Girl Scouts Remember 100 Years

By Emily Thyrum

No one could have guessed 100 years ago when Juliette Low began the first Girl Scout troop that 100 years later, 3.7 million girls would be registered members. This year, Girl Scouts have not forgotten the woman who started it all in celebrating the 100th anniversary.

The true anniversary of when Juliette Low first gathered 18 girls to start the very first Girl Scout Troop was March 12, 2012. According to Cathy Molitoris, a Girl Scout leader in the Penn Manor school district, Girl Scouts have been celebrating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts in many ways.

The Juliette Low Bazaar, held in February, is an annual event in which each troop designs their own craft and sells them to many other troops. Money raised at the bazaar goes towards the national Girl Scout organization. This year, the event was especially distinctive because of the 100th anniversary. Each troop created posters about a certain decade in which Girl Scouts has existed.

Troop #334, a Junior Penn Manor troop from Manor Middle School, took on the 1920’s; some girls dressed up as flappers to illustrate that theme. They sold yarn octopi and sand art necklaces.

Troop #334 sold yarn octopi and sand art necklaces at the Juliette Low Bazaar in February 2012.

In April 2012, some troops in Penn Manor honored prior Girl Scouts at Willow Valley Retirement Community.

“Girls met with residents who were former Girl Scouts, enjoyed displays that showcased Girl Scouts through the last century, saw a fashion show of uniforms throughout the years, had a sing-along and made s’mores,” said Molitoris.

“My sister and I had a lot of fun bringing up the flags and singing songs with the elderly who used to be Girl Scouts,” said Claire Molitoris, daughter of troop leader Cathy Molitoris. “It was nice to see how Girl Scouts had affected the elderly’s lives, and I enjoyed being with them and making them happy.”

Rock The Mall: 100th Anniversary Sing-A-Long was a massive event on June 9, 2012 on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Around 150 Penn Manor Girl Scouts attended, and about 250,000 people in total enjoyed themselves, singing popular Girl Scout songs, listening to music, and walking around the Washington Monument to trade swaps with other troops.

Rock The Mall: 100th Anniversary Sing-A-Long was held June 9, 2012 on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Around 150 Penn Manor Girl Scouts and about 250,000 people total attended.

“It was really cool to see how many girls appreciated the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts,” said Mary Christman, a Girl Scout and Penn Manor senior.

The Forever Green Project was held at Safe Harbor park during the summer.

“Our goal was to create a safe walking nature trail in the southern part of Lancaster County,” said Ms. Linda Davis, leader of Penn Manor area Girl Scouts, along with Ms. Louise Brown. “We concentrated on the Arboretum area of the park which had a trail over a mile long that had fallen into disrepair.”

Girls contributed their time by picking up garbage, making birdhouses for the trail, trimming branches, planting bulbs and other plants around the cemetery, and much more. The Forever Green Project website,  displays the changes the area goes through in each season and the location of the letterboxes, which the girls hid for people to uncover. To celebrating the 100th anniversary through the Forever Green initiative, the girls planted more than 60 saplings, which contributed to the state total of 13,150 planted trees.

In October 2012, more than 60 Girl Scouts marched in the Millersville Parade, and their float was a three tier birthday cake.

These many projects and events show Girl Scouts’ appreciation for the founding mother Juliette Low.

Claire Molitoris summed up the Girl Scout anniversary.

”Eighteen girls Juliette Low started with to now millions. I am still amazed every time I hear that.”

“It is really awesome that Girl Scouts has been around for so long, changing girls’ lives,” said Christman.

“When you look at everything Girl Scouts offers to girls—from troop meetings to camping, cookie selling, leadership opportunities, service projects and more,” said Cathy Molitoris, “It’s so easy to see that it is a great time to be a Girl Scout.”

Looper a Mind Bending Thrill Ride

By Gabrielle Bauman

This is one odd little movie.

Looper, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Joe, is based around one basic premise: time travel exists. The year is 2030, and time travel has not been invented yet. But by 2050, it will be –and immediately become so illegal only massive crime syndicates will use it. Joe is a “looper,” a hired gun for one of those syndicates. Early in the movie, we are told that because DNA testing and crime scene science have progressed so far that it’s nearly impossible to hide a body, the need for hit men has become tantamount. Joe is one of those hit men.

Looper stars Joseph Gordan-Levitt as Joe.

His job is pretty easy. He goes to the same place every day at the same time and waits. A person appears out of thin air, and he kills them at point blank range. He disposes of the body. Lather, rinse, repeat.

The basic premise for the movie is intriguing enough, but the route that the movie actually takes is so different than it could have been that it’s almost as if I saw a different movie than in the trailer. I don’t mind, though, since Looper is a fascinating mix of wry self-awareness and morality choices. Also, time travel. I’m a sucker for time travel.

MINOR SPOILERS BELOW

The main problem Looper has, and in fact most time travel movies have, is that it doesn’t really hold up to close inspection. None of the time travel really makes any sense, a fact which becomes readily apparent at the close of the film, but the great thing is that Looper is aware of its own ridiculousness.

There are two separate scenes in Looper where one character tells Joe (and the audience) a good rule of thumb while watching any movie that features time travel: “I don’t want to talk about time travel because if we start talking about it then we’re going to be here all day talking about it, making diagrams with straws.”

Looper is surprisingly funny. Little moments of humor do a brilliant job of breaking up tense scenes, especially the dialogue about time travel. Abe, a character from the future tells Joe that learning French is pointless. Instead, why not go to China and learn Mandarin? Joe replies that he’s going to France. Abe says “I’m from the future; go to China.”

Another scene takes place in Joe’s favorite diner. Instead of drinking coffee by himself like he normally does, now he’s dining with himself. Literally, himself. An older version of himself, looking at his younger self and not thinking very much of him. There’s a missed opportunity here: we could have had an entire movie like this, where a man examines his own past and looks at it with disgust. Of course that premise does not lend well to an action movie, but that still doesn’t stop me from missing the movie-that-could-have-been.

The addition of another science fiction trope — telekinetic powers — pushes the movie-that-could-have-been even further out of the way and turns the movie from a film about the past to a film about childhood. But instead of being another trope in a movie based on a trope, it pokes fun at that trope. Joe explains that when TKs (short for telekinetics) first appeared, they though there would be superheroes. But instead, it’s just a bunch of people levitating quarters in an attempt to woo young ladies.

I usually never have a problem with movies that don’t make any sense sci-fi-wise, as long as they play by their own rules. I could nitpick and whine about timelines and plotting, but since for the most part Looper plays by it’s own rules, I’m not going to.

Looper is a movie well worth seeing.

Part of the reason that Looper is so good is that it brings a completely original story to the table. I can’t just say that Looper is like this movie or another movie, because it isn’t. I, as a moviegoer, have been hungering for something new that wasn’t just rehashing what has already been done, and Looper delivers that much needed originality.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is, as per usual, excellent in this movie, and even Bruce Willis as Older Joe turns in a good performance — which is pretty rare these days. The makeup team deserves an award for turning Gordon-Levitt into a young Willis, though the montage that shows the actual transformation leaves a bit to be desired. Gordon-Levitt’s makeup is eery when both Older Joe and Young Joe are together. One begins to notice the small details: Gordon-Levitt’s nose has been changed, his eyes are different, his eyebrows have been modified.

Looper has been rated R for strong violence, language, some sexuality/nudity and drug content.

If you are old enough to go see it, I would give Looper an 8/10 stars. An excellent but criminally underseen film just as smart as Inception or Primer, Looper is a movie for anyone who loves both smart storytelling and heart-pumping action.

Too far, can be too hard

By Errol Hammond –

High School love. Lots of students have gone through it, and if not now, at some point they will. The feeling and connection between teens is sometimes so strong they believe they can get through anything. But what if one is going to college? Or both?

Long distance relationships can be tough for teens.

According to a study performed by The Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships (yes, this place exists), 25 to 40 percent of all romantic relationships among college students are in some way long distance.

For some Penn Manor students it takes commitment, honesty, and a certain amount of communication.

In the beginning, the hard change for most couples is going from seeing each other everyday, to two to three times a month.

According to Healthy Relationship Center at the University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center, how much time you spend together and apart is a common relationship concern. If you interpret your partner’s time apart from you as, ‘he or she doesn’t care for me as much as I care for him or her,’ you may be headed for trouble by jumping to conclusions. Check out with your partner what time alone means to him or her, and share your feelings about what you need from the relationship in terms of time together. Demanding what you want, regardless of your partner’s needs, usually ends up driving your partner away, so work on reaching a compromise.

Junior student Maddie Rohrer talks about how it will be very difficult for her and her boyfriend of two years, Alec Keck, when he leaves for Drexel University next fall.

“There’s things that can happen, obviously, but I feel that since we have been dating for so long that we will be able to work things out,” Rohrer said confidently.

“I plan to go up and visit when I can, but I don’t know how often,” she later said.

Taking time to communicate with one another can be hard if both students are in different colleges.

At Penn Manor, senior students Taylor Goldberg and David Schneider just happen to be going to the same college, but not on purpose.

“We have schedules on opposite days but going to the same school is convenient,” said Goldberg.

Talking and communicating won’t be hard for this couple since they won’t bee too far away, but when the question if they went to other schools came up, her response was quick and honest.

Senior David Schneider

“I think it would be complicated, but I think we could work it out. Like if he was far away or I was far away, you just never know what the other is exactly doing,” said Goldberg.

Her senior boyfriend of two years, Schneider had a similar response about their distance if they went to different schools.

“Yeah, it would be harder for me to go to a different school because we wouldn’t see each other nearly as much. You wouldn’t know who’s there or what she’s doing.” said Schneider calmly.

There are all kinds of things that can happen when a love one is too far.

The Brown Bag is Back

By Richard Schulz –

The brown bag lunch is rather boring and mundane but, for some students, it’s getting to be an attractive alternative to the cafeteria tray full of food.

Penn Manor junior Austin Ulmer is one of those students who have been packing his lunch recently because he doesn’t like the food at school.

“School food is not exceptional,” said Ulmer, who declares he packs healthier than the cafeteria, sometimes.

School lunches haven’t changed much, nothing new, but now some are deciding to bring a little slice of home with them and are now packing their lunch.

Ulmer does not hate the school food, he mentioned he just feels better bringing his own food. He suggests the school should possibly rethink their strategy and see what students are more interested in. He says the he switched to packing lunch because it’s cheaper, more to his liking and a good way to get rid of leftovers.

Other then buying the occasional carton of wings from time to time, Ulmer is happy with his new option.

“If the price of the food is rising, then the quality of the food should be too,” said Ulmer.

A lunch bag filled with goodies. Photo credit to Richard Schulz.

Another Penn Manor junior, Grant Houck, also is proud to pack his lunch and has been doing it for a while. He also mentions that it’s a good way to nibble on things throughout the day so he doesn’t starve to death.

“I enjoy mine more, that’s all,” Houck said, referring to his lunch.

On the other side of the register, the lunch ladies haven’t noticed an overwhelming amount of students choosing to pack their lunch.

Gail Yohe, a cafeteria worker at Penn Manor, notes that it hasn’t been noticeable if there are less students buying lunch. But, students do wonder why the lunch prices rise every year which is a factor in the number of students packing.

“The cost for food is rising yearly,” said Yohe.

She also mentioned that even if students are packing their lunches more often, it hasn’t affected the costs yet. Other cafeteria workers agreed that they haven’t been able to notice any change in the numbers of students choosing to pack their lunches.

Although not yet completely noticeable, the packed lunch trend is here to stay.

Alum Evan Singleton is Adam Mercer, Professional Wrestler

By Richard Schulz –

Standing at 6’5″  and weighing at 255 lbs. a past Penn Manor student rises to the ring and becomes Adam Mercer.

The student is known as Evan Singleton who graduated with the class of 2011. Singleton showed wrestling talent for his school and wrestled in the weight class of 285.  A tall beast that towered over younger students.

“It’s a goal he’s had since he was a kid,” said Steve Hess, Penn Manor’s wresting coach.

Hess got to know Singleton personally and, while others are intimidated of his size, Hess isn’t as frightened as the others.

“He’s not nearly as mean as he acts,” said coach Hess. Hess believes that with the intelligence and build Singleton has, he will be successful.

The 19-year-old is one of the youngest athletes signed with FCW. Photo credit to fcwwrestling.info.

His appearance at Florida Chamionship Wrestling, FCW, has helped him toward the WWE. His goal is to become the youngest WWE champion. He’s proved people wrong before, and he plans to do it again.

After hearing from his past wrestling friends, this athlete may lack experience, but he has the heart to build on it.

Mercer has participated in four different matches in his career, so far.

Adam Mercer’s FCW  debut video.

 

Names a Matter of Popularity at Penn Manor

By Alicia Ygarza

John, Sam, Alex, Billy. What’s your moniker?

It is easy to believe that Samantha and Tyler could be the most popular boy and girl name in the U.S. However, according to USA Today, Sophia and Jacob are the most favored names by mommies and daddies in the U.S.

The most popular baby names change from year to year, but not the name Jacob, which has been the most popular boy’s name for 13 years. While Sophia is the new most popular girl’s name, booting the reigning champ, Isabella, to second place.

Pamela Satran, co-founder of the baby-name website Nameberry.com said, “Classic, gender-specific names” which represent “a more serious image of women,” has been the new trend this year. Names on the new list like Sophia, Isabella, and Olivia, suggest this.

Parents today are choosing their kids’ names wisely, whether it may be usual or unusual.

“They (parents) want their child to stand out and they’re afraid if they have four children in the classroom with the same name their child won’t stand out,” said sociologist, Patricia Leavy.

That is exactly what happened to Samantha Smith, a student at Penn Manor who thinks of her name as bitter sweet.

“I’ve been in a class with four people named Sam, three girls (including her) and one boy. I was Samantha, the other girl was Sammy, the third girl was Sam, and the boy was called by his last name,” said Smith.

Boy names you will frequently hear repeated at Penn Manor are Tyler, and Matt.

“It’s awkward when I’m in the hallway and someone says “Matt,” and they’re talking to someone else,” said Matt Gross, a junior at Penn Manor.

“It’s annoying [having a common name like Tyler], that’s why you have to have a nickname,” said Tyler Smith, senior at Penn Manor.

Samantha Smith said having a common name bothered her when she was younger, but she’s grown to accept it now, and likes when people call her Samantha.

“I think the name Samantha fits me because it’s graceful, and I think I’m graceful,” said Smith.

While Smith enjoys her name, other students are not so accepting of theirs.

Joanie Swinehart wishes for a more common name because she thinks the name Joanie is a bit “odd.”

“I don’t like it much,” said Swinehart.

“My mom named me after my grandmother, her name was Joan, and my mom added the ie. I hear it [the name] once in a while, but not everyday. It’s really different and it’s kind of odd, but I would like a more common name,” stated Swinehart.

There are many students in Penn Manor with uncommon names, and it appears to be mostly girls.

One student is named Precious, and another student is named Mi Lady, two very uncommon names that many have never heard before.

“I wish I had a different name, I can never find anything with my name on it, like the name tags you get at the beach,” said Precious LaBoy.

Her parents named her Precious because they were expecting a boy, but when they had a girl, they believed she was a precious gift from God. Therefore, named her Precious.

“I don’t think my name defines me, I would like the name Jasmine. It [the name Precious] sets what people are going to think about me, and if I’m not how they think I’ll be, it’s awkward,” stated LaBoy.

According to Thinkbabynames.com, the name Precious is not in the top 100 U.S. baby names.

The name Zoe statistics
There are other students in Penn Manor who have  uncommon names, just not as uncommon as Precious.

Like Zoe Hower for instance. Hower said she didn’t meet another person with her name until this year.

“I have no problem with my name because other names I like are uncommon too,” said Hower.

Hower’s parents named her after their friend’s cat, according to Hower.

She’s even seen pictures of it.

Common or uncommon, every name has a special meaning.

To find the meaning of a name you’re interested in, go to www.thinkbabynames.com.

Y vs. X, Two Different Generations?

By Chad Gates-

If your in high school today, it’s most likely you’re part of generation Y, the offspring of your parents who are part of the previous generation X. You may share some characteristics of your parents, but chances are you’re much more different from them than you think.

Generation Y, (or commonly referred to as millennials) is the generation of kids that were born between the years 1980-1999. This date range is highly debated, but so are the other ranges of previous generations. Studies say that Millennials are often closer there parents, may rely more on them, and many will still live at home for a few years after they become an adult at the age of 18. It has also been stated that Millennials often share the same interests and generally like the same things as their parents, but have much different views as compared to generation X.

For example, the people of generation X (or gen Xers, usually to be considered born around the mid sixties to the end of the seventies) were usually never close to their parents and did not share the same likes and interests, unlike the Millennials. Most Gen Xers did not rely on their parents and were much more independent. Many of them were moving out to live on their own by the time they had reached 18, this is why Gen Xers are also called latch-key kids.

Nike Inc. researched and made a list comparing differences between both generations seen after interviewing people from both generations. The list is shown here:

Generation X Generation Y (Millennials)
Accept diversity
Pragmatic/Practical
Self reliant/Individualistic
Reject rules
Killer life
Mistrust institutions
PC
Use technology
Multitask
Latch-key kids
Friends — not family
Celebrate Diversity
Optimistic/realistic
Self-Inventive/individualistic
Rewrite the rules
Killer Lifestyle
Irrelevance of institutions
Internet
Assume technology
Multitask fast
Nurtured
Friends = family

 

As seen in this list, both generations have clear differences. Millennials are like tech natives, growing up in a time where technology is rapidly advancing and the internet has made a huge impact on society. However, gen Xers had experienced the beginning of modern technology, before it became a part of an everyday lifestyle like it is with most people today.

Friends are another example of the differences, Gen Xers often looked as their friends as friends, not as part of their family. Millennials usually consider friends to be like family.

However, these characteristics are just theories, one cannot say that every Millennial today multitasks quickly and that their parents accept diversity.

Whatever generation you may be from, whether it’s X or Y, don’t hesitate to ask your parents, (or your children for all you gen Xers reading this) about their views and lifestyle. They could be similar to yours, or, very different.

 

 

 

 

Senior Week Near, Seniors Beware

By DaYonte Dixon –

Senior year is coming to an end. That means certain senior year activities are near. Class trip, graduation and senior week are all arriving very soon.

“Senior week is honestly going to be the best week of my life,” said senior Mitch Domin

A week that every high school parent is hoping will just be over with. Senior week, as most people know, is an end of the year final week when many  seniors go away and more often then not party with their class one last time.

Teens never know what's going to happen at senior week. Photo from thelondoneveningpost.com

“It’s ridiculous,” said senior Reagan Forrey. “It’s all I think about.”

But as much as teens may be looking forward to a week of freedom, it has come with serious consequences for local teens in past years.

There have been many mistakes made by seniors during this week. Some of which have ruined people’s lives.

For example only a few years ago Penn Manor alum Jerome Ward, an all-star three sport athlete was  part of a fight at senior week. During this fight he injured somebody with a glass bottle and was thrown in prison. While he was released only after a day or two, he said it ruined his prospects of a college scholarship and essentially his entire future. Ward went from being an all-star athlete with a bright future, to being a full time employee at Applebee’s and still living at home with his parents.

Because of an example of one of Penn Manor’s own,  Ward, who was seriously affected by his decisions, some have realized that this could be a potentially life-altering week, and took steps to make sure that it wouldn’t affect their futures.

“Me and my two friends we were smart about senior week,” said alumni Teon Lee, who was also an all star-three sport athlete. “We knew it was going to get crazy, so we bought our own three-person house so we knew we always had a place to go.”

Most people would agree that high school students are not always fully aware of the dangers at senior week. And that they don’t recognize how much their mistakes can affect their futures.

Senior week has became so popular that even juniors have begun attending senior week as what they call “Junior Week.” It is safe to say that last year about half as many juniors attended senior week as did seniors.

But for some, senior week is not on the top of their to do list.

“I have a band trip to Disney World in Florida that week,” said senior Jesse Griffith “I don’t feel like I’m missing out on much though, I can think of better things to do.”

Senior week is supposed to be a week of fun and enjoyment. Parents only pray that their kids don’t have to0 much fun, and do something that they will regret.

Parents can only hope that all seniors and juniors who attend senior week get through the week in good health, without making any big mistakes.

But only time will tell.

Obesity Becoming a “Bigger” Problem

By Daulton Parmer and Errol Hammond –

“I’m getting fat, what’s for lunch? Fries? Yes,” a statement that could be made by some Penn Manor students.

While recent studies show that the overall rates of obesity have plateaued, obesity is widespread and continues to be a leading public health problem in the U.S. Penn Manor’s teen population is not immune to the condition and some adults here have noticed.

Anne Butterfield, Penn Manor High School school nurse, sees obesity as a huge problem in the U.S.

“Obesity leads to chronic health problems,” said Butterfield. “It causes an increase in insurance, diabetes is a huge issue, a chance of cardiac disease, joint displacement from all of the pressure on them, loss of limbs, blindness, and ultimately, death.”

Bacon Cheeseburgers photo by Daulton Parmer

Butterfield’s words are backed up by national statistics. More than one third of U.S. adults are obese. That is 35.7 percent, nearly 78 million people, this is according to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

“Kids don’t realize that there is an unbalanced scale between the calories they take in and the ones they take out,” Butterfield said. 

“The best diet is the one you know the most about, lean protein, fruit and exercise… it’s really common sense.  People need to make a habit, habits usually take a month and a half to develop,” said Butterfield

While the Penn Manor lunch ladies do their job, they do also observe the kids and their eating habits.

One lunch lady stated, “that’s the problem with this generation, they don’t get out and exercise.”

Sheryl Wolf, the cafeteria manager, said, “There are some who are very concious. You will have a group who will say, ‘can’t I have something other than fries?’  Then unfortunately, you have people, I hate to say it, girls, who are very heavy and are continuing to eat fries. You just can’t. Especially if you have that metabolism in your body.  You can not eat those fries every day.  I think boys are more conscious than girls. I have a group of guys that want different things.”

But the high school, like other schools,  are trying to cut down on ‘bad foods’ in the cafeteria.

“Over the last couple years, there has been a reductions on the menu,” said the Food Service Director, Randy Wolfgang, referring to the district’s emphasis on providing leaner, more healthy cafeteria meals.

He said the district cut out foods with trans fats even before the government required it.

 

 

 

Some Skeptic of Post Prom Hypnotist

By Taylor Skelly and Shadrack Kiprop-

One of post prom’s most anticipated events year in and year out is the hypnotist.  But is it real or,  is it fake?

That is the debate that is filling Penn Manor’s halls as post-prom goers reminisce about this year’s prom, which already seems to have happened an eternity ago.  But in actuality, it is only a few days past.

Joanna Cameron in the middle of a performance. Photo courtesy of joannacameron.com.

“I think some people were actually hypnotized, but others were definitely faking it,” said senior Ryan Dettrey who was a bit skeptical of some of the volunteers’ actual state of hypnosis, “Some of the stuff they were doing was too fake to be brought on by hypnosis.”

Joanna Cameron, otherwise known as “The Trance Lady,” has an array of qualifications including a doctorate in clinical hypnotherapy, and is responsible for the hypnosis of countless Penn Manor High School post-prom goers for the past year 12 years, according to her personal website, www.joannacameron.com.

She has performed in 49 states and is the author of two books.

Dylan Kniesley, a senior at Penn Manor was one of the students who volunteered to be hypnotized at the post prom festivities. Despite the critics and nay-sayers, he claims he was definitely under  a state of hypnosis.

“I heard the hypnotist lady, Joanna Cameron, was coming to Penn Manor, and I wanted to try it,” said Kniesley, “I was totally zoned out, and couldn’t remember much.”

She made me act like famous figures such as Michael Jackson and Charlie Sheen, I thought it was funny so I didn’t mind doing it. I actually had a blast, remarked Kniesley.

According to Cameron’s website, “Hyypnosis is a focused state of awareness when the conscious, judgmental mind slows down and the unconscious mind comes to the forefront. The unconscious mind is the “seat” of your emotions and imagination but still able to use words and ideas to alter perceptions.”

However, many remain skeptic, claiming there is no concrete way to prove someone is in a state of hypnosis.

“I think most people thought it was fake,” said Dettrey.

The jury is still out. Does the Trance Lady really contain the powers to bring the unconscious mind to the forefront, or is the whole thing just an elaborate hoax? It’s up for students to decide.