenge.”

Play practice is currently happening three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The participants are looking forward to the final production.

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 21

A&E

Sophomore Erin Copeland spices up wall with unique design Erica Bulger trn op/ed editor

T

his year’s annual Arts Festival in Old Towne Petersburg brought an artist’s sketch to life on the walls to the men’s restroom in the Dixie Diner located on N. Sycamore Street.

Sophomore Erin Copeland had gone to the diner in hopes of displaying her artwork along the walls.

“I wanted to hang my artwork but ended up painting the restroom instead,” Copeland said.

The diner had undergone slight construction about a week before Cope-

land had arrived.

“We had ripped out the old restroom and stalls to make room for the karaoke stage we’re building,” Andrea Mathews said.

Mathews, being one of the owners of the diner, offered Copeland the opportunity to paint the new walls.

“I saw her sketchbook and really liked her drawings; I call them her ‘slinky darlings.’ Then I told her, the walls are blank. Have fun,” Mathews said. “She didn’t seem to believe me at first.”

The sketch seen by Mathews was one of Copeland’s characters that she draws in her spare time.

“The character’s name is Cherry,” sophomore Bria Shaw said. “She has blonde hair and is wearing a loose dress with something like corset strings falling off the back.”

Shaw, a friend of Copeland’s, assisted her with the painting.

“She invited me to come and help her paint it. I helped by painting a checkered bard pattern on the opposite wall,” Shaw said. “I had a lot of fun doing it. It was really awesome.”

The duration of the painting took its time, but it had its benefits.

“It took me about a week to paint.

I really enjoyed it. It got me out of the house,” Copeland said. “All of the walls were painted and I hung up pictures too.”

Copeland’s sketch soon became a fundraising mural that raised $170 for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

“I asked her if maybe there wasn’t a small charity that she would want to raise money for and she said anything that had to do with animals,” Mathews said.

In order to raise the money, it was necessary to charge a small fee in order to view the finished mural.

“We charged $2 to people to come and see it. Both men and women came to look at it,” Copeland said.

For the unveiling of the mural, the SPCA paid a visit to the Dixie Diner to accept the collected donations.

“The SPCA seemed very appreciative for the donations. They sent a thank-you card to everyone that helped to raise the money,” Mathews said.

Photos by Erica Bulger.

A&E

Diner hosts student artist’s talent

Sophomore Erin Copeland, artist of the mural.

The staff members of the diner also helped Copeland in their own way.

“The staff loved every part of it.

They’re supportive of anything that has to do with art,” Mathews said. “The customers definitely seemed to enjoy it.

It was a funky change of pace.”

With the walls complete, Mathews reflects on Copeland’s finished work.

“I’m so appreciative for someone that can go above and beyond with her own stuff. It’s not something you’d see in an everyday art store,” Mathews said.

Page 22 - The Royal News - December 12, 2008

Ads

Disputanta Animal Hospital • • • • •

Dr. Kim Eaton, DVM

Surgery Dr. Heather Casey DVM Dentistry Call 991-3909 Boarding Mon-Thurs: 7a.m.-7p.m.

Grooming Fri: 7a.m.-5p.m.

K-9 Day Care Saturday: 9a.m.-12p.m.

8401 County Drive Disputanta, VA 23842

Chris Shifflett Manager

Gerry & Mary Shifflett Owners

Walker’s Gym In the competitive world of sports get the ADVANTAGE - Strength Training!

Trainer with over 30 years of experience

804-541-0059

216 E. Broadway Hopewell, VA 23860

Sebera’s

Custard Kitchen Call 732-0990

Breakfast before school Dinner after school Anytime for ice cream

Go Royals!

6335 Courthouse Road Prince George, VA 23875

Barry Walker - Walker’s Gym - 804-458-7918 220 E. Broadway - Hopewell,VA 23860

Hopewell Gallery of Art Worcz 205 East Broadway Ave Hopewell, VA 23860

804-452-1341 “Your one stop shopping for all your artistic needs.”

We have the most diverse selection of artistic expression in the area.

Affordable purchase plan.

“We have a payment plan that fits everyone’s budget.”

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 23

Spor ts

SPORTS

Senior Spotlight Phillip Bingham Indoor Track & Field

1.What made you so sure that you wanted to do track?

“I’ve always been really athletic and the fastest in every sport that I play, so it made sense to help to contribute to a team.”

Football team gives back Team comes together during holiday to give back to community Amir Vera trn writer

E

ach year a group of volunteers who collect food, toys, and clothes for the needy meet at 9 a.m. at the Prince George Education Center in order to help their fellow man. Coach Mark Tomlin’s varsity football teams, about 10-12 players help each year.

The duties of an Elf Helper are tough, so the football players are there to provide the manual labor.

“Basically we start at 7:30. We organize packages, families show up at 9:00 and we take the groceries and toys to the families. The event ends around 12:00,” Tomlin said.

While the other football players have only been helping for at least a year with the program, the two captains of the football team, seniors Cody Engle and LaRoyce Lewis, have been helping since their freshman year.

“The day is exciting, it feels really good to see a smile on people’s faces,” Lewis said.

“It’s fast-pace, makes me feel good to help those in need,” Engle said.

Even though the football players help with the manual labor, they do not run the program. Rick Massey have been in charge of the Elf Helpers program for 20 years.

“Elf Helpers used to be done by social services 20 years ago, it was too big of a work load for them since they did not have enough workers, so my wife and I started volunteering,” Massey said.

The donations for Elf Helpers are provided by United Way and donations from businesses. The football players are not the only organization that help either. Firefighters help deliver, Ruritan Club and other civic organizations help with the transportation if the family does not have a car.

The charity event has had an impact on a lot of the helpers’ lives. Many of

Senior football players John Labrake and Mike O’Dett carry canned goods to donate to the Santa Helpers charity to benefit the community during the holiday season Contributed photo by Mark Tomlin the helpers thought it was important to help the families because it is the time for giving and the families are in need.

For the Masseys, though, its had a bigger impact.

“It makes you feel really good. It helps to enjoy Christmas and Thanksgiving more since you know you’ve made a difference in over 80 families’ lives. We always have to work together and help our fellow man, it’s the Christian thing to do,” Massey said.

Although Massey said with many charities year around, they are very thankful to the organizations that assisted them in their mission to make this world a happier, better place.

“We are very thankful to the students for bringing in the food and we thank the school board for letting us use the woodshop at the old Moore building,” Massey said.

2.How long have you been participating in indoor track?

“I’ve ran indoor track since 8th grade, when I was a manager. My dad, mom, and sister ran so I was the next in line to contribute to the legacy.”

3.What events do you do?

“55m, 300m, 4x200m, 4x400m, Long Jump, and sometimes the 500m.”

4.What are your pregame rituals?

“Taking a nap. I try to save energy.”

5.What has been your most successful moment in sports? Why? “Running the 4x200 two years ago at Arthur Ashe because we qualified for regionals.”

6.What are your goals for this year?

“I want to qualify for regionals in the 300m and help the 4x200m and 4x400m relay go to regionals. I want the boys team to win districts.”

7.What kinds of food do you eat to keep in shape?

“Pastas, meats, vegetables, and nutritious drinks like milk and smoothies. They give a good combination of carbs, fats, and proteins.”

8.What is the hardest thing you have to endure during track?

“The cold weather puts you at a better chance of muscle pulls and cramps.

The cold air and wind makes it hard to breathe.”

9.Any advice for future indoor track athletes?

“It’s always going to be hard starting out, especially if you do not know anyone.

Make friends, work hard, and you will make amazing memories.”

Spor ts

Expectations drive performance despite limitations

C

ommitment in sports is used to drive athletes. Sometimes it is pushed even more when an injury befalls one of them. Athletes who have participated in sports and received injuries still strive to continue. Some injuries though are so severe that it requires rest and possibly staying out for the rest of the season.

New England Quarterback Kenneth Wooten Tom Brady was one who received an ankle injury that forced him to stay out of the football season this year. Leaving many fans shocked, Brady could not play for the rest of the season. Even though he is out, his plans and preparations for next year have pushed him to heal as soon as possible and get back into the game he loves.

Besides pro-athletes, some athletes here have suffered injuries.

Seniors Daniel Arakelian, Stephen Arakelian and Phillip Bingham all have suffered hamstring pulls in track. Senior Raymond Yoo suffered an injury in football, which forced him to play with a knee brace.

Each one of these athletes iced their injuries and focused most of their time trying to heal. Their goal was to get back and finish the season to the best they could.

These athletes are determined to keep their goals set for the remainder of the season. No matter what happens though, each expectation a person sets on himself in sports requires constant commitment despite the limitations.

Today, sports in general, have athletes who want to become better.

What allows them to do this are the goals they set before themselves to accomplish. Goals should not have ceilings. They should be able to reach the stars. The higher your goals are, the better a person becomes even though they may not complete their goals. The goals do not make the athletes. It’s how hard the athletes push through everything to try and accomplish them.

SPORTS

Page 24 - The Royal News - December 12, 2008

Health concerns plague wrestlers Feeling pressure of losing weight Jordan Minter trn writer

Y

ou are not real wrestler if you don’t have to cut weight,” is the mentality of many wrestlers, but fortunately coaches and organizations across the country are cracking down on the habit of losing weight too fast.

The dangerous act of forcing weight loss in any manner possible was becoming a popular trend in wrestling until coaches and organizations such as the Virginia High School League stepped in and made guidelines that strictly monitored the weight loss of athletes. Now, wrestlers are submitted to a hydrations test in the beginning of the season to test body fat and other aspects of health that will determine how much weight can be lost.

Head Coach David Emory implements some of his own measures also.

“We have a weight program that limits how much a wrestler can lose safely,” Emory said.

“I have to go through the chart and personally manage weight loss. They cannot wrestle underweight,” Emory said, “Losing weight too fast leads to

dehydration, loss of nutrients, and overall sickness.”

It is a popular misconception that coaches force the wrestlers to lose weight, but the situation is actually quite the opposite. Wrestlers decide to lose weight themselves to improve the team and possibly give them an advantage over their opponent.

“They do not force us to lose weight; they let us decide which weight class to be involved in. The coaches realize how dangerous it can be to lose too much weight at once, that is why they keep us in great shape throughout the season,” senior LaRoyce Lewis said.

“I do it for the team, the coaches do not have to pressure me. If I have to lose weight then I do it because I chose what weight class to be in,” junior Cody Wells said.

“The coaches don’t force us, they will just remind us to watch our weight,” sophomore Francisco Portillo said.

Despite the warnings of the coaches, wrestlers across the country still pursue dangerous methods to make weight limits.

There are stories circulating of diuretic pills, which flush the body of waste and water; visiting saunas, exercising or sleeping in trash bags, which stimulates extreme perspiration, and even draining blood just to lose that extra ounce of weight before the big match.

Not only are all of these practices strictly forbidden in VHSL competition, but they weaken the wrestler. Wrestlers need as much energy as possible to maintain the stamina required to overcome their

Freshman Joseph Pervall uses his strength after losing weight to defeat his Clover Hill opponent.

Photo by Devyn Pachmayr opponent.

“Some people go too far,” reflected Portillo, “That’s just too much.”

Lewis is part of the heavy weight class, which means that he does not have to lose any weight at all, but if he did he has a simple solution.

“I would run,” said Lewis.

“I just wear a combination of sweat pants and sweat shirt while wrestling upstairs in the field house. Once I get home I limit how much I eat and drink.”

Wells said.

The upstairs room of the field house hosts the daily practices of the wrestlers.

The thermostat is set a comfortable 68 degrees, but the constant movement of the wrestlers can seemingly turn the room into a sauna, which helps the wrestlers to more safely lose a little bit of water weight while working out.

Some wrestlers are lucky enough to not have to combine both dieting and exercise.

“I do a lot of cardio and running, but when I get home I eat all the time.”

Portillo said.

As we move into the wrestling season, we can be assured that our team realizes the dangers of losing weight too fast. That’s why they choose to do it the right way, through hard work, discipline, and commitment.

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 25

SPORTS

Spor ts

Seniors continue winning streak Seniors dominate the junior class with a first ever shutout of 25-0 Senior Jessica Baron broke the powderpuff runback record with a 80 yard return First time a high school class has won both powderpuff games they participated in

Top: The senior class celebrates after their 25-0 shut out over the junior class in the 2008-2009 Powderpuff Game.

Right: Senior cheerleader Alex Johnson high steps with excitement for the senior team.

Photos by Devyn Pachmayr Left: Junior quarterback Maggie Roberts tries to evade senior defensive back Taryn Langley while junior Sara Taylor tries to block.

Bottom: Senior coaches Chris Waugaman and Roy York watch their team compete in the game.

Photos by Spencer Lambert

Spor ts

Page 26 - The Royal News -December 12, 2008

Faces of Prince George Basketball Antoine Medina #21 Postion:Guard Height:6’0” Grade:12

Brianca Washington #34 Postion:Guard/Forward Height:5’7” Grade:11

Courtney Hill #32 Postion:Guard Height:5”4” Grade:11

Nic Sulc #33 Position: Forward Height:6’3” Grade:10

LaCreshia Page #14 Postion:Guard Height:5’6” Grade:11 Albert Williams #50 Postion:Center Height:6’4” Grade:10 Jorden Lykes #42 Postion:Forward/Center Height:5’10” Grade:11

Tyler Johnson #55 Postion:Center Height:6’4” Grade:12

Treon Claiborne #42 Postion:Forward Height:6’3” Grade:11 Photo by Josh Stewart

Bronwynne Curtendale #12 Postion:Forward/Center Height:6’0” Grade:12

Ads

December 12, 2008 - The Royal News - Page 27

Dixie

DINER

250 N. Sycamore Street Old Towne Petersburg 804-732-7425

D ixie DIN ER

Visit: dixiedinerrocks.com or dixie-diner myspace

Buy two entrees/ sandwiches get one FREE!

(Must present this coupon/expires 12/31/08)

PRE - NEW YEAR’S EVE KARAOKE & DANCE PARTY (for High School Students Only) Tuesday night, December 30, 2008 9 pm - 1 am Tickets sold in advance $12.99 Purchase tickets either from Greg Lothamer or at Dixie Diner (ticket includes entertainment, 1 meal, 1 canned drink) (late night breakfast extra) (10% of all ticket sales given to Habitat For Humanity)

Hours Open: Sunday-Thursday thru 3 PM Friday & Saturday 7 AM - 3 AM Next Day Big fat club sandwich...angus burgers...corn dog minis... chicken fingers... all day breakfast... milkshakes...fried pickles & ranch...chili cheese fries

Be sure to see the N.B.Clements play

Willy Wonka Jr. Fri. 12/12 & Sat. 12/13 at 7:00 PM

Tickets are just $6

Sports

briefs

The Varsity Boys Basketball team won the Midlothian Invitational Tournament beating Midlothian 66-59.

The Varsity Girls Basketball team won at the Fort Lee Tip- Off Tournament against Amelia 58-27.

The Varsity Wrestling team placed 3rd in the Colonial Heights Invitational. Placing 1st was George Wythe and L.C. Bird came in 2nd.

Faces of Basketball pg. 26

Sophomore Guard Joseph Phillips defends a Sussex player during the team’s season opener. The boys won 66-59, the same day the girls team won their season opener 68-59 against Appomattox Regional Governor’s school.

Photo by Josh Stewart

Come Support the Royals by attending one of these upcoming home games: Boys Basketball : Hopewell High School 7:30 PM 12/17 Girls Basketball: Saint Gertrude 7:30 PM 12/12 Track: The Green Dragon Relays @ Arthur Ashe Center 12/20