March 2011

the

royalnews

Check out the online . d rt nwirme feature on the Spring Fling. co

Vol. IX Issue 6 - Prince George High School - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd - Prince George, VA 23875 - www.trnwired.com - 3. 11. 2011

'Music Lasts a Lifetime' p. 15 Senior Brandon Walton plays his instrument in front of an empty auditorium. Walton is passionate about music and participates in symphonic band. Photo by Alison Brown.

Energy drinks pose health risk p. 8 Religion Series: Atheism p. 9 Local firefighters protect county p. 5

Pre-engineering program inspires students p. 7

Picasso masterpieces displayed in museum p. 17

Various brush fires have been erupting throughout central Virginia. This is mainly because of the recent heavy winds and dry conditions. Local firefighters give ideas and tips to prevent fire outbursts.

Representatives of Rolls Royce, UVA, and local area schools met on Feb. 7 to test out a pre-engineering program. The program uses Engineering Teaching Kits which would allow teachers to instruct students on select engineering concepts.

Mar. 16 and 17 the advanced art and Spanish students will be on their way to see the Pablo Picasso exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibit will travel to seven cities around the world showcasing 176 of his masterpieces.

the

page 2 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Opinions&Editorials

Students find value of sleep

the RoyalNews

O

Editor-in-Chief Jami Davis

Business Manager Janai Cunningham

Managing Editor Colby Eliades

Adviser

Chris Waugaman

Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2010 Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Crown Winner 2010 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2010 SIPA All Southern 2010

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

W

Music classes important in schools Editorial

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 March 28th for the upcoming issue.

Section Editors Mariah Blystone: News/Online EditorKim Carneal: Op/Ed- Malikah Williams: Features- Ciara Ward: Ampersand-Jessica Marshall: A&E- Wayne Epps: Sports-Colby Eliades: Double Truck- Alison Brown: Photo/ Front Page Editor- Gabby Whittington: Ads Manager- Jake McQuiggan: CirculationSarah Moats: Editorial Cartoonist- Olivia Tritschler: Online Editor- Rachel Waymack: News- Rachel Youmans: Copy Editor Writers Kourtney Galvin-Rachel Karns-Gall Mandy Lockhart-Maggie Smith-Michael Winn-Jessica Demas-Kimberly EdmondsBest-Emily Gray-Kevin Harris-Unique Larry-Carson Stout-Michelle Williams-Rachel Williams-Tasia Faulcon-Amanda MajewskiRidhi Patel-Cassie Smith-Elizabeth Nerdig

M

arch carries the title of Music in our Schools Month.

Music programs in our schools are very important and well worthwhile.

Music plays a large role in many students’ lives. Whether it is creating music on their own, being involved in a school band or choir class, or just listening to music in their free time, most students are exposed to music on a daily basis.

As seen in other school systems, when school budgets are under fire, and funding is cut, music courses are often one of the first types of classes to go. Music programs are an integral part of our high school’s course options, and should not ever be cut due to budget limitations. Even though many school systems are cutting music programs, our students

are still provided with many different classes and groups to allow for music to remain in their school lives.

Having music classes available to students in our schools allows for not only more scheduling options, but also generates more outlets for creativity. There are a multitude of music courses including different levels of band, different levels and types of choir chorus classes, and a music appreciation course.

The National Association for Music Education dedicates much of its time to protecting music programs in schools. Their message is “Music Lasts a Lifetime”. Quality music education in the school systems creates an avenue for future quality music appreciation and creation to branch out and reach the community.

aking up at the early time of 6:00 A.M. can be a difficult task for a non-morning person like myself. Add on only a few hours of sleep and it becomes nearly impossible. Also with daylight saving time coming back around, clocks will have to be set ahead an hour Olivia tritschler which will make it feel like less sleep is achieved during that night.

It is a common myth that teenagers need eight hours of sleep a night, in actuality young adults should get around nine and a half hours of sleep. Of course this means that if a student has to get up at 6:00 A.M. to get to school on time they must go to bed at around 9:00 P.M. the night before and many of us know that this is nearly impossible. It is also theorized that heavy studying, computer games, or even arguing right before bed can keep adolescents from getting the total amount of sleep that they need.

I understand that we are teens and that staying up until the early hours of the morning can be fun, but humans are not naturally nocturnal creatures.

Seriously, what is so important at 2:30 A.M. on a school night that keeps you awake? Let’s face it; sleep is much more enjoyable than homework. Prioritizing can be a great way to have less last minute things to do right before bed.

You can never really “catch up” on sleep; our bodies don’t work that way.

We can’t store sleep from the weekend to be used during the week, although this would be a useful ability if we could.

Lack of sleep can cause weakened memories and stunt creativity. Sleep enables students to focus in classes and it gives the energy needed to be used throughout the day.

So try to climb into bed and turn off the lights a littler earlier tonight. Enjoy sweet dreams and be a more energized person the next day.

Opinions&Editorials

the

page 3 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Pro/Con: Are teenagers as lazy as society deems them to be?

A high school teacher in Pennsylvania recently blogged that her students were “lazy whiners.” She has been suspended for her blog posts and then tried justifying her opinion by explaining how it’s a problem across America. This brings up the proposition, which is that students lack the drive to excel in school. None of the students in the school are the exact same, but it is possible to debate the majority.

L

aziness can be defined as the inactivity toward work or other activities. Students found in society today are disinclined to their studies… In other words, students are lazy.

Students these days are not putting much effort into their studies. They only put in a nickel’s worth amount of effort, if any, yet expect it to be considered like a dollar’s. Some teachers allow the laziness to happen.

Usually, only five to ten points are taken off for late assignments. Seeing those as minimal points, students could care less. It gives them a window to not do the work.

Teachers do their best to prepare students with the material they need to know. When students feel as if emily gray Michael winn they are given “too much work,” they complain. In all reality, it’s not too much work; they are just too lazy to do it. A classic example would be when a teacher assigns numerous homework Apathetic feelings assignments, or when a teacher announces there will be an essay on the test. The common reply, “Are you kidding me?”

“When students feel as if When students enter high school, laziness increases. Students they are given ‘too much give up their schoolwork, deeming it “too hard.” It is much easier work,’ they complain. to relax. Students lack the motivation to do work. When work is In all reality, it’s not too finally completed, the bare minimum is turned in. Or, the work is just copied from a fellow student. much work; they are just ,If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say, “I don’t too lazy to do it.” feel like doing this,” I would be rich. Some students proclaim they are not lazy, they are just procrastinators. Although sometimes this may be true, most of the time students just use that as an Active students excuse, or as a cover up for being lazy.

I, myself, have lazy tendencies. If an activity does not “They are teens who are interest me, I am extremely less prone to do it without hesitation. not lazy, but motivated Facebook, Tumblr, and my Droid 2 aid to my laziness. I would individuals ready to much rather play with the apps on my phone then do my move up the ranks to a schoolwork. And I am not alone on this; very few students in my successful career. “ classes actually wants to do his or her homework.

PRO

Con

K

ids are busier and more involved than ever before.

With afternoon soccer practice and a baseball game after school, and not to forget studying for that big test first thing tomorrow morning, kids these days are booked up with activities and responsibilities.

Life is fast paced and so is the academic calendar with students learning in some elementary schools what their parents learned in their senior year of high school. Balancing a fiftypound backpack of homework, daily sports practices, being in a club, and trying to maintain a part time job and salvage what’s left of a social life is a full time career for teenagers in this day and age.

With the knowledge of the workload a students has, some are still stereotyped as being “lazy and apathetic teenagers who just don’t care.” That is definitely not the case, high school students have more to balance than elementary and middle school kids, with so much pressure on report cards and transcripts all for one sole purpose and cause, college. Getting into a college with the mounds of applications and the countless scholarship opportunities and essays that seem to keep stacking up and up is a stressful burden in itself. Then playing the waiting game, the immense stress of waiting for that letter in the mail all just to say, “ it was all worth it.” High school students stack studying for exams, doing homework for college level classes, being involved in honor societies, high school sports, all on top of applications and daily responsibilities. Then there are those that start work right out of high school, working full-time and really starting their life right after graduation. They are teens who are not lazy, but motivated individuals ready to move up the ranks to a successful career.

Kids may be procrastinators, but that is because they are, at the end of the day, still kids. They need to have some fun and take a minute of their hectic day out for themselves. In the end they do get done everything that they need to. Kids may be some things, but the one thing that kids are not, is lazy.

Journey to equal rights for women elicits respect during National Women’s History Month

I

n 2011 our Secretary of State is a woman. Many of the most popular faces in media are women. Women run some of the biggest businesses in America.

Two hundred years ago none of that could be Rachel youmans true. Until the 19th amendment was ratified in 1920, women did not have suffrage. Until states started passing

Married Women’s Property Acts in the 1840s, women gave up to their husband all rights to wages upon marrying.

How can you run for office if you can’t even vote? How can you own a business if legally you own nothing?

March is National Women’s History Month. It’s meant to be used as a time to remember the hardships and obstacles women have faced in order to have the same rights men have had for ages.

Today we take these rights for granted.

It seems natural to think that everybody has a voice in the government. The thought

of denying suffrage based on gender seems ridiculous to most people.

But women have had to work hard to get to where they are today.

How many rights would women have today if activists hadn’t held the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 and prepared a declaration that challenged society’s oppression of women through withholding rights?

It’s ironic that now, when women have finally reached a level of equality, America is forgetting the people who fought for those rights.

I know of one history teacher who had her students complete a project on a woman in their lives. Other classes have ignored or lightly touched on the subject.

I don’t think it’s too much to ask for our history classes to show the progress of women.

We should be giving these activists respect for their accomplishments. Use Women’s History Month to learn about and give some respect to the women who courageously fought for their own rights and those of others. Don’t let their bravery be forgotten.

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page 4 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

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page 5 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Firefighters commit to protecting others Students enrolled in firefighting classes relate experience, stories

numbers

27% of students

would be interested in becoming a firefighter.

Cassie Smith trn writer

H

eavy winds and dry conditions are to blame for various brush fires across central Virginia.

There have also been a number of recent house fires, including one in Petersburg on Mar. 7 that left one man dead. Conditions and situations like these are a cause of concern for many local firefighters and have kept them on their feet.

According to the Home Safety Council in America, fires and burns are the third leading cause of home injury and other related deaths. This presents the challenge of preventing these fires and hence deaths and injuries.

“This time of year with the dry weather, people should not burn or throw out lit cigarettes,” senior firefighter Ben Barret of Company Three said.

Some ways to be safe in this instance would be to douse cigarettes or cigarette butts in water before throwing them out. Since rules like these are not always widely followed, the local fire departments often receive calls about fires they must respond to.

“I get around five calls a week, depending on the weather,” senior firefighter Richard Bailey of Company Three said.

The process of becoming a firefighter involves serious training and preparation in order to ensure that all firefighters are fully ready to react to any calls that come in.

“In the state of Virginia, in order to become a certified firefighter you must complete Firefighter 1, haz-mat awareness, and haz-mat operations and be at least 16 years of age,” senior firefighter Donnie Mitchell of Company One said.

The registration guide for classes in Prince George County has the course description for fire fighting, which includes classroom study, scenarios, and

By the

83% of students think the high school’s fire fighting programs are sufficient.

63% of students

practical experience designed to prepare the student to become a successful firefighter. Functions performed in the class include climbing ladders , using hand and power tools, , fire extinguisher use, forcible entry, first aid and CPR, and live fire fighting and rescue.

According to the class registration guide’s course description for fire fighting, “This course will prepare the student with knowledge of fire ground situations so that he or she can assume leadership roles in making basic evaluations of safety problems and carry out interior attack and search operations.”

In order to pass this fire fighting course, students must pass a criminal background check, volunteer with a local fire department, have medical insurance, and be a minimum of 16 years of age at the beginning of the course.

Through this course students can obtain certification for CPR, Virginia State Firefighter I, Virginia State Firefighter II, and Virginia State Hazardous Materials Operations. The cost for the course is approximately $175.00, which covers the cost of the equipment involved.

Being a firefighter puts one through many different situations and conditions, some of them more enjoyable than

Fire fighting students senior Cody Edlin and senior Tyler Varga practice entering a burning building. The fire fighting course at Rowanty Technical Center is designed to help students become successful firefighters. Contributed photo. others.

“The best [experience as a firefighter] was when we had to cut someone out of a car, got them into the helicopter and they survived,” senior firefighter Tyler Varga of Company One said.

Firefighters do not only see happy endings and rescues, as firefighters often have to witness death and injury first hand.

“My worst experiences are when I see people torn up from car accidents and others who are dead on arrival,” fire fighter Bryon Tinker of Company Five said.

Firefighters often have certain reasons that motivate them.

“Knowing that every call I run could give me the opportunity to help someone and my dream of becoming a firefighter motivates and inspires me,” Mitchell said.

believe the high school should offer more programs for aspiring firefighters.

23% of students have a family member who is a volunteer fire fighter.

This information was gathered from a survey of 124 students.

. d e r i trnwcom To see soundslide on fire fighting, go to www.trnwired.com

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page 6 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

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page 7 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Rolls Royce sponsors engineering program

Engineering teaching kits hope to educate, inspire students at young age

Briefs

Cinderella Dreams will be

Elizabeth Nerdig trn writer

holding a shopping event for low priced prom dresses at the Village Market Place Mar. 18,19 and 26.

Flyers with more information can be found in the Main Office.

O

n F e b. 7 t h , a meeting occurred between representatives of Rolls Royce, UVA, and local area schools including Prince George to try out a pre-engineering program that will be tested in March and April. The program will involve middle and junior high school students using Engineering Teaching Kits (ETKs) that would allow teachers to instruct students on selected engineering concepts.

“The purpose [of the meeting] was that we could learn more about a program that Prince George is starting at Clements and next year that the high school will run,” junior Luke Humphries, a representative to the meeting, said.

There will be many different kits available for students to use, such as some involving solar cars, energy trains, hovercraft vehicles, and solar ovens.

“The middle school students will be exposed to the different kits that are available, from Save the Penguins [thermal dynamic programs] to submarines, and dragon buoyancy. They will learn the different aspects of physical properties in real examples,” said Paul McCoy, Rolls Royce program executive for Crosspoint.

During the meeting, Prince George representatives experienced the program first hand.

“We did one of the kits, and he [McCoy] basically did a run-down of the program,” Humphries said.

McCoy and Rolls Royce have high hopes for the program based on its previous success.

“The kits have been tested in Charlottesville and Kentucky and they were started up from UVA. It is tried and tested and it works, it is just up to the appetite of the various schools to pick it up,” McCoy said.

Part of the reason Rolls Royce wants to have this program in Prince George

News

CrossRoads Car Dealership

schools is to promote the future of their company.

“They [Rolls Royce] want workers that will stay in Prince George so they do not have constant turnover” physics teacher and representative to the meeting David Pollard said.

The kits will also bring the schools together by having high school students assist Moore and Clements teachers. The program hopes to leave the students of all ages with important skills. “[The engineering program] teaches students to problem solve, they have to work through it to come up with a solution,” Pollard said.

Teaching engineering skills early will benefit the students.

“It is something that you have to get used to over time, and once you are used to it, it is a lot easier to actually do. It is an acquired type of thinking,” Humphries said. “I would have been more accustomed to engineering [if I had the program when I was younger]. I would not have had as much to learn later on.”

Principal Tracey Smallwood is looking forward to the program.

“Everybody likes to learn in a fun way,” Smallwood said.

Students interested in engineering also look forward to the program and hope it will be beneficial.

“I think it [the program] is really

Junior Luke Humphries looks through the instructions for an engineering teaching kit. In the Feb. 7th meeting, school officials decided to test out a preengineering program using these kits Photo by Rachel Waymack. cool,” junior Katelyn Rainey said.

Learning the skills taught by the kits is especially important for the future of not only the individual students, but the nation as a whole.

“Those [engineering] skills are starting to decline in this country, most of the western world students are starting to not take advantage of STEM [Science Technology Engineering Math] concepts,” McCoy said. “[The program] is just exposing children at an early age to it.”

Students interested in engineering recognize the possible benefits of the program.

“I think it will get kids to realize engineering is important, fun, and not an out-of-reach profession,” Rainey said.

Administrators hope the program will be beneficial and easy for students to adapt to.

“I think the kids will like it,” Smallwood said. “If you can learn how to think, you can learn anything. Learning is not memorization, it is application.”

will donate $400 for new art supplies to which ever Prince George school gets the most votes on their Facebook page.

Voting is done until March 15.

The 2nd Annual Dodgeball Tournament will be held Friday, March 25. Teams of 8 may sign up with Mr. Pelter or Mr. Lee for $5 a person, but space is limited to 16 teams.

The SGA has placed suggestion boxes around the building, students should place suggestions about what they want the SGA to improve upon in them.

FEATURES

the

page 8 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Popular energy drinks pose possible health threats Rae Williams trn writer

E

nergy drinks and energ y shots are a dietar y supplement consumers use for a “kick” throughout the d a y. H o w e v e r , these energy boosters raise many questions on the affect of the ingredients to the body. ” I d r i n k R e d B u l l , M o n s t e r, NOS, and 5 Hour Energ y but I do not drink them ever y day though,” junior Haley Matheny said. “If you drink 5 Monsters a day, that is bad

for you.”

T h e Fo o d an d D r u g Ad m i n i s t r at i on ( F DA ) d o e s n ot of f i c i a l ly approve energ y drinks for the markets. Companies can produce these products, but they must abide by all regu l at ions s et for t h by t he FDA. Even after abiding to these regulations, some still consider them to be dangerous.

“I do not advocate energy drinks at all,” health teacher Lisa McDaniels said. “The users are not aware of the effects of caffeine on the body.”

Energ y drinks and shots are not recommended for women who are pregnant or children under age 1 2 . Many c omp an i e s a l s o s u g ge s t consulting a doctor if there are any health concerns or conditions.

These “energy boosting” ingredients

have dif ferent ef fects on dif ferent people. High levels of caffeine can cause rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and increased blood pressure.

“My heart beats really fast sometimes, but they help me focus,” senior Jeremy Anderson said. “I play [guitar] better after drinking them because I can focus more.”

Caffeine and B vitamins are used t o i n c re a s e fo c u s . B v it am i ns are mainly used to quickly transport the caffeine to the body. The vitamins are water-soluble, and most are f lushed out of your body when they are in excess, so there is no risk of overdose. However, Niacin (Vitamin B3) can cause temporar y increased blood f low, and can make the user’s face begin to f lush in the cheeks.

Energ y shots have fewer

calories than energ y drinks, but all of the same ingredients are present in less than 3 ounces of liquid. Producers of energ y shots have warned u s e rs to avoi d any ot h e r c af fe i n e products after taking one of these shots. They also warn against consuming more than two each day.

“I do not even notice a difference [in my energ y level] anymore,” senior Jack Brock said. “It is just a soda to me but I think the shots are more dangerous, because people will drink so much more of the little ones.”

Regardless of the standard warnings, people need to take an interest in their health. Consult doctors and learn the risks of the products before beginning to use them regularly.

SIDE EFFECTS

Mood Changes Irregular Heartbeat Headaches Anxiety

Dehydration Heart Palpitations Increased Heart Rate Weight Gain

Difficulty Sleeping Irritability Headaches Prevents Relaxation

Weight Gain Insomnia Tooth Decay Osteoporosis

Sources: http://www.livestrong.com/article/90456-amp-energy-drink-nutritional/; http://www.livestrong.com/article/359292-rockstar-energydrink-side-effects/; http://www.livestrong.com/article/310438-side-effects-of-monster-energy-drink/; http://www.livestrong.com/article/288122side-effects-of-red-bull-energy-drink/

Features

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page 9 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Atheism: The Anti-Religion

Senior Seth Edwards walks down the hallway while everyone around him is moving past. Edwards is accepting of others and believes in a logical way of thinking.

Photo by Alison Brown.

Students shine light on their controversial, misunderstood belief system Gabrielle Whittington trn editor

S

om e re l i g i ons go to church almost every day to learn about God and his ways. Some religions fast as a part of its beliefs.

Other religion celebrate holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah in the winter months. Atheism is a very complex and misunderstood “religion”. Atheism is not technically a religion; Atheism is better described as the “Anti-Religion.”

Atheism dates back centuries in time.

Protagoras, of ancient Greece, is the first known recorded man to be considered an Atheist. He came up with the famous phrase of “Man is the measure of all things,

of the things that are that they are, of the things that are not that they are.”

As a result of his beliefs, he was banished with all of his works collected and burned. He was also “branded with impiety” by the Athenians.

Atheism today has a lot of the same beliefs of Ancient times but has changed in some ways as well.

“Atheism means that you do not believe in any certain god,” senior Seth Edwards said.

In simple terms that is what Atheism means, there is not belief in any one certain god, but it can also have a whole different, complex meaning to it. Atheism can take more of a different definition as well. “[Atheism means] taking the love of a certain god and replacing it with the love of humanity,” sophomore Dylan Reiner said.

Atheism can be perceived many different ways but in the end it all comes down to what the Atheists believe and what they do not believe. Atheists usually start out with one religion or start out completely nonreligious all together.

“I used to be a hard core Baptist, but once I started to really think about it some

things did not add up,” Edwards said.

Atheists have a hard time believing in a higher power because they do not see the logic behind it.

“I do not believe there is a higher power or religion that can tell me how things are going to be after death or why things are the way they are,” junior Tessa Allen said.

Common misconceptions about Atheism are that Atheists are Satanists and that they hate all other religions.

“People think that we are Satin worshippers and that we are all evil in general,” Allen said. “We don’t hate Christianity or anything else.”

Atheists are often misunderstood, because to some they are seen as evil and horrible people, but they are just like any other person. The only difference is that Atheists do not believe in a higher power. “[I do not feel mistreated] much in my Honors or AP classes, because I feel they are more open to it; but in my regular classes, I feel discriminated against and I have been told that ‘I’m evil’ and that ‘I’m going to hell,’” junior Tessa Allen said.

Atheists face much discrimination for

their belief system.

“People always belittle me for my beliefs,” Reiner said. “I just think that since they were brought up in a certain religion and do not understand where I am coming from.”

Despite the constant discrimination faced by Atheists, they are very tolerating of other religions.

“I am accepting of what other people believe,” Edwards said. “If they do not have free will, what do they have?”

Atheism is solely based on a person’s logical thinking. Religion to atheists is illogical because faith is based on belief in a higher power or higher being having an impact on ones life.

“Faith is the rejection of logic,” Edwards said.

Atheists are people too but they just choose to see religion in an entirely different way.

“I do not know if being Atheist is something you become,” Edwards said. “It is like a descriptive word, it is like tall or short, it is what you are.

the

page 10 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

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B U STIN YTH G What do teens believe?

AMPERSAND

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page 11 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Out of 78

58 think that some myths are always true 67 believe in the myths they hear 32 test the myths

Can you outrun a crocodile, if you run zigzag?

It’s possible. A crocodile can’t run that fast, making it possible to out run them whether you’re running in a straight or zigzag line.

Can making a call during a flight cause a plane crash?

NO! When you make a call a ! thousand feet in the air, you TED S U signal is bouncing off more than B one cell tower and clogging up networks on the ground. That’s why you can’t make calls during a flight.

Can refrigerating your batteries recharge them?

C

Extreme heat or coldness. reduces the performance of your batteries. They work better in a room temperature environment.

Is JELL-O just sugar and water?

!

TED

BUS

ommon myths • You can’t lick you elbow • Don’t open umbrella in building is bad luck • Yawning in front of someone makes them yawn also • Picking up a penny on heads brings good luck • Making a wish at 11:11 • Sweeping someone’s feet will bring them bad luck • Your stomach blows up from eating pop rocks and drink soda • Step on a crack and you breaks you mothers back

Information from Snopes and Mythbusters

Illustrated by Kori Fuzy

No, the process of making gelatin ED! T starts with the boiling of bones, S U skins, and hides from cows and pigs. B The collagen is processed numerous times to make JELL-O powder.

Does double-dipping really spread germs?

The act of double-dipping can create a little bacteria.

But it isn’t that big of a deal because your dip already contains bacteria, since it was handled before it got to you.

Is it dangerous to use phones during a thunderstorm?

When you drop food on the floor & pick it up within 5 seconds, will it be germ free?

NO! The longer your food is on !

TED S the floor, the more bacteria U B it attracts. Even if you drop food on the floor for a second,it will attract germs.

Does talking to your plants help them grow?

Your plants don’t need ED! T S conversation to grow. Your BU garden only requires sunlight, water, and soil.

Will peeing on your wound after being stung by a jellyfish make it better?

Depending on the type of urine, it could make it worse.

ED! Doctors recommend using T S vinegar or cool salt water. BU

Yes! About two people die every year because they made calls during a storm. Using cellular phones are better because there are no electrical cords attached.

Can you be decapitated by a ceiling fan?

The blades are too dull and slow to cut a head off, but it could cause a concussion or maybe a ED! T S bloody nose.

BU

Illustrated by Shannon Pavasko

the

page 12 - royalnews - 3.11.2011 “I usually play video games when I can’t sleep. I am sleep deprived, so [my doctor] gave me Lunesta to help me sleep. I probably sleep only about seven hours a week on average,” junior Amanda Crawford said.

“I get at least eight hours of sleep a night [on average], [but] some nights after staying out, I don’t want to go to sleep. Do not have your mind occupied on video games and Facebook. When you do not get eight hours you get a draggy feeling the next day,”senior Juwan Barnes said.

“I usually do not go to bed until 1 a.m. because I just can not sleep, and because of school work. Do your homework on time and try to go to bed early if you have sleep problems,” sophomore Jordan Everett said.

“I get around ten and a half hours a night, but usually only on nights when I do not have dance. My parents do not like me to stay up late, and I do not like to stay up late either. Get your homework done as soon as you get home. Also put your phone on silent so you do not hear it if you get a text,” junior Mackenzie Topian said.

Teen sleep 9+ Hours

1-3 Hours

1%

7-9 Hours 41%

7%

4-6 Hours 51%

hours slept on a school night

(on average)

32%

Did not feel the effects of a lack of sleep

68%

Felt the effects of a lack of sleep

Effects of Sleep deprivation on students

caus

17%

23%

Facebook/Twitter

Television

2

Ot

the

page 13 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

ping Habits minutes. People are able to be awoken easily.

Stage 2: Usually between 1025 minutes. Temperature decreases, heart rate decreases.

Stage 3: Deep sleep in which

people are hard to wake and feel very groggy if awoken suddenly.

Stage 4: Very deep sleep in

which blood travels to muscles to “restore physical activity.�

26%

ther

34% HOMEWORK

deprivation

ses of sleep

Z Z

Z

Z

on top of homework and after school activities so you do not get behind, causing you to stay up late.

2. turn it off!

Turning off the television, cell phone, and computer can help put your mind to rest, letting you have a more restful sleep.

3. Limit Caffeine.

Top 5 tips to avoid sleep deprivation

The Four stages of non-rem sleep .

Stage 1: Lasts for only five

1. keep track of time. Stay

Use of sodas, energy drinks and coffee can cause you to stay up late.

Cut down on the caffeine; cut down on the time spent lying awake.

4. Prioritize.

Sometimes, extracurricular activities and work can be too stressful, causing loss of sleep. If possible, eliminate those activities that are not as important.

5. Brain Strain.

Do not cram for a test or quiz right before you go to bed. Your mind will still be overly active when you try to sleep. Instead of waiting until the last minute to study, space it out over a few days.

These results come from a survey conducted with 100 students.

Information gathered from http://www.helpguide.org/ life/sleeping.htm and http://homeworktips.about.com/od/ timemanagement/a/sleeptime.htm

the

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the

page 15 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Month of March dedicated to importance of music

Opportunity to reflect on musical influence recognized Malikah Williams trn editor

W

hen budget proposals need to be discussed, one question is often raised.

What can

be cut?

Programs involving music are often the target of these cuts. But with March being ‘Music in Our Schools Month’, parents, teachers, and students stand in unity to show the importance of music in schools.

Henrico County Schools made cuts to the arts programs, which included all 373 students in the Strings Alive Program, according to an April 2009 Richmond Times article. School officials in other Central Virginia districts and the Tri-Cities have said that they are not making any cuts to these programs.

The purpose of ‘Music in Our Schools Month’ is “to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children and to remind citizens that school is where all should have access to music.”

“Music is a fun thing to do and it’s something I can really enjoy but still take seriously,” junior Doug Buchanan said. “It’s not as serious and hard as sports, but you still have to have a drive and focus to do well.”

With musical programs come various talents and interests, but the fundamental usefulness of music remains the same across the different music spectrums.

“Music is therapy and a way to have fun,” senior Antoine Smith said. “I have been writing poetry since I was seven and I have been rapping since I was twelve.”

Along with a way to have fun and express emotion, involvement in musical programs appear to make an impact on one’s involvement in other activities as well, one reason why music programs should not be cut.

These involvements and other activities can range from more attending music, art, and dance classes nearly three times as frequently,

. d e r i w trn om c

Check out the online photo gallery from the Spring Fling.

participating in youth groups nearly four times as frequently, reading for pleasure nearly twice as often and performing community service more than four times as often.

Students involved in music programs or classes also are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools, four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair, three times more likely to win an award for school attendance, and four times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.

There are many benefits to having music in one’s personal life. Music offers different outlets of expression.

“Music helps me cope with the problems I’m going through, such as problems with girls, not having a father, my overprotective mother, and betrayal in my friendships,” Smith said.

‘Music in Our Schools Month’ was created in 1975 by the National Association for Music Education in order for music teachers to display what their classes are doing or to raise awareness about the lack of musical learning opportunities within their schools.

“I feel that there could be more classes to incorporate the needs and desires of our students,” Choir teacher Toni Luckett said.

“Classes such as musical theatre, music theory, women’s choir, and show choir are just a few.”

Some students believe that there are not enough classes offered that specifically cater to their musical needs.

“The school does not offer too much to musicians,” Smith said. “I am not saying that the school should bend over backwards but there should be information for musicians who would like to pursue a career.”

Through an array of music classes such as symphonic band, concert band, choir, and mixed ensemble are offered, students may not be interested in those exact classes.

“There are a lot of people who are interested in music in general and do not know how to pursue that interest,” senior Brandon Walton said. “Music Appreciation is not enough.”

“I did not want to take any of the classes here because there are not any offered for my type of music,” sophomore Douglas Davis said.

Learning about music presents new opportunities to learn about various other things as well.

“I feel that it is good for all students to take a music class whether they think they are musicians or not,” Luckett said. “It gives them knowledge of history and math and music.”

Music is not only about making sounds and being able to express creativity though. To Walton, it has a deeper meaning.

“Music is my life,” Walton said. “I cannot go a day without music.”

Senior Brandon Walton plays tenor saxophone on stage. Walton plays in symphonic band and believes in the positive impact music has in one’s life.

Photo by Malikah Williams.

Though not every music program possible is offered, many student musicians plan to go beyond their high school career to explore their talents.

“I plan on going to college and getting my degree while still doing my music on the side,” Walton said. “I was told if you have a dream to chase it. You never know if you can achieve it if you do not try.”

Even to adults and teachers, music opens up many different outlets.

“Music means that I can be who I want to be,” Luckett said. “ I have had to become comfortable with my voice as an artist, learning new music and perfecting it gives me a great sense of accomplishment.”

The opportunities offered by learning more about music and pursuing musical goals are limitless. In a time of difficulty for many teenagers, music offers solace.

“I can do whatever I want in music,” Smith said. “But I cannot do whatever I want inside of life.”

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page 16 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

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the

page 17 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Picasso display visits Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Idols should Students, teachers not always be travel to Richmond to idolized view famous artwork

S

Janai Cunningham trn editor

V

irginia’s Museum of Fine Arts kicks off its 75th anniversary by showcasing art pieces of Pablo Picasso’s work. This landmark exhibit will take its way around the world visiting only seven cities. It will display 176 masterpieces that show the different genre of art that Picasso experimented with, from the Rose period to Surrealism.

Picasso is a renowned artist that has left his mark of creativity across the world for others to appreciate. He began his art career at the ripe age of 15, when he was admitted to the Royal Academy of Art in Barcelona. He eventually moved to France and from there his art career took off.

“Certainly Picasso has enjoyed such popularity and I think that he is just one of those major talents,” said Beth Andersen, the Gifted Program Coordinator. “He’s one of the forces of the art community that help to drive modern art and really experiment with different techniques and shake up traditional views of art and that’s what makes him such an important voice in the art world.”

The Picasso exhibit is made possible due to the fact that the National Picasso Museum in Paris is closed for renovations. Out of 22,000 pieces that Picasso has created this collection is the largest group of his work, including pieces from his very own personal collection.

“Richmond is the only city on the east coast and one of the few cities around the world to host this exhibit; it’s right here in our back yard,” Andersen said. “We definitely want to take advantage of that opportunity and to give as many students as possible the chance to experience that.”

“It is a big event,” said Tonya Mahaffey, an art teacher. “This is the first time his art has come to the United States in decades.

Picasso did everything from the Blue Period and sculptures.”

“An exhibition this monumental is extremely rare, especially one that spans the entire career of a figure who many consider the most influential, innovative, and creative artist of the 20th century,” said Alex Nyerges, director of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, as stated off of the VMFA website.

Mahaffey, Andersen, and Catherine Hamlin are opening up this opportunity to a handful of their students. The Middle Years Program (MYP) students, Art II seniors, advanced art students, Spanish III and IV students, and the PACE students each will be able to view Picasso’s work with their own eyes “I typically try to have a fine arts oriented field trip for the PACE students because that’s one of the needs of the gifted that we try to meet, is sort of a heighten aesthetic value, and so having a fine arts experience to provide students with the opportunity to see, and enjoy, and appreciate art is really important,” Andersen said.

“It’s a lot different from seeing his artwork on posters and pictures than to actually seeing his work,” Mahaffey said.

Sophomore Harley Perkinson paints a bottle imitating Picasso’s techniques.

Picasso was famous for his influence in developing the Cubism style of art.

Photo by Ridhi Patel.

In order to appreciate Picasso’s legacy more, the MYP students are doing an art project to commemorate him. Before going to the exhibit they are working on re-creating one of his masterpieces on a glass bottle.

“It’s challenging [to re-create his work],” sophomore Marshall Dunn said. “I’m doing the Three Musicians, and it’s a lot of tiny triangles so it’s taking a lot of time.”

The PACE students will also have the privilege to view the Nigerian exhibit to expand their view of the art culture.

“We’re really excited about the pairing of those two exhibits because there is an African influence in some of Picasso’s work that I think would be interesting to see the adjuncts positions of those two exhibits,” Andersen said.

ince March is ‘Music in Our Schools’ month, I thought it would be a good time to think about where we get our inspiration from. But are the idols we idolize good role models?

I think that depends on who you are and who you Jessica Marshall idolize. The first example of someone who might be idolized by many younger girls is Miley Cyrus.

Though she might appear to be a good idol while in character, but once out, she changes and so should your opinions. Back in Dec. 2010, Cyrus was caught smoking a bong on her 18th birthday. Why would you want to aspire to be someone like that?

Many celebrities and artists are idolized by many younger audiences. Knowing that they have so much influence over such a wide population, one would think that they would express better behavior.

I’m not saying that they need to rethink how they act, but we need to rethink who would look up to.

We should all want the best for ourselves, so why not idolize someone with the same goals. Aspiring to be someone in Hollywood who makes big bucks from singing or rapping about the hardships they’ve faced in life is not a reality that most of us will achieve.

If you wish to be wealthy, look up to someone like Mark Zuckerburg. Named person of 2010 by TIME Magazine, he created a multibillion dollar social networking empire when he was only 19. If you wish to just live a simple life, look up to your parents. They will be the best idols you could ever have.

When it comes to idolizing people, make sure it is for the right reason. Everyone who has ever had a dream has most likely looked up to someone who has had that same dream. So for those aspiring students, make sure whoever you idolize or look up to is a good influence because the worst thing that could happen is for your dream to be crushed because your idol failed to meet your expectations.

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page 18 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

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Gamer’s Corner

the

page 19 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Controversial gaming raises discussion

C

What does music mean to you?

ontroversy: a dispute where there is strong disagreement. With gaming becoming more commonplace in the world, a degree of controversy has followed with it, increasing right along with the amount of games produced. There are different degrees of controversy though, ranging from violence, Garrett Albright gore, and criminal behavior to ethical and moral situations that make this gamer question who would make such games, and who would buy them?

So let’s start out with a well-known block buster title: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. In it, there is a level that you start out as Russian Ultra-Nationalists who go to an innocent airport with guns…

and well you get the picture. The reason I don’t view this as controversial as other games is because the level is completely optional. The makers of the game knew that though this level added to the plot, it was also shocking and highly inappropriate, so they made a message appear at the beginning of the game asking if you wanted to skip the level. Well done Infinity Ward, because that’s how they should have handled everything. They wanted to add intensity, but made it a choice for mature gamers. The game wasn’t centered around the controversy, so it wasn’t as big of a controversy as it could have been.

You can’t write an anything to do with controversy in games without including any of the Grand Theft Auto titles. All of them feature crime taking place, extreme violence (towards civilians, other in-game criminals, everyone really), drug use, and sexual glitches/situations. What’s the worst about it? Doing research on Grand Theft Auto, I was almost stunned to find

Senior Josh Togger “Music is my source of fun. I enjoy creating my own music as well as listening to other people’s music that they have created. I enjoy going to different band’s shows and my one of my favorite bands is This Kingdom Falls.”

the number of people who, after playing one of the GTA games, tried to do one of the incredibly stupid in-game actions by going on crime sprees or even assaulting people on the street just to see if they could get away just like in the game.

Now I don’t want you to think that

Senior Nicole Jeffress “Music is basically my life. It means everything to me. It is a way of expressing emotions, and it can be very calming. I am not set on one kind of music, I like them all.”

controversy in games is a new idea. Since their creation, it’s been there lurking behind games young and old. Atari’s 1982 game: Custer’s Revenge is a game where your goal is to guide General Custer past arrows to get to a Native American woman and “lay claim” to her. Perhaps the most infamous game ever is Manhunt, a game where you play as a serial killer who gets loose and exacts his revenge in a beyond vicious fashion and for it has been banned in three countries and labeled adult (18+) only for several others.

To me, games are meant to be entertaining. So, has entertainment really degraded this much? To the point of people creating games that allow gamers to go on realistic sprees of increasing violence and gore? A little controversy is fine, sure, to show how extreme a situation is in a game.

But the immense increase in controversial issues and material in games brings to life the looming question: how much controversy in gaming is too much?

Senior Richard Bailey “Music is my life. It is what I do with any time I have whether it’s going to see a friend’s band or playing myself. Music has influenced who I am and what I believe in and what actions I take.

Without music, I would not, in any way, be the person I am today. “

Senior Patrick Toter “Music is an outlet of expression. Whether happy, sad, angry, or lonely, music is a message through which any emotion can be sent, especially when words can never describe the nature of what the musician is feeling. Without music, I would be truly lost.”

SPORTS

the

page 20 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Royals alumnus invited to train with USA volleyball Wayne Epps, Jr. trn editor

F

lying up, volleyball player Dominick Porter spikes the ball. A former Royal, Porter is working towards making the United States Olympic volleyball team.

Porter graduated in 2002. It was as a Royal that he found the game of volleyball that has taken him so far; he is now training with USA volleyball in California. But, he first came across the game in an unlikely way.

One time, when Dominick Porter Porter was playing basketball, the girls volleyball team interrupted his fun for a scheduled camp. As he was leaving the gym, someone asked if he would like to stay. Porter did stay, and this was the first time that he touched a volleyball.

English teacher and newspaper advisor Chris Waugaman was Porter’s volleyball coach. He helped him to advance his game. “[Waugaman] was the first one that really introduced me to volleyball,” Porter said in a phone interview. “Physically I could do a lot of things, but he helped me progress my abilities and kept me into it, and it was fun.”

After high school, Porter was not looking to go to college. However, he got the opportunity to continue his volleyball career at the next level and went to Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). Jason Axford, the coach who recruited Porter to play at EMU, saw good things in him in high school.

“I would say that, physically and athletically, Dominick stood out,” he said in a phone interview. “He was kind of like a freak of nature to be perfectly honest.”

Once at EMU, Porter had to work his way up. The other players there were physically bigger than him and they were more skilled at playing volleyball.

“When I got to college, I realized, and I mean this, how bad at volleyball I really was,” Porter said. “Because everything was more technically sound.”

Porter did not get any playing time

Royals alumnus Dominick Porter‘02 hits the ball over the net. Porter started training with USA volleyball in January. Contributed Photo. during his freshman year in college. The summer after that, he went to improve his skills at Richmond Volleyball Club.

Back at EMU, Porter had a breakout year as a sophomore on the team. He was number nine in the entire country in the hitting stat category and his hitting percentage was the highest ever at EMU. After graduating from college, Porter got a job in Harrisonburg, VA. He then made a tape of his play from college and sent it to over 100 professional volleyball teams. The next day, teams wanted Porter

to come play in Europe.

Getting the opportunity to play professionally was a big moment for Porter.

“Oh, it was crazy,” he said. “I dropped everything I was doing, I threw all my stuff in storage, and it was no question.”

Porter ended up signing to play with the team VC Dresden in Germany. Playing professionally was a big adjustment. The other players were taller than him (he is 6’0”), more experienced than him, he had to work on his skills, and the game was played at a faster pace.

However, Porter’s ability got him through and got him playing time.

“When I went in, our captain of the team was actually an outside hitter and he played right side also,” he said. “And, so when I first came, I didn’t think I was going to get any playing time. I guess the coaches were so impressed with my jumping ability, there was no question to keep me on the court.”

Porter played with Dresden until 2009 and then went back to work in Harrisonburg. Then, starting in January of this year, he got the opportunity to train in Anaheim, CA, with USA volleyball.

The Olympic team for the 2012 games in London is already set for the most part.

However, Porter and the other players in Anaheim are training to prepare to play on the national team in the future. “…What these training blocks do, is they gather up almost the next generation for the national team,” Porter said. “They bring them in and they train us under the system that they want us to know if we ever have the opportunity to be on the national team.”

Porter and the others undergo intense training in Anaheim. They train around three and a half hours a day. There is a weight lifting schedule and the players also do movement and speed training twice a week.

The road to making the Olympic team would be, as Porter describes, a “five year plan”. He would first have to make the USA’s A2 team, which might not be a possibility until after the 2012 Olympics. He would also have to go play professionally again and then come back to another USA volleyball training block when they have open try-outs for the team.

Making the Olympic team would be a huge accomplishment for Porter.

“Wow, it would be too much, I mean, I don’t know what I would do, I’d probably go crazy for one,” Porter said.

Porter making the Olympic team would also mean a lot to people like former coaches who helped him to get there.

“I would just be over the moon,” Axford said. “I would be so proud.”

Volleyball has taken Porter far. He did not even think that he would get the opportunity to continue playing after high school. Now he is on track to play for the U.S. in the Olympics. The saying that Porter lives by sums it all up.

“Don’t sell yourself short,” he said.

“You can do whatever you want. Literally, you can do whatever you want.”

SPORTS

the

page 21 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

S

pring sports are just getting started. In anticipation of the new seasons that are about to kick off, TRN is highlighting four seniors that will soon be in action on the field or court:

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Michael King

Jalen Johnson

Shelby Reynolds

Don Wells

Boys Tennis

Girls Soccer

Boys Soccer

Baseball

When did you realize that you liked playing baseball?

“Since I was five, every since I could remember.”

Who taught you how to play baseball?

“My dad.”

How long have you’ve been playing?

“Every since I was five-six years [old], when I played t-ball.”

What position do you play?

“Second base and third base.”

What do you like about baseball?

“The whole team’s atmosphere is really cool and being together, playing the same guys for a long time, and winning together.”

Who’s your favorite professional baseball player?

“B.J. Upton because he’s from Virginia.”

Who would you like to play professional baseball for when you get older?

“Atlanta Braves.”

What would you tell children who want to play baseball, but don’t feel they have what it takes to follow their dream?

“If they would just work hard, you get out of it what you put in.”

Why do you like tennis?

“It’s fun and relaxing.”

How long have you been playing soccer?

“This will be my third year.”

What made you get into tennis?

“Watching Serena Williams.”

Why do you like soccer?

“Just the adrenaline and I think it takes a lot of skill and knowledge and I think it’s a lot of fun.”

How long have you been playing?

“Three years, going on four.”

Who taught you how to play tennis?

“Coach Cash.”

Who is your favorite tennis player?

“Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova.”

Could you see yourself doing this as a profession in ten years?

“Yes, because I put forth a lot of dedication into this sport.”

How do you feel when you play tennis?

“Relaxed and calm, I feel collected, it makes me sweat.”

Which is easier for you, forehand or backhand?

“Both feel easier, but my forehand is more natural.”

What was your most memorable tennis moment this past year?

“When people hit the ball and they run up to the net and I hit a passing shot right by them. It’s kind of funny, because I get to laugh at them in my head.”

Who are the coaches?

“Mr. Warren and Mrs. Owens and Mr. York.”

Do you see it as a possible career choice or want to play in college?

“If I get the opportunity I would most definitely take it.”

What position do you play?

“Forward.”

What inspired you to play soccer?

“I think when I was in elementary school my sister and I used to play all the time and I just liked it.”

Who is your favorite soccer player? “[I] don’t really have one, [I] don’t really watch it on TV or anything.”

Do you play soccer at home? “[I play] any chance I get.”

What do you look forward to this season?

“All those shutouts we’re going to get.”

How long have you been playing soccer?

“I [have] been playing soccer since I was four years old.”

What or who inspired you to play soccer?

“My mom inspired me to play when I was young.”

Why do you like soccer?

“I like soccer because it’s just who I am, like when I touch a soccer ball, it’s like I never want to put it down.”

Do you see it as a possible career choice or want to play in college?

“Yes, I see myself playing in college.”

What position do you play?

“I’ve been playing forward forever, but now my coaches believe it’s better for me to play defense.”

Who is your favorite soccer player or team?

“My favorite team is AC Milan, my favorite player is Edson Buddle of the LA Galaxy.”

What do you look forward to this season? “[I am] looking forward for us to win districts this year and for us to go to regionals.”

the

page 22 - royalnews - 3.11.2011

Sebera’s

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Come out and enjoy the competition on Friday, March 25th at 5:30pm in the PGHS Gym

Admission is $3 Proceeds go to the Senior Class

Congratulations to the 2011-2012 Royal News Staff Members Kierra Lanier Chandler Shirer Jack Semrau Anthony Fennick Deborah Gardner Kristen Schwalm Casey Leigh Quinton Kenneth Kidd Nathan Britt Tyler Thompson Danielle Marshall Tiana Kelly Korrina Smith Carolina Bae Chloe Alexander Courtney Taylor Faven Butler Conner Stevenson Christina Buckles Caitlyn O’Hare Alexis Chaney Mandi Cummings Aaron Raines Adam Blakemore Whitney Clements Will Bonnell Leah Holliday

Sports

the

page 23 - royalnews - 3.11.2011 Freshman Maddy Martin warms up her arm during softball practice on Tues. Mar. 8. The softball team has lost three seniors from last year’s team.

Photo by Alison Brown.

Basketball is in the air M

Softball looks to continue success Team has lost standout pitcher and two other seniors Amanda Majewski trn writer

T

he fast pitch from the pitcher that no one can hit, the sound of the ball landing in the catcher’s mitt, and the umpire saying “Strike three you’re out” is what our Lady Royals heard a lot the last four years when they had Lauren Vinson as their pitcher.

Fresh off two trips to the state tournament, girls varsity softball starts its 2011 season without Vinson on the pitcher’s mound. The loss of Vinson, along with Maggie Roberts and Charmaine Thweatt, is going to impact the team this season. The loss of these seniors means the team will have to find new players that will be able to keep the team going in the right direction on the field.

Head coach Pat Waguespack is prepared for the season and all the challenges it will bring.

“We will miss last year’s seniors,” Waguespack said. “We enjoyed them while they were here, but we are moving on and someone else will have to step up.”

This change to the team is a challenge that they will have to deal with.

“The loss of Vinson will affect us defensively, but there is always room for improvement anywhere and everywhere,” senior third baseman Kaitlyn Johnson said. “This loss is just something the team will have to overcome. How we play and approach each game may be different this year.”

Every year is a new beginning, and this year is a chance for a leader to show herself.

“We are in need of someone stepping up and doing a great job just as Vinson did,” senior outfielder Aidan O’Hare said.

The team may have lost a key ingredient, but they still have the strengths of the returning girls and addition of their new teammates. The players, this season, are presented with an opportunity to contribute to the team in leadership positions.

“We did return our infield so we will have strength there, and I believe we will have a good hitting staff too,” Waguespack said “I also expect my seniors to be the leaders.”

Having a good offense and defense is necessary in doing well in the season, but with losing a pitcher more pressure is put on the defense.

“We will be good defense-wise and work really hard to improve offensively, so we can relieve some of the pressure off the defense,” O’Hare said.

A strategy change is necessary without a dominant pitching staff.

“There are not too many new tricks,” Waguespack said “I am still hoping for the best. My strategy this year is just to produce more runs offensively.”

Each year, seniors graduate and the team needs someone or even multiple people to step in and take the lead.

They need someone who is positive and encouraging, a person who is willing to help the team out, and someone to pick the team up when they are down.

“I expect my seniors, Kaitlyn Johnson, Jami Davis, Katie Christopher to step up along with Aidan O’Hare and be the new leaders,” Waguespack said “We will miss Taylor Worley who is recovering from surgery. Also, every returning player has the responsibility to help out and encourage the team to improve.”

The optimism and expectations for the team are still high, and they do have a tradition of winning to uphold.

“We are a relaxed and very well rounded team,” Johnson said “I think we will do just fine this year. Things may be different, but we will adjust.”

The confidence of the players is strong and they will work hard, play hard, have fun and take the season as it comes.

“We will be fine even though we lost our pitcher of four years, but we can handle anything they throw at us,” O’Hare said.

arch Madness in college basketball is about to kick off soon. Sixty-eight teams from across Division I basketball will duke it out to see who will be the last one standing.

This weekend, the conference tournaments will wrap up. These tournaments can basically be seen as “madness before the madness”.

Thirty-two athletic conferences hold tournaments within their conference.

The winners of these tournaments Wayne Epps, Jr. automatically receive a bid to the “big dance”; the NCAA tournament.

The rest of the field will be determined by at-large bids. An NCAA tournament committee gets together and decides which teams are the most deserving of a chance to play for the national championship.

Despite the fact that March Madness is just an all-around good time for college basketball fanatics, it should rank up there as one of the best traditions in America.

Basketball takes over television throughout this time. People from the most avid sports fans to those that have barely watched a game all season fill out tournament brackets hoping to correctly predict the whole tournament.

Small colleges from around the country have the opportunity to compete against and beat the perennial top dogs from the big schools. The tournament can also bring people together as they compare brackets and brag about correct predictions.

Overall, the tournament is a very fun event to follow. Be sure to go to trnwired.com and click on the links to Kevin Harris’s blog and my own blog during March Madness.

We will be posting commentary on the tournament throughout.

Sports

briefs

Boys Soccer lost to Clover Hill 1-0 in a scrimmage on Thurs. Mar. 3 at home

Girls Soccer defeated Hermitage in an away scrimmage on 2-0 on Fri. Mar. 4

Softball will face Hanover in a scrimmage on Sat. Mar. 12 at home.

Girls tennis looks to continue district dominance

F

Kevin Harris trn editor

orehand, backhand, serve, and volley are all terms commonly associated with tennis.

The Lady Royals can add another word to that list: championship Since 1990, the girls have won 19 of a possible 21 district titles. This unprecedented domination of the central district is an accomplishment that has never been duplicated.

“A bunch of us have grown up playing together and were really close as a team and work hard and push each other,” junior Madison Guidry said This season is going to be different than most because the team lost its top 4 starters from last season. Katy Cash and Elizabeth Walsh, the one and two ranked players on the team, and Shana Temple, the third ranked player on the team all graduated. While Cara Lucy, the fourth ranked player on the team, has an injury that will keep her from playing this season.

“It is going to be an interesting year, but the best thing is I have got really good kids who work hard and want to learn,” Coach Paul Cash said.

Teams that go on such dominating streaks go into matches with more confidence. This does not always turn out to be a good thing.

“If you are on the losing side it makes you want to push harder to win so it can make it harder if you are on the winning side,” sophomore Aaliyah Johnson said.

The team showed its ability to work hard, work as a team, and help each other last season. In the first

meeting with Colonial Heights (the 2nd place team in the district at the time behind the Lady Royals) the team pulled out a close 6-3 victory that could have gone either way.

Then just three and a half weeks later against the same Colonial Heights team the Lady Royals won in a 9-0 rout.

Being so successful for so long takes a lot of work and practice. It also requires teammates to work together and help each other improve.

“The kids take a lot of pride in wanting to continue the success so the older kids help the younger kids.” Cash said. “And the way we set up and do the drills and the way we set up practice, everyone practices with everyone no matter what the level is.”

“So even the best players on the team work with the newbies. This perpetuates the team spirit the team idea that we’re going to do the best we can for each other and the girls take a lot of pride in doing that. We were together and help each other out.”

This season the Lady Royals will be competing for their twentieth district title in twenty-two seasons.

“We are confident going into this season, we’re hoping to do the same or even better than last year,” senior Kristalea Shaeffer said.

Even without having their top four starters the Lady Royals are still favored in the Central District.

So if history is any indication of what will happen this season, then expectations remain the same for the Lady Royals. They will look to be in the thick of the Central District championship race and take home yet another title.

Junior Madison Guidry works on her tennis skills during practice on Tues.

Mar. 8. The girls tennis team has won 19 district titles in the past 21 seasons.

Photo by Alison Brown.

Check out a soundslide on spring sports conditioning

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