Nov2013

The ROYAL NEWS

Volume XII Issue 2 Prince George H.S. - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd. Prince George, VA 23875 - www.trnwired.org - November 8, 2013

NO

p.12-13 Royals go hairy to support cancer p. 7 New Club Fights Illiteracy

Shave Novemberp. 8 EpilepsyMonth RaisesAwareness

Coach Harrison shows off his beard for no shave November.

Photo by Danielle Marshall.

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

p. 11 Adoption Affects Families p. 15 Fall Production of Peter Pan Takes Off p. 23 Student Strives to Earn Pilot’s License p. 24 Field HockeyWins Conference

2 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 11.8.13

op/ed

Social Media Has Negative Impact

What? It’s just the new iWatch 8!

the RoyalNews

T

O

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

We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow. The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions. Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room A4, 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.

Illustration by Anthony Sudol.

New Smartphone Compatible Watches Challenge Technology Policy In Schools

Section Editors Front page: Danielle Marshall-Op/Ed: Carolina Bae-News: Christina Buckles-Features: Mallory Cox-Doubletruck: Sarah Daniel-A&E : Debra ThomasSports: Devan Fishburne-Photo Editor/Distribution and Events: Tiana Kelly-Business & Ad Editor: Deborah Gardner -Online Editor-in-Chief: Lindsay Pugh

Editor-in-Chief Courtney Taylor

Business Manager Deborah Gardner

Managing Editor Danielle Marshall

Adviser

Chris Waugaman

Professional affiliations & awards Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Medalist 2008-2012 Columbia Scholastic Press Associations Gold Crown Winner 2013 Virginia High School Association Trophy Class 2006-2013 Col. Charles Savedge Award for Sustained Excellence 2010 SIPA All Southern 2008-2013

The Royal News, PGHS trnwired.org & trnsports.org

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

Editorial

Writers Hannah Zuloaga-April Buckles-Daniel PuryearAustin Britt-Alexis Stewart-Ryan Albright-Travis Temple-Kadera Brown-Qadirah MonroeSamantha Daniel-Ronald Dayvault-Abigail Faircloth-Nathan Williams-Madison Strang-Hydeia Nutt-Reeve Ashcraft-Ebony Gilchrist-Ian Kelty

T

he current cell phone policy within our school is that if a cell phone is seen or goes off, any staff member has the right to take it. Many schools, however, have begun drifting away from this traditional rule and have allowed some usage during the day. For example, some schools allow cell phones to be used during lunches, others allow them to be used in between classes, and some have even introduced using phones within the classroom as a learning tool.

In an ever changing technological culture, it is necessary that school policies stay up to date with the students. This was seen when cell phones first became common, then with iPods, and again with electronic readers. Some may say that the school policies are too strict on technology and that it should be allowed in small dosage.

The big question, though, is what are the schools that do not allow any usage of cell phones going to do when the cell

phones become things that can be worn as jewelry? This question arose with the introduction of watches that have cell phone capabilities. A currently used brand is a Pebble: E-Paper Watch. This watch is compatible with iPhones and Androids currently and the company is working on gaining compatibilities with other phones.

The idea of this watch is that it is chic yet still very functional.

This watch has the ability to give alerts including texts, emails, and Facebook notifications from the phone it is connected to. It is a fad that is likely to grow in interest and possibly become the new iPhone.

The problem is: are schools going to tell students they can’t wear watches?

Teachers should not have the responsibility of checking each student’s watch. However, if that piece of technology becomes a distraction, teachers should remove that device from the situation to help the student focus. Schools will still need to consider numerous other factors with technology policies in a changing digital world.

he American Academy of Pediatrics released on Oct. 23 a policy that suggests for parents to limit social media usage for their children to two hours a day at most.

The policy calls for all kinds of restrictions such as taking electronics out of the bedroom and monitoring what children are viewing. It claims that the excessive use of technology and social media can lead to vioCarolina Bae lence, cyber-bullying, lack of sleep, obesity, and more.

I cannot agree or disagree with the policy. As a teenager, I love the time I spend watching TV until late at night and going online with my phone. It provides distractions from worldly stresses.

However, I can see how children succumb to becoming bullies because of the power and anonymity of the internet and how social media can become such a distraction that children forget about their physical health.

All these things are obvious though.

The study does not directly highlight my main concern.

One of the worst effects of excessive technology is best seen during dinner dates with friends. Everyone gathers around a table, silent because their eyes are glued to their smartphones or to the closest TV showing the football game.

We are not only at risk of becoming violent and obese, but we are also in danger of failing in our relationships.

Instead of being eager to hear about a friend’s day, face-to-face, or see his or her joy or anxiety, people are eager to see the latest tweet about a stranger’s random thoughts or filtered picture of a meal that will be there forever.

That is what people don’t realize.

What goes online, stays there forever.

People don’t. Accidents happen too often, and the last person you talked to won’t always be there, but that cat video always will be.

So shut down the laptop. Turn off the TV. Pick up the phone to make plans and do something that involves the physical world. We need to start caring for our minds, bodies, and relationships.

FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 3

op/ED

Is Affirmative Action Necessary Today?

As application deadlines come closer and closer, seniors are starting to feel the pressure of being accepted. Is affirmative action still a fair practice in college admissions?

W

-ith students going off to college, equality plays an important role in obtaining a fair chance of education. This is why in 1961, during a time of civil discrimination, President John F. Kennedy ratified the policy of affirmative action to eliminate discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, and country of origin.

Today, because of the policy, minorities face less adversity when applying for colleges.

Affirmative action programs have also become a tremendous help by providing outreach efforts, training, and other positive steps. For example, when California removed its affirmative action programs in 1998, the minority student admissions at UCLA fell by 31 percent; while UC Berkeley minority admissions fell by 61 percent.

In 1996, when affirmative action programs were eliminated at Rice University, the freshman class ended up with 46 percent less African American students and 22 percent fewer Hispanic students.

Ultimately, these statistics show that affirmative action policies and programs are necessary in today’s society.

In colleges, students from affirmative action programs provide different cultural perspectives and diversify the student body, all while forcing colleges not to discriminate in who they select for admission. The colorful student body then forces others to step out of their social norms and become tolerant of other races and their cultural differences. The programs have also contributed to the success of minorities. According to recent polls taken by the NCSL, students who have succeeded through affirmative action programs stated that they now have better lives, with higher paying jobs due to these programs.

However, affirmative action policies are not just helpful to minorities, but to all individuals. The programs provide an education advantage to everyone, socially and mentally. Students learn how to work effectively with society and also achieve success in doing so.

Generally speaking, without affirmative action, some stereotypes will never be broken.

With this policy, minorities are given an extra boost to be able to succeed, all while exploring options that would’ve never been offered to them.

Affirmative action is not an advantage, but simply a lending hand that should be supported.

PRO CON Kadera Brown

Lindsay Pugh

“...Affirmative action is not an advantage, but simply a lending hand that should be supported...”

“...An unqualified student will find himself overwhelmed by the standards he is required to meet at a competitive university...”

I

n a time when minorities and women had to struggle for equality in almost every aspect of their lives, affirmative action was a necessary safeguard from prejudice. Over 50 years later, the relevance of affirmative action has evolved into a new kind of prejudice.

Colleges are required to accept a set quota of minority applicants. If a white student is a more qualified candidate than a Hispanic student who is applying to the same college, the Hispanic student is more likely to be admitted solely because of his skin color and the pressure on educators to maintain a diverse campus.

In 2003, the Supreme Court ruled to permit colleges to use race as an admission’s factor in Grutter v. Bolliger. Grutter, a white student, had a 3.8 GPA and 161 LSAT score, but was not admitted to the University of Michigan Law. Grutter sued the University for discrimination on the basis of race, which she claimed was a violation of the 14th amendment’s equal protection clause.

The University claimed they considered all factors equally in admissions, but confirmed dedication to “racial and ethnic diversity with special reference to the inclusion of students from groups which have been historically discriminated against… who without this commitment might not be represented in our student body.” In essence, the school admits that without the basis of race, some minority students would possibly not be accepted.

In Texas, the top ten percent of high school applicants to universities in the state receive acceptance regardless of race. This policy is focused on the success of the student and does not turn him into a stereotype of his ethnicity. An unqualified student will find himself overwhelmed by the standards he is required to meet at a competitive university.

Studies have shown that eighty percent of African Americans and two-thirds of Hispanics in selective universities are admitted with at least a one hundred SAT boost. Any student, regardless of race, will excel at a school they are prepared for.

The eradication of bias cannot only go in one direction. Selective bias cannot endure under the name of equality.

In The News...

Affirmative action has become more and more controversial due to a growing minority population in recent years. The policy is disputed for its relevancy and necessity in the collegiate and professional world. One side says it is beneficial and the other says it is discriminatory.

Recently the Supreme Court heard the case Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action on Oct. 15. This case started because in 2002, Michigan passed Proposition 2, a state amendment that banned the use of affirmative action in college admission decisions.

However, affirmative action is a federal policy, so the amendment conflicted with the policy in terms of constitutionality.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette looked to the Supreme Court to uphold the Proposition and many Justices agreed that states can ban affirmative action policies.

However, a ruling has not been made yet.

Currently, affirmative action is banned in eight states. Even though Virginia is not one of the eight, it is backing Michigan in this case.

If the Supreme Court rules that it is constitutional to ban affirmative action, college applicants will question if or how colleges in Virginia will change their affirmative action policies.

To hear these columns as podcasts, go to trnwired.org/ category/opinions

Peerage Yearbook

4 | THE ROYAL NEWS |FRIDAY 11.8.13

Parents - purchase your 1/8 pg, 1/4 pg, 1/2 pg, or full pg ad, and honor your senior in the 2013-2014 Peerage Yearbook!

To reserve your senior ad yearbook space, please turn in the following information on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

• • • •

An order form

Ad text

CD with photos

Check Payable To: PGHS Yearbook

Deliver to: Prince George High School Tuesday, December 3, 2013 3:00 – 7:00 in the Commons

Please do not deliver before 3:00 p.m. on the 3rd or give to students to deliver.

FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 5

NEWS BRIEFS

Miss PGHS Pageant Takes Place On Nov. 2, the pageant started at 7:00 PM. Marina Sticklin was crowned Miss PGHS. All proceeds of this event goes to the Senior class.

Ring Dance Draws Near On Nov. 16, the ceremony starts at 7:00 PM and the dance will end at 11:00 PM. Tickets will be sold for $15.00 in the commons during lunch blocks. Juniors that didn’t buy a class ring can still attend.

Briefly Aviation History The month of Nov. honors the history of aviation and the technological advances of flight. The Wright brothers flew the first self-propelled airplane. Flight advanced during the World Wars for use in warfare. Today, scientists are working on the first ever hovercraft, deriving from a tilt rotor and compound helicopter technologies.

Child Safety Protection Month Nov. is set aside to make parents be more proactive with their young children. During this month, organizations work to make parents more aware of outside dangers and to think about the future. There are dangers within the home that parents learn as well.

Powder Puff Kicks Off The game will be on Nov. 25, the Mon. before break, at 3:30 PM after school. The tickets will be $3.00 each or students can donate three cans of nonperishable food for a ticket instead.

Senior Rochelle Rawls runs with the ball in the Powder Puff last year. Rawl’s team, the juniors, moved the ball forward in an effort to score a touchdown.

Photo taken by Tiana Kelly.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday The Friday after Thanksgiving is Black Friday where all major stores will have sales on everything. This event starts early in the morning, and even Thanksgiving night for some stores. Cyber Monday is the first Mon. after the holiday where stores online will have sales to offer solely that day.

Veteran’s Day This day is set aside to honor soldiers that have served in the military. Soldiers have been stationed overseas in other countries and have also moved across the nation to various forts and camps. Soldiers have ensured America’s security and safety, and Nov. 11 recognizes their efforts.

6 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 11.8.13

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Features

FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 7

New Club Fights Illiteracy

BY THE

NUMBERS

100

Schools buildOn plans to build in 2013.

Members of buildOn gather to begin a year of preparation and fundraising that will lead to the creation of a school in Senegal.

President Nicole Daly approached the school board about creating this club after a trip to New York last year.

Photo by Austin Britt.

Club Raises Money to Fund Trip to Build School in ThirdWorld Country

I

Austin Britt trn writer

n the small African country of Senegal, over half the population of adults are illiterate. Contributing to this epidemic of illiteracy is the government’s miniscule 1% funding towards public education. Despite these setbacks, many new schools are being built every year with the help of non-profit charitable organizations like buildOn. buildOn was founded in 1991 and is now a nationally recognized organization known for giving children educational opportunities while at the same time teaching American youth how they can have a positive impact both locally and globally. buildOn’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations through service and education of the community.

President Nicole Daly, a senior, has been instrumental in the establishment of buildOn in the high school. She is excited about creating an outreach program that benefits local students and children abroad.

“At the Model United Nations conference

in NYC this past March, the CEO of buildOn, Jim Ziolkowski, was the keynote speaker,” Daly said. “He inspired me with his amazing stories from his experiences around the globe and his buildOn mission.”

This mission involves raising enough money to fund an expedition to build a school in a third-world country.

“Our current mission as a club is to raise $30,000 so that we can go to Senegal as a team and build a primary school,” Daly said.

Not only is the club’s mission to improve lives in third-world countries, but it is also to improve the local community by volunteering at local events and projects. buildOn allows students to embrace their full potential in school through community service not only locally, but globally. With 95% of students who have participated in the buildOn movement graduating high school in America, buildOn has a huge impact on the lives of students across the country.

“The buildOn mission is a twofold mission,” Daly said. “Our first objective is to engage in community service and break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy locally. The second objective is to raise the $30,000 to build the school for a village in Senegal.”

While $30,000 seems like a lot of money, Daly believes that if buildOn has enough committed members, it will not be a difficult amount to raise. The donations that are collected will be monitored through buildOn’s donation section of their website.

“It’s great because we get so much support

from buildOn from a fundraising standpoint,” Daly said. “We will solicit donations from businesses and individuals and plan fundraising events and campaigns to accomplish our goal of financing a primary school.” buildOn is a new club to the school, having been created within the current school year.

There has been deep thought and planning since March from all of the elected members of buildOn. buildOn is a club that is open to anyone who enjoys community service. Although the club reaps many benefits for the students, it is a time-consuming and challenging club.

“Because we can only take a limited amount of people to Africa, we can only take the members who are very committed and involved throughout the school year., Daly said. “We do hope that anyone who would like to help the buildOn movement with our endeavors does so.”

Students who cannot commit to buildOn are welcome to contribute money to the website or participate in one of their numerous events.

Information about buildOn nationally can be found at www.buildon.org.

Hasley is optimistic about the future of buildOn and enjoys seeing a group of students doing something for the community. “As their supervisor, I would definitely like to see them raise the $30,000,” Cynthia Hasley said. “I really enjoy working with students who seek out opportunities do something for someone else around the local and global community.”

575 85,000

Schools built by buildOn .

Adults and children who attend schools built by buildOn.

900

Million adults across the world who cannot read or write.

51

Percent of American students who drop out of high school.

57

Million school age children across the world who have no access to a primary school.

1991

The year buildOn was founded

by Jim Ziolkowski.

Source: www.buildon.org

Features 8 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 11.8.13

Epilepsy Month Raises Awareness November Dedicated As Awareness Month For Seizure-Causing Disease Abigail Faircloth trn writer

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eople know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but may not know that November is National Epilepsy Month.

Epilepsy can affect people of all ages and races. It has even been known to occur in mice, cats, dogs, and rabbits.

But what exactly is epilepsy?

“Epilepsy is a brain disorder where excessive electrical activity in the brain causes seizures,” Brandi Butterworth, nurse, said.

Generally speaking, the causes for epilepsy are unknown. On average, seven out of ten people with epilepsy do not know the exact cause of it.

Possibilities include anything from lead poisoning to a brain tumor.

Despite what the cause of an epileptic seizure may be, it can be a very surreal and terrifying ordeal.

“Our family found out about [our son] And r ew ’s the

person still has epilepsy, or if they have outgrown it. The reason behind this is that certain types of childhood epilepsy could possibly go away or improve in the late teens or early twenties.

“It was a little scary when Andrew first started having seizures. You feel helpless because there is nothing you Cynthia Hall and son Andrew pose can do to make them stop,” Hall said. together. Andrew showed “We are glad the medication controls symptoms of epilepsy at age 4. them. We ask Andrew twice a day if he Photo by Cynthia Hall. has remembered to take his medicine.

Once or twice a year, Andrew will have week after his fourth birthday,” Cynthia Hall said. a seizure which lets us know he has not “My parents were visiting and we were all sitting yet outgrown them.” at the kitchen table eating dinner. Andrew rose up Unfortunately, there is not yet any foolproof out of his seat with his teeth clenched. We thought cure for epilepsy. However, there are several he was choking. When we realized he was having treatments one could try to help prevent the seia seizure, I called 911 and the ambulance took him zures. Options include medication, surgery, a to the hospital.” special diet, or an implanted device programmed Unlike Hall, a common reaction to witness- to stimulate the vagus nerve (which helps prevent ing a seizure is to panic. So what is one to do in seizures by transferring regular pulses of electrisuch a situation? cal energy to the brain).Drug therapy is usually “You should always remember to not restrict the first to be tried and is by far the most common any movement,” Butterworth said. “Give them among all of the varying treatments. medication if possible, but never through their “Andrew has had to take the medicine every mouth. Try to maintain their airway, protect their morning and evening since he was four. His seihead, and monitor their vitals. Also, call 911 if it is zures are controlled by his medication and he has their first seizure, if the seizure lasts longer than never had a seizure during school,” Hall said. “If five minutes, or if the seizures are repetitive.”

Andrew is extremely tired, he may have a seizure Though epileptic seizures are unnerving to as he is falling asleep. With the type of seizures he watch, they are sometimes essential in seeing if has, Andrew’s neurologist feels there is a good t h e chance he will outgrow them.”

ABOUT

EPILEPSY

Epilepsy and seizures affect nearly 3 million Americans.

10 % of Americans will experience a seizure sometime in their life.

Men are slightly more likely to develop epilepsy than women.

Risk is higher among racial minorities than among Caucasians.

About 300,000 American children under the age of 14 have epilepsy.

Other than young children and the elderly, the cause of the seizure is usually not identifiable.

Wearing a medical bracelet can help first responders identify whether or not one has epilepsy.

Information from www.epilepsyfoundation.org

FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 9

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FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 11

Features

Adoption Affects Families Students, Faculty Share Their Adoption Stories During National Adoption Month Samantha Daniel trn writer

E

very year in the United States approximately 120,000 children are adopted. November is national adoption month.

During this month, awareness is brought to the process of adoption and the impact that it can have on not only 120,000 children each year but also the people surrounding them.

Senior Blake Bryant and alumnus Ronnie Glickman know the impact that adoption can have on an individual’s life very well. Bryant was adopted a few weeks after he was born and Ronnie was adopted when he was 4 months old. Both believe that adoption can change a life drastically.

Glickman explained in a phone interview that had he not been adopted he could be living in Richmond somewhere with parents that do not care about him. Adoption gave him a second chance.

“It makes me feel very thankful,” Glickman said. “I could have an unfortunate life.”

Bryant, like Glickman believes that adoption can change lives positively.

“It gives people an opportunity to a better life,” Bryant said. “I wouldn’t have the life I have now. It’s almost like a second chance.”

The adoption process is not familiar to everyone. Those people that are not familiar with the process do not realize the amount of time that goes into finding a child a loving and caring home. The average adoption process takes about 2 years to be finalized. Within those 2 years, for the average adoption, a process involving 10 steps is completed.

Librarian Vickie Cosgrove has adopted 3 children and therefore, has gone through the process to some extent. She adopted family so the process she dealt with varied somewhat.

“It’s not really difficult, it’s just time consuming, you have to be patient.,” Cos-

grove said.

For the average adoption, the first step is to find an agency.

The individual wanting to adopt must then go through a homestudy, where an agency member comes to the home of that person and interviews them on several different occasions. This helps the agency to determine if that person is ready to adopt.

After being approved they are ready to search for a child.

After finding a child, information is then shared with the child’s agency. If their agency is interested, they will send more information about the child to the individual wanting to adopt.

Next, the individual wanting to adopt will find out if they have been selected for a child. if they have been selected they will then get to meet the child. After meeting the child, a placement day is determined, this is the day that the child will come to live with his or her adopted parents. The adoption process is then finalized and the last step is complete, the adopted child finally lives with the parent or parents and is legally ad-

opted.

Although the process is time consuming, it is necessary because of the impact that it can have. Cosgrove explains that she believes adoption is important because it gives children a chance to be raised in a home where they can be loved and supported.

“Everybody deserves a chance,” Cosgrove said.

There are so many children who need a permanent home to live in. Although Cosgrove believes that foster care is important and helps children, a permanent home brings stability to a child’s life that foster care sometimes cannot.

“Permanent is so important,” Cosgrove said.

Glickman, like Cosgrove, believes that although foster care is important, adoption gives children a chance to have a permanent family and an opportunity to succeed.

“It’s extremely important to give kids a chance,” Glickman said.

Personally, adoption has had a positive effect on Bryant and Glickman. They

Senior Blake Bryant and his parents celebrate Mother’s Day together.

Bryant was adopted only a few weeks after being born.

Contributed photo by Blake Bryant. both have a new outlook on life and other people.

Glickman believes an individual’s situation often impacts who they are so they should not be readily judged.

“I try to look at and understand people’s situations,” Glickman said.

Bryant now has a new perspective on family and what the true definition of it is.

He explained that family is not always biological; it is the people that raise, love, and care for you.

Overall both individuals believe that bringing awareness to adoption is extremely important because of those positive impacts it can have.

“Every child deserves the chance to be adopted.” Glickman said.

12 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 11.8.13

Royals Go Hairy to Su Students and Teachers Participate in ‘No Shave November’ to raise awareness for Testicular Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Mental Illness.

P

Reeve Ashcraft staff writer

ut away the costumes, eat the rest of the Holloween candy, and get ready for November. It’s time for Thanksgiving, football, and facial hair?

Facial hair of course coming from NoShave November, a month-long event in which men (and some women) withstand from shaving their facial hair. The origin of the month differentiates from military tradition all the way to college fraternities.

In 2003, thirty Mo Bros, or men who participate in the “Movember,” in Melbourne, Australia started the Movember Foundation.

The foundation was formed on the sole belief that the power of a moustache has the ability to change the face of men’s health. The job of the moustache is to spread awareness for testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and mental illness.

It is the only official moustache –growing charity that raises awareness and funds for men’s health.

For many, including P.E. teacher Thomas Harrison, the rise of awareness towards men’s cancer is a positive change.

“Here lately in the past few years, there has been a positive rise of awareness towards breast cancer and more ornate cancers,” Harrison said. “So to see people also taking an

interest in men’s cancer is great.”

Junior Heath Pack, whose grandfather had prostate cancer, does not mind going a month without shaving because of his emotional connection to the cause.

“When I heard about the Movember Foundation, I knew it was something I had to be apart of,” Pack said. “Even though it’s something as simple as not shaving, it’s still my way of showing respect to the cause.”

In 10 years, the moustache has become an emblem of hope according to the US Country Director Mark Hedstrom in an email interview.

“Over the past 10 years, the moustache has emerged as a unifying symbol and flag bearer in the quest to combat prostate and testicular cancer,” Hedstrom said.

As the ten-year anniversary of Movember arrives, Hedstrom is hoping to build off of last year’s record-breaking numbers and continue to grow as a foundation.

“We are inspired by each of our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas’ individual moustache journeys,” Hedstrom said, “and look forward to building off of last year’s recording-breaking 1.1 million participants who raised over $147 million globally and to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.”

While many don’t have a particular relationship with the month, Junior Nick Adair still finds it necessary to participate.

“It’s a nationwide and now international event that deserves everyone’s participation,” Adair said.

Since it’s derivation in Australia in 2003, “Movember” has

spread to over 21 countries such as Austria, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. The foundation has risen over $147 million and is continuing to prosper.

Students and faculty take part in the event for reasons ranging from laziness, to family traditions, and now to spread awareness and raise money for men’s cancer and mental health.

Even though the majority of the participants are students, some faculty such as digital photography and advertising design teacher Matt Weston join in the event to do their part.

“I’ll do it,” Weston said. “If I don’t have to worry about shaving for a month, then it sounds good to me.”

To the surprise of many, the number of Mo Sistas, or women who are part of “Movember,” is on the rise. Women are not letting men take the dominant role in the Movember festivities. Even though not expected to grow a moustache, they can lead by example by spreading awareness.

During the course of “Movember,” many women who date Mo Bros are not thrilled for the facial hair and have a difficult time adjusting to the furry faces.

Junior Chaelin Magruder still supports the cause, but wishes there was another way to extend recognition for the foundation.

“I think that facial hair is really disgusting and that guys need to shave, but I also support what the foundation stands for,” Magruder said.

Have you heard of ‘No Shave November?’

YES

Do you know the true meaning behind ‘No Shave November’?

YES From a survey taken of 153 students and teachers.

Bryan Gr

"The Regent” and

upport Cancer

riffen

FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 13

Illustration by Qadirah Monroe

Kevin Moore

d “Soul Patch” “Short Boxed Beard”

Caleb Togger “Chin Curtain”

Adam Blakemore Andrew Castellano Terry Johnson “The Balbo”

"Short Boxed Beard” and “Soul Patch” "The Regent”

14 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 11.8.13

4550 Crossings Boulevard Prince George, VA 23875

(804) 458-5229

Contact Us:

FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 15

A&E

Peter Pan Takes Off With Female Lead PG Players Begin Rehearsals For Main Stage Production April Buckles trn writer

O

nce upon a time there was a boy named Peter Pan. No wait, it was a girl.

Well, maybe it was a boy.

Disney has always portrayed Peter Pan as a thriving, young boy who never ages. The first play performance of Peter Pan, written by J.M. Barrie, premiered in 1904. Starring the main protagonist Peter, The Lost Boys, Wendy, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell and their wonderful, adventurous lives on an island named Never Land. However, unlike the Disney version, in this performance an adult woman was cast as Peter.

The high school’s performance of Peter Pan also visualizes Peter as a woman, played by senior Danielle Marshall.

“In the original play, Peter was often played by a woman,” director Daryl Phillips said. “This was because they [women] are lighter, and easier to fly around. Also, I thought about Danielle Danielle Marshall when I was choosing Peter Pan, because I was searching for a principal role for her to have. Let’s make this clear, Disney is not the original, this is. We are doing the play by J.M. Barrie.”

When asking actors about the differences between the two versions, their reactions were similar.

“I like the changes, but I’m not sure how the audience is going to take to it,” Marshall said. “The only thing that’s truly different is Tinker Bell. In this play she is a ball of light, not an actual person like the Disney version of the play. Other than that, everything else is normal. It’s the same plot.”

The most obvious difference from the

Disney version and the main stage production is the fact that Peter is a woman. However, playing the opposite gender is not a new idea. In ancient Greece, women were not allowed to act in the theatre. It was very common for men to adorn masks and play the roles of women.

“They’re not really changes to the plot; we’re going by the original,” senior Jon Stawarz said, who plays Mr. Darling and Captain Hook. “Plus, playing the opposite gender isn’t anything new. Doing the play this way just makes it seem more authentic.”

In the cast of Disney’s Peter Pan there were only around 20 to 25 members. In the school’s play, the cast is 30 to 40 members.

“The cast is enormous, but it has its pros and cons.” Marshall said. The bigger the cast is, the more you have to share. You share the space and the items you have. It’s more of a give and take atmosphere. When there is a small cast you will have more one on one time with your director. Usually we come together at the end of all the practices to practice together.”

Phillips is not worried about the large size of the cast having a negative effect on the production.

“The cast is huge this year, but it’s only

this big because it is what our script calls for.” Phillips said. ”We practice every weekday from 2:30 to 5:00, and sometimes 5:30 if needed. Rehearsal is divided up into acts, because of the rehearsals being divided into acts and the cast being so large, the number of actors or actresses will always vary. They usually have routine warm-ups but it can vary depending on their vocal needs.”

The cast of Peter Pan has been hard at work preparing this performance. They will be performing on December 5–7 at 7:30 p.m.

Some wonder if the audience will enjoy the style that is new to them but not to the cast. Being so used to a certain persona or stereotype of Peter Pan, some people may not be willing to accept change. Some think they will be displeased with the fact that Peter Pan is being played by a woman instead of a man.

“We picked the person who was best for the role, whether it was a boy or girl it didn’t matter,” senior Adam Blakemore said, who is the costume manager. “I think the audience will enjoy the play even if Peter Pan is a girl in this version. Its all about the acting.”

Art Class Preserves Medium Of Black & White Film Photography Ronnie Dayvault trn writer

W

hen one think of art class what do they think of? Do they think of painting or coloring, or even drawing? One art teacher Tanya Mahaffey teaches black and white photography as part of her classes.

“I started teaching black and white photography about six or seven years ago,” Mahaffey said. “I got involved in black and white photography when I took classes for two years when I was at John Tyler.”

Mahaffey absorbed a lot from her class at John Tyler.

“I really enjoyed learning about black and white photography,” Mahaffey said. “It used to be a semester class when I first began teaching but then the art class enroll-

ment was so high, administration took it away so I could teach another art one and art two class. I only teach black and white photography in my art three-class levels.”

Mahaffey says the reason she teaches black and white photography is so that the students who have learned the same mediums from elementary to high school can learn a new one.

Most students never learn about black and white photography in school because of the technology.

“Many students would not want to learn the same medium each year that they take art because then they would have the same ideas, because of computer and graphics black and white photography is now considered a fine art,” Mahaffey said.

“Prince George High School is the only school that provides the supplies for free and does not teach it as a separate class,” Ma-

haffey said.

Other schools in the state of Virginia require the student to purchase supplies and fees are involved in taking the class.

“The difference between using a digital camera and 35 millimeter SLR camera is that there is a whole different process of how you receive your pictures,” Mahaffey said.

“The black and white photographic camera requires film and a dark room so that your film does not get exposed. Once you take the pictures from the film you can never get them back, however for a digital camera you can use a computer to upload and save your photos from your digital camera.”

Students appreciate the lessons that come along with learning about this process.

“I like to use black and white photographic cameras because it serves as a base for the use of all cameras,” senior Ben Thompson said. “Each type of camera has

a similar style of function but for black and white photography there is a different process. I would have to say my favorite part of the subject black and white photography is finally taking the complete roll of film after I used all of the frames.”

“Black and white photography has always been a great subject to learn because you also find out what it feels like to be working with a different type of camera,” Thompson said. “For the camera that takes black and white pictures you have to focus really well and find out which measure you need to take a great picture. “ For images from the class, go to www.trnwired.org and search the photo galleries for black and white photography.

16 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 11.8.13

d Owne y l i m Fa ! cades e d r fo

Grea Cont t BBQ! act J Nan eff at nysb bq2@ to ha g mail. ve N com your anny’s ca t next event er .

11900 South Crater Road - Petersburg, VA 23805 (Prince George County, VA) (804) 733-6619

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FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 17

BY THE

Alumnus Gets Spotlight NUMBERS 68 Cody Hanshew Makes Debut in Hollywood Production

percent of population in the US & Canada combined were moviegoers

Hannah Zuloaga trn writer

225

T

hree, two, one! Action! under the scorching, sweltering heat of the July sun and the thick, authentic war uniform, Cody Hanshew steps out on set to begin filming for his first Holly-

wood production.

Hanshew is a graduate of the class of 2013. The name might be familiar to you due to the fact that Hanshew was very involved around school. Hanshew was involved in Student to Student and the drama department. By some of his fellow graduates and classmates, Hanshew would be described as a very outgoing character with many fans and friends.

Long before his passion for acting bloomed, Hanshew had selected theatre as one of his electives at JEJ Moore Middle School. Since then he has been hooked. What really kept Hanshew interested was that his teachers pushed him out of his comfort zone.

By being cast in odd roles, such as animals instead of human characters, Hanshew had to find out how to be more flexible in acting.

Hanshew strives to be like his favorite actor, Johnny Depp.

“He plays a lot of different people from a chocolate factory owner, to a guy with scissor hands,” Hanshew said in an interview via phone. “His versatility and the fact that he is multitalented is very inspirational to many.”

Staying involved in the theatre department while in high school, Hanshew made it certain that he was always placed in a theatre class. He made it a priority to stay connected to the teacher by talking to him and seeing him during the day as opposed to just in a rehearsal.

Hanshew also auditioned and took part in main stage and competition shows. Participating in competition plays is what eventually got Hanshew a callback to study theatre at Longwood University, where he is currently a

million people were moviegoers in the US & Canada

25-39

Cody Hanshew poses for a movie still for Field of Lost Shoes , which is set to be released later in 2013.

He ceased filming July 4, 2013.

Photo Contributed by Cody Hanshew student.

During the summer of 2013, Hanshew was very involved with his agent in securing a role in a Hollywood production.

The film was Sean McNamara’s Field of Lost Shoes, which is an American Civil War film.

The film stars Luke Benward, Lauren Holly, and Jason Isaacs. Many people may know Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy from the Harry Potter franchise.

“There are many different terms for theatre and different terms for acting,” Hanshew said. “One thing I learned that I thought was interesting is that one minute of screen time is equal to ten hours on set.”

While filming, a lot of people had a great impact on Hanshew. But the two main people who helped him the most were Zach Roerig, also known as Matt Donavan from the Vampire Diaries, and one of his special instructors who taught him to fire a rifle.

Roerig and Hanshew discussed goals and how to get where he wanted to be.

“Keep doing what you’re doing because I can see you going far,” Hanshew’s instructor said.

Not only was Hanshew offered a role in Field of Lost Shoes, but he was given the chance to audition for Killing Kennedy after getting home from filming Shoes. Unfortunately, Hanshew declined due to sickness.

Also, Hanshew was urged to take an audition slot for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales which would have given him the chance to possibly work with the man who inspired him to act. However, attending college was a greater priority. In his future, Hanshew hopes to continue acting and make a great impact on people.

“By acting, I want to understand the world by playing people,” Hanshew said. “Not everybody walks the same way, we all have different journeys to get to the same place.”

age demographic in the US & Canada that contained the most frequent moviegoers

52

percent of total moviegoers in the US & Canada were women

623.4

million dollars, the amount of money the top grossing film, Marvels Avengers brought in FactsweretakenfromtheMotionPictureAssociationof America’s2012TheatricalStatisticsSummary.

18 | THE ROYAL NEWS | THURSDAY 11.8.13

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FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 19

A&E

Gamer's Corner NEW

RELEASES

11.12

Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus gets released on Nov. 12, 2013

11.22

Photo taken from www.pokemonxy.com

Pokemon Franchise Adds Innovative Games

I

n the late ‘90s, the world was subjected to a cultural phenomenon that has yet to be duplicated across any medium.

Pokémon swept the world by storm and left no Travis Temple stone unturned on its quest to dominate pop culture. What originated as a pair of video games on the Game Boy quickly expanded into a multimedia giant including a television series, film adaptations, a trading-card game, and even comics.

Today, the legacy continues in the form of a new pair of games named Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. This marks the first time a traditional Pokémon game has not included a color in its title. This brushing-off of tradition seeps

through to nearly every facet of the experience and is a breath of fresh air for a series that is known for its glacial progression.

The most noticeable change is the shift to three-dimensional graphics facilitated by the series’ move from the Nintendo DS to the Nintendo 3DS system. The game is set in the vibrant Paris-esque region of Kalos, and the 3D effects make everything pop. The highlight of the new visuals is Pokémon battling itself, which looks absolutely stunning and has smooth animation.

Sleeker graphics are always nice, but sequels need substantial change to stay relevant. X and Y shake up the Pokémon battling system for the first time in many years with new additions to the traditional formula. The biggest change to the regular flow of battle comes in the form of Mega Evolutions.

Mega Evolutions allow you to temporarily power up a Pokémon beyond its normal limits, which makes battles more strategic.

The other newest addition is the ability to directly affect your Pokémon’s Effort Values though Super Training.

Effort Values were previously hidden stats that could only be calculated through intense mathematics on the

player’s part, but now they are openly acknowledged and can be easily accessed by novices.

Whenever a set of Pokémon games is released, the set is classified as a new generation, which always includes new and old Pokémon alike. X and Y are the start of generation six, which has the smallest number of new Pokémon of any generation, with only 69 new additions. They make up for this with a renewed focus on generation one, which brings back fan favorites like Mewtwo.

One of the few downsides of this continual change is the series’ decline in difficulty. Pokémon has been progressively getting easier and easier, to the point where there is little challenge left. Even the once-harrowing activity of catching a Legendary Pokémon has become effortless. While this matches the kid-friendly persona and intended demographic, it alienates the hardcore fans.

Difficulty aside, Pokémon X and Y make necessary changes that give the series the renewal it needed. The experience feels fresh, but not uncomfortably different. Both veterans and newcomers alike can find something to enjoy in the latest edition of this longrunning franchise.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds gets released on Nov. 22, 2013

12.6

Gran Turismo 6 gets released on Dec. 6, 2013

11.15

The Playstation 4 gets released on Nov. 15, 2013

11.22

The Xbox One gets released on Nov. 22, 2013

2.25

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 gets released Feb. 25, 2014

Release dates were taken from www.playstationlifestyle.net and www.xbox.com

20 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 11.8.13

Ph toGallery Annual MISS PGHS PAGEANT Discovers treasures RIGHT: In all the excitement the senior girls took a moment to give thanks to their senior class sponsors, Kim Bailey and Vickie Cosgrove.

This is Bailey and Cosgrove‘s first year back as senior class sponsors.

BELOW : Senior Marina Strickland tries to multi task as she receives her crown while trying to hold her flowers and her trophy.

Strickland received a $500 scholarship.

ABOVE: Alumni Abria Humpries came back to crown this year’s Miss PGHS. Humphries was crowned Miss PGHS last year.

LEFT: Senior Haley Ramsey awaits to hear the results along with the other 10 contestants.

Ramsey had just made the cut ,she was chosen number 11 in the top 10.

“Making the 11th person cut was very stressful, but I was honored to be a part of making history ,” Ramsey said. “I am still stunned to have won first runner-up, and participating in the pageant has given me so much confidence.”

To see more photos visit trnwired.org

FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 21

FAllsports

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT The construction team began demolition of the old tennis courts at the beginning of November. Moseley Architects is working with Finley Asphalt and Sealing to complete the project. Photo by Ian Kelty

Courts Receive Needed Make-Over Debra Thomas a&e editor

B

ulldozers, safety fences, and a crew of laborers are not common sights seen on campus. However, these sights will become more common as preparations for reconstruction of the tennis courts commence.

Repairing the tennis courts is not a new topic of discussion- it has been going on for five years. “[The cause for the delay has] been being able to try to get funds for the project, and just waiting for our turn to get on the Capital Improvement Funds,” maintenance and construction coordinator R.L Knott said.

Initial plans for the reconstruction began months before school started. According to the unofficial synopsis of the School Board Meeting on Aug 12, the district, at the time, was in the process of finalizing the construction plans to forward to the Board of Supervisors for approval.

In September the bidding process began. The school board acquired help from Moseley Architects to help with the process

that would lead to the reconstruction of the courts. “[The county] put up a bid to be awarded to the lowest bidder because it [the budget for reconstruction] went over the county’s budget,” Knott said.

Moseley Architects chose Finley Asphalt and Sealing to complete the project under the stipulation that the cost for the renovations could not exceed $560,000.

According to the tennis court update and bidding approval by Knott at the regular meeting of the school board for the month of October, other stipulations in the agreement with Finley Asphalt and Sealing include adding these entities: six lights poles and a stone base below the tennis court surface. Finley also has to make the courts ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.

This means that the courts have to have ramps, sidewalks, and other accommodations for the disabled.

All of the repairs and remodeling have to substantially be met by Jan. 31, 2014. Final completion has to be done by Feb. 14.

A huge question on many tennis players’ minds is: what happens if the courts are not completed on time?

“Since the school board waited so late in the year, I’m worried that the courts won’t be ready for preseason conditioning and for the rest of the season,” junior Jessie Chiasson said.

The school board office has set aside

money that will be used to purchase liquidated assessments. This means that the county will lease tennis courts for the team to use, if necessary, until the reconstruction is completed.

Many players are concerned that the reconstruction will hamper the upcoming season.

“Absolutely [reconstruction will affect the season] because we won’t be able to practice on our own courts,” junior Jessica Rogers said.

In addition to the reconstruction, the tennis team is facing other challenges. The school redistricted, the seniors from last year are gone, and the team has a new coach Lawson “Scott” McCormick, who is the tennis pro at the Petersburg Country Club.

Most opinions of the tennis team favor the reconstruction, but there are still some apprehensions.

“I’m glad that someone is supporting our team and that our courts will be of the same caliber as our team,” Chiasson said.

“However, since the school board has waited so long [to start reconstruction] I feel like they’re hesitant to really support our team, and that’s a little offensive.”

With the many challenges that the team is facing, most are trying to stay positive.

“Basically my mentality is that everything is new,” Rogers said. “It’s a chance to start over and improve.”

Alex Smith Cross-Country

What makes you want to keep running cross country progress?

“I want to break the mile record.”

How do you feel about your placement in Regionals ?

“I am super pumped. I’m surprised, but I’m not complaining.”

What made you start running and how long have you been running?

“I started the summer before freshman year. I wanted to try some thing new and different.”

Do you feel confident that you will beat the school record?

“I feel pretty confident, I only have half a second to go so I hope I can go faster.”

How much and how often do you practice?

“I practice nine times a week sprinting and long distance.”

What inspirational words do you have for your younger brother or other runners ?

“Just never quit and whenever you get tired keep praying and trying.”

Do you have a warm-up or ritual for meets?

“I run the mile and a half, two miles, movements drills, and then pray.”

22 | THE ROYAL NEWS | FRIDAY 11.8.13

FRIDAY 11.8.13 | THE ROYAL NEWS | 23

FallSports

Student Strives To Earn Pilot’s License Sophomore Travis Olwin Follows Father’s Footsteps Sarah Daniel doubletruck editor

T

aking a seat in the cockpit, sophomore Travis Olwin gets his mind and body ready for anything that could go wrong.

As the plane takes off, he gets a thrill that most people cannot say they have experienced.

Olwin is currently going through the process of getting his pilot’s license

with Youth Aeronautics Education Foundation. He has already gone through ground school, where he learned the general rules and terms for flying. The next step would be flight training.

Olwin takes advantage of this opportunity and uses it as what makes him different from the others his age.

“You don’t see many kids this generation getting their pilot’s license,” Olwin said. “It separates [me] from the crowd and gives me a level of uniqueness.”

Olwin draws from many inspirations.

One of them being that his father worked on aircraft carriers such as the USS John C Stennis and the USS enterprise. Because of that, Olwin has more experience around planes.

“My Father laid down the foundation and [now] I can build upon that,” Olwin said.

Olwin also draws inspiration from movies like Red Tails and Memphis Bell. These movies showed him that obtaining his pilot’s license is more in reach than he thought. “[It showed me] that anyone can do it,” Olwin said. “It inspires younger generations.”

Obtaining his Pilot’s license is not where Olwin’s career ends. He plans on going to Liberty University for the new School of Aeronautics. At Liberty students can train and be certified to fly privately and commercially.

Here they have Aeronautics minor and Bachelor Science, flight attendant training, and an aviation maintenance technician

program.

“It’s an outlet for future opportunities,” said Olwin. “And [it is a way] to expand my knowledge.”

At first Olwin wanted to fly in the military.

Now he is leaning more towards commercial flying.

“Communication plays a big role in the society,” said Olwin. “[With being] a pilot of a commercial aircraft, passengers are putting their trust in you to get them safely to their destination.”

What really makes Olwin’s goals different it the fact that while many other students will just be getting their driving license Olwin will be working towards driving in the air.

“It still gives you a sense of responsibility and freedom, but takes it into a new scale and an elevated responsibility factor,” Olwin said.

The difference between driving and flying is something else that drew Olwin into this sport. A pilot, to an extent, has no limits in the air.

“Flying is not restricted to a single location,” said Olwin. “You can fly wherever you want to.”

Olwin will also be experiencing a heightened risk factor. While in the air, anything could go wrong and that is something he keeps in mind at all times. Having faith is critical at this level of danger.

“Being on this danger level you have to have faith,” Ol-

win said. “And know [that] you know what to do” Besides the higher risk and responsibility that comes with a pilot’s license and flying, Olwin has to worry about his mentality before going in the air.

“It’s also mental; you have to keep your head on a swivel, and you have to keep your body on a sense of alertness,” Olwin said.

Aeronautics is a sport that is very time consuming and demanding. Olwin has learned that commitment is key. With requirements of about 40 hours and multiple years of dedication and learning, his schedule for getting a pilot’s license will be extremely rigorous.

“This is a subject that needs time and devotion,” said Olwin. “Flying is almost like school, you have to stick through it.”

Before taking off, sophomore Travis Olwin gears up to prepare for flight. He is currently training in hopes of obtaining his pilot’s license.

Photo submitted by Travis Olwin

Upcoming

Events

Varsity Boys Basketball takes on Lee Davis at home at 5:30 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 20.

Varsity Girls Basketball plays at home at 5:30 p.m. on Tues.,Nov. 15.

Varsity Football competes against Hopewell at 7:30 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 8.

Field Hockey Wins Conference

A

fter an impressive season, the Varsity Girls Field Hockey stepped on to the field for their conference match ready to win. Building confidence from each win, the team reached the finals to face off against Matoaca. The Royals had defeated the Warriors during the regular season and they once again proved to be too strong for them as they claimed the Conference 12 title. Junior Serena Triscari got into the game as she battles her opponent. Photo by Devan Fishburne.

Visit trnwired. org to read a story about siblings sharing the field hockey field.