Penn Points Staff

Senioritis strikes again

Perhaps these sleeping students are also suffering from senioritis. photo credit: Jens-Olaf via photopin cc

By Josh Lefever

Every year new students graduate from high school. Every year students begin to slack and some of their work starts to slip. Many colleges each year take back their acceptance to students for low academic performance in their senior year.

When many students were asked if they thought that they did procrastinate more in their senior year some had very different answers.

Richard Schulz is a prime example of a “procrastinator.“

“Yes, I have waited way too long to do papers and homework assignments, said Schulz. “I’ve found myself up late many nights trying to get a paper done for the next day.”

Harrison Schettler also agreed that he has slacked much more his senior year.

Some students allow senioritis to carry over from their senior year to their freshman year of college. They slack and some even get kicked out of college.

Many students at Penn Manor do not think the overall slack of their senior year will transfer into college.

“I am going to make sure I actually get my work done in advance, and study for all my tests,’” said Schulz.

Shettler actually has some motivation to keep his grades up here and in college.

“Next year I’ll be running track so I think that will help me keep my grades up.”

Some of you may be wondering if these students planned for an easy senior year.

“I did not purposely make me schedule easier, but I would say that i’ve had much more fun this year in many of my classes,” said Schulz.

Danielle Landis and Shettler both agreed they also did not plan to have an easy senior year.

As the year is dwindling down now students can see how their effort decreased across time.

“Yes I would say my work ethic at the beginning was much higher than now,” said Schulz. “Just all the things that i’ve done this year has shown me I am almost done with this part of my life.”

A new kind of energy

By Coral Consylman

We have all heard of energy drinks and possibly have tried them. Popular energy drinks are Red Bull, Full Throttle and Monster. But this year a new energy drink has been sweeping colleges and high schools.

It’s called Verve, and according to its makers, it is a healthy alternative energy drink that is nutritious. Verve was created by Vemma Company that has brand partners buy a monthly supply of Verve and get paid to spread the word to friends so the business becomes successful.

Brand partners earn points when people in their network sign-up to get more products which then turn into paychecks. Shipments are not cheap, because two cases of Verve cost $150. Most partners sign through builder packs with more product and marketing supplies that can cost $500 and even $1,000 a month.

If partners stack up enough points and keep up with shipments, they can move up company ranks.

Eric Shetrompf is a brand partner for Verve and a junior at Penn Manor.

“I love the product and how healthy it is and the brand partner aspect of everything is a lot of work but totally worth it,” said Shetrompf.

Daily meetings are held for brand partners. Each meeting consists of 10 to 60 people, and there are always new people showing up.

“The usual meeting consists of brand partners listening to up lines from higher brand partners, trying product and looking at new cars that brand partners can earn,” said Shetrompf.

Brand partners who purchase and sell enough product earn Platinum Status with Verve and have the option to purchase a car.

Penn Manor’s Mrs.Christa Craig, who teaches entrepreneurship, is not convinced by Verve.

“I haven’t heard of Verve, and I would be extremely skeptical of this. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” said Craig. “This seems like a marketing ploy to me- they are trying to get their name out to as many outlets as possible. Reaching “diamond” level is probably difficult, so few do.”

Marching band plans new show

By Emily Thyrum

The marching band is planning a show called "Water" for the 2013-2014 school year. The show is based on the movement of water. — The marching band is planning a show called “Water” for the 2013-2014 school year. The show is based on the movement of water.

Normally, band camp consists of long and difficult work, but this year, The Penn Manor Marching Unit will flow right through it.

According to Mr. Tom Mumma, the band director, the marching band show of the 2013-2014 school year was originally going to be called “H20,” but now the name is “Water.” The music is called New Beginnings.

The show will have many different shades of blue out on the field with the backdrops scattered around the field. These backdrops will be the same as the last year, which will be turned horizontally to create a swirly blue background.

At the end of the band season of the 2012-2013 school year, the band staff met to pick the next year’s show. Everyone in the staff brought different possible shows to the meeting, and the list was then narrowed down. The show was decided on about a month later. Details are worked out a few weeks after that.

“[I am most looking forward to] arranging the music. I really like the music this year,” said Mumma. He is also looking forward to working with the students and performing the music, which he finds fun this year.

According to Mumma, the band will probably be five to 10 students larger than it was in 2012-2013. Some of the smaller sections from the 2012-2013 school year will now have more members, so Mumma expects that the band will move back up to the American division of the Cavalcade of Bands. This division consists of bands of a small-medium size.

“I like the drive and the impact of the music,” Mumma said. He also likes how the music flows, and he thinks the lyrical sections will be effective on the field.

Mumma plans to hand out the music on May 29. The band will try to put the general idea of the show out on the field for the first competition in September.

The music is rather challenging, and there are no pauses in the music, to emphasize the topic of water as the show. These aspects will be a challenge for the band for the upcoming school year.

Another challenge for the staff will be writing the show so some people will go out of view for some moments since there will be no pauses.

Band members are looking forward to next year’s show.

“[I’m excited for] being a positive role model for the younger students and the possibility to lead my section,” said Julia Yoder, a sophomore and flutist.

“I’m looking forward to seeing band members I can’t see anywhere else,” said Ashley Pfister, a freshman who plays the clarinet.

The forthcoming of Gatsby

By Abbey Bailey

The much-anticipated Great Gatsby movie opens on May 10.

From the mind and hands of renowned director Baz Luhrmann, known for Moulin Rouge, Australia and Romeo + Juliet, comes the retelling of the iconic story “The Great Gatsby.” The release date of the film is May 10.

Originally written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, “The Great Gatsby” is a book that many high school students are familiar with. Fitzgerald tells the story of Nick Carraway, a Yale graduate and WWI veteran who gets a job in New York and moves to Long Island. He is immediately attracted to the lifestyle of his flamboyant neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Carraway meets and bonds with many people whose lives connect with his and Gatsby’s in different ways he can only dream of. The island holds many secrets.

There are many renowned stars in this film, such as Tobey Macguire and Carey Mulligan. Macguire is known for his role as Peter Parker in “Spider-Man” (2002-2007), and Mulligan for her debut portrayal as Kitty Bennet in “Pride and Prejudice.” Mulligan has also starred in many British television hits, like Doctor Who and Northanger Abbey. Macguire will play Caraway in the film depiction of Fitzgerald’s classic novel. Mulligans is to play Daisy Buchanan, Jay Gatsby’s one love. But the biggest star of them all is Leonardo DiCaprio who will portray the eccentric Jay Gatsby. DiCaprio starred as Romeo Capulet in Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” (1996), so the two men have worked together before.

The anticipation for the movie grew when Warner Bros. made the decision to postpone the release of the movie due to the original date in December being close to many other hits, such as “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “Les Misérables” and “Django Unchained.” Dicaprio also played Calvin Candie in “Django,” which also interfered with the making of “Gatsby.”

Penn Manor English teacher Tim Joyce , who teaches “The Great Gatbsy” in his 10th-grade American literature course, expressed his anticipation for the movie. Mr. Joyce enjoys the directing styles of Luhrmann, along with the soundtracks chosen to go along with his movies.

“I like the way he [Luhrmann] puts a modern spin on classic literature,” says Joyce. Luhrmann did this in the 1996 film version of “Romeo + Juliet.”

The film trailer was released in mid-March and caused a frenzy of excitement in movie goers and fans of the book alike. There will be a midnight premiere of the film at Regal Cinemas in Lancaster on May 9 starting at 10 p.m. for 3D and 10:30 p.m. for 2D.

Some sports begin at Spooky Nook

The new Spooky Nook sports complex contains courts for a number of sports and hosts many sports teams. (Photo from spookynooksports.com)

By Addie Porter

Lancaster County is now home to one of the largest sports complexes in North America, and the home training facility for USA Field Hockey team, Spooky Nook Sports Complex in East Hempfield Township.

The privately-funded, multi-million dollar project, which began in 2011, has officially put Lancaster on the map for something other than rolling cornfields and horse-and-buggies.

Chosen after a long search for the perfect location, the original building used to be used as an Armstrong World Industries distribution center. The current facility will include over 800,000 indoor square feet and sits on 65 acres of land, and the accommodations include fitness centers, brand new fields and courts for team sports such as volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball, field hockey, basketball, tennis and lacrosse, locker and team facilities, summer camps, party rooms, a food court and smoothie bar, and much more.

Though the complex is not entirely finished just yet, several sports teams have been made available to local athletes to participate in for the 2013 season, such as basketball, field hockey and volleyball.

“I’m excited to see where the season takes us,” said freshman Ellie Barley, a member of the ninth-grade Elite basketball team. “We’re a new team, and I think we have a lot of potential.” Barley also mentioned how nice the brand new courts are.

Sheetz planned at Comet Field

By Brandon Kauffman

After 12 years of planning to build a convenience store plans at Millersville Commons, plans are set and construction almost underway. When completed, the pricetag will be approximately $7 million dollars. Construction on the Sheetz, bank, and retail stores are expected to begin in May of 2013.

The Sheetz is being built right beside Elizabeth Martin Elementary school on Route 741 and Barbara Street, where a new Martin Elementary school is built beside the old one.

The Elizabeth Martin Elementary school is scheduled to be completed in July 2013. This could mean a lot of construction traffic from May until July.

Some people are happy about the convenience store while others are less excited.

“I think it is a grand idea to build ( a Sheetz), but it will also make the traffic much worse,” said Brady Jordan. “I do like that I will be able to get gas and food easier after school.”

The 1.7 acres of land is across from Oak Leaf Manor, diagonal from Martin Elementary, behind Crossway Church and beside comet field. The planning commission created plans on March 7, 2012 which call for a 6,800 square foot Sheetz, 3,800 square foot drive-thru bank and 15,000 square feet of retail stores.

“I think it is a great idea to built a Sheetz. It will be convenient and a good place to eat.” said senior Dominic Masiano. “But I do think it will ruin the business of the Comet Field snack bar.”

Plans are also call for an extension of Wabank Road farther west to Barbara Street. There would also be sidewalks through the buildings to make it safer for sports players or anyone walking to Comet Field, according to Lancaster Online.

Drivers often take advantage of warm weather

By Jordan Machado

Drivers from the ages of 18-24 love when warm and nice weather comes around. They are able to have some fun while driving a car, which always isn’t the best. Driving faster than speed limit might have consequences: you could be pulled over, ticketed or, worst, you could be in a car accident.

Millersville Borough and Penn Manor high school both have a very important person on their team and that is Officer Jason Hottenstein. He has been a police officer for 17 years total and 12 of those, the school resource officer.

Officer Hottenstein explained that drivers seem to get pedal happy and want to see what their car is able to do. Police officers aren’t on the lookout for speeding in spring more than they are all year due to not having any major highways or roads in this area.

One out of five drivers has excuses as to why they speed according to National Highway Traffic Safety Association:

They’re in a hurry.
They’re inattentive to their driving.
They don’t take traffic laws seriously; rules don’t apply to them.
They don’t view their driving behaviors as dangerous.
They don’t expect to get caught.

“Everyone likes to play their music, let their hair flow in the wind, talk on the phone and have friends in the car and seem to forget how fast they may be going which leads to accidents,” said Officer Hottenstein.

According to an organization called Outreach to Save Lives, an average of 36 percent of speeders are teens/young adults ages 16-25, 23 percent are adults from 26-45, 12 percent are adults ages 46-63, which leaves 29 percent to emergency vehicles responding to an emergency.

Junior Donald McMillan admits to speeding.

“Teens are very easily distracted and does lead us forgetting how fast we are pressing the gas pedal. To be honest, I know I’ve done it before,” said junior McMillan.

Senior Hannah Henegar said that she knows speeding can be an issue.

“I do speed when I’ve had a long day at practice from softball or a game. I get tired and want to be able to relax,” said Henegar. “I haven’t been stopped yet and hope I never will. As I myself feel that I am a good driver, I understand anything at anytime can go wrong.”

Boring Friday nights are about to change

By Natalie Pavlovec

First Friday is held on the first Friday of every month in downtown Lancaster, Pa. Tonight's event is from 5-9 p.m. — First Friday is held on the first Friday of every month in downtown Lancaster, Pa. Tonight’s event is from 5-9 p.m.

Are you the one that usually has no plans on a Friday night?

Well, your schedule is about to change.

On the first Friday of each month, an event called “First Friday” is held in downtown

Lancaster. Galleries and art shops are open to the public to view all different kinds of creations. Also, if you’re hungry, there are plenty of places to eat.

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design usually opens their school on these nights to the public. Guests can go inside and view some of the students’ work.

Another art gallery to check out is The Liz Hess Gallery, located on 140 North Prince Street. Liz Hess is a local artist, and in all of her paintings, there’s a figure with a red umbrella. This figure will show up in paintings of places around the world, such as England, Ireland and Italy. The artist usually travels to all of the places in her paintings in order to paint them.

The Red Raven Art Company is an art gallery located on 138 North Prince Street. They are a gallery dedicated to young artists, and new exhibitions are displayed each month. The Red Raven Art Company is in the heart of Gallery Row.

Instead of just looking around, you can also go shopping. There are over 200 shops in downtown Lancaster. For example: Art & Glassworks, BellaBoo, and Details, Styles for Living.

Art & Glassworks is art such as stained glass panels, lamps, garden art and more. It’s located on 319 North Queen Street.

BellaBoo is a store for children. Located on 32 North Queen Street, this store is great for purchasing gifts for kids.

Details, Styles for Living is located on 30 North Queen Street. It’s shopping for home decor, gifts, clothing, bridal & baby registries and more.

With all this observation, walking and shopping – it can sure make a person hungry after a while, right?

Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie is located on 309 N. Queen St. They sell breakfast crepes, specialty crepes, dessert crepes and more. Also, if you have a sweet tooth for Nutella, this is the place to eat.

Another place that’s good to eat is at the Fractured Prune, located on 255 N. Queen Street. If you’re in the mood for a good doughnut, this place has a wide variety of doughnuts, including a french toast doughnut, peanut butter cup doughnut, caramel bliss doughnut, and lots more.

All of these shops, places to eat, and galleries are open everyday to the public.

If you’re looking for upcoming events at First Friday, you can attend The Echo Valley Art Exhibit on May 3 at the Ware Center. It starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. This event is open to the public and free admission.

Tonight’s First Friday events will take place in downtown Lancaster from 5-9 p.m.

Itchy face, stuffy nose, watery eyes: nice weather but can’t enjoy it?

By Cici Padua

Spring is here and even though it brings nice weather, some people dread the fact that trees and shrubs are blooming because all they’re doing is causing irritation to people’s daily activities, especially outdoor activities.

According to Mrs. Anne Butterfield, school nurse, allergy symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, or not being able to see because of constant rubbing are common. That all can go away as long as you take an antihistamine. An antihistamine is a drug used to counteract with histamine in allergies.

Sarah Giuffrida, a senior at Penn Manor says she has allergies, and most of the time she can’t see well. She said her face can sometime get itchy and nose stuffs up. To help with her allergies she takes Claritin D. Even though allergies may come and go, it doesn’t affect her daily activities.

Trenta Blount 22, a Lancaster resident, says he has allergies, but its not as severe. Even though he does have them he doesn’t take anything for it.

“It just comes and goes,” said Blount.

People who have severe allergies can check the Local & National Allergy Forecast to see when and where pollen is at its worst in certain cities and when its city is at its best. It can help people who like to travel and can be well prepared.

FFA students complete SAE projects

By Michelle Zercher

Have you ever wondered what FFA students are talking about when they talk about their SAE projects, which are supervised agricultural experience projects?

A supervised agricultural experience is a project that a FFA member can complete and get a credit toward graduation. Students complete these projects with the help of their FFA advisors also known as agriculture teachers and can receive credit for up to four SAE projects.

If students want to do an SAE project, they have a lot of options. The two most popular projects are raising animals and working.

Some students will work at a farm or really any job. Students can also work at a flower shop or restaurant, for example, as long as they keep a record of their paychecks and what they do everyday. This kind of SAE project is called a work experience project.

Jesse Burkholder, a junior, works on his family’s dairy farm.

“I enjoy working outside and working with machinery,” said Burkholder.

Another possible SAE project is to raise animals. When students are raising animals, they have to keep records of what they do with the animals everyday, the money they spend on feed, vet bills and boarding costs, and the income they receive from selling and showing their animals.

When September comes around it becomes a very busy time for many of the Manor FFA members, because for most students it is time to show the animals that they have spent the past months raising, feeding and training for the fairs. Students can take their animals to the Solanco and Lampeter fairs.

The most popular animals that Manor FFA kids show are steers, pigs and lambs.

Margaret Drumm, a senior, has been showing steers for six years. She said that the normal time to get a show steer is in October or November.

Cameron Long, a senior, shows pigs and steers.

According to Long, fair pigs are bought in the middle of May. Long shows pigs at the Lampeter Fair, Solanco Fair and the Pennsylvania Farm Show. When asked his favorite part of showing he said, “my favorite part of showing is getting to compete with my friends”.

Katie Hess, a junior at Penn Manor High School, shows pigs and dairy beef.

“My favorite part of showing is getting the animals all ready so that they look nice,” said Hess. “I like to be able to show the judge that I really have been working with my animals, and I love when my hard work pays off. I also like selling them and making money”.

Kayla Major, a junior at Penn Manor High School, shows lambs.

“My favorite part of showing is the rush of adrenaline I get when I walk into the show ring and get to show off my hard work,” said Major.

Katrina Reiff, a senior at Penn Manor High School, shows lambs, pigs, and dairy beef.

“My favorite part of showing would have to be competition but also showing beside my sister and friends,” said Reiff, who shows her animals at the 4-H roundup, Solanco Fair, Lampeter Fair, and the PA Farm Show.