March 10

Friday 3.19.2010

theRoyalNews

Vol. VIII Issue 6- Prince George High School - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd - Prince George, VA 23875 - 804-733-2720

d. e r i w n tr om c

PTA hosts car show to increase After Prom funds p. 6

After Prom moves to Swaders Sports Park p. 13 Junior Gabriel Rosario aims to defeat his opponents at Swaders Sports Park’s indoor laser tag arena.

Photo by DelBria Walton.

SHEF foundation gives aid to future medical students p. 9 The Southside Health Education Foundation recently met to discuss possible fundraising ideas for the money used to support future medical students.

This foundation supports students in all medical professions including medical doctors and physical therapists.

Find it only on trnwired.com

Blackout Dance returns p. 21

The annual Spring Fling was held Sat., Mar. 13 at J.E.J. Moore Middle School showcasing many art pieces created by local students, as well as face painting by art students. To see a slideshow of the artists and their pieces, go to trnwired.com.

Previously held in 2008, the Blackout Dance is back this year after some controversy about inappropriate dancing. The dance will be held on Fri., Mar. 26th at 8 P.M. right after the Dodgeball Tournament. Students can purchase glowsticks for $2 the day of the dance.

Page 2 - The Royal News - February 19, 2010

Editorial

Is it always fair to play by the rules?

OP/ED

Op/ED

A

dolescents have never been fully trusted by adults. It is understandable as to why this is, with the back-talking, gum popping and cell phone crazy teens in society, this generation’s young adults are getting looked down on more than ever.

Almost everyone would agree that we need rules in society to prevent chaos and keep order. Within schools, rules and policies have to be strictly enforced to keep students safe from all dangers and to protect the school itself. From the student’s perspective some rules seem unnecessary while the administrations deems all rules to be vital for a successful year. Although we have the Student Government Association there is not a more direct way for students to get in contact with the staff to discuss how they feel about policies and procedures or what they think would work better. In order for students to respect the rules, they need to know the purpose and effectiveness of it other than “that’s the way its has always been.”

Also, where is it decided that certain rules are more enforced than others?

Sharing lockers is not allowed in the building yet it is often over looked.

Students are not permitting to sit in their car or loiter in the parking lot before or after school but not until recently has this been a major concern. It is a hassle to have to worry about receiving punishment just because you didn’t enter the building right away. So where does the administration draw the line on what rules are more important to enforce and where do the students get a say in how their day is controlled? If we are mature enough to listen and behave accordingly to the rules then we should be able to speak with adults on the policies they throw at us and put our legitimate reasons and input in.

A solution for this is simple, have the student body more involved with the administration. The administration has a relationship with the school board so the students deserve one with them. Students should be able to voice their opinions and solutions on what they believe should be changed and it should be truly considered and taken seriously. We should be invited to attend meetings and have our input welcomed by the school board.

What the...

You aren’t wearing any green...

Yes, I am!

To be fair, we are in black and white...

theRoyalNews

O

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

We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow.

The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room A6, or e-mail them to cwaugaman@pgs.k12. va.us 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. Please submit letters to the editors by Apr. 13 for the Apr. issue.

Section Editors Jami Davis-News; Mia Norman-Op/Ed; Delbria Walton-Features; Katie AdamsAmpersand; Kelsie McDaniels-A&E; Amir Vera-Sports; Devyn Pachmayr-Double Truck; Colby Eliades-Photo; Janai Cunningham-Ads Manager; Jessica Lee-Circulation; Sarah Moats-Editorial Cartoonist; Laura Young-Web Editor/Copy Editor; Sarah HabermehlWeb Editor/Facebook Editor

Editor-in-Chief Kayla Carneal

Adviser Chris Waugaman

Writers Alisha Holmes-Laura Young-Sarah Habermehl-Christy Hardin-Jessica Stainback-Autrey Jackson-Tasa Hattori-Gabrielle Wittington-Brittany Thacker-Alison Brown-Kimberly CarnealJake McQuiggan-Jessica Marshall-Rachel Waymack-Olivia Tritschler-Mariah Blystone-Malikah Williams- Wayne Epps, Jr.- Rachel Youmans - Emanuel Guadalupe

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

Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2009 Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Crown Finalist 2010 National Scholastic Press Assoc. Pacemaker Finalist 2009 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2009 SIPA All Southern 2010

I hate comics.

February Retractions

•Page 9’s caption read “Bruce Woodfin,” however it should read “Bruce Woodford.”

•Pages 16 and 17 were not specific in certain areas concerning the African American Inventors( i.e. electric guitar and flushing toilet). Also the dates on the page are when inventions were patented, not necessarily when they were “invented” since some of the inventions have been around for many years. The t.v. remote control was invented by Eugene Pulley in 1955, the curling iron was patented in 1980, not 1983, and the electric guitar was patented in 1936, not 1886. All other information is correct(including dates and inventors) according to www.niica.on.ca/csonan/BlackInventors.aspx and www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/blackhistory/list.htm.

OP/ED

March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 3

Pro/Con: Does Drug Abuse Resistance Education work? “

D

rug Abuse Resistance Education Programs are offered to children of all ages. From kindergarten to twelfth grade in high school, students are taught about the effects of drugs and alcohol. Millions of dollars are spent each year running these programs, yet the question still remains: do the programs work?

The mission of D.A.R.E. is “to teach students good decision making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives.” It gives children the resources to resist the temptation of drug and alcohol abuse. It exposes students to drug abuse prevention awareness, and teaches them the consequences of their actions if they were to participate in the usage or consumption of drugs and alcohol.

Parents and students that participate in these programs feel that it helps them to make positive decisions about their health and in their lives. A 2007 survey showed that 95% of students and 99% of parents showed a positive attitude toward this program and thought the program would benefit them in the future.

Drug prevention programs target younger students in order to educate them about the risks and consequences of using drugs. It shows the facts, and the students hear these facts over and over throughout their school career. “Just say no” is drilled into student’s heads until they are faced with a situation in which they may or may not choose to use what they have learned. These programs may give students the power to say no to drugs and alcohol.

No drug and alcohol prevention program is completely successful. However, it does help to aid the young people of America to make sensible and healthy choices, in hopes of leading a long drug-free life. It is not harmful to students to participate in these programs, and it may even help students to make the right decisions for their future. Therefore, these programs are not a waste of time or resources. If it helps to save one life it has done its job.

D.A.R.E. – ProCon.org

Don’t pinch me!

Y

ou run away as fast as you can.

Why? Of all days, you forgot to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day and everyone has noticed.

St. Patrick’s Day came about in Ireland as a day of celebrating the death of their beloved St. Patrick. The Irish Jessica Stainback have celebrated this Catholic religious holiday for thousands of years. However, the meaning of the holiday has vastly changed in America.

Why do we all get pinched on St. Pat-

PRO Con

Christy Hardin

Rachel Waymack

Early Warnings “The Office of the Surgeon General deemed that the D.A.R.E program does not work in a 2001 report.”

Success in surveys “A 2007 survey showed that 95% of students and 99% of parents showed a positive attitude toward this program.”

scientific setbacks “Some scientific research actually points to D.A.R.E programs increasing their participants’ use of drugs.”

rick’s Day for not wearing green? There are actually multiple theories that have developed over the years. One reason that has been presented to the American generations was that Leprechauns could not see the color green and therefore, would pinch children (or adults) who wear the colors they can see. Parents would warn their children of the Leprechauns by giving them a pinch on this holiday.

Another reason for “the pinch” was if you pinched a person hard enough, their skin would turn green from the bruise left behind. (I do not know about this one. Most of the bruises I have seen are black and blue, or turning yellow as they heal.) Green is also a widely known color in Ireland due to its name, the “Emerald Isle,” and the fields with “forty shades of green.” Early Irish Republic flags were also

T

he D.A.R.E program and all of its sister drug abuse resistance programs, like the Walk Against Drugs, have been drilled into our heads as soon as we began school, but repetition does not necessarily equal success. Personally, I don’t feel any more or less likely to use drugs just because the Walk Against Drugs is going on down the street from my house. I also don’t feel like I am going to change my opinion on drugs simply because a police officer comes into my classroom and gives me a lecture. I am not alone in this opinion; parents, students, and experts around the nation do not believe that these drug abuse resistance education programs work.

High ranking government offices don’t think these programs are the most effective either. The Office of the Surgeon General deemed that the D.A.R.E. program does not work in a 2001 report. In the same report, the Office placed D.A.R.E. in the category of “Ineffective Prevention Programs.” Also the Department of Education removed D.A.R.E. from its 2001 record of “promising and exemplary programs that promote safe, disciplined, and drug-free schools.” They were removed from this list because D.A.R.E did not meet the federal requirements stating that the programs must be effective and based on research.

A study done by the University of Kentucky found that the 6th graders, surveyed 10 years later, who had participated in D.A.R.E. had a similar percent of drug and alcohol use to the people who did not participate.

Some scientific research actually points to D.A.R.E programs increasing their participants’ use of drugs. A scientific study in Houston, Texas found that there was a 29% boost in the use of drugs and a 34% increase in the use of tobacco among the students who participated in the program.

Drug abuse resistance programs, like D.A.R.E, do not work. Period. Their simple tactics of “just say no” and “walk away” are not effective in a realistic environment. This is not only my opinion, but there are facts and studies to back this up and they all point to the fact that these programs are simply not effective.

predominantly green and many citizens would wear the color to express patriotism. It seems Americans have brought a piece of Ireland home.

Since pinching people who fail to wear green has become the main theatrics behind St. Patrick’s Day, people (being human) from time to time forget their green. Making signs that say, “Don’t pinch me, because I’ll pinch back” doesn’t help.

What do you do? Here are a few ideas: • If you have one of those friends who go all out and completely crazy, ask to borrow a necklace or two (out of the thousand or so they are wearing) for the day.

• Claim the holiday goes against your religious beliefs. Mainly Catholics believe in the celebration of a Saint’s death (which is what St. Patrick’s Day is). If you are not Catholic, just explain you cannot partake

in something that is not part of your religious beliefs.

• Claim you have green on your underwear. (No one really wants to see your underwear to check. If they do…run!)

• Grab a green pen or marker and go to town with body art. You can draw anything from a shamrock to a little leprechaun. (If you are like me, a small green dot will do just fine.)

It does not matter how you spend St. Patrick’s Day, but just try to remember your green, and avoid the pinching.

Page 4 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

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March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 5

News

Certification required for Spirit Week specialized Rowanty courses March 22-26 Junior Kristalea Sheaffer helps fit sophomore Samantha Faison with medical equipment. Both nursing aid students will seek certification upon completion of their program. Photo by Amber Williamson.

Monday

College Day

Tuesday Crayon Day Wednesday Mix Match Day

Thursday

Dynamic Duo Students earn job hunting advantage in tough economic times Jessica Lee circulation editor

E

very day students board a bus to travel to Rowanty Technical Center to learn more about their career interests.

Some of the courses offered at Rowanty require the students to become certified.

“You have to take the Rowanty course for 2 years then pass the certification tests for your state,” senior Robert Irving III said.

Senior Ricardo Pabon, who is taking carpentry at Rowanty, knows that it is required for his course to be certified.

Pabon also believes it is not too difficult to complete the certification for carpentry, but it can be a challenge.

Becoming certified does provide an advantage in the “job hunting” experience.

“Employers want people who are certified from Rowanty,” Irving said.

Students who are taking courses at Rowanty usually plan to go into the profession they are studying.

Junior Amber Williamson is taking advantage of the nursing program provided at Rowanty and plans on continuing her nursing education in college.

Senior Brianna McFarlane took the class to learn more about a certain subject.

McFarlane took cosmetology at first to see if she would enjoy it as a career, but now does not think it will be her choice in the future.

Williamson had the help of her mother to decide to take nursing but other students chose to take certain courses on their own.

“I like getting dirty and fixing cars,” Irving said.

Therefore Irving chose auto mechanics and he plans on being a mechanic in the future.

When taking a course such as carpentry, Pabon’s best advice is when you take a class like that, take care of yourself, obey the rules, and always use safety first.

Typically when students first decide to take a course at Rowanty the student goes in as a junior and they attend Rowanty during the afternoon.

However there are exceptions, such as junior Josh Sarver.

“Seniors are supposed to go in the morning, but since EMT and fire fighting have the same teacher, EMT is in the morning and fire fighting is in the afternoon,” Sarver said.

Taking courses at Rowanty and becoming certified could help students who go into their professions of study earn more money. Some students even take the classes with that in mind. Junior Kelsey Hulcher, who takes automotive technology, knew this was a possibility.

“I thought it could save me money, if I could do it myself. [It could also be] something to possibly do on the side,” Hulcher said.

With the focus being on the future with these classes, a student has special advice to guide future Rowanty students.

“Pick something you really like, you are going to be doing it every day and maybe even as a job later on,” Sarver said.

Friday

Spirit Day

Pep Rally

Spirit Week will end with a Pep Rally Friday afternoon during 6th block classes.

Page 6 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

News

PTA car show To raise money for after prom

Planners hope to complete fundraising efforts with event Sarah Habermehl trn writer

T

he First Annual Prince George Car Show will be held on Sat., Mar. 27th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the student parking lot of the high school. It is being held to raise money for the after-prom party which will be at Swader’s Sports Park this year. The added cost of the facility has presented new obstacles to the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Almost $17,000 is needed for the after-prom party this year. The PTA has been working since September to coordinate fund raisers and events to benefit the after-prom. All of the proceeds that come from the car show will go directly toward the after-prom party.

“The car show is really benefitting the entire student body because this is money that is going right back to them.

You don’t even have to go to prom in order to go to the after-prom party,” Leslie Allin, PTA after-prom chairperson said.

The PTA has created many different categories for different types of cars to enter. They have fourteen classes into which people may enter their car: Mustang, Corvette, Mopar, Street Rods, PT Cruisers, motorcycles, a student class, and old and new classes for cars and trucks. The winners of each class will receive a plaque.

“It would be wonderful to have many students enter their cars in the show, but even if they don’t want to do that, they can always come to the event and encourage others to come and support our efforts,” Allin said.

There will be many different activities for spectators who are less interested in looking at cars. The PTA is anticipating a large amount of entries for vendors and has many other activities lined up for the afternoon.

“We are going to have a Life Evac helicopter land in the yard at the school, the Marines are coming with Hummers and a rock climbing wall, and the dance team will be performing. We have many things that you will be able to do if you come to the car show,” Allin said.

Other performances will be from Cherokee Indians, Irish dancers, and line dancers. There will be a K9 demonstration, Adopt-a-Pet from the Humane Society, a car wash, raffles, and limo services at the car show. Local bands will also have a time when they can perform.

“My whole band is performing. We play classic rock and older styles of music so it should blend really well with the class car show,” senior Charles Gartman said.

The National Honors Society will have a station set up to raise money for The Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

“The team is hoping that many people show up for the car show to help contribute to our efforts to fight cancer and promote cancer research,” senior Britney Ceney said, “We will be doing face painting and giving out purple balloons to raise awareness about the Relay for Life.”

While the individual vendors may charge for their food, drinks or services, there is no parking or spectator’s fee for the show.

Types of Vehicles in Show Example of an entry into the Mustang class.

Example entry for the 1950-1959 car class.

Example of an entry into the P. T. Cruiser class.

March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 7

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Page 8 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

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March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 9

News

Foundation gives aid to medical bound students

Members of the Board of the SHEF get together for a picture after a meeting where they discussed the foundation.

Photo by Mariah Blystone

Mariah Blystone trn writer

T

he Southside Health Education Foundation, or SHEF, met on February 27, to appoint new members and discuss fund raising ideas for the financial support they give to students in various medical fields.

This foundation is dedicated to helping potential medical students receive the money they need to complete necessary schooling.

“The SHEF is a foundation formed approximately four years ago and its mission is to help nursing students and other students who are going into the health education professions,” Chairman Gurpal Bhuller, M.D. said.

A number of students in health education need all the help they can get from this foundation.

“Nursing school is pretty intense because you have to learn lots of different things in a little amount of time,” Kim Smith, R.N said “It has a moderate stress level.”

The students that can benefit from this foundation’s funds range a great deal.

“Recipients could include physical therapists, nurses, x-ray technicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and perhaps even medical doctors,” Bhuller

said.

The selected students receive financial aid because paying for college can be a difficult task.

“It is very important to apply for as many scholarships as you can because going to college is not an easy thing to do with the economy the way it is. Every little bit helps and you do not have to pay back as much,” Smith said.

The meetings of this foundation are centered on several basic ideas. The board members try to think of ways to raise money for the students. They also try to coordinate the funds appropriately for the benefit of the students.

SHEF has eight board members consisting of doctors, community members, teachers, nurses, and administrators. The members include Gurpal Bhuller, M.D., Chairman, Fred Ende, M.D., Vice-Chairman, Donald Anderson, Secretary-Treasurer, Jacqueline Hedblom, Nancy McNeer, Alan Bigley, M.D., Mike Yates, and Audrey Blystone, R.N. In financial terms, the foundation has to keep a close eye on the funds.

They have a current balance of $608,437.

They have received contributions from the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation in Atlanta, who donated $61,500. The Cameron Foundation in Petersburg has also donated and SHEF is hoping to receive funding from other foundations

as well.

In order to receive this amount of money, the Foundation holds fund raisers regularly.

“We have a fishing tournament and also wine tastings,” Bhuller said.

The fishing tournament was tentatively set for May 15, 2010. This will be finalized after consultation with the sponsors and Dance’s Sporting Goods.

SHEF meets regularly to discuss money and the distribution of the money to students. They also talk about the foundation itself.

“We try to have a retreat once a year so that the board members can come together and brainstorm as to what we are doing well and what we are not doing well. In this particular meeting the focus is on strategies for fund raising,” Bhuller said.

Students interested in the health education field can benefit from this foundation and the money they are willing to give. The members also give advice to these students.

“If you want to go into the health education field you have to have good core subjects, particularly technical subjects and science,” Bhuller said.

Once the student has been accepted into a medical program, they can then apply to the foundation for funding.

“If you are in nursing school or any other technical school, for example

physical therapy, you would apply to us and we would award funding for your tuition to the college you are going to,” Bhuller said.

To apply a student must receive a form from the foundation, fill it out completely, and also provide the members with a full financial background.

In the past few months, SHEF has been working hard and putting certain issues up for discussion for their board members. This includes the past scholarships given to students.

The scholarship division of the foundation made a report to the members stating they had $62,571 available for distribution. This amount was circulated to forty nine students.

Although their goal is to provide money, the board may deny funding at times. The foundation had to discuss and decide that they did not have enough monetary resources at the time to give to the Medical College of Virginia student body that were requesting the start of a scholarship fund.

Although they cannot provide funds in all cases, SHEF has helped countless students receive the education they deserve and will continue to do just that. “[For] anyone who wants to go into the health education field, we have the resources to fund their education,” Bhuller said.

Page 10 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

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N.B. Clements Recruiting Assembly:

The high school cadets hosted an assembly at Clements March 5th to recruit upcoming 9th grade students into joining the JROTC Program next year. This event gave the special teams an opportunity to showcase what they do during the year. Events include the Rifle team, Raider platoon, Color Guard, Honor Guard, and the Drill Team Chris Shifflett Manager

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Features

March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 11

Features

MYSPACE

Copy the copy room

Information by Rachel Youmans The temperature in the room

Teachers use the copy machine on a daily basis

gets extremely hot due to the

to mass produce worksheets and notes for their

machine running. This fan

students. 10,000copies are made on a average day

provides some relief.

and 35,000 copies on a busy one.

The computer is available for teachers to send emails with details about their copies needed.

The papers that wait to be copied are dropped off here by teachers.

Barbara Ceney is the copy aid who keeps everything in order.

This cart holds all the finished copied papers. The collection of rocks are used as paper weights when going down the halls.

Page 12- The Royal News - March 19, 2010

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March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 13

Features

After prom goes to Swaders sports park

Seniors Brandon Jefferson, Molly Nicol and Caron Charlotte and Junior Gabriel Rosario enjoy a few laps around the go kart track at Swaders sports park.

Photo by Delbria Walton

Safety, fun still top priorities even at new venue Jessica Marshall trn writer

T

he music stops, and the lights come on.

Students dressed in their best leave the dance floor. Prom of 2010 is over. Next stop, Swaders.

The After Prom is held after the end of the actual Prom to keep students safe and from making risky decisions. In years passed, it has been held at the high school. But for 2010, the PTA has decided to update this common tradition.

They booked Swaders Sports Park.

“At the beginning of the school year, we [PTA] handed out a survey to the senior homerooms and asked where they would want to ideally have After Prom,” Richard Kobelt, PTA President, said. “We had decided that we would choose where to host After Prom by what the students said.

A majority of the students recommended Swaders.”

Students who attend Prom, for the most part, plan on what they will do afterwards beforehand. Not all plans

though will include After Prom, which is expected. Friends might be having parties or maybe some students just want to go home and sleep. For junior Matthew Dooley, he is undecided.

“I am not sure if I am even going to Prom yet, so I don’t know about After Prom,” Dooley said. “But I will say that if I do go to prom, I will most definitely consider After Prom. It’s at Swaders, and come on, who doesn’t love Swaders?”

Junior Ariel Blystone, on the other hand, has had her mind made up since she heard about Swaders.

“I will definitely be going to Swaders.

This is my first Prom and I have heard it is awesome,” Blystone said. “I am looking forward to dancing at Prom and I am also, like I am sure many students are, looking forward to hanging out and having fun with my friends at Swaders.”

No matter the reason, the PTA wishes that the amount of students attending will increase with such a well known and liked location.

“It would be wonderful if the number of students attending increased, and I think that it will. I would be surprised if it didn’t because a majority of the students proposed it,” Kobelt said.

“I think that they [PTA] made the right decision with picking Swaders. Besides the fact that Swaders is entertaining, there’s a lot to do there, not to mention they have good food,” junior Francisco Portillo said.

Expectations for Swaders are quite varied. Students and parents, alike,

are baffled while trying to figure out what activities will be offered for those attending.

“This will be my first Prom so for After Prom, if I do go, I will not know what to expect,” Dooley said. “But with Swaders, it would make sense that the activities available there would be open for students to use. If they were not, then what’s the point.”

With all of the students wondering, Kobelt decided to clear up the confusion.

“Students who attend the After Prom will arrive to Swaders and get a Swaders’ Playtime Card. From that point, students will be able to do anything, within reason,” Kobelt said. “The go-carts, mini golf, batting cages, and laser tag will all be open for the students to partake in. There will even be video games and movies available and most of the arcade will be open to play.”

The big head turner for this year is the budget and fundraising. Words passed from student to student say that Swaders charged anywhere from $14,000 to $40,000. Money, as most everyone knows, does not grow on trees. Even still, the PTA has managed to pay on behalf of the students.

“Originally, we thought that the cost we be around $10,000 to $12,000. But as of right now, the cost is a little over $14,000,” Kobelt said.

Fundraising played an increasingly and surprisingly large role in the budget.

El Caporal, a community favorite, recently agreed to help out the PTA and their

budget. In addition to El Caporal, CiCi’s Pizza has also agreed to partner up with the PTA to raise money.

“We have had a lot of help fundraising from various community businesses. Over the summer, we worked concessions at the Dinwiddie Race Track, and more recently El Caporal,” Kobelt said. “CiCi’s has also agreed to help us, but I think that a majority of the money will be made by the After Prom ticket sales.”

With April drawing near, the anticipation for Prom and After Prom continue to grow. The PTA and students agree that Swaders was the best possible choice.

“It’s something new,” Kobelt said.

“Because this year, we are actually changing our location unlike previous years, where we just hosted it at the high school.”

“Swaders is a really great place because there is something for everyone to do,” Blystone said. “You can play laser tag or even arcade games. Even mini-golf, and who does not like mini golf? It is just a great place to hang out and relax with your friends on what’s bound to be an unforgettable night.”

From getting dresses to tuxes, Prom for many is an unforgettable experience.

With such changes to After Prom, Kobelt wishes that students will have a great time and enjoy the Prom of 2010.

“I just hope that everyone plays it safe and they just have fun. That’s what it’s all about,” Kobelt said.

Page 14 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

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Features

March 19, 2010- The Royal News - Page 15

IB project creates philanthropists Middle years program teaches student how to give back to the community Gabrielle Whittington trn writer

T

he MYP program is all around yet not all students are informed of what it is.

International Baccalaureate is maore than an honors program because it requires its student to become involved in service projects.

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring people to help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

The program also encourages students across the world to become active and compassionate members of society. This is the mission statement for the IB students.

“In my opinion, the Middle Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate encourages students to become compassionate global citizens, to embrace connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and to become lifelong critical and reflective thinkers,” Holly Boyd, International Baccalaureate Coordinator said. “The Middle Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate is designed for students in grades 6-10. In Prince George County, it is an option for those students seeking academic rigor with a global perspective. All fifth grade students are encouraged to apply.”

Once accepted into the IB program, students have to do a couple of things to stay in. Students must sign a contract in the 6 th grade and they have to maintain at least a C average in all of their classes. They also have to

Sophomore Madison Guidry presents a check of 20,000 dollars to the Massey Cancer Center. Money in which she raised, through a formal dinner and silent auction, as a part of her International Baccalaureate project.

Photo contributed by Guidry family make sure to complete all community service hours and a personal project in the 10th grade.

“The culminating personal project in the 10th grade demonstrates the students’ knowledge of the principles of the Middle Years Pro g r a m m e .

It also gives them a chance to explore an interest or passion of theirs” Boyd said.

All students who have completed

a project have had some amount of success, whether it was big or small.

“All 10 th grade MYP students who completed a Personal Project have had success. The emphasis of the personal project is not on the p r o d u c t itself but on the process.

Students have held fund raisers for cancer, held soccer clinics for younger children, designed fitness routines, created pamphlets on Multiple

“It took a lot of late nights, emailing, and calling while try ing to find things for the auction. It took a lot of my time.”

Madison Guidry

Sclerosis and strokes, participated in archeological digs, held blood drives and completed other projects.” Boyd said.

Students also receive a lot of help from those around them, such as family and friends, and the members in their community. Local businesses are usually eager to help out an IB student’s cause, and better the community.

“I have been touched by the amazing community support for the students and their projects. Madison Guidry organized a dinner/dance/ silent auction fund raiser for the Massey Cancer Center in November of 2009,” Boyd said. “Wayne Epps organized and held a Car and Bike Show in September of 2009. Stephanie Ramirez organized and held a blood drive at Sacred Heart Church. None of these projects would have been successful without community support.”

One IB student, Madison Guidry, tackled a well-known cause with her personal project.

Her decision to do her project on breast cancer was influenced by people close to her and experiences that they had gone through.

“My great aunt died from breast cancer and my godmother is a survivor so I thought it would be a good cause,” Guidry said.

Guidry ended up raising $28,000 after all of her efforts and after paying expenses she was able to donate $20,000 to the Massey Cancer Center as funding for their breast cancer research program.

“I was overwhelmed at first [but], I have already started fund raising for next year” Guidry said.

Doing a personal project takes dedication and effort. The hard work pays off with personal reward.

“It took a lot of late nights, emailing, and calling while trying to find things for the auction. It took a lot of my time,” Guidry said.

A few words of wisdom have been given to those who do not believe they can achieve success through their interests.

“Even if you think it is too big of a task to take on, try it,” Guidry said.

Page 16 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

Defeating Unhealthy Eati

B

Counting Calories

ad Habits. Everyone has them. Whether it is biting your nails, shaking your legs, or even with eating, bad eating habits have a huge impact on one’s health. But how can students fix this?

Snacking constantly, feeding emotions, skipping breakfast and even sugar addiction are only a few examples of bad eating habits. However, any bad habit can be stopped.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity are the leading causes of death in the United States. 310,000 to 580,000 people die each year because of unhealthy eating and inactivity. It can also put a person at risk for numerous diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, stroke, and osteoporosis. Many cancers such as colon, prostate, mouth, throat, esophagus, lung, and stomach also develop from bad eating habits.

Students such as Aylissa Gambill know that they have bad eating habits.

“When I come to school, I look at all the food and I cannot help but to eat it,” junior Aylissa Gambill said. “I try to overcome [my eating habits] but I usually fail.”

Unhealthy eating does not just happen at school. Just drinking a can of soda is putting one in a health risk. According to diet-and-exercise-for-heath.com, soda is the number once source of calories for the youth in America, which causes them to become obese. Also, women who drink soda increase their chances of Type II diabetes by 85%. Diet sodas are not any better. It is even more harmful to health due to the artificial sweeteners used in them.

Eating out at fast food restaurants is fast and convenient; making it a common hobby for students. In a recent survey done with 94 students, 61% of the students order their meals medium when eating out. Changing the meal size could gradually decline the health risk involved with consuming more unhealthy foods.

“With sports going on, sometimes it is tempting to just go through a drive

4.5 grams of Fat 19.0 grams of Sugar 150 Calories per Twinkie

thru rather than going home and cooking something,” senior Lauren Swope said.

Changing the mind-set when ordering may help with better eating habits.

With the choices between price, taste, or convenience as the first thing they think about, junior Chelsea McCollum thinks about price.

“How much it is can determine if I buy it or not,” McCollum said. “I do not have a lot of money, and I am not trying to go broke buying food.”

However, junior Michelle Soon thinks about taste.

“I am not worried about my weight but I still try to stay healthy by eating home cooked meals.”

Some students believe healthy eating habits are important to have and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“I think healthy eating habits are important because a lot of people want to look better and live longer but they do not realize you have to give up some stuff in order to do that,” junior Shelby Reynolds said. “Instead of buying school lunch, I have started packing lunches and try not to bring sugar in my house.”

According to The Center for Young Women’s Health, not skipping meals, learning healthy ways to prepare foods, avoiding sugar and starvation diets and being mindful when eating are a few ways to eat healthier. Aylissa Gambill plans on eating healthier from this too.

“I am trying to start eating a more balanced meal,” Gambill said.

Since March is declared National Nutrition Month, making a change in daily eating habits is a good transition to make. It may be three months after most New Year resolutions are made, but it is not too late to start a good habit now.

Sources: http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/healthyeating.html http://www.cspinet.org/nutritionpolicy/nutrition_policy.html#eat http://www.diet-and-exercise-for-health.com/drinking-soda.html

0.0 grams of Fat 27.0 grams of Sugar 150 Calories for 14 Beans

10.0 grams of Fat 1.0 grams of Sugar 160 Calories per 28g

V

March 19. 2010 - The Royal News -Page 17

By Brittany Thacker and Devyn Pachmayr

VS.

“I think healthy eating habits are important... you have to give up some stuff in order to do that.� junior Shelby Reynolds

Do you consider the amount of Calories you consume?

19% Yes 55% No 23% Sometimes Based on a survey taken from 100 students.

0.3 grams of Fat 14.9 grams of Sugar 53 Calories per 73g

0.6 grams of Fat 0.0 grams of Sugar 7 Calories per Almond

0.0 grams of Fat 0.7 grams of Sugar 30 Calories per 14 Carrots

caloriecount.about.com

ing

Features

Page 18 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

First impressions create stereotypes Mental categorizing occurs instantly, can cause inaccurate perceptions

Freak Prep Hater Theater Kid Creep Backstabber Cool Druggie Emo Gossip Jock Loser Jesus Freak Nerd Shy Trashy Lazy Goth

Mia Norman-Owens Opinions Editor

E

veryone experiences it. On the first day of school walking the halls, during a job interview, or on a first date. The knowledge that someone is judging you in your entirety, based on that first impression.

This habit of forming an opinion of someone based on an initial meeting is something done by everyone, a human trait that occurs not because people have become too judgmental, but because q u i c k judgments have a psychological origin.

“When we meet someone, we observe them, and notice as much as we can about the way they dress, how they talk, and other physical cues and try to figure out what kind of person they are based on that information. It is not just a part of high school, it is a part of everyone. When you interact with someone, you going to determine whether you think they are a good or a bad person,” psychology teacher Mark Dailey said.

Social psychology is the study of how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of one individual are influenced by

the real, imagined, or inferred behavior of other people. A first impression is often the biggest influence on how people are perceived by others. Because of what psychologists call “the Primary Effect” the earliest information we receive about a person that we meet carries the most weight, and our first impressions tend to last.

“S te re o t y p i n g is nothing more than The root of sterotyping occurs in the human brain. putting someone

“Sterotyping is nothing more than putting someone in a category so we know how to deal with them.”

Mark Dailey

The diagram above displays some labels that students may use to judge those they meet in school. All people make judgements on others based on first impressions.

Photo from http://health.howstuffworks.com/

in a category so we know how to deal with them, and have a basis of how to interact with them.

We as human beings are mental misers, we do not like to waste too much energy in figuring people out, and so spend as little energy as possible in making judgments about people,” Dailey said.

“The first thing people notice about me are my nerd glasses, my gauges, and people may judge me based on my clothing before they even get to my personality,” senior Erin Winn said.

The old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover” is often used to warn people against making quick judgments about others, however, the judgments we make can be important in how we form friendships and

social groups.

“I think students form cliques because they have similar interests. I am not into sports, so I would not hang out with the football team,” said junior Sarah Gray.

“People want to be comfortable with their friends, so they hang out with people like them,” junior Caiti Lee said.

We use the judgments we make to determine things about the people around us, such as their friendliness, attitude, and social status. However, because we form these opinions so quickly based on the first encounter, they may not be entirely accurate.

“I think that judgments we make about people are not always right, because when we stereotype people, we are more likely just to write them off immediately,” senior Caitlin

Haydt said.

“The opinions we form about others have some accuracy in them, but they are not always correct right away. Unfortunately, the judgment we make due to the first impression is often unchanged, no matter how much information we receive that contradicts it. Because we do not often try to see past initial judgments, we may not see others as they truly are,” Dailey said.

“I think if we can understand what we are doing when we make judgments, and try to examine what it means, we will be able to make more accurate judgments, and be able to see people more clearly. Once you realize that everyone makes judgments and that not all judgments are accurate, you will be less likely to assume someone belongs in a certain category without getting to know them first.”

Obituary

March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page19

“The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.”

Isaiah 57:1-2

Ryan Alan Newman August 17,1993 - March 1, 2010 Time. On March the 1st, time stood still for Ryan. He left us to be with his Lord and Savior in heaven. In heaven, time is eternity, infinity. For all of us here mourning his loss, time will march on and it will ease the pain.

Ryan would want us all to use our time to honor God and draw closer to him. Every moment is precious.

We cannot express the gratitude that our family has to everyone.

The kindness, courtesy, support and thoughtfulness that has been extended to us is immeasurable. Our heartfelt thank you’s go out to the school board, administrators, faculty, staff and students at Prince George County. Your love and support has truly honored the life and memory of Ryan. God Bless you all.

With deepest thanks, The Family of Ryan Newman

Page 20 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

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A&E

A&E

Alternative lighting brings high expectations for dance Christy Hardin trn writer

T

he lights are off, the music is pumping and people are flowing in by the dozens. With the first note of music, the Blackout dance

has returned.

The Blackout dance has had many controversies in the past couple of years. Students love the thought of being in a room surrounded by their closest friends, having a good time moving to the tunes in the dark.

But when the administration gets involved, enforcing dancing rules and shining flashlights into the crowd, students start to have a problem with school dances.

“I thought it was unnecessary. I don’t think they need to shine flashlights on someone because of the way they are dancing. I think they should just ask them to stop instead,” junior Katie Doyle said.

In 2008, the dance sold many tickets and students showed up to have a good time. However, rumors spread about the dances and the rules being put into effect, which prevented students from buying tickets to the dance, no matter

how much advertising and campaigning was done.

Thus, in 2009, ticket sales dwindled, and the dance was cancelled.

This year the Blackout dance is making a comeback on March 26, and the SGA has been working to make improvements and make the dance have a fresh new twist.

“We did the dance about two years ago and this is the first year we have actually got the administration to allow us to go through with it,” senior Brennon Stovall said. “We have done a lot of work with them to operate the lights; the far corner lights will be on but we are also going to have alternate lighting as well.”

Alternate lighting will be used to meet the requirements of the administration. Such lighting includes Christmas lights, black lights, and glow sticks in the form of necklaces and bracelets.

Along with the glow sticks, there will also be other surprises for the students that attend the dance to enjoy and make the dance more appealing.

“We are working to get different kinds of lights, and we are going to get fog machines as well to make the dance more interesting,” junior Chelsea Hughes said.

The student government body has been putting their heads together for quite some time to brainstorm ways to advertise and sell more tickets for the dance.

“We are putting together a spirit week the week before the dance,” sophomore Zhane Umpierre said. “It will be similar to other spirit weeks and will have a pep rally outside, where silly string will be sold and hopefully we can sell more tickets and get more students to come out to the dance.”

The Blackout dance along with all the other dances gives the students an opportunity to have fun and make memories that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 21

Tickets for the dance are on sale now.

The cost is $8.00.

Date forms can be picked up in the LMC. Regular dress code is required for both students and their guest.

Find a similar story about dances throughout the years only on trnwired. com.

. d e r i w trn om c

Around the world in 336 pages

I

am not one to pick up books and read them for pleasure. In Kelsie McDaniels fact I cringed knowing that I had to read books every year in English.

Recently I have been going through a “phase” of reading. I don’t know whether it has to do with being a senior or just being bored. The first book that I read was called 13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson.

The whole story is about a teenage girl named Ginny, who has received letters from her deceased aunt who was an artist. Each letter contains details to where she should travel to next. The only catch is that she can only bring what fits into her backpack. She cannot bring any guidebooks, phrase books, and any kind of foreign language materials or journals, nor any money or “electronic crutches.”

Her journeys take her across Europe to meet with people that were in her aunt’s past. She meets a variety of individuals that change the way that she sees people.

I did not want to put this book down until it was done, although it took me more than a day to finish it.

The detailing in the language of the text transports you into the world that Ginny is experiencing.

I felt like I was in her shoes the whole time I was reading. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to travel the world. Or anyone who has an artistic aunt who would send them all over the world with close to nothing but the clothes on their back.

Even if you don’t read I think that this book is not like the other boring books that teachers make us read every year in class. An adventure and a story all in one that should be turned into a movie for all to see.

Page 22 - The Royal News -March 19, 2010

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Come see the Latest fashion trends for 2010 $3 in advance $5 at the door For information see Mrs. Beales in room B3

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March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 23

A&E

DECA prepares to ‘rip the runway’ 2nd annual “Big City” fashion show returns with new flair Malikah Williams trn writer

A

fashion show fit for New York City or Paris is coming to the auditorium on Mar. 25th at 7:00 p.m. DECA is producing its 2nd Annual Bright Lights, Big City Fashion Show. The tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the door. The show is going to feature a variety of fashions from all over the world as well as some entertaining skits.

The production is part of the curriculum for the advanced fashion marketing students, most of who are in DECA. The students use the event planning skills they learn in class to make sure the production occurs without any problems. They do everything involved with the production of the show.

“It [the show] is a lot of work,” said senior Jolycia Francois, Secretary of DECA. “We have to find the models, do the choreography, get the scenes together, and get the clothing together.”

Starting this production, DECA members remembered what things students wanted more of from the previous show.

“Last year, the one complaint we had was that [the show] was not long enough, so we made it longer. Also, in the fashion show everything was black. Even though we had different scenes, everyone wore black,” DECA sponsor Kim Beales said.

DECA plans on taking the students’ opinions from last year’s show to make this show even better.

“This year, we have tried to really emphasize different areas [of fashion],” Beales said. “We are doing a lot of scenes that go with different big cities in the Unit-

ed States and worldwide.”

DECA wants to expand the student body’s horizon of fashions by introducing many fashions one can commonly see in upscale fashion realms of the world.

“Students are going to see summer clothes and dramatic clothes, not just regular jeans and T-shirts,” said senior Ariana Gordon, Vice President of DECA. Not only are students going to get to see extreme couture fashions, they are also going to see trends that are realistic to wear.

“We are really pushing for the current trends this year. In the commentaries, the students will hear about the trends that are up and coming,” Beales said. “We are trying to market those trends to help them catch on in Prince George, instead of six months later.”

DECA has been really focused on getting the right kind of clothes to display to the students.

“We are having different categories such as vintage, retro, and classic styles,” sophomore Kiera Ortiz said.

With a vast amount of students participating in the show, preparing for the show can get a little confusing but ones who stick with it prove their dedication to the show.

“The hardest part of putting the show is when you have 40-50 kids in a fashion show; the practices can get a little crazy. That is usually when I lose it,” Beales said.

In the fashion show previously, there was a surprise that really entertained the students. Four boys from the school dressed up and performed as the Temptations. DECA has even more surprises in store for this year.

“There is going to be a lot of old school stuff and we plan on doing something with Tina Turner,” Gordon said.

Changes to the stage mark many of the surprises this year. The new lighting and music are going to really add to the worldly atmosphere of the show.

“The music is really going to be exciting and the lights are really going to make everything pop,” Francois said “It is going to be big.”

This show is put on mostly to show-

Professional model, Jamie Stewart, coaches sophomores Tierra Walker and Milisa Taylor on how to walk the runway properly. The fashion show is being held on Mar. 25th at 7:00 p.m. Photo by Gabby Whittington . case the abilities and talents in the school that normally would go unrecognized.

“People think that we would make money but by the time you get lighting people and buy all the props, we usually just break even. It [show] is not really to make anything but for my kids to have fun and something to remember,” Beales said.

DECA tries to keep the cost as low as possible so many students can see the show.

“Students should come because it is

going to be a lot of fun and worth their time and money,” Ortiz said.

Students who love fashion, those just want to see the show their friends produced, or those who just want to have a fun experience are all welcome to attend the event.

“It’s all the fashion that’s in right now and all the fashion that is going to be in.

If you want to wear what nobody else is wearing, you are going to want to come to the fashion show,” Francois said.

Page 24 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

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Sports

Sports

March 19, 2010- The Royal News - Page 25

Veterans face challenge to lead young team Girls varsity soccer starts out their season with seven freshmen Amir Vera trn sports editor

A

fter the grueling hardships of tryouts, the girls varsity soccer roster has finally been completed. Looking at it, however, one may notice that the team is “young”.

The team currently consists of six seniors, three juniors, two sophomores, and seven freshmen.

With that in mind, veteran players and coaches alike know that the season ahead will have its challenges becoming one unified team.

“It is going to be challenging with the different age groups. The younger girls have played together, so its technically going to be two teams coming together,” senior Rachel Poreda said. “It is going to be hard for the captains to get the two to mix

together.”

The older girls know that at first it will be demanding making the team one with the different playing styles and maturity levels, but that they will have to realize how to play together in order to have a successful season.

“It is going to take one game for us to realize that we all have to play together in order to win. I think it will be one of the good teams like Thomas Dale or Colonial Heights,” senior LaCreshia Page said.

Veterans also feel that the transition from junior varsity to varsity will also affect the younger ones playing. “ We have to put the two separate teams into one mind set,” senior Nicole Mojica said. Teaching them our way, the varsity way, not the JV way because I know sometimes they like to play around and joke, but we need to be strict and serious, all the seniors want to advance past the first round of regionals this year.”

Even though the team will be young at first, the younger girls will have to depend on the leadership and example of the experienced players for guidance on how to become better varsity players.

“We look for girls who are not necessarily the best players on the team, but the girl that basically emulates everything that we want,”

head coach Kendell Warren said.

“Whether the leadership or the desire, a girl that the other girls are more than happy to follow just because they know how to lead the girls.”

A good captain, according to Warren, takes the girls underneath their arms whether she is a sophomore, junior, or senior and leads by example.

Thus far, the older players have been doing their job as role models for the novices. Freshmen Angela Poreda and Valerie Belcher feel they are being taught what they need to know in order to be successful, and believe that the experienced girls have what it takes to be good leaders.

“A good captain is someone who can show me what to do and what to do and where I need to be and the captains have been teaching me the way,” Poreda said.

“They are doing pretty good, I am learning a lot from them,” Belcher said.

As for the veterans and the coaches, they are pretty confident about the younger players.

“I think we will all work together because the freshmen, they are talented, so I think we will make one really good team,” junior Angela Gerard said.

“It is going to be a group of girls that basically come from different areas and experiences, and as coaches it’s

our responsibility to put it together,” Warren said.

Though there are a lot of freshmen on the varsity team, Warren feels that everyone has a purpose. He does not see the point in keeping the younger crowd on junior varsity if they can excel at the varsity level.

“We do not put freshmen on the varsity squad unless they are going to start or they are going to be first or second off the bench because we are not going to put freshmen on varsity and have them sit there.” Warren said.

“It is not fair to them, if they start on JV, why put them on varsity and then they sit the bench?”

Although it is only the beginning of the season, things are looking well for the girls varsity soccer team. And even though it is a “young team”, they have what it takes have one of the best seasons overall than the team has had in the last three years.

“We have the right seniors that we need, we have the right freshmen we need, and with the juniors and sophomores, if they fill the roles they are supposed to, the sky’s the limit,” Warren said.

Posing for a team photo, the varsity girls soccer team consists of six seniors, three juniors, two sophomores, and seven freshmen.

Photo by Amir Vera

Page 26 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

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Sports

Fitness for life plans for ‘big event’

March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 27

Senior Spotlight

Students prepare for annual 3x3 basketball tournament Wayne Epps trn writer

Maggie Roberts Softball

E

very year when the middle of March rolls around, college basketball fanatics break out the brackets for the NCAA’s March Madness tournament.

For Fitness for Life students, however, it’s time for the “Big Event”.

The “Big Event” is a three-on-three basketball tournament between Fitness for Life students. It starts March 15.

Each game is played from ten to twelve minutes and at the end, the team that was able to put up the most points is the winner. The tournament lasts from a week to a week and a half.

“We have been doing the Big Event since we have had Fitness for Life, and that has been like 6 or 7 years,” Fitness for Life teacher Mickey Roberts said. “I was just looking for something to do with the class. They wanted something really competitive. Most of those kids are extremely competitive and that seemed like a natural event to throw in there.”

Even though the Big Event is held around the same time as the NCAA’s tournament, there are differences between the two.

“You can actually lose twice in our tournament. In the NCAA tournament, it is one and you are done. In this, it is double elimination,” Roberts said.

In March Madness, teams are seeded from one to sixteen in four regions. The regions are East, West, Midwest, and South. In their first game, the teams in each region play against each other, with the top seeded team playing the sixteenth seeded team, the second seeded team playing the fifteenth seeded team, until it meets in the middle with the eighth seeded team playing the ninth seeded team.

However, in the Big Event, teams are not seeded and they are put together to be as even as possible.

Senior Brandon Tookes keeps his eyes on the basket as senior Travis Spain defends him from passing. Both players have been competing in the 3 on 3 tournament. Photo by Wayne Epps.

“I try to even the teams up as best as I can, by just what I have seen. I do not put all the best basketball players on one team, I try to spread it out,” Roberts said.

For seniors who participated in it last year, the Big Event meant “big” fun.

It was a chance for them to play and let their competitive natures come out.

“It is a good opportunity to play against everybody and see different skills everyone has,” senior Tyrone Cole said.

“I enjoy participating, because it’s fun, it’s physical, and it’s challenging,” senior Jeff Branson said.

Team names are another fun aspect of the tournament for Fitness for Life students. Teams are allowed to decide what they want to call themselves.

“Abominable Snowmen, Team Savage, The Superbads, The Power Rangers, The Batgirls,” said Roberts

giving some examples of Big Event team names. “Last year, I think we went with the super-hero theme. Then, one year, we went with the fish theme. So, we just kind of change it around.”

Junior Fitness for Life students are looking forward to the opportunity to play in the Big Event for the first time.

“Playing basketball is fun; I always bummed out when I do not get to play basketball in gym because we have to do other stuff. It is pretty cool,” junior Jesse Thomas said.

The Big Event may be competitive, but it is still all about having fun. That is what Coach Roberts gets out of it, and it is what he hopes the students get out of it.

“When they [students] are happy I am happy,” Roberts said. “So, as far as I am concerned, that is the biggest thing; it is something that they really enjoy doing and I enjoy organizing for them.”

1. How long have you been playing softball?

“I played little league from age 6-8 with boys and softball for 9 years.”

2. What inspired you to start playing softball?

“My family is a very base oriented family. My dad played baseball in college. My brothers grew up playing baseball, so I started softball.”

3. How do you train outside of school?

“My dad throws to me in the cage and I’ll throw with my brothers or anyone who’ll let me throw with them.”

4. What position do you play?

“For the school I play second base but for the travel teams I play utility.”

5. What are your pregame rituals?

“My best friend and I go out to eat and I listen to the same play list on my iPod and before I play, I listen to Gun & Roses.”

6. Do you eat anything specific before a game?

“Normally I go to places that have chicken.”

7. What do you enjoy most about softball?

“The friendships that we make and working together as a team to win.”

8. What has been your best game?

“Last year when we played in our first state game ever and I hit a double that won us the game.”

9. Do you plan on playing after high school?

“No, I don’t. I’m going to college to become a P.E. teacher.”

10. Coach’s Corner (Coach Pat Waguespack): “Maggie’s been our second basemen for 3-4 years, she handles her position very well, and makes a lot of key plays.

March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 28

State sprinters race against clock

Sports

Olivia Tritschler trn writer

I

ndoor track stars Sam Fort and Desi Scott both went to the Indoor AAA State Championships as the fastest people in school.

Scott came in 7th place with a time of 76.54 seconds for the 500 meter. Fort also participated in States after placing 3rd at Regional Championships with a time of 70.69 seconds.

The TRN staff wanted to know if they could keep up the speed off the track with more common events. So, each runner participated in a series of six events which require more concentration than speed.

Event 1: er Opening a Lock 11.263 seconds

Event 1: er Opening a Lock 7.397 seconds

Event 2: Eating a granola bar 38.346 seconds

Event 3: cup of water Drinking 1/2 a 6.679 seconds

Event 2: Eating a granola bar 53.173 seconds

Event 3: cup of water Drinking half a 7.307 seconds

Event 4: Ten push-ups 10.214 seconds

Event 4: Ten push-ups 10.564 seconds

Event 6: s objects Drawing 3 sport 8.099 seconds

Event 5: Tying a shoe 8.676 seconds

CHAMPION:

Desi Scott with a victory of 4 events to Fort’s 2 events.

Event 5: Tying a shoe 11.723 seconds

Event 6: Drawing 3 sport s related object s 19.025 seconds

March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 29

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Page 30 - The Royal News - March 19, 2010

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March 19, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 31

Five rules

Junior Diana Owens

“You get two tries to serve the ball so when you do not get it over and in twice in a row.

You do not get your point. It is best to get it on the first try because you will not have a lot of pressure to get it in.”

“The base line is the back line and half way there is another line. Your serve has to be between the half way line and the net. Another line splits the half way line into left and right halves. When you serve you have to serve on the opposite side. The three foot extension on either sides is for doubles and the inner lines for singles.”

Tennis

Junior Taylor Worely

“If there is somebody on base and there is less than two outs and the batter hits the ball in the infield then the batter is out automatically. This happens often.”

Disqualifications“Pushing somebody because it is unsportsmanlike conduct. In handoffs, if the baton is dropped you can get disqualified too.

When you move before the gun is shot it is a false start.

There are no retries.

Most of the time in districts no one really gets disqualified but in regionals and states it is more intense.”

Handoffs- ”In long distance you can take your time passing and get it perfect but in sprints it’s in a blink of an eye.

If you have a bad pass in a sprint you are done. You know you are not going to win.”

Track and Field

5.

Infield Fly

4.

Senior Justin Smith

Softball

3.

Interviews by Kim Carneal Layout

by Amir Vera

Junior Albert Williams “When a pitcher makes an illegal move. If a pitcher flinches while he is in motion that is illegal. A balk is also when a pitcher tries to pick first but does not throw the ball. When a balk happens and there are runners on base then they move an extra base but if there are no runners then the batter gets a ball.”

Offsides/Goalies

Senior Katy Cash

2.

Disqualifications/Handoffs

1.

Double Fault/Lines

to know for

Balk

Sports

Baseball Pictured in order (numerically from 1-5)

“When the forwards are behind the defenders close to the defending goalie.

When this happens lines men [secondary referees] throw a flag then the other team gets a free kick; which is when the play stops, the opposing team places the ball exactly where the offsides occurred and they kick it up or pass it off. No shielding the goalie’s view unless onsides.”

“A goalie cannot pick up the ball when passed by a defender unless they hit it with any other body part besides their feet and of course their hands.”

Staying in bounds- “Unlike in football and basketball, a player can go out of bounds but the ball must stay in.”

Soccer

1. Senior Katy Cash swinging at the tennis ball during practice.

2. Junior Diana Owens during a cooldown lap after her workout.

3. Junior Albert Williams working on his throwing/catching technique.

4. Junior Taylor Worely catching flyballs in the outfield.

5. Senior Justin Smith juggling a soccer ball.

Photos by Amir Vera.

Sports

briefs

Boys varsity soccer claimed a victory against Henrico with a score of 2-1 on Mar. 16.

Girls varsity tennis defeated Thomas Dale 8-1 Tues., Mar. 16.

Boys varsity baseball travels to Brunswick Senior High School Tues., Mar. 23.

If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball

by Autrey Jackson

Jun

ior B

Get ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge. The first annual dodge ball tournament is set to take place on March 26th from 5:30- 8:00 p.m. in the gym.

The idea of having the tournament was presented by seniors during a senior class meeting. In the past, a student versus faculty basketball game was held, but attendance decreased by 75% in just three years. Instead of another basketball game, the graduating class decided to put together this new competition. Sixteen student teams with eight on each will play to be the top dodge ball team in the school. Before, only 15 students played in the basketball game, but the dodge ball tournament allows 128 students to be involved. On top of this, it is double-elimination, so every team will be able to play at least two matches.

“The popularity of the basketball game has declined every year,” senior class sponsor John Pelter said. “And the tournament gets more students involved.”

Dodge ball is a fast paced sport that consists of just a few simple rules. Players rush to the center on the start of the game and try to get the balls before the other team can. They then have five seconds to throw the ball at their opponents. The ball must hit them before hitting the ground in order to get the player out. Also, players may catch a thrown ball before it hits the ground to get the thrower out. The first team to have all its members knocked out loses, or whoever has the most members left when time expires, wins.

Each team must pay a $40 entry fee, five dollars per player, and this money goes to help the graduating class. It was one member of the class in particular that was able to come up with this new idea.

Although they came up with the idea, not all the seniors will be competing in the tournament.

Perhaps those that do join in the tourna-

rady

Jon

es o

f th

ment can take some advice from Hollywood.

“If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball,” coach Patches O’hoolihan said in the comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.

Some of the 2010 class liked the idea of the tournament, but have decided to just be spectators.

“Since my athletic skills are minimal, I will not be playing,” senior Caroline Lamb said. “But I’ll be there helping on the sidelines and laughing at people getting hit.”

The majority of the seniors agreed, but the idea of playing dodgeball originated in the mind of one individual.

“We were in our senior meeting discussing what we could do to reenergize the student body and it suddenly just came to me,” Lamb said.

The incentive of having some kind of activity like this is a big one for every senior class from year to year, because of how the money is spent.

“It is a fundraiser for the Senior Bash, and this year we’re doing a scholarship that will go to one senior,” senior class sponsor Sonya Lee said.

In the past, the student-faculty basketball game got everybody in the school involved. They are trying to get teachers and staff involved in their own little dodgeball tournament, Pelter said, and that the idea occurred to have the student champion team play the faculty champion team in one final game.

The popularity of the game could come to be a tradition in our school.

e Ha

“We’d like it to be annual, if it is successful this year,” Pelter said.

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llers