A self-defense class recently helped five young college women in Bangor, Maine stop a man with a knife from escaping after he had just stabbed a 34-year-old nursing student.
Brittany Vernalli demonstrates how an assailant might attack a victim. Photo by Kayla Pagan
That’s just the kind of training that Penn Manor girls have available to them through the school’s self-defense class. And in today’s world, they may need it.
“One out of every six American woman has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime” according to Rainn.org, an organization devoted to enlightening the public about the dangers of rape abuse and incest.
Almost ten years ago, a new health elective was first made available to the school’s junior and senior girls, women’s health and self-defense. It’s a health class focusing on young women, issues they’re facing and being aware of the hard truth about personal safety.
It debuted during the 2000-2001 school year.
“It’s recommended for junior and senior girls because of the difference in maturity levels and their relationships,” said Heather Paquette, a physical education teacher, who teaches the Penn Manor course.
Technique you can use to defend yourself if someone is trying to choke you. Photo by Kayla Pagan
“The girls who take the class learn about the targets on an attackers’ body that are most sensitive and easiest to reach, weapons protection and general situational awareness,” Paquette said about the course.
“We have more girls sign up each year,” Paquette said, “There were about 50 this year.”
Paquette said it’s important for females to take a class like this. “It creates awareness for high school girls about sexual assault and prepares them for their college and work surroundings,” she said, “It’s not even about strength, its technique.”
She said the class teaches actual self-defense techniques that can keep a girl safe in many situations.
“The class teaches them about awareness, they’re not necessarily completely prepared for an attacker, but they’re at least thinking about high-risk situations that they might find themselves in,” Paquette said, “They should always trust their instincts.”
PM self defense class in action. Photo by Kayla Pagan
“I really enjoyed the class, and it taught me a lot about how to protect myself against predators,” said Bianca Ygarza, a senior at Penn Manor High who tookn the course in the fall semester.
Ygarza said she would recommend the class to others.
“It’s a fun and informative class, you do a lot of bonding with your classmates and it’s a stress-free environment where you can talk about anything,” Ygarza raved.
Even though the occurrence in Bangor, Maine is not an everyday happening, Ygarza and Paquette agree it’s all about “preparation.”
A popular spot for Penn Manor families, Friendly’s restaurant on Columbia Avenue was robbed of cash Monday night.
According to Lancaster Online, East Hempfield police Det. Paul Fitzsimmons said two residents from York, Lamont Gorham, 56, and Lorraine Abuchaibe, 43, were arrested after fleeing the scene.
After walking in and asking the cashier for an application, police said Gorham pulled a gun from his pack and pointed it at the cashier, demanding the money from the register.
The two fled, according to the report, after receiving the money but luckily the employees were able to follow them and get their license plate number to notify the police.
City police Officer Kirk Wolfe was waiting in his cruiser at East King and Shippen Streets, according to the report, when he realized the suspect’s car passing him.
According to City Police Lt. Michael Bradley, Wolfe followed their car to Conestoga Pines Park where multiple city police cruisers were waiting.
When the suspects attempted to escape from the park, their car nearly missed one police cruiser before hitting Officer Martinez-Bender’s cruiser, then slamming into another behind it, the report stated.
The suspects were taken into custody. Police said they plan on filing additional charges against them for the destruction of the police cruisers.
According to published reports, the suspects were sent to Lancaster County Prison, Abuchaibe’s bail was set at $150,000 and Gorham’s bail was set at $100,000.
It looks like Andy Warhol has entered the building.
An “art walk” will be held in the art wing of Penn Manor High School Thursday, June 3. The event, hosted by the AP art students, will last the entire school day and it will showcase the work of students and faculty.
At any time, teachers may take their classes down to the art wing to view the artwork.
“It would be great if all classes could come see [the art] especially since not everyone comes down this hallway,” said senior Kayla Kauffman, an AP Art student.
Student art will be displayed during "art walk." Photo by Abby Wilson
The day is being planned by the current AP art class as a last hurrah since the probable cancellation of the class.
“We are starting an art movement,” said AP art senior Matt Blaisdell. “Gaining interest in the art department [is the goal].”
“It’s an opportunity to show off our work to students not in art classes and who normally wouldn’t see it,” said senior Addie Aukamp.
Despite disappointment over the proposed cancellation of the class, but the students are still excited for the show.
“[Our pieces] were really hard work, but it’ worth it in the long run because now everyone in the school can come see it and benefit,” said Megan Carr, another AP art student.
Art is already being hung in the showcases and signs are going up in the hallway.
“Come out and hang with some freakin’ cool art kids,” said Blaisdell.
Penn Manor’s small ensembles concert ended their season on a high note as the last performance finished with a deafening cheer and a standing ovation from the extremely pleased and more-than-satisfied audience.
On Wednesday, May 19, the Jazz Band kicked off the night with “The Work Song” which included a solo by senior Zach Levenson on saxophone. Levenson performed four other solos throughout the Jazz Band portion of the night and performed a combo tune with pianist Holly Mancinelli.
Nick Charles was mentioned before the start of “It Don’t Mean a Thing(If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” because he had to step in and replace fellow Jazz Band member, Tyler Funk, because of Funk’s inability to attend to concert. Charles took over Funk’s drum solo and prepared for the concert in a week’s time. His dedication paid off with a roar of applause at the conclusion of the song.
The line up on stage changed nearly every song as a different drummer replaced the last and allowed each their time to shine. Jesse Griffith, Nick Charles, Sal Dumas and Steven Resh each played a song.
Tommy Hotchkiss and Adam Zangari each had a trumpet solo for “Rooster Tail” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” respectively. Helen Hutchens had a vibes solo for “It Don’t Mean a Thing” and Tim Deubler had a solo during “Cut to the Chase.”
Hotchkiss and fellow trumpet player, Mike Helwig grooved to the music by swinging their bells to the rhythm of the songs.
The audience followed their lead by bobbing their heads and moving their feet. Band director, Tom Mumma, even let loose on stage and got into the swing of things.
A special guest player, Nate Sheaffer, joined the band from start to finish. Sheaffer was the woodwind instructor for the 2009-2010 marching band season.
The Manor Singers started out with laughs as Kyle Hallett received a ‘top secret’ envelope from an ‘unidentifiable mystery man.’ The Singers came out of the woodwork as they appeared from the audience and backstage decked out in dark sunglasses as a search light scanned the auditorium in a mock prison-break style.
After the song ended, Melissa Telesco, chorus director, encountered minor microphone difficulties which were quickly fixed and the concert continued.
The musical “RENT” came to Penn Manor in the form of the opening song “Seasons of Love.” Tim Deubler, Jenna Spayd, Brendan Kincade, Kate Harrold and Ian Bricker all performed solos.
Hannah Tucker, choral student president, showed off her leadership skills as she conducted the Singers while performing alongside them in “Build Me Up Buttercup.”
The lighting crew played up the ‘buttercup’ aspect of the song by illuminating the ensemble with bright yellow lights in a flower type pattern.
The alto section stole the show with their understanding of the lovey-dovey meaning of the song and their playful attitude and smiling faces.
“O Magnum Mysterium” had a haunting start that captivated the audience in stunned silence. The layers of harmony began with the song and continued throughout. The sacred piece received great praise from the crowd.
The Manor Singers concluded their performance with “Faithful Over a Few Things.” The constant dynamic changes created a hush over the auditorium as the crowd prepared themselves for the next rise and fall of the music. “Faithful” was the only song of the night to include accompaniment, and Kelly Lenahan, sophomore, was thoroughly applauded.
During the classical Mozart piece, “Amadeus!”, Henry Stewart was captured by the music and showed the audience his passion for the music.
During “Arabian Nights” the beginning of the song started with a soft, barely audible violin solo from Sophia Wu-Shanley, which crescendoed to a suspenseful, dramatic inclusion of the other orchestra members.
Orchestra conductor Sara Ricciardi was left without a microphone after the song but was rescued by Mumma, who returned the missing mic. Mumma then raised the stand over Ricciardi’s head and quickly exited stage right. Ricciardi took the joke lightly and introduced “Bagatelle.”
Wu-Shanley and Mark Chrictman each had a violin solo and Shannon Nitry had a viola solo during the piece. The song included many dynamic changes and received much praise at its conclusion.
The lighting crew returned again to shower the full orchestra with pale pink lights during “Pink Panther.”
In the final performance of the night, Manor Singers and Colorguard members, Olivia Stoltzfus and Kimberly Riley, joined the full orchestra for “Baba Yetu.”
Ricciardi publically thanked Stewart for taking the time to contact the composer, Christopher Tin, and ensuring that Penn Manor could use the song during the concert.
The lighting crew created a sunset scene behind the orchestra to create an African-inspired backdrop for the piece.
Logan Falk, Nate Lussier and Luke Harvey each had a vocal solo as Stoltzfus and Riley executed their self-choreographed routine on the right and left-hand sides of the stage.
The crowd loved the song and rose to its feet and shook the auditorium with cheers, whistles and shout outs to their favorite performers.
The energy in the auditorium excited the musicians as their grins threatened to take over their faces.
Tech Sergeant Michael Schock hadn’t seen his 6-year-old son, Logan, for more than eight months. In April, Logan received the biggest surprise of his life. His daddy came home.
Logan’s Mother, Melissa Shirk, explained to Logan that his dad, Shirk’s ex-husband, would be arriving home Friday. However Shirk knew very different because he was actually arriving on Tuesday as a big surprise – at Logan’s school.
Military homecomings are a common but joyous event in this family. Not only Schock but Shirk’s two older sons, Nathaniel and Shane Kelley, also are in the military. Shane is currently in training with the Marines and Nathaniel is in Afghanistan, also with the Marines. Schock was in the Navy for four years and then continued in the military by joining the Air Force.
On the appointed day, Melissa arrived at Eshelman Elementary early with drinks for the first grade class while Logan’s teacher, Patricia Detter supplied the cake. Logan’s brother, Shane Kelley, was also at the school for the event.
Melissa grew up in a military family herself. Her grandfather was in the Army, and her mother and father were in the Air Force. Shane and Nathan’s father is also in the Air Force, so they have grown up with military influences.
“My brothers are all military and my sisters (including myself) have all married military men,” said Mrs. Shirk.
Logan and the rest of his first grade class were in the library when his mother arrived.
Logan and his Dad. Photo Credit Melissa ShirkDetter had the classroom decorated with red,white and blue Mylar balloons.
When the students arrived back to the classroom from the library, they were questioning why it was decorated and why there was food and drinks in the back.
But Detter just went on with the class routine, inviting the students to sit on the carpet for reading time. She explained the decorations, saying they were having a party with their fifth grade reading buddies.
That afternoon in class, the phone rang, the cue that he was there. With her video camera ready Shirk walked down the hall to meet her youngest child’s father for the surprise. Schock was accompanied by Logan’s grandmother and his aunt.
Then the moment of truth. Schock arrived to the class and called out “Is there a Logan Schock in here?”
Logan immediately raised his hand and just stared at his dad in disbelief
Logan's jumping into his dads arms. Photo Credit Melissa Shirk.Mrs. Detter assured the shocked Logan that he could get out of his seat.
Logan jumped up and ran to his daddy’s arms.
Logan didn’t know what to think when his dad walked into the room.
“I thought it was someone else, I was in shock,” said Logan.
After the big surprise, the class had questions and celebrated with cake and drinks.
Logan said he loved the surprise.
“I was really surprised, It was a good surprise.”
For Melissa Shirk, surprise homecomings and surprises in general are all part of the military life, one she thinks is a good choice for many young people.
“Describing her son, Nathan, Shirk said he did not do that well in high school academically but excelled when he got into the military.
“He is very dedicated and committed,” she said.
Nathaniel Kelley is currently deployed in Afghanistan. He faces life threatening tasks everyday. He paves the way through combat areas and clears out insurgents in hostile areas. He allows for ground Marines to come through and accomplish missions.
LcP1 Nathaniel Kelley writting a letter with his free time in Afghanistan.
Shirk’s middle son, Shane Kelley, a 2010 Penn Manor grad, left April 19 for in Paris Island, South Carolina, for his initial 13 week Marine Corps Boot camp. Shane finished high school early to specifically to leave for boot camp. Ten days after boot camp ends, Shane will be allowed home for ten days and then he will report directly to Camp Geiger, North Carolina for Marine combat training.
After Camp Geiger, Kelley will be trained for the “every Marine a rifleman” status, becoming a trained rifleman. After this training, he can be placed anywhere in a variety of different schools across the world to train in aviation maintenance, his specific Military occupation specialty.
“I am happy for him that he is starting his career and following his dreams, but the mom in me, wants him close to home and I am going to miss him very much” said Melissa.
“When Nate was in boot camp, I wrote to him every single day. Sometimes it was just ten lines or it was ten pages. I was always positive and upbeat and told him how brave he is and how proud I am of him” said Melissa.
Since Nathan has been deployed, Melissa sends him care packages consisting of food, toiletries, etc. Melissa recently talked to Nathan on the phone and he shared that he wasn’t able to shower and change his underwear for 28 days. Melissa went out and bought ten packs of boxers, deodorant, baby wipes and other stuff for him and his platoon to share.
Despite the hardship, both young men know they are doing something for their country that will be worth the sacrifice.
“I wanted to do something that had a bigger meaning, while everyone is here at college, working or sitting around , I will be out in the field, keeping the home-front safe, ensuring my country stays the free country that it is,” said Shane.
As young as Logan is, he has accepted his brothers and dad’s military goals.
“I’m proud of them! I love them very much and I miss Nate being home and Shane just left and I miss him already,” said Logan.
Nathaniel (left) and Shane Kelley at the Marine training center. Photo Credit Melissa Shirk
“The Marines don’t take anyone, and in order to earn the name Marine, you must earn it with high honors and even harder work. It entails making it through the toughest boot camp and surviving The Crucible, a grueling 54 hour, 9 meal, 60 mile hike with little or no sleep. Only then, once they complete The Crucible, are they called Marines,” said Shirk.
Lancaster City streets are growing pianos faster than spring showers can grow flowers.
On Friday, May 21, 20 pianos were set up around Lancaster city for the public to play whenever they please.
The pianos were donated by local families and churches and painted and designed by local artists.
Pianos have been place around Lancaster for the enjoyment of residents.
Music For Everyone, a non-profit organization that raises awareness of the role that music plays in the community, partnered with Society of Design, another non-profit organization dedicated to multidisciplinary design education and community service, to create this public art exhibit.
“[The pianos] allow citizens to interact and they will give responsibility to the community to treat the city better,” said Penn Manor junior, Felix Gonzalez.”They bring our community together and all that mush.”
The release of the pianos was preceded by a public concert in Lancaster Square and the pianos will be kept up all summer long.
“The early reaction was pretty positive,” said Craig Welsh, the head of Society of Design.
So far Lancaster citizens seem to be enthused about the addition and enjoying the benefits.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea and I like that people are now allowed to randomly showcase their talents,” said Melissa Telesco, Penn Manor’s chorus director. “It just goes to show how important the arts are in our culture.”
And while it has its benefits to the general public, it also has shown to be a playground for vandals. Only one short day after the pianos made their debut, there were signs of abuse.
One piano has been broken in three places and, according to Welsh, others criminals have left their mark with graffiti.
“It doesn’t surprise me but it saddens me that there are people who lack such self-esteem in their own life that they can’t allow others to benefit,” said Telesco.
“I’m disappointed because this might be an insight to how [the pianos] will be treated in the future,” said Gonzalez.
Hold on to your sketchbooks, AP art may be drawing to an end.
According to Karen Gingerich, who teaches AP art, her class may be eliminated because not enough kids are taking the course and there aren’t enough art teachers in the school to teach other art classes.
“Our fear is if it goes away next year that it won’t be brought back,” said Gingerich.
Many students who plan to major in art in college are itching to get into AP Art,
Emily Miller practices her artistic abilities. Photo by Gabby Myers
“ In AP art, (students) are working like real artists,” Gingerich said.
According to collegeboard.com, The AP art program offers three portfolios: Drawing, 2-D Design, and 3-D Design. The portfolios share a basic, three-section structure, which requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual concerns (and methods).”
In other words, like all AP classes, AP art is a very in-depth class and requires a lot of work.
Some students who signed up for AP Art next year are upset to hear the news about the class being eliminated.
“We are starting to have AP languages classes, its not fair that we can’t have AP art classes,” said Emily Miller, a junior at Penn Manor.
Not only students who are planning to take this class are upset but students who have already taken and experienced the class believe it should be offered to enrich the art experience of other students.
“Juniors are very talented, they need this AP art class,” said Kira Klaassen, a junior who knows a lot about the class. “Students will benefit from the different use of mediums.”
One student in particular, Faith Walauskas, circulated a petition and made a group on Facebook to spread the word the class may no longer be in existence.
Walauskas founder of Facebook group and the petition. Photo by Gabby Myers
The petition, that is floating around, has at least 132 signatures from students attending Penn Manor. The Facebook group was a popular hit, within 36 hours it had 200 members, according to Walauskas.
“Future art students can easily benefit from an AP art credit, it could determine if you get into college,” Walauskas said. “ If it (the petition) doesn’t work, at least everyone will know how angry we are.”
Penn Manor’s administration is trying to find ways to keep the class in the face of belt-tightening measures across the district.
The reasons the class may be cut is that only eight students signed up for it and a teacher will be dropping to elementary school level, thus causing a shortage of teachers.
“Its tough to assign a teacher to teach eight students, two blocks a year,” said Phil Gale. “I’d prefer to keep it if we had a teacher to teach it and kids to take it.”
Whether or not the class will stay is yet to be determined, however the concerned students will continue to work for their art class next year.
That’s how Penn Manor senior Mark Longenecker said he felt after voting in Tuesday’s Pennsylvania Primary election.
But not everyone who is eighteen and attending Penn Manor High School voted.
“First of all, I didn’t register, second, I had no means of transportation and third, I don’t care about local government,” said another 18-year-old senior.
That seemed to be the trend for most of the 18-year old Penn Manor students, they didn’t vote.
Republican Tom Corbett is running for governor of Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of Gopcumberland.com
While, Joe Sestak took the race over the aging Arlen Specter for the Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate seat on the Democratic side. Pat Toomey won the Republican nod and will face Sestak in the fall.
The other major race was for gubernatorial candidates. Tom Corbett was the Republican winner and will face Dan Onorato, a Democrat, in the general election.
“I didn’t register or I would have voted,” said senior Matt Glick.
It was difficult to find even one student eligible to vote who actually did.
Although primary elections can have light turnout, the Associated Press estimated less than 40 percent of registered voters turned out on election day.
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator, Joe Sestak. Photo courtesy of Washingtonpost.co
Yet, many students have strong opinions on government and politics making it curious why more did not take advantage of one of the strongholds of democracy.
“I would say, that the students probably do not know where to go and register,” said assistant principal and history teacher Doug Eby, “the majority would vote if they knew where to go.”
One student, other than Longenecker, was found who did vote, “It was a very serious atmosphere,” said senior Andrew Zell, “I thought it would have been a lot cooler.”
