Category: Student Life

Prom Dress Frenzy Hits Penn Manor

Cassey Graeff –

“I want to look like a princess,” said senior Robin Green.

Prom night is an unforgettable night for the graduating seniors. Guys have little to no stress but it’s a different story for the girls.

Hair,  nails, makeup, and most importantly the DRESS.

Seniors Sam Eshleman, Maddy Hess and Samantha McCrery look at websites for dress ideas

According to edressme.com, new trends for 2011 prom dresses include bright colors, unique hemlines, and glitz and glamor.

The top ten trends include the following

1. Bright Colors : sunset orange, citrus yellow or popsicle pink

2. Ombre: wearing two or three colors at the same time

3. Basic Black: every girl looks great in black

4. Glitter: dazzle friends by wearing sequins, beads, sequins, rhinestones, and jewels

5. Detail: ruffles, slits, overlays, ribbons or bows,and  embroideries of flowers can add a personal touch to your dress that makes it perfect for you

6. Hemline: tea length, ballerina, and asymmetrical along with many other styles. You’re bound to find the style that fits your body type

7. Hi-lo effect: the front of the dress shorter then the back

Thierry Mugler fashion worn by Lady Gaga

8. Short & Sweet: short is becoming the new long; having a short dress is becoming popular

9. Celebrity Inspired: dresses that are worn by celebrities are becoming popular and different styles are reflecting these looks

10. Trains: trains are a very elegant look and can add some class to your dress

Thierry Mugler a fashion designer in Paris is debuting Lady Gaga in his fashion show Wednesday some at Penn Manor are wondering whether any of the fashion ideas will influence prom dress decisions.

“I would go to New York City to find a dress if I could,” said Eshleman.

Emily Nickel a senior at Penn Manor has a different idea for her prom dress. “I am wearing my mom’s (prom dress), I’ve always wanted to wear hers, it’s unique and vintage.”

Regardless of the dress style, color, and design, girls from Penn Manor are excited to find their perfect prom dress.

“I am so excited to show off my dress,” said Hess.

Love Shouldn’t Hurt

By Alyssa Jahnke –

How much will you take to be with the person you “love?”

Even though relationship abuse is not common in Penn Manor High School, it still exists. Some teens may be scared to tell the truth about what happens in their relationship.

Some teens don’t know when they are in an abusive relationship. Some warning signs are if your partner:

  • puts you down.
  • is very controlling.
  • threatened to commit suicide if you leave them.
  • acts very jealous and possessive.
  • has threatened you or hurt you.

There can be mental, sexual and physical abuse. According to ACADV, a state Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 60 percent of girls, ages 15 to 24 surveyed were involved in an ongoing abusive relationship that they chose to stay in.

A girl upset about her abusive relationship. Photo Courtesy of www.melodyvalley.files.wordpress.com

“I consider relationship abuse when someone hits you or hurts you mentally through fighting,” said Jacklyn Schmalhofer a senior at Penn Manor.

Being with someone in a relationship you want to feel safe with them and not have to worry what they are going to say or do next. Teen relationship abuse can gradually accelerate over time.

“I have had a girl tell me she was going to slit my throat because I kissed another girl at a party,” said a junior boy at Penn Manor.

Teens who are involved in a abusive relationship are more likely to use drugs, do poorly in school and have unexplained injuries, according to Trouble Teen a site to help parents with teen issues.

Lauren Anderson, a junior at Penn Manor said, “My advice to all the ladies out there, if you can’t keep him on the leash he will beat you with the leash!”

Anderson was giving her advice that young women should not lose control of the relationship.

According to WebMD, about 80 percent  of girls that have been physically abused in their relationship continue to date the abuser.

A junior girl at Penn Manor said, “I have been in a relationship that has started out verbally aggressive and then got physically aggressive. The fights slowly got worse and I thought they would get better but they never did.”

If there is a violent relationship problem, there are many people that can be contacted with helpful advise.

“If you are in an abusive relationship get out of it or at least try too,” said Schmalhofer.

If you need advice about reltationship abuse contact the Lancaster County Women Shelters Hotline, (717)291-5826.

Few Students Fly, Fly Away…

Sounds good in theory, you get out of the house, you gain independence, but when the reality hits for the students going to an out of state college, is it the right choice?

What is it that makes young adults want to move to another state to get an education? Won’t they miss their family?  Aren’t they scared of flying, or unsure of the thought of flying to their new “home”?

“I’m not scared to fly,” said Lars Anderson, a senior at Penn Manor who is considering attending Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Texas, Virgina and Florida could all be new homes to Penn Manor students that are soon to be freshmen in college.

When students go out of state for college, some may need to fly. Photo courtesy of 123rf.com

“I don’t mind distance,” said Anderson

“Winters are mild,” Anderson said, who noted weather in Texas would be a nice change compared to the rough seasons we have here.

When recently visiting a local university, he said, “I don’t want to go to a party school, I didn’t like the atmosphere.”

Anderson plans to come home for the major holidays.

Elly Raush, a home schooled senior, who signed to Jacksonville University to play volleyball will also be flying away to get an education.

“Nope, I’m not afraid to fly, I get car sick easily, so it will be much nicer than driving!” Raush said.

From a parent’s perspective, things can be different – or not at all.

“He’s a big boy,” said history teacher Richard Brenton whose son Tyler flies to Seattle to attend University of Washington.

“Worried about him flying? No! He’s very independent,” he said, explaining, “He flies back and forth a minimum of four times a school year.”

The expenses may be a reason for parents to disregard their child’s dreams of going away to an out of state college, but Brenton said that with adequate planning, travel expenses may not make a huge difference.

“Thanksgiving tickets are more expensive. Along with buying plane tickets, family holidays may need to be adjusted.” he said.

To help the adjustment to the style of college life, students may need to find a new clique of friends to keep from getting home sick.

“The first three months were hard, Tyler was in a new place and didn’t know anyone, but that is how you grow,” said Brenton. “College is a very selfish time for people. It needs to be all about them.”

Snow Still Prevalent in Penn Manor Parking Spots

By Evan Shertzer

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Winter may almost be over, but the effects of big storms in the past weeks can still be felt in the Penn Manor parking lot. Even three weeks after a big snowstorm hit Lancaster, people still can’t park in their own spots.

Cade Murry, a senior at Penn Manor High School, is still waiting for his parking spot to be cleared.

One of the parking spots in PMHS Parking Lot that aren't cleared yet. Photo By Evan Shertzer

“I think it’s pathetic my spots not open since I pay $40 to park in it all year,” Murry said, “I don’t really care about parking in another spot, but they should still keep all the spots open.”

Recently a few students from the Ag department at Penn Manor took matters in to their own hands and plowed open a path on the sidewalk because it was plowed shut.

One other problem students encounter is how slippery it is on the parking deck.

Dan Short, who drives a rear-wheel drive sports car, said he has trouble on those snowy mornings coming to school.

“I only drive my car sometimes to school because I know I will have trouble,” Short said.

Snowy mornings are hard to predict, and for the Janitors and Dr Jason D’Amico, who’s in charge of the parking lot and passes at Penn Manor High School, it’s even harder to predict when to get here to start clearing the snow.

“Depending on when the snow arrives is when (the Janitors) get here,” said D’Amico, “Like Penndot.”

Mr. Dickenson, head of the Janitors at Penn Manor High School, said, “We get here depending on when the snow arrives. We have two guys at 4:30 a.m. or 5:00 a.m., and three guys arrive at 6:00 a.m. We also have one guy from 11:00 p.m. to 7 a.m.”

The Janitors are in charge of all the sidewalk clearing and stairs at Penn Manor. The Grounds Maintenance Crew clears the parking lots from snow.

With the amount of snow the Susquehanna Valley has been getting, there are certain things that are just inevitable.

“There’s no where else to push the snow,” Dickenson said, “So you’re going to lose a couple spots somewhere.”

“After last year’s snow, (the Janitors) have it all their shifts and clearing down to a science,” D’Amico said.

The recent snow storm caused a 2 hour delay on Monday for Penn Manor. Students were welcomed by ice covered parking spots and unploughed sidewalks. The previous week showed more favorable weather in the mid 60’s, which can mean only one thing.

Spring is right around the corner.

College Decisions often left Undecided

By Laura Revelt –

So many choices for college majors can leave high school seniors , well, Undecided.

As the end of their last year of high school approaches, Penn Manor High School Seniors must make their after- high school decisions. Will they further their education at a college, attend a technical school, or go right into a field of work?

Lars Anderson working hard on school work. Photo by Laura Revelt

Although some students are planning to go to a four-year university or college, they may not know what career they want to pursue yet.

Lars Andersen, a Penn Manor senior, has applied to seven different Universities including the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University and Columbia University. He applied with the major of Undecided.

“I have multiple interests,” said Andersen. “I don’t want to invest in one too heavily and then change it.”

Another Senior, Allison Duke, committed to the University of Pittsburgh. When she applied she chose the major of Undecided as well.
“At the time(when applying) I wasn’t sure what I really wanted to do because at the time I was between the field of medical and business,” Duke said.

Cassandra Sweikert is planning to attend Millersville University in the fall of 2011. She has multiple interests in school that include psychology and math, but she is not sure what she wants her future career to be so she is going in to college with the major of Undecided.

Cassandra Sweikert posing with her psychology class rat. Photo by Laura Revelt

“There are multiple things (options) and everyone changes (majors) anyway,” said Sweikert.

“I just don’t see the point of going in with something (a major) unless you’re dead set on it,” said Sweikert.

She said she feels prepared for college and that her plan is, “Probably just process of elimination. I’ll take as many classes as I can.”

But Anderson, Duke, and Swiekert are not the only ones who don’t know in what they want to major.

In the fall of 2010, 21.8 percent of Millersville University’s freshman class entered with the major of Undecided. In fact, over the last five years Millersville’s freshman class consisted of a total of about 1,300 students and each year anywhere from 288 to 363 students had the major of Undecided.

“College is a big stress. A lot of new things are being experienced and it’s hard to choose what to major in because of all the choices,” said senior Quinn Nadu.

The college decision-making process may be a stressful one and some seniors become undecided college freshman.

Another Young Superstar – Oh Dang!

By Whitney Reno –

Alan Dang is one smart cookie with a side of humble pie.

When walking down the halls a boy with jet-black hair can be seen who is shorter and obviously younger than the others who surround him. With a backpack almost as big as himself, he weaves his way to his block one and two classes. Then he makes his

PM student goes half day to the high school, half day at the middle school. Photo by Whitney Reno

way to the middle school to finish out his day.

In the morning Dang takes a school bus to the high school where he has block one -Spanish with Mrs. Baxter- and then block two -Us History I with Joe Herman. To finish out his school day, Dang rides in a school van to Manor Middle School where he takes science and social studies with other middle schoolers.

When some students excel in their academics they may feel the need to boast. But not Dang, he must eat a slice of humble pie for breakfast every morning.

“None of my friends make a big deal out of my school day, I’m just treated like another kid,” said Dang.

Dang is in the Discover program at the middle school and took a practice SAT test. The results proved him to be advanced in Math and English for his grade; this sign of intelligence was with Dang ever since he was in elementary school and he was able to skip second grade. These results are also the reason for Dang to be here in the high school. He will be taking honors English 9 and Geo-Trig.

“I took them [Spanish and History classes] to get acquainted with the high school,” said Dang.

He mentioned that due to the block scheduling at the high school and the period scheduling at the middle school, he took classes here at the high school instead of not taking anything.

Other than an interest in academics, Dang loves to wrestle and play soccer. This will be his first year wrestling for the middle school, but he has been playing soccer for a while. It’s something he can’t get enough of so he plays year-round.

Dang plans on continuing to take honors classes next year when he is in the high school all of the time.



The New and Improved MacBook Pro Makes its Debut

By Simon Zimmerman-

The Apple company has recently come out with its new line of updated and improved laptops, hoping to increase sales.

They are still the same style as their previous line, with 13,-15,-and 17-inch sized models and the same prices ranging from $1,199 to $2,499.

As a customer, you would not notice the changes of this new line. This is because all of the real improvements are in the performance, not the cosmetics.

With faster processors, more powerful graphic processors, an HD camera and a USB port called Thunderbolt, this new line could make the church bells ring for hardworking college and high school students.

The benchmark results of the new MacBook Pros compared to the previous ones. Photo Courtesy of http://www.macrumors.com/

“My laptop is two years old so it is very outdated compared to the (new)line,” said senior Lars Andersen. “So the features are very much improved and I would consider buying one.”

College is swiftly approaching for Penn Manor seniors and many are in need of a new and faster laptop with the hard and grueling work that comes with college.

Purchasing a laptop from this new line would be one way for college students to be more efficient.

According to Macrumors.com, “The slowest MacBook Pro performs on par with the fastest previous-generation MacBook Pro, and the fastest MacBook Pro is 80 percent faster than the fastest previous-generation MacBook Pro.”

Therefore, no MacBook before this new line has been more efficient or even close to the same speed.

“I already have a laptop but I wish I would have explored the new MacBook line with all of its new updates,” said disappointed senior Josh Carle.

Although many, like Carle, already have a functioning laptop, the new line of Macbook Pro’s are undoubtedly outperforming the old.

Parking Made Easier for iPhone Users

By Sarah Schaeffer –

Driving down a city road, searching.

Finding a parking spot in a busy city is rarely easy and never enjoyable. Everyone has experienced the headache of seeing the perfect spot in the distance, speeding up to claim it and then feeling the crushing disappointment when a minuscule vehicle is already planted between the white lines.

There’s an app for that.

This headache may soon be eliminated by a new app available for iPhone users. This app, called Parker, was created by San Francisco-based company, Streetline, in an attempt to bring parking into the modern times of technology.

Parker iPhone app helps users find parking spots free of stress. Photo from socialmediaseo.net

Parker works with a system of battery-powered sensors installed in parking spaces. The sensors send information to a receiver located in a nearby lamp poles, which in turn sends information to a data center located in Dallas. From Dallas, the information is sent to the app and is then accessible by app users with the help of Google Maps.

“This is a creative way of showing parking availibility. It’s a good way to use technology to help the public..,” said Zia Yusuf, CEO of Streetline, in an interview with USA Today.

Currently, this technology is only available in Los Angeles, Roosevelt Island in New York City and, soon, For Totten Metro station in Washington, D.C. and Salt Lake City.

Like many apps, this new technology has the potential to sweep the nation, especially since the price is right. Each year, the sensor system costs the city only $420 with the app costing purchasers only $1.99.

As for the possibility of such a system being installed in Lancaster, the general consensus of student drivers at Penn Manor is a “go.”

“I think that’s pretty useful. It’s a good idea,” said senior Corey Morales.

“Yes I would [use Parker]. That’d be pretty sick,” said junior Clayton Secrest.

“I would use [Parker]. It would save a lot of time when looking for a parking spot. It would be less stressful,” said junior Mitch Domin.

Only time will tell the fate of Parker, but Penn Manor is optimistic.

For more on Parker and to see the new technology in use, follow this link from USA Today.

Zodiac, the New Hot Spot for Teenage dancing

By Cheyenne Weber –

Many students from Lancaster County are getting their dance on in Harrisburg on Saturday nights.

Zodiac Dance Club is an under 21 dance club located in Harrisburg, PA serving York, Harrisburg, and Lancaster in south central Pennsylvania. Zodiac dance club costs $10 to get in.  The Club opens its doors at 8:00 p.m and closes at 11: 30 p.m. In order to get into to Zodiac you must have a state ID, school ID or Driver’s License.

“I laugh at kids who forget their ID and can’t get in because it says on the site must have ID,” said Evan Bigler.

“It’s definitely worth 10 bucks,” said Austin Richwine, a junior at Penn Manor.

Zodiac does have a dress code…

* No Hats, Bandannas, or Do-Rags.
* No Jerseys or Jersey style shirts.
* No Over-sized/Excessively baggy clothing.
* No Grills.
* No Sunglasses.
* No Bags or Backpacks.
* No Lighters or Matches.
* Short sleeve shirts must stop at or above the elbow.
* Shorts must stop at or above the knee.

“It’s dumb I can’t rock Jersey shore style with my sunglasses and hat to Zodiac,” said Jaq Presbery.

Presbery said the dancing is sometimes intense and would probably not be allowed at a high school dance.

“Grinding,” is Presbery’s description of common dancing techniques at Zodiac.

. The type of dancing inside of Zodiac dance club. Photo courtesy of couchfiresports.com

“There’s nothing wrong about getting down and dirty on the dance floor,” said Ryan Mays, a senior.

Zodiac dance club is Located on 706 N. Third Street, Harrisburg, Pa. The entrance is on Third Street across from the Pennsylvania State Museum. The drive is about 45 minutes from Millersville. The club is located off exit 43 of route 283.

“The drive is really not that bad once you know where your going,” said Abby Newport, a senior at Penn Manor.

The dance club has two levels the first level is the video and game lounge which is made up of…
* Soda & Juice Bar.
* Superior Sound System featuring today’s best Club Music.
* Multiple Monitors and large Projection Screens featuring Music Videos.
* Pool Tables.
* Video Games.
* Lounge Area.

The second level is where almost everyone is at and consists of…
* Soda & Juice
* Dance Floor & DJ.
* State of the Art Light Show featuring Lasers and Intelligent lighting System.
* Superior Sound System featuring Live DJ’s with today’s best Club Music.
* Multiple Video Monitors and Projection Screen for Viewing Entertainment.
* Lounge Area.

“The DJ is hot at Zodiac, he is always playing the newest and best music,” said Mays.

Zodiac house DJ is DJ  Squid.

Friday nights are heating up at the dance club, for all those seniors who are 18 years old, already  Zodiac has college night for ages 18 and up from 10 p.m to 2 a.m.

“If you’re looking for a night out with your boys or girls and if your looking for a successful night,  Zodiac is the place to be,” said Richwine.

Students Love McNuggets, McNuggets and more McNuggets

By Marc Summy –

The 50-piece chicken McNugget challenge has become very popular with high schoolers.

For the small price of $9.99 at McDonalds, one can buy 50 chicken McNuggets. Teens have been flocking with their friends to try this challenge.

High school student Maddy Hess poses with her hungry face. Photo credit Marc Summy

Why?

Students agree it’s for pride, bragging rights and a sense of manhood.

Although not everyone who consumes this challenge is a male.

Maddy Hess, an 18-year-old female, consumed all fifty of the nuggets.

“Barely,” she added.

Among the males was student, Alex Kirk.

One word to describe this challenge was “terrible,” according to Kirk.

“I did it for bragging rights,’ stated Kirk. He went on to say, “the lacrosse team doubted me.”

Many students have done the 50 piece McNugget challenge. Photo credit to mcillinois.com

The ultimate challenge, which not as many people know about, is the 50 nuggets, 2 large fries, and 2 large cokes all for the price of $14.99.

Sophomore, Travis Wells, tried the ultimate challenge.

“It was pretty bad,” he explained.

After finishing his 2 large fries, 2 large cokes, and 49th nugget he just had one more to go.

“I just swallowed it; no second thoughts,” said Wells.

The student agreed that this was a bad idea due to the fact that right after swallowing the last nugget his “ultimate challenge” came right back up.

“The rest of the weekend I couldn’t even think about chicken McNuggets,” said Wells with a disgust look on his face.