New Program Initiated by Club p. 5 Crime Solvers’ “Text a Tip” provides a way to anonymously text in information regarding recent suspicious activity. Submitting a helpful tip makes students eligible to receive a reward.
The Student Vote What crime do you think should be most important to report?
27% 34% Threatening Stealing 27% Bullying Source: 83 students surveyed Infographic by Jessica Marshall
Club Brings Local Band, Beyond the Victory, Gets Holiday Spirit p. 9 Signed p. 19
This holiday season, one family’s struggles will be answered by the Interact Club. Members bought gifts for the three children who otherwise might not have received presents.
the
ROYALNEWS
Vol. X Issue 3
Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd Prince George, VA 23875 - www.trnwired.org - December 9, 2011
Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Freedom of Expression Seen In Apparel p. 14-15
Senior Brian Palomo practices his First Amendment Rights by wearing a Nike shirt. The1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines provides protection for student’s freedom of expression. Photo by Emily Gray.
Sex Ed Curriculum Receives Criticism p. 5 Go to www.trnwired.org for latest photo galleries
2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
op/ed
Holidays season elicits gratefulness
the RoyalNews
A
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. Thank you for the support this year. Please continue to communicate on trnwired.org. Front page: Jessica Marshall-Op/Ed: Unique Larry-News: Amanda Majewski-Features: Kim Carneal-Double Truck: Rachel Waymack-A&E : Tasia Faulcon-Sports:Wayne Epps Jr. /Kevin HarrisAmpersand: Ciara Ward-Photo Editor: Emily Gray-Video & Photography: Kimberly Edmonds -Best Distribution & Events: Ridhi Patel-Business & Ad Editor: Jake McQuiggan-Online Editor & chief: Olivia Tritschler
Writers
Kristen Schwalm-Chloe Alexander-Courtney Taylor-Chandler Shirer-Leah Holliday- Casey Overton- Korrina Smith- Kierra Lanier- Faven Butler- Carolina Bae- William BonnellWhitney Clements- Christina BucklesAnthony Fennick- Deborah Gardner- Nathan Britt- Danielle Marshall- Conner StevensonAdam Blakemore-Aaron Raines-Tiana Kelly
Editor-in-Chief Malikah Williams
Business Manager Jake McQuiggan
Managing Editor Jessica Marshall
Adviser
Chris Waugaman
Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2011 Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Silver Crown Winner 2011 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2011 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010 SIPA All Southern 2008-2011
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
Scandals spark reevaluation of Sex Ed
Editorial
Section Editors
Who Decides?
I
n light of recent scandals, including the accusations about Jerry Sandusky and Brian Fine, questions about how to better protect and educate children about sex and what is appropriate and what is not have come about. Sex education in America has always been a very controversial topic due the nature of the subject. Some people believe that it is the responsibility of the parents to educate their children on sex while some believe that schools should be responsible for teaching these things to students. However, the responsibility of educating the students about sex does not just lie with the parents or with the school, instead that responsibility is shared. It is this disparity that causes a lesser amount of education, which leads to students being less prepared for the real world. In Virginia, it is required that schools follow the standards of learning and the set curriculum of Family Life Education from kindergarten to twelfth grade that it is set up by the Virginia General Assembly. This FLE is updated at times and has very stringent rules in regards to what is actually taught. While this sounds like a very effective program with an efficient plan of action; there is still much more to be done and to be taught. Due to the strict nature of the
curriculum, it can take a longer time to change what exactly is taught. For example, the education guidelines for FLE were updated in 2011 to include information about dating violence and abusive relationships to be taught at minimum once in middle school and twice in high school. This seems very late to just start teaching that when “one in every five female high school students report being physically and/ or sexually abused by a dating partner,” according to www.clotheslineproject.org. The dynamics of society are constantly changing and therefore the curriculum should be dynamic and informative as well. The program does try to cover the basics of sex education while still leaving some things to be taught by the parents; however, the basics are not enough. As the age teens start having sex drops, the rate of teen pregnancy increases, and the rate of abusive relationships increases, it is apparent that something more needs to be done to prevent these things. Education has always been said to be the key to success and that same statement applies here. The more extensive and comprehensive sex education can be, then the more prepared students can be in order to handle these situations while still in high school and later on in the real world.
s the holidays approach, I am blessed to say I can enjoy spending time with my family next to the Christmas tree as the fireplace keeps us warm. These are some of the most memorable moments of my childhood. Unfortunately, unlike so many of us as a student body, not every child gets a chance to experience the happy moment of unwrapping a brand new faven butler phone, iPod, laptop, or other popular gift. It is not fair that some child will not enjoy a big dinner with their family and get to play with their presents afterwards. Many will still be hungry on Christmas day. Many will wish they had toys to play with or even a family to spend the day with. Keeping this in mind, it is important that we do as much as we can to make somebody less fortunate than ourselves happier than they would have been before. I have worked with the Elf Helpers Organization in the past to assist with packaging food in boxes for the poor. Clubs like Mu Alpha Theta and Beta are supporting Elf Helpers this Christmas. Beta Club will be buying gifts as well as providing families dinner fixings. Mu Alpha Theta is working on filling stockings with small gifts such as stuffed animals, coloring books, candy, and other toys or games. Hopefully, we will all enjoy another Christmas this year. It would be nice to share the feeling of waking up that morning to presents under the tree, cookies and milk, and parents to hug for granting most, if not all, of your wishes. We may not be able to give every child in the world a Merry Christmas, but we can do what we can to have one less child unhappy on such a special day. It is important to remember that while many of us teenagers are wishing for a new car from our parents, there is another child wishing for the parents themselves.
FRIDAY 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3
op/ED
Are the Occupy Movement Protests Effective? The Occupy Movement has tried to shed light on what they believe to be wrong in America. The movement has spread to major cities including Richmond. Here are two responses to the protests and the protestors.
E
very American is entitled to certain rights that can not be taken away from them. Some of these rights include: the freedom of speech, religion, press, petition, and assembly. Participants of the Occupy Richmond Movement are only demonstrating their unalienable rights. Many petition because they feel they Kristen schwalm are not being treated fairly. Wealthy Americans make up 1% of the population while the other 99% of the population is composed of everyone else in America. The 99% feel that they are being taken advantage of and this uneasy feeling results in riot and chaos. It is not as serious in Richmond, but still there are petitioners that want their voices to be heard. Petitioners hold their ground outside of Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones’ house. Even though many feel that this is a safety violation, in reality these citizens are only taking advantage of their First Amendment Rights. This is a constant reminder of the problems the city faces dealing with economic issues. The city recognizes the petitioners and their use of their Constitutional rights. I respect the petitioners and their desire for their voices to be heard. I commend them for doing something that many are afraid to do. They may not be going about it the right way, but at least they are doing something. They have gained the attention of many and created a dialogue to address their concerns. Even though citizens of Richmond may not agree with the way the “occupiers” are behaving and protesting, they are exercising rights that are granted to us all. If you were passionate about something, you would do anything in your power to get your point across. The occupiers of Richmond are passionate about their cause and they are doing anything necessary to get their opinions across. I commend them for their bravery, strength, and dedication to the Occupy Richmond Movement. They truly have a concern for the city and are trying to prove that without the little people, the city of Richmond would not be able to function.
W are thee
99%
PRO
will bonell
“Participants of the Occupy Richmond Movement are only demonstrating their unalienable rights.” “Many Americans find it difficult to pursue happiness when men and women yell at them about their difficulties in life, while “occupying” what most would call a park.” “They truly have a concern for the city and are trying to prove that without the little people, the city of Richmond would not be able to function.” “Though the intentions of the Occupy Richmond movement are good, they are ineffective and simply cause disturbances among the people of Richmond. ”
First cupy Amen
Oc
P
Con
d
Equal
lainly stated by Thomas Jefferson, Americans have the right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Many Americans find it difficult to pursue happiness when men and women yell at them about their difficulties in life, while “occupying” what most would call a park. Currently “occupiers” all across the nation have protested corporate greed with their slogan, “We are the 99%.” The other 1% represents owners of major corporations. They have been found in cities all across the United States. Richmond has become one of these areas of protest. In the Occupy Richmond campaign, many have protested from places such as Kanawha Plaza. They spend their time giving testimonies about their difficulties with student loans, foreclosure, unemployment, and other economic difficulties. I respect the use of the first amendment rights, but this is not the way to use them. Members of Occupy Richmond have complained about corporate greed, and spoken out about this issue; however, they have not done anything to fix the problem. They have not requested any specific form of policy change to benefit the “99%” of us. Though they are concerned, they lack leadership and organization, therefore they are ineffective. They have a good idea, but it was executed the wrong way. The Occupy Richmond vision statement explains how they wish to “remove all corporate money from our political process.” The statement continues and explains how they plan on executing this wish. It basically states that they will protest peacefully and educate the public about their wishes. The last way to achieve their goals is by “being the change we wish to see, and living a vision for a better world.” The idea is great, but nothing they have done or plan to do will directly affect how the government operates. Though the intentions of the Occupy Richmond movement are good, they are ineffective and simply cause disturbances among the people of Richmond.
We ur ights! O R deserve
4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
7905 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 804-862-9820 804-731-7840 Cell 804-862-9823 Fax
JROTC
Royal Battalion Command & Staff School Year 2011-2012
Battalion Commander: Battalion Executive Officer: Battalion Command Sgt. Major:
Stephanie Clairmont Xanthea Keith-Midgette Malik Vaughn
Coordinating Staff Officers: Personnel Officer: Special Projects Officer: Operations Officer: Logistics Officer: Public Affairs Officer:
Garry Coleman Kenneth Stith Jarrett Acfalle Alexander Beverly Zhane Umpierre
Company Commanders: Alpha Company: Bravo Company: Charlie Company: Delta Company: Echo Company:
Crystal Reynolds Sawyer Love Valencia Hamilton Jalisha Canet Jenteara Green
FRIDAY 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5
News
BRIEFS
'Text a Tip'
News
Provides Anonymous Help
Winter break starts on Dec. 19 and students come back on Jan. 2. Season tickets for basketball are on sale in the office for $20.
A
Deborah Gardner trn writer new program called “Text a Tip” eliminates problems associated with reporting crimes by letting the submitter of the information be absolutely anonymous
the whole time. The program allows students to give useful information to help the school become a safer environment without the student having to feel threatened or scared for their safety. “I would report to crime solvers because it will help the school become a better place,” junior Jasmine Jefferson said. The program provides information that could help to stop an incident and there is an award given based on the classification of information. Some people think that the rewards encourages people to want to report crimes. “In this tough economy, people respond best to the cash incentive. They have a lot to risk by reporting crimes they have intimate knowledge about,” teacher Jerome Owens said. Out of 83 surveyed students, some had different thoughts on if the rewards did or did not serve as an encouragement to report to the program. Thirteen students thought that the rewards did not encourage students to
want to report. “I think that most students do it to take care of crime in school and they are just doing what is best for everyone and the money is just a perk. I think they tell us what they tell us just to do the right thing,” Principal Tracy Smallwood said. The student members of Crime Solvers meet the first Friday of every month to discuss the cases turned in from the school. If the tip is accurate, the case will be reviewed and determined how much the reward will be. “We hear cases and determine based on the risk how much is rewarded,” Crime Solvers President, senior Chris Beaudet said. The tasks for the members of Crime Solvers include promoting the program at the school and school events like “Walk Against Drugs”, where they would set up booths to hand out information. “I wanted to be on the Crime Solvers staff, it is an interesting way to help the program and it is my way of keeping the school a better place,” Beaudet said. The program is not a club that any student can join. The way that the students are appointed is usually from a teacher’s recommendation. The students are picked from J.E.J. Moore. This allows them to be on the staff for six to seven years. “No, I did not want to join Crime Solvers because I am already in a lot of activities,” Jefferson said. Students are not able to join the program staff without being recommended. Some students would not want to be on the program or even report to them. Out of the 83
Junior Jasmine Jefferson demonstrates how one would ‘Text a Tip’ in a situation involving vandalism. The program was introduced in order to assist crime fighting efforts. Photo by Emily Gray. students surveyed, 15 students said that they would not want to report to the Crime Solvers program. “I would not report to Crime Solvers because it is not really my place to report people doing bad things,” sophomore Ryan Minor said. Owens would report violence to crime solvers. “I would report child abuse, because I think it is the most heinous crime out there,” Owens said. Even though Officer Butch Pearson has assemblies during the school year informing the students about this newly adapted program, nine people out of the 83 do not know what the Crime Solvers program is. To text in a tip to Crime Solvers, text “igotcha” to the number 274637. The text will go to Canada. Canada will then send the anonymous text to a Police officer in the county and if the officer needs more information, they will text back and the two people are able to communicate anonymously. “The police department gets the tip within 30 seconds after the text has been sent,” Pearson said.
Every Fri. from Dec. 9 through the end of Jan. Ruby Tuesday at the Crossings will help fundraise for the After Prom. Senior T-shirts are available for order. The forms are in Mr. Pelter’s classroom and LMC. Submit order forms to Mrs. Cosgrove in LMC by Dec. 14. Etcetera is taking submissions for poetry, short stories, photography, and art for the 2012 edition. Submit on trnwired.org /etcetera or to room A-6.
Scan code to see more breaking news on www.trnwired.org
6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
News
Professor Warns Against Inadeq Differences between comprehensive and non-comprehensive plans compared Jessica Marshall front page & managing editor
O
ver the course of the past two months, scandals involving sexual harassment and assault appeared in the news with former Republican candidate Herman Cain for the target of the accusations. Reactions to Cain’s recent accusations varied across the country. One way that the reaction might have differed is if Americans were taught sex education differently. Sociology professor Amy Grieco, M.S. specializes in issues in harassment and sexual assault. She teaches at Richard Bland College in addition to dual enrollment here. “Being more educated in any discipline results in having a broader, better understanding of behaviors and issues pertaining to that discipline,” Grieco said. “In having a more comprehensive knowledge base of ourselves, others, and our larger society, we are able to identify and think more critically about issues such as harassment, sexual assault, and any behavior deemed in our culture as deviant.” With numerous cases and crimes involving sexual harassment and rape, knowledge is key to understanding and preventing. “I believe that society in the United States would view sexual harassment and assault exponentially worse if we had ubiquitous comprehensive sex education in this country,” Grieco said. “It is unrealistic to think that the United States would transition to a culture similar to that of Europe, but it is realistic that a comprehensive sex education curriculum can be mandated in every state because this curriculum already exists and is provided in New Jersey and Oregon.”
Comparison to Other Countries When compared to other countries, the United States’ rates concerning alleged crime like those against Cain are noticeably higher. “There are statistical disparities among the countries because of the differences within each country in how they define, report, record, and prosecute sex crimes. The most under reported crime in the United States is sexual assault. Statistically we have nine sexual assaults that are not reported for every one that is reported,” Grieco said. “Because of how they are culturally structured, children, youth, and adults feel more comfortable and confident in reporting their assaults.” In Aug. 2007, former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders stated that the lack of sex education increases vulnerability to sexual assault. Research shows that the way Americans are educated and how they apply their knowledge is a direct cause of higher crime rates. “Index crimes in the United States, such as sexual assault, are related to child abuse, a breakdown of family structures, and overexposure to sex and violence in the media. We create most of the violence behaviors we claim to fight,” Grieco said.
Comprehensive vs. Non-comprehensive Plans For every public school in the state of Virginia, there is a curriculum that outlines what is to be taught in each grade called “Family Life”. Health teacher Lisa McDaniels is a member on the Health Advisor Committee that deals with the program for the county. “The state comes up with the guidelines and what is to be taught. We are allowed the choose whether we want to teach Family Life or not,” McDaniels said. Though that program teaches what the state says is efficient, Grieco believes there is more to be taught and a different way to
go about it. “I do not believe that any sex education is effective if it is not comprehensive sex education. Comprehensive sex education works and it is proven by numbers. My opinion is based on research, my educational experiences, and my professional experiences working with sex abuse and domestic violence victims,” Grieco said. “The non-comprehensive sex education curriculum is fundamentally flawed. The material that is taught, and mostly the manner in which it is taught, is counterproductive. Providing once-a-year or brief, random sex education curriculums leads to the awkwardness of the programs experienced by the teachers and the students. Children and youth can identify and are interested in the topics because it addresses real life issues that are relevant to every aspect of their life.” Through teaching “Family Life” to sophomores every year, McDaniels also believes that more should be added to the curriculum. The inability of teachers to expand their curriculum beyond what they are given is the cause of some controversy. “I think we should be able to teach the entire realm of educating a person through family life. Questions that are addressed should be answered, topics should be discussed and choices should be discussed,” McDaniels said. “I think we should be able to add more like other divisions but it’s guided through our Health Advisor Committee, which means we go with whatever the Committee wants. The reason we, the committee, is more conservative is because of the dynamic of the county. On the board we have a preacher, parent, myself and others, and we all must come to a consensus on what is allowed in the curriculum.”
Begin Teaching at Younger Age Though “Family Life” is taught beginning in kindergarten, there are criticisms about teaching it at such a young age. To
Sociology professor Amy Griec examples, including local cas experience in the field of sexu that Sex Education in schools
Friday 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7
quate Sex Education Grieco, sex ed should begin at an early age, and, in order to be effective, needs to be continued through all grades. “The most common misconception about sex education is that it teaches children and youth to have sex. Firstly, this is untrue because the goal of comprehensive sex education is to embrace everyone’s sexuality by providing the correct information so youth will chose to prolong sex. When they chose to engage in sexual behaviors, they will be well informed about pregnancy and STI [Sexual Transmitted Infection] prevention,” Grieco said, “Secondly, comprehensive sex education encompasses the biology of reproduction, the sociology of the family, and the psychology of relationships. It promotes self-esteem, respect for others, and prevents sexual abuse. Consequently, comprehensive sex education begins in the first year you have access to children in school, kindergarten. It should continue through 12th grade to be ageappropriate and effective.” Unlike Grieco, McDaniels believes that the ages each topic is introduced is appropriate. “I think that we pretty much introduce good and bad touches at the kindergarten and elementary age. They wouldn’t have the comprehension of abuse and assault until they are a little bit older. But as far as the sexual act, we don’t teach that,” McDaniels said. The way of presenting and educating students on sex across the nation is similar. Likewise, the feelings concerning this topic are similar as well. “The thought that teaching sex education will encourage children and youth to engage in sexual behaviors is rooted mostly in ignorance because the societies that teach comprehensive sex education have the lowest teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates,” Grieco said.
co teaches dual enrollment classes using real life ses of sexual abuse and assault. Through years of Better Preparation for Students ual and child abuse, Grieco developed her opinion With more elaborate education, the s needs to be revised and taught more efficiently. better prepared students will be when they Photo by Jessica Marshall.
leave the safety of school and embark into the real world. “The benefits for high school students to learn comprehensive sex education are monumental. We label 18 year olds as adults and expect them to engage in, perform as, and think like adults,” Grieco said. “They are ignorant of developmentally appropriate biological, physical, emotional, and psychological, functions of the opposite sex, as well as their own sex. They are clueless about the dangers and the cultural mind set that contribute to the overwhelming divorce rate, teenage pregnancy rate, and STI rate in this country. For all of the aforementioned reasons, we provide an injustice to our students everyday in this country by failing to teach them how to be safe and grow to become healthy, autonomous, productive adults.” But without sufficient knowledge about sex and the inability to feel comfortable asking questions to an older adult, students of all ages look elsewhere for information and advice. “Most teenagers receive sex education from their peers and consequently learn fallible, dangerous information. Their peers are often more ignorant to the facts than they are so this leads to the perpetuation of erroneous “facts” among young people that consider it factual,” Grieco said. “Many parents want to teach their children correct information but I often see where these parents either do not have the correct information and/or are not comfortable providing this information.” Though responsibility rests both in the school and the parents, McDaniels believes that in the end, it’s more the parents’ responsibility. “Open communication is key. You have to talk to them about safe practices,” McDaniels said. “You have to make sure that they’re aware of what is going on and it has to be done at an earlier age in the home, then it is now. I think that’s the biggest part. A lot of the teaching has to be done at home, through the families.”
By The
Numbers 1 of every 4 girls and 1 of every 6 boys are sexually abused 90% of sexually abused children are abused by someone they know and trust
Child abuse reports are made every 10 seconds in the U.S. 68% of children are sexually abused by family members
Childhood abuse increases the likelihood of adolescence girls becoming pregnant by 25% Information obtained form Amy Grieco’s web site http://www. child-behavior-abuseconsulting. com/news-and-resources.html
8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
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FRIDAY 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9
features Members impact families through community service Kierra Lanier trn writer
T
he freezing cold throughout the house grips the three boys tightly. They huddle for warmth but find that it is futile. They fall asleep shivering. In the other room, their mother is crying softly to herself. Her children will have to go through another cold night without any warmth. This winter, hundreds of families are experiencing this, but for one family, they will not have to endure it thanks to the Interact Club. This year, the club helped another family in need by supplying clothes and toys. “I think Interact Club is designed to do something like this,” Interact Club sponsor Susan Brafford said. Interact club is sponsored by Rotary Club. Interact performs community service to make a difference in Prince George. From volunteering at local animal shelters to donating money for Hunger Relief, Interact has made a huge impact in the community. As the economy gets worse, more families are in need of financial aid. “The members wanted to do something to help the kids at Beazley. They identify where the needs are in the community,” Brafford said. This year, Interact decided to help another family just as they did last year. They talked to a guidance counselor at Beazley Elementary School to figure out which families were in dire need of assistance. The families that Interact Club looked at were ones that were not receiving any help from social services or any other organization. Once a family was chosen, consisting of three children and their mother, Interact started their candy sales. Each member was expected to sell a minimum of three bags, each bag with twenty pieces of candy inside. The candy sale supplied well over
Interact Club Assists Less Fortunate Children
$630. “It was not that I realized how much money we earned. We planned it,” Brafford said. “We planned out just how much candy we needed to sell.” A group of Interact members traveled to Target at eight in the morning on Nov. 20th to prepare for the huge shopping experience. The group split off into small groups of two or three and walked around Target, comparing items with each other and buying things that were needed of the family. Pants, shirts, coats, gloves, hats, Nerf footballs, match box cars, interactive books, stuffed animals, and many more items were bought with all of the money. “It feels really good to think of others instead of yourself,” junior, Interact Club Treasurer Taylor Carpenter said. “They
needed it much more than we did.” The toys were delivered to the nurse’s office for wrapping. Club members chose to bring in wrapping paper so that they could wrap the presents and send it to the family. “I felt like we really accomplished something,” junior Kelsie Melson said. Interact club members think that with more help from other clubs, a huge difference could be made. “I think that more clubs should do something like this,” Carpenter said. “We could make a bigger impact if they did.” And with clubs that do not do much community service during the school year, this could be a good opportunity. “It helps your community and not many clubs get to do anything,” Melson
Junior Taylor Carpenter, junior Shannon Vandevander, and sophomore Kaylan Fuzy organize and separate shopping bags purchased for three Beazley students, whose family is in need. The Interact Club bought gifts at Target on Nov. 20th. Photo contributed by Interact Club Sponsor Susan Brafford. said. In the future, Interact will continue to help families in need and make a difference in the community. “Interact is helping the community, bettering the community, and serving the community,” Brafford said.
10 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
FRIDAY 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 11
PhotoGallery
Christmas Parade
Spirit Marches On
On Sat., Dec. 3rd the Prince George Christmas Parade took place from 3 PM to 4:30 PM. The annual parade featured floats, dance groups, cub scout troops, a marching band , and many other exciting elements. Photos taken by Unique Larry.
Far Left: Santa Claus waves to the crowd during the parade. Santa makes an appearance at the conclusion of the parade each year. Left: Seniors Carrie Young, Madison Guidry, and Malikah Williams ride together as Miss PGHS 2011 winners.
ABOVE: As the Marching Royals pass by, eager parade watchers await the next great spectacle. LEFT: Junior Royalette Rachel Pugh dances with her team. Many local dance groups appeared in the Prince George Christmas Parade.
Scan to see more photo galleries available at trnwired.org.
12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
CONGRATS JUNIORS! Thank you to all who participated in the 2011 Powderpuff Game! The School/Community collected $1300 to go to the Helpers!
Coach: Jamie Greenwood
Email: Jamie.Greenwood79@gmail.com Phone: 804-937-5571
Serving the Tri-Cities! Competing with the best!
30 Pickwick Ave, Colonial Heights 23834 804-504-0000 thisamdthat1@verizon.net
Locations: Henrico, Innsbrook, St. Francis, Midlothian, St. Mary's, Colonial Heights, Prince George
To schedule an appointment at any of our offices, please call
(804) 897-2100 or (800) 421-3368.
Friday 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13
A&E
Coming Soon to Theaters Kim Carneal features editor
New Year’s Eve
This winter’s romantic comedy expresses the madness that occurs on New Year’s Eve in the Big Apple. Hitting theaters Dec. 9th, New Year’s Eve follows multiple characters as they journey through New York City on the biggest night of the year. Director Garry Marshall and writer Katherine Fugate work together, again, on a film with an extensive cast. Last winter, the two teamed up and made Valentine’s Day, a film centered on the mayhem that Valentine’s Day could bring to married couples, teenagers, children, and singles. Although it may appear that New Year’s Eve is a sequel because some of the actors are in both, it is a new story all on its own. The frustrations and excitement that come with celebrating the New Year is expressed throughout the film.
Courtesy of Warner Bros.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Two-time Oscar nominee for best achievement in directing, David Leo Fincher took the challenge of creating a film based on a trilogy; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo premieres on Dec. 21st. This is the first film in the series and is also a remake of the Swedish version. Lisbeth Salander, played by Rooney Mara, companies Mikael Blomkvist, played by Daniel Craig, in his quest of a girl who has been missing for over 40 years. Salander does not look like an ideal partner in an investigation. She’s a rebel covered with tattoos but is able to assist because of her skills in computer hacking. Blomkvist discovers the unknown mysteries that have taken over the families of the rich on an island in Sweden.
The Sitter
Jonah Hill stars in yet another comedy composed of profane language, sexual content, some violence, and the mention of drugs and alcohol. Directed by David Gordon Green, director of Pineapple Express, The Sitter is this winter’s comedy being released on Dec. 9th. Hill’s character, Noah Jaybird, is a college student who desperately needs a job. Unfortunately, his mom suggests being a baby sitter, so he has no choice but to do it. Jaybird is unaware of the night he is going to have when he goes to baby sit the three kids.
Courtesy of Fox Studios
The Darkest Hour
Courtesy of Summit Entertainment
Rachael Taylor, Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby, Joel Kinnaman, and Max Minghella star in Director Chris Gorak’s second sci-fi film. Coming to theaters on Dec. 25th in 3-D, The Darkest Hour follows five young people visiting Moscow, when an alien race invades Earth, including New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo. The aliens’ ability to sense electricity allows them to strike using energy. They appear as yellow surges of energy that will make anything disappear if it comes in contact with it. The only ways to escape the invasion is to stay away and try to fight back. Taylor, Hirsch, Thilby, Kinnman, and Minghella create weapons to attempt to destroy this alien race.
14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
Shirts Highlight Stud School officials must provide evidence of educational disruption in order to censor student expression
Photos taken by Rachel Waymack and Emily Gray
Rachel Waymack doubletruck editor
T
hroughout the school year some students have been wearing T-shirts containing sayings with double entendre meanings, which may be questionable in so far as their appropriateness in the school environment. While these types of shirts have not posed a huge disciplinary issue so far, Principal Tracy Smallwood and the rest of the school administration is keeping an eye on the issue. “There has not been an increase in the number of cases, just what is offensive changes,” Smallwood said. “Every year there are a couple of things we have to do something about but it is never a daily occurrence.” An obstacle the administration faces in determining the appropriateness of these types of shirts is the relatively vague nature of the school’s dress code. According to the Prince George County Student Conduct Handbook, clothing should foster a positive learning environment and must not disrupt
the educational environment. The handbook states that“Grooming or dress that is hazardous to the health and safety of the student or to that of his peers, or is disruptive to instruction or good order and discipline in the school shall not be permitted.” Despite the relative ambiguity of the dress code, school officials still expect students’ clothing to not pose as an obstruction to educational instruction. This expectation stems not only from the school’s dress code but also from the Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines in which the court ruled that students retain their First Amendment rights and that school administrators could censor student speech only if it proved disruptive to education. “Anything that offends someone else or causes a disruption that prevents the execution of main reason we are here,” Smallwood said. “If someone beside you in class has something on their shirt that is offensive to you so that you are bothered by it and distracted from learning then that is enough of a reason that they should not have it on.” Faculty members such as government teacher Louise Thornton believe that while students have First Amendment rights, there should be certain limitations in the school setting.
Go Go Hard Hard or or Go Go Home Home Get That's What What She She Said Said Get There There First First That's
Senior Austin Gye “We should be able to wear what we want to wear.”
Senior Nathaniel Oppong
Senior Jessica Mitchell
“There is nothing bad about it, it is the Pillsbury Doughboy.”
“I enjoy wearing them because they are stylish and creative.”
Senior Darius Gibson “There is not anything bad on it, it is freedom of expression.”
dent Rights “There should be appropriate attire for a classroom and that certainly means no Tshirts with sayings that could be interpreted in a discriminatory or sexual way,” Thornton said. On the other hand, many students, even those who do not wear such shirts, feel that shirts with double entendre meanings do not pose a serious problem to everyday school functions. They therefore believe that school officials should not challenge or worry about the shirts. “They may be pushing the boundaries of appropriateness, but I am not personally offended and I do not think that a lot of us are,” senior Dalton Gibbs said. The Student Press Law Center and other watchdog organizations advocate to ensure that students’ first amendment rights are not violated by school officials. Therefore school officials must always be cautious and mindful of court cases such as Tinker as well as students’ first amendment rights when deciding whether to compel students to remove questionable clothing. “The fact that a teacher or principal subjectively believes a certain message to be inappropriate is never a legal justification for censoring the message,” said Frank LoMonte, Executive Director of the Student Press Law Center in an e-mail interview.
“That puts too much power in the hands of the government and lets the government overstep judgments that belong to the parents.” LoMonte also warns that schools often do more harm than good when they attempt to ban clothing that is not overly disruptive. LoMonte points out that not only do these bans often end up proving more disruptive to school activity than the banned clothing, but can have unnecessary negative effects for students. “I do not believe it is ever appropriate for a school to use its punitive authority simply to enforce the administration’s idea of what is and is not tasteful,” LoMonte said. “No student should ever be put at risk of not attending the college of her choice and reaching her full potential just so her principal can teach her a lesson about appropriate T-shirt choices.” Although the administration strives to ensure students are wearing school appropriate clothing, they do not seek out students with inappropriate or disruptive sayings on their shirts. “It is not the main focus of what we are doing, policing students’ wardrobes, it is not our main focus when we look at students,” Smallwood said. “You are a person not a clothing mannequin.”
Just Do Do It It Take Take it it to to the the Hole Hole Just
FRIDAY 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15
What Students Should Know
“
The most important thing for public school students to remember about their First Amendment rights is that they really do have them, they do not check their rights at the door.” “First Amendment rights are at their highest when the student is speaking as an individual such as a message on a T-shirt.” “In no case is it ever permissible for a school to censor or punish a student purely on the basis of viewpoint.
Frank LoMonte Executive Director of the Student Press Law Center
” “
[Students] should know their rights and responsibilities. Just because you could do something does not mean that you should.
Candace Bowman Director of the Center for Scholastic Journalism at Kent State University
Tinker v. Des Moines
1969 Supreme Court case that provides protection for students’ freedom of expression
Students do not give up their First Amendment rights when they enter the public school setting
Numbers
59% of students own
shirts with questionable double meanings wear such shirts to school
“It may be a little explicit, but I do not think it is inappropriate.”
Sophomore Deja Lightfoot
“I think it is appropriate because of the breast cancer cause but I was prepared for an administrator to ask me to take it off.”
Information gathered from aclu.org
By The
67% of students would
Junior Tayla Smith
”
School officials cannot censor students’ speech unless it is disruptive to the school’s functioning.
80% of students think such shirts are appropriate for school
68% of students have never
had a teacher say something to them or someone they 80% of students do not know about the appropriatethink it is appropriate for the ness of a shirt administration to make stuInformation based on a survey of dents remove such shirts 125 students
16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | MONDAY 12.9.11
MONDAY 11.14.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS |
FRIDAY 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17
A&E
Gamer's Corner
Star Wars Begins Biowares MMO Style Gaming
D
ec. 20 will mark the date of Bioware’s expansion and continuation of the “Star Wars: the Old Republic” series. Bioware, the leading creator of role-playing games, has until now kept its field of game creation to single player RPG’s, recently it has broadened its boarders to incorporate MMO or Massively Multiplayer Online style gaming, which should prove to be interesting for it is Bioware’s first step into online gaming. Unfortunately the game has been restricted to only PC platform, Patrick West which is sure to bring about some changes in game play. “Star Wars: the Old Republic”, also known as SWTOR, will be the third installment in its series. SWTOR is set to take place a long time ago in a galaxy far away, 3,500 years before the Star Wars films and 300 years after “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.” It takes place during the height of
the war between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. Respectively, players will choose their faction as either Sith or Republic, a wide range of different species, and can also choose from 8 main classes Bounty Hunter, Agent, Warrior, Inquisitor, Smuggler, Consular, Knight, or Trooper. Each class will possess its own advantages and disadvantages on the battlefield and will also contain their own background story. Players start off with their own star ship and can also obtain NCP companions throughout the game. There will be many planets that can be explored throughout the galaxy, including hundreds of battles to be fought. SWTOR will feature open ended game play and cooperative multiplayer. However, due to the nature of the MMO style game play, it will require a monthly subscription in order to play. As with any Bioware title, SWTOR is set to have exciting, in-depth storytelling, unique and revolutionary of its kind. So be sure to pick up your copy this holiday season and prepare to delve deep into the Star Wars Universe.
PGHS Athletics would like to congratulate the Fall/Winter Sports!
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18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
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Friday 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19
A&E
Sink Your Fangs In
Local Band Signs Deal
Beyond the Victory contracts with Damon Records Adam Blakemore trn writer
L
ooking out over a hushed crowd, with his heart beating hard, he takes a deep breath and gets ready to start the show. Singing for the band, and screaming their pounding lyrics is junior Mark Roberts. Although he did not start with the band, Beyond the Victory, he is now their official screamer and plans on helping the band reach fame. “A screamer to me is a person who will put 110% into their music. When they’re on stage, they play their shows with the most aggressive and positive attitude they can force out within themselves,” Roberts said. “It’s a person that when they step off that stage, they can represent their band just as well as they would on it. .” Before they added Mark to the roster, the band had already played together for awhile. It took him some time to fall into the routine of things, but he quickly found his place in the band. “The band was originally our guitarist Jeremy Anderson, drummer Adam Stevens, and my friend Andraey Pompey on bass,” Roberts said. After two years together they picked
up vocalist and guitar player Stephen Widener, before holding try-outs to find a screamer for the band. Mark had previously played in a different band, but when the opportunity arose, he tried out for the position, and landed it. “Before I joined the band I just played bass and was sort of in the back, but now that I am screaming out front I just feel more important,” Roberts said. Beyond the Victory has its share of problems, the main conflict being that everyone has different tastes and a different personality. The members also have very different schedules, which makes it hard to nail down practices and record their songs. “It is usually just a question of laziness or not wanting to practice, and we’ve even had some of the guys fight or threaten each other pretty publicly, it can get pretty messy,” senior Andraey Pompey said. After a few months together the five band members acquired some local fans and made a name for themselves. “It is actually a funny story how we got signed with Damon Records,” graduate Jeremy Anderson said, “Stephen Widener was at the Hat Factory and was approached by the owner of the company, who had heard one of our demos that had been going around. They talked for a while, then the next day we had a status on the band page that was asking us if we wanted to sign with them. We all talked
Junior Mark Roberts, senior Andraey Pompey and fellow band mates Jeremy Anderson, Adam Stevens, and Steven Widener show pride for their band. Beyond the Victory recently became a signed band. Contributed by Beyond the Victory’s Facebook Page. about it, and finally we agreed to go ahead with it.” Merchandise for the band will be coming out soon, starting with T-shirts which are being made by Ice Clothing. The company was approached by Mark, who applied for a sponsorship and got the clothing store to offer them deals and discounts on producing their memorabilia. Beyond the Victory is planning on launching an EP in January, with the hopes that it will increase the number of fans who are already rooting for the band. “You pretty much put in as much as you can and you get the same out,” Roberts said. They have performed at multiple locations in the past, such as the Canal Club, West Grace Street, and The Uptown Lounge. They are going to be playing a show at the Canal Club on Dec. 9th with other Pop-Punk/ Punk Rock bands, which is being put on by the band Hold Today, and will be a showcase of local talent.
W
ith werewolves, vampires, mere mortals and a human-vampire cross breed, Breaking Dawn is a world of fantasy that seems to suck in people of all shapes, colors and sizes. No pun intended. The Twilight Saga is a Tasia Faulcon huge phenomenon based on the book by Stephanie Meyer. Since Twilight hit screens, fans have been intrigued by vampires and werewolves. On opening day Twilight grossed $35.7 million, New Moon broke records grossing around $72.7 million. Eclipse, the third film, broke the record for biggest midnight showing grossing $30 million, screening in over 4,000 theaters in Canada and the U.S. Breaking Dawn is the last novel in the series and the film is being split into two parts. Part 1 hit the big screen on Nov. 18 grossing $139.5 million the opening weekend . The film had everything you would expect it to have. There was drama, there was action, there was love. There were also some really corny parts, like when the wolves communicate through thoughts and when Bella and Edward coo over their unborn child. The acting was brilliant, the story-telling of the movie was flawless, and throughout the movie I was sucked in even more, and I felt as if something like this fictional story could happen in reality. There were parts of the movie where the theater was dead silent and you knew that everyone was intrigued by the movie. However, the effects were not as good as the previous films, a lot of the running of the vampires and werewolves looked fake as if they just fast forwarded them walking. For fans of the book, dividing the movie into two parts is perfect, it gets more of the plot into the movies and fans are happy to see another film. For fans who have not read the books, I urge you to, they are amazing and fun to compare with the movies, although you may get upset about pieces left out. Overall, the movie is great and if you have not already, you should go see it.
20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
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FRIDAY 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 21
SportsQ&A Track coach Joseph Widdicombe instructs the team during practice on Wed., Nov. 30. Widdicombe started as a full-time coach at the beginning of this season. Photo by Wayne Epps, Jr.
Joseph Widdicombe First-Year Track Coach
1. How long had you been a track coach prior to this season? “I volunteered for three years, but this is my first year as an actual coach.”
8. What are you most excited about being a first year coach? “The opportunity to interact with students outside the classroom and have a mentor type relationship with them.”
2. How did you find out about the position? “Coach Rivera offered me the position.”
9. What are you planning to change in terms of practice routines or training? “To train athletes to develop a mentality where they won’t come up with excuses for their performance, and the whole idea of accountability.”
3. What did you learn as a volunteer? “It was a real rewarding experience where I learned what was expected of a mentor. I learned how to effectively communicate with the student-athlete.” 4. What kind of track experience do you bring to the Royals? “Five years of running between eighth and twelfth grade.” 5. Why did you take the Royals track coach position? “Loyalty to the program. 6. What are your expectations for the Royals this year? “To have a team that puts forth 100% effort.” 7. What are you planning to change for the future of the Royals track program? “To have student athletes that give 100% in both the classroom and in their sport.”
10. What have you learned about this year’s team so far? “They are a great group of kids, and I look forward to working with them.” 11. What is a motto for the team this season? “Team first.” 12. Were you a sprinter or long distance runner during your time with the Royals? “Mid-distance.” 13. What accomplishments did you achieve as a runner for the Royals? “Part of the first male indoor team to win districts in 2003, part of the school record 4 X 800M relay team in 2003, part of the 4 X 400M relay districts champions in 2004, part of the silver medal 4 X 800M district team in 2004, and multiple time most valuable runner award.”
22| THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
Sligh Plumbing & Heating Address: 208 S 15th Ave Hopewell, Va 23860
Phone: 804-458-3663 Email: slighplumbing@verizon.net
The PGHS Administration would like all Students and Staff to have a safe break!
FRIDAY 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 23
SportsOpinion
Paterno Needed to Go
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Braxton Evans
Boys Basketball
How long have you been playing basketball? “Since I was four.” Who or what inspired you to start playing? “My father.”
“I wish I had done more....”
O
n Nov. 9, one of the most legendary sports figures of all time was fired. Joe Paterno, head coach of the Penn State football team, was ousted amid a massive sex abuse scandal involving former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. Despite the aura that Paterno has among college football fans, his firing was necessary. Paterno started coaching at Penn State as an assistant in 1950, and he became head coach in 1966, starting a 46 year tenure in the position. During his time there, he had a record 409 overall wins, 24 bowl wins, two national championships, and three Big Ten championships. But, looking at the whole picture, all of that does not really matter when it comes down to whether Paterno should have kept his job. Football really should not be factor, what matters is that children were abused by a member of the football program and it has taken years for repercussions to be handed down. The incident that secured Paterno’s departure occurred one night in March 2002. That night, then graduate assistant Mike McQueary walked into the Penn State football locker room and allegedly saw Sandusky sexually abusing a young boy. The next day, he reported the incident to
Paterno, who then reported it to athletic director Tim Curley. However, Paterno never spoke directly to Sandusky about the incident or reit to police, Wayne Epps, Jr. ported though Sandusky had been a coach under Paterno from 1969-1999. In the end, all that happened was that Sandusky was banned from bringing children onto Penn State’s campus and his keys to the locker room were taken away, according to the New York Times and ESPN. The incident in 2002, allegedly, was not the last sexual abuse incident involving Sandusky, and it was not the first either. There were more alleged cases of abuse in previous years and some occurred on Penn State football trips or in the Penn State football locker room. As head football coach, Paterno was responsible for everything going on in the football program. It may have been virtually impossible for him to know about the incidents that occurred prior to 2002, but more should have been done in 2002.
Cartoon by Anthony Sudol Paterno should have been horrified that a former member of his football staff with access to football facilities was allegedly abusing children in the locker room. Instead of merely passing word of the incident up the chain, he should have reported it to police to make sure that the problem was properly resolved. “If a student came and made such an allegation (of sexual abuse) here, first of all, it would be investigated completely,” Principal Tracey Smallwood said. “Any such finding would be grounds for, not only dismissal as a coach, but as an employee from the system.” If Sandusky had been reported to the authorities in 2002, then the abuse cases in subsequent years would not have occurred and Paterno would still be the head football coach of Penn State in all likelihood. Joe Paterno was previously one of the faces of integrity in college sports, but this incident puts a huge stain on his career. Paterno acknowledged himself that he made a moral mistake after the 2002 incident. He cannot go back in time and right the wrong, and the Nov. 9 statement from him that will resonate for years to come is, “With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”
How do you train outside of practice? “I usually go to the gym at five o’ clock in the morning and then get ready for school.” What do you do before a game to prepare yourself? “Eat a lot of Starbursts.” When was your best career game performance? “When I had 35 [points] this summer in this AAU tournament.” What are your expectations for yourself this season? “[To] get my teammates involved, to take it to another level.” What are your expectations for the team this season? “To win it all.” What has been your best experience as a part of the team so far? “Laughing, joking, playing around before the game; just having fun.” Do you have a quote or motto that you live by? “Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.”
24 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
R&R TOWING
Vehicle Removal Operator Rapidray Hughes, Owner Operator
WinterSports
FRIDAY 12.9.11 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 25
Match Preparation Focuses on Technique Toughest part of season found in early team practices Korrina Smith trn writer
A
rms flying through the air, elbows hitting the mat, and a lot of sweat are things that one may expect to find at a varsity wrestling practice. This season, the team is returning some experienced wrestlers who have their sites set on the state tournament. In preparation for the matches, the wrestlers work on drill technique, weight training, and mat drills. A majority of the mat drills involve upper body skills. Two examples of these drills would be the “seal” or the “wheelbarrow”. Both of these drills involve crawling on the hands. In the seal, the wrestler crawls with their hands twisted inward while their feet drag on the floor. In the wheelbarrow, the wrestler has a partner hold their feet in the air while they crawl. “During practice we run and do lots of cardio for conditioning, we lift weights when we can, and I work on all of the moves I like to do most during matches, so I can gain the muscle memory and become even better at those moves,” senior Joseph Pervall said in a Facebook interview. As a coach for roughly 17 years, wrestling coach David Emory says his favorite part about coaching is watching kids progress and start to succeed. “I had a kid one year who never won a match, and the next year he won three or four,” Emory said. “I like to see confidence and discipline grow.” Not only does the confidence of the
upcoming Matches
wrestlers grow, but over time, their physical abilities begin to fully develop. “My physical abilities have progressed, because I have gotten much stronger through the football conditioning program, and I have gained twenty pounds, but am wrestling in the same weight class,” Pervall said. The skill involved in this sport is not something that one can acquire overnight. It can take most of one’s high school career to be sculpted into a strong wrestler who is valuable to the team. “I have been wrestling since eighth grade, but halfway through that season (which I spent on the sub-varsity/JV team) I sprained my ankle and missed the rest,” Pervall said. “I came back my freshman year, made varsity, and have been on varsity ever since.”
Dec. 10: Away against Manchester High School
Some may believe that wrestling just would not be the same if there was not as much effort and energy put into the sport. “My favorite part of wrestling is the physical aspect of the sport,” senior Travis Barglof said. Wrestling can be enjoyable and rewarding if enough effort is put into it, however, it is extremely tiring and physically draining. “The worst part of wrestling season is always the hard Christmas break practices, as well as the long, dragging two-day tournaments,” Pervall said. “You don’t know what tired is until you’ve been through one of those.” The wrestlers are anticipating this season to be one that the school will always remember. “I want to win states this year,” junior
Dec. 14: Home against LC Bird and Maggie Walker
Junior Tanner Barlow, right, and freshman Bradley Stovall, left, practice their wrestling techniques in practice on Wed., Nov. 30. The team started practice on Mon., Nov. 7. Photo by Wayne Epps, Jr. Zack Relford said in a Facebook interview. “I always set my goals high.” Not only is it the wrestlers that expect this to be a great season, but the head coach has the same mindset. “Since we have a couple of returning wrestlers, we are hoping to have a winning season because it has been a couple of years,” Emory said. “We hope to make the top half of districts and send a few kids to the state tournament.”
Jan. 4: Away at Petersburg vs Petersburg and Meadowbrook
26 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.9.11
WINTERSports
Hunters' Passion Resonates
Hunting is activity shared with family and friends Amanda Majewski news editor
I
magine a cold crisp fall morning, hearing the rustle of the leaves, feeling the rush of adrenaline as a deer is spotted and the anticipation of the first kill of the season. “Bang!”, the shotgun goes off. Successfully taking down a deer requires skill and the heart of a competitor. Nov. 19 marked the first day of shotgun season, which goes until the first Sat. in Jan. The eight week long season, for hunters, is filled with memory making moments of victory and good times spent with family and friends. Some hunters learned to hunt at a young age and were taught the skill of how to handle a shotgun by a close family member. “I first started hunting when I was six years old,” senior Danielle Hannuksela said. “My dad was the one that taught me to hunt as well as taking me hunting. I like the rush I get when I see a deer, but hunting is also a good time to bond with my dad.” The favorite part of hunting is different for every hunter, but each hunter gets a thrill out of the sport. “My grandpa taught me how to hunt when I was in seventh grade,” senior Ryan Worley said. “I like being in the woods and
waiting for that deer to come out.” The sudden excitement of a deer coming into sight is a joy for hunters. “I love hearing the dogs run and the adrenaline rush of hearing the dogs and seeing that deer coming straight to you,” junior Sara Eggleston said. Favorite places to hunt include: big country backyards, specific hunting grounds like Pumphouse Road, and hunt clubs. These places all provide safe outlets for the sport. “I hunt at the Crossroads Hunt Club in Newville, Virginia,” Eggleston said. Hunting at hunt clubs allows hunters to make many friends, but also makes it very competitive. “I am very competitive,” Eggleston said. “I am most competitive with my friends.” That competitiveness can be between family members as well. “I am competitive, especially with my brothers,” Worley said. “I like winning and beating them, it makes me feel accomplished.” Eggleston believes that the competitive edge and the skills required to take down a deer makes hunting a sport. “Hunting is definitely a sport,” Eggleston said. “It takes skills to shoot a gun and it takes skills to maneuver in the woods.” Hunting also requires physical stamina and endurance to be out in the woods for hours. “I hunt all day during the weekends and
Junior Sara Eggleston demonstrates her hunting form. Eggleston has been hunting since she was 10 years old. Photo by Wayne Epps, Jr. on days when we are not in school,” Hannuksela said. Hunters are proud of every kill. Deer size is recorded by the point system. Every branch on a deer’s antlers that can hold a key ring is counted as a point. The more points a deer has the greater its value. “The best deer I killed was a button buck, it just had little nub antlers,” Worley said. “It was my first deer of the season.” Some hunters have multiple great memories of past kills. “My first memory was when I was 13 years old and got my first deer,” Eggleston said. “The second memory was when I was 14 and killed my first wall-hanger. It was an 8 pointer, weighed about 150 pounds, and had a 20 inch spread.” The reasons for hunting may vary, but each hunter has a passion for the sport. “I hunt because I love it,” Eggleston said. “I have a huge passion for it. I do not have to kill or even see a deer, hearing the dogs scream will just make my day. The adrenaline rush I get from hunting is like no other. To hear those dogs coming to you and seeing that deer, is not only my passion, but my life.”
BY THE Numbers A hunting license for ages 16 and up costs $23 Deer, bear, and turkey tags for ages 16 and older costs $23 A 12 gauge Remington shotgun with single barrel pump action costs $325 A box of 25 Remington 12 gauge shotgun shells costs $19.97 A Rivers Edge 16ft. Long Foreman XL Ladder Stand costs $159.99 Scan code to see more sports news, features, and more on www.trnsports.org
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Sports
Wrestling finished eighth with a team score of 144 in the Colonial Heights Kickoff Classic on Sat., Dec. 3.
briefs
Hopewell defeated Boys Varsity Basketball 98-69 on Tues., Dec. 6.
Girls Varsity Basketball defeated Hopewell 78-27 on Tues., Dec. 6.
Girls Takeover Gridiron
Go to trnsports.org to check out a photo gallery and video highlights from the Powderpuff game.
Senior Brandi Pollett catches a pass as junior Dallas Smith defends during the Powderpuff football game on Mon., Nov. 21. The juniors defeated the seniors 28-6. Photo by Wayne Epps, Jr.
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