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PRINCE GEORGE HIGH SCHOOL - 7801 LAUREL SPRING ROAD - PRINCE GEORGE, VA 23875 VOLUME XVIII - ISSUE 5 - MARCH 13, 2020 - WWW.TRNWIRED.ORG - @ROYALSMEDIANOW
THE
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ROYAL
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NEWS
SCHOOL SYSTEMS REACT TO COVID-19 p.7 Schools begin prepping for closures due to COVID-19. COVID-19 is a virus that is spread through contact with other people. Photo from CDC.gov.
What’s Inside? p. 7 Young Voters Begin
Speaking Up p. 12 Talent Show Allows For Expression
p. 15 Confidence Rises At DECA Fashion Show p. 18 New Coach Brings New Vision
Do you have internet service where you live? - Yes 87% - No 13%
*Twitter Poll of 23 Votes
2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.13.20
OP/ED theRoyalNews O
Honoring Inspirational Women
ur mission as the school newspaper for Prince George High School is to provide a form of media that represents all aspects of student life. The goal is to present factual accounts of newsworthy events in a timely manner. Our publication will be informative, entertaining and reflective of the student body’s opinions. It is the desire of the staff to reach every student and tell as many of their stories as possible. We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow. The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room A2, or e-mail them to trnwired@gmail. com We reserve the right to edit for clarity, brevity, accuracy, legality, spelling and grammar. Please include your name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. 500 word maximum. Thank you for the support this year. Please continue to communicate on trnwired.org. Publication theft. A person commits the offense of publication theft when he or she willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than three copies of an edition of a publication distributed on campus or in the surrounding community [with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading that edition of the publication]. A “publication” includes any periodical that is distributed on a complimentary or compensatory basis. In addition to the imposition of other campus disciplinary penalties, a person who violates this provision is responsible for compensating the publication for all reasonable costs incurred, including, where appropriate, the refund of advertising fees. Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2016 CSPA Gold Crown Winner 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2017 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010, 2017 NSPA Online Pacemaker Winner 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 SIPA All Southern 2008-2015 The Royal News, PGHS trnwired.org 7801 Laurel Spring Road Prince George, Virginia 23875 804-733-2720 The Royal News is printed at The Progress-Index in Petersburg, Virginia
Section Editors Front page: Allison McCauley-Cook Op/Ed: Kaylaa White Features: Harmony Thomas Doubletruck: Allison McCauley-Cook A&E: Katie Zevgolis Sports: Masako Kaneko & Deana Nichols Photos: Shelby Hayes Reviews: Nic Brown
Writers Heidi Crane, Emily Hannuksela, Damion Perkinson, Maclay Cerny, Chris Newton, Skye Watkins, Jewel Harry
Editor-in-Chief Maddison Shawkey
Online Editor-In-Chief Carter Marks
Managing Editor Allison McCauley-Cook
Business Manager Sarah Schrum
Adviser Chris Waugaman
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Illustration by Kaylaa’ White.
Head Coverings Policy Needs Updating
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overing one’s hair may not have a meaning to some, but to others it is everything. In some cultures, it is custom to wear certain types of head coverings as a sign of modesty and respect. As written in the handbook currently, head coverings are not allowed in schools. There is not a distinction for any type of religious or cultural purpose to the covering. For those whose culture mandates they wear head coverings, it may cause anxiety to know that they are left vulnerable to dress code violations. To be inclusive to all students, the practice of wearing head coverings should be addressed in the student’s handbook.
Under the current wording, these students have no guidelines as to what they are permitted to wear. A learning environment cannot be successful unless all students are free to express themselves through their cultures and religions. Without addressing the head coverings, they are not able to be sure if their expression is valid within the eyes of the administration. Students should not have to wonder whether they have the freedom to wear their head coverings. Head coverings are a form of cultural and religious expression that should be protected within the rules and expectations of the handbook each student receives.
t is currently Women’s Month, a time to look at all the women who have impacted our lives. For me, my mom has been a huge influence DEANA NICHOLS growing up. There is nothing that women cannot do. Along with my mom, another woman I have looked to as my inspiration is Erin Andrews. My mom is an amazing woman who loves God just as much as she does people. Throughout her life, there have been so many people that she has touched in ways she will never truly understand. I would not be who I am or have the friends I do, if it were not for my mom. As much as we clash, I am so grateful to have a mother who is always there for me, in my corner, cheering me on. I hope to one day be as great of a mom to my kids as she has been to me. My mom is my Wonder Woman. There is nothing that she cannot do. As our church’s Kids Ministry Director, there is a lot that she is responsible for. Somehow, she can love every child who walks through the church doors and still have enough love in her heart for her family. When I grow up, I hope to be as strong as my mom is. Growing up with a tomboy personality, I always loved to watch football. As I got older, I began to find a love for journalism. Since I love writing about sports, I decided that becoming an NFL sideline reporter is what I want to do. Erin Andrews is the kind of woman I would like to be. I could never play football because of my scoliosis, so I came up with another way of being involved in the NFL.
FRIDAY 3.13.20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3
OP/ED Hair Discrimination Bill HB1514 Passed
On Wednesday March 5th, 2020, Virginia joined California, New York, and New Jersey, being the fourth state to ban hair discrimination. This decision gained momentum from the nationwide C.R.O.W.N. Act (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), which aims to protect individuals from discrimination based on their natural hairstyles.
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awmakers in the House of Delegates passed Senate Bill 50 which expands the term of racial discrimination based on hairstyles. Some of the hairstyles that are mainly targeted are dreadlocks and the natural texture of African Americans’ hair. Many citizens have been forced to cut their hair or spend hundreds of dollars on chemicals and/or weaves to tame their hair. Female African Americans also complain about the damage of everyday heat from hair straighteners brought to their hair. With Governor Ralph Northam’s signature, the other states being California, New York, and New Jersey; Virginia would be the fourth state to ban hair discrimination. Without this bill, workplace bosses and many other places would prohibit a person who may have dreads, dyed hair, or curly textures in general. The way a person styles their hair is a form of expression, and impeding on that form of expression would be a violation of the 1st Amendment rights granted to all citizens of the United States. This law would allow African American citizens to freely style their hair naturally without being denied a work opportunity based on “unprofessionally” their hair. Although African American citizens benefit the most from this bill, citizens who color their hair are also protected with the enacting of the bill. The fear of not being able to get a job based on the appearance of someone’s hair will no longer be something to fear amongst new employees, and no longer need to feel the need to “clean up” their natural mundane look.
PRO CON SHELBY HAYES
MADDISON SHAWKEY
“The fear of not getting a job based on the appearance of someone’s hair will no longer be something to fear...” “In schools, students are expected to refrain from wearing disruptive clothing. The same rule should apply to excessive styles and colors of hair.”
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o give all students the best opportunities to learn, distractions such as disruptive hairstyles and colors should not be permitted. Legislation such as the C.R.O.W.N. Act allows for hair distractions to be permitted in classrooms despite the issues it may cause to other students learning. In schools, students are expected to refrain from wearing disruptive clothing. The same rule should apply to excessive styles and colors of hair. The C.R.O.W.N. Act disregards the disruptions hairstyles can have. Allowing hairstyles that some may feel express their true selves, ultimately can take away from the education of the people around them. Students should have a calm learning environment and in situations where frequent distractions are present, they are left at a disadvantage. By allowing students to have excessive hairstyles and colors, it creates a distraction limiting other’s learning. It can be argued that students should have the ability to wear their how however they want under their first amendment rights of freedom of speech through expression. However, children are not guaranteed all rights and students are not given the right to disturb another student’s learning experience. Dress codes and school uniforms work to do the same thing, prohibiting excessive hairstyles. Using the first amendment to defend these disruptive forms of expression is not valid in that the goal is not to take away personal freedoms but rather open up more freedoms and opportunities for the majority of students. All students should have an equal opportunity to have the best learning environment possible, and one’s freedom of expression should not interfere with that.
4 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3. 13. 20
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FRIDAY 3.13.20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5
THE WEEKS AHEAD
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Fashion Show n Friday, March 20, the fashion show will take place in the high school’s auditorium. Tickets are being sold
for three dollars right now and will be sold for five dollars at the door. Come out and support Prince George High School students as they put their fashion on display.
Senior Meetings andatory senior meetings will be held during the month of April. The meetings will be Tuesday, April
14th, Wednesday, April 22nd, and Monday, April 27th. All seniors are required to attend at least one in order to graduate.
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Spring Break Gets Extended ue to the number of snow days that went unused this year, spring break has been extended. Spring break
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will now start on Friday, April 3rd and students will return to school on Tuesday, April 14th.
Coronavirus
n Monday, March 9, superintendent Dr. Lisa Pennycuff sent out an email to all Prince George students about the Coronavirus. The
email stated that the county was monitoring this disease very closely. “...people who are sick should stay home from work or school and avoid other people until they are symptom free,” Pennycuff said.
6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.13.20
FEATURES Empowered Women Praise Women’s History Skye Watkins
TRN Writer
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nderson Davis listens carefully and taps her fingers on her desk as her teacher’s voice floats through the air as thoughts and ideas jump into her mind. Davis soon knows how she wants to show the power and elegance of a woman’s role. March is commonly known as Women’s History Month. Cynthia Hasley is leading her class in learning about women’s history and the empowerment that has continuously come to women, no matter the time period. “We’ve been known as the moral compass, starting with republican motherhood way back in the 70’s,” Hasley said. “I think we were the consistent strength behind men even when we didn’t have power given to us.” Women have a significant role in society. There have been many women that have changed people’s views and beliefs into a new mindset such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Rosalind Franklin. These women have shown that they were made for more than just a pretty face around the house and they weren’t afraid to show it. “[Women’s history] gives me encouragement for what I do, encouragement for what I’m going to do, and it just keeps me going, even when I get some setbacks,” Hasley said. Every woman has a different purpose in our world. Every woman does something different. To some people
the everyday choices they make may look small, but the smallest choices can make the largest impact on somebody. Women have made important impacts even before they were put in the spotlight. June Hill is one of these women, and Davis has discovered just how powerful a small town woman can be. “She [June Hill] is a very hard worker that has an amazing attitude toward everything and she is extremely optimistic and feels that she has nothing to prove to anyone in life,” Davis said. Women have broken free of the female stereotype. They have shown that they can be independent and can rely on each other to empower each other
through life’s struggles. Women want to continue to explore and rally together to show what they can do. Davis took the time to talk to Hill and learn about her life for her assignment for Ms. Hasley’s class. Hill told Davis about her life spent in Prince George, which led to her becoming a teacher for Prince George High School. Davis has discovered that this project was a wonderful learning opportunity for her. “I feel like I talked to someone who I never would have learned about or learned a story from if I hadn’t done this paper,” Davis said. Many women have been known as not only the beauty, but the brains as
Junior Anderson Davis poses in front of the works of her peers about the inspirational women in their lives. For her Women’s History project, Davis chose June Hill. Photo by Skye Watkins. well in many impactful choices in America. Men who have been known to lead in America have been heavily influenced by the women they have in their lives, and they will continue to be in the future. “Women’s history showcases people who might not have gotten as much attention but have done things that are just as great as everyone else,” Davis said.
FRIDAY 3.13.20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7
FEATURES
SCHOOL SYSTEMS REACT TO COVID-19 Death Toll Rises To 38 In America, As Cases Test Positive In Richmond, Farmville, Norfolk Carter Marks
Online EIC
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n Wednesday, March 12, President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the oval office in regards to the COVID-19. Trump announced a travel ban on all travel to Europe for 30 days, with Great Britain being an exception. The virus was first diagnosed on December 31, 2019 in Wuhan, China. On March 11, the United States now has 1267 confirmed cases with 9 of them being in Virginia. CNN reports that out of these 1267 cases, 38 have passed away. Prince George is starting to take precautions. Several student trips have been cancelled: the VSCA convention, the college tour field trip, and the Key Club Conference. More trips and possibly athletic events could be affected. “We want to take these steps and be cautious, but not get overwhelmed and panic and do things irrationally,” Principal Mike Nelson said. “We always want to look at things reasonably. We want to take our time and understand things and make decisions that are of the best interest of everyone. If there are any decisions that come about from the school division, we will let you know as soon as we can and the steps that need to be taken.” With the National Basketball Association now suspending the season, schools in our local area are now putting things into place to attack this issue. According to Colonial Heights Public Schools website, “Monday, March 16, 2020 has been added to the school calendar as a staff development day and student holiday. All after-school activities will go on
as scheduled on March 16th. This will allow our schools to prepare for the possibility of distance learning in the event of a school(s) closure. In addition, it will provide our maintenance team with an opportunity to do an extended deep cleaning in all our school buildings. Currently, there are no reported cases of coronavirus in the City of Colonial Heights.” Currently nine state colleges have cancelled classes for the future, or extended spring break by a week. These schools consist of William & Mary, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Radford University, Longwood, Norfolk State, Old Dominion University, and Virginia Commonwealth University have asked students to leave campus. Longwood has recently announced that a student has
tested positive for COVID-19. In order to keep precaution, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Pennycuff sent out an email warning students the best way of staying virus free. “Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Likewise, people who are sick should stay home from work or school and avoid other people until they are symptom free. “Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is recommended,” Pennycuff said. “If soap and water are not available, please use alcoholbased hand sanitizer until hands can be washed. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands first. Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue, throw away the tissue and wash your hands. If a tissue is not available, cough into
Image of COVID-19 Virus. Picture from CDC.gov. your elbow area. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Allow the surface to remain wet for the amount of time listed on the cleaning product, and let the surface air dry before touching it again. If an outbreak of an illness occurs, follow public health advice which may include social distancing and other related measures. If you have traveled or feel you may have been exposed or having symptoms of this virus, please contact your physician or the Prince George Health Department at (804) 733-2630.” For more news regarding this issue, check out trnwired.org or our social media accounts @RoyalsMediaNow for more information.
8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.13.20
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What’s the REAL Cost of Your First Car? Seventeen-year-old Lanna bought a car for $7,500. Lanna was thrilled and felt that she got a great deal on the monthly payment. But six months later, her “really cool car” sits in the driveway most of the time because she can’t afford to drive it. Figure out the REAL cost of car ownership, starting with this list. Gas. Lanna needs about $35 every week for the gasoline to drive her car to work and school. You can’t control gasoline prices, but compact cars are more fuelefficient than trucks and vans. Oil. Changing your oil every six months takes only about 30-45 minutes and costs about $20-$30 (less if you do it yourself), but the consequences of neglecting it can be serious.
Did you know? If you live in Prince George County you could open an account!* Maintenance. It cost Lanna $225 to replace her muffler. If you’re buying a used car with higher mileage, think about frequently used and exposed parts: exhaust system, windshield wipers, brakes, tires, lights, and so on. Repairs can be costly, so be prepared by saving for them. Insurance. Most states and most lenders require auto insurance and Lanna’s cost $120 a month. Many insurers charge teenagers double or triple premiums because new drivers are a higher risk. Ask about discounts for such things as earning good grades in school. This article and its contents are for illustrative purposes only.
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FRIDAY 3.13.20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9
FEATURES
BY THE Young Voters Begin Speaking Up NUMBERS 705,800
Kaylaa White
OP-ED Editor
S
Number of votes in VA for Joe Biden.
upporters of presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders, chant the senator’s name over and over again as he steps to his podium and begins to rally before the final decisions from the presidential primary
elections. Super Tuesday is held in early March for citizens in the largest number of states to vote in the presidential primaries. The candidate with the most amount of votes wins the primary election and is put in the running for the presidential election in November. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders visited Richmond to rally days before Super Tuesday. Former Vice President, Joe Biden, also visited Virginia before the primaries. Madison Bailey, who leans more moderate, primarily went to the rally to gain political experience. “I’m really into politics and I’m studying political science in college, so I just love learning about it, and seeing first hand what these candidates are doing,” Bailey said. With caucuses in Iowa and Nevada, voters of the south anxiously waited for voting in their region to narrow down the shrinking list of democratic candidates. Government teacher Jacilyn Gutzmer has personal experience in politics, which fueled her passion for teaching. “I used to work in Washington D.C. and dealt directly with government entities,” Gutzmer said. “Right out of college I worked for the House of Representatives in Washington State, and so it’s kind of been in my blood. I enjoy politics and I thought it would be good to lend my expertise to students. I take a different perspective than the traditional teacher because I’ve lived it.”
2,418
Number of votes for Biden in Prince George County. She also thinks it’s important for students to get involved in politics early. “Those in high school need to get involved in politics early because voting is your voice, you can’t do anything or have any impact on the world, if you don’t take a stand, speak up and vote for somebody,” Gutzmer said. Senior Stanley Taylor agreed with Gutzmer and decided to head to the polls on Super Tuesday. “I voted because now that I’m legal to do things, I get to take part in something big like voting,” Taylor said. Super Tuesday voting on Tuesday, March 2nd was open until 7 p.m. and voters were encouraged to bring their photo I.D. Taking a closer look at Prince George’s polls on Super Tuesday, approximately 67.85% of voters chose Joe Biden and only 17.85% chose Bernie Sanders. Bailey and Stanley, like many Virginians, had mixed responses. “I was surprised because [news sources] kept trashing Biden and they were hyping up Sanders,” Stanley said. Biden’s win was also surprising to Bailey, based on the enthusiasm she saw at the rally. “I knew that Biden would have a lot
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Former Vice President Joe Biden, rally in Virginia a week before Super Tuesday. Super Tuesday is held to decide which candidates get to officially run for president in the November presidential elections. Photos by Harmony Thomas and Carter Marks . of [popularity] because of Obama, but the number of people that were there at the Sanders rally and how passionate they were, it just surprised me that they didn’t win,” Bailey said. With former democratic candidates like Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar endorsing Biden, Sanders’ campaign is looking for other radical supporters like Elizabeth Warren. The democrat candidate pool, once saturated, is now thinning out. If things continue along its current path, Democrats across the nation will have a daunting dilemma, Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden, and fate is falling into the hands of a minority and young/ first-time voters. “Don’t be scared to go to the polls. All you have to do is show up, make sure you’re informed and know who you’re gonna vote for before you go in,” Gutzmer said.
306,024
Number of votes in VA for Bernie Sanders.
636
votes for Sanders in Prince George County. Information provided by:
Scanhttps://www.nytimes.com/interacthis code tive/2020/03/03/us/elections/resultsto see a video virginia-president-democrat-primaryrecap of one of election.html the visits by Tim Bennett.
https://www.wsls.com/station/2020/02/28/democratic-presidential-primary-election-results-for-princegeorge-county-on-march-3-2020/
12 | THE ROYAL NEWS I FRIDAY 3.13.20
A&E
Confidence Rises At DECA Fashion Show Harmony Thomas
A
Features Editor
s seniors Hanna Kellar and Octavyous Hodge strut down the runway of the auditorium stage, the glowing lights bounce off their bedazzled outfits causing the audience gaze in amazement. On March 20, 2020 DECA will be holding the 12th annual Fashion Show. This show is held for students to be able to show off their creative side when it comes to fashion and dancing. Senior Hanna Kellar has been participating in the fashion show since her sophomore year. This year Kellar has helped with teaching confidence to the models in how to walk on the runway and she also had the job of choreographing the dance numbers that will be in the show. “At the beginning it [the fashion show] helped me gain more confidence with myself, and it continues to do that,” Kellar said. “But now as a choreographer it helps me find a voice and allow myself to speak on my ideas and opinions when it comes to the show.” Models and dancers participating in the fashion show have to provide and design their own outfits for the ‘runway’. “Mentally I’m trying to calm myself down so I don’t over stress about it, but in general I’m really just preparing by buying clothes,” Kellar said. “To find clothes to match the theme of the scenes, I just look at what the given clothing is and the song and go from there. Depending on what the song and choreography looks like is what determines the outfits for me.” Kellar also has to participate in the dance and model scenes. Kellar explains why the fashion show has been on her mind very frequently week’s before the
show. “It’s mainly because I’m a choreographer and I’m always planning and coming up with new ideas but I think about the show pretty frequently just because I’m excited about it.” Kellar said. The term dress for success or dress to impress is often used to explain how what a person wears on a day to day basis is important to be able to succeed or look appealing. Kellar shares that she does not usually feel pressure to dress up for school. “Dressing up is always for myself, personally, so I never feel the need to
Senior Hanna Kellar walks down the DECA fashion show runway. This year Kellar is helping behind the scenes by choreographing dances and teaching the models how to walk. Photo by Monica Thompson. dress up for everyone else,” Kellar said. “Wearing something I like, whether it’s considered “dressing up” or not, is something that boosts my mood and makes me feel more confident with myself.” Senior Octavyous Hodge also has the job of choreographing the dance scenes in the show. Hodge shares that he does feel pressure to dress up everyday
at school and on the weekends. “Because I’m so into fashion and clothes, yes I do [feel pressure to dress up everyday],” Hodge said. “I usually want to look presentable most of the time.” Kellar believes that a person should dress up for success. Kellar shares her real life experiences with this term. “In DECA I’ve seen it a lot that dressing professionally takes you a long way and allows people to take you seriously and listen to you,” Kellar said. “However, dressing for success can mean anything to a person. I feel like it can be a universal term depending on the context. But I think the main thing is that dressing for success can help people be more confident in whatever they’re dressing up for.” Hodge gives his opinion on dressing for success. “Every book has a cover for a reason,” Hodge said. “Your appearance is the shell for everything within.” As Kellar’s last DECA fashion show approaches, she shares what she is most excited for when the day finally comes. “I’m looking forward to the actual show day,” said Kellar. “That’s when I get to see everything me, Ms. Beales, and the rest of the choreographer team have worked on to do for this and it’ll be the most satisfying and exciting thing. I definitely am gonna pop out as always but I’m gonna do my best to do the most this year since it is my third and final year. I definitely wanna try and make sure Ania Holmes is my walking partner for the majority of the show because we’ve been here together from the start.” Hodge also looks forward to making the best out of his last DECA fashion show. Hodge shares what he is looking forward to on the evening of the show. “I am looking forward to the outfits, and I just plan on making my name known as best dressed and one of the best choreographers in the school,” said Hodge.
FRIDAY 3.13.20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13
A&E
Choirs Prepare For Judges
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Singers Anticipate Singing At Assessments
Senior Deryl Gensler How are you preparing for district assessments? “As a choir, we’re practicing with a heavy emphasis on sightreading,” Katie Zevgolis
W A&E Editor
alking down the F wing hallway, it is always a delight to hear Mr Burks’ choir students singing with their talented voices. The Choir’s annual Assessments will take place on March 18th at Dinwiddie High School. Several students are excited to perform at their annual choir assessments. “I look forward to receiving a score that reflects our choir’s hard work and being able to showcase our top pieces.” Junior Nadia Artus.
All Choirs will be performing at the assessments. “Treble Chorale performing, Stumble My Feet and Lake Isle of Inisvile.” Sophomore Helene White said. The choir students have been practicing for a long period of time to make sure they do their best. “We have been practicing for assessments for almost two months.” Artus said. Choir assessments are scored from four to one. Four meaning poor and one meaning excellent. I believe that our class will rank high among other choirs.” White said Is there something that you or your class could have done better to prepare for assessments? The choir students have had a lot of help from their teacher Mr. Burks who works and practices with them everyday in class.
Sophomore Helene White sings in class to prepare for the upcoming assessments. White and the Treble Chorale have been working on their songs for months for this event. Photo by Maddison Shawkey.
“We learned and polished our pieces with Mr. Burks in class. We also worked on sight reading in and out of school.” A Artus said. These students have trained and practiced for months hoping to score as excellent for the 2019-2020 Choir Assessments. “I believe all choirs have put in a lot of work to these pieces. Mr. Burks knew how to steer us in the right direction and ensure that we are ready for anything.” Artus said.
What are you excited about for assessments? “I’m excited to see how well we do, we’ve been working hard all year,” How would you describe your experience in choir this year? “[It is] definitely a great, Mr. Burks is great teacher and my classmates are amazing,”
14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.13.20
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FRIDAY 3.13.20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15
A&E
Talent Show Allows For Expression Allison McCauley-Cook
S
Double-Truck Editor
tanding back stage, surrounded by all of the other acts, Junior Xavier Jackson warms up his voice before it is his turn to take the stage. Jackson prepares to sing “All of Me” by John Legend, he is accompanied by Senior Michael Eady on the piano. 4-H held their annual Talent Show on Friday, Feb. 28. The show featured high school students. Because students had to audition for the Talent Show in advance, many students who participated spent hours working to perfect their act. “We ran through it once or twice. Probably all together, throughout the week, probably two [hours of practice],” Jackson said, “It was last minute, because I did not actually know about the talent show until two or three days before. The show featured many different types of acts over the course of the night. Students who participated in the show were judged and placed in respective categories. Awards were presented to students by the Master of Ceremonies Sterling Mclymont and Director Hermon Maclin. At the end of the night participants were awarded for vocal, rap, dance, combination and drama. One of the different types of acts shown was senior Octavyous Hodge’s display, a color guard performance. Hodge learned color guard through the school then added a popular song to his routine. “My favorite part was hearing everyone else, whether it was comedy, or singing, one dude was beat-boxing. I just liked that,” Jackson said. Participants were able to perform their acts solo or as a group. Some, like sophomore Rebecca Taylor and
sophomore Danisha Jones, decided to join their acts and perform together. “It was really good [being able to perform with my friend], because we have performed together before,” Jones said. While some acts had known each other for years beforehand, others did not. Jackson and Eady had only met for the first time a few weeks before the talent show. Through being active in other school functions they were able to put together a set in time to be a participant in the 4-H Talent Show. “[Michael and I] met through the Black History Program and I asked him during practice if he wanted to do something for the talent show. So we had to come together and find a song he already knew how to play and I knew,” Jackson said. The welcoming atmosphere of the backstage area was a comfort to some, like Jones. While students waited for their time on the stage they were all backstage watching the other performers. The acts worked together to combat stage fright. “The atmosphere was nice, everyone was trying to hype each other up. If you were nervous it was like, ‘Okay we are just going to help you through that,” Jones said. The annual 4-H Talent Show allows students to have a place to showcase their talents in front of their peers. Hodge expressed the importance of these events as a creative outlet for students with different types of talents. “Some kids do not know how to express themselves, so the 4-H Talent Show is another chance for kids to come out and show their hidden talents,” Hodge said. Senior Octavyous Hodge performs his color guard routine in the 4H talent show. Hodge has been a part of the Prince George Color Guard for the past couple of years. Photo by Kiara Santos-Bruno.
16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.13.20
A&E Rainbow Six Seige Released
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om Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege released Their 5th season this past Monday, March 5th. Along with the season released a new operation, Operation Void Edge. This operation brings us two new operators, a complete map rework, some operator nerfs and buffs, and a new home page. The new operators are an attacker by the name of Iana and the defender is named Oryx. Although these operators come with brand new unique abilities we will see no new weapons in this first
Nic Brown
operation. The new attacker, Iana, is a two speed two armor operator armed with Nomad’s ARX200 and Ash’s G363 with the Mk1 9mm as her secondary. She has the choice of a smoke grenade or a frag grenade as her gadget. Iana’s unique ability is called the Gemini Replicator which allows the player to project a fully mobile hologram of Iana to go and obtain surveillance and information. The new defender, Oryx, is a two speed two armour operator armed with Valkyrie’s SPAS-12 and Doc’s MP5 with a choice between the Bailiff 410 and USP40 as his secondary weapon and either barbed wire or a bulletproof camera his gadget. Oryx’s actually has two new special abilities, he has the ability to climb and
Gamer's Corner
hang in hatches in between levels of the map as well as he is able to do the Remah Dash. The Remah Dash allows Oryx to plow through unfortified softwalls and knock enemies over. The only downside to this is he take ten damage for every wall he goes through. The final thing this new season and operation brings us is a complete map rework of Oregan. Now unlike some map reworks we have had previously that are complete overhauls and refacing of the map, Ubisoft decided to keep Oregan’s rework to a lower scale. The map will still be widely recognizable to veteran players but with subtle changes such as, big tower being connected to kitchen, there is now a
Media photo courtesy of Gamespot.com freezer in the basement with a new staircase, and the attic had its ladder connection into the meeting hall removed. This new year and operation seems filled with lots of exciting new content. I hope you all enjoy and remember as always stay safe and game on!
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SPRING S PORTS Varsity Leans On Fresh Talent
FRIDAY 3.13.20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17
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With Only Four Returners For Softball, Royals Look To Rebound Off 11-10 Season Carter Marks
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ith the sound of the ball hitting the mitt, head coach Nealan Chandler has his pitchers loosening up. Leading up to opening day, Chandler is still working on who his go to ace will be this year. The Lady Royals are coming off of a 1110 season last year, in which they now try to improve on that and get farther into the playoffs. It will be a tough season for the Lady Royals considering only four players from last year’s team are returning. “Each of these players are coming to us with a different skill set and how does that best help the team,” Chandler said. “They could have always played one position and I look at them and say this is where we need you to play. It’s finding the right mix between where they are good and where we need them to get to.” Some of the potential pitchers to start opening day in the circle from last year’s four are senior Erin Miles and junior Rachael Blumenshine. The new additions that Chandler can also see helping out with pitching are freshman Jaylan Powroznick, freshman Georgia Stuckey, and freshman Sarah Graham. “We have all been working on mostly locating our pitches,” Powroznick said. “Coach Chandler says that’s the thing he looks for and needs us to have down.” With the addition of 12 players coming up the system to varsity, Chandler had to make a big decision for this season. For the 2020 softball season, there will be no junior varsity team this year, but it is set to return in the future. “We started to see this winter that this was going to be a possibility that our numbers would be down,” Chandler said. “We devised how we could build the program back up.
What we decided to do this year was have a bigger varsity team and with the middle school team, I already instructed those coaches that they would have a bigger team.” Last year’s junior varsity was very successful under head coach, Katy Lampman , so they will definitely be benefited. “The JV [junior varsity] team last year was really good so their skills are good,” Chandler said. “I’m actually looking for all of them to contribute in one way or another.” With the season leading up, Chandler has been doing specific drills at practice, looking to see who is the best option at each position. “You have the skillset to play here so this is a better position for you to play for us,” Chandler said. “It’s finding the right mix between where they are good at and where we need them at.” With the really young team this year, the clutch plays that require experience will have to be something to watch this year. “Chandler always pushes his players to
Senior Erin Miles winds up to pitch the ball against Hermitage High School. Miles is one of the four returners coming back to the varsity program this year. Photo by Shelby Hayes. stay focused and locked in so no mistakes are made. One thing that Coach Chandler has taught me the most is when you step on the ball field nothing on the outside matters and you are there to play hard and be the best you can be,” Miles said. For the younger players, they will try to learn from the few experienced players so they will be ready in clutch situations. “I think the upperclassmen should push us hard to make sure we’re getting everything done and done right,” Powroznick said. “Also, I think it would be a good thing if the girls tried to outwork each other because it would definitely make them work harder and realize what they need to do.”
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18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 3.13.20
SPRING SPORTS
New Coach Brings New Vision Masako Kaneko
Senior Spotlight
Boys Tennis Maximillian Bennett
A
Sports Editor
s senior Quincy Sippio fills his position as centerfield at practice, he gets ready to work on his routes for the team, but this year a new coach is hitting the fly balls to him. This year coach Jarrett Vaughan, a Prince George graduate and former varsity baseball player, gets the opportunity to be involved with the baseball team once again. “I played varsity baseball for 3 years in PG and graduated in ‘03,” Vaughan said. “[I am] very passionate about PG sports, I love being around the student athletes and leading them.” Vaughan has been a football coach for three years but this is his first year being a baseball coach. As he fills the position he understands the importance of connecting with the boys. “Being that I’m still fairly young it’s pretty easy for me to connect,” Vaughan said. “I take time to talk to each kid one on one every chance I get and will also take time to give them a call if I need to.” Sippio has noticed Vaughan’s effort to reach out and connect with the team and feels as if the transition of coaches is so far smooth. “He’s getting to know us really well and everybody likes him,” Sippio said. Sippio also notes that Vaughan’s is not as intense compared to previous seasons. “This season so far has been a little bit more laid back but we still get focused and locked in when it’s time to work,” Sippio said. Vaughan wants the boys to be able to work hard when it is time to get their head on the game but he also stresses that they need to loosen up and be who they are at the same time. “I try to get them as much freedom as I can to still be themselves within reason,” Vaughan said. “I don’t want them to be robots, I want them to be able to show their
What inspired you to play tennis? “One of my friends started playing as a freshman while I was in eighth grade, and I thought it would be a fun sport so I decided to play.”
personalities and be themselves.” Getting to know each boy individually has given more insight on how to be a better coach. “[I’ve learned] how to deal with so many different personalities, what it takes to communicate and reach multiple kids at the same time, and mostly to have fun,” Vaughan said. Not only has Vaughan gotten to know his players individually but he has gotten to know them as a team and see how well they get along and know each other. He also sees how the seniors set great examples for the underclassmen. “They are a super close group and have played together for years, so that makes it more fun for everyone,” Vaughan said. “Our senior leadership is definitely our strength on and off the field, along with some really talented younger guys in the mix.” Behind every great team is a coach who is 100% behind them with full support. It is the
Coach Jarrett Vaughan watches the team run through drills to help better themselves. This will be Vaughan’s first year as head coach. Photo by Deana Nichols. job of the coach to teach the players how to be confident on and off the field. “He is always pushing us to do things right and he pushes us to always be competitive and win,” Sippio said. Every new coach comes into the program with a goal in mind. Putting action to the thought is the part that coaches strive to achieve. “Definitely to develop the younger kids, but we hope to play well see what kind of run we can make in the playoffs,” Vaughan said. Being confident in every situation is essential in order for a team to be successful. “[Coaching the baseball team] feels awesome, like it’s what I was meant to be doing,” Vaughan said.
How has playing tennis impacted your high-school career? “Tennis has impacted my academic performance in a positive way, as I have learned time management and other skills such as that.” What are your plans for posthigh school? “I plan to attend Christopher Newport University to pursue a degree in business.” Do you prefer the beach or the mountains for a vacation? “Definitely the beach, as it is such a calm and relaxing place that is so beautiful. The beach has always been my happy place, and that is where I spend most of my summer.” What is your favorite movie? Why? “The Sandlot because it was such a good movie, that was quite funny and also was related to a sport I used to love.”
PH TO GALLERY
FRIDAY 3.13 .20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19
Girls Varsity Kicks Off Season With Win
Girls Soccer Defeats Varina 7-0 At Second Scrimmage
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4. Sophomore Kyra Warren defeats her opponent to the ball and makes the second shot of the game. “I hope we are successful. With our first few games being tough, I think that once we start drilling as a team we will be really successful this season,” Warren said. All photos by Shelby Hayes.
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For more photos of varsity girls soccer go to www.trnwired.smugmug.com
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1. Senior Taylor McClendon steals the ball from Varina’s defensive player. “I hope that we get a lot of wins and we are able to come together,” McClendon said. 2. Sophomore Ali Powroznik fights off the opposing player while keeping control of the ball. Powroznik has been playing soccer for twelve years and enjoys the bonds she creates on the team. 3. Sophomore Rileyanne Collins dribbles downfield with the opponent close behind. “Playing northern teams will help determine the strength of the bonds within our team,” Collins said.
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5. Sophomore Gracie Knisely goes in for a hard kick downfield. “I’ve learned leadership skills and how easy it is to work together with people,” Knisely said. 6. Senior Ashley Thacker goes to steal the ball away from the opposing team. “I started a new sport at an older age, so it has definitely taught me to not give up,” Thacker said. “With that, you have to push through being not the best even though you’d like to be all the time.” All photos by Shelby Hayes.
SPRING SPORTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
>> Varsity Baseball
Scrimmage at Hanover High School on Saturday, March 14th at 1:00 PM.
>> Softball plays away at >> Varsity Boys Tennis >> Varsity Girls Soccer Dinwiddie Sports Complex on Monday, March 16th
plays home against Lee-Davis on Wednesday, March 18th at 4:30 PM.
plays against Mills E. Godwin at Prince George on Wednesday, March 18th at 7:00 PM.
Four Ring Runner Leaves Legacy Deana Nichols
D
Sports Editor
Senior Javonte Harding gives the last few meters every ounce of energy from within to end out the race. Harding placed first in the 55 meter dash at the Class 5A State Meet at the Boo Williams Complex on Feb. 29th. Photo taken by Royals Media. For more photos of the Indoor Track State Meet, scan this QR code.
uring the last four years, there has been one track star that everyone has been hearing about, senior Javonte Harding. Harding has been running track since he was eight years old. Each season has brought improvement for the four time state champion. Known as being one of the fastest runners in the state of Virginia as well as the United States can often seem stressful to a high school student, but not for Harding. This opportunity has given him the ability and chance to be humble in his profession. “I just realized that there’s always been somebody better than me and there’s always somebody better than me, therefore I keep working harder to be me,” Harding said. The people consistently found in Harding’s corner are the track coaching staff. Coach William Stevens has loved getting the opportunity to watch Harding grow as track seasons have gone by. “We set a state and national goal,” Stevens said. “I always want him to know setting goals is great, but it’s working hard on them that makes him who he is. This track season will be Harding’s last as a Prince George High School runner. He has been accepted to North Carolina A&T on a full ride to run track. “I am going to be majoring in zoology,” Harding said. “I’ll do what I can out there to try and be the best me.” While every good thing must
come to an end, some are sad that Harding will no longer be running for Prince George, but they are excited for what is to come in his future. Watching Harding flourish right before their eyes has truly made an impact. “He is the second 100 meter and second 200 meter champion from Prince George, so being the fastest makes him the best,” Stevens said. After college, Harding is looking at going professional with the skill that he has. His biggest goal is to one day run in the Olympics. Harding could become the next Usain Bolt. “I want Javonte to be the best Javonte and if he does that, he will one day be faster than Usain Bolt,” Stevens said. Being on the team since eighth grade has given Harding the opportunity to learn from different runners as well as be a part of different relay teams. “It’s been pretty fun because every year is something new, so it’s not always the same thing,” Harding said. “Some years we’ve had good players and some years we’ve had a struggling team. Either way, it’s simply just the hard work that has gone into it that makes it fun.” As Harding is ready to move on to the next step in life as well as his track career, the team will be left to find someone to take his place. The question is whether or not someone is ready to fill shoes that so big. “I have a great high jumper here, State Champion, Lamont Victoria, and he is working hard to be the best in the nation,” Stevens said. “I will say this, I have not one, not two, but three young girls that will surely be the best ever that have come through, on the girls side.”