January 2016

R N ROYALNEWS

Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 - www.trnwired.org -January 22, 2016

DANCERS PERFORM WITH PRIVATE STUDIOS, SCHOOL TEAM p. 14

Volume XIV Issue 4 Free

Single Copy Only

Senior Alexis Heath dances at halftime of the Homecoming 2015 game with the Royalettes. Heath also dances with the local private studio Gotta Dance.

Photo by Kattie Iwanski.

p. 6 FAFSA NIGHT GUIDES SENIORS AND PARENTS

p. 13 GINGER CROW MAKES DIVISIONALS p. 18 DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOULS AFFECT BOTH BASKETBALL TEAMS

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

2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.22.16

OP/ED

Iowa Caucus, Start of Nomination Race

theRoyalNews

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ur mission as the school

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

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

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

Section Editors Front page/Briefs: April Buckles, Op/Ed: Alexis Stewart, Features: Ryan Albright & 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 Whichard

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

Chipotle E. Coli Outbreak Affects Profits, Stocks, Health of Employees, Customers

O

ver the past couple of years, Chipotle Mexican Grill has become somewhat popular, especially with there being as close as Colonial Heights.

However, recently, there has been quite a bit of controversy since December.

There have been cases of E. coli, short for Escherichia coli, outbreaks linked to Chipotle as early as October 19th, in Oregon and Washington locations. It started with thirtynine people coming down with E. coli, and fourteen being sent to the hospital because of it.

Since the first outbreak there have been at least seven other cases that followed, including three flare-ups in Oklahoma locations and two in Kansas locations.

Overall, there was a total of over five hundred people sick in twelve different states, but no one has died from it yet.

This is not the first sickness outbreak from Chipotle in the last year, earlier in 2015 during the summer, 234 customers and employees came down with the Norovirus.

Norovirus is basically the stomach flu, while this particular strain of E. coli is a severe case of food poisoning. The E. coli O26 strain causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and can last anywhere from two to eight

days.

You get E. coli from being exposed to, eating, or drinking contaminated water or food -- mainly under cooked ground beef and raw vegetables.

The E. coli outbreak means more to Chipotle and their customers than getting sick. It has also caused a drastic drop in stock prices: plummeting 42% over the last 3 months, from around $750 a share to just over $400 a share.

It did, however, just recently rise for the first time since the E. coli outbreaks, going up 6% this past week.

With the outbreak of a virus and a harmful bacteria in the same year, there has to be a question of customer and employee safety raised. The Center for Disease Control has been investigating the E. coli outbreak, but has yet to release a final statement about it; although the executives at Chipotle hope that they will soon say that the outbreak it over.

It was also just announced on January 15 that on February 8, Chipotle will be shutting down all day to hold a company-wide meeting to thank employees for their hard work during this time, and also to come up with a campaign to gain their customers trust back.

he Iowa Caucus has always been the first part of the nomination race as it is the first caucus or primary of the season.

It is on February 1st this year. The differences between the caucuses and the primaries is the individuality.

In the Iowa Caucus the citizens DANIEL PURYEAR will meet in fire houses, schools, churches, and other community centers to decide their nomination vote. In the primaries the vote is in the hands of the machines like that in the presidential vote.

The primaries and caucuses are in the Iowa Caucus has always been the first notation of who will win the party’s’ nomination and this election it is all up in the air.

The Democrats are neck and neck with Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders; both having nearly the same numbers in the polls. In the polls, the Republicans have been clearly in favor of Ted Cruz rather than the person in most people’s minds, Donald Trump.

The Trump campaign has assured themselves that the poll numbers are not indicative of the turnout for the caucus. Trump believes that the turnout will be larger than the previous caucuses and those newcomers are with Trump. One of the only reasons that there may be a small turnout is that it is Iowa in the dead of winter, therefore there are temperatures in the negatives likely for the event.

Some of the major upset associated with the Caucus is that the likely candidates back in the late fall including Trump and Hillary do not have the same backing as they did, thus causing this to be an indication of just how many supporters they have behind them still. Although the Caucus is the first of many to determine the party candidates it is not the end all be all in the nomination race.

FRIDAY 1.22.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3

OP/ED

New Year Comes With New Year’s Resolutions On January 1st many people come up with a resolution to try and improve their lifestyles. Most people do not follow through with these resolutions. This leaves the question: Are new year’s resolutions worth making?

A

s the new year begins, the topic of New Year’s resolutions is very apparent. With the new year just starting, individuals are determined to better themselves by making changes to their everyday lifestyle. For example, some are attempting to start going to the gym to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. In addition, some may wish to cut back or eliminate sweets from their diet, attempting to pursue a healthier lifestyle as well.

Although these are very common resolutions, it is still good to try and attempt to be persistent to achieve fitness goals. Furthermore, some may wish to be more organized by using binders, folders, and any other helpful items to live a frustration free or stress free life. By being well-organized, an individual could not only improve his/her life, but others around as well. In addition, some may also aspire to break bad habits like biting fingernails as their resolution in hopes of breaking the habit. Other resolutions consist of time management, working to be more productive, less procrastination, and many others.

Although some may say that New Year’s resolutions are a waste of time and energy, people should still continue to make them. They should be determined and stick to what they want to achieve, despite what others say. By using calendars, journals, or any other materials, individuals should mark their progress everyday. This will help to keep motivated and determined to reach your goal. Hopefully, by working at this resolution for a good amount of time, you should be able to see amazing results. Once the resolution is pursued, individuals will be proud of their hard work and progress. On the other hand, once the resolution is reached it is important to keep the motivation going to prevent the person from going back to their old ways. Individuals must remember the hard work and dedication that it took to pursue the resolution, in order to remain on track. With hard work, determination, and persistence pursuing a resolution should be an easy task.

PRO CON

CHANCE THWEATT

ALESONDRA ADAMS

“... By being well organized, an individual could not only improve his/her life ...” “... Often times goals

that people make are unrealistic ...” “... With hard work, determination, and persistence pursuing a resolution should be an easy task ...”

P

racticing New Year’s resolutions has dated back to ancient Babylon, where Babylonians made promises to their gods for the new year. According to, the new moon of the vernal equinox marked the new year where they celebrated with a festival called Akitu, which required a different practice on each of its eleven days. The Babylonians were not aware of how far their practice would carry or for how long.

New Year’s resolutions can go in two ways: On one hand, someone is able to reflect and improve things that they feel they should accomplish for the new year, on the other hand, someone can forget about the required steps that they must take in order to reach their goals. But with so many people making yearly (and optimistic) goals, why is it that so many people fail to achieve their goals? Often times goals that people make are unrealistic. Resolutions such as going to the gym (when you previously never made any attempts to go), spending more time with family and friends (when you never visited them before), and getting organized (when you were never organized before) are just a few examples of resolutions gone bad.

“New year, new me,” is a common phrase said by people who believe that they will be a different person with the change of a minute, 11:59 PM December 31st to 12:00 AM. January 1st. The reality of it is, that person cannot change into a better person, they will be the same exact person that they were just a few short seconds ago.

According to Time Magazine, only eight percent of the population across the nation sticks to their goals. Many goals that are made have no plans prior to the new year, which ultimately kills the plan. If you believe that you can change only on the New Year, you may believe that if you do not start on the new year, your plans are ruined, resulting in a reset of your resolutions.

Am I going to complete my goal this year?

Illustration by Nicholas Branch

4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.22.16

Starting Positions available in:

General Laborer With Advancement in:

Heavy Equipment Operation Pipefitting Welding

FRIDAY 1.22.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5

BRIEFLY

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The weather meteorologists are predicting four to 12 inches of snow beginning Friday morning and continuing through the weekend of Jan. 22nd - 24th. The storm has been called “Jonas” and could pose problems for school systems and events. The varsity basketball game that was scheduled for Fri. was moved up to Thurs. night.

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The Wrestling Royals defeated two time state champions Matoaca H.S. on Sat., Jan. 16th and won the Conference 12 regular season championship. This victory brings them to 21 wins (new school record) and counting.

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A representative from Richard Bland College will be in guidance on February 17 making on the spot admission decisions. The application fee and SAT requirements will be waived. You just need a letter of recommendation and to have completed the online application and essay prior to their visit. Transcripts will be provided. You must sign up in the guidance office before February 15th.

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This week, government teacher Ms. Louise Thornton made the CBS Channel 6 news. Her story honoring her 50 years of teaching and being nominated for the “Life Changer of the Year Award” was told by reporter Wayne Covil. To watch the show visit our webpage and look for the link.

6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.22.16

FEATURES FAFSA Night Guides Seniors and Parents

FAFSA reaches out to students to offer financial aid.

FAFSA TIMELINE

Jan. 1st The start of the option for students to apply for student loans.

Jan. 12th Willow Hart TRN writer

B

eginning the New Year brings about self evaluation, resolutions, and the idea of starting a clean slate. For the Class of 2016, this also means that graduation is only five months

away.

To prepare for this transition, many students fill out the Federal Application for Student Aid, which was available on January 1st at fafsa.ed.gov. With college tuition increasing by eight percent every year, FAFSA provides a crucial role in financially preparing students for pursuing their academic career after high school.

“It will help me reduce my student loan debt by receiving some money from the government. College is a lot of money no matter what, but hopefully this aid will help make it more affordable,”said senior Gabby Mirro.

FAFSA is funded by the government and has 150 billion dollars to contribute annually to college students who qualify for this aid. The amount you will receive is dependent on the amount of money the par-

ents you are residing with brought home last year.

Due to the complexity the Federal Aid form often brings, Jeanne Holmes presented a PowerPoint at the FAFSA workshop on January 12th from 7pm-9pm. Upon finishing the presentation, she stayed after to answer any questions the parents or students had about the process.

“I got my FAFSA application done right around the start of the New Year because that is when you have the best chance to receive money,” said Mirro. “It was confusing at times but only took my mom and I around 30 minutes to complete it.”

After filling out the application, FAFSA uses a formula to estimate how much money the family is expected to contribute towards their student’s education.

Although the amount of aid you will receive fluctuates greatly between students, it is not uncommon for a student to receive more than half of their college tuition through FAFSA. “We do see that happen from time to time,” said guidance counselor Philip Jones.

“A lot of that depends on what your financial situation is at home. We do realize that just because a person’s parents make a lot of money, does not necessarily mean they have got this nest egg saved away for college.”

Jeanne Holmes was the head speaker at the FAFSA Night hosted in the PGHS auditorium. Photo by Daniel Puryear There are other alternatives to receiving money for college such as loans, grants, and scholarships. Grants, scholarships, and financial aid are all options that do not require the student to pay back the money.

Loans, however, require the student or parent to begin paying money back to the bank six months after the student graduates college, or begins to attend the college part time.

“The reality is, loans are a means to an end, it is not the most desirable option to pay for college, but as much as you can minimize them, the better off you are,” Jones said.

Senior year is a turning point for many students, and because of the opportunity Financial Aid brings, students and families may be relieved of some of the burdens that come with paying for college.

“Too often, people shy away from college because they do not have the finances and they do not want to take out loans,” Jones said. “There are always options available to pay for college and certainly come in and talk to your counselor about options may be out there for you.”

PGHS held their free night to inform parents and students on FAFSA

June 30th The federal deadline for the FAFSA

Sept.

17th The federal deadline for any corrections for the online application for the FAFSA

All deadlines are provided by fafsa.ed.gov

FRIDAY 1.22.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7

FEATURES

Students Apply Love of Teams To Year Long Record Of Statistics

NFL Board Avenue To Tracking Scores Throughout Season For Class Of Students Kattie Iwanski TRN Writer

A

t the beginning of the football season the students of the ID (Individuals with Disabilities) program started a NFL statistics board. The board consists of all 32 NFL teams and their statistics.

By utilizing the Football Stats Board it allows the students to gather together in a social atmosphere and discuss a topic that interests each of them. It allows for team building as well as debates in regards to teams favored by the students. The board also keeps them up to date on their favorite team.

The activity gives the students a social outlet in which to be involved in topics where they can relate to one another. It provides a means to improve social skills while also helping teach that each person has their own opinion on topics, and their opinions should be valued.

Each week paraprofessional Kippy Lundy, along with several of the ID students including senior Treyvon Brown update the board on the team’s wins and losses.

Before updating the board the students utilize internet websites such as the official National Football League website, www.nfl.com, to locate current team statistics. This allows the students to be up to date on all game wins and losses, even games which were not broadcasted throughout the week.

The Football Statics Board began last year at the beginning of football season with the help of three students and has now become a seasonal event which

will be continued for years to come.

“The class has a great interest in football especially the guys, some of the girls also show interest especially when the guys started talking about the games. So we thought it would be a good idea to keep track of the team’s records.

This lead to the concept of the statistics board and from there we began to pulling it all together,” Lundy said.

Paraprofessional Mr. Kippy Lundy hands the ball off to senior Treyvon Brown .

This team was responsible for maintaining the NFL Stat Board throughout the season. Photo by Kattie Iwanski.

The NFL board is the first time the students have ventured into working together on a class activity of this nature.

So far it seems to be going really well and everyone of the students is participating.

“While working on the board the kids have a lot of fun cheering for their favorite teams,” Lundy said.

This has become a fun way to keep the students interest in tact and build upon their communication skill sets.

While student Treyvon Brown said, “My favorite part of the board is adding the stats at the beginning of the week and rooting for my favorite team the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

Many of the students cheer for rival teams making the debates in regards to the team’s fun and exciting.

It makes for a great ice breaker at the beginning of the week and involves a foundation for exploring statistics in a fun environment by utilizing a subject that the students are interested in.

By Mr. Lundy being involved in the statistics board and the fun behind it definitely aids in building a positive rapport with the students.

With the success of the Football Statics Board within the ID classroom itself and football being one of America’s past times, it may be logical to consider utilizing this concept throughout the high school itself. Many students watch football, play football, and are involved in football games such as fantasy for example.

This project is a way to bring students together, open the lines of communication between students in a fun and educational way. This would also be a great way to have the teachers and students interact with one another in way that sets forth a positive atmosphere and builds positive teacher-student relationships.

“I think the kids really enjoy doing the board and changing the statistic every week,” Lundy said.

8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.22.16

Sebera’s Custard Kitchen Go Royals!

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

Prince George Fire & EMS

Looking for a New Year’s Resolution?

Make a Difference in 2016, Volunteer- Join Our Team! fireems@princegeorgeva.org (804) 722-8614

FRIDAY 1.22.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9

FEATURES

BY THE Students Stretch Wi-Fi Bandwidth RULEBOOK New Login Process Catches Both Teachers And Students Off Guard Brooke Guerrero Features Editor

O

n December 18th, 2015 the unordinary 70 degree weather was not the only abnormal occurrence that both and students and teachers faced just hours before a well deserved holiday break.

Before wireless network changes on December 18th, it was a normal routine for students and teachers to join the network for various reasons, though most educational; some unauthorized connections have reaped havoc within the counties bandwidth. But what really happened? And will the schools network ever return to its normality?

“We want all devices on our network being identified with the person behind them,” ITRT Nealon Chandler said.

In the past, students and teachers at Prince George High School have been able to access the school’s Wi-Fi network quite simply.

“We used to be able to just walk into school, hook up to the Wi-Fi, and use it all day. It’s crazy that a few people can mess it up for everyone,” Junior Tyler Barnack said.

With these changes in login processes comes many emotions from two different viewpoints, including: teachers, students, and our county’s technology leaders.

“We well surpassed the network’s bandwidth, what students do not know is that when we surpass the bandwidth, taxpayer money is used to cover,” Chandler said.

What most students do not understand is that when they are using the school’s network, they are also using public tax money.

“The two days before Christmas break showed a huge surge in Internet usage across the division. The increase was so severe, a couple of the elementary schools actually lost their connection to the Internet for extended periods of time,” Director of Technology John Brockwell said.

More than anything, students ask if the

Many people may have forgotten some important rules listed in the student handbook with regards to technology here is another look at a few rules.

Rule 1

No unauthorized downloading of software. (This includes updates for phones.)

Rule 2

No wastefully using resources allowed, such as file space.

Rule 3 Wi-Fi will ever return to its previous normality.

To answer the question of the student body, Chandler said,” No, we want users on our network identified, when using our network you are accepting the acceptable use policy, just like when you login on the computers here at school. Very rarely do you go to a place, use their Wi-Fi, and not accept some type of policy, for example a library.

We are just enforcing rules that are already in effect.”

With that said, students should not expect new rules or policies for network usage, just more enforcement of the previously set acceptance policy.

“Upon investigating the increase, we found there were lots of “unauthorized” users using disproportional amounts of bandwidth. Unauthorized users are devices that do not authenticate agaidomain, such as iPads and smartphones. Our current policy allows these unauthorized users to gain access to our Internet connection but to be filtered pretty tightly. I implemented a

ITRT Nealon Chandler checks the connections to the server in the library.

Chandler overesees the internet connection at the high school which receives its signal from the school board office.

Photo By Hydeia Nutt. rule in the filter that denied access to unauthorized users unless they signed in to the blocked page, thereby authenticating against our domain. What we found was that did not have much of an effect on total bandwidth consumption so I removed that rule,”Brockwell said.

Although our school “knocked down” our boundaries, works are in progress to improve, not just our school, but our counties bandwidth.

“After further examination of the data, it seems that much of that Internet usage was legitimate. I am now in talks with Comcast to increase bandwidth at several of our schools,”Brockwell said.

No using the computer system while access privileges are suspended or revoked.

Rule 4 No attaching any unauthorized devices to the network system.

12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.22.16

Contact Us:

FRIDAY 1.22.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13

A&E

Ginger Crow Makes Divisionals

BY THE NUMBERS

Band Student, Ginger Crow Explains Her Passion Of Music And Its Effect On Her Aaliyah Capers TRN Writer

T

o be a part of the Symphonic band, you have to have dedication and be fully committed.

Most applicants start practicing in the beginning on the school year. However, Crow started months before.

“I’ve been practicing since the summer,” Crow said. “I knew that I wanted to make symphonic band and that it was something I really wanted and I did it.”

To be a part of the Virginia all district band, you must audition for the head director of the band behind a curtain. The first piece you must perform is a song that you already know. The second part to this audition is that you need to do a close reading of the song sheet and perform without any practice beforehand.

After the first round of acceptance letters, Crow made 16th chair for clarinet.

After the second part of the acceptance letters, Crow made 11th chair.

The lower your chair number is not only are you closer to the audience but the lower your number is the higher of the pitch you play.

Last year, Crow was accepted in district band. Being in district band helped Crow improve her musicality and her music skills in general.

“Being in district band helps me a lot and helps me get better in clarinet,” Crow said.

Crow is also in the Jazz band, Concert band, Pep band, and Marching band. She plays the clarinet, bass drum, French horn and is learning the piano.

“I do plan on learning new instruments, but for right now, Clarinet is my baby, it’s my main instrument,” Crow said.

Mozart and Beethoven are pieces of music that Crow is planning on learning to grow her knowledge and understandings on how to perform the clarinet.

“Mozart especially, he has a piece of music called clarinet concerto and its one

GINGER CROW

Number of concerts

14

Number of awards

10

Number of years participating

of the hardest pieces in literature,” Crow said.

Crow has lots of dedication in all the fields of music. Not only has Crow been accepted to the symphonic band, she has also been accepted in the Women’s A Capella group.

Crow’s school year may be coming to an end, but she already plans on her future involving music and college.

“After I finish high school, I plan on going to music auditions next month in Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico and once I’ll see whichever one I want to pick because it’s for scholarships, then I think after that once I experience each schools, get to know the professors, I think I’ll make

Ginger Crow, a senior for the PGHS Band, plays the flute in the high school holiday concert. Crow made the divisional competition for playing the flute.

Photo by Kattie Iwanski my decision,” Crow said.

Crow plans on getting a major in music performance and music education.

“I just love music; I want to go into a career in music. I want to get a double major in music performance and music education,” Crow said. “Really, my total overall dream is to be in a Symphony and play around the world. That’s my dream.”

7

Number of instruments played

4

14 | THE ROYAL NEWS| FRIDAY 1.22.16

A&E

Dancers Perform With Private Studios, School Team

Spotlight on Senior Dancer Alyssa Garzini

Members Of PGHS Royalettes Not Only Dance For School But For Dance Companies Carlee Lively TRN Writer

S

pinning around and around to the count of eight is an usual practice for any dancer. The Royalettes Dance team practices year round for half-time shows and competitions.

Many dancers not only dance for our school team, but also

local studios.

This can mean many practices a week, for many members and countless dances to remember. Although both are dancing activities, the atmosphere between the two are very different. The Royalettes perform at games frequently, while studio dancers practice weekly for a recital weekend once a year.

Senior Alexis Heath likes performing at games, but at the studio she enjoys her fellow dancers and Instructor.

“My jazz dance, last year at recital [is my favorite dance performed] because it was really fun. We got to dance with the younger kids that are on the competition team and they are very good,” Heath said.

On average, studios practice weekly from September to May. When spring rolls around, it is time for their grand finale to show off months of work, the recital.

Studio dancers register for a certain amount of classes in summer and attend them, each class they learn skills for the first few months, but come January they learn the recital dance. Each class they learn more for the number and perfect it for their final dance in May. Dance team tryouts are at the end of each school year. The team has a four day dance camp in the summer to learn most of their dances. The team performs at pep rallies, pre games, and games. They also have the chance to compete in competitions with other public schools.

Senior Layne Singletary enjoys the social aspect of the school’s dance team. “Spending time together as a team before football and basketball games is one of my favorite things we do, because we stay after school, practice, eat dinner together, and get ready for the games together,” Singletary said. “We make the best

How long have you been dancing and what got you into it?

“I’ve been dancing for fourteen years, going on my fifteenth and I plan on doing the VCU dance team. I got into dance because my mom’s friend’s daughters were in it. It’s a way for me to express myself.”

What is your part on the team?

“All the Seniors are captains. I choose what uniforms we wear and what dances we do. It takes me a day. I just listen to the music and come up with one, whatever pops in my head.”

memories.”

Dance team is an outlet for most girls to show their love for dance and their school spirit with one activity. The dedication to practice year round gets tough but their love for dance shines through when they perform.

In addition, sophomore Rebecca Johnson admires the dance team for the constant dancing schedule. Johnson has been dancing for 12 years at Gotta Dance of Performing Arts.

She dances 3-4 times a week. With her hectic on-going schedule of dance, it still makes her feel better and relieves stress.

Johnson plans on going to college for dance, and dreams of opening her own study. “[My favorite thing is] just being around my dance families, it makes me the happiest,” Johnson said.

Dancing in a studio helps the girls build a background and skill for dancing. They learn terminology, technique and showmanship at the many local studios.

“Girls who dance for a studio bring knowl-

The Royalettes Dance Team wins first place for their kickline at the Clover Hill, Kelly Green Invitational showcase. This is the first time participating at this invitational.

Photo contributed by Savannah Watkins. edge on various forms of choreography which we incorporate into our routines. They also bring with them the ability to put on a great show…,” said Coach Lindsay Gray.

The team has just won a first place title for their kickline routine at Clover Hill High school for the Kelly Green Invitational. They plan to kick their way to many titles and trophies in the future for kickline and other categories at their competitions.

Clay has been constantly working on improving and bettering the dance team. “We are making huge improvements each day to become better, well recognized dance team that uplifts and represents the school and student body in a positive way,” Clay said.

What is your biggest achievement in dance?

“Probably winning the National Duo Title at a competition. It was the first time me and my friend had ever won with our duo, we’ve been doing duos for about three years. It’s exciting and definitely a new experience for me.”

What is your favorite part about dancing for the school and how do you feel about this being your last year ? “Dancing for the pep rallies and getting everybody excited. It’s definitely going to be sad because I’ve been doing this since my freshman year.

Can you explain what goes through your head at pep rallies?

“Hoping that I don’t fall!”

How much dancing do you do outside of school?

“I dance four days a week and teach two. I started off teaching the 2 to 5 year olds on Saturday mornings and then my teacher started needing help throughout the day. So I started helping with her.’

FRIDAY 1.22.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15

A&E

Music Apps for Music Lovers Apps Bring Sounds To People’s Ears With Distinct Advantages For Certain Users Morgan Eminhizer TRN Writer

T

here are many different music apps available for smartphones and savvy shoppers. Some, such as Spotify, gained fame by being embroiled in legal disputes. Others are simply a fact of life, such as iHeartRadio and Pandora.

In a survey sent out among English classes, 72 out of 100 students say they use a music app, and 46 say they use more than one kind of app. Forty-seven people said they use Pandora, 34 use SoundCloud, 22 use Spotify, eight use iHeartRadio, and 25 use apps that were not an option on the survey, such as Garageband or Google Play.

With all the apps available, it is only natural that students gravitate towards those that are free, such as Pandora and SoundCloud, the most popular in the survey with 47 and 34 users respectively.

“I [use] SoundCloud to listen to artists who aren’t signed [by a record label] or [not very popular],” senior Taeha Walker said. iHeartRadio is also free, though there was a large difference between the number of users on the survey who said they use the free sites, Spotify having 22 users, iHeartRadio having only eight.

“I prefer Spotify only because I can check out artists’ music before possibly buying it,” junior Austin Richardson said.

The free version of Spotify only works when connected to a wifi network, and there is no downloading of songs, only shuffling between with limited skips amidst ads. The paid version can be used without wifi, there are no ads, any song can be chosen, and there are unlimited skips.

“I prefer iHeartRadio because it runs faster,” junior Kayla Shafer said.

Apps that were not included on the survey by name, but were volunteered by the students who took the survey include Shazam, Garageband, My Media App, and Google Play.

“Shazam lets me find out what song I’m listening to so I can buy it on Google,” junior Noah George said. “I like using Google Play

because it lets me have music on both my phone, tablet, and computer.”

Garageband is used for making original music. There is a selection of instruments to choose from, and the user can either play it manually or choose from a selection of already prepared pieces. After completion, notes can be changed to separate ones to fit together to form a song. Junior Carlos Colon uses Garageband to upload rock music he creates.

Pandora and iHeartRadio work similarly to each other. “[You] type artists’ [names] and it’ll pull up a station based off name, [the] station will have similar artists, [and you] thumbs down to change song,” Shafer said. “I would recommend iHeartRadio.”

Pandora comes in free and paid much like Spotify. The free version contains ads and there are limited skips, while the paid version eliminates ads and has unlimited skips.

“With Pandora you tell the app what you like and it makes a radio station just for you,” George said.

Not only can the music apps be used to find artists students already know, they can be used to discover new artists. “[I listen to] Pretty Reckless [and] Halestorm,” Shafer said. “[They’re] rock [and] more underground.”

“Since I like mostly classic rock, I listen to a lot of Queen, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Tom Petty, and a lot more, but my favorite band is Electric Light Orchestra,” George said.

George found Electric Light Orchestra through music apps, and Colon found From The Womb the same way.

“I don’t know a lot of people who don’t use these apps but for anyone who doesn’t I’d recommend both,” George said. “Google Play (or iTunes if you have Apple) and Pandora.”

“I would definitely recommend Garageband,” Colon said. “It takes a little while to learn how to use it, but it’s definitely nice to express yourself in music that you make.”

Senior Robert McKinley plays music on his smartphone through the Pandora app.

Pandora is one of the many music apps students use to stream music straight through their phone.

Photo by Hydeia Nutt.

PTA Happenings: Donut Sale Fundraiser January 27th, 28th, & 29th Will be sold between exams.

3rd Annual Art Auction and Wine Tasting February 6, 2016 @ the Ward Center for Contemporary Arts 5th Annual PGHS PTA Car Show March 5, 2016 Reversal Raffle Dinner Fundraiser March 17, 2016 Like our Facebook Page Prince George High School PTA Any Questions Email: PGHSPTA@gmail.com

16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.22.16

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hether you’re looking to insure something as small as a hot dog stand or as large as a hospital, Ligon Jones Insurance Services can help. We offer a wide array of insurance services ranging from Automotive, all types of property including Homeowners, Retail, Rental, and Office space.

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A&E Gamer's Corner & Critic Review

FRIDAY 1.22.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17

S

tar Wars: Battlefront was released on November 17,2015.

Battlefront was published by Electronic Arts incorporated and developed by EA DICE or Digital Illusions Creative Entertainment which is a Swedish branch of EA studios. The game is a first person shooter where you can play as memorable characters, like Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and Luke Skywalker. Along with iconic characters you can also fly iconic air crafts such as the Millennium Falcon, X-wings, and other vessels in which you can take part in dog fights where you either represent the empire or the rebellion.

The player can visit classic planets from the original trilogy and engage in big battles on planets like Endor and Tatooine. Battlefront has nine game modes where the player can do different objective based missions. Some of these modes are, Walker Assault, Heroes vs. Villains, and supremacy. Walker Assault is the forty player game mode that has been

Matt Reed

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ow that the Pretty Little Liars of Rosewood have finally found out whom the infamous A is, what does the future holds for these liars and who is watching them now?

On last summer’s finale episode on the ABC Family original series, after the liars revealed and exposed the real A, who has been torturing the girls since the disappearance of Alison Dilaurentis, in the summer of their sophomore year. The girls head off to college and separate ways to now live A free life.

Which brings us to the winter premiere of season 6 which shows everyone where everyone has been in the last five years. The episode starts with Alison, who is now an English teacher at the girls’ alma mater, Rosewood High School. The scene starts with Alison talking to Charlotte Dilaurentis, who is also known as a psychiatrist, about coming up with a plan

Alexis Stewart

called the best mode by players and critics. Heroes versus villains is a twelve player game mode where the six protagonist and antagonist fight each other in a best of five round based match. The game mode labeled supremacy is a forty player mode that takes place on the same maps as walker assault but has different starting points and happens to be more of a capture territory on the map based mode.

Video Game reviewers from websites like IGN.com, Metacritic.com, and Gamespot.com. IGN admired the game for having a very diverse combat setting, exceptional Co-op missions, and epic multi player missions.

Along with praises, the entertainment company also had negative things to say about the title like how the sound track was poor enough to mute the music during game play, some characters have awkward one liners that distract from the scene. to help get Charlotte released from the psychiatric hospital where she is currently being held at, due to all the misdeeds she caused to the liars. To execute the plan thoroughly, Alison writes to all the liars to return home to Rosewood to convince the judge that Charlotte should be released.

The episode then shows us a follow up, where the liars have been in the five year period, since leaving Rosewood. Aria Montgomery is now a book publisher in Boston, Emily Fields is now a bartender in California, Hanna Marin is now a fashion designer in New York City, and Spencer Hastings is now working in an political group in Washington D.C., where they all receive their letter from Ali to return back to Rosewood for the court hearing

Photo courtesy of theblueandgold.com

Photo courtesy of heavy.com When the liars return to Rosewood, it becomes too apparent that things have changed; people, places, and things they never thought would change. This episode showed new relationships, old flames, secrets, and death that brings on the mystery of who is watching the liars now.

18 | THE ROYAL NEWS| FRIDAY 1.22.16

WINTER SPORTS

Different Types of Fouls Affect Both Basketball Teams Players And Coaches Explain The Different Types Of Fouls Within The Game Of Basketball

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Jacob Wood TRN Writer

t is basketball season again. This holds true for both the school and the nation as a whole. Many will flock to their television or become a spectator at the school gym. Others who are less dedicated will occasionally decide to join a friend or watch their child’s school game.

This means that, more often than not, he will know little to nothing about basketball.

Of course, he will probably know (or catch on) that the players have to dribble and pass the ball up to the opponents’ basket. He may know that players score by shooting the ball into the opposing team’s hoop. He may even know a trivial piece of information, like the basketball diameter being a half-inch less than half the rim diameter.

However, he will definitely scratch his head when a player is right in front of the opponents’ basket and the ref calls him on a foul. Or when the player with possession of the ball stops, squats, jumps and why this action is considered a foul.

“I wouldn’t say one particular player gets into foul trouble,” said Basketball coach, Travis Carr. “However, the player that plays over aggressively typically gets a fouls called on him.

Or, a player that doesn’t use proper defense technique will draw fouls. Lazy defense leads to fouls.”

There are two types of fouls in basketball: Personal fouls and technical fouls. The former is much more commonly received, while the ladder usually results from unsportsmanlike conduct. Personal fouls are given for blocking an opponent from advancing using your body, charging into a defender, elbowing another player, blocking a player (referred to as a screen) while still moving, when a defender places one or both hands repeatedly on a player, jumping on and over and opponent’s back while attempting to get a rebound, attempting to steal the ball and inadvertently making contact with the ball holder, and tripping an opponent.

“Last night (January 12) I got a blocking foul” senior Haley Hilton said.

Technical fouls are given for violations and misconduct, or unsportsmanlike, conduct of the players or coach, especially towards the

other team or the referee. Coaches and players can often receive this foul for arguing or yelling at a ref.

“We don’t get technical fouls called on us.

I have enough discipline, and so do my players, to contain their emotions and fuel them in a positive way,” Carr said.

Referees often have to make subjective decisions, which may not sit well with the team that receives it or the audience. At times, it may even seem like a ref has a bias towards one team. However, sometimes the ref is blamed for the shortcomings of one team or for a decision made in all fairness, but was so uncertain that the ref’s decision was called into question, even though he used his best judgement.

“We don’t pay attention to certain refs, or warn our players about them,” said Carr. “The refs we have are not NBA or college refs. They

Senior Asante Turner prepares to take a free throw against Matoaca. Turner has been playing for two years on varsity.

Photo by Breanna Rackley. are high school level refs, and we have to remember that. As long as they are consistent, we are okay with that. Coaches do not want refs to become too much a part of the actual game.

People did not pay money to come watch the refs. They came to watch the players play.”

According to Carr, Hilton, and boys basketball players, Asante Turner and Troi Hines the most common foul received is a reaching foul.

There are still a few refs that players need to look out for. “The older refs…they’re always after you,” said Turner. “You have to be nice to all the refs.”

AFC and NFC Championship Preview The NFC championship will be held at Bank of America Stadium, home of a team that finished the season 15-1 and undefeated at home.

The Panthers sport the top offense in terms of points scored and have the 2nd best run defense, led by All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly.

The team is headed by Cam Newton, MVP favorite for this past season.

Paul Dennis Yet the Arizona Cardinals are strolling into Bank of America stadium with their own level of momentum. Arizona finished the 2015 season with the best offense in yards gained, led by their extremely well balanced attack. Veteran wideout Larry Fitzgerald is coming off of his ninth Pro-Bowl season, and a game where he gained 176 total yards in the divisional match up against Green Bay. Arizona sports a stingy defense which ranks fifth in the league in yards allowed, led by cornerback Patrick Peterson who will try to make the top receiver in Carolina disappear for their match up. Quarterback play will likely determine the winner of this one.

The road to the Superbowl is through Denver this year, and there isn’t a single AFC team that is happy about it. Denver features nasty weather conditions and an air pressure that consistently exhausts opposing teams. This team is headed by their defense. The Broncos are one of the first teams in NFL history to finish first in sacks, yards allowed, and points allowed, and they feature perhaps the best cornerback tandem in the NFL. Yet the game against New England may prove to be a bit much for them to handle. The Patriots are led by four time Superbowl winner Tom Brady, coming off of a season where he led his team to (another) 12-4 finish, off of the strength of his right arm.

The Pats defense is led by one of the NFL’s top linebacking corps. The 17th matchup between Brady and Manning has a lot of buzz, but the factors dictate defense will determine the winner.

WINTER SPORTS

Athletes Seek Conditioning For Coming Sports

FRIDAY 1.22.16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19

Senior Spotlight Jaret Moneymaker

Wrestling

Student Athletes Look To Start off Spring Sports Strong With Early Conditioning Madison Foster TRN Writer

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he Royals are gearing up for another season of spring sports with the start of baseball, softball, soccer, tennis and track conditioning. Top athletes usually understand the importance of a good offseason and are preparing multiple days a week for varsity and junior varsity team tryouts.

Conditioning is a way for athletes to train and improve their skills to use in the season ahead. Students not only build up their endurance but also build friendships and sportsmanship with other athletes.

Softball player and sophomore Caitlin Abernethy has been playing since she was five and has experienced conditioning for the past four years. She was also on the JV team her freshman year.

“The best thing (about conditioning) is that working hard now will have a major impact on your season,” Abernethy said. “The worst thing is that we are limited in space and some days it gets a little crowded.”

During softball conditioning, players work on strength and agility skills at first and later work on hitting and throwing.

“Conditioning prepares you for a healthier and stronger season,” Abernethy said. “It also helps you get to know some of your potential teammates.”

Not only softball players, but baseball players are also working on their throwing and hitting as well as full body workouts. Junior Lee Eley has been playing baseball ever since he could hold a bat and throw.

“Conditioning is worth it because I get to go out and put in work to get myself prepared for the upcoming season,” Eley said. “I also get to go out and be with my teammates and have a good time with them while doing something we love.”

Every Royals athlete has a passion for what they do and they mention having fun with fellow peers as one of the main reasons they are influenced to be at conditioning.

“The best thing about conditioning is just being there with the guys and having fun. I know that what I’m doing is going to benefit

How long have you been wrestling?

“I began wrestling in 10th grade, so this would be my third year.”

What do you love most about the sport?

“I like it because it’s an individual sport, and its a change from football; you don’t really have to rely on teammates. You determine how far you go. “ Do you plan on wrestling in college?

“If the opportunity is there, than yes I plan to. Scholarships save money so why wouldn’t I?”

me now and down the road when the season starts,” Eley said.

Other than softball and baseball, boys and girls soccer conditioning is starting.

Soccer player and junior Cameron Schwalm has been playing his whole life but only for one year here on JV. “Getting yourself ready for the season and getting used to doing the workouts makes it worth going to conditioning,” Schwalm said.

Soccer conditioning consists of endurance training and smaller skills with the ball.

“The best thing to me is being able to get used to playing with some of the kids trying out,” Schwalm said. “The worst thing is getting yourself used to playing again.”

As mid February roles around, athletes begin thinking about the sports upcoming tryouts and making the team.

“I’m nervous because there are a lot of

Junior Melvin Jones III lifts a dumbell at this spring’s football conditioning. Jones started cornerback for the varsity football team last season. Photo by Paul Dennis Jr. good players and no one is guaranteed a spot on the team,” Schwalm said.

“I’m always nervous for tryouts. You never know what can happen, but you also gotta have confidence in what you have and what kind of athlete you are,” Eley said.

Abernethy on the other hand is not as nervous for softball tryouts.

“I’m not too nervous for tryouts because I just play how I know how,” Abernethy said.

Confidence is an important aspect for any good athlete, and there is not a better way to build that than through conditioning and practicing hard during the offseason.

How do you think your performance has been this season?

“I think that I have had a pretty good season so far; I’ve won a lot more than I have lost. I just have to keep working hard everyday at practice to get better.”

How do you feel about it being your last year playing? ”It’s sad. I am going to miss it and I have learned a lot.”

How did it feel to defeat Matoaca?

What was the key to the victory? ”It was awesome, we haven’t beat them in six years and now we’re conference champs. Teamwork was the key to our victory, we had some kids out and JV players stepped in and did their jobs.”

Winter >> Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

The wrestling team will be traveling to Henrico High on Sat., Jan. 23rd at 9 AM.

>>

The girls varsity basketball team plays at Colonial Heights on Fri., Jan. 29th at 7:30 PM.

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The boys varsity basketball team plays at Princess Anne on Sat., Jan. 30th at 11:30 AM.

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The boys and girls indoor track conference tournament will take place Fri., Feb. 12th, and Sat., Feb. 13th.

Time and place to be determined.

For more photos from the game against Hopewell scan this code with your device or visit trnwired.org

Harrell Twins Transition To New Sport Wayne Coleman TRN Writer

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ith as many as 11 sports to choose from in which to participate in for girls, it comes as no surprise that someone may take part in more than

one.

Junior twins Abby and Alexis Harrell are no exception. When scheduling became a conflict, they took the opportunity to expand their horizons, from the field, to the court.

“The summer was busy, so we felt like we weren’t

ready because we didn’t go to any [field hockey] conditioning,” Alexis said. “So when school started we wanted to play, and we been playing basketball since we were seven, so we tried out for basketball.”

They both feel that the transition to basketball was not one of much difficulty.

“I have been playing all kinds of sports since I was little,” Alexis said.

It does provide, however, a new environment that the girls are not all entirely used to yet.

“Basketball is definitely a new transition, it’s a new experience, especially since we are playing for the school,” Abby said.

The sisters have set their personal goals for the season, and are determined to meet their expectations. “[I wish] to become a better player overall and to

Junior Abby Harrell looks to pass the ball against Hopewell, while her twin, Alexis Harrell looks on from the bench. This is their first year on varsity basketball. Photo by Matteo Reed. improve on offense,” Alexis said.

As in all sports, cooperation is key to success for the program and leads to movement forward as a team. In a sport like basketball, teamwork is especially important. “[My goal is] to communicate on offense and defense, and get together as a team,” Abby said.

On the matter of field hockey, it appears that both girls agree they are interested in being back on the field come next season. But with the basketball season in, currently the girls will try their best to focus on this sport.