The Royal News - December 2019

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PRINCE GEORGE HIGH SCHOOL - 7801 LAUREL SPRING ROAD - PRINCE GEORGE, VA 23875 VOLUME XVIII - ISSUE 3 - DECEMBER 20, 2019 - WWW.TRNWIRED.ORG - @ROYALSMEDIANOW

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NEWS

CHOIRS PERFORM HOLIDAY TUNES P.15 Senior Amanda Harris and Junior Elena Maldenado perform in the winter choir concert. Harris and Maldenado are in Chamber Singers.

Photo by Annie Lin.

What’s Inside? p. 7 Bus Drivers Give Gifts p. 14 Prom Committee Prepares Early p. 10- 11. TikTok Changes Social Media

p .19 Champions Together Gears Up For Events

How often do you use TikTok? - Rarely 10% - Everyday 42% - Pretty Often 26% - Never 22% *Twitter poll of 50 votes

2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.20.19

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FRIDAY 12.20.19 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3

OP/ED theRoyalNews O

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

We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow. The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions.

Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room 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.

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Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2016 CSPA Gold Crown Winner 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2017 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010, 2017 NSPA Online Pacemaker Winner 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 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

Section Editors Front page: Allison McCauley-Cook Op/Ed: Kaylaa White Features: Harmony Thomas Doubletruck: Allison McCauley-Cook A&E: Katie Zevgolis Sports: Masako Kaneko & Deana Nichols Photos: Shelby Hayes Reviews: Nic Brown

Writers Heidi Crane, Emily Hannuksela, Damion Perkinson, Maclay Cerny, Chris Newton, Skye Watkins, Jewel Harry

Editor-in-Chief Maddison Shawkey

Online Editor-In-Chief Carter Marks

Managing Editor Allison McCauley-Cook

Business Manager Sarah Schrum

Adviser Chris Waugaman

Do Not Overlook Importance Of Gift Giving

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Illustration by Heidi Crane.

TikTok Stands Ground Against Overrated Claims

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lowing up as one of the newest social media platforms is TikTok. Originally TikTok was named Musical.ly, yet in August of 2018 the app name was changed due to new ownership and since then the app has made a name for itself. However, some do question, since when the app was named Musical.ly it was often ridiculed, if TikTok is just a knock off combination of Musical.ly and Vine. This proposition is short-sided and does not allow TikTok to be its own platform.

TikTok was not established to be compared to Vine or Musical.ly, rather it was created as just another creative outlet for people to enjoy. By calling the app overrated or criticizing it in comparison to other apps, we take away the artistic value of the app.

One may argue that since

there have been apps so similar to TikTok, that the praise that this app is receiving is unnecessary, but this assertion limits the app and it’s users to the success of previous apps. We cannot allow one app to be defined by previous apps that have themselves failed.

By using apps such as Vine and Musical.ly as a comparison, the argument has already been lost considering that neither of these apps exist anymore. Therefore, looking at the huge success of TikTok and the failed attempts of these other apps proves that TikTok is worthy of the praise it receives.

TikTok is its own success and calling the app overrated discredits the achievements the platform has received. We have to accept new developments such as this app and allow creativity to be expressed freely.

n December, there are many holidays in which gift-giving is involved.

While it is fun to get gifts, it is more fun to give, DEANA NICHOLS especially to those that are less fortunate than we are. In this time of year, it’s good to take a step back and realize how a simple gift can impact people in a major way.

Organizations such as the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Angel Tree are organizations that are known nationally. But sometimes, we forget to look at the organizations and people we can help in our community. For the past month, Prince George students have been collecting spare change to donate to a multitude of causes.

Imagine the excitement you feel when you see your presents right before you open them. Not everyone gets the opportunity to experience that. I believe that you should put others first. Growing up in school, I’ve gotten to see and meet people from backgrounds differ from mine.

I used to compare what I had to others until I got the chance to help people that had less than I did.

In the summer of 2018, I got the opportunity to go to the Bronx, New York. Everything we did, from helping at a kids camp, to painting a fence, made their day. The smiles on their faces is something I will never forget.

As 2019 comes to a close, we need to remember what this season is truly about. As much as we love getting gifts, we should give to others so they have the opportunity to experience what we get to.

4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.20.19

OP/ED Chick-fil-A Alters Their Mission Statement

Chick-fil-A has long been receiving backlash from left-wing parties, because of their religious-based corporate decisions that usually favor right-wing ideology, most notoriously, CEO Dan Cathy’s statement about same-sex marriages. Recently, Chick-fil-A made the discussion to cease funding “religious and anti-LGBTQ+” organizations, and is receiving mixed reactions from those whom the change benefits, and those opposed to it.

I

’ve done a lot of research about the Chick-fil-a scandal that involves the LGBTQ+ group and the Christian/anti-LGBTQ+ charities that they support.

From what I’ve gathered, not all of those charities are “anti-gay”, however, many of them are religiousbased charities.

If the charities are actively against the LGBTQ+ community, Chick-fil-A should cease donations, it’s the moral thing to do because they are discriminating against specific members of the community. We are all humans alike, and since Chick-fil-a is supposed to be a Christian foundation, from a certain perspective, it seems wrong for them to actively participate in discrimination when Christianity primarily has themes of love and support for all.

However, if they are just Christian charities meant to help the less fortunate, then there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as they are not being hateful to the LGBTQ+ community. And with the amount of backlash that the Chick-fil-a industry was getting, they had a good reason to shut down any charities due to the pressure of their possible loss in customers.

The fact that they are at least turning their heads more towards education and the homeless shows that they still want to help those who need it. They found a way to show support to the supportless without possibly offending anybody at all.

The donations they are dropping are the FCA and Salvation Army. FCA simply stated it’s beliefs about how it feels about same-sex marriage; however, the Salvation Army has been said to deny access to transgender people. That’s completely against what their beliefs should be.

It’s okay for them to have their own opinions, but they are not supposed to condemn others for those beliefs. It’s completely wrong.

We are all humans. We have our different struggles, and we have different beliefs. However, if the FCA committee didn’t directly state that it hates the community, then there is no reason for everyone to act as they do.

PRO CON SKYE WATKINS

KAYLAA’ WHITE

“We are all humans. We have different struggles, and we have different beliefs.”

“Despite their current standing CFA has said they might consider donating to faith-based organizations in the future...”

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ith Twitter’s “cancel culture” being a popular theme when notable organizations and celebrities “go against the grain”, it only seems right that the term is applied to Chick-fil-A’s reasoning behind their decision to stop supporting “religious and anti-LGBTQ+” organizations. They are tired of being on the side of the fence, caught between their chain’s and customer’s morals, facing the constant threat of being “canceled.” CFA’s decision was just a piece of candy used to shush a crying toddler and doesn’t have any precedence against actions Chick-fil-A has taken in the past or their actions to come in the future.

Initially, Chick-fil-A was very vague in their statement as well, they didn’t state specifically what organizations they wouldn’t support anymore, or the new ones they would support with their focus now being on “education, homelessness, and hunger.”

After stating some of the organizations they would stop supporting (some of those being The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and The Salvation Army.) The Salvation Army counterclaimed their statement, saying that they help anyone regardless of “who they are” and that they are one of the top organizations fighting “homelessness and hunger.”

Their decision that was supposed to be for the best and may have had good intentions only created confusion and chaos between their traditional Christian supporters, some of which are saying “Chick-fil-A is abandoning their loyal customers” to side with a group that “will never be satisfied,” and added hesitation from the LGBT+ community, who aren’t “appeased’ and want to see the chain make official efforts to protect their LGBT+ workers.

Despite their current standing CFA has said they might consider donating to faith-based organizations in the future, and more progressive views about the chain have not changed recently with San Antonio, Texas’s city council voting against a CFA in their airport, and high school students in Oregon organizing a walk-out against their school allowing a CFA food truck on their campus during football games.

Nevertheless, CFA continues to be ultimately “unbothered” by the backlash on both sides, becoming one of the most successful food franchises in America.

FRIDAY 12.20.19 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5

THE WEEKS AHEAD Clubs Smile For Club Picture Day

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anuary 15th is the day for all clubs to have their club pictures. Royals Media will have times set up for each club and will have signs posted to

inform all of when clubs are expected to be in the auditorium for their picture.

PTA Sponsors Winter Dance

W

ith winter in full swing, the Parent Teacher Association has set in motion the First Annual Winter Dance. The dance will take place on Friday, January 10th. The PTA encourages participation from everyone interested. Attire is casual and tickets will be available from January 6th to the 9th during all lunch block. Encourage others to come and get date forms turned in to Hannah Taylor before January 7th.

Forensics Team Heads To New Kent

T

he Forensics team has a tournament in New Kent on Tuesday, January 14th. Members will prepare their works in order to perform them for judges on that date. These members

BOLD Celebrates African American Culture

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he P.G. Players begin a new tradition of celebrating African American culture and heritage through the BOLD show. The first annual BOLD show will be The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe. Showings of this production will be January 23rd-25th.

have been practicing for weeks in preparation for this event. Members will either prepare content for their speeches they have to write or will bring their published works to memorize and perform.

FRIDAY 12.20. 19 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 6

FEATURES

Bus Drivers Give Gifts Through ‘Bears for Buses’ Project Allison McCauley-Cook

E

Double Truck Editor

very morning students get on the school bus and greet their bus driver, but on December 20th elementary students will get more than just a polite greeting as a response.

The transportation department arranged for many elementary school students to receive a gift of a teddy bear on their last day of school before winter break.

“This idea has been on my heart for the last two years of being a bus driver in Prince George,” bus driver Ida Butler said. “There are so many stories out there. There are family situations we don’t even know, but I thought what if this was the only gift a child got for Christmas, or what if a child that gets a lot of gifts takes their bear and ‘pays it forward’ there are so many lessons we could be teaching and the main one is ‘kindness’. Our drivers work in the community and we love to serve our community,” bus driver Ida Butler said.

The goal was to collect enough bears to give all of the elementary students who ride the bus a bear.

“Transportation [hoped] to collect enough bears for all the elementary students that ride a bus, we estimated between 3500 - 4000,” Butler said. “Although this is a large number, even one bear will make a difference.”

Teachers in the high school wanted to help with the donation process. Career and Technical Education teacher Christopher Powell had some of his students decorate a box as a designated donation bin.

“I hoped to get as many donations as possible to make sure children all have a gift before Winter Break,” Powell said.

Many members of the community want-

ed to make sure elementary aged bus riders receive a gift before their break, and were eager to donate new teddy bears.

“I have seen positive feedback, my director has told me that he has heard people in our community talk about this campaign project everywhere he goes,” Butler said. “The businesses in our community are allowing us to put donation boxes there so that people can drop a bear off. This bear drive has encouraged others to take a moment to support the students and drivers.”

Students at the high school also helped with the collection of the bears as well as by donating. Junior Brianna Barlow assisted with decorating the collection box that was in B-Wing.

“I decorated the donation box, I wanted to make sure it was nice and pretty, so that people felt led to donate,” Barlow said. “I also reposted the posts from the Prince George’s social media pages, and I have been telling my friends to donate.”

For many the chance to donate was a way to get in the holiday spirit.

Barlow saw Bears for Buses as a chance to help in her community.

“I think that Bears for Buses makes kids feel like a special impact from their bus driver, with a gift of a teddy bear before break,” Barlow said. “I was

excited to go shopping and pick out bears that I know will make an impact in our community.”

Students see their bus drivers many times a week, the Bears for Buses project allows them to make a more personal connection. Without knowing if a child will have a gift or not at home, transportation department tried to make sure they had at least one from their bus driver.

“This program was started by myself and Director Dustin Nase to bring our drivers closer to the students and the community,” Butler said. “We are just trying to do our small part with uplifting those we care so much about.”

Junior Brianna Barlow puts a stuffed animal in the box.

These toys will be distributed on December 20th. Photo

by Shelby Hayes.

BY THE NUMBERS 4,623

Students ride buses and cars to school.

218,552

Miles driven for special education students.

640,115

Miles driven for regular education students.

7

Buses for secondary needs youth.

7

Buses for elementary needs youth.

Information provided by pgcps.org

FRIDAY 12.20.19 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7

FEATURES

Mu Alpha Theta Teams With IB To Fill Stockings Emily Hannuksela

TRN Writer

A

s the magical Christmas season comes around, most children wake up on December 25th to an abundance of presents waiting for them under the Christmas tree. The young children are excited knowing that they made Santa’s good list and the teenagers are happy playing with their new phones and tablets.

However, there are less fortunate children who grow up not having the perfect Christmas. These kids never receive items from their Christmas lists.

Mu Alpha Theta members and International Baccalaureate (IB) students are working to give these children a wonderful and meaningful Christmas like most people usually have.

In previous years, IB has joined with Mu Alpha Theta in collecting items to donate. Any donations gathered go to the Elf Helpers who distributes the stockings to children. Junior Grace Roane is currently in her second year of being a member of Mu Alpha Theta, and understands how the stockings directly benefit children in need. “[The stocking donations] will make [the children] really excited for Christmas because a lot of them don’t get very much,” Roane said. “Now, they have the opportunity to get gifts and it will make them happy. It will also help them because it has stuff that they need.”

Senior Makaila Williams, the vice president of Mu Alpha Theta, knows what kind of items have the greatest

impact on the children. On top of coloring books, crayons, toys, and stuffed animals, children also need to receive essential personal items.

“The needs, like toothbrushes and hairbrushes [help the children the most],” Williams said. “Just simple things we use every day.”

Due to the fact that this is Roane’s second year helping less fortunate children, she too knows what additional items the kids will need during the win-

Senior Makaila Williams packs a stocking for Mu Alpha Theta. Last year, the club was able to fill two boxes of stockings.

Photo by Shelby Hayes. try Christmas season.

“Socks, hats, and anything to keep [the children] warm while it’s cold [would help the children the most],” Roane said.

Any size stocking donation containing these items would greatly benefit the children, although some people do

not know about it. Williams is aware of how the donation works and is happy to enlighten those who do not know about it.

“We get a whole bunch of items, like their needs and wants, for young children who are less fortunate than us,” Williams said.

Roane expects this year’s stockings to be a success due to the results of the previous year’s donations.

“This is my second year participating,”Roane said. “I [participated] last year and this year. Last year, we got a lot of stockings and I think it went pretty well and I think it will be the same this year.”

Williams is also hopeful about stocking donations due to her knowledge of the amount collected in prior years.

“We usually have around one or two boxes full [of stockings]. Enough for maybe a classroom of children, or maybe more,” Williams said.

Making sure the less fortunate children have an exciting Christmas is very important to both IB and Mu Alpha Theta members, especially Williams. “[The children] don’t have the same opportunities as us: to have as many things bought [for them]. It’s really nice to provide for them when they can’t have the same as us,” Williams said.

The children aren’t the only ones who benefit from this project. The Mu Alpha Theta members as well as IB students are left with good spirits and receive joy when they help kids. Sophomore Gracie Thompson is an IB student who benefits from doing this good deed. “[Donating] makes me feel really good considering less fortunate kids don’t get as much of a Christmas as we do,” Thompson said.

8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.20.19

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS OF THE ROYAL NEWS

We have just started the 2019-2020 patron drive and we desperately need your support. If you would like to make a donation come by A2 , email us at trnwired1@gmail.com, or see any one of our staff members. Your support helps us continue to do great storytelling.

SUPER PATRONS

Gold Patrons

Green Patrons

Jodi and David Hannuksela Stephanie Bishop Joy and Phillip Flatt

Tammy Cerny Ford Pugh Mary Webber Amanda Harner Emily Cerny PGHS Choir

Sherri B Jones William McClellan Jr. Vicki Hale

Patrons 2019-2020

FRIDAY 12.20.19 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9

FEATURES

Students Help Instill Love Of CTE Based Classes Elementary Students Learn Ozobot Programming, 3D Printing, Tech Skills Sarah Schrum

AD Editor

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s high schoolers file off the bus, they walk into a place they never expected to walk back into at their age, an elementary school. Last year the CTE project was introduced to Walton Elementary school as a pilot program. Now, the “field day” will take place at each of the five elementary schools in Prince George County.

Despite the name, this event is exclusively in the technological department.

Matt Weston, the creator and orchestrator of the tech day, created it to give young students an opportunity to learn about CTE and design classes. The experience will hopefully help students find an aspect they enjoy in the technology field.

“I think it gives them exposure to it and I think that anytime you can get exposure to something, you can figure out whether or not if you like doing it,” Weston said. “My parents made me cut grass. I hate cutting grass and weed-eating. I know I don’t want to go into lawn care, so by doing that task I learned a job that I never wanted to do again. By giving these kids exposure to these different activities [and if we can continue to build it and change what it is that they are doing] then it gives them the

opportunity to see what things they like to do in this tech realm.”

The program is for fifth graders only.

This is because they are the closest to being able to choose what classes they will take at the middle school. The hope is for more students to become interested in CTE learning and take CTE classes available to them at an early age.

“We [came] here to teach them about it and maybe give them some ideas of what they want to take at the high school,” Graphics II student, Jessica Taylor said.

Junior Jessica Taylor helps a student at North Elementary with a lazer printed puzzle. Taylor takes Graphics II at the high school and was one of many students who visited the five elementary schools during the last two weeks of December.

Photo by Sarah Schrum.

With the help of the high school students, the tech field day was a total success. Instead of it being a completely teacher-operated event, students volun-

teered to help spark a new interest in their greatest admirers. The student to student interaction really makes a difference to both participants.

“It is really fun to see their reactions when you build the stuff with them and it is super cool when they call you by your name and it is a first name basis type thing,” senior, Brooke Lawrence said. “I think it is really fun to hang out with the kids.”

The advancement of the tech day has brought changes to the lineup of displays and learning opportunities. Some of the activities this year included Ozobot programming, sphero driving, and maker space projects, along with a 3D printing demonstration. This is to give the younger students a glimpse into what is available for them to work with and hopefully bring an increase of CTE enrolled students.

“A lot more kids will be looking forward towards these classes instead of just seeing them and adding them last minute to their schedules,” mecatronics student, Colby Weston said.

The tech day was designed to bring more students into the technological classes and fields. But it also strengthens the knowledge learned by the students running the stations and teaches the new generation so they can surpass us in the future.

“We are giving them a huge advantage of other years that they can learn a lot of different stuff to kind of make their career path versatile versus not knowing,” Weston said.

Scan this code to see a video recap of one of the visits by Tim Bennett.

12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.20.19

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FRIDAY 12.20.19 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13

A&E

Band Member Nugent Reflects On Holiday Concert Katie Zevgolis

A&E Editor

H

ow did you feel about the Winter Concert?

Senior Jordan Nugent: “I was really excited about the winter concert. We spent lots of time preparing these pieces and we have worked very hard. It’s not like our normal concerts where we are very serious. it’s very laid back. I think that’s why Christmas concerts are my favorite.”

What instrument do you play?

“I play the clarinet in both concert band and symphonic band. I play marimba in instrumental ensemble.”

What pieces did you perform?

“In concert band we performed Feliz Navidad, Hymnsong Variants, Mele Kalikimaka, and A Winter Celebration.

Instrumental ensemble performed Jingle Bells. Symphonic band played, The Polar Express, Greensleeves, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas.”

Senior Jordan Nugent performs in her last winter concert at PGHS. Nugent has been a part of the band and a Royal Marcher for three years.

Photo by Haley Skalsky.

What is a way you practice on your own?

“I personally practice all I can whether its my solos or a part of music that is never heard. It is always important to know your part.”

How has Mr Warnock helped you prepare for this concert?

“Warnock has been amazing helping us prepare for the Christmas concert.

He always helps us with parts and rhythms you don’t understand.

Whether it’s lip slurs or scales he has his reasons of note exercises to help us get better each concert.”

How long have you been in band?

“I have been in band for five years. I have been in concert band for three years and symphonic band for two years.”

What made you want to be a musician?

“I have always had a love for music and I always wanted to be musically involved and I definitely could not sing. I joined band and that was the best decision of my life. I quickly realized how much I loved being in band and everything involved with it. When you join band, you automatically have a family who is always there to support you no matter where you are or what you do.”

14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.20.19

A&E

IN THEIR OWN

Prom Committee Prepares Early

WORDS

McClay Cerny

A

TRN Writer

s the 2019-2020 year ticks by, it slowly becomes crunch time for the Prom Committee to begin its planning process for this year’s prom.

Juniors new to the committee are getting their first look at how the committee runs, and returning seniors are falling back into an old rhythm.

English teacher Kasi Roberts sponsors the prom committee. Students in the Classes of 2020 and 2021 were allowed to sign up to join the committee before Thanksgiving Break.

Two members this year include return senior Amanda Harris and junior Jamison Jones. This year’s prom committee is a large group, so decisions are always made through a vote.

“The group discusses as a whole, we share ideas, and then we vote,” Harris said. “Sometimes it takes a couple of meetings before things are definite.”

There are many ways someone can hear about a club or opportunity in school. Some of which include, the morning announcements, flyers around the school, word of mouth, and many more. A lot of times, teachers will also make announcements about things they believe are important.

“Mrs. Roberts, my first-period English teacher informed my class of the club,” Jones said. “I became interested in working with the student body on such an important event, especially because I enjoyed prom last year.”

As only seniors and juniors are allowed on the prom committee, because

Maddyson Edwards What do you enjoy about prom committee?

The fact that I can be a part of deciding something big for the prom. We can all throw out ideas and just have fun.

those are the only students allowed to attend the dance without a date form, or media pass, each year, there are many new faces. The club is a little different each year because of this, as everyone contributes their personality to the club.

“This year there’s a lot more juniors,” Harris said. “Last year it was mostly seniors. It seems like this year there’s a little more enthusiasm.”

Each member has specific goals that they are striving to incorporate into this year’s prom. Some goals are more specific than others, but everyone has a general direction they are working towards.

“I just want everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves,” Jones said.

As a senior in the club, Harris has

Prom Committee sponsor Kasi Roberts and senior members Amanda Harris and QuiArsé Stratton look through books for inspiration for this years prom. The committee has begun planning early to be prepared.

Photo by Maclay Cerny. a goal in mind that she has set for this year’s prom, that is for this year’s prom to impact everyone who attends.

“I want to make prom truly memorable,” Harris said. “I want students to be able to instantly tell what the theme is and I want to create an enjoyable environment.”

What are your personal goals being in the committee?

Pretty much just to incorporate everyone’s idea, a lot of people have very different ideas in what they would want in a dance and I feel that we could all throw our ideas together.

What goals is the committee working towards as a whole?

Our goal is to make a fun dance.

Every time we have a meeting we try to create an original dance to represent the group of students here.

FRIDAY 12.20.19 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15

A&E

Choirs Perform Holiday Tunes Skye Watkins

TRN Writer

B

eautiful notes flew through the air as the stress mounted within the music room walls.

Director Storm Burks prepared for the performance.

The choirs worked hard to impress the crowd at their concert on Thursday, December 12. They took advantage of not only the learning opportunities that arose, but also the bonding moments that they shared.

“My whole philosophy of concerts is that they are a celebration of all the hard work we have done so far, and of the season,” Burks said.

Burks strives to teach his students to not only show off their work, but to celebrate it. He believes there are strategies to successfully managing a choir like his.

“There’s a sense of balance, there’s a sense of discipline, respect and love for your fellow chorus members and people in your class that has to be evident for success,” Burks said.

It’s not always easy being in a choir, much less being a teacher of so many choirs at once. There are many small details that play a crucial role in any part of the choir.

Without these one won’t be able to learn how to sound beautiful and harmonized on stage.

“I think we’ve done a lot of improving since the beginning of the year,” sophomore Rose Braun said.

Braun could easily agree with anyone who has been there when they first practiced. There was no bond and little background of working together before then.

Through the time they’ve had though, the choir has learned how to sing together suc-

BY THE NUMBERS

19

Songs were performed.

110

Members of Choir

4

Ensembles

3.5

Months to Prepare

cessfully and raise the bar each class period.

Junior Gavin Toney has seen how Burks has been raising the standards for “DoBros” (the nickname for the all men’s choir) in hopes they will grow closer and grow together.

“He always tells us he’s proud of us but that there’s always room for improvement,” Toney said.

Toney explained how Burks continues to push everyone harder and has witnessed major growth in his choir due to Burks and his motivational skills and assets.

Senior Deryl Gensler has enjoyed his experience with his new choir and is anticipating whatever else the journey might have in store.

Choir Director Storm Burks welcomes guests to the holiday concert and introduces the first ensemble. Burks and his ensembles have been preparing for this concert since September.

Photo by Annie Lin. “When you’re in a class and you share jokes and you share memories, it’s kinda like family,” Gensler said.

Even throughout the hard work and stress, Gensler has found many bonds and memories that he will continue to cherish in his heart. Choir has been a place of emotional growth and relationships with other people since he joined the “DoBros”.

“When you become part of any choir at Prince George High School, the first thing that hits you is family,” Toney said.

27

Members Accepted to All-District To listen and watch highlights of the concert scan this QR code.

16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 12.20.19

A&E Gamer's Corner The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

A

s the holidays roll around most people are scrambling to find last minute gift ideas for their friends and family.

It might be hard to get mom a last minute necklace or dad a new jersey for his favorite team. For gamers it’s pretty easy, just get us games or gaming accessories.

Here are the top games and accessories for students and faculty for the three main gaming consoles out right now the PlayStation 4, Xbox 1, and the Nintendo Switch.

For me I personally play Xbox, the top games i would want to add to my personal collection would be: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, NBA 2K20,

Madden 20, the year five season pass for Rainbow Six Siege, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

The top accessories that i would love to have would be an Xbox Elite Controller, a charging station for my controllers, a game organizer, a vertical console stand, and a skin for my console and controllers I personally don’t play switch or Xbox so i asked some other students and faculty members what they’d like for their PS4 and switch.

Junior Raheem Butcher is an avid

Nic Brown

PS4 player. Not only does he have the console but he also owns the PS4 virtual reality headset.

When asked what games he would love for holidays he said he’d love, “Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Storm 4, Brawlhalla, GTA 5, Need for Speed, and Dead by Daylight” I then asked Butcher what his top five accessories he would want for his PS4.

“A Turtle Beach headset, a new controller, a PS4 stand, a controller charging station, and a (memory) storage drive,” Butcher said.

English teacher Stephen Marowitz loves to play his switch in his offtime.

When asked to list the top five games

Photo courtesy of PCMAG.com he’d like for the holidays he gave me these five: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and Super Smash Bro. Ultimate.

I then asked Marowitz what would be the top five accessories he would love to have for his Switch. He told me he would love: Additional Joycons, a Ring Fit, a grip case, a power bank, and an organizer for his game cartridges.

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WINTER SPORTS

FRIDAY 12.20.19 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17

Boys Basketball Devotes Time To Community Outreach With Philanthropy, Mentoring Elementary Students Fill Off Court Time For Players Deana Nichols

W Sports Editor

ith each s e a s o n , teams have a priority list, things they hope to accomplish during the few months they play. Things such as winning games, improving skills, and making it to the postseason are high priorities for the average team. For the varsity boys basketball team, community service is high on their list.

Head coach Travis Carr has had his players helping the community for many years. He hopes that his players will learn about creating positive change in their community by the time they graduate and leave the basketball program.

“I think it’s important for these young men in our program to utilize our platform, and to give back their time to the local community,” Carr said.

“With so much support from these local organizations, it’s the least we could do is offer our assistance in what they need.”

Senior Johnny Soto has been on the varsity team for the past three years since he moved to Prince George. Outside of the basketball season, Soto is actively involved in helping his community and feels a sense of fulfillment every time he volunteers and he recommends everyone try it at least once in their life. “[For] me personally, it just opens up my eyes because you don’t really know how bad off some people are in comparison to your own life,” Soto said.

“I learned to not take things for granted, when I look at what I have compared to what other people don’t have.”

So far this season, the boys have helped the Hopewell Optimist Club by moving Christmas trees into their lot and the team held the first annual Battle of the Classes on November 22nd, to help benefit the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. They have become bonding experiences for those returning and new players as well. “[Community service] is helping us grow closer as a team on and off the court,” junior Keondre Ruff said.

Starting in January, the team will be heading to Walton to help with what is known as Carr’s Kids. This mentoring program has been happening for the past four years,with the idea coming from one of Carr’s fellow coaches, former Virginia Tech head coach, Buzz Williams.

This year there is one major change; the fifth graders will be spending the day with each of the players.

“Basically, we all take one kid,” Soto said. “Sometimes they might not have a father figure at home, or maybe they do, but they’re having a troubled time at school, and they just need a role model.”

During this holiday season, the boys believe that it is better to give than to receive. Outside of Carr’s Kids, helping the Hopewell Optimist Club, and Battle of the Classes, the team plans to help with other organizations and events.

They will be holding their annual “Toys for Teens” drive benefiting VCU’s Children’s Hospital and helping with the Can Food Drive for the Prince George Food Bank.

Senior Johnny Soto delivers the trophy for the Battle of the Classes, an event that donates proceeds to charity. The boys basketball team focused its off court efforts to giving back to the community.

Photo by Rachael Blumenschine.

While the team has a schedule packed with community service, there is still more they are hoping to accomplish. Carr is hoping to make Battle of the Classes an annual event.

The boys believe in searching for new opportunities to make an impact.

“I would like to feed the homeless because it is a big issue and it hurts me to see it,” Ruff said.

18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 10.18 .19

PH TO GALLERY

Indoor Track Frolics At Christopher Newport Meet Track Athletes Attempt To Qualify For States

1.

4.

2.

3.

For more photos of track go to www.trnwired.smugmug.com Photos taken by Chandler Coleman.

5.

1. Sophomore Payton Barnes sets his pace for the 4X800 relay race. His relay team finished in 9th place with a time of 9:15.40. Photo Chandler Coleman.

2. Sophomore Mariah Washington pushes off the blocks in her 300 meter sprint. She finished in 15th place with a time of 43.61 seconds. Photo Chandler Coleman.

3. Junior managers Maylahnne Tercero and Khia Johnson occupy themselves as they wait for the runners to finish. Indoor track meets often take two days and have a lot of down time in between events. Photo Chandler Coleman.

4. Junior Jaden Hines pushes himself to get his fastest time possible in the 300 meter run.

He finished with a time of 42.78 seconds. Photo Chandler Coleman.

5. Sophomore Emily Bush sprints around the curve as she sets her eyes set on the finish line for her 4X200 meter relay.

This relay team finished in 7th place with a time of 1:51.67.

Photo Chandler Coleman.

WINTER SPORTS

Champions Together Gears Up For Events

FRIDAY 12.20.19 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19

Senior Spotlight

Indoor Track GABBEY MINER

Jewel Harry TRN Writer

A

s the Special Olympics events are approaching, members and sponsors of this club are prepared and eager to dive into the fun activities it brings.

The Special Olympics Champions Together program is a program allowing special needs students to interact with students in all classes and many different sports events such as basketball, bowling, the annual Polar Plunge and more.

It’s a way for students of different ages and backgrounds to come together and socialize, become friends, and most importantly, bond through playing sports.

People join this club for many different reasons, whether they have family members participating or they want to try something new.

“Just being able to see the kids faces and I started doing P.E. class with them so it’s always been a joy just to be able to become friends with them and get to know them better,” junior Brooke Damron said.

Champions Together sponsor Sherri B. Jones was inspired to participate when she realized Anne Roberts was retiring.

It was a perfect opportunity to continue the hard work Roberts had brought to the club in previous years.

“Well when I realized that Ms. Anne Roberts was retiring, I decided that this was something I really wanted to do. I used to work with Beta Club because I love to work with students,” Jones said. “I know I love special ed students and I didn’t want this club to just fall into the hands of just anyone.”

While there can be many reasons to join this club, there are also many rewarding reasons why members come back and participate again year after year. Becoming a member of the Special

Olympics has taught students important lessons through the members and sponsors experiences.

“Being friendly gets you so much further than being rude to people and making people have a smile on their face can just make their day ten times better,” Damron said.

Jones has known many of the students participating in the Special Olympics from when they were students in middle school and she was an assistant principal. This is what she finds more rewarding to sponsor each year.

“I have really enjoyed getting to know the students who are Special Olympics athletes,” Jones said. “I love the way students remember the Champions Together partners names, the teachers names, and the enjoyment and excitement that they get when we have different events like the Valentine’s Day party and the lunch-ins,” Jones said.

“I would say to them, ‘Be ready to participate with the athletes,’” Jones said.

Graduate Jordan Dockery confirms with sponsor Sherri Jones the order of events. Champions Together held the Little Feet Meet last spring on the football field with people attending from all county schools.

Photo by Monica Thompson.

“When they come to the lunch-ins and the dances, I remind them, ‘You are here for the athlete. I need you to mix and mingle with the athletes and not just sit with your friends.’ They do a good job with that.”

The main reason most students join this interactive club is because they not only want to help and get to know the special needs students, but they can take away friendships and life lessons.

“It’s definitely helped me become a better person in life,” Damron said. “If I’m having a bad day they always know how to brighten my day. If I’m in lunch they’ll come up to me and say ‘Hey Brooke!’ It just makes me a better person in many different ways.”

What was going through your head when you found out you broke your personal record in the 55 meter dash?

I felt really good. I felt like all my hard work had paid off. Coach Stevens came up to me and said, “You really ran your heart out peanut head. That really was inspiring.”

After setting a school record in the 4x200 meter, what are you hoping for this year?

I really hope we go to states and win a state ring. Then we break our old record again.

Being with a new set of girls in the relay, what has been the hardest part?

We all need to work together. It’s a new dynamic, but we’re still a time.

It’s basically the same thing just a new group of people.

What is your favorite song to listen to before you go to run?

Anything that is up beat and gets my heart pumping, so I’m ready to run.

WINTER SPORTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wrestling >> Varsity Tournament at

home on Friday, January 3rd at 3:00 PM.

>> Varsity Wrestling

Tournament at home on Saturday, January 4th at 9:00 AM.

Boys >> >> Varsity Basketball plays away at Atlee on Monday, January 6th at 7:00 PM.

Varsity Girls Basketball plays home against Atlee on January 6th at 7:00 PM.

New Coach Brings New Vision Carter Marks

A

Online EIC

New varsity girls head coach Kenya Grissett yells out a play that she wants her girls to run. The Royals went on to beat the Dinwiddie Generals 54-30. Photo taken by Deana Nichols.

For more photos of the girls basketball game against Dinwiddie follow this link.

new coach may be a big adjustment for the players, but for the varsity girls basketball team, the new coach is a familiar face. Moving up from junior varsity coach to now head varsity coach, Kenya Grissett has a bigger challenge at hand.

Coming off of a 6-13 season last year, Grissett looks to improve on that and have success for her Lady Royals.

“I hope to improve on last season’s record and get deeper in the playoffs,” Grissett said.

“Also to help the girls get better at different aspects of their game and just to try to improve the overall record and how deep we get into regional play.”

With losing five seniors on last year’s team, the Royals will have to have some new faces to step up and fill new shoes.

Something the players say that Grissett brings to the table is that she is always pushing them hard every day at practice. There is never a day where the girls come in to practice and do not get pushed hard.

“Our coach has themes for our practices that helps motivate us throughout the week and she also has it planned out to the detail,” junior Rachael Blumenschine said. “She always makes sure we are working and not standing around.”

Grissett did not get offered the job until a week before tryouts which allowed for little time to prepare for the season. This restricted offseason leagues that the team would have been allowed to enter if they had a coach.

“It was hard not having the ability to play in the fall league like we normally do,” senior Molly Ashcraft said. “...Not having a coach was hard

because as soon as she was announced, tryouts were the week after.”

With Grissett now almost through the first month of her first season, she has been pushing the players and trying to get the best out of each player every day. Hard work and dedication are things she preaches to her players to keep working hard and goals will be met.

“She pushes us to be the best we can be and makes us want to work hard,” Ashcraft said.

“She makes the conditioning fun and enjoyable as well as learning the game.”

Grissett has seen every level of the game coaching from the rec level all the way to the collegiate level and everything in between. She also was a standout player at Old Dominion University in which she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education. Now she is teaching at the Prince George Education Center.

Coaching the junior varsity squad for the 2016-2017 school year, Grissett will already be ahead of the game with her knowing some of her players’ styles and work ethics.

“Knowing them, knowing their work effort and knowing what they can do gives me a heads up for what we need to work on to improve,” Grissett said. “I also know what they can do which helps me know what key roles they can do to help the team get better.”

Coming into the season the team has their sights on a particular tough rival match-up. A match-up in which the opponent made it to the state finals last year. With the experience that has come back from last season, the girls know what they offer and know how to tackle the game.

“Hopewell will be the toughest matchup,” Grissett said. “Hard work in practice and working hard on both ends of the ball. Just trying to make sure we’re solid in what we do.

Being a first year varsity coach in this district, I really don’t know what other teams offer.”