January 2017

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THE ROYAL NEWS Volume XV, Issue 4

Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 www.trnwired.org - January 27, 2017 - @RoyalsMediaNow

SCHOOL BOARD DECIDES TO TERMINATE IB PROGRAM P. 6 p. 10-11 DISTINGUISHING REAL NEWS FROM FAKE NEWS p. 14 DANCE TEAM ACQUIRES NEW HEAD COACH p. 18 WRESTLING TEAM MANAGES HEALTHY EATING HABITS JANUARY TWITTER POLL QUESTION Do You Believe The Royal News Is An Accurate, Trustworthy, And Reliable News Source?

Responses Via Twitter

63% YES

37% NO

Sophomore MYP/IB student Julia Dickey writes on the board during her class. The Class of 2023 will be the final MYP/IB class to complete the program due to the School Board vote to terminate the program.

Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh.

2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.27.17

FRIDAY 1.27.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3

OP/ED

Red Cross Celebrates Blood Donor Month

theRoyalNews

W

hile bringing in the new year, the American Red Cross is celebrating all

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: Paul Dennis Jr. , Op/Ed: Matteo Reed, Features: Kattie Iwanski, Doubletruck: Aaliyah Capers, A&E: Chance Thweatt, Sports: Wayne Coleman, Photo Editor: Matteo Reed Online Editor-in-Chief: Carlee Lively

Writers Kylie Cargill- Breanna Rackley-Tyler Brock-Shanice Davis-Tiara Whirley-Tiffany Whittington-Tatyanna Thaxton-Anna Mitchell-Miracle Conoway

Editor-in-Chief Chance Thweatt

Adviser

Chris Waugaman

Managing Editor Paul Dennis Jr.

Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2013 CSPA Gold Crown Winner 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2016 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 Anna Mitchell.

Women’s March Evokes Unity, Movement For Upholding Human Rights

O

ne day after Donald Trump was inaugurated on January 20th, Women’s Marches took place across the country on January 21st. Reports have stated that the number of people that participated in the march exceeded the amount of people that attended the inauguration. States including Illinois, Washington, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, California, and even Virginia participated in this march.

Women from all over participated to fight for the equality of all people, not just women. Women marched for the rights of the disabled, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, minorities, and more. Women also brought awareness to the possibility of cutting funds for the Planned Parenthood program.

This program provides high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people. However, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the abortion service that Planned Parenthood offers for women. The

decision on whether abortion should be allowed or not allowed remains a prominent topic. Many women are afraid that laws will be passed to stop abortions no matter what the situation is. This is one of the main reasons why so many women participated in the recent march. As a result of marching, many participants are hoping that changes will be made to assure equality and justice for all. In more words, many people are concerned that the rights of women will not be a priority under the new president.

Women would like to feel protected and secure under our new leadership with all of the changes that might be implemented under this new leadership. For instance women should make their own decisions about what is best for their bodies. Equality is the key thing to be implemented.

Equality in jobs is one of the main concerns of women. It is important that women continue to stand up for their rights, as well as the rights of others.

of the committed and contributive blood and platelet donors across the country.

Beginning in 1970, January has been BREANNA RACKLEY recognized as National Blood Donor Month.

This is in hopes of increasing the amount of blood and platelets donated during the winter months—months in which donating is at its annual low.

With winter weather rolling in, the American Red Cross is calling on donors to solidify their commitment during these winter months. Rough weather conditions along with higher rates of illness often restrict donors from giving blood during these months of the year.

The Red Cross is stressing the importance of donors to make and keep up with their appointments as much as possible. According to redcross.org, during the first few weeks of 2017, Red Cross facilities have already been hampered by inclement weather. Being forced to close due to to the heavy snow and ice, they have lost several donation opportunities so far.

However, it is never too late to head to a facility and donate. Every donation is extremely important and helpful to patients nationwide.

The American Red Cross is urging all healthy donors to commit donating these next couple months.According to redcross.org, blood can be donated every fifty-six days, and platelets can be donated weekly.

For more information on donating, the Red Cross encourages those interested to visit their website where they can view donating requirements and make appointments at a local facility.

The American Red Cross is continuing the celebration of the many dedicated and committed blood and platelet donors during this month, as well as encouraging more people to “roll up a sleeve”.

The few minutes that it takes for one to donate can be both life changing and life saving to someone in need.

4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 01.27.17

OP/ED

Students Respond To Cancelled exams The Monday that students returned from their three day snow break they were welcomed with the news of cancelled exams. Instead of a mid-term exam, teachers are being encouraged to give mid-year assessments tests.

I

n past years, PGHS students have been treated to the rare half day during exam week. Exams were held twice a day, back-to-back, and then the students would leave for home.

However, this year is different. Last year, and in some past years, students missed many days of school due to snow, which causes exams to be cancelled. To ensure that students were in school for at least the minimum amount of time, exam days were made into full-length days. Students still take two exams a day, but now continue to learn in the classes between tests.

This change has not been the most popular with PGHS students, but it has its perks.

Now that exam days are full days, it is not as big a deal if there are many snow days. In the 2015-16 school year, there were so many snow days that the school board had to add approximately 20* minutes to the end of the last few days of school to make up for the lost time. While it was only a little bit of extra time each day, it could have caused problems for students who had jobs to go to, or for teachers or students who had time-sensitive things to do after school, like pick up a child or sibling from another school.

Now, even if there is another large snow storm, students should not have to go to school for any extra time.

Additionally, teachers have more time to teach students. Students will now go to their regularly scheduled classes in between exams, instead of going home after the tests of the day. Teachers will be able to give extra grades, helping some students pull up their grades. Teachers will also be able to ensure that they have time to teach all their material, instead of having to cram it in in the final days before SOL testing. Now, teachers will have more time to review at the end of the year, to help students prepare better for the standardized tests.

The new exam schedule may be a big change for PGHS students, but it’s nothing they can’t handle. Not all students like it, but in the long run, when they see the positive effects it has, which are ensuring that students don’t have to make up school after long snow storms and helping them become prepared for SOLS, they will be fine with it.

PRO CON ANNA MITCHELL

MIRACLE CONAWAY

“Students will now go to their regularly scheduled classes in between exams, instead of going home after the tests of the day. “

“One negative thing about not having early release days is that some students won’t be able to finish their exams...”

“The new exam schedule may be a big change for PGHS students, but it’s nothing they can’t handle.”

M

idterm exams are starting for students which means, extravagant amounts of study guides, pulling all nighters to study, increased stress levels, being pushed to get a good grade, and increased fear levels. Midterm exams are tests that are given by the school which are then taken mid January.

There is a lot of planning that comes along with midterm exams, that is why there is an exam schedule, so that teachers have time for teaching other things and preparing the students for their upcoming midterms.

Teachers, administrators, and some students think that the exam schedule is fine and that nothing about it needs to be changed, however some students may disagree and say that there are problems with the schedule. Negative things about the schedule could affect the students and the way they take their test.

One of the negative things about the exam schedule is that there are no early release days.

Early release days could come in handy after a long day of testing, that way students could go home and rest or study for another exam. Without the early release days students could end up with less sleep, which could then result in students falling asleep during the exam, thus leading to failure. If students had early release on the day of exams, they would have more time to study and more time to rest or do other things.

One negative thing about not having early release days is that some students won’t be able to finish their exams, if students don’t finish their exams it affects their grade, similar to the SAT’s but a lot easier. Principal Michael Nelson announced that on January 17th, 2017 core classes will not be having first semester midterm exams, yet also stated that it is recommended that elective classes give students some type of test to see where students are.

Another negative thing about not having early release is that students don’t get a break from exams, some students need to take breaks when they take tests because some students have test anxiety or they could have something else going on. Although exams are cancelled for students this year, it still might affect the students of next year. There are plenty of reasons why students need early release on exam days, but the fact that schools need a certain amount of instructional minutes is really affecting the fact that students can’t have early release days.

FRIDAY 1.27.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5

THE WEEK AHEAD Polar Plunge Comes to VA Beach February 4th

No School January 30th For Students

A

O

n Sat., Feb 4th participants in the annual Polar Plunge will race into the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean in Va Beach, VA. Some students from Prince George will be rushing into the water as well, as the Special Olympic Buddies participate in this event.

If you are interested in attending you can take the hour drive to rush into the cold water, but be sure to register at http:// www.polarplunge.com/

fter the week that was dedicated to exams, but was repurposed for instruction, teachers need a workday.

Monday will be a day of vacation for students while teachers hurry to get grades completed for the first semester.

Promotional photo courtesy of Sony Pictures.

Report Cards Issued February 3rd

S

tudents will receive reports cards on Friday, February 3rd. This year once again there will be no exams factored into the semester grade.

The second semester begins on January 31 and ends June 16th.

Seniors will not be graduating early this year. Graduation will be after the last day of classes.

Super Bowl Sunday Is February 5th

R

eturning to the Superbowl after serving a four game suspension this year is Tom Brady, quarterback for the New England Patriots. He faces Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Super Bowl will take place on Sun., Feb. 5th and feature the best from the AFC and the NFC. This is only the second time the Atlanta Falcons have made it to the big game, where New England has become a regular at this.

Many people will be watching when the game kicks off at 6:30 in Houston, but it could be just for the commercials, which have become as anticipated as the game itself.

Groundhog Day Predicts Weather On February 2nd

W

ill we have an extended winter or will spring come early this year? We will know on Groundhog Day. The legend goes that if the groundhog emerges from his home and sees his shadow then he will return for six more weeks of winter. But if he does not see his shadow, an early spring is right around the corner. This holiday was made even more famous when Bill Murray starred in the movie titled, “Groundhog Day� where he relives one day over and over.

6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.27.17

FEATURES

Board Unanimously Votes To Discontinue MYP/International Baccalaureate Program Decision Made In Special School Board Meeting Kattie Iwanski Features Editor

O

n the eve of Winter Break, Thurs., Dec. 15, 2016, the Prince George County School Board held a special meeting to discuss personnel and student matters as listed on the agenda. During that meeting school board member Robert Cox made a motion to eliminate all new MYP/IB enrollment beginning 2017-18 school year, in essence disbanding the program.

In a 4-0 vote, with Roger Franklin absent, the board decided the currently enrolled MYP/IB students would continue in the program until they conclude their coursework in the 10th grade, but that no future classes would enter into the program at grade six.

The school board made the decision for a few reasons according to board member Reeve Ashcraft. “[We had] concerns over its effectiveness, over whether it was being implemented correctly at specific schools in the division. And we came to the conclusion that getting rid of it now does not mean that we are not going to bring something back later on in its place; maybe something better that runs through graduation where students are able to get the full benefits, possibly scholarships. And it was really just the matter of not seeing the results that we wanted to see out of the program, and also because of funding issues and the money we can save in the process. So it just came down to that,” Ashcraft said.

The program, which comenced in 2007, has prepared students for future advanced education, including advanced programs at the high school inclusive of Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment. J.E.J. Moore Middle School Guidance Director F.W. Lewis has been involved in the program and believes it has a clear mission in its approach to helping students learn in Prince George.

“Many colleges are requiring students to do more projects, more teamwork, more interdisciplinary work, etc.,” Lewis said. “The IB-MYP program helps students prepare for that type of academic work as well as look-

ing at how we can impact the world beyond Prince George County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States of America.

MYP looks at the global perspective.”

MYP/IB students apply to enter the program. Students choose to be involved for MYP/IB’s rigor and unique approach to learning.

“It will help me later in life because it was a lot of work and homework and stuffthings I have to do at home, and projects,” sophomore Daniel Blount said. “It will help me with skills that I need to use later in life.

So just time management, and my work ethic.”

The program starts in 6th grade and gives students an advancement on accelerating their education early. As of right now there are no other programs at Prince George that compare except Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment which do not start until 11th grade after students exceed the IB. J.E.J. Moore Middle School teacher and MYP/IP director Michelle Bowen has lead the program during the last two years.

“IB is a concept-based, skill-based program with students completing a summative task at the end of each unit. Teachers were trained in designing units to teach these concepts and skills. IB provided a

Sophomore Julia Dickey writes class dismissed on the board to announce the end of the IB Program. The School Board voted to disband the program due to the current budget.

Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh. framework for teachers to complete this instructional delivery,” Bowen said.

“I feel like it (discontinuing MYP/IB) will take some opportunities away. Like, how we were able to do so many different projects, and field trips for IB. However, they will get more opportunities than us, because we did not get to socialize as much as we would have liked to with other people that were not in IB,” Daniel Blount said.

The MYP/IB program provided an opportunity for Prince George students to stand out from others in different counties.

“Part of the IB’s Mission Statement states, ‘The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.’ Therefore, this program provided teachers with a structured framework to put this mission statement into action. One item that made IB students stand

out from others is the mandatory community service component. Over the length of the program hundreds of hours have been given making our community a better place in which to live. Also students were able to be accelerated in Math and Foreign Language. Now that IB is being phased out students will no longer have an option for High School Credit in grade 7,” Bowen said.

“We were the only neighboring school district (Charles City, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Hopewell, Petersburg, Surry, Sussex) that offered the program (Chesterfield County does has certain schools that offer the program). To me, I think it set us apart that we were willing to make that type of commitment to an academic program for our students. I was proud of that,” Lewis said.

According to Lewis, “We typically have averaged about 100 students in 5th grade applying for the IB-MYP program each year, which is about 20% of the population of the fifth grade (typically around 500 students in grade 5 each year); of those applicants 52 students are enrolled starting in sixth grade,”.

Once the program completely ends in 2021, it may be hard to regain accreditation if they would decide to bring the program back.

“A lot of time, work, and money has been invested into establishing the IB-MYP and becoming an Authorized School here in Prince George. Once you get rid of a program, it is difficult to bring it back. If funding was available a few years from now I don’t even know if the International Baccalaureate Organization would consider our application. Certainly, we would be starting at “square one” again and this would present quite the challenge...Obstacles that we have already overcome and addressed,” Lewis said.

“I will always remember the years I spent in IB... I am also upset this program is coming to an end because my older sister, younger sister, and I have been able to participate in IB, but my younger sister will not be able to due to the program ending,” junior Hannah Dankenbring said.

For most the news was delivered the day after the special school board meeting on December 15th.

At the school board regular meeting held on January 9, 2017, the topic was not reviewed or brought up during the open floor discussion.

FRIDAY 1.27.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7

FEATURES

BY THE

New Temporary Nurse Added To Staff Andi Vaughn has become the temporary replacement for Nurse Butterworth

2.8%

of registered nurses are school nurses. This translates to approximately 61,232-73,697 RNs working in elementary and secondary schools.

Tatyanna Thaxton TRN Writer

T

he school has a new nurse. Andi Vaughn was placed as a temporary nurse on Jan. 2nd, 2017 until PGHS can find a more permanent nurse after nurse Butterworth took another job. Vaughn has quite the background in the medical field.

Being a child whose family is affiliated in the medical field created a path for Vaughn to follow. She was always around hospitals as a child, at first, she wanted to be a Veterinarian but Vaughn.

In many cases, school nurses provide all the care that students need on the spot, for example, using first aid kits to treat minor injuries.

“A high school nurse is supposed to help schools reach social goals,” said Vaughn.

“Nurse’s need to have either a master’s, a bachelor’s, or an associate’s degree in nursing. But [aside from] that, the nurse needs to pass a state examination to get a license before you can work as a school nurse.” Vaughn said.

Since the time Vaughn has worked in high schools, she has seen a number of students with different issues.

“The same kids come in every day.

Yes, some students do make up some issue just to get out of class and from doing work,” Vaughn said.

And, with midterms coming up many students may take advantage of the new nurse.

Some students try to get away from issues at school. Students have come up with many different reasons to call home. But a big and real reason to not be in class is because someone may be bullying them and they just want to leave. Nurses should have an open communication with the students. Some health issues go beyond the nurse’s scope of authority.

NUMBERS

41.3%

of schools have a full-time RN.

11.79%

of schools have more than one full-time RN.

1.9%

of schools have both a full-time RN and an Licensed practical nurse.

Some students come in for some major issues. Sending them home or giving them a bag of ice is the only thing Vaughn can do for them. She must act according to protocol.

Vaughn or any high school nurse cannot give a student just any medicine.

No Motrin, no Advil, not even a cough drop – unless parents send in an unopened bottle of the drug with a signature and a doctor’s note. The danger for allergic reactions to overthe-counter medication is one reason for the policy.

High school students can drive themselves home from school early (with parental consent) when they don’t feel well. Having the risk of passing out behind the wheel of his or her vehicle could make for an even worse incident.

With this level of independence, it makes sense to allow students to take

School Nurse Andi Vaughn sits at her desk filling out paper work for students. Vaughn is temporarily taking over for Nurse Butterworth who took another job in December. Photo by Tatyanna Thaxton. over-the-counter medications at school if they know what they should and should not take.

Certain students have special conditions that must be attended to for them to function on a day-to-day basis.

Sophomore Tionna Massenburg, has spoken with nurse Vaughn.

“She’s ok. She makes you feel comfortable,” Massenburg said.

Making sure that someone feels comfortable is essential in being a nurse.

85%

of registered nurse are employed in nursing.

Information collected from http://arcadiantelepsychiatry. com/files/2007_Burkhardt_Report.pdf

8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.27.17

FRIDAY 1.27.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9

FEATURES

BY THE

Long Term Substitute Aims For More School Fills Teacher Vacancies In Key Areas Carlee Lively Online Editor-in-Chief

2

The number of long term substitutes at Prince George High School .

A

s the school year is almost halfway through, the high school is still vigorously looking for qualified teachers to fill the spots. Long term substitutes are those who temporarily teach a class while the school looks for a teacher to hire.

“We are working diligently to fill those...We just have a shortage of teachers,” Principal Mike Nelson said. Qualified teachers are valuable to any school system, but the demand is higher than the supply.

Qualified teachers have a current Virginia teaching license along with many other qualities and characteristics including a clean background. Long term substitutes and regular substitutes have the qualifications of two years of college along with other things such as a clean background check.

Tri-city school districts are all competing for teachers that are up to standard and will be the best for their school system.

“I think that as our school system improves, we will attract more teachers,” Nelson said.

Improvement is the ultimate goal to have better teachers that will provide a better education to the students.

As the pay of teachers rarely increases, teachers have to have their heart into teaching. Teachers are the force behind every generation in schools, and education is the bases for the majority of children in the United States.

With the shortage in qualified teachers, the high school has issued long term substitute positions to try to provide certain classes.

The high school currently only has two long term substitutes, an English 10 teacher and a Special Education teacher. One, being David Moody, who currently teaching five English 10 classes and coaches junior varsity volleyball and soccer.

NUMBERS

22

The number of long term substitutes in the Petersburg School System.

540

The number of retired teachers that the Petersburg School Board asked to return .

90

Moody works hard with other teachers and the administration to be prepared and teach his students well.

“I had to complete what every other teacher is required to do, which were a few work days with a guest speaker…,” Moody said.

Long term substitutes can affect the level of teaching but “... Fortunately our long term substitutes are great. They are well regarded by the staff,” Nelson said.

The first year of teaching is rumored to be the hardest, but Moody has already made an impact on his students.

“He is a honest and helpful person. You can tell he loves his students through his teaching,” sophomore Jordan Whitehead said.

As of 2011, the Virginia Board of Education’s guidelines to implement the Provisions of Section 22.1-302(A) of the Code Of Virginia pertaining to the employment of substitute teachers states,

Long term substitute David Moody teaches a sophomore grammar in during his first block class.

Photo by Carlee Lively. “that substitutes cannot fill a teacher vacancy for period of time, but for no longer than 90 teaching days, unless otherwise approved by the superintendent of the Public Instruction on a case-by-case basis, during one school year.”

The second semester is rapidly approaching and the school is still searching to fill those two spots. Moody hopes to extend his period of teaching - the school board has yet to vote on the situation but will do so soon.

Moody’s goal for the future is to return to school to become a qualified teacher.

“My plan is to get my Virginia teaching license… I graduated from JMU [James Madison University], but am looking more local for my teaching classes.”

The number of school days a long term substitute can be in the classroom

2001 The year that legislature was passed to allow retired teacher to return.

Information obtained from the Progress Index Editorial on January 22nd.

12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.27.17

FRIDAY 1.27.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13

A&e

Cheer Coach Takes Over Dance Team

BY THE NUMBERS

27

The number of girls on the team.

11 The total number of months that the dance team practices.

2 The number of songs the team has performed.

Shanice Davis TRN Writer

A

t the start of January, the Royalettes welcomed the new coach, Ashley Foot, to the team and despite only having one practice, the girls are already seeing quite a difference in their team.

Foot has been dancing for twenty-four years and has been coaching for ten years.

“I love [coaching], honestly. [However, the reason I came to PGHS was because] the old coach didn’t return and the AD asked me last minute to finish the season,” Foot said.

Earlier on the year, the two dance teams (JV and Varsity) combined to form one big team. This caused a lot of problems with both routines and simply getting along. Many of the dance team members disliked the change. “ I don’t like it, I really don’t. They made two teams for a reason and it’s not a bad thing that someone is put on JV. I think that so late in year that we shouldn’t merge into one team especially with so many games left,” said Junior Kylie Gochenouer.

Others, such as Sophomore Rhiannon Dalton see this as a good thing.

“It is going to be different but I think it is going to be productive,” Dalton said.

Despite the differences of opinion in the team, Foot has found a way to combine the two teams and productively coach them. Dalton went

on to explain how their first practice with her went.

“It was really productive, everything was really good and we got a lot of things done that we [typically don’t] get done,” Dalton said.

The girls, especially after that first practice, have come to appreciate Foot, expecting great things from her in the future.

“She’s taught us over half a dance already and it’s a really good dance, so she’s doing good,” Junior Courtney South said. “ I think she’ll do really well because she has experience with other different types of sports,” Dalton said.

As Dalton and South mentioned, their practices have been quite productive. South and Gochenouer point out several distinctive coaching techniques of hers.

“She just makes us do [the routines] a lot and do it how she does it. [She] just makes us work hard,” South said.

Gochenouer agreed with South’s words but elaborated a little.

“She doesn’t slack off so she keeps us very organized in the short time we have had her. She doesn’t let the girls run over her like past coaches have and is doing well to not let us get down because we are now one team, since they combined varsity and JV,” Gochenouer said.

Foot described her reasoning behind her methods.

“I believed [in] practicing until you can’t get it wrong. The more you practice, run it over, and answering any questions [is crucial.] Demonstrating is key. If they don’t understand [the movements],

Junior Holly Singletary dances during halftime at the Boys’ Basetball home game against Thomas Dale. This was the Royalettes first performance of the season.

Photo by Breanna Rackley.

showing them helps them a lot. There’s no need to sit there and yell about everything. If they don’t feel appreciated and respected, they will give less,” Foot said.

From the dance team’s perspective, the only way is up. They feel as though with Foot as a coach, the team can only improve.

“She will help us be more like a team, help us come together, and actually perform better as one,” South said.

Foot also expects a lot from the ladies as they do with her.

“I expect them to give one hundred percent and perform to the best of their abilities,” Foot said While Foot isn’t sure she would be able to continue to coach at the high school after this

season, she is positive that she will continue to coach in general as long as she can.

1 The number of games left in which the dance team will perform.

30 The number of hours a week the team practices.

Information collected from Senior Jordan Collins and www. historicmystories.com

14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 1.27.17

A&E

Marching Band Garners Superior Rating PGHS Band Receives A Superior Rating for the First Time Ever.

NUMBERS

50

The number of students in the marching band.

Kylie Cargill TRN Writer

A

s the band students of Prince George work hard to provide music for the school events, they also have their own goal to work towards. The PGHS band program has recently won the Superior Rating.

Sophomore Airum La Santa, a member of the band program, was quite excited about the results.

“The band superior rating was a big surprise to us because we worked really hard towards it,” said La Santa.

The band superior rating is a state assessment which rates performances on a scale of one out of five; one being the highest and five suggesting improvement. Prince George is proud to have received a rating of one.

Ever since the first few weeks of school, the band has been training during and after school to receive this honor. The work and dedication put forth by the students really paid off for the students.

“Winning made our appreciation for music higher because we played really hard songs and it made us be more outstanding.” said La Santa.

“We appreciate what we did more because we won the superior rating,” said freshman Megan Mutter.

Winning the title was a major confidence booster for the members. However, there is still more to be done according to the band.

With lots of practice, the band hopes to keep achieving their goals.

“We need more practice and to keep concentrating on working hard towards it.” said Mutter.

They believe that with more practice then they can achieve the rating again. The excitement runs through the students and the appreciation for music has spiked amongst the band for the chance to succeed further.

“I was very happy about the band superior rating,” said sophomore Maria Ignacio Cuevas.

Ignacio goes into depth about what it really took to receive such an honor.

“It took a lot of practice and we would run over sets over and over again until we got it.”

By The

3 The number of competitions a year.

1 The first time the marching band has received a superior rating.

3 The number of days that the marching band practices per week.

said Ignacio Cuevas.

The band’s determination and appreciation for the music keeps the group working hard. The thirst to acquire the title again inspires the group to keep pushing hard to stay at their best.

“We need to keep practicing until we can get it again.” said Ignacio Cuevas.

The marching band teacher Michael Warnock is quite impressed by the band’s performance.

“I loved getting the superior rating. It was a lot of fun to teach it and it was a lot of fun for the kids to perform it. I was quite proud of them,” said Warnock.

The effect on the students gave a whole new feeling to their music. The superior rating was a booster to keep playing music.

Sophomore Marcel Williams performs with his trumpet during a halftime show.

The theme of the performance was Latin.

Photo by Breanna Rackley.

“It [the superior rating] energized them, they were really happy. They want to be successful,” said Warnock.

In the future Warnock plans to work hard with the students to gain the title title again.

“It’s going to be a lot of hard work. We just need to keep working hard,” said Warnock.

With practices starting in the summer, the band plans to keep working hard and pushing to do their best.

6 The number of hours the marching band practices per week.

Information collected from sophomore Airum La Santos.

PH TOGALLERY

FRIDAY 01.27.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15

Lady Royals Defeat Crimson Wave 53-43 TOP LEFT :Senior Lilliauna Hopkins reaches for the jump ball against the Petersburg defender.

Hopkins has provided stability in the paint for the Royals. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh.

BOTTOM LEFT: Junior point guard Taylor Stevens participates in warm ups with a teammate.

The Lady Royals have been ranked in the top 10 this season.

Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh.

For more photos of the regional final go to www.trnwired. smugmug.com

TOP RIGHT: Senior guard and small forward Kiara Anderson eludes the defender to make the pass for the Lady Royals. Anderson is a returning starter for the varsity team. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Junior guard Kierra Jefferson guards a Petersburg defender on their way down the court. This is Jefferson’s second season with the varsity team. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh.

16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 1.27.17

Starting Positions available in:

General Laborer With Advancement in:

Heavy Equipment Operation Pipefitting Welding

FRIDAY 1.27.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17

A&E Critic Review Grey’s Anatomy Returns To Weekly Airing

G

reys Anatomy’s first episode aired almost twelve years ago, on March 27, 2005.

Since that date, the show has grown to become one of the most popular television series in recent memory.

The award winning show is nine episodes into Season 13 and has become what some would label as “an emotional roller coaster.” The various story lines continue to branch out and grow, and with the midseason premier to air in just a few days, fans of the show are scrambling and binge watching to keep their memories fresh.

The midseason finale ended in a ray of tension and suspense.

Fans were left waiting and wondering the fate of Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), who is facing serious charges and possible jail time for the assault of fellow colleague and intern Andrew Deluca (Giacomo Gianiotti). Karev’s lover and co-worker Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) will also be determining if their relationship will continue to last. Meanwhile, the fate of the former chief Richard Webber (James Picket Jr) will be coming to a head also. The hospital is split in

Paul Dennis Jr.

PTA’s

two on the decision of whether Webber should keep his job, and the biggest and most important person who will factor in the decision is his close friend and former student, the current chief Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson).

The midseason premier, “You Can Look, (But You’d Better Not Touch),” is also rumored to be informing the countless watchers on what will come from the complicated yet solidified relationship of trauma surgeon Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) and brain specialist Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone).

Both sides of this marriage are suffering from a trivial past and Promotional photo courtesy of hercampus.com trying to work past their problems, but they have reached a stump that they might not be The show returns to its weekly airing on January able to overcome. In the midseason finale, Shepherd 26th, at 8 p.m. eastern time. finally communicated to Hunt that she doesn’t want to have kids at all, which is the primary reason why the trauma surgeon’s last marriage failed.

Paint One Take One Night

Come out and have a fun paint night with the PGHS PTA Come Paint One Glass and Take One with You. February 2, 2017 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Prince George High School in Art Classrooms Cost $10 per person Refreshments Supplied Any questions email: PGHSPTA@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/PGHSPTA Call: 804-733-2720 Forms can be picked up and filled out at PGHS.

THANK YOU PATRONS! SUPER

GOLD

Janet & Dennis Carr Louise Thornton Sherri Jones Amy Iwanski Cultural Awareness Daryl Phillips

GREEN

Beth Andersen William Barnes Jr. Donald Newbold David & Vicki Mitchell Dr. Witt Mrs. Parker NHS Monica Curtis Spanish Club

PATRONS Warren Winterson Cathy Cleveland Mr. Jeff Darby Roscoe Jones Blake Cox Edwina Clissa Tatyanna Thaxton Ms. Truell Debbie Semien Jamie Gilliam Carol Peterson Tasia Faulcon

If you would like to become a patron, please stop by A2 or ask any staff member how you can donate, so that Royals Media can continue to provide quality media to Prince George students.

18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 1.27.17

WINTER SPORTS Wrestlers Find Healthy Way

Aaliyah Capers Doubletruck Editor

W

restling is a competitive s p o r t that includes full body contact.

In this sport, there are many necessary weight classes.

“Weight classes were set in to make sure every competitor gets a fair opportunity to win the match,” junior Naila Summers said. To keep the balance between bigger competitors and smaller competitors, weight classes were set in place to keep the match fair and even.

“If there were no weight classes the smaller kids would be outmatched against the bigger kids,” junior Caleb Roessell said.

In wrestling, it is important to maintain your weight to stay in your weight class.

“I haven’t changed anything in my eating habits because I am in the lowest weight class. Being in a lower weight class would help me but there are no lower weight classes,” sophomore Georganna Dowdy said.

If a wrestler were to gain weight and move up a weight class, that would put that athlete at a disadvantage because the athlete would be competing against kids who are bigger than what that person was used to competing.

“Being in a lower weight class would

help you gain advantage because you’re going to be used to people who are bigger so in comparison, your competitor would be an easier match,” junior Wallace Canada said.

Since the wrestlers have started to wrestle they each have made small changes in their eating styles and eating habits.

“Since I have started to wrestle, I have been eating healthier, drinking more water and I have been exercising more,” Summers said.

Other wrestlers have changed their eating styles completely in order to stay the same weight.

“I went from eating a lot of carbs for football to eating a lot of protein and more healthy foods,” Canada said.

Although there are some things wrestlers have been told not to do, most wrestlers have admitted to maintaining their weight in a healthy way. “[Some of the illegals in wrestling include] Running in plastics, and dehydrating before a match,” Roesell said.

Illegal things in wrestling are things that either make you lose weight faster or maintain weight in an unhealthy way.

“I have heard of some wrestlers [not from this school] not eating or spitting out their spit while eating Jolly Ranchers because your spit weighs a lot,” Dowdy said.

Besides not eating and doing crazy exercises, some wrestlers have gone to the extreme of taking laxatives or starving themselves before matches, which is unhealthy as well.

“If anyone on our team were to do any-

Junior Jakob Kennedy uses a hold to gain a point against his Thomas Dale opponent. Kennedy won his match at the home meet on January 5th when the team defeated Dale 42-39.

Photo by Chance Thweatt. thing unhealthy and coach were to find out he’d be disappointed in us because he wants us to be safe and healthy while doing this,” Summers said.

Though none of the teammates have witnessed any of these illegal actions being done, they have admitted to eating less than their normal food portions.

“I eat 2 eggs in the morning, 4 ounces of chicken for lunch and dinner and I drink a lot of water. I don’t eat as many snacks either,” Roesell said.

In order to prepare for a match, wrestlers will stay hydrated, eat less, and get their mind focused on the match.

“Before the match I don’t eat a lot because I want to feel light when I am wrestling. I also drink a lot of water to stay hydrated,” Summers said.

Some wrestlers would argue that being in a different weight class would not affect the outcome because it is all about the skill of the competitor.

“Being in a different weight class wouldn’t really change anything because if there was a good wrestler in 126 then you would want to stay out of that weight class, but if there is a good wrestler in 120 then you wanna gain some weight to stay out of that weight class,” Roesell said.

Senior Spotlight Whitney Hill

Girls Basketball

When did you first start playing basketball?

“I have been playing and practicing since I was four years old.”

What do you love most about the sport?

“I love the feeling that I get when I walk onto the court. I get to feel the bond with the court, myself, my team.”

What is your favorite memory of the season so far?

“It would probably have to be when we defeated Hopewell.

Everyone was so excited afterwards and all of us had a hand in the win. Those are the best games to me.”

What are your plans for the future?

“I want to go to UNC and continue to play basketball or do something sports-related.”

What are your goals for the season?

“To take my team as far as I can take them, and our goal is states.”

WINTER SPORTS

FRIDAY 1.27.17 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19

Alternative Team Sport Found In Water

Wayne Coleman Sports Editor

T

here are many winter sports at the high school, and along with sports such as wrestling, basketball, and track, and conditioning for spring sports like soccer, other activities occur outside those offered by the school.

Although considered a year-round sport, swimming season has officially begun in places such as Chesterfield County Schools, and recreation leagues such as NOVA. One Chesterfield County School with a swim team is Thomas Dale High School in Chester. Thomas Dale freshman Mina Ross says she got into the sport for remaining conditioned, and while on the team, formed strong bonds within the team.

“To be honest, the main reason I started swimming was because I wanted to stay in shape, but I stayed because of my teammates,” Ross said via Instagram. “Most of

them are really talented and I think I can learn a lot and improve from them.”

Ross explains that the rules for swim meets are similar to other sports, such as track.

“Our coach places us in events and tells us what they are so we can practice that specific stroke before the meet. It begins with warm up which is where the different teams swim for about fifteen minutes to loosen up and get used to the pool,” Ross said.

After warming up, swimmers sit with their team and until their event. Based on where they place in their event, swimmers get points to their team.

Sophomore Gabriella Daniels swims for the YMCA and describes practice as one that takes dedication.

“It’s intense,” Daniels said. “It’s endurance some days, sometimes speed, than our overall bodies.”

Practice varies from team to team.

NOVA, a non-profit swim club located in Richmond, has its swim team members practice anywhere from six to eight times a week.

Practice could start as early as six in the morning and time could be split up so that there will be two hours in pool, and one do-

ing “dry-land,” or out of pool, exercises.

“It varies. For our team [Thomas Dale], the lanes are mostly divided by how fast we are, and we kind of just made an unspoken rule that the fastest person in the lane is in the front, so no one is overlapped,” Ross said.

“Sometimes we focus on a specific stroke for practice and then fix small mistakes that are making us gain time. Other times we get to choose the stroke and our coach gives us guidelines to follow.”

While Prince George does not have an official swim team, swimmers agree that it would be nice for Prince George to have one to call their own.

“I think it’d be pretty awesome,” Daniels said. “There are a lot of people who do NOVA here, surrounding counties already have swim teams so it’s more competition.”

Sophomore Danielle Dawson thinks that a team at Prince George would greatly benefit students.

“I think they should [create a swim team],” Dawson said. “It gets other kids involved, and I believe it’s a good sport.”

Ross says that if resources allow, she would like more schools with teams outside Chesterfield.

“Swimming is really fun and you get to

Sophomore Kaysea Ramsey practices the breast stroke in preparation for a meet. Her team, NOVA South, swims at the local Hopewell Community Center and follows a rigorous practice.

Photo contributed by Kaysea Ramsey. meet new people so I would love it if more people become part of swimming,” Ross said.

“We’d probably have more competition if more schools had teams, but high school swimming to me, isn’t really about winning, it’s about having new experiences with new people.”

Athletic Director Hezekiah Butler, having only had the job a year, has not heard any suggestion of getting a swimming team for the Royals yet, and says many things would be needed if one were to form.

“We’d have to find resources and interest,” Butler said. “You’d have to find resources, finding a coach, students, and funds for resources.”

In order to have a team, they would need a facility to practice and host meets. As usaswimming.org estimates, the cost of a eight lane, twenty-five yard pool averages at $850,000 dollars.

Winter >> Sports

UPCOMING

Girls varsity basketball plays Colonial Heights at home on Fri., Jan. 27th at 7:15 PM.

>>

Boys varsity basketball plays at Colonial Heights on Fri., Jan. 27th at 7:15 PM.

>>

Boys varsity indoor track competes at an invitational at Virginia Tech on Sat., Jan 28th.

>>

Varsity wrestling will wrestle at Cosby High School on Sat., Jan. 28th.

Indoor Track Team Sets New Pace

Tyler Brock TRN Writer

T

he indoor track team encourages their members to be dedicated, persistent individuals.

The sport teaches them valuable, moral lessons to apply to their lives. Most importantly, the team always welcomes new members.

Sophomore Morgan Crawley joined the track team for the first time because she admired running.

“I joined the track team because I’ve loved running for years, and I know the sport would help prepare and improve myself both physically and mentally,” Crawley said.

Indoor track allows its individuals to do something that they have a passion for and help them improve their running skills. It gives them a time to relax and feel free from their schoolwork, and helps focus their energy on running across the finish line.

Being on the indoor track team allows student athletes to interact with each other as they work towards a common goal.

“All of my teammates are very open and

encouraging to everyone. Everyone tends to have a positive vibe around them,” Crawley said.

Led by their coach Will Stevens, he embodies the excitement he holds for his runners.

“The season was awesome. We ran the five fastest times in the nation in the 4x200 at our first meet,” Stevens said.

With the bar being set on a national level for their relay team, indoor track has been making headlines as one of the swiftest teams in the country. The team also has plans to shatter more records and be acknowledged as one the most unbeatable teams around.

While this track season has made the team renowned for their impressive, new records, they are already making plans for next season.

“Plans for next year are the same as every year. Change the mindset that it’s about beating Petersburg, Hopewell, and the surrounding counties. It’s about being the best in the state and nation. Work at making track a lifestyle, not just what you do during the season,” Stevens said.

Coach Stevens plans on altering his team’s perspective that’s it’s not just going and challenging other teams, it’s about unlocking the team’s true potential.

The team is considered essential and vital

to its members because it makes them feel at home. It teaches them the value of teamwork, integrity, and determination. The team also makes time for students to exercise and get healthier.

“Running track can become more of a mental than physical activity, because you have to learn to push yourself through the pain and work; the workouts at practice can be hard sometimes, but it helps prepare us to be our best for meets,” Crawley said.

Their tough workouts and practice schedules allow the team to get stronger, so they can work on competing and winning their competitions.

The indoor track team is always recruiting new members to their team. They are also planning on winning more competitions and being recognized as one of the best sports teams at Prince George.

From left to right, senior Aman Bivens, senior Joseph Kemp, senior Al-Tarik Samuel, and senior Keith Brown pose together after breaking the 4 x 200 relay run record. Contributed photo.