December 2015

Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 - www.trnwired.org -December 11, 2015

R N ROYALNEWS

ROGERS PERFORMS AT MISS PGHS p. 6 p. 10-11 DECEMBER DIFFERENCES WITHIN CHRISTIANITY

p. 13 PREPARATION MADE FOR CONCERT p. 17 INDOOR TRACK SEEKS OUT STATE TITLE

Volume XIV Issue 3 Free

Single Copy Only

Senior Mariah Rogers Performs, “Try” by Pink at the Miss PGHS Pageant. Rogers has been singing most of her life and sings with the choir here at school. Photo by Kattie Iwanski .

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2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.11.15

OP/ED

theRoyalNews

How do the changes to the SAT affect me?

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ur mission as the school

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

We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow. The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room A2, or e-mail them to trnwired@gmail.com We reserve the right to edit for clarity, brevity, accuracy, legality, spelling and grammar. Please include your name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. 500 word maximum. Thank you for the support this year. Please continue to communicate on trnwired.org.

Publication theft. A person commits the offense of publication theft when he or she willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than three copies of an edition of a publication distributed on campus or in the surrounding community [with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading that edition of the publication]. A “publication” includes any periodical that is distributed on a complimentary or compensatory basis. In addition to the imposition of other campus disciplinary penalties, a person who violates this provision is responsible for compensating the publication for all reasonable costs incurred, including, where appropriate, the refund of advertising fees.

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

Writers Aaliyah Capers - Katherine Iwanski - Madison FosterWayne Coleman- Morgan Eminhizer - Willow Hart Carlee Lively - Jacob Wood

Editor-in-Chief Ryan Albright

Managing Editor Daniel Puryear

Business Manager Daniel Puryear

Adviser

Chris Waugaman

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

The Royal News, PGHS trnwired.org

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

Asylum for Syrian Refugees Strikes Fear

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Illustration by Nicholas Branch

SAT Changes Take Effect In Spring

S

tarting on March 5th, the SAT will be making multiple changes to their test. These changes will affect every graduating class after the class of

2016.

The changes are as followed: The essay portion will be optional and the time limit will be changed from 25 minutes to 50, there will no longer be a penalty for guessing or selecting a wrong answer, the reading sections will be more evidence based, the vocabulary sections will be more focused on words in extended contexts, there will now be free test preparation from Khan Academy, and most importantly the scoring will be changed from a range of 600-2400 to a range of 400-1600 plus a range of 2-8 on the optional essay portion.

The controversy in these changes is that it makes the test much easier for the class of 2017 and later. Therefore, the scores will almost certainly be higher. How will colleges change their expected scores for who they accept and decline? How will employers do the same with hiring employees? Suddenly a two-part score of 1000, the average in 2014, could now be considered a bad score after the changes are made.

Another thing that will have to change is the test preparation that is provided by both the schools and multiple websites.

For example, the old SAT preparation given by English teachers was focused on vocabulary words that were specifically chosen to be studied by Collegeboard.

Now, with the new SAT format, the vocabulary given out will have to mainly focus on regular words. The teachers will have to just go more in depth with regular words.

Many websites could provide SAT preparation before, including full test preparation, vocabulary review, essay practice, and much more.

Now, there will be free, verified test preparation provided by Khan Academy, which really helps with knowing that the students are studying the correct information when getting ready for the test.

If the SAT really becomes a lot easier, the scores that colleges usually look for from the old SAT would become obsolete.

Consequently, the scores that colleges look for applicants to have would have to go up.

A way that they might find out whether the scores they look for an applicant to have will have to go up or not, could be using the new PSAT test that came out this October. They could look at what the people who took the PSAT got and base their expected SAT scores on that.

he recent debate of the allowance of Syrian refugees into the United States has been a hot topic for the presidential nomination candidates and especially due to the Paris terrorist attack on November 13th that ISIS has claimed responsibility for.

An estimated nine million refugees DANIEL PURYEAR have fled Syria since the start of their civil war in March of 2011, according to syrianrefugees.eu .The goal of the Obama Administration is to have 10,000 Syrian refugees admitted into the states to provide asylum from their war-torn country.

The obvious debate is whether or not this is safe for our country seeing is how Syria is the main country associated with the terrorist group ISIS. The Obama Administration reports that they have allowed in over 2,000 refugees since 2011 that have been thoroughly screened.

Most are worried about how thorough our vetting is and how one can safely determine that someone is not an ISIS terrorist. The FBI director himself stated that it is impossible to vet every Syrian refugee, according to Dailycaller.com.

The Obama Administration released statistics stating that the refugees that have been allowed in have been, by the large majority, women, children, and the elderly. They also state that they have allowed in roughly two percent of military age males that would be seen as a threat. This may calm the fears of some, but there is always the possibility of the sad fact that a child could be used as a suicide bomber or more likely a woman or an elderly person.

The Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, has said to keep our state open for Syrian refugees. His address has been against the warning of four delegates who have asked McAuliffe to reconsider his stance on allowing refugees due to the Paris terrorist bombing. McAuliffe’s office has stated that the citizens’ safety is his primary concern. If the delegates have already raised a concern and if they speak for the people, should we allow them in?

FRIDAY 12.11.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3

OP/ED

Office 365 Gives Students Online Access Students often need access to desktop applications in order to be able to do work inside and outside the classroom. Is Office 365 the type of application students need access to? Will students use Office 365 enough to be able to make it worth the cost?

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ffice 365 is a great way for students to be successful and efficient in and out of school. This program enables students to email teachers directly, instead of having to talk to each other face to face. It also lets students use Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, and all other Microsoft programs, which is very beneficial to students who may not have these programs on their home computer. Also, Office 365 is very useful for joint or group projects with other students because it allows you to send documents to one another very fast and efficiently. In addition, the program allows students to also save any work to their account, without the worries of their work being deleted.

This is very beneficial to students, in which they will not have to worry about forgetting their flashcards or any other type of document saver. The program enables to students to even do essays, PowerPoints, homework, and more while on the go. As long as your phone is connected to the internet, everything is good to go. For example, students could be at a restaurant, and as long as there is internet access, students will be able to complete homework or any other assignments. Also, Office 365 is a great way for students who are absent to still complete their classwork assignments.

While students are home, they can efficiently work and send it back to their teacher. This helps students stay up to date on all assignments, without the fear of getting behind. On a more conservative note, having all assignments online saves trees from being cut and used for the paper. This could have a positive effect on nature and animals. It also saves the school money because they no longer have to purchase an abundant amount of paper. Office 365 is gradually making the high school atmosphere paper-free.

PRO CON

CHANCE THWEATT

APRIL BUCKLES

“... Office 365 is a great way for students to be successful and efficient...” “... There is no reason to spend much needed money on buying an email system, when most students already have an email ...” “... This helps students stay up to date on all assignments, ... ”

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here has been a lot of discussion about the new Office 365 system that has recently been introduced to the students by assigning them email and login account information. The Prince George faculty and staff started this school year learning about the new system.

The new emailing system connects students to each other and to teachers at all times. Students can email a teacher their projects from home if they are sick and will not be at school the day that it is due. It can make messaging and connecting to teachers and group project members easier.

The downfall of getting Office 365 for the school is the fact that some of the school system’s budget money must go towards purchasing this product for the county. The new emailing system was not only bought for the high school, but also for middle school, and junior high students and teachers.

While I do not know the total cost difference from the previous email system, one can only imagine that the Office 365 bundle included costs associated with the package of cloud software items.

During this period where we cannot give teachers raises and other funds are short, perhaps we should save this money rather than spend it on a system that provides something that most students already have.

Every teacher has an email, and most students already have an email. There is no reason to spend much needed money on buying an email system, when most students already have an email to contact their teacher and fellow students.

There are free online ways of working on presentations and sharing information through sites like Prezi and Google. If a student wants to contact a teacher, emails are always available on that teacher’s weblog. If the school system is looking to save money, we should pass on a system most students will not use and probably will not even remember their password to.

Is Office 365 going to help me with my school work?

Illustration by Nicholas Branch

4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.11.15

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BRIEFLY

If you are interested in doing the 2016 Prom Committee visit Mrs. Roberts in room A-4. This years prom will be held at Olde Towne Civic Center in downtown Petersburg.

The Senior Class will be collecting teen-oriented items to give to teenagers who are patients at VCU Childrens Hospital. Things like PJ’s, Fleece blankets, playing cards, and much more are needed. The last day will be Monday, December 14th.

Interims will come out Wednesday, December 16th. Also, Midterm exams will take place on January 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th.

The PG Players and the PAAS theatre students presented a new play, written by Bo Wilson. Times Up was a comedic look at what might happen when time runs out.

The performance took place in PGHS auditorium.

6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.11.15

FEATURES Rogers Performs At Miss PGHS

PGHS JROTC 2015-2016 Command and Staff Positions

BN CDR: C/LTC Nathaniel Hall Assist. Army Instructor: C/MAJ Austin Helmer BN EXEC OFF: C/MAJ Wesley Warren BN CMD SGT MAJ: C/CSM Ryan Snover Personnel Officer: C/1LT Deijha Villagomez Security Officer: C/1LT Zach Hopkins

Madison Foster TRN writer

A

s the lights came up in the auditorium for intermission during the 2015 Miss PGHS Pageant, Mariah Rogers was getting ready to perform in front of parents, stu-

dents, and faculty.

On November 7th, the senior class held their annual Miss PGHS pageant to raise money for the senior bash, as well as provide a scholarship for one lucky senior girl participating in the pageant. This year, there was a special musical performance

by Rogers.

Senior class co-sponsor Karen Webb went to choir teacher Jessica Hoople, to find any willing choir members to perform for the night. Choir members have been performing for the previous six years during intermissions of Miss PGHS pageants.

“Mrs. Hoople sent Mariah to see me and discuss her performance. I knew Mariah already, but I was unaware that she knew how to sing and play guitar,” Webb said.

Rogers has been singing all of her life and started learning guitar in middle school.

“The first day of practice, Mariah began to sing and I was blown away. Not only is she talented, but she performs from the heart,” Webb said.

Rogers performed two songs that Saturday night, “The Only Exception” by Paramore and “Try” by P!nk. She uses those songs to practice her guitar and she actually learned “Try” the week of the Miss PGHS pageant.

“I was really nervous,” Rogers said. “I always get nervous performing songs of other people, because I don’t want to mess up the message they were trying to convey at the time of making it.”

After Rogers’ performance the audience was ecstatic. There was a standing ovation to a grinning Rogers.

“The audience was drawn to her because she is such a genuine performer. I am so grateful that she was able to be there to perform. Everyone enjoyed her performance. She is a very talented young lady,” Webb said.

When the time comes to hold the 2016 Miss PGHS pageant next year, sponsors will be looking for another talented student to perform during the intermission of the

Senior Mariah Rogers performs at the Miss PGHS Pageant on November 7.

Rogers has been singing for 17 years and playing the guitar for six years.

Photo by Kattie Iwanski. pageant.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the talented students to attend PGHS,” Webb said.

As for Rogers, going to college for her musical talent may be an option as the time to decide on colleges draws near.

“There are so many guitarists that I look up to that are still learning the works of playing and they’ve been playing for 20+ years and have gone to college for it,” said Rogers. “It’s a journey that I’ve just started to be truthful.”

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FRIDAY 12.11.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7

FEATURES

Standardized Test Launches Secondary Education Students take SAT, ACT, and ASVAB tests to Prepare for College.

Jacob Wood TRN Writer

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any juniors and seniors are faced with a tough decision to make. This decision may affect their success in the future.

This decision is whether or not to take the ACT, SAT, or ASVAB. These standardized tests can affect whether or not a student is accepted into various colleges, trade-schools, or military recruitment.

Preparation for an SAT can help maximize a student’s performance.

Local support includes SAT tutoring, offered by Sherri Jones for a fee.

“I feel like if I would have prepared... it would have been easier, but I did fine without it,” senior Savannah Watkins said.

The ACT, SAT, and ASVAB are all standardized tests that can impact a student’s future. Many students have doubts or questions involving these tests. Valuable insight will be provided into these subjects, such as how to prepare for these tests.

SAT preparation is also offered online as practice questions. College Board is just one of the sites that can help prep students for the SAT. “[It] showed me how the questions would be set up and what would be asked,” senior Jenna Taylor said.

The PSAT is another means of preparing for the SAT. “[The PSAT is] great help to give you an idea of what you would have to do [for the SAT],” guidance counselor Edwina Clissa said.

The PSAT, just like the SAT, ACT, and ASVAB scores, is optional for colleges to view. “[The PSAT] definitely helped to get the feel of a standardized [test],” Watkins said.

There are various test taking methods that can be implemented when taking the SAT. “Definitely don’t stress; just

relax...take it one question at a time,” Watkins said.

A list of english vocabulary terms are given before the SAT to help students prepare.

“Review some of the Vocab. words that [they] give you and do some of the practice questions,” Taylor said.

The SAT has different sections, which are English, Math, and Writing.

These are timed by section, in order to ensure that everyone finishes at the same time.

In between sections there are pauses, which gives students a break, so they do not have to test a full three hours and forty-five minutes. During these breaks, the students can stretch their legs and use the restroom. Including breaks, the SAT takes a total of four hours.

In order to take the SAT, a student must “Sign-up with a College Board, you pick which day you’re going to test and where,” Clissa said.

Some students opt to take the ACT instead of the SAT. Like the SAT, the ACT is optional. The ACT tests students on, “English, science, math, [and] history,” Clissa said.

This is a significant difference from the SAT, which only tests on two com-

These standarized tests are all paper based tests taken on scantrons. These scantrons then get fed through a machine.

Photo by Ebony Gilchrist. mon core subjects, while the ACT includes all four common core subjects.

There is currently a rising trend on colleges becoming less interested in a student’s test scores. In regards to this trend and what colleges pay attention to: “They look at the overall picture of a student,” Clissa said. This varies by college and some school’s completely disregard SAT scores.

The SAT is not a test that is set in stone. The current highest possible score is 2,400, but the new test, which is planned to be implemented in March, will lower that number to 1,600. Watkins scored a stellar score of 2020. Taylor performed excellently, as well, with a score of 2040.

Also there is “No pass or fail,” Clissa said. This varies greatly with many state required standardized tests, which have a pass range and a fail range. For example, the SOL has a cut score of 0 to 399, passing scores from 400-600, proficient scores ranging from 400-499, and advanced scores from 500-600 ac-

cording to http://accountability.departments.pwcs.edu/ online document. These pass and fail marks are not used in the SAT. All students attending Prince George are permitted to take the ASVAB. “[The ASVAB] is a free test given at school,” Clissa said.

Unlike the SAT, the means of signing up for the ASVAB is not an online process. Instead, students apply “through the recruiting center,” military recruiter Andrew Horner said.

The ASVAB covers more than the SAT. “It covers the basic English and math, a lot like the SAT, but it also has two sections in which one covers electronics and other mechanics,” junior Garrett Stefaniak said.

The ASVAB is given in sections as well, but instead of getting breaks in between sections, the test administrator directs students to flip to the next section in the test. It takes about three hours to complete it.

Unlike the SAT, the ASVAB is administered far more often than the SAT. “...it’s a month for the first retake (and another month for the second), then six months for every other retake,” Stefaniak said.

Many students who wish to join the military take ASVAB, which is commonly assessed by military recruiters.

Military recruiters often consider students with a score of 31-99. Law violations and health conditions are taken into consideration, but are only consequential on a case to case basis.

As they progress through high school, it becomes necessary for students to consider which, if any, standardized tests they should take and whether to include the scores in their college applications.

Stefaniak recommends the ASVAB to everybody.

“Everyone needs a backup plan. It never hurts to have a foot in the door,” Stefaniak said.

8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.11.15

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Call 732-0990 6335 Courthouse Road Prince George, VA 23875

FRIDAY 12.11.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9

FEATURES

BY THE UPS Drivers Prepare For Holidays NUMBERS Tim Baker Works 12-Hour Shift, Makes Close To 70 Stops During Season 800 Willow Hart TRN Writer

Million

ith the holiday season, there is an increase in UPS packages being shipped all over the world. To compensate for this growth, delivery drivers pick up extra hours to ensure that gifts are delivered in a timely manner.

According to pressroom.ups.com, UPS predicts to deliver more than 630 million packages during the holiday season, which is requiring them to hire 95,000 extra delivery drivers. For UPS driver, Tim Baker, who delivers in Mechanicsville off the 360 Turnpike, this means extra hours, physical exhaustion, but also great reward.

“I do not get to see my family much during the week because they are usually in bed by the time I get home. It also creates a toll on my body and I get tired by the end of the week. It can also be stressful dealing with all of the traffic,” Baker said. “I would not trade it for the world though; UPS is a great company to work for. The extra hours also means more money and higher job security because if people keep ordering, that means I keep delivering.”

Baker, like many other UPS drivers, works around a 12-hour shift, five days a week during the holiday season to ensure customer satisfaction. He must also work at a very fast pace to deliver over 200 packages daily. UPS even offers Next Day Air deliveries, which promises one day shipping, or they pay for the shipping fee.

At PGHS, the front office receives daily packages at around 2:00 PM by the same driver. Full-time drivers make the same route every shift, which may vary greatly.

The number of packages that will be shipped from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day.

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20,000 Number of extra employees that UPS will hire during the holiday season.

20th Those who are assigned a rural route may make around 60 or 70 stops a day and drive over 200 miles. However, if a driver is assigned a city route, the driver may make around 200 stops a day while only driving 60 or 70 miles.

The years of experience the driver has had with the company can determine the route that driver is assigned. Typically, drivers with seniority pick the rural routes with more ground to cover but a fewer amount of stops. No matter what route the driver is assigned, they can expect to work long hours.

While working hard to make your holiday season more enjoyable, Baker often does not get to experience all that the season has to offer.

“I do not get to go to Christmas plays for my kids at their school. Also, there is no family time during the week,” Baker said. “I don’t work Christmas day, but on Christmas Eve I work for a little bit making last minute deliveries.”

A United Parcel Service truck stops in a neighborhood to deliver packages to a home. UPS extends their delivery schedule during the holiday season.

Photo printed with permission from Wikipedia (for reuse with modification).

Although Baker’s extra hours are the cause for his absence, it allows him to provide the essentials for his family. “[The most rewarding part of my job is] being able to pay the bills and provide food for my family,” Baker said.

In addition to the financial benefits, Baker also finds great reward in being able to deliver Christmas presents from loved ones that could not be with their families on December 25th.

“The younger kids get excited when I show up with boxes and they get a smile on their face. It makes my day go by better,” Baker said. “I guess we can be called ‘Santa’s other helpers.’”

December 20th, the busiest day for the delivery of Christmas cards.

9% Percentage of packages that are delivered at least one day late during the holiday season.

10 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.11.15

Jehovah’s Witness

December Difference

The Sam Diffe

Still find ways to spend time with family, friends, without celebrating holidays

A

Madison Strang Sports Editor

s the holidays are approaching, people are hanging up Christmas lights and decorating the tree, it is a typical Christmas tradition, but some do not participate in these traditions because they do not wish to celebrate Christmas. Jehovah’s Witnesses is a type of Christian religion where the people of this practice do not believe in celebrating Christmas. Senior Cherish Jones, who is a Jehovah’s Witness, explains her religious beliefs.

“We believe that God’s name is Jehovah and that Jesus is his son who died on our behalf,” Jones said. “We do not celebrate holidays because of the pagan origins.”

Celebrating holidays is the perfect time of the year to spend time with family.

While Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe in the celebration of holidays, Jones still finds alternative ways to spend time with her loved ones.

“Well, neither of my parents are Jehovah’s Witnesses, so during the holidays my mom still celebrates with her side of the family, while my father and I go out shopping for sales,” Jones said.

Not being able to celebrate holidays may affect friendships, but in Jones’s case that is not a problem. Her friends are very understanding of her religion and support her beliefs.

“Many of my friends celebrate holidays and usually what I do is tell them that I do not do that, so they will not feel obligated to give me something,” Jones said.

“Sometimes I usually give them a gift just for the heck of it.”

Jones is a strong supporter of her religion. She believes in sticking behind her beliefs 100 percent, even if this means not participating in the celebration of holidays.

“I know the truth about Christmas and the origin behind it, so even if it was not against my religion I would still choose not to celebrate it,” Jones said.

Cherish Jones

FRIDAY 12.11.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 11

es Within Christianity

me But erent

Spending time with family, friends while celebrating during the holidays

Alexis Dennis

elebrating Christmas is a tradition for senior Alexis Dennis.

Dennis is a Baptist Christian who believes in celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 2 5th each year. It means more than receiving and giving gifts. Dennis has her own views of what Christmas is truly about .

“The meaning of Christmas is to celebrate Jesus and for you and your family to be together,” Dennis said.

Each year, Dennis has a humble heart and thinks about others rather than herself. She would rather give to those who are less fortunate than to receive any gifts. This all flows with why she celebrates Christmas and its meaning of the holiday.

“When you give, you can give to people who do not have the opportunity to get as much as you,” Dennis said.

As she thinks about others during the Christmas holiday she is also thinking about Jesus. She and her family have routines and traditions that they partake in each year. This is what makes being a Baptist unique.

“It supports religious freedom and respects the expressions of faith of others,” Dennis said.

Included in those routines and traditions are celebrating her birthday. Dennis and her family have been following them for years. They do not plan on changing their holiday traditions anytime soon.

“We go to church, go to my grandmother’s house, and then it is time to celebrate my birthday,” Dennis said.

Dennis was born on Christmas day. She and her family have a few different celebrating traditions than most. Considering the fact of her being born on Christmas, most people think it means double the gifts, which any person would love.

“I open up the same amount of gifts as any other person, some may be wrapped in Holiday designed paper and others say happy birthday, but it isn’t double the gifts for me,” Dennis said.

Although she gets to celebrate her birthday at the same time as Jesus, she does not let that distract her from the true meaning of that day. During the holiday season, she does celebrate Jesus and loves being around her family, who do the same things as her.

Baptist

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Hydeia Nutt Doubletruck Editor

12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.11.15

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A&E

Preparations Made For Concert Band practices for upcoming holiday concert Kattie Iwanski TRN Writer

D

uring the holiday season people have a tendency to complain about individuals putting up holiday decorations too early. The band has been in the holiday spirit long before the first lights went up in November, practicing for the Christmas Concert since the beginning of September.

The holiday concert will take place in the auditorium on Tues., Dec. 15th at 7 PM. “I think people really enjoy the Christmas Concert because it is music the people know,” bells and chimes player Emily Gritt said.

This year the band will be performing” Symphonic Prelude on Adeste Fideles”, “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”, and “The Eighth Candle”.

“I love the song ‘Eighth Candle’ because of the variety of styles of music in it, the difficulty, and it is a lot of fun to play,” senior trumpet player Nathaniel Hall said.

Hall is a senior who has been in band for six years and he is also the drum major for other band performances.

“As drum major you do not play music, but keep the band in time. It is like being a normal band director really but while playing trumpet I make music and follow the director for time,” Nathaniel said “‘Eighth Candle’ is the hardest piece to perform because it is not an English piece but more of a Middle Eastern piece,” sophomore trombone player Benjamin Skelton said. “‘Eighth Candle’ is a really tricky piece to perform but when you get it right it sounds awesome and I really love the part I have in the song,” tenor saxophone player JD Shuck said.

Shuck says what really got him into band was when “...someone came to my elementary school and played jazz music for us and I really enjoyed the sound of it.”

“It was just that I really loved to listen to music and wanted to make my own,” Gritt said.

The band has been practicing countless hours trying to really nail their holiday performance.

“Depending on the music determines how fast I get the music. For me it’s not that hard to play because of how long I have been playing, but every instrumentalist is different on how fast we get the music. In my opinion the hardest piece is any song that is in the upper range of my instrument almost the entire time, because my lips will get tired after playing so many high notes consistently,” Hall said.

Even with a huge audience watching the band, members say they do not get nervous because they have their fellow band

Band instructor Michael Warnock directs the holiday songs to be performed on Dec. 15. Warnock has been the band instructor for over ten years.

Photo by Matteo Reed. members right there next to them. They are confident that they can perform a great concert.

“I don’t really get nervous any more the only people I get nervous when I am playing in front of my friends and family everyone else is just kind of there,” Shuck said.

All the dedication and hard work that the band puts into the production pays off when they are performing and have finished their performance.

“The end is my favorite part of doing the concert because you get to see and hear all the people clapping and cheering for the band,” Gritt said.

Gamer’s Corner: Halo 5

T

he Halo franchise is ranked the number seven franchise of all time by comlex.com and is one of Microsoft’s major franchise for their XBOX gaming system ever since releasing their first title in 2001. On October 27, 2015 Microsoft released Halo 5: Guardians, which is the eighth main installment of the series. The MATT REED game is focused around a strange and powerful force that is a danger to the Halo Universe, during these events, the Master Chief, whose real name is John 117, has gone rogue, leading his loyalty to be questioned. The responsibility of hunting down the Master Chief and his Blue Team lays on Spartan Jameson Locke and his fire team, Osiris, with help from an alien called The Arbiter who has had dealings with the MC. The game has a new massive multiplayer mode made for twentyfour player battles where both rival and friendly AI’s drop in the match, this is called Warzone. The player will have to fight Spartans, Covenant, and Forerunners while trying to achieve different objectives. Halo 5 is set to be the most dramatic game in the franchise with the player being able to play as both Master Chief and Spartan Locke in a climatic cat and mouse storyline.

The game made $400 million on the day it launched and $500 million within the first week. Since the launch, fans have reportedly logged more than 21 million hours of gameplay with 12 million played on campaign. Multiplayer modes have been popular as well with gamers spending nine million hours, while seven of those were spent playing in the arena and Warzone. Once purchased, the player can get around fifteen new free maps and content like gear and weapons each month.

14 | THE ROYAL NEWS| FRIDAY 12.11.15

A&E Introducing The Acapella App

Aaliyah Capers TRN Writer

T

he Acapella App is sweeping the nation. Kids and teens from all over the world are using this fun and easy music app. The app is free for any Apple products.

“My friend from Norway is who introduced me to Acapella,” sophomore Kiva Brazier said. “He made his own song called ‘I’m a monster’ and it was super funny.

Since then I’ve been watching other Acapella videos on Instagram.”

To make an Acapella video you simply choose your layout, record and you’re ready to share. There are many layouts to choose from that make it easy to combine different sounds to make a music video.

“It’s really cool that you can record multiple videos at once and combine them to make a song,” sophomore Jacob Heyliger said.

Although apps like Smule can also help you express yourself in a musical way, the Acapella app lets you create your own beat by humming, tapping and beatboxing.

Each box contain a video with a different sound. This makes it easy for teens to create

either their original song or recreate a popular song of their choice.

“The app lets people add a bunch of squares together and make a bunch of faces with noise and make a video,” junior Kethya Coleman said. “They’re all really funny and fun to make.”

While some users use the Acapella app for a more serious effect, others use it just for the fun of seemingly fighting with each other.

Whether it is a serious view, or a funny one, people find them both very enjoyable.

“I watched the movies Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2 and previously in my life and I liked those a lot so seeing [Acapella video] I thought it was cool,” sophomore Jacob Heyliger said.

“That’s what made me want to watch [Shane Dawsons video].”

Although it was major YouTube star Shane Dawson who introduced Heyliger to Acapella, most people have been introduced through Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

“The first video I saw was on Facebook,” sophomore Tia Taylor said. “The outline made it really stand out from my timeline. It doesn’t look like any other videos I have seen on Facebook so I wanted to watch it.”

Other YouTube stars like Twaimz also enjoy this app by singing hit songs like ‘Gotta go

Sophomore Zahir Raines sings a song for the Acapella App. The Acapella App allows individuals to make music with certain sound cuts of their voice combined.

Photos by April Buckles. my own way’ by the cast of high school musical, ‘Hello’ by Adele, and his own song called, ‘The Llama song” with a total amount of 190k likes on YouTube.

What really brings attention to this app other than its layout, is how fun it is. More than 4/5 of those surveyed agree that this app is amusing and entertaining.

“It’s really cool that you can make music videos with Acapella. It’s cool that you can take your time on something and make a really good video,” Taylor said. “The videos I’ve seen looked so fun I wanted to try it out so I downloaded it. I love using this app I’m glad I’ve downloaded it.”

Even if someone does not have the app the videos made by the Acapella app are enjoyed by teens everywhere.

“People like to sing, everyone likes to sing.

They might not be good at it but everyone likes to sing. I don’t think there are people who dislike singing,” Heyliger said. “There are no people who sing and regret it later. That’s why people like this app because singing is just fun.”

Critical Review: The Wiz

D

orothy and her friends eased on down the yellow brick road last Thursday on December 3rd attempting to meet the reputable Wiz of Emerald City.

The Wiz Live is a three hour live broadcast remake on NBC of the innovative, seven time Tony awardwinning, 1975 Broadway ALEXIS STEWART musical that starred R&B legend Stephanie Mills as the original Dorothy. The Broadway show later resulted in the 1978 feature film that starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson reprising the roles respectively.

The show featured Cirque du Soleil theatrical performances and an all star studded cast, including Queen Latifah, Ne-Yo, Amber Riley, Mary J. Blige, and introducing newcomer Shanice Williams, playing the lead role of Dorothy. The musical event featured show stopping tunes including “Ease on Down the Road” and “Home.”

The Wiz is a version of the Wizard of Oz story written by William F. Brown that features African American cast, which first appeared center stage on Broadway in 1975 and then in Motown/Universal Pictures film production in 1978.

The musical tells the story of Dorothy, a young woman from Kansas, who is swept up by a tornado and taken to a magical land where she meets munchkins, witches, and flying monkeys. Eager to get back home, she follows the yellow brick road to get to the Emerald City to meet the Wiz, who she believes can bring her back home.

On her journey to meet the Wiz, she encounters the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, who continue the journey with her to find out there is truly no place like home.

PH TOGALLERY

FRIDAY 12.11.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15

Seniors Steal Game in Overtime LEFT: Senior Amiracle Powell rushes past the junior defense. This rushing play led to the Senior taking the lead to 13-7.

Photo by Dejanae Gibson.

BELOW: Senior team celebrates their 2015 victory over the Class of 2017. The Class of 2016 pulled through in overtime.

Photo by Dejanae Gibson.

ABOVE: Junior Preston Ramsey, senior Brian Jimenez, and senior Roque Gutierrez perform a halftime routine for the crowd. The dance team had one week to prepare for the game.

Photo by Dejanae Gibson.

RIGHT: Junior Milissa Harris blocks for returner junior Kendall Eaton for possession of the ball.

They fought the seniors all the way to overtime.

Photo by Dejanae Gibson.

For more photos of the 2015 Powderpuff game go to www.trnwired.smugmug. com

Download the Aurasma app and create a login.

Place your phone or tablet camera over the image and a video will begin to play.

16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.11.15

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WINTER SPORTS

Indoor Track Seeks Out State Title

FRIDAY 12.11.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17

Senior Spotlight Cory Hill

Boys Basketball

Indoor Track Will Attempt For State Title After Falling Just Short Last Year Wayne Coleman TRN Writer

A

s fall sports come to an end, so does the cross country season. But although the weather may be changing, the determination of the athletes doesn’t waver. With the end of cross country, indoor track is just getting started. Committing to such a physically demanding sport is tough, but the entire team seems eager to get started.

“Great atmosphere, there are a lot of kids coming out, I think I influenced them to come out, and do great things like I have done,” senior Malik Gurley said.

Most seem confident in there ability, although some still feel anxious about starting meets.

“I’m kind of nervous… we’re looking to go to state or nationals,” junior Milissa Harris said.

The members from last year’s team do not look like they need immediate improvement. Their memories of last year’s almost successes seems to be fueling their drive to take their skills to the next level.

“When I went out, I just wanted to get better… I actually got a school record, and qualified for states,” said Gurley. “I’m thinking if I get good at outdoor, then I will get good at indoor… I broke four records eventually, two individual and two relay.”

Senior Kaleb Stevens remembers last year when the team came close, but unfortunately, fell just short of the next stage.

“We were at Lee Davis High School Regional, and we ran a VA5, fifth fastest time rand last year of Virginia,” Stevens said.

The team does feel, however, there are some aspects of their game that needs polishing. If they can meet the criteria, they feel their main goal can be accomplished.

“Just staying focused; if we stay focused, we can accomplish a lot of the goals going into this year,” Gurley said.

As key to a lot of sports, one thing that will always bring a team to greatness in the closeness of the team.

“We’re doing more outing, we’ve gotten to know each other better since last year,” Stevens said.

All of the more senior runners seem to agree that the thing that they are most excited about are the young runners that the coach has reached out to get.

“They have a lot of potential,” Gurley said.

“Since the coach is getting them young, they can develop and be better when they’re juniors and seniors.

The praise they have been getting has been tremendous. Some would even say the future is looking well for track for years to come.

“They’re looking good, they’re some of the better runners we have had in a long time.

The future is looking bright,” Stevens said.

Not everyone is as excited as the rookies as other members. They have also already been critiqued by their old teammates.

“Some of the younger runners need to improve and run with the top runners,” Harris said.

Junior Jetho Clerveaux runs the 300 m race against runners from Meadowbrook, Dinwiddie, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg at the Central District Polar Bear Meet. He placed 1st with a time of 37.08.

Photo by Kendallyn Johnson.

With great youth, a hunger for victory, and the drive to go all the way, it looks as though states may be in grasp.

“Yeah, all [we have] got to do is stay focused… the way to do it is to get good times and advance to regionals and conference,” Gurley said.

Some would even go as far to say the team may be able to push beyond states.

“I do think it’s possible if you [the team] put in the work, I’m trying to get beyond it, to nationals,” Harris said.

What are your goals for this season, individually and team wise?

“Individually, I want to become a better leader and set good examples for my team. As a team we want to go to the Siegel Center, win the Christmas tournament, and get a PG banner.”

What do you love most about the sport?

“I love that it shows your talent, how hard you’ve been working, and allows you to showcase those to your peers and opponents. It gives you an opportunity to make a living.”

Do you plan on playing basketball in college?

“Right now I am looking at five colleges and it’s difficult for me to decide. I am waiting for the right time to make a decision and find the right place. My ultimate goal is to go somewhere for free.”

How did you get into basketball?

“When I was younger my dad would always play basketball games on TV and I tried playing it. My dad put me into training and I just took off from there.

How do you feel about it being your last year playing? ”I am going to miss the fan base, my coaches, the PG atmosphere, and the love this school shows to our athletes.

I won’t miss my team because I am going to keep in contact with them.”

18 | THE ROYAL NEWS| FRIDAY 12.11.15

WINTER SPORTS Brothers Bond On Basketball Court

Chappell, Jones Brothers Make Team Family Affair Morgan Eminhizer TRN Writer

A

nyone with a brother will know how hard it is to get along. Sibling rivalries permeate a relationship, especially when the siblings go to the same school and there is really no getting away from each other. But for the Jones and Chappell brothers, all of whom are on the varsity basketball team, sibling rivalries have no place on the court. They must work together to ensure the success of the team.

“I wouldn’t say that’s on the court [sibling rivalry]. On the court, it’s more we’re arguing because we know what we can do, and we’re not playing up to that level,” junior Kaejhan Jones said.

“I play power forward and center, and [my brother and I] are interchangeable at that, so he can be either down low or, you know, we switch positions and everything. I would say I’m pretty good at what I do,” senior Savonte Chappell said.

The Chappell brothers will occasionally find themselves playing the same position.

“I play small forward and shooting guard, he mostly plays just shooting guard, so that’s when we just have to guard each other, so he doesn’t really switch a lot of positions, but those are the two that I switch between,” senior and varsity player Karl Jones said.

Q: Share your favorite memory of growing up together.

A: (Karl) My favorite memory would be. . .definitely every time we win a championship together, whether it be AU playing together, [recreation], even when we won a championship in middle school, just to be able to share that experience with him. And also every year when we take a picture in our jerseys and we get to be beside each other it’s a good memory, it’s like we’re adding another step, another year together, it’s the best. It’s the best part.

A: (Kaejhan) My favorite memory.

It’s probably winning the middle school championship with him on the team. It went well, we only lost one game that

year. It was game where everyone felt like we got cheated. It was my first year on the team.

A: (Savonte) There’s a lot of memories, but I’d say my favorite one was this one time we were at a park playing basketball, and [he and I] just dominated everybody. [He and I] playing together on that court just dominated everybody and it was kind of a good moment. On the car ride home we had a bunch of stories to tell, “You dunked on him” or “You shot that ball over him” or “You crossed him” so we’ll be laughing and joking about that.

A: (Christian) My favorite memory . . . my favorite memory [is probably] when we played AAU, we went to Myrtle Beach and played basketball there. I thought it was fun because we would stay up all night and play video games and stuff.

Q: Have you ever felt the referee has made an unfair call? What do you do?

Does it rattle you at all?

A: (Karl) “Yes, I have felt that the [referee] has made unfair calls at times,

sometimes I have lost my focus, I have had technical fouls, but I’m trying to be more mature about situations like that, so I try to relax more, so there’s a lot more time left in the game so I can make up for the mistake, and I know the referee will make up for his mistake.”

A: (Kaejhan) “Yes, it upsets me, but I’ve learned how to manage my anger, like as a little kid-I didn’t know how to control it when I was a little kid, so I would always get technical fouls and stuff, but now I learned, just keep it to myself.”

A: (Savonte) “It does, but I have to have amnesia and get back to our side of the court and keep playing, I can’t let it get to me out there.”

A: (Christian) “When the referees make a bad call I just get so upset that they’re not doing their job right and I just want to correct them, but then they do [make] bad mistakes.”

All four brothers have been played basketball for years. Karl and Kaejhan have each been playing since they were three years old, Savonte first picked up a

Sophomore Christian Chappell, senior Savante Chappell, senior Karl Jones, and junior Kaejhan Jones share brotherly moments after beating Thomas Dale 88-80 on December 3. This is the first year that both sets of brothers have played together on varsity.

Photo by Breanna Rackley . basketball at two years old, and Christian started playing at four years old. Not only have all the brothers been playing since they were toddlers, their reasons for playing are also very similar: they all have a love of the game. Christian has dreams of being in the NBA, while his elder brother Savonte does not. However, love of the game brings them together, on and off the court.

“Yeah [I like being on the same team], [my brother and I] are goofy, very goofy, and I just like him being a teammate,” Christian said.

FRIDAY 12.11.15 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19

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Boys and girls wrestling Girls varsity Boys varsity >> >> >> indoor track basketball will play Sports >> The team’s first home basketball will play compete in the Western Branch in the contest is against Colonial Heights on

UPCOMING EVENTS

Hopewell at 6 PM on Wed., Jan. 16th.

Dec. 17th at 7:30 PM at Prince George High School.

Fort Lee Invitational Tournament at PGHS on Dec. 26th at 6:30 PM.

Green Dragon Relays at the Arthur Ashe Center on Dec. 19th at 9:00 AM.

Girls Basketball Adjusts To Loss Of Key Players

I

Carlee Lively TRN Writer

t’s a tight game and the clock is slowly running out, the team is in a dry spell for baskets. The coach calls a time-out but instead of looking for now-Division I player, Ariel Stephenson, the play will go to sophomore Taylor Stevens.

Last year, Stephenson set a new school record by scoring 2,307 points in her career. The overall team record for the 2014-2015 was 17-5.

This season, the girls basketball team is a fresh, young team with hopes to make it to the state tournament again. Taylor Stevens is a returning player who plans to help the team achieve the ultimate goal.

“The younger kids I think have to step it up more,” Stevens said. “We have to be our own leaders sometimes and have to figure it out for ourselves.”

Many girls have stepped up into new leadership roles that will continue to help the team grow until they graduate. With a young team, the coaches will have the opportunity to work with these girls and help them to reach the goals that they have set.

“It has taken a toll, losing main key players, but nothing us group of girls can’t handle,” junior Kiara Anderson said.

The expectations for the rising team are high and the team is ready to step up

Sophomore Taylor Stevens drives to the basket at home against Hopewell. Taylor has filled Division 1 alumnus Ariel Stephenson’s shooting guard position this season.

Photo by Matteo Reed.

and exceed them.

“Everyone is working equally, we are working hard in practice. We are trying to communicate well on and off the court,” Stevens said.

Rebuilding years are difficult. Teams put in the effort but experiences of past situations on the court can often help the team find the edge over the competition.

“We are pushing ourselves to the hardest because we know we have to work extra hard to rebuild the team,” Stevens said.

The team is working to find the best positions for players and further their personal and team skills. They are learning the meaning not only hard work, but teamwork also.

The team’s goals include to win, play as a team, and to never underestimate another team.

Last year’s loss against Bird will hopefully bring the experience of how to win for this team. This anticipated game is away on Feb. 1st, at 7:30 PM. “[I want] to end my senior year with a great season and no regrets,” said senior Brittany Fuller.

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