By Jay Jackson -

It is that time of year again. The school year coming to a close, warm weather, and the review of memories over the long school year. The yearbooks are back with a new look and ready for redemption.

The 2011-12 yearbook went on sale Friday with eager anticipation by most students.

“The theme this year is that is looks like an IPad or an IPhone,” explained Julie Andrusisin one of the two editors for the year book this year.

The two editors of the yearbook this year were Julie Andrusisin and Lindamarie Olson.

“Last year was a beautifully designed book but there was a huge number of errors because designs kept being changed too late in the game,” explained Doug Anderson, teacher and yearbook club adviser.  ”Julie and Linda Marie were the editors this year and I think they had the design set which allowed us to spend more time editing and correcting the mistakes and looking for mistakes. There is bound to be mistakes.”

“The cover was pretty cool compared to other years,” said this years prom king, Matt Kersic.

The editors this year looked to redeem the reputation of last year’s yearbook and answer some concerns and questions the students had with photos and layout. This year there is no questions.

“The reputation that last year’s book got was there was a small group of people who were repeated many times and that never should have happened. We do have a little control measure for that but it wasn’t being followed and this year it is not the case,” said Anderson.

“It was definitly better then last year,” said Forrest Paes a senior at Penn Manor.

Perhaps it was the criticism of last year’s edition that took a chunk out of this year’s pre-sales.

“Last year and the year before there was always over a 1,000  that were ordered already. This year there was a little over 800,” explained Anderson.

The book this year has an extra twist. Not only are the senior pictures in color but also all of the underclassmens’ pictures are as well. The yearbook didn’t go completely color but it is more colorful than any in recent memory.

“The baby ads are still in black and white,” Anderson said. “The commercial ads are black and white and the underclassmens are in color. We were paying for color the past several years and we thought it didn’t make sense to pay for it and not use it.”

Even with the additional color photos, the price for the yearbook is staying relatively stable.

” The original price was $61, then it went up to $75 and distribution day it is $85. It is actually cost $75 to make. We loss money on the initial price. This is the second year or possibly third year with the same prices.

The verdict on the yearbook so far is that the yearbook was a success perhaps removing the bad taste that was left in the mouth of the high school by last years yearbook.

“I thought it had a nice design with the IPad and all, I like that most of it is in color this year,” explained Drew Purzycki.

 

 

By Jay Jackson -

Fat Tuesday around here is always jam-packed with powdered sugar, glaze and cinnamon but it’s not always that the delicious traditional fried doughnuts can be enjoyed with the sun shining on the muncher’s face.

This year Fausnaught Day seems to be the start of an early spring, unlike last year. It is almost a full 20 degrees warmer this year than last year’s chilly, snowy winter.  The weather is supposed to be flirting with 60 degrees all week.

Apparently our famous groundhog, Octoraro Orphie, the ground hog who DIDN’T  see his shadow this year, got it right.

“It is supposed to to be so nice out this week,” said Janelle Musser a senior at Penn Manor. “I just hope it stays nice.”

Every year Fausnaught day swings around but many students don’t know the history of this  holiday.

Fausnaught day originated as the day before Lent starts when people usually give up unhealthy foods or habits. Tradition has it that Fausnaught day was used to clean out the cabinet of all of the sugar, lard, fat, and butter that people give up during the time of Lent.

But many here are not familiar with the traiditon.

“I have no idea why we have Fausnaught day,” said senior Drew Purzycki.

For those that don’t know what Lent is, it is the Christian season of preparation before Easter.

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter.

Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ for his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.

But around here, most kids just want doughnuts.

“I just know that it is Fat Tuesday, and I love Fausnaughts,” Purzycki said.

“I love Fausnaught day, I eat so many that I want to die,” said Forrest Paes.

Penn Manor students may not know much about it but they do know how to celebrate Fausnaught day.

“I have like three boxes waiting for me and I am so excited to get home,” said Purszycki. “Powered sugar is definitely my favorite. It isn’t even close.”

“I went to Pine View (Acres Dairy) this morning to get mine. You have to get the best ones which are cinnamon sugar,” said Musser.

Musser may be an exception because she actually knows some background information about the fattening holiday.

“Yeah, you use up all of the fat and unhealthy stuff that you have before lent,” said Musser.

There are definitely some Fausnaught fanatics  in Lancaster County.

“I like the gooey richness and the powdered sugar sprinkled across my lips,” said Ian Toomey who clams to be the biggest Fausnaught fan in Lancaster county.

Lent observers better eat up because the season of sacrifice is beginning.

“I am going to try to eat better and eat less junk food but it’s going to be so tough,” said Musser.

However some Penn Manorites aren’t going to give anything up.

“No way I am going to give anything up even though I probably should,” Toomey explained. “I just love Fausnaughts.”