January 10

Friday 1.22.2010

theRoyalNews

Vol. VIII Issue 4 - Prince George High School - 7801 Laurel Spring Rd - Prince George, VA 23875 - 804-733-2720

. d e r i w trn om c

Use Them or Lose Them: First Amendment Rights p. 16

Class inspires future teachers p. 13

VHSL play written by Wesley Bolyard p. 19

Teachers for tomorrow, taught

by Lisa Britt, educates students and prepares them to become future teachers. The basics of child behavior and how to deal with children are developed. The students will eventually help teach on the elementary and middle school levels.

Written by junior Wesley Bolyard, the play focuses on a young student who suffers from multiple personalities. It follows more of a tragic story line than that of a comedy or romance. VHSL this year will be hosted at the high school, and the players are hoping for another win.

Find it only on trnwired.com The Prince George Animal Shelter is at full capacity. To find out more about the Prince George Animal Shelter on pgs. 6 & 7 go to trnwired.com. To see a full list of pets at the shelter, go to www. petfinder.com and click on Animal Shelters, then find Prince George Animal Shelter.

Editorial

Page 2 - The Royal News - Januar y 22, 2010

Have an opinion? Express it here

OP/ED

Op/ED

J

anuary is First Amendment month. The First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of Religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievance.” It was established in 1791 and has continued throughout history to present day 2010, a year for change.

Our rights in the school building are a bit altered, although we can not run around dropping every cuss word known, we can organize a petition in a respectful manner. The best way to be heard is by acting with respect, which is what we help you do. On this very second page of every issue we reach out for your voice by accepting letters to the editor in which you can speak of issues or policies that you may or may not agree with, a benefit of our First Amendment.

As an organization representing Prince George High School, the administration overlooks and monitors what we can publish based on what they believe is appropriate. However we are sometimes limited on what we are allowed to publish, in which we rely on you to submit letters to the editors. The letters allow students to say how the truly feel, it is a great way to show the administration your side of what they are doing.

It is our responsibility to make sure that the student body has the ability to use their First Amendment rights. We have online polls on the TRN website (trnwired.com) because we know how important it is for you to have an opinion on things involving the school. On the site, students can rate and comment on the articles. People fought for us to have our rights, and now it’s our job to fight to keep them. Speak up and make your beliefs known.

theRoyalNews

O

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

We invite your commentary: The Royal News Opinion page is a forum for public discussion and shall be open to all students. The Royal News will print as many letters as space will allow. The Royal News reserves the right not to print a letter. The Royal News publishes a wide variety of opinions.

Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, The Royal News, PGHS, 7801 Laurel Spring Road, Prince George, Virginia 23875, or bring them to room A6, or e-mail them to cwaugaman@pgs.k12.va.us We reserve the right to edit for clarity, brevity, accuracy, legality, spelling and grammar. Please include your name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be considered for publication. 500 word maximum. Please submit letters to the editors by Feb. 3rd for the Feb. issue.

Editor-in-Chief

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

Kayla Carneal

Adviser Chris Waugaman

A D

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

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

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

F

Making the Grade Martin Luther King Jr. Day was this

past Monday, giving students a day off of school.

Hopefully students took this opportunity to reflect on the importance of such an influential figure in our nation’s history.

Semester Exams begin on the 26th.

This makes the 27th, 28th and 29th half days. However, the free time this gives students does not make up for the hours they will spend studying for these stressful tests.

Student Behavior. A new year brings

unwelcome attitudes, when students face off over food served in the cafeteria. We are high school students, we have higher maturity levels than that... don’t we?

OP/ED

Januar y 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 3

Pro/Con: Do the words “under God” belong in the Pledge? “

U

nder God” was added to the Pledge over fifty years ago, and should be kept there given that the United States was founded on Christianity. Still to this day the majority of Americans are Christian, making “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance essential. This phrase defines America as a country united as one under a higher power. Having “under God” in the Pledge is not forcing any religion onto Americans, it just reminds us that without “under God” we could forget why we should stand together as one every day. The United States can still be identified as having a diversity in religions with the understanding the majority is Christian, just like the majority language is English but we are free to speak whatever language we want.

No one is going to be one hundred percent happy with “under God” in the Pledge or out. Taking out “under God” or re-writing the Pledge would be pointless because it would create more problems than there were to begin with. Leaving this issue alone will not cause the world to end, or start a world war. It is best to keep a problem small rather than trying to fix it and make it worse.

No other options, besides leaving “under God” in the Pledge, would work. Re-writing the Pledge would take a lot of time and effort. Over time, ideas and thoughts are forgotten and re-writing the Pledge is creating a better chance an idea will get left out or lost in the process of writing and editing. The ideas of the first writers could be easily misinterpreted if people today decided to change the Pledge. We should keep the beliefs in stored in the country that the founders and original writers wanted. The most important point to remember is “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance is keeping the United States together as one country.

Solutions for sticky mess

B

aby-sitting a two-year old seems easy enough. I figured a short nap for a bit would be okay. My cousin was sitting in front of me playing with Legos.

What kind of trouble could she get into?

In today’s society, all of the American people Jessica Stainback are like baby-sitters. We are to keep an eye out for each other and show concern for how our nation functions.

It is when we shut our eyes or look away that damage occurs. Slowly it worsens

PRO Con

Kimberly Carneal

Tasa Hattori

Religious intolerance “People of another religion should not be left feeling as if they have no choice but to have to say it.”

Majority Acceptance “Leaving this issue alone will not cause the world to end or start a world war. It is best to keep a problem small rather than trying to fix it and make it worse.”

Compromises made “A moment of silence is already included.”

to the point of radical change and a need for a quick solution. Just take a look at the state of our economy at this point.

I awoke to a sticky, slimy hand shaking me, and the simple statement of, “I done, I done,” being said. What exactly had she done?

Oh, I’ll tell you what she did.

Remember that sticky, slimy hand? It was covered in baby-powder scented Vaseline. Not only was it on her hand, but also all over the dining room. It was on the table, the chairs, the windowsill, the windows, the floor, the highchair, and even all over the front door.

Much like Vaseline, the United States’ economy is a sticky mess. Every day, more and more people turn the blame to the president exclaiming that his plans for the economy are not helping in any way, but making it more difficult for the people.

T

he words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance have always been a very difficult issue to discuss, but the phrase should not be included. America is known to be for diversity, and with multiple religions that are practiced throughout the United States; it can seem a bit controversial for other people to have to say it. It should be excluded, and if not excluded- then optional to say.

The Pledge of Allegiance is equal in regards to everyone, and the people of another religion should not be left feeling as if they have no choice but to have to say it.

Many people may understand that America was founded on Christianity and it is probably practiced more throughout the United States. But for the other religions that do not agree with those concepts, it defeats the purpose of having the choice of believing in God or not. They must say, “one nation, under God,” which is not necessarily true. There are other religions in America that have different views about God, like atheists.

Everyone has the choice to say the Pledge or not, but some authority figures make you say it- and that should not be the case, if it is not what one person may “believe in” then they should absolutely not be forced to say it. The argument of church and patriotism should be separated.

A moment of silence is already included, and it is supposed to be a sign of respect for the epic tragedies, and the armed forces overseas fighting in the Middle East Crisis; therefore, there is already a significant pause relating to religion. The pledge itself should be completely secular, keeping it equal and diverse.

Is President Barack Obama really to blame for the state of our nation?

Would someone else better serve his position? Though he is the leader of the country and makes multiple decisions concerning the people, any person in his place would catch a lot of fault. However, he is not to blame if the economy remains constant because it will take more than just one man to turn things around. The state of the nation depends on all the people, not just the one in charge because we as a faction have failed to identify the problem sooner.

If anything should be known about Vaseline, it would be that it is not an easy substance to clean. I used paper towels to try and wipe away the mess to no avail. I tried soap and water, and then grabbed a rubber-tipped cooking spoon to scrape it away. Even though I was able to remove most of the slick mess, to this day there are still remnants of Vaseline

and the scent of baby powder in the room.

The financial system of the U.S. is also not an easy mess to clean up. The solution is not to just try and wipe it away (as attempted with paper towels).

President Obama is there to make suggestions and formulate possible solutions to aid the nation in this situation.

If the towels do not work, bring on the soap and water, much like the universal health care bill. Now do not get me wrong, I am not suggesting the bill will not work, but that if it does not, all the government can do is try again and again until they get it right.

Eventually the solution to this economic recession/depression will be discovered. However, the economy will never be picture perfect. Remnants of our struggle will still be there like the baby powder scent that remains in my dining room.

Page 4 - The Royal News -January 22, 2010

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News

Economics mandatory for 2014 class Brittany Thacker trn writer

News briefs January 24th is the final opportunity to personalize yearbooks.

S

tarting with the class of 2014, graduating classes must take a new, mandatory class. This class will help to teach students about consumer spending, personal budgeting, personal credit, and loans. It will also go into detail about supply and demand, the national deficit, and income taxes.

Even if this class sounds intriguing and positive for the rising freshmen, there is some controversy on the subject. Art teacher Tonya Mahaffey worries that since the class is mandatory, it will force students to drop elective classes such as band or art. Others worry about the school budget being able to afford a new class, including money being spent on textbooks and new teachers to teach the class.

“This class will probably force students to drop elective classes such as art or band,” Tonya Mahaffey said. “It is an additional class in their schedule.”

Virginia already provides some information on economics in classes such as civics and math classes. Students are tested through the Standards of Learning tests. However, many students still cannot differentiate between appropriate spending and excessive spending.

“Some students do not have any clue about managing money, but others do.”

Band instructor Michael Warnock said. “It all depends on what you see.”

One concern is the possibility of jobloss with the passing of this class. However, Mahaffey is not.

“One of the stipulations was that they would use teachers that are already teaching,” Mahaffey said. “So they probably will not hire more teachers.”

The students concerns are different.

Lindsay McCabe expresses her opinion on whether the class should be a graduation requirement.

“I do not think it should be a graduation requirement because some people know how to manage their money and other do not.” Eighth grader Lindsay McCabe said. “It should not be mandatory for those students who do.”

Eighth grader Tawney Powell is even eager to take the new class.

“I actually think that the class is a

January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 5

The Spanish Club candy sale has begun, pick up bags of candy in room A27.

BETA Club T-shirts have come in, stop by room D15 to pick them up.

Junior Joi Hamm works at a computer in a class formatted similarly to that of the future economics class.

Photo by Colby Eliades pretty cool idea,” Powell said. “Because I would rather take an extra class than not know what is going on in the world.”

This class was created to ultimately benefit high schools students. Learning the material might even be of use for them.

“I think it will benefit me because I will know how to handle more money from the class.” McCabe said.

Economics is essential to know to balance and keep up with personal finances.

The information learned will help students spend their money wisely.

“It would give me a better understanding on how to handle money which would benefit me on issues such as housing, food, clothes, etc,” Powell said.

If taking this class means replacing an elective class, Powell is hesitant about it. “I would be upset if I lose my art class, but the economics class is more important to take because art can not really help me out when I’m on my own.”

Everyone is hoping that some how this economics class will influence students in a positive way. Even the peers of these students can learn a thing or two about managing money better.

“My peers do not know how to handle their money well since we are teenagers.”

McCabe said. “We spend on what we want not what we need.”

The class is intended to be put in action next fall. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can take it as an additional class if wanted.

It has not been decided if alternatives such as an online class or summer school course will be available.

“I think having the class as a summer course is a good idea, and not just having it mandatory,” Powell said. “The students should choose when they want to take it.

But overall, I’m excited.”

Mandatory SeniorParent Meetings will be: Wednesday, April 14th, Monday, April 19th, and Tuesday, April 24th.

Each senior must attend one meeting with at least one parent or guardian.

The meetings will be held in the auditorium at 7:00 PM. If you do not attend at least one meeting, you will not be permitted to participate in graduation.

Page 6 - The Royal News - January 22, 2010

animal shelter working close to full

. d e r i w n Find it only on tr com trnwired.com Dogs in the Prince George Animal Shelter await adoption. photo by Alison Brown

The Prince George Animal Shelter is at full capacity. To find out more about the Prince George Animal Shelter go to trnwired.com and watch the multimedia presentation.

To see a full list of pets at the shelter, go to www.petfinder.com and click on Animal Shelters, then find Prince George Animal Shelter.

l capacity

January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 7

Mariah Blystone trn writer

C

urrently the Prince George Animal Shelter works to full capacity with several types of animals, to ensure healthy and successful lives for all the animals that enter their doors.

The workers at the shelter help give the animals sources of adequate shelter and food when they receive them from around the county.

“Currently we have forty dog runs with guillotine doors that separate then.

This means in an emergency we could hold eighty dogs,” Animal Control Supervisor Job Greene said.

With all the space for available animals, the shelter stays busy.

“Typically we maintain about fifty dogs in the shelter. We are pretty much always at capacity,” Greene said.

Because the old shelter is used so efficiently, there is a new shelter in the works.

“Hopefully at some point this year they will start breaking ground on the new animal shelter. Currently there is money set aside for the shelter,” Greene said. “They are looking at properties around the county.”

With the new shelter coming, improvements will come as well.

“As far as improvements, we would like all the dog runs to be on the ground level so it will be easier for the dogs and the people working here for moving around,” Greene said.

A typical day for Greene at the office can vary slightly.

“We come in and walk through to kennel to make sure all the animals are healthy and there are no problems in the shelter,” Greene said. “We check to see if any calls came overnight.”

The calls that come in range in magnitude, but all the calls are followed through.

“The calls can be checking conditions, animal cruelty, and dogs running at large,” Greene Said.

With the shelter working hard, animals are adopted and sent to various organizations as much as they possibly can.

“Typically 30 animals are adopted a month and we also transfer a lot of animals to rescue groups, Richmond ASPCA, various breed rescue groups and the Hopewell Humane Society,” Greene said.

This shelter does not only get the common cats and dogs, but many other animals as well.

“We have had big horn goats, Bermuda rams, Emus, pigs, cows, and others. We have chased pretty much everything and eventually we get everything here,” Greene said.

Stories of animals making it through hard conditions are common in the shelter.

“We picked up a dog named Pettie up in the county. Somebody had him chained out and he only weighed about twenty five pounds. We seized him from his owner because she was not taking care of him properly,” Greene said.

“He put on about sixty pounds and ended up getting adopted to a big farm with about one hundred twenty acres with two kids and he gets to roam the farm,” Greene said.

Prince George, as a region, has a few pressing animal issues. There are some that stick out more than others to the workers in the shelter.

“In Prince George you can not have a dog running at large, it has to be tied up, in a fence, or on a leash,” Greene said.

“With us, the most popular complaints we get are actually not dogs. We get more complaints about cats then you would think. If your neighbor’s cat is on your car, it is a civil issue and you have to take your neighbor to court,” Greene said.

With running an operation like this, many supplies are needed. Sometimes help is needed from bigger organizations.

“Wal-Mart distribution center donates food to us every so often. We also get help from the Richmond ASPCA, Hopewell Humane Society, and breed rescues. It is nice to have partners like that to work with,” Greene said.

With helping animals also comes the euthanization.

“We do have to euthanize animals because of space, temperament, and medical issues. I love animals and everyone here loves animals so you hope all of them find a good home,” Greene said.

When people are interested about adopting an animal, they can find the animals in the Prince George Animal Shelter online at www.petfinder.com. There are pictures and information on the animals currently up for adoption.

The shelter helps every animal it can and the job experience is gained.

“It is a very rewarding job. Getting the animals adopted is probably the best part,” Greene said. “Knowing that you are making a difference for the animals and people is rewarding.”

Shelter Facts

Location:

3100 Union Branch Road Petersburg, VA 23805

Phone Number: (804) 733-2796

Shelter hours:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Terms and Conditions:

There is a $10 fee for adoption of a pet and a CASH ONLY fee for the sterilization of the animal which can range from $40.00 to $75.00 depending on the chosen local vet.

This in formation was gathered from the Prince George Animal Shelter website: www.princegeorgeva.org

Page 8 - The Royal News - January 22, 2010

January 24 is the last day to order yearbooks with personalization.

The price goes up to $75 on January 25!!!

You can reserve your yearbook at jostensyearbooks.com

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News

January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 9

Volunteering time creates rewards

Giving day of service to volunteer organization rewarded by free ticket to Disney parks Jessica Marshall trn writer

D

isney launched the new program called Give a Day, Get a Disney Day on Jan. 1st, 2010. This program allows people of all ages to volunteer at certified businesses and receive a free day’s admission to any Disney park.

In order to obtain a free ticket, a volunteer opportunity must be completed and verified by the company that hosted it.

Companies all over the U.S, including Canada and Puerto Rico, have agreed to participate.

All of the volunteering is currently run by the HandsOn Network.

The HandsOn Network is an organization that inspires and motivates

people to be active in their community. They currently have 250 volunteer action centers across the country. With their connections to so many centers, they are able to connect volunteers to more than 70,000 nonprofit agencies that need volunteer help.

In order to qualify for this program, participants must be eighteen years old to sign up. Ages six through seventeen must have permission from their legal guardian.

No more than eight family member are eligible to enroll.

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort have limitations concerning when the tickets are valid. For Walt Disney World Resort, tickets are not valid Mar. 29 – Apr. 8 and July 4, 2010. For Disneyland Resort, tickets are not valid Feb.13-14, Mar. 21, June 21-22, July 4, Nov. 21, and Dec. 11-12, 2010.

Although the ticket is provided, participants still have to pay to get to the park of their choice. This includes transportation, lodging, and dining. Knowing this, senior Emily Michalek had a different opinion.

“I would not participate in this because I’m in Prince George. Disney World is in Florida, that’s too far. Plus it’s expensive to get down there,” Michalek said. “Maybe if it was closer I would consider doing it.”

Even with this in mind, senior Eric Sutton would still volunteer.

“I would definitely still volunteer, even if I did have to get down there myself. I’ve always wanted to go to Disney, but I’ve never been,” Sutton said.

For senior Britney Ceney, her willingness to volunteer is not based on what she gets in return.

“I volunteer because I feel good when I

help others who are less fortunate and it feels good, like a pat on the back,” Ceney said. “I might not necessarily volunteer just for the reward. I just don’t need that incentive to help. Plus, I’ve been to Disney numerous times already.”

Nevertheless, students who are in clubs that require community service hours have varying opinions regarding this new prospect.

Ceney, who is in the NHS and BETA clubs, believes that this promotion has both pros and cons.

“I think that it will help encourage others to volunteer because it’s a good incentive,” Ceney said.“But I also believe that in a way, it’s unnecessary to be rewarded because people should volunteer because they want to.”

Volunteering is defined as the practice of people working on behalf of others without being motivated by financial or material gain. Senior Katy Cash feels that this proposal contradicts those practices.

“I believe this is just a good marketing technique on Disney’s behalf. People should volunteer because it’s the right thing to do,” Cash said. “I feel like it is a way to pay people who normally wouldn’t volunteer. I wouldn’t do it for that reason because I was raised in a family that encouraged me to help other people.”

On Good Morning America, Sept.

29, 2009, when Thomas Smith, the Social Media Director for Disney Parks, announced their newly planned deal, reactions varied.

Smith is predicting that the duration of this project will last until Dec. 10, 2010. In his announcement, Smith said, “We’re looking for 1 million people with a passion to make a difference.”

Features

Page 10 - The Royal News - January 22, 2010

MYSPACE

one stop at the pghs shop

Photos and information by Mia Norman.

The heat press is used to iron on the designs that are ordered for shirts and hoodies. The students operate this press to create the shirts themselves.

Pawprints decorate the store, reminiscent of years when the lion mascot was more widely acknowledged as the mascot for the Royals.

Marketing teacher Dave Hettinger stopped selling candy after mice were found sharing the store with them. When the mice were killed, a post-it was placed on the board marking the day that the mouse was killed, and how many have been killed so far.

The most popular item sold in the store is the hoodie with the PGHS logo. Students buy the most during football season, helping them to display their PG pride at the games.

Features

Features

January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 11

Pledge exercises first amendment rights Students, teachers share their thoughts on Pledge of Allegiance DelBria Walton feature editor

A

s the morning announcements commence he watches everyone around him stand, right hand over their hearts and begin, “ I pledge allegiance to the flag… one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

Senior Sean Sooter, like many other students, implements his first amendment rights, by choosing Sooter chooses not to say the Pledge of Allegiance for the simple fact that he believes the Pledge is invalid.

“I believe that the Pledge is illogical because it only needs to be repeated if in fact you have broken your allegiance to the country and secondly because it says ‘under God’ and it is in contrast to the explicit secular nation of our government,” Sooter said.

The words ‘under God’ were not always apart of the Pledge, but Congress added them in 1954. Those words change the Pledge of Allegiance to an oath to protect and serve our Nation and also a form of prayer.

“I disagree with the words thus I will not say it.

Everyone has a right to say it but they should not be forced to say it,” Sooter said.

For some the Pledge of Allegiance is not just an oath but an acknowledgement to what the Country stands for: freedom, individuality, diversity, and acceptance. JROTC Commander Chief Dodd Mitchell has fought for this country and takes exceptional pride in the Pledge.

“The pledge represents everything that we are as a nation. We should feel lucky to say it,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell believes that although he is passionate about the Pledge and takes it very serious, he does not feel offended when he sees someone not stand and recite it.

“Everyone has that right to not say it, that is why I fought in so many wars to give people those rights, ‘ Mitchell said.

Being a man of the service Mitchell feels that he is saying more than just words, but making clear his commitment to honor, protect, and serve the country and the people that inhabit it.

“I feel a lot more patriotic and I really feel that we should implement more things like that, things of this nation, in school,” Mitchell said.

The Pledge is second nature to most students because it has been recited since kindergarten, but for students not only new to the school but also new to this country the Pledge of Allegiance is a foreign concept. For sophomore Mohamud Diriye this is his reality.

“For the first three days I was here I did not say the Pledge. Then someone turned to me and asked me why I was not standing and I told them because I did not know what they were doing,” Diriye said.

“They explained it to me and wrote it down and I have said it every day since.”

Although he is not American, Diriye still feels a sense of pride when he says the Pledge.

“I feel like it is a cultural thing and when I see students around me stand and say it I want to stand.

It makes me feel part of the nation,” Diriye said.

Government teacher Louise Thornton recites the Pledge because she is very proud to be an American and a part of what America represents, a democratic system of government.

“I believe it shows respect. Not every time I recite the Pledge do I feel patriotic because at times you are just saying the words, but after a tragic event such as September 1,1 it does take on a lot more meaning,” Thornton said.

Thornton believes that “under God” has a rightful place in the Pledge because of the principles and the intent to spread Christianity when the nation was established.

“Because our country was founded on Christian-Judeo values and based upon that belief I support that phrase being added to the Pledge,” Thornton said. “I do understand the argument, but the law of church and state was not meant to be a total separation because we do have ‘In God we trust’ on our money and we pray before each Congressional meeting.”

Being able to choose to say the Pledge of Allegiance everyday shows the importance of the first amendment and the right to free speech.

“I believe that the freedom to speak also gives you the right to remain silent,” Sooter said.

Junior Trey Carter recites the Pledge of Allegiance while juniors Dyoneshia Williams and Ashley Hamilton opt out during this time Photo by DelBria Walton

January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 13

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The Military Ball was held on Saturday, January 9th from 7-11 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Hopewell. This event was a great success and go out to all staff members for all their hard work and help in coordinating the event. We as a staff would also like to give thanks to the Moose Lodge for hosting the event.

Guest of Honor/ Guest Speaker: Mr. William A. Havard, Guidance Director, PGHS

The winners for Military Ball Court are as follows: Duke and Dutchess: PFC Joseph Diaz and PFC Marisela Zuloaga

Prince and Princess: SGT Kenneth Stith and SGT Zhane Umpierre

King and Queen: CSM Kortez Dixon and 1LT Alex Doss Cadet LTC Tiffany Dumas, Royal Battalion Commander

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Januar y 22, 2010 - The Royal News-Page 13

Features

Teachers for tomorrow prepare today Students plan for their future careers in education

To become a teacher you must: Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, which averages 4 years

Laura Young trn writer

O

verwhelming, exhausting and exciting.

This is how Lisa Britt, instructor of the Teachers for Tomorrow class, felt on her first day in the classroom 26 years ago.

“It is kind of like a blind date.

The students do not talk to you on the first day, and I thrive on the exchange between students and teachers, so the first day is tough every year,” Britt said.

She now instructs and prepares fifteen students in the Teachers for Tomorrow class for their first days in the classroom. The class is a Dual Enrollment teacher preparation program offered through John Tyler.

Senior Lindsay Warren, who hopes to become a teacher, enjoys the structure of the class.

“We go over the fundamentals of child behavior and all the aspects of being a teacher and the kind of influence teachers have on children,” Warren said. “In the second semester we have internships in elementary and middle school classrooms where we observe and eventually teach the class.”

As the students prepare for their career paths, the class has helped them decide, or in some cases, finalize their decision to be teachers.

Senior Maggie Roberts is one of those students.

“I have known since I was itty bitty that I wanted to become a teacher. I have always said to my mom that I am going to teach and go to Longwood, and that’s still what I want to do,” Roberts said.

Other students like senior Will Jones have just realized this within the past few years.

Pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment and Praxis II

“I used to get teased when I was in 8th grade at Vernon Johns Middle School in Petersburg because I pronounced my words all the way through,” Jones said. “I decided to be a teacher and teach people how to speak proper.”

In the first semester, the students learn in a classroom from their instructor. This is Lisa Britt’s first year teaching the class.

“I thought it would be fun and interesting. They asked me to go through the training last fall knowing that Mr. Watson [the former instructor of Teachers for Tomorrow] was pursuing other things,” Britt said. “I am always up for a new challenge.”

Britt is certain that the students in her class are up for the task of teaching.

“I can look at these students and once they figure out where exactly they want to be, I have no doubt that they are going to be wonderful teachers,” Britt said. “Many students do not even get into a classroom until their junior or senior year of college, so they are really getting a head start.”

During the second semester, the students student-teach in a grade level and subject of their choice.

Senior Tiffany Washington has mixed feelings about her upcoming days in the classroom.

“I am very nervous. I hope to be teaching 9th grade French I, so the students will look up to me and ask me questions that I will have to know

Seniors Lindsay Warren and Maggie Roberts inquire help from teacher Lisa Britt as they determine traits of a good teacher.

Photo by Laura Young the answer to,” Washington said. “But Mrs. Britt has definitely prepared us well for this.”

After weeks as students in the classroom learning about the characteristics of a teacher, the students have formed a clear opinion of who they want to be as an influence in a child’s life. Senior Tyler Houchins knows what he really wants to do as a theatre teacher one day.

“Being a theatre teacher, everything is basically hands on and there is lots of group work. This helps the kids learn social skills before they get out in the real world where they have to put those social skills to use,” Houchins said. “Overall I just want the children to have a good time, theatre is all about playing, and I want them to have fun while learning.”

Most of the students in the class, including Maggie Roberts, hope that their impact on the students goes beyond learning.

“I want to be the teacher that inspires kids and makes them want to be at school. I want to teach the class that the kids look forward to coming to, I want to make their day.”

Go through the required coursework for your age range, this comes to about 18 semester hours Student teach for 1 year

In order to renew a teaching license, you must...

180 points of professional development points from college credit, professional conferences, curriculum development, the publication of an article, the publication of a book, mentorship, or an educational project Go through a Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention Training tutorial Meet Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel Pay a fee of $25

Page 14 - The Royal News - January 22, 2010

STANDING UP FOR YOUR R the First e r a t n a t or you?

How imp o t s t h g i r ent Amendm ortant, but if someoneave .Ih Very imp s they can ll a c e n o Nelson: ph r.

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Cynthia Hasley

January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 15

RIGHTS

DESIGNED BY: DEVYN PACHMAYR

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Nicole Jeffress

Page 16 - The Royal News - January 22, 2010

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

Martin Luther Information -and Layout by: Katie Adams King Jr.

& Ampersand

Ten Things To Do Before You Graduate:

How Much Do You Know About Martin Luther King Jr. ?

1. Join A Club

1. Martin Luther King Jr. led the fight for __________ .

a. women’s rights.

b. civil rights.

c. animal rights.

3. Where was Martin Luther King Jr. born?

a. Atlanta, Georgia.

b. Birmingham, Alabama.

c. Mobile, Alabama.

2. Get A Job

High school is all about growing up and learning how to live in the “real world”.

3. Take A Chance

source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LIbwJSXKVTE/SSJjS9bu2II/AAAAAAAAAAM/c5QEgV9UpUU/s400/martin_luther_king_jr_ponders.jpg

2. His famous speech was titled ______________.

a. “State of the Union”.

b. “Emancipation Proclamation”.

c. “I Have A Dream”.

Joining a club gives you the chance to meet new people and define your likes and dislikes.

Try out for the school play. You may or may not get in, but at least you can say you tried.

4. Spend Time With Family

Once you go off to college you’re not going to see them as much. Sooner than you think, you’re going to miss them.

5. Attend School Sporting Events

Attending games are a great time to support your school and bond with friends, win or lose.

6. Volunteer

Get out there and give back to your community.

4.WhatdidtheSupremeCourtruletobeunconstitutionalin1956?

a. segregation of buses.

b. inequality based on race.

c. jail sentences for civil rights activists.

5. When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

a. the third Monday in January.

b. February 15.

c. January 10.

7. Go To A School Dance Get together with a group of friends and get on the floor.

8. Make New Friends

Branch out and talk to someone you normally would not. Who knows he or she may be your new best friend.

9. Have A Cram Session

Chugging energy drinks and cramming last minute prepares you for college.

10. Take Fun Classes

This gives you the opportunity to find a skill you never even knew you were talented at .

Important Dates for January

Wednesday, January 27 - 1st & 3rd Exams; Student Early Release

Thursday, January 28 - 2nd & 4th Exams; Student Early Release Friday, January 29 - 5th & 7th Exams; Student Early Release Last Day of First Semester

Senior Countdown...

92 Days Left!

Answers : 1. B; 2. C; 3. A; 4. A; 5. A

Tuesday, January 26 - 6th Period Exam

January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 17

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Thank you patrons for donating to the Royal News. Your gifts help us continue to produce the best publication we can offer to the PGHS students. Super Patrons donated $50 or more, Gold Patrons donated $20 or more, Green Patrons donated $10 or more. If you would like to become a patron stop by A6 or email cwaugaman@pgs.k12.va.us

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Page 18 - The Royal News - January 22, 2010

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lvin, Theodore and Simon, the beloved little chipmunks, have returned to the movie screen. When the first movie came out I was taken back to my childhood days when the actual show came on television.

After seeing the movie, I could Kelsie McDaniels not wait for another one to come out. I was just blown away by the huge amount of cuteness that the chipmunks brought to the movie screen.

I saw the “squeakuel” within the first few weeks of it being out. The movie theatre was not that full so it made the movie even better. I had a smile on my face the whole time and I could not keep saying “Aww, that’s so cute.” I think it annoyed the person I went with, but everything about that movie was completely adorable.

In this movie, the chipmunks go to high school after their guardian, Dave, is hospitalized in France.

Alvin meets the jocks of the school and starts to change. He eventually has to decide whether being cool is more important than being loyal to his brothers and their music career.

Love interests for the boys are brought into this movie. Brittany, Eleanor, and Jeanette, “The Chipettes”, seek the help of the chipmunks’ ex-manager, Ian Hawke, to make them famous, not knowing that he had been fired. They end up in the same high school and are competing in a battle of the bands to win their school $25,000.

I felt like a little kid again and that was an absolutely awesome feeling to have. I hope that another one comes out soon so that I can keep reliving my childhood.

January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 19

Student written play brings new form to theatre students Chamber theatre production requires PG Players to work harder Tasa Hattori trn writer

V

HSL has been a crucial part of Prince George’s theatre program for some time now, but this year has been slightly different because the play was written by junior Wesley Bolyard. For Bolyard, it was originally a short story, which he started around last April, but theatre teacher Daryll Phillips turned it into a chamber play, which is a form of playwrighting that is compared to storytelling.

“Wesley is used to writing short stories, and he was concerned because he does not normally write plays, but I told him it was ok. I immediately thought of the chamber theatre format,” Phillips said.

The story is about a young student who suffers from multiple personality disorders. This play has more of a tragic story line as opposed to comedy or romance.

“I could not write comedy because I cannot write funny. It is funnier when I say it, but when I write it, it does not come out that way,” Bolyard said.

For all the participants, the form of chamber theatre is different and a bit challenging, but they all agreed to work at it because it is a new learning experience.

“I do not get too frustrated, I just have to take my time,” senior Taylor Fletcher said.

The play includes many different characters with two narrators; one of which helps the character with his problem- while the other makes it worse. It also includes three different personalities, a love interest, a psychiatrist, guidance counselor, and parents. Pressure is added on because

VHSL is a competition play, and because the chamber theatre format is also completely different.

“At first I was a little confused, but once I found out what it was, I got past that pressure point and it became easier to get into character,” Coyner said.

The hopes of VHSL are to get into the district competition and then further into the regionals. The PG Players have gone to district for the last five years, and won regional’s in three of the five years.

“I would cry tears of joy; this is my last year to go to states. I just feel as if it’s my year,” Bolyard said.

The Players are hosting the annual VHSL competition this year. There is a five dollar fee to see the play. The competition is an all day affair, on February 6, to watch different schools from all over perform a series of romance, drama, comedy and tragic plays and each play must be no longer than thirty-five minutes. All the actors do everything to make it as entertaining and amusing as possible.

“We have to make it fun, because if it was not fun it would not be a good show,” senior Alex Alexander said.

Senior actors, CJ Bell and Taylor Fletcher play the mom and dad while senior Alex Alexander narrates. Twitch, the student written play by junior Wesley Bolyard, is the first chamber theatre play to be done by this generation of theatre students.

Photo by Laura Young.

Chamber Theatre The adaptation of prose fiction for performance on stage preserving the narrator as a main character.

The steps of writing a Chamber Theatre play consist of: Step 1: Identifying the point of view of the narrator Step 2: Process of cutting the story, assigning lines to be spoken by the narrator and the characters.

Step 3: Start rehearsing

Information collected by Kimberly Carneal

Page 20 - The Royal News - January 22, 2010

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January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 21

Why is this art class important to you?

Erin Copeland, 11th

College course expands students’ learning Student transition between high school, college in dual enrollment class Gabrielle Whittington trn writer

E

ager students enter the class room, ready for what is to come.

Their teacher prepares them for the lesson they are to work on for the day. The smell of oil paints and pastels lingers in the air and exudes from their pores, as Dual Enrollment art students work on their masterpieces.

Some art students at Prince George High School have the opportunity to take a Dual Enrollment art class and gain a college credit at the same time. Their teacher, Ms. Murphy, visits from Virginia Commonwealth University and teaches the high school students enrolled in her class.

“In the beginning it was odd, because

she told us to do shapes and it was expected to go more in depth with human anatomy”, said junior Kori Fuzy, “and I’m not really used to drawing with a background, but I still like it.”

Along with taking the class, students also get the freedoms of taking a college course. Dual Enrollment courses are designed to give the students a feel of college. One of the big differences in Dual Enrollment classes is that there is not busy work to reiterate what is being learned at that period in time. There is also the freedom to choose what is to be done and what medium will be used for the class.

“It is taught like a college class.

You get a month to do a project and at the end of a project you sit around and talk about it and you get graded on why you did it and what you did” said senior Lindsey Fenderson.

Art is a big part of a few students’ life. Students take the class to express themselves and to better learn their craft.

“Ever since I was three it’s been a hobby all the time” said Fuzy.

They also find inspiration from lots of different places. Some gather inspiration from different eras and some gather inspiration from other artist’s and things around them like newspapers, magazines, and things they find on the computer.

“I really like 60’s art. It’s called

“ I am getting college credits, it is more challenging than the regular art class.”

Senior Ka Eun Song works on a project during dual enrollment art class.

Photo by Colby Eliades

Pop Art,” Fenderson said, “My favorite artist is Peter Max. He did all the Beatles stuff and Woodstock artwork.”

And even with all of the excitement, some artists still have difficulties with some things, but are able to manage.

“The most difficult thing is working with a paint brush; I prefer working with something I can control like a pencil. I just like to be in control with the materials” said Fuzy.

And every great artist has a moment they would describe as their greatest accomplishment. Some artists enter contests while others just take pride in a job well done when they achieve something they never thought they could.

“My greatest accomplishment is the art contests that I have won, at the spring fling and the woman’s club” said Fuzy.

Dual enrollment art opens doors to explore art in a new way some probably would not believe.

Kori Fuzy, 11th “ It its how I express myself. I can go in-depth with my art work. It has always been a hobby of mine”

Ka Eun Song, 12th “ It is one of the things I take seriously outside of school. It is a privilege because we are given the materials instead of paying hundreds of dollars for them. ”

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Page 22 - The Royal News - January 22, 2010

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SPORTS

Athletes prepare for the big game Royal athletes have pregame rituals in order to get ready Wayne Epps trn writer

A

s the saying goes, “it is not how one starts, but how one finishes”. But for athletes, pre-game rituals help to set the tone for the game.

All of the days of preparation that athletes participate in, is for a few hours of competition. And, in the hours before game-time, clearing the mind, getting focused, and getting excited to compete is important.

“If you get hyped before a game, your adrenaline starts going. If you have had a bad day, you listen to music; it brings you up, it helps the game be better than your day,” said Danielle Hannuksela, sophomore varsity girls basketball guard/forward.

Athletes do different things to get ready to compete, whatever it takes to get loose and pumped up.

“On the bus, we listen to Mp3’s.

Before the game, after we warm-up, sometimes we get a beat going and we say a crazy rap or something,” Hannuksela said.

“I dance before I run. If I am happy, I just do some weird dance,” said Gerald Jackson, sophomore track runner.

Preparation is not limited to gameday. Athletes sometimes start getting ready for competition the night before.

“I make sure I sleep well. Get a good dinner, make sure I do not eat too many heavy foods, like a lot of carbohydrates to weigh me down,” said Emily Marshall, junior track runner.

Individual rituals are for that person, but there is no I in team. Team rituals help a team to get ready together.

“We [varsity girls basketball team] will yell, ‘Who are we’ and ‘Whose house!?!’ And then we will all scream

‘PG!’ or ‘ROYALS! ‘ It is just a bunch of yelling, just to get us hyped before the game,” Hannuksela said.

“We [track team] get together everyday after practice and we do like a little chant or we come into a circle and say like, ‘1,2,3 Royals!’ or something like that. We will do that every time before a meet, so we can get pumped and stay hyped the whole week,” Marshall said.

Preparing well can lead to more success for the athlete. That success is not limited to competition, but rather can come in handy in day-to-day life as well.

“I have had more energy since I have been eating better since my first year in track,” Marshall said As athletes get to higher levels of competition, they start to prepare better for games.

“Once you hit varsity level, you start getting into a routine to get the maximum out of your potential in the game,” Hannuksela said.

The girls varsity basketball team prepares for the game on Tuesday, Jan. 19th. The Lady Royals defeated the Warriors 71-36.

Photo by Wayne Epps.

Pre-game rituals go deeper than just to get focused and perform well.

The camaraderie between teammates leads to more encouragement.

“The day of the meet, we just encourage each other; we cheer each other when we are racing. We are friends out there, so we are all cool with each other. It is for the environment,” Marshall said.

Whether one simply listens to music, or dances around; getting ready to compete goes a long way. It does not matter what one does, as long as they are prepared to give their all and win.

January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 23

When’s the Limit?

A

s an athlete, coaches have always told me to “push through” any injuries or discomforts. In doing so, the coaches teach

the athlete how build their physical and mental endurance so that way when they get to higher levels on the playing field, they will be Amir Vera able to endure the pains of an athletic lifestyle. But one may begin to ask when does fighting through the pain reach its limit?

A recent injury has occurred in NCAA college football. The University of Florida’s head coach, Urban Meyer, has stepped down from the position.

When the news hit, I wondered why such a good coach would step down from a $4 million contract, a 22-game winning streak, and two national title championships. When I finally heard the answer, I understood completely.

Meyer had checked himself into a hospital twice in December for chest pains, nausea, and sickness. In other words, he had reached his physical limits. Had he ignored his physical signs, the end result probably would have been a heart attack or even a stroke. In my opinion, Meyer made the right decision.

Leaving the world of football and coaches, track is a sport that requires a LOT of physical endurance. I have seen runners push themselves past their physical capacities and the end result being a pulled muscle. The most interesting case I’ve seen thus far happened recently at the annual Green Dragon Relays. Junior Regginar Love needed to endure the pain he felt in his groin in order to help his team win.

He stretched and stretched, but to no avail he still had pains. When it came time for his last and most important race, the 4x400 meter relay, he was still aching. As he began to run, flying by his opponents, he tore a ligament in his right hip as a result of him trying not to put weight on his previous injury, the groin. I do respect Love for his endurance and dedication, but he should have known his physical limitations and sat out of his last race, even thought it would have meant missing out on his favorite race.

Injuries are no joke. While we were taught at a young age to fight through pains and aches, as youngadults we must know when our bodies are telling us to stop. It is not quitting, its being smart so that way you will be able to participate in the future.

Sports

Page 24 - The Royal News - Januar y 22, 2010

Senior Spotlight

Latticia Moore Track&Field 1. How long have you been throwing?

“Since 9th Grade.”

2. What inspired you to start track?

“To stay in shape.”

3. How do you train outside of school?

“I play indoor field hockey and workout at the gym.”

4. Why did you decide to shot put?

“I never really heard of shot put before I tried out for track, when it was brought to my attention I just though that it would be something new that I could try out and I liked it.”

5. What are your premeet rituals?

“We warm-up, run two to three laps listen to music, stretch, and we have group conversations about what we need to improve on.”

6. Do you eat anything specific before a meet?

“No I don’t really have anything specific that I eat.”

7. What do you enjoy most about track and field?

“It is a lot of fun, we get to go to different colleges for big meets, compete, and meet new people.”

8. What has been your best meet?

“It would have to be regionals at Arthur Ashe last year. I made my PR which is personal record.”

9. Do you plan on throwing after high school?

“I am thinking about it, if I do it would be at VCU or JMU.” 10. Coach’s Corner (Coach Brian Griffin): “When I first met Lattcia she was running track, I saw her run I though that she looked very strong and asked her to come try-out for shot put, I having been coaching her ever since, for four years. She is a hard worker and a team player I have really enjoyed coaching her.”

Class of 2009

Moving On Graduate Thomas Mason now plays at the Apprentice School Autrey Jackson trn writer

T

he fans in the stands are cheering for their team as the center snaps the ball. The holder catches it and quickly sets it up for the kicker. The offensive line blocks to give the kicker time to get the ball up. All eyes are on the kicker as he swings his leg and boots the ball toward the uprights. The kick is up; it gets above the defenders’ outstretched hands; it’s long enough, and it’s good. All of this happens in a matter of a few seconds, and these seconds are graduate Thomas Mason’s time to make a difference.

Mason recently concluded his first college football season as the starting kicker for the Apprentice School located in Newport News, VA. Mason was a four-year starter in high school, beginning his freshman year. He excelled throughout his high school career, setting the record field goal at 49 yards, and wanted to keep playing into college.

When playing, he stays focused on the game and nothing else. This is how he intends to succeed and meet the goals he has set for himself.

“I just have a passion for the game, really,” said Mason.” Hopefully, I will break more records and, hopefully, make it to the NFL.” Mason set the record for the second longest field goal at the Apprentice School at 44 yards. The Apprentice School web site said he was also named the ACFC Rookie of the Week after his September 8th game.

Mason is one of the few graduates

of the class of 2009 that has signed with a school to play football. While he was recruited for the football team, he is also working as a ship fitter. This entails the building of what Mason said are “big units” that are used to build aircraft carriers for the Navy. He is working toward his career goals and helping maintain the military that protects our country at the same time.

Mason was a good student in high school, but making the transition to college can be a tough one. Fortunately, Mason has graduate Tyler Johnson, who now also attends and plays football for the Apprentice School. Mason is glad for the friend he had when starting out at the new school.

“It’s good to know someone already because I barely knew anybody when I first got here,” Mason said.

Mason and Johnson played football together for four years in high school,

Graduate Thomas Mason was the all-district kicker for Prince George. He now plays for the Apprentice School in Newport News.

Photo from Apprentice School Web site.

but things have changed since they made the move to college.

“It’s different because in high school you only see them at practice and in school,” Johnson said. ”Now it’s like we are brothers because we room together and we are always together.”

Although he set records and won awards, the team’s record for his first season was 1-9. Teammates, Mason and Johnson both believe that the team will improve and they will be better in the years ahead. ”We have a young team,” Johnson said.

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January 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 26

Sports

Boys basketball claims the consolation Royals come on top of their bracket in Fort Lee Holiday Tournament Amir Vera trn sports editor

W

hile students w e r e sleepingin and showing off their latest Chr i s t ma s presents, the boys varsity basketball team was playing in the annual Fort Lee Holiday Basketball Tournament. The tournament ran from Dec. 28 to Dec. 30, with Prince George claiming the fifth place as consolation champions.

The first game was against stateranked team John Marshall. The Royals knew they had to play their best, but they would end up losing the tournament opener 78-50.

“Well, we played well for two and a half quarters and then they warmed up and we cooled down. They kind went by us,” boys varsity coach Bill Russell said.

Even through the tough loss, the Royals had played to the best of their ability.

“I did feel like we built on that and gained confidence from playing against John Marshall,” Russell said.

The players also felt confident after the loss. Some even thought it was their best game.

“They are one of the best in the state, so I came out aggressive. I had about 15 points that game,” junior point guard Quenton McDougal said.

“I played better defense and took better shots against John Marshall than I did in the other games,” sophomore forward Adontis Shelton said.

The team knew that after their first loss they would be placed in the consolation bracket, the bracket teams go to after a first loss. From this point on

they knew they would have to play more aggressive in order to win the consolation championship. Their next opponent would be Sussex, who they would defeat 59-51.

“We took the lead, but we didn’t finish them off the way we would have liked to,” Russell said. “We missed free throws and did not make some good decisions down the stretch, so it would end up being a closer game than we really felt it was.”

Learning from their mistakes in the John Marshall game, the players felt they had performed better as a team “The first game we were thinking about it, we knew a lot of people were going to be at the game so we thought we had to show out,” junior center Albert Williams said. “But since we lost the first one against John Marshall we were like we just need to win, so we just need to go out there and play hard together; and that’s when you saw the team finally get closer.”

With their first win of the tournament under their belt, the last game against Dinwiddie was going to be a big one. If they won, not only would the Royals be champions, but they would also have a district win.

Recognizing that this was a big game,

coach Russell and the rest of the team went into this game calm, not anticipating too much like they did during the John Marshall game, but at the same time not letting themselves think over their win against Hopewell. With this mind-set the Royals would defeat the Generals 55-48.

“We still did not look sharp offensively, in my opinion,” Russell said.

“We worked hard defensively and that was a key difference in the game.”

Freethrows, defense, and rebounds were all key points in this game. Thanks to the fundamentals of basketball, most of the team thought they had done well.

“When we played against Dinwiddie, I basically made all my freethrows,” senior guard Markis Grandison said.

Players, such as junior forward Nicholas Sulc, who suffered a knee injury during the first game, had to sit out some of the time. But he was glad to return for the final victory.

“Dinwiddie was my best game. I had good anticipation, I was boxing out, making lay-ups, and my knee was better,” Sulc said.

After receiving the title of consolation champions, the Royals also received individual awards. Senior forward Treon

(Above) Sophomore forward Adontis Shelton ferociously attempts to lay-up the ball in the game against John Marshall on Dec. 28.

Photo by Amir Vera Claiborne received All-Tournament honors, but was humble about the title.

“I would have rather won as a team than as an individual,” Claiborne said.

Now that they have a championship title and a district win, the team looks back on what they need to work on to have a more successful season.

“We have a lot of little things we still need to do a whole lot better to be a more competitive team than we are,” Russell said. “I’m glad from our end our kids had to work hard to get two victories. And that’s the way we have to play the rest of the year.”

Spor ts

Januar y 22, 2010 - The Royal News - Page 27

Wrestler breaks barriers Senior Brittney Saunders competes as only girl in male sport Laura Young trn writer

S

Senior Brittney Saunders takes on an opponent from Matoaca.

Saunders is currently the only girl on the varsity wrestling team Photo by Devyn Pachmayr.

enior Brittney Saunders puts on her uniform, pulls back her hair and prepares for her match in the locker room. Most athletes do this with the other members of their team, but Saunders leaves the locker room alone.

She is the only female member of the varsity wrestling team.

Saunders’ was literally“thrown”into wrestling from a young age.

“When I was younger, my brothers and his friends would always wrestle me,” Saunders said.

“I got strong over the years and some of them told me that I should be on the team and help fill a spot in my weight class.”

But before Saunders could wrestle anyone, she first had to condition.

“The first days of conditioning were so nerve racking and everybody thought I was just kidding and I would not last,” Saunders said.

Saunders proved them wrong and is the only girl on the varsity team for Prince George and for the entire Central District. None of her teammates, however, treat her like she is any different from them. Senior captain Adam Relford can attest to this.

“We do not treat her any differently then we would other teammates.,” Relford said.

“Everybody is really supportive of her, she is a good teammate.”

Coach David Emory, from a coaching standpoint, does not have to do many things differently to accommodate Brittney.

“There is not much difference in teaching technique when it comes to coaching a girl but weigh-ins and skin checks are different,” Emory said. “But really she goes through everything just like the rest of the guys.”

There are a few differences Saunders has from her teammates. Traditionally, male wrestlers wear singlets when they compete, which are essentially male leotards. Though Saunders wears a singlet,

her uniform is a little different.

“I wear Under Armor under my singlet because singlets do not protect the chest area at all,” Saunders said. “A singlet is really like an oldfashioned one-piece bathing suit and everything is exposed, they are terrible to wear.”

Pre-game preparations are important to Saunders in getting ready for a match.

“I always paint my nails green, gold and white before matches. I do not want people to think I am really masculine, I want my feminine side to show,” Saunders said. “I also listen to Trey Songz before I wrestle. It gets me hype but I am not ready to go out there and kill someone,” she said with a chuckle.

When it is time for the match, Saunders feels prepared. She waits for the buzzer to sound knowing that she has the encouragement of her teammates that she needs to be confident on the mat.

“Even if I get torn up by a boy, my teammates still tell me that I did a good job. They know that I tried my best,” Saunders said.

Male wrestlers from other teams are surprised to see a female as their competitor.

“They throw me around just like any other boy for the most part,” Saunders said. “Some of them do take advantage of me and do things that they would not normally do if I was a boy.”

At the last match, Saunders teammates were watching closely while she was on the mat when they thought that the holds the wrestler was using holds that may not have been appropriate for a female.

“Wrestling is a very aggressive sport with a lot of contact, so it is hard to tell if the person you are wrestling is taking things too far,” Saunders said.

The other wrestlers on the Prince George team thought that the other wrestler was touching Saunders in a sexual manner.

“I did not even notice because I was so focused on wrestling and you really can not tell, you just shake it off,” Saunders said.

Wrestling is not something that Saunders sees herself doing long-term, but she has enjoyed her year on the team.

“I am sad that this is my first and last year on the team but I have enjoyed my time,” Saunders said.

Saunders has learned about overcoming adversity and she hopes that her story will speak to other girls.

“One of the reasons I did this was because I wanted to prove that girls can do it, and I think I have,” Saunders said.

Sports

briefs

The varsity wrestling team travels to Midlothian for the Central District tournament Friday, Jan. 29th.

Boys varsity basketball travels to Colonial Heights today, Jan. 22nd at 7:30 p.m.

Varsity indoor track travels hosts a polar bear meet on Feb. 3 against Matoaca, Dinwiddie, and Petersburg.

Family dives into competition

Olivia Tritschler trn writer

O

n a hot summer day, relief is found in a pool. For the Zoldork family though, swimming is not just a pastime but a passion.

Students Rachel, Natalie and Anthony Zoldork all got into swimming when they were young and have kept up with it through their high school years.

“When I was a little kid, my friends were doing it and my parents wanted me to swim as well,” sophomore Anthony said.

The Zoldork’s all participate on a travel team called the Virginia Association for Competitive Swimming (VACS). Practices are held at the Hopewell Community Center.

“I practice six days a week and two times a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” Natalie said. “Morning practices are an hour long and afternoon practices are two hours.”

Being a competitive swimmer doesn’t only require swimming laps in a pool, but training on a track as well.

“Cross training involves sprinting, weight lifting and medicine balls in addition to the swimming drills,”

senior Rachel said.

There are schools that have swim teams, but Prince George does not. For this reason, the Zoldorks must seek other organizations to swim with.

“We compete at a lot of different places,” sophomore Natalie said. “Little league meets are in state while championship competitions are out of state, sometimes people invite us to their pools.”

To endure such a demanding schedule one must love competitive swimming. The Zoldorks have participated in swimming for numerous years and each have special memories.

“I have been swimming for nine years,” Anthony said. “It is something to work for. You get to meet new people and it’s a way to keep in shape.”

“My best memory definitely was qualifying for Zones because I was the only one from my team that year,” Natalie said.

There are numerous techniques in swimming and multiple strokes. Swimmers test their physical strength by racing against other equally skilled swimmers in varying distances. Anthony competes in the 500m freestyle and 200m butterfly races. Rachel competes in the 100m and 200m butterfly and 200m and 400m individual medley (IM). Natalie competes in the 200m breaststroke, 200m butterfly and 400m IM. As well as having different techniques there are different levels of difficulty. As posted on swimvacs.org, there are novice, junior, age group silver, age group gold, senior and high school fitness groups. Each group has an age requirement, capability level, and their own races.

“I hope to be able to make it to senior champs again this year since it will be the last year I will be swimming on this team,” Rachel said.

All the hard work and countless hours of training are shown through competitions. These swim meets occur for participants to race others and to improve their times. A regular swim meet consists of many events throughout the day.

“You usually swim up to three or four individual events per day at a meet and then one relay which is either at the beginning or end of the meet,” Rachel said.

Striving to do better is the ultimate goal for competitive athletes, and for the Zoldorks it takes them to the farthest level of competition.

“I have made it to Zones, which is a meet in New York, and I want to make it to Junior Nationals in Florida,” Natalie said.

Swimming, like other sports, can be continued on higher levels. For Natalie and Anthony, they wish to continue swimming in college. On the other hand, Rachel plans for club swimming.

A love of water and a desire to improve their speed are combined in the intense sport of competitive swimming.

“I started swimming because I did not want to do gymnastics or dance anymore. Now I have been swimming for ten plus years,” Rachel said. “I just love how it’s an individual sport and a team sport all in one.”

Sophomore Anthony Zoldork practices the butterfly stroke at the Hopewell Community Center. He practices there six days a week from 3:30 p.m-5:30 p.m. Photo by Devyn Pachmayr.