February 2016

R N ROYALNEWS

Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 - www.trnwired.org -February 19, 2016

SUPERINTENDENT SHARES HER SUCCESS p. 6 p. 7 FITBIT FAD REACHES HEIGHTS

p. 13 ACADEMIC CHALLENGE BUZZES WAY TO REGIONALS p. 18 WRESTLERS SET EYES ON STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Volume XIV Issue 5 Free

Single Copy Only

Renee Williams presents the 2016-2017 Prince George County School budget at the Feb. 18 meeting at the School Board Office Building. At a Feb. 8th meeting the Board officially voted Williams in as Prince George County’s first African American Superintendent. Photo by Madison Foster.

Visit trnwired.org to see the latest photo galleries and watch live broadcast events.

2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 2.19.16

OP/ED

The Nomination Game owa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and

I

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.

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 & Brooke Guerrero, 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-in-Chief: Alesondra Adams-Special Edition Editor-In-Chief Madison Strang and Ebony Gilchrist

Writers Aaliyah Capers- Katherine Iwanski- Madison FosterWayne Coleman- Morgan Eminhizer- Willow HartCarlee Lively- Jacob Wood - Mavaney Keel Julian Wichard

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

Illustration by Nicholas Branch

Zika Virus Causes Scare in South, Central, North America, Locally At William and Mary

O

ver the last month, there has been a number of cases of the Zika Virus being confirmed in various countries, mainly in the Central Americas.

The Zika Virus is a disease that is spread through mosquito bites and the most common symptoms consist of fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.

The virus lasts around a week and usually comes in mild cases. At the moment there is no cure to this virus, although there are many scientists working on it, including scientists in New Jersey, England, Alabama, and many others.

The biggest issue with the Zika Virus comes when women who are pregnant get infected. When this happens, the baby that they are carrying gets infected and then they almost always suffer from severe birth defects.

The Zika Virus has scary ties with Virginia, with at least two confirmed cases of the disease. The first one was an adult woman who had recently traveled to the Central and South Americas. However the CDC stated that since it was not Mosquito season during the time, she posed no

legitimate threat to anyone.

The second case was a William and Mary student who contracted the disease during winter break, while visiting Central America. Again, however, there was no threat of the virus spreading because of it being in the winter still.

Another tie that the Zika Virus has to Virginia is that some Virginia college students and professors are looking into the disease and a possible cure. The first two universities to do this were the University of Virginia and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, normally known as Virginia Tech.

Although the Zika Virus poses no legitimate threat to Virginians at the moment, when it gets into Mosquito season during the spring and summer there could be some issues that start to arise. That is, if there is no cure to the disease and people continue to travel to infected areas.

The Centers for Control Disease or CDC, has released a statement telling pregnant women to try and stay away from the infected countries.

Although it is not a major problem at the moment, it is something to keep an eye out for in the next couple of months.

South Carolina. We have already seen the outcomes of the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary. As of now, it is still pretty much up for grabs between the two Democratic candidates and as far of the Republicans go, it may be more towards one candidate than people may have thought, with the large class of candidates.

Iowa was a very tight race in both parties. The Republicans came out in a little bit of a DANIEL PURYEAR surprise with Ted Cruz coming out on top over Donald Trump. Trump’s campaign office was weary of the Iowan race prior to the caucus and it appears their suspicions turned out to be pretty accurate. Marco Rubio came in third place, in a humble fashion. Rubio was hailed by various media groups for his humility in the outcome of the caucus where he considered himself a victor.

Trump took his first win on the road to the presidency by a good margin on the other candidates. Kasich and Bush showed out in the New Hampshire primary and gave their campaigns the hope needed to keep on going.

The Democratic party ballot was a little more telling. The Iowa Caucus was an extremely tight one for Clinton and Sanders but Clinton managed to come out on top. The race in Iowa was so close on the democratic side that it did not necessarily give the Clinton supporters any room to breathe. The New Hampshire primary showed more, with Sanders taking over Hilary Clinton by a much more telling margin.

According to polls by fivethirtyeight. com, by the 27th, Trump will most likely have the Republican nomination in hand.

Clinton may take the South Carolina polls, but the Nevadans are up in the air; an almost exact 50-50 chance of either candidate taking it.

If Clinton takes South Carolina and Sanders breaks the tie in Nevada, it will be two and two for the democrats. It will be up to the March primaries and caucuses to determine the nomination. Virginia’s own primary is Tuesday, March 1st, and could be along with other states to determine the nominations.

FRIDAY 2.19.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3

OP/ED

Black History Month Sparks Controversy In February, Black History Month is celebrated to honor African American history, culture, and accomplishments. Recent comments issued about Black History Month have sparked questions on whether or not Black History Month should be celebrated, due to the fact that we are all Americans and we should not have a month only celebrating one specific race. This leaves the question: Should there be a Black History Month?

F

ebruary, which is commonly know as Black History Month, is a time to show respect and reverence to African Americans who have paved the way for Americans today. Black History month is a time to look back on the struggles that African Americans once faced, and helps ensure that these struggles never happen again.

Black History is a time to reflect on how far the African American race has come due to the heroic efforts of people like Martin Luther King Jr., and other influential African Americans. In further details, Black History Month is not meant to intentionally single out the Black race, but it is a time to thank these Individuals who have put their lives on the line to help make the world a better place to live, prosper, and to grow up in.

Without these heros, Black Americans would still be facing the same issues that were prevalent during the 1960s and earlier. African Americans would still be encountering the separate water fountains, schooling systems, restrooms, and many other issues based on the color of your skin. Thanks to the people who have stood up for what they believed in and consistently pushed for change, we live in a country now where African Americans have the same opportunities as other races.

Now, Black Americans can freely go to public facilities like restaurants, restrooms, schooling systems, and more. Many of these people have died fighting for equal rights, hoping that one day everyone will be treated equally, regardless of skin color. This is the reason why there should be a Black History Month, to glorify and praise the people who were so brave to stand out and demand changes. Although some may argue that we shouldn’t single out just the black race, that doesn’t mean that we should fail to honor the ones who fought for what they believed in. African Americans should never lose this opportunity to look back on the history and heritage that drastically paved the way for us.

There needs to be a Black History Month because African Americans need to be celebrated for their achievements.

PRO CON

CHANCE THWEATT

AALIYAH CAPERS

“...Black History month is a time to look back on the struggles that African Americans once faced ...” “...There is a real lack of diversity spread by social media, television and having Black History Month...” “...This is the reason why there should be a Black History Month, to glorify and praise the people who were so brave to stand out and demand changes...”

I

f there is not a White History Month then there should not be a Black History Month. Black History Month was first created to bring acknowledgment to the historical importance that the African Americans have brought to this county. Black History month was originally named “Negro History week” and created by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Its purpose was to dedicate a month to learn, appreciate, and to acknowledge our black history. It is now 2016, nearly one hundred years later.

Black History should be taught throughout our entire school year, not just February. Only having one month to learn about Black History can be considered segregation to the race. Teachers all over the United States briefly teach Black History throughout the school year but rather focus on White history. We learn more about English settlements than we do the great things African Americans have come up with/changed to help this country.

There are just as many important African Americans as white people who helped build America; we are more than just our skin color. If you create something that changed history, you should be celebrated for it. You should not try to cram all of their importance in one month.

There is a real lack of diversity spread by social media, television and having Black History Month. Famous actress, Stacy Dash, believes that in order for us to be fully equal, we need to cut out BET, the BET Awards, and the Image Awards where you can only get nominated or win if you are African American. She says that we are all Americans, period ,no way to see around it.

We are all Americans. We should all learn about the diversity of the country and not just spend a month on learning black history.

They say we are all equal but we cannot be equal if we only dedicate one month to learn about the history that African Americans have given us. If you still feel like we need to have a Black History Month, then we should not stress on the “Black” part and focus more on the events and movements that helped this country succeed.

There should not be a Black History Month because we are all equals and should be treated as such.

Illustration by Nicholas Branch

4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 2.19.16

Starting Positions available in:

General Laborer With Advancement in:

Heavy Equipment Operation Pipefitting Welding

FRIDAY 2.19.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5

BRIEFLY Congratulations to the Wrestling Royals, who finishing 9th in the region.

Austin Noblin and Austin Minton finished 7th. Qualifying for the state tournament this weekend are Aaron Freidhof and Jared Fizer who finished 4th, and your 220Ib Regional Champion, Jaret “Big Money” Moneymaker.

Softball tryouts will begin on Monday, February 22 at 2:50 in the auxiliary gym for all 9th-12th grader girls interested. Students interested in trying out must have a current, completed VHSL physical and concussion form. Students with any questions need to see Coach Chandler.

On February 26th, during 6th block, the SADD and Cultural Awareness Clubs will be hosting their 4th Annual Black History Month Program. This year’s theme is “The PGHS Black History Month Award Show”; the significance of African -Americans in Cinema. Some teachers have already signed up for their 6th block class to attend, however individual students can pick up their InHouse field trip form, starting February 15th from B-14, and on the SADD clubs bulletin board located in the commons. If you are not attending with your 6th block class, and would like to attend, students must have their signed form.

You will use your signed form as your ticket for admittance. No forms will be given out on the 26th.

On March 23rd at PGHS, The Harlem Wizards will be playing against the PG Royals. This is going to be the game of the year, with some Tricks, Hoops, Alley oops! Our team roster includes our very own Principal, Mr. Mike Nelson, Math teachers, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Dabney and Mrs. Brown, along with Mrs. Edmundson, Dr. Witt, Coach Butler and more. Tickets are now on sale online at www.harlemwizards.com and during all lunch blocks in the commons. Students tickets are $8.

6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 2.19.16

FEATURES

Superintendent Shares Her Success

Renee Williams Talks On Career Success, Being First Black Student to Graduate from PG, and Being First Black Superintendent for PG. Mavaney Keel TRN writer

R

enee Williams was elected as the new superintendent for the school year of 20162017 becoming the first African American superintendent for Prince George.

“I decided to become a teacher in the 5th grade because of my teacher, Julia Scott,” Williams said in an e-mail interview.

But, throughout William’s life her mother was the one encouraging and supporting her motivating her to soon become the first African American superintendent for Prince George.

Williams built a strong foundation for a career by earning her bachelors at VSU in elementary education and then her masters in administration and supervision. She began her occupation as a 4th grade teacher in Petersburg public schools.

She then became an assistant principal on both elementary and high school levels.

She has also had the positions of director of elementary education, director of secondary education, assistant superintendent of instructional service and now the school district’s superintendent.

“Success for me is ending each day knowing that I have given my best, done all I could to make a difference in the lives of students and looking forward to doing it again the next day,” Williams said.

As superintendent, Renee Williams has a strong driving force to do what is best for the school and the students. “What has pushed me is my heartfelt desire to do what’s best for students,” Williams said.

Williams has ambition and determination to make the lives of students better than they are today and the best they can be. “I love the fact that every day, I work [with] an awesome group of educators who are dedicated and determined to meet the diverse needs of our students so that they can become successful, caring adults” Williams said.

Earnest in improving the students education, Williams already has goals established ready to be accomplished.

She hopes to have all schools to be fully accredited, to increase the options for students that prepare them for work and post-secondary education, and improve the amount of student use of technology for learning.

“I hope that when young people see me, they see the possibilities they can have in their lives,” Williams said.

February is Black History Month, a month dedicated to African Americans that have changed society for the better and made an impact on history. Out of the 40 years Prince George School District has existed Renee Williams is the first African American superintendent.

“I hope in the near future that we see Martin Luther King’s dream that people will not be judged by the color of their skin but, by the content in their hearts. The Bible teaches us to love one another,” Williams

said. “I hope when people see me that they will know that the dream is becoming a reality.”

“I attended all black schools through the 10th grade. I was one of the first black students to graduate from Prince George High School. That experience taught me how important it is to accept diversity,” Williams said. “Embracing and respecting all people makes our schools, communities, state, nation, and the human race stronger.

We have so much we can learn from each other.”

Making sacrifices throughout college and life in general, Williams has attained a stature that sets an example and inspires students.

“There is a book by S.I. Parker titled 212 The Extra Degree,” Williams says “He states..

‘At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam.

Superintendent Renee Williams presents the 2016-2017 Prince George County School budget at the Feb. 18 meeting at the School Board Office Building. At a Feb. 8th meeting, the Board officially voted Williams in as Prince George County’s first African American Superintendent.

Photo by Madison Foster.

And with steam, you can power a train’. To achieve your dream you must be willing to give the extra degree. You must be willing to do the little things, the extra things and go beyond what is expected. You have to generate steam.”

FEATURES FitBit Fad Reaches Heights Students and Teachers Catch Growing Fad of FitBit Fever.

Madison Foster TRN Writer

FitBit

TIPS&TRICKS Many people may experience troubles with their FitBit, so here’s a few tips to help solve and prevent complications.

Tip 1

L

iving a healthy lifestyle can be hard with having a busy work or school schedule and/or not having motivation to get moving. The well known company, FitBit, has designed a variety of products to help inspire people in their health and fitness goals.

Founders Eric Friedman and James Park of FitBit figured out that, with the use of wireless technology and sensors, the world of tracking health and fitness would be easier in a series wearable products. Depending on your level of fitness, you can pick from everyday wear, active wear, or performance wear wristbands. FitBit product of “FitBit Flex” has been the “most” popular of the everyday assortment and is what Spanish teacher Paola Jones and physical education teacher Margaret Roberts have. FitBit products give users motivation to get up to move and meet fitness goals.

The FitBit tracks my steps and sleep and I enter my weight and keep track of what I eat as well,” Jones said.

Jones is part of the ‘Thin it to Win it’ program that Roberts created for the faculty to get healthier. Jones’ FitBit was won for her weight loss program. Prices for the different products range from $59.95 to $249.95 depending on your style and what you need to use to FitBit for. “(My favorite part is) that it tracks my sleep and I also love that I can enter challenges with my FitBit friends. It motivates [us] to do better,” Jones said.”

FitBit’s wearable gadgets are able to track how long you sleep, how many steps you take, fitness goals, heart rate, how many calories you have burned, the time and much more. The big thing I keep track of are my steps throughout the day. I also think it’s awesome and slightly creepy that it keeps track of sleep patterns,” said Roberts.

Not only do teachers enjoy FitBit

FRIDAY 2.19.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7

Make sure your Fitbit knows which wrist it’s sitting on. Select either dominant or non-dominant from within the app. This will help with the device’s accuracy.

Tip 2 Forget the wristband, again?

merchandise, but so do our students.

Sophomore Hannah Dankenbring wears her’s all the time except when she has to charge it.

“I saw a bunch of commercials for them on TV, and I like to run and keep track of my steps,” Dankenbring said.

Being able to set goals and make your lifestyle healthier is the biggest part in owning a FitBit it seems.

“There’s nothing like the feeling you get when your FitBit vibrates and says you’ve made your goal,” Dankenbring said.

FitBit has been continuously making new products to wear like the FitBit Alta and Blaze. They have also created a Wi-Fi smart scale. FitBit offers accessories for bands like the Flex so that you can change your band to match your outfit.

Physical Education teacher Maggie Roberts utilizes her FitBit. Roberts uses the FitBit device to track her heart rate and fitness goals.

Photo By Matt Reed.

As technology advances what will be next for the FitBit company? What ever they create next, their main goal is to encourage everyone to have fun and smile while being physically fit.

“It makes you think about what you are truly doing throughout the day, especially if you track what you eat. It can be an eye opening experience,” said Roberts.

Set up MobileTrack and Multi-Tracker Support in the Fitbit app. MobileTrack uses your phone to track steps instead of the Fitbit, and the Multi-Tracker feature will switch the two over when the wristband is worn.

Tricks To prevent battery rundown,make sure that All-Day Sync is switched off.

All Information provided by www.wearable.com

8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 2.19.16

Sebera’s Custard Kitchen Go Royals!

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

Prince George Fire & EMS

Give From The Heart; Volunteer and Be a Part of Our Winning Team! fireems@princegeorgeva.org (804) 722-8614

FRIDAY 2.19.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9

FEATURES

Stories Behind The Ink Students, Teacher Share Meanings Behind Their Tattoos.

Facts

UNDER THE NEEDLE

Fact 1 The first tattoo machine was patented in 1891 by Samuel F. O’Reilley.

Fact 2 A survey done in 2012 found that around 60% of human resource managers believe an applicant’s chances of getting a job are worsened if they are tattooed.

Willow Hart TRN Writer

S

itting in the artist’s chair, inches away from the needle, a student makes their decision on what will go on their bodies for the rest of their life. But to some, it means much more to them than just the outer picture. A study by teenink.com shows that about 10% of teenagers have at least one tattoo. Emmy Young, owner and tattoo artist at Tantrum Tattoos in Old Towne Petersburg, has been professionally tattooing for nineteen years. “[Tattoos] are all special to me. Some people get them for nostalgic reasons,” Young said. “I am a sentimental artist, not all are. Everyone has their own story and that’s why I love tattooing.”

Tattoos give the individual and the artist the freedom to express themselves and show their story, without having to speak.

“I do think it is nostalgic, whether it

is a group of friends about to leave for the military or someone celebrating a family member,” Young said.

Some students choose to commemorate the loss of a family member by getting a tattoo that symbolizes a part of them.

“I have a tattoo on my thigh for my dad,” senior Briana Burrow said. “It has a quote and then has his exact signature below it and the day he died. It is special to me because the tattoo artist was able to take his signature on a piece of paper and transfer it to a real tattoo, so it is something I have permanent to remind me of him.”

Burrow also has three other tattoos that she has gotten throughout the course of a year. Similarly, senior Savannah Martin has gotten a tattoo to remind her of a late family member. “[My tattoo] is on my upper back on my spine with a cross and date on it with a flower at the bottom,” Martin said. “I got it because I thought it was pretty and it is for my dad. My dad passed away so I knew I wanted to get a tattoo for him.”

Many people decide to further their tattoo collection to capture multiple aspects of their life. Beasley received her first tattoo at

Tattoo artist Emmy Young tattoos a family crest onto a customers arm. Young works at Tantrum tattoo shop in Old Towne, Petersburg.

Photo by Daniel Puryear. the age of 18, and has gotten five more since then. Most of her tattoos have been done by Tantrum Tattoos.

“I am an artist as well, so to have art on your body is meaningful to me,” Beasley said. “I put things on my body that I’ll have forever that will remind me of things that I want to remember forever.”

Over 2000 years ago, tattoos symbolized a position of rank or social stature, and over time the meaning has evolved into something much more personal and unique. Richmond has the second highest amount of tattoo shops in the country, following New Orleans.

“Keep it where you can hide it,” Young said. “You’re still young and you all are in a hurry. Get to know your artist and give them time to design your tattoo.”

Fact 3 Black tattoo ink is usually made from burned animal bones and the resin of certain beetles.

Fact 4 With there being more and more vegans, there are some vegan tattoo shops starting up.

All facts are from msn.com

12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 2.19.16

Yankee Coffee Shop

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FRIDAY 2.19.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS| 13

A&E

Academic Challenge Buzzes Way to Regionals

Members of the Club Travel to Bethel County, North Hampton to Compete in Regionals on February 13th, After Defeating Thomas Dale in the District Competition on January 22nd.

Wayne Coleman TRN Writer

N

ot much of the school body is familiar with the academic team of the high school; when it comes to nonathletic activities in school, they have tendencies to shy away from it.

However, when the team does something excellent, like moving on to the regional round of the academic challenge, it turns heads.

Seniors Austin Britt, April Buckles, Alesondra Adams, and junior Aiden England have worked tirelessly to take their team this far.

Academic coach Michael Knight highly regards his students, and feels the team should receive more recognition.

“Unfortunately, other people don’t really know about this team,” Knight said via e-mail. “The students are some of the best people Prince George have to offer and should be celebrated.”

The team is excited to make it to the next stage for the first time in three years.

“We’re excited about going, but we aren’t stressing about it,” England said. “I hope we can make it [to the next round], Thomas Dale gave us a run for our money, but we have high hopes of going farther.

To those who are not very familiar with the competition, the rules are fairly simple: high schools from different areas meet, and the match is set up tournament style.

“Two teams will face off in a grueling match of knowledge,” Knight said. “Three rounds: first round are toss-up questions that use Jeopardy style questions.”

In the second round, teams discuss answers and allow the captain to say their final answer.

Finally, in the third round, they close with more toss-up questions. Correct an-

swers equal ten points; the team with the most points, wins.

The topics of each questions varies; from pop culture, to mythology, geology, world history, the range of subjects is virtually endless.

For such an event that requires heavy memorizing and fast thought processes, the students have different methods to calm their nerves and keep them in the zone for competition.

“Mentally, I’ll probably just listen to some music, relax, and try to clear my head of any uncertainties,” Britt said.

It also helps to have no extra anxieties outside of the competition.

“I don’t really stress, as long as I’m not stressing about outside things.” England said. “I’m not worried about not knowing [the answer], because someone will get it.”

The Challenge has advantages for not

only the students, but the coaches and sponsors as well.

“I enjoy working with some of the brightest students of PGHS,” Knight said.

“It gives me hope for the future. Plus, they make me laugh with their creativity and wit.”

It also gives the non-athletes at school a chance to shine somewhere they have an advantage.

“A boost of self-confidence,” England said. “Just facts that you thought was of no use, can actually come into play under the circumstance.”

It should also come as no surprise that in a knowledge tournament that the competitors learn a few things that they were not aware of.

“As a student, I feel it introduces me to a plethora of unique information that otherwise wouldn’t be taught in a

Senior April Buckles (top left), junior Aiden England (top right), and senior Alesondra Adams (bottom left) prepare to buzz in and answer a question during a practice.

Photo by Matt Reed. classroom,” Britt said via text.

It also gives these students the chance to experience the competitiveness that young athletes get on their respected field, and aid in bettering mental health. “[Additionally] it helps with my memory and teaches a competitive nature many non-athletes don’t experience,” Britt said.

If anyone is interested in applying to be apart of this unique group of individuals, they may learn more about the application process through Ms. Hale in room A-20.

14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 2.19.16

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FRIDAY 2.19.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15

A&E

Black History Month Program Features Oscars Theme Program Participants Rehearse, Prepare for Upcoming Play on February 25th and 26th

Jacob Wood TRN Writer

T

his month, the SADD club, in conjunction with the Cultural Awareness Club and volunteers, will be putting on a Black History Month production.

The performance will take place twice: first at Richard Bland College on the 25th and then at PGHS on the 26th.

“The program this year is based on a Hollywood award show, similar to the Oscars. I formulated this idea back in September and began approaching students that I felt would fit certain actors and actress portrayals back in December,” program sponsor Takisha Ogunyemi said in an e-mail interview.

The Black History Play has been around for years. Ogunyemi first cosponsored the program in 2013, along

with former Prince George High School Cinnamon Brown. Ogunyemi began hosting the program alone in 2014, when she became the sponsor of both the SADD club and the Cultural Awareness Club.

After hosting the production this year, she will have hosted a total of four programs.

This year, the program will showcase a variety of student actors. Also, some teachers will be participating in this year’s program.

Junior Liliauna Hopkins is one character who is playing the role of Pam Grier.

Grier played Foxy Brown in Foxy Brown.

She will also be a dancer and a singer.

“Ms. O told me that I kind of resembled her physically and that my personality matched hers as well.” Hopkins said.

Some teachers have also volunteered as actors for the Black History Month Program.

“Prior to leaving Brunssum, Netherlands I took a trip to England. While I was on the Ferry going to England, this ship crewman came up to me calling me Eddie

Murphy. I looked around for Eddie Murphy and they were talking about me. After a while I had numerous people around me wanting my signature,” Sergeant Ricky Johnson said.

However, this was not the first time he has been confused with Eddie Murphy.

“I was at Powhatan High School; I was told by numerous family members and cadets that I look like…and laugh like Eddie Murphy,” Johnson said. “One of the parents gave me a plaque with my picture in place of Eddie Murphy face. I found this very funny!”

Of course, Ogunyemi helped to plan the whole program.

“I wanted to highlight the AfricanAmerican actors and actresses that paved the way for the current ones.” Ogunyemi said. “Also, we wanted to highlight the ones that are popular now.”

This year the program is focused on various African-American artists in show business. Lead roles include Dorothy Dandridge, portrayed by Jacqueline McKay;

Juniors Nakail Gee, Sierra Walls, Kiara Hodge, and Lilli Hopkins practice their vocal performances for the Black History Month program. This year’s Black History Month program will be performed twice; once at PGHS on the 25th, and the other performance at Richard Bland College on the 26th.

Photo by April Buckles.

Harry Belafonte, played by Benjamin Barnwell; and Eddie Murphy, portrayed

by Johnson.

As well as students and teachers portrayals, there will be two guest speakers.

The first is Tamara Eastman, a filmmaker.

The second is Tony Rotherham, an English Historian, actor, fight choreographer, and live history re-enactor. The two will be Skyping us from England.

“I want to truly emphasize the significance of African-Americans in Cinema,” Ogunyemi said.

16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 2.19.16

Prince George JROTC The Drill Team participated in the 4th Brigade Best of the Best, State Championship Drill Meet on February 13, 2016 for the first time.

The team was ranked 5th overall out of eleven schools. Schools from various different states competed in this competion, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland. The Drill Team is directed

by Army Instructor Sergeant First Class Johnson, Drill Team Commander; Cadet First Lieutenant Deijha Villagomez, and Drill Team Executive Officer Cadet Command Sergeant Major Ryan Snover. The following cadets competed in this competion: Christopher Bethea, Anissa Borro, Madia Coleman, Adrian Colon, Ayla Goodwyn, Alexis Gustafson, Nathaniel Hall, Lauryn Harper, Kayla Jiggetts, Maryia Kienzler, Ariel Martinez, Austin McDonald, Derrick Pruett, Antwan Roots, Ryan Snover, Hannah Talbert, Alonte Thomas, Jann Tomas, Deijha Villagomez, Lysette Vorapanich, Jala Windley, Laurel Wallace, Tony Williams, and Edward Williams.

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A&E Gamer's Corner & Critic Review

FRIDAY 2.19.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17

Lego Assembles the Avengers for a Special Mission

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he Avengers have assembled in a new world made of Lego blocks in the 2016 Lego Title. January 26, 2016 Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment released Lego Marvels Avengers for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS. Traveller’s Tales games and their subsidiary TT Fusion developed the action-adventure game rated for Everyone ten and up.

The game includes levels from Marvel movies such as Captain America: The First Avenger, Iron Man 3, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, The Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. With these different movie plots combined and out of order in the game it could make the story line seem messed up and confuse the players who haven’t seen these movies which can make the story hard to get behind and

Matt Reed

often disinterest the player. Lego Avengers also attempts to make the game resemble the movie which can cause lines to not quite fit the current level. The game also has a well build universe in it where players can explore worlds like Asgard and Manhattan to unlock different playable characters either solo or during co-op game play. Playing with friends can be fun during certain missions but during some of the missions one player is just there to help destroy stuff and get through the missions faster while the other player uses their character to get through key parts of the mission.

Lego games are great for children who are new to video games or are too young for the graphic language and violence associated with more mature or higher rated games. Lego Marvels Avengers has been reviewed by Gamepot.com where it received a seven out of ten rating, steam has given it nine out of ten, IGN.com has given it a 6.7 out of ten.

Photo courtesy of newsrama.com

New Show, Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry, Sparks Interest

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hen it comes to death and losing our love ones, we as people tend to feel a emptiness of clarity about relationships between themselves and their love ones, and tend to have unanswered question for years that they hold onto, until they get the answers they have been looking for. That is where Tyler Henry comes in, to provide people with closure, comfort, and the answers they have been waiting on for many years. Tyler Henry known as the “Hollywood Medium” is a teen clairvoyant medium, which means he uses his strong intuition that provides series of visions to connect with the patient he is reading. On January 24, E! Network premiered Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry, where Henry does readings on various celebrities every episode.

Henry realized his unique gift at the age of 10, when his grandmother who was terminally ill suddenly passed away. On the night of her passing, before it was even announced, he had a vision that his grandmother had just passed and 2 minutes later they received the phone

Alexis Stewart

call that she had just passed away.

Since the discovery of his gift, he began using it to provide people with closure from their loved ones passing. He also provides people with a hope for their future by viewing potential possibilities that may upon near future.

On the show, he visits and “reads” many Photo courtesy of mediumtylerhenry.com celebrities that he may or may not who have been featured on the show have been shocked know of. Prior to his readings, he does not want to know

by Henry’s revelations. This show provides answers for who he going to be reading, to give a clear statement celebrities who may still want to connect with their famabout what he receives through his visions. Since the ily members or loved ones who have passed away and show has premiered , it has featured many celebrities, in- those who want to know what the future has in store for cluding television personality Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and them. former NBA basketball star John Salley. The celebrities

18 | THE ROYAL NEWS| FRIDAY 2.19.16

WINTER SPORTS Wrestlers Set Eyes On State Championship Moneymaker, Fizer, and Freidhof Look Forward to State Tournament on February 19th and 20th.

220 pound weight class Regional champion, Jaret Moneymaker, battles an L.C. Bird wrestler during the regular season.

Photo by Royals Media.

Kattie Iwanski TRN Writer

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he Prince George Wrestling team has their eyes set on the State Championships this season.

Eleven out of thirteen wrestlers qualified for Regionals in the top five.

Aaron Freidhof and Austin Minton came away with Conference 12 Champions while Jared Fizer and Jakob Kennedy came in at second place.

Third place was awarded to Caleb Roessel, Austin Noblin, Jared Davis, Justin Brown, Wallace Canada, Johmai McClain, and Jaret Moneymaker.

Finishing up 5th place was Forrest Skalsky and Jonathan Rowell. Coach of the year was awarded to Dave Emory himself.

Regionals took place February 12th and 13th, where Moneymaker won the 220 pound weight class, while Freidhof and Fizer also advanced to the state tournament that takes place on February 19th and 20th.

“We have a good outside chance. We have two to three kids that have a good chance within their bracket, it is going to be tough but we do

have a chance of getting a few kids to advance,” Emory said.

“I think my chances are very high this year because I am seated pretty nicely in Regionals.

I am third seat at Regionals therefore I have a better chance of getting into states,” Aaron Freidhof said.

In preparation for Regionals and the chance at going to State, the team has been aggressively working on their wrestling techniques, knowing where their strengths and weaknesses lie and where their focus for improvement should be.

“In Regionals and States, all the competition is very similar as far as the competitive level.

Often times, it’s just simple things that you have to work on and try to just concentrate on those simple things. It is just repetition over and over again,.” Emory said.

“I need to work on my take-down-stake downs and when I am on bottom, but top is my game. During Regionals and States my strategy is to just take it easy and not to go too fast, which could possibly end up in me losing points,” Freidhof said.

Freidhof has been wrestling for the past four years, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

“My dad was a really good wrestler and my grandfather was a wrestler, and I just wanted to

keep the family tradition alive” Freidhof said.

The potential of qualifying for States is a goal and a dream of the wrestling team. It would also be an honor to be apart of bringing home a State Championship to Prince George High School.

“I would be ecstatic if I made it all the way to States and it would be really an awesome experience,” Freidhof said.

“If the opportunity presented itself, I would love to wrestle while in college,” Freidhof said.

“I was really proud about my results at Conference because the last match was an extremely difficult and emotional match for me.

It really feels awesome that I achieved what I have been striving to achieve for the past four years” Freidhof said.

This will be Coach Dave Emory’s last season of coaching for the wrestling team. He has been coaching for the last 20 years and during his tenure as coach he has taken more than ten wrestlers to the State Championships. He hopes to finish out the 2015-2016 season bringing home a win from States.

“I feel that we have a really good team this year with a great chance of advancing to the State Championships and a strong possibility of placing,” Emory said.

Larry Brooks, PG Native, Talks About Experience in the NFL

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ormer NFL player Larry Brooks is known by the older generations as the Rams defensive tackle that dominated the 70s, but there is much more behind this ex-player than is revealed.

Brooks, who graduated from our high school in 1968, went on to play football at Virginia State University. It was there that Paul Dennis he established a name for himself and went on to become an All-Conference Defensive Tackle. He was named to the Associated Press Little All-American team in 1971 and was named Virginia Small College Lineman of the Year.

The 6’4” 305 pound defensive lineman managed to catch the eye of the Los Angeles Rams, a team that was on the brink of a playoff run and looking for some final pieces.

“The transition was tough, back in my time and no doubt is still tough today,” Brooks said. “Coming from Virginia State and then going to the LA Rams across the country; definitely a big change. Not to mention that I was a 14th round pick, which is the correlation of being a free agent nowadays, with there being only seven rounds and all. It was just an unbelievable experience, making that transition.”

Brooks managed to snag a job in the starting lineup a little more than halfway through his rookie season.

The Rams Defensive Line at this time was dominant, with players like Hall Of Famer Jack Youngblood at defensive end, Hall Of Famer Merlin Olsen at defensive tackle, and Fred Dryer at the other defensive end spot.

His second season, Brooks stepped in and led the D-line in tackles with 76, along with nine sacks as an interior defender. That season Brooks was All-NFC as selected by Pro Football Weekly, and Second-team All-Pro by NEA.

WINTER SPORTS

1,000 Point Club Welcomes New Member

FRIDAY 2.19.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19

Senior Spotlight Haley Hilton

Girls Basketball

Savonte Chappell Moves Up To Third All-Time Scorer In PGHS History.

How long have you been playing basketball?

“I have played basketball since fourth grade, so about eight years.”

What do you love most about the sport?

“I like playing with the team and playing defense. I just love working together to win.“

Carlee Lively TRN Writer

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irst picking up a basketball when he was two years old, to playing organized recreational basketball at five years old, to making varsity as a freshmen; senior Savonté Chappell has now scored 1,000 points for the school team in his career at Prince George.

The forward veteran went from finding out about the award when he was a sophomore to achieving it just two years later. A couple of his teammates in the past years have achieved it and it that was his goal. “[This award] felt great, it really showed my skill and all the hard work over the past four years,” Chappell said.

Two years later, with the regular season in full swing, Chappell met that goal in a home game against Petersburg.

Chappell is coached by Travis Carr

in his third year as a coach here at Prince George. Chappell is the first player to reach 1,000 points under Carr’s coaching.

“Nowadays, this is very difficult, because you have to be a consistent scorer, and you probably have to be on the varsity team starting your freshman year to accumulate all those points,” Carr said over an e-mail interview.

As he continues to climb the ladder of all time scoring in the school’s history, he was named 3rd all time scorer in Prince George’s history.

“Savonté brings leadership by example to our program. I use him as a bar to set the standards,” Carr said.

His character even influences his brother.

“It means a lot to play with my brother, as he is graduating this year. We know each other’s strengths and weakness and we can use the positive of it and utilise it on the court,” sophomore Christian Chappell said.

C. Chappell plays forward and center. S. Chappell helps with plays and teaching his brother to run offense.

S. Chappell plays aggressively and very physical, using his stature to draw fouls to

Senior Savonte Chappell accepts the game ball for the January 8th Petersburg game. Chappell was awarded the ball for achieving his 1000th point of his high school career.

Photo by Breanna Rackley. add free throw points to the score.

“I rebound the ball, protect the paint, and hold down the inside,” S. Chappell said.

S. Chappell was awarded first team all-conference honors this season and is currently signed to Christopher Newport University to play for 4 years and hopefully plans to get more opportunities there. If he does not continue basketball pass college level, he plans to get a job in his major.

Chappell’s goal for the rest of the season is to help lead the team to the conference championship and the team is aiming to make it to the state tournament playoffs at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Savonté getting 1,000 points is a blessing and I am hoping to follow in his footsteps to be equal to his play or possibly better,” C. Chappell said.

Do you plan on playing basketball in college?

“Not my freshman year, but my sophomore year I plan on going out for the team. I am going to Kennesaw State University.”

How do you think your performance has been this season?

“I think I could have played better but as a senior I think I have stepped up as a leader since we had other leaders and players leave last year.”

How do you feel about it being your last year playing? ”It’s really sad; I am really going to miss playing high school basketball.”

What was your favorite moment of the season? ”My favorite moment had to be our first game. I went into that game knowing that it was the first game of my last season, and we won.”

boys and girls Varsity softball Varsity baseball girls varsity >> >> >> The Spring >> The indoor track state scrimmages scrimmages John soccer team tournament will Collegiate on Randolph Tucker on scrimmages LeeSports take place Friday, Thursday, March Saturday, February Davis on Tuesday,

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 26th at Boo Williams Complex. TBD

27th at 11:00 A.M.

3rd at 4:30 P.M.

March 8th at 7:30 P.M.

Girls Soccer Rebounds From Losing Key Players Julian Whichard TRN Writer

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Senior Sarah Tinker dribbles past a Hopewell defender, heading towards goal.

Tinker is a three year varsity player.

Photo by Daniel Puryear.

he start of the 2016 girls soccer season is one with a mixture of certainty and uncertainty. Many questions about the new roster and players have become apparent. How will the Royals be able to have a successful season despite the loss of two of their most important players?

With the loss of their best scorer, Jo Jo Taylor, the Royals expect for new and old players to step up and fill their positions.

Along with the offenses top scorer having graduated. They have also lost their starting goalie, Sarah Stech and a very important defensive player, Chaelin Magruder.

Third year varsity player Sarah Tinker discusses how she feels the team will cope with the loss of these players.

“After losing our only goal-keeper, and key players in both offense and defense, it is inevitable that this season will include a lot of rebuilding. Despite our loss, I am confident that we will win conference this year,” Tinker said.

Although these losses are detrimental, the Royals are coming into the season with high hopes and expectations. Nothing will still stop them on their journey to being conference champs. But the question being, how will they do it despite the loss of so many key players?

“Players have to step up, younger players will have to work harder to play at the level necessary to win conference.”

Tinker said. “Some of my favorite parts of high school soccer is having a bond amongst the team, despite some of the tougher outcomes.”

Tinker realizes how already having a strong bond with returning teammates is going to help players to adjust to new starting roles and relying on each other more. Senior Brooklyn Morning agrees the bond is important and knows they’ll

need it in order to reach their goals.

“Our expectations are to win conference, create a nice bond with each other, and leave behind my love for the team,” Morning said. I love a lot of things about soccer but I have to admit that my favorite part is the unity you need to have; the sport includes a lot of trust in your teammates.”

Younger players will be a key to this season if the Royals expect to make it to conference. Although working ten times harder than usual may be difficult, coaches and players expect them to be able to do it. Not only younger players will have to step up, returning players will have to work harder as well. They both will be expected to put the work in to play at a level capable of winning conference. Coach Warren has gone through this process many times over and acknowledges some of the toughest parts of it.

“Losing the leadership, understanding the expectations of the coaches, not having to repeat yourself seven times.”

Coach Warren said. “Just seeing the girls be successful at something that they have struggled with since the beginning of the season. We expect this team to be as successful, if not more successful than the teams of the past.”

Sometimes sports teams, when faced with the loss of players, are forced to change their formation or playbook due to the change in skill set, but this appears to not be the case for our soccer team.

“We wont be making any changes; we will still be playing the same formation as last year, 4-4-2,” Warren said. “I expect the younger classes to step up, and I hope this gives them time to step up and improve themselves for the coming season.”

These are all cons of losing experienced players. Coaches believe that they will succeed but losing these players still hurt them. The team will have to rebuild a bond to create unity on the field and off the field as well.