Penn Points Online

Penn Manor Ice Hockey Team Lacks Players

By Jena Lacock –

Hard work and good technique make any team successful.

The Penn Manor ice hockey team has those qualities, but this year it’s lacking players.

Only having nine guys will be a challenge because there must be a goalie and five players on the ice at all times, leaving the Comets with only three subs.

“If we had more players, we would be a better team,” said junior Nick Young.

ice hockey logo — Photographed by Jason Green

Other teams could have an advantage due to a larger team. Each player will need to stay in the game longer, increasing physical and mental tiredness.

Practice started in September and the first game will be held on November 14 at 8:45 pm against Palmyra at Kick Lewis arena.

“We are going to do well,” said junior Kevin Reinhart.

This year marks Reinhart’s eleventh year of playing. His experience in the game led him to predict that the teams to beat are Hempfield, Warwick and L-S.

“I think if we practice hard we will have a good chance of winning,” said Young.

Some team members had differing opinions.

“We are not going to do very good because other teams have twenty players,” said senior Jamie Frese.

Out of the nine players one is a girl, senior Jesse Capanelli.

“I think we will be competitive this season,” said Capanelli. “We have a lot of people that didn’t play last year like Jamie Freese and a couple juniors who are going to this year so that should be a big help.”

Capanelli doesn’t mind being the only girl on the team because she played with the guys since middle school.

“She is one of the best players,” noted Frese.

Another issue with the ice hockey team is a lack of fan and financial support. Hockey is not played at the school, causing a lack in community awareness. The team also is not sponsored by the school, making the cost to play higher than that of a typical high school sport.

The team hopes for success, more players and more fans this season.

Wii Are Penn Manor – Gamers Critique New System

By Kevin Holton –

Will YOU be buying the new Wii U?

Nintendo’s all new, sleek design has made some Penn Manor students quiver with excitement while others couldn’t care less.

“Its not worth the money because there’s not much of a difference between the Wii and the Wii U,” said Brady Charles, a Penn Manor junior.

Nintendo has unveiled information about their new game console that will be released sometime in 2012. The new system introduces an all new controller with a 6.2” built in touch screen. The Wii U is unlike any other game system.

“I’m excited to try the touch screen,” said Penn Manor junior Jaun Cubano.

The all new Wii U will completely change the way video games are played. Photo courtesy of gizmag.com

According to Nintendo, the controller shares some of the features of the Nintendo 3ds and can show exactly what is on the tv screen along with different views that cant be seen on the TV screen. The controller also has motion sensors so you can move your hands or your whole body to change your view on the screen.

While the controller is the most significant new feature of the Wii U, its not the only one.

“I think it will be a lot better then the first Wii,” said Penn Manor senior Alex Cummins.

The Wii U will also be able to produce full 1080p HD quality which will be a giant step forward. The console will still be able to support original Wii games and controls but original games will not deliver the High-Definition quality.

The Wii U will allow players to save there game progress or anything from the console onto a flash drive or an SD memory card. The disks will also be smaller in size then a normal DVD.

While the new system is still in production, Nintendo feels it will be a success although some Penn Manor students are still not sure..

“I’m anxious to see how it turns out, so well see,” said Penn Manor Senior Matt Noll.

PM’s Soccer Season ends Dramatically

By Matt Hatch –

The Penn Manor soccer team fell short in districts again.

The boys soccer team has never made it to districts, and on Monday the Comets got denied again. They were shutout by Garden Spot 1-0 who had a late goal to stun Penn Manor.

“This game could be the final game ever for the seniors,” said Steve McCabe after the game, with tears in his eyes.

It was an emotional night for the seniors because they won’t ever play for Penn Manor again, or possibly play another school game for the rest of their lives.

“It sucks,” said Austin Rowley, a senior and three-year varsity player.

The Comets offense didn’t seem to show up, and they didn’t have many opportunities to score.

The Comets came into the game expecting a win against Garden Spot, because they were the higher seed.

The game went back and forth until finally the Spartans capitalized on a goal in the final five minutes of the game.

Penn Manor didn’t have an answer and as the time ran out, they fell to the ground in shock.

The players hugged coach McCabe after the game was over.

“Walk across the field, with your heads held high,” said McCabe, “You guys turned this program around.”

Even though they were eliminated, they still had a great season with a record of 9-5-1.

“I’m really really proud,” said McCabe after the game.

With another early ending to a winning season the Comets can only wait until next season for their chance to make districts.

Military test always a draw at Penn Manor

By Chris Gotwals and Sam Valentin-

They are only in high school but they are making decisions and taking tests that will decide their future.

On average, about 20 Penn Manor students take the ASVAB test every year with intentions to go into the military and this year was no different.

The ASVAB or the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a military-based aptitude test with multiple parts of the test covering math, reading, science, vocabulary, mechanics and electronics.

“Fourteen males and three females took the ASVAB this year,” said Penn Manor Counselor Jim Yearsley.

“The past few years it has varied how many students take it, more students now take it more now than five years ago,” he said.

“Some students do better going straight into the military,” Yearsley noted. “While some do better going to college and going through ROTC and military courses.”

Although Yearsley said it would be “awful” if someone from the school, either a counselor or teacher who helped a student decide to join, reads that they passed away during combat, he said he has come to appreciate how many Penn Manor students decide to go into the military service for their country.

“This is a very patriotic school district,” he said.

The ASVAB test is different from the SAT and other standardized tests at school because the overall grade doesn’t matter as much as the individual parts of it. If a student scores high on mechanics but not math, the military branch may place that student in a job with mechanics, and not math. It’s that simple.

The highest score possible is a 99, but to get into the military branches you only need to score a 31 for the Army, a 32 for the Marines, a 35 for the Navy and a 36 for the Air Force. However, the lower the score the lower the number of jobs open up for that soldier in each branch.

“I think I did pretty good, it was easy except the mechanics section,” Penn Manor Junior Josh Shetrompf said.

Penn Manor Sophmore Kurt Devlin, he is sure he is joining the military.

Penn Manor senior Michael Schneider took the ASVAB at a local Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) so he could get medical tests done at the same time that he needed to join the Army.

“The ASVAB test at MEPS was a little harder and longer than the one I took at school last year,” said Schneider. “I did a little better than the first time so I’m happy about that. But spending the day at MEPS was alright, lots of tests like hearing, vision, drug tests, blood tests and mobility tests to see if you’re in shape for the military.”

Schneider plans to go back to the station in the near future to actually be sworn into the United States Army.

Kurt Devlin, a Penn Manor sophomore, didn’t take the ASVAB yet, but he is sure the military will be part of his future.

“My dad was in the military, his dad was in the military, it’s a family thing,” said Devlin. “My dad was looking for me to go in since my brother didn’t. He got a scholarship to play soccer in college.”

Devlin’s dad and grand dad were both in the Air Force and his grandfather also served 20 years in the Navy, retiring last year.

But Devlin is looking to the Marines for his career as a sniper.

“I think it will be exciting,” he said.

Through the Eyes of the “O”

By David Burch –

Penn Manor is a school of tradition and pride. Painting up for football games embodies every aspect of tradition, pride and school spirit.

A select few Penn Manor seniors lather their bare chest and stomach with blue and yellow paint to spell out Penn Manor’s mascot, COMETS! for every game.

Being a COMET boy is one of the highest honors that has been bestowed upon me in my life. As well as having a legit dislike for every opposing team, a COMET boy is required to be loud, proud and rowdy.

Every Friday night in the fall I, along with my fellow COMET boys, rock some face paint and a letter on our chest. My letter being a big ol’ “O”.

DSCN0067 — The Comet boys get rowdy during a football game. Photo by Matt Hatch

Although the paint is shockingly cold when it first touches bare skin, it gets even the mellowest of fans hyped for the game.

Before every game the whole student section gathers on the parking deck, or parking lot if it’s an away game, so we can tailgate and get the juices flowing to roll into the game as a blue and gold mob.

After we storm into the stadium like we’re taking over a castle, we get situated in the stands behind our boys. Just like before any sporting event begins, the national anthem is played, because this is America.

We, as COMET boys, sing along because we’re patriotic and proud. We change the ending up a bit to “and the home, of the COMETS,” just to let the other team know that we’re here and ready to go to work. Very classy. It instantly gets everyone riled up for either Daulton Parmer or Brandon Stone to run it back for a touchdown or Brian “Apple-Sloss” Sloss to boot it in the end-zone for a touch back.

There always seems to be a battle for space in the front row no matter where we play. Everybody is anchored to the railing so they don’t get booted to the back and have to peek in between heads to watch the game. Front row is prime real estate and it’s elbow to elbow the entire game.

After every touchdown, the COMET boys grab either Zach Sinz or someone with a relatively small stature and lift them up as many times as there are points on the scoreboard. Usually this tradition gets purposely forgotten towards the end of the game when the score is in the 30+ range.

My goal for every game is to lose my voice or at least make it raspy. If I lose my voice, I did my job.

The COMET boys can be described as the heart and soul of the student section. I feel as if that’s an accurate metaphor and emphasizes the COMET boys importance to not only the student section but the game itself.

Come out to Penn Manor football games if you feel like getting rowdy and support your Comets.

Be warned that if you walk by the student section wearing apparel supporting another school, be prepared to get “Ha-ed” by yours truly, the COMET boys.

Penn Manor Junior Catching a Record

By Mark Dano-

He first touched a football when he was six years old.

“My Dad would throw balls at me,” said junior football player Daulton Parmer. “It was always fun.”

Ten years later, Daulton Parmer now holds the record for the most receptions in Penn Manor history. The record was sitting at 68 receptions. Going into last Friday’s game against Warwick, Parmer had 66 receptions. After an eight catch game, Parmer shattered the record in only his junior season.

Teammates and coaches are not surprised by the success Parmer has had.

“He might not be the tallest or strongest out there,” said captain linebacker Dylan Weber, “but he practices hard and his routes are perfect.”

“In meetings and practices he listens closely to what coaches say and then he goes out and does it,” said head football coach Todd Mealy. “Daulton works hard, having committed to the standard of no bad practices. A player with his level of talent and football smarts who works as hard as he does has a chance to do great things.”

Parmer has become an essential piece in the Comets’ offense.

“I’d describe Daulton as a possession receiver,” said Mealy. “He averages about 12 yards a reception, which means nearly every time he catches a pass he gets the team a first down.”

This type of receiver has the ability to make life easy on their coach.

“As a play-caller, I don’t have to call a pass to get him open,” said Mealy. “He has the ability to adjust his routes that find him sitting in open areas.”

Parmer’s capabilities on the football field don’t end as a wide out.

“He contributes in all facets of the game, offense, defense and special teams,” said Mealy. “He’s out about a dozen plays a game, which isn’t much. On average, there are about 140 plays in a high school game.”

Over the course of his career, Parmer has built a formidable reputation as a return specialist.

“They don’t kick or punt to me anymore,” said Parmer.

Leading the LL league in interceptions, Parmer has also developed into a top defensive back.

“He’s played good enough to be an all league player at all three phases,” said Mealy.

Mealy has been coaching for a while and has had the fortune to see some spectacular wide receivers.

“I’ve been fortunate to have coach some talented wide receivers since I started coaching almost 15 years ago. That includes Danny Melendez, who played at Maryland, and many other speedy wide outs who played for me at McCaskey and Penn Manor,” said Mealy.”In comparison to a vertical threat like a former teammate of his, Demetrius Dixon, Daulton can do more.”

Dixon has seen much success in the football world, and is currently playing for Division 1 Lafayette College. Parmer may have a bright future as well.

“He’s an above average athlete and a terrific high school football player. It’s going to be up to Daulton and his family to decide where he plays in college,” said Mealy. “Because of his height and speed, he’d be a star for any Division-3 program. Yet, I think he’s talented enough to play for any PSAC school or for some D1-AA schools.”

While Parmer and his supporters look towards the future, there is another record that has their full attention.

“I need about 40 yards to have the most reception yards in school history,” said Parmer.

It Only Takes One Mistake on an ATV

By David Burch and Kevin Holton –

You may be old and experienced, but you’re still at risk.

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accidents are a tragic possibility even when safety measures are followed. Recently a Lancaster County man was killed on an ATV as a passenger.

Since off-road riding is a popular pasttime among Penn Manor students, the safety of ATVs is an important issue here.

“I’ve been riding my four wheeler for six years,” said Penn Manor senior Matthew Shroyer. “I’m still taking a risk every time I go out and ride.”

Shroyer explained some of the safety precautions he takes and recommended the same to others before getting on any kind of ATV.

“Before every time I ride, my dad goes over my four wheeler and makes sure everything is working properly,” said Shroyer. “Every time I ride I make sure I’m wearing my helmet, goggles, chest protector, neck brace, long sleeve shirt, long sleeve pants, boots and occasionally a mouth guard.”

Shroyer stated that every ATV has a list of safety precautions on the plastic fender that every rider should follow.

After hearing about the 42-year-old Lancaster County man recently dying in an ATV accident in Potter County, Shroyer said it reminded him of a personal story of an accident that effected his life while riding his ATV.

Matt Shroyer had to get 7 screws in his collar bone as a result of the accident. Photo courtesy of Shroyer

“It was my third lap of practice and I had a bad feeling,” Shroyer said. “I hit a jump and when I landed, my wheel broke and my front end hit the dirt. I flew over the bars and landed right on my head and shoulder. I laid there for a while and I was in a lot of pain. I got hauled off to the hospital and I ended up with a concussion and a broken collar bone.”

Zach Sinz, a Penn Manor junior, also described a story of an accident he suffered while riding an ATV.

“I was in ninth grade and I was riding in the mountains with my friends,” said Sinz. “I didn’t know the terrain I was riding on and was going too fast for the conditions. I flew off the trail and hit a tree and flipped down a hill. Luckily I was wearing my protective gear and walked away with only minor scratches.”

Both students were very lucky their accidents weren’t life threatening. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how experienced you are when riding ATV because there’s always a chance that you won’t walk away unharmed.

“Anytime someone gets in control of any kind of ATV, they should have the proper gear on, ” said Penn Manor senior Dylan Tremellen, “Even if your only riding to the end of your driveway.”

Penn Manor Senior Braden Kruger shows how to have fun and stay safe while riding

Abuse of Adderall Can Happen at Penn Manor

By Mark Dano and Brandon Schuman –

Very powerful effects, from a very tiny pill.

Adderall is a prescription drug commonly used for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

But like any prescription drug, Adderall also can be abused.

“With this many kids in one spot,” said Penn Manor School Resource Officer Jason Hottenstein about Adderall abuse, “these types of issues are always going to come up.”

hottenstein's door — Penn Manor's stance on illegal use of prescription drugs displayed on a poster on Officer Hottenstein's door. Photo by Mark Dano

The drug can give a person an alert state of mind. It also increases energy levels and gives the perception to some that a person taking it will perform at peak mental levels for an extended period of time.

A few Penn Manor students think it can help them succeed in class and on tests.

“It helps me focus on my work more and take good notes to later study off of,” said one Penn Manor student who did not want his name used.

While students notice the positive effects, there are many side effects that can seriously harm students.

“You can overdose,” said Penn Manor school nurse Anne Butterfield, “It can increase your blood pressure and that can lead to strokes, heart attacks and other serious effects.”

These side effects can occur even in young students.

“There have been cases where someone takes it and they are brought to us needing medical attention,” said Butterfield.

There are two different forms of the drug. One is called instant release, which gives off more of a high. The other is named extra release, or XR, which times the release of small amounts of the drug into the body after it is swallowed.

“I prefer the extra release because it lasts longer,” said one student who took Adderall although it was not prescribed to him.

According to WebMD.com, ADHD affects between 8 percent and 10 percent of school age children and adolescents. That means about 1 out of every 10 students is affected by the disorder.

“It’s very accessible,” said another student. “It’s only $2-4 a pill depending on the provider.”

Students who used Adderall without a prescription said they bought the pills from other students who had a prescription.

Adderall is a pill which leaves no scent on the user and does not visibly impair the user like cigarettes, alcohol or marijuana. Because of this, students said they worry little about teachers or the administration catching them.

“It’s very easy to get away with,” said a student.

Students are not allowed to bring Adderall to school unless it’s registered with the nurse. It doesn’t matter whether they are prescribed or not.

“It goes with the school’s Drug and Alcohol Policy,” said Officer Jason Hottenstein. “The student could potentially be up for expulsion.”

Adderall, when not used properly, can be a very dangerous drug.

Top Halloween Costumes for 2011 range from Scary to Vampy

By Chris Fleming –

Get ready to see candy hungry zombies roaming the streets October 31.

Image courtesy of halloweencostumes4u.com

“A lot of zombie stuff has been selling well and old school stuff like Mario Brothers,” said a sales associate at the Fruitville Pike Party City, a popular place for teens and adults to buy costumes.

Some students said that they have dressed up as zombies in the past or are thinking about it this year and that a cheap way to do it is to wear old or ripped clothes and just use make up to get the zombie effect to look good.

According to USAToday, the most popular costumes this year include:

1. Zombies

2. Pirate

3. Vampire

4. Witch

5. Batman

According to www.costumesupercenter.com, the new cool costumes are usually based on the new good movies that have been released recently.

According to the same website, a popular choice among teenagers this year is going to be characters from the new movies Green Hornet and the newer Pirates of the Caribbean.

Over 13 percent of adults are dressing up as a witch this year according to USAtoday and other iconic figures such as sports and political stars are always popular.

Couple dressing up together for Halloween. Image courtesy of partycity.com

“”I was going to go to a Halloween party as Michael Phelps, because I’m a swimmer, and wear some fake gold medals,” said Senior Ryan Dettrey.

Being a celebrity can also be a popular way to dress up for Halloween. Senior Logan White took this route last year,” I was Steven Seagal last year for Halloween because me and my friends always watch his movies and laugh really hard.”

Other students don’t follow any trend.

“A cat because it fits with my black uniform,” said Megan Haines.

Another popular way to dress up is to dress up with another person to match, Jessica Huber plans on doing that this year with senior Liam Kline.

” I’m going to be Sandy from Greese, and Liam Kline is going to match me by being Danny.” said Jessica Huber.

” Olivia, my youngest daughter, wants to be a fairy and my son AJ wants to be someone from Star Wars like he usually is,” said Krista Cox, assistant principle here at Penn Manor.

” My 11 year old daughter is dressing up as a girl from the 80’s for Halloween and my 7 year old son is wearing a Ghost Busters costume,” said Eric Howe, also an assistant principle at Penn Manor.

New Trends Hit Penn Manor’s Fashion Conscious Students

By Jena Lacock –

Who would have thought that feathers, glasses and knitted sweaters would ever be trendy.

As the weather gets colder some new trends have been showing up around Penn Manor. Feather hair extensions make a big statement with their bright colors. You can get them put in at most hair salons or get feather hair clips at jewelery shops. Some techniques for installing these new fashion statements include getting them sown in, glued or clipped. Feather earrings are also very popular.

Kali Herr wears feather hair extensions. Photographed by Jena Lacock

“I think they’re very cool and pretty,” said junior Kali Herr.

“I don’t like feather hair extensions,” said junior, Maddie Rohrer. “It was nice for summer, but I don’t like it for the fall.”

Accessories that made their way back into 2011- 2012 year are scarves. They can boost any simple outfit and make them more playful.

“I still wear a lot of scarves,” said senior Brianna Herr.

If you wore glasses, the thing to get was contacts. Now it’s the other way around. People who don’t even need them would rather wear frames. You can see guys sporting designer glasses like Polo and Ray- Bans.

“I really like the thicker frames and Ray-bans for their good quality,” said junior Ian Martzall. “Also they’re something different.”

Some other trends that are becoming popular with guys are cardigans, Polo tees, khakis and shoes like Sperrys and Polos.

Ian Martzall wears Ray-Bans. Photographed by Jena Lacock

For girls the fall fashions include lots of vibrant colors such as crimson, persimmon, marigold, deep green, bronze, plum, gray and copper. Retro prints from the 60’s also make a chic statement on shirts and blouses. Animal prints can be seen on every clothing piece. Just like last fall, jeans leggings and jeggings remain popular. Compared to previous years, jeans have more options than just plain denim. Blue, black and gray are a couple new jean colors.

“I think animal prints are sweet and i love neon colors,” says junior Kimberly Drennen.

Besides clothing, a new trend appeared on nails. It’s a nail polish that you put on top of a base color and when it dries it gives a crackle-like texture. You can buy crackle nail polish at most drug stores.

Also another nail craze includes Sally Hansen’s Real Nail Polish Stripes. They are stripes of nail polish that you place on your nails. There is no drying time and you don’t have to worry about spilling it on your mom’s favorite coffee table. You can get them in styles like cheetah, lace, glitter and more.

This year’s trends are proving to be anything but ordinary.