Penn Points Online

Hey! You have my dress!?!

By Alyssa Jahnke –

You walk into prom with a gorgeous dress hoping everyone loves it as much as you do. You’ve waited 12 years to experience this special night. But then all of a sudden, another girl starts walking toward you with the same dress. Now you’re left wishing you would’ve done your research.

Prom time is a special time for any high school girl. It only comes once and often you only get one chance to go–your senior year. It’s an exciting time toward the end of spring, with a hint of summer in the air. Boys often seem oblivious to the excitement the word “prom” brings with it for girls. Of course, everything for the girl starts with the dress. But no girls ever, ever want to show up with the same dress and there are ways to make sure this doesn’t happen.

There are many stores around the Penn Manor School District where senior girls can go to for their dress. Weddings by Paulette is only a mile from Penn Manor High School. A short drive away are stores like Fancy Schmancy in Ephrata, Renaissance Bridal in York, and Bev’s Bridal in Quarryville.

Looking for the right dress can be a long and tedious journey, hopping from store to store, but it can be worth it in the end.

Most girls going to their prom want to have a dress that no one else has seen or will be wearing. Each store tries to carry different designers so they offer different choices to local high school girls. Each store promises not to sell the same dress to more than one girl at each school. This promise seems to be a comfort to each girl once she thinks she found the “perfect” dress.

“If I had not already bought the dress, and I knew someone else was getting it, I would not get that dress,” said senior Megan Wilson.

It is also a great marketing tool for stores to use, trying to get girls to shop early for their dresses so they can lock in their favorite style.

Two girls at prom realizing someone else has their dress. Photo Courtesy to 1037litefm.radio.com

But the promise of no one else being able to buy the same dress does not have the same importance to every girl who is prom bound.

Senior Maddy Hess said, “I would probably just get a dress that I liked even if i knew someone else had it.”

By being more comfortable with someone else possibly having the same dress, you have more options like finding ones on sale or at various stores that might offer dresses that are more reasonably priced.

“I’m not that worried about someone else having my dress,” stated senior Jenna Waite.

Prom fever is in the air. Whether or not it’s important to you to have a dress no one else has, prom is a time to make your princess dreams come true and go to the ball with friends you care about.

http://www.weddingsbypaulette.com/

http://www.bevsbridals.net/

More Detours for Penn Manor Students

By Lyta Ringo –

During last school year, many students faced the road detours caused by the rebuilding of the Stehman Road bridge. Well, PennDOT is at it again. Many may know of the underpass located on Marticville Road. A good percent of Penn Manor’s students, faculty, and community members travel on that road everyday.

The bridge has caused problems in the past, due to its very sharp turn, most try and avoided it at all costs by using the overpass located before the bridge, according to a report published at the beginning of March by lancasteronline.com.

Senior Ben Hershock admitted he’s had some issues with people not paying attention while going through the bridge.

“I myself have never had problems,” said Hershock, “but I’ve seen many people just take the turn without looking, then realize there’s a car coming and panic.”

The overpass used to be a dirt road with many trees and no traffic signs. However six municipalities took ownership of the crossover. Converting it to a safer traveling space.

The trees surrounding the area were removed, the overpass was paved, and traffic signs were installed. All of this sounds like a good thing right? But that’s not all.

ar11861538779571 — Image of the Marticville underpass. Photo courtesy of a Lancaster County real estate blog.

Stated by the same news report, ownership of the overpass was signed over to the municipalities to fix up the overpass. Now that it is fixed and able to drive on safely, the state has found somethings wrong with it. For instance the road doesn’t meet the states standards.

“I don’t think closing it (the overpass) would be that big of a deal,” said Hershock.

Any students agreed that the bridge isn’t that big of an issue as long as there isn’t huge vehicles going through it.

“I go through the bridge all the time to get to my grandparents house, and I’ve never had any problems there,” said sophomore Adrienne Eager, “I mean I wouldn’t wanna be on the other side if a bus or construction vehicle was coming through, because that probably wouldn’t work too well.”

Deciding against its staff recommendation, the county planning commission, held a meeting to try and get the overpass turned into an actual road. As reported by lancasteronline.com, in the process of this happening $1.6million in federal and state money has been set aside for this project.

The only problem is the new road is in conflict with a in process PennDOT project, in which the entire 23-mile Enola line would become a rail-trail. The deadline for this project has been passed and no contract exists. However the trail is still up for question.

In the situation that this would happen the overpass would be closed, and all traffic would be directed under the bride again. Raising the question of if it would cause more traffic issues or if Holtwood would stay a quiet and peaceful place.

Huskies fall to Fighting Irish

By Brandon Bowers –

A great season and one win away from yet another NCAA championship fell short for the Huskies.

A tough Notre Dame team came ready to tackle the Huskies came out on top with a 72-63 victory over the dominating UConn women who were chasing their third straight title couldn’t handle Notre Dames forward Skylar Diggins.

Digging had a season high Sunday night April third with 28 points, 4 rebounds 6 assists, 2 steals to lead her team to the NCAA championship game against Texas A&M.

“I thought Skylar was just amazing, simply amazing today,” Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw said in an interview after the game.

Notre Dame logo Photo by google.com

“I don’t know that you could wish for somebody better to spend four years with,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said of Maya Moore in an interview after the game. “I don’t think she needs to hang her head one bit.”

Moore had a game high of 36 points couldn’t get her team involved because of tough defense by Digging.

“She ran the team, she scored, she made good passes, good decisions,” McGraw said of Diggins in an interview after the game. “She’s an amazing talent and there’s probably nothing she can’t do when she puts her mind to it.”

UConn is a hard team to beat but anything can happen when you play great defense on the all star forward Maya Moore and make her take over and stop her from getting her team involved.

Trailing 34-26 early in the second half, Diggins’ three-point play started a 15-4 run by the Irish. Devereaux Peters’ added her own three-point play that gave Notre Dame a 38-37 advantage their first lead since midway through the first half.

“I thought they were much more the aggressive team in taking the ball to the basket,” Auriemma said in an interview after the game. “They’ve been a great team all year. It’s their turn.”

Now with a tough loss for UConn Notre Dame will be in the championship game tomorrow April fifth against Texas A&M to see how is the NCAA women basketball champion.

The Dreaded Winter Fun Day

By Laura Revelt–

As the Christmas season approaches students start to think about the presents they will get and give, come up their vacation plans and grow excited for a break from school. But as the first day of vacation nears, there is an event to dread: Winter Fun Day. Winter Fun Day is a school day set for an early dismissal schedule in which the blocks are shortened, but to the students’ dismay the day is not over after fourth block. It is suppose to be a way for the school to give students the opportunity to celebrate before the break, but in reality it is a boring, grueling couple of hours before we are released.

Of course there are a variety of options to choose from for the activities you wish to participate in for the time designated. Some of the choices include movies, a café with music entertainment, and the student- faculty basketball game including a dodge ball game or other activities at half time. I regrettably attended the basketball game all four years of my high school experience. You would think I would know better after giving it a chance my freshman and sophomore year, and sign up for a different option instead, but the majority of the school including my friends attend the game and this year, as seniors, some played in it. I also don’t find the idea of sitting in a dark room, watching a movie that I most likely have seen before, appealing.

The pros of the basketball game are having the freedom to talk, secretly texting and some, if they have the option of a car, attempt to ditch the game completely. The cons are that sitting on the bleachers for an extended period of time causes back and butt pain, it’s extremely boring, the anxiousness eats at you, and no one wants to watch their teacher jump around in athletic clothes, unless you find them attractive. During the games I found myself staring at the minute hand slowly move around the clock more than I actually watched the game. And surprise! You find out from an administrator the old clock is twenty minutes fast. Groan.

So why I ask did we continue to have this so-called “fun” day? It doesn’t help boost our excitement for the break. Frankly, I think it angers most of the students and even teachers. I was pleased to learn that the school is finally doing away with Winter Fun Day. Instead the last day before winter break will be an early dismissal day. A decent amount of teachers have small celebrations in their classes with movies, candy, or an interactive activity that ties in the season and the class material. We do not need further festivities in school that are more painful than enjoyable. I feel the most sympathetic to the students who, because of poor behavior, sit in a detention while the rest of the school participates. Sure it’s their fault they did something wrong, but punish them with a detention some other time instead of having a huge downer on the start of their vacation.

This change has been long-awaited and I envy those who will continue the rest of their high school years without having to deal with Winter Fun Day. I can say that those hours sitting in a hot, noisy gym with little entertainment will not be among my cherished high school memories.

Penn Manor Becomes Ag Aware

By Morgan Fletcher, Lauren Richards and Alyssa Byers –

And you thought dissecting frogs was gross. How would you feel about watching rabbits breed?

Well, that’s part of the curriculum for Veterinary Science, one of the many Ag classes Penn Manor offers to its students. They also offer welding, Ag science, horticulture and engines among many others. But what goes on behind the closed doors of the Ag hallway?

“I think people get the wrong ideas about Ag classes and that’s why they don’t take them,” said junior Caleb Hess.

Hess has taken Ag classes all three years of high school and will continue to take them next year. He cites Ag Science III as being his favorite class.

“I enjoy them and I think they’re relevant to my life and future career goals,” said Hess.

All safety precautions are taken in Ag classes as much of the coursework can be hazardous. Photo by Alyssa Byers

In Ag Science III, students are given a plot of hypothetical land where they must manage the type of land and the various types of soil. They also learn to build a resume (as if they haven’t done that enough already) and keep a record book on animals they show.

Welding class is offered as well, allowing students to play with fire while they’re in school. In welding, students are asked to combine two pieces of metal using intensive heat. They use certain techniques such as MIG, oxyacetylene and stick welding.

Joe Bucek, a welding student, enjoys the freedom he gets in his welding class.

“I get a bunch of free time to weld,” said Bucek. “It’s fun.”

How about that engine you’ve been meaning to fix? Penn Manor has a class for that. Not only do you get to tear apart engines, but you learn to rebuild them. Lawnmowers, snow blowers and chainsaws are only some of the engines you could work on. Students also learn about specific engines such as electrical and intake.

For those interested in construction, Penn Manor’s Ag department is the place for you. Construction class offers many ways to learn about construction, even using a hands-on method to help students learn better. Small sheds and other objects are built, all while learning the basics of construction.

“I like taking Ag classes because I get to meet new people and a lot of them have the same background as me,” said junior Laura Wissler.

So, the next time you take a walk down the Ag hallway, don’t be alarmed by the loud noises or the crowing of roosters. It’s all a part of a day’s work for the Penn Manor Ag students.

Philadelphia Flyers Begin Their Road to the Playoffs

By Spencer Barnett –

Rewind the clock about 11 months. The Philadelphia Flyers just shocked the world with their stunning performance on their road to the Stanley Cup finals with dramatic wins over Boston and New Jersey, where they fell short to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Now fast-forward to present day.

With a Stanley Cup appearance on their backs from last year, the Philadelphia Flyers have a lot of expectations to live up to in the short-coming playoff season. The Flyers will close out the regular season with back-to-back games tonight and Saturday against their first-round playoff opponent, the Buffalo Sabres tonight and the New York Islanders the following day.

Scott Hartnell with a vicious check on the Blackhawks. Photo by Suchat Pederson

The Flyers throughout the regular season held the first place spot in the Eastern Conference. But with the loss of Chris Pronger, Flyers star defender who suffered a broken hand in February, their season took a turn for the worst.

The Flyers are currently on a four-game losing streak and even worse, have lost the last six home games. From this drought, the team lost their first place spot to the Washington Capitals, who are led by captain Alexander Ovechkin.

“It’s always good to talk about what needs to be done, but talk is cheap,” Pronger said in an interview with Dan Gelston, AP Sports Writer for Yahoo Sports. “We’ve got to go out and prove it on the ice.”

Throughout all of this struggle, there is still hope for this Philadelphia team. If the Washington Capitals, who are on a four-game winning streak, lose to Florida in regular time, the Flyers can steal back their first place spot.

“We’ve been waiting for eight months to get to the playoffs,” Flyers forward Scott Hartnell said. “Seven months out of those eight, we’ve been great. This last month, we’ve not been great. Maybe it’s a lull before we get jacked up again.”

flyers-celebration-vertical — Flyers celebrating a goal. Photo by Mel Evans

One thing that is for sure about the Flyers postseason, is the man in front of the net.

Head coach Peter Laviolette has already posted that goalie Sergei Bobrovsky will be getting the start in game one. The rookie goaltender has had an outstanding year with 28 wins, a .917 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average. Bobrovsky is getting the start over last years standout goalie Brian Boucher.

“Paul (Holmgren) made the decision yesterday was the time for (Leighton) to come back up here,” Laviolette said. “He gives us more depth in that spot with his experience. But to start the playoffs, Bob will be the guy in net.”

For the Flyers, it’s gut-check time and no one sums it up better than Danny Breier, Flyers right wing.

“I think it needed to be done. But, at the same time, it is time to stop talking and start acting it out on the ice,” Briere said. “There were lots of little things that needed to be said. That’s step one. Step two is to finish it strong. And step three will be to start the playoffs.”

Penn Manor to Hold Comet Trot

By Alicia Ygarza –

Penn Manor is trotting toward a day of family, fitness and fun.

A “leisurely walk/jog and wellness experience for all ages,” according to the event’s organizer, will be held for PM students, staff and community members on Saturday, April 16.

“The district’s first Comet Trot was in November of 2009. Since that time a number of district employees (including the wellness committee) have been reflecting on how we can better an already successful event. In the past few months, these same individuals as well as community sponsors have been working hard to plan for an exciting day of wellness.” said Jason Binkley, coordinator of the Trot.

The benefits of the Comet Trot will go to the PM Family Fund and families in need within the Penn Manor School District.

Local businesses are giving support towards the event.

Ann Letort Elementary PTO, Millersville Subway and John Herr’s Village Markets are three of the 19 businesses sponsoring the Trot.

According to Binkly, Lancaster General Hospital will be performing height, weight and body mass index screenings. LGH will also have an interactive booth with activities like

Hidden Pitfalls- sugar, salt and fat- displays that show the fat, sugar and salt content that make up some of our common foods.

Grip Strength- A grip test offered to participants and the table will also offer information about exercise.

Steps to a Healthier You- A display of the food pyramid, the right portions of food that should be eaten and daily exercise activities.

Binkly is expecting a great turnout.

“My expectations are that the school district and our community members can come together for a fun filled day of wellness. It is also my expectation that we will be able to make significant contributions to the PM family fund at the completion of the event.” said Binkley.

The trot will begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 1 p.m., rain or shine. The cost is $3 for adults and $1 for students.

Penn Manor High School’s track will be very busy.

Penn Manor Scores Big at Science Fair

By Alyssa Jahnke –

It may be the best Penn Manor has ever done at the science fair.

A grand champion prize and several other wins in various categories was an amazing showing for Penn Manor students, according to science teacher Dave Bender.

“Penn Manor rocked!” Bender said about the students from Penn Manor did at the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair.

Bender was in charge of the science fair at Penn Manor High School. He said Penn Manor has won more awards in other years but never this many top ones.

“It was our first ever senior grand champion,” Bender said in an e-mail “But I was equally proud of our two category first place winners and our second place category winner as well.”

Ben Clark won first place at the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair. Photo credit: Alyssa Jahnke

The North Museum Science & Engineering Fair was was held at Franklin & Marshall College Monday, March 28 through Wednesday, March 30th. It was their 58th annual county-wide science fair.

Four Penn Manor High School students were at this fair to show their displays and experiments.

There were 350 students from 25 different high schools.

Senior Ben Clark won first prize over all the other competitors.

“I determined how common close binary stars are which has important implications to determining how stars form,” said Clark of his project.

Clark is trying to make a decision about his future educational endeavors.

Clark said, “I have been accepted to Harvard and Princeton, but haven’t made a decision yet.”

Clark now qualifies to compete in the ISEF, which is the Intel Science & Engineering Fair held in Los Angeles in May.

Anthony Crognale, a sophomore, won first place in the microbiology category. The experiment he did was the effects of bovine leukemia virus infection of human leukocyte cells. Crognale also participated in the science fair the previous year.

Ben Clark, Zach Estep, Jake Shick and Anthony Crognal. Photo credit: Alyssa Jahnke

In addition to having a display for their project, students also had to participate in an interview with a group of experts.

Senior Zach Estep, won first place in the physics and astronomy category.

Estep’s project was about, using sound waves to separate crude oil emulsion in the ocean.

“I want to go into the medical field after high school,” said Estep.

Junior Jake Shick said, “My experiment was on the chaos theory.”

This was Shick’s first science fair. He won second place in the mathematical sciences category. After high school Shick is interested in the science field in college.

School Board Meeting Approves Teacher Pay Freeze

By Sarah Schaeffer –

Last night the Penn Manor School board held it’s public April meeting at Manor Middle School.

The board approved a new, one-year contract for teachers, after many months of debate.

This contract, beginning July 1, enforces a pay freeze for all teachers, meaning teachers will not receive raises, bonuses or any other sort of increase in salary. Though teachers will be without extra payment, it came with the assurance that no teachers will be let go in the coming year.

According to Dr. Mike Leichliter, Superintendent of Penn Manor, the pay freeze will reduce the school’s budget by almost $1 million, a helpful cut in the financial challenges the district will face in the future, he said in an e-mail.

“Both sides worked diligently to come to agreement on a contract which puts the needs of the students first. At the same time we recognize the financial hardships the district and taxpayers are facing,” said Leichliter.

Discussion for a 2012-13 contract will begin by January 2012.

In other news, Vickie Miller was introduced as the new girls’ tennis coach.

Beth Dengler and Kierstin McDonald, entrepreneurship class students, presented the business plans for the junior class project and encouraged board members to support the project by buying chicken BBQ tickets.

Advantages of Manual Driving

By Alicia Ygarza-
Be alert! Watch the road! Pay attention!

These are the typical things parents say to their adolescent son or daughter when they are learning to drive. But when you’re driving stick shift, you have no choice but to be alert, watch the road, and pay attention. You’re constantly moving in and out of gears so your car doesn’t shut off (stall), or make loud noises to inform you you’re doing something wrong.

According to eslbee.com, “People who drive stick shift cars know the difference and the advantages of having total control of your car engine; people who drive cars with automatic transmissions do not.”

“If you’re not used to driving stick shift the car can stall or if you’re on a hill the car can drift backwards which isn’t good if someone’s behind you,” said Laura Wissler, a student at Penn Manor High.

This is typical for a manual car to do when in the hands of a new stick shift driver, but when the driver gets the hang of it, it “becomes fun.”

The look of stick shift driving, courtesy of themiraclejournal.com

According to eslbee.com, sick shifts are better to drive because they make the driver more attentive to the road and it also makes the driver more safe. When you are a manual car driver, in a sense, you and your car become one because you know what gears at a certain time make the car yell and what gears at a certain time make the car purr.

“Driving stick shift is good because you need to pay attention to what you’re doing and I like a challenge,” said Wissler.

According to DSA, Driving Standards Agency, manual and automatic car drivers were given the same driving test and the results were recorded. The information provided shows 49 percent of male manual car drivers passed the driving test, while 46.7 percent of male automatic car drivers passed. It also shows 52 percent of female manual car drivers passed the driving test, while 46 percent of female automatic car drivers passed.

“Automatic transmission is yet another example of the weakness of human nature. It caters to laziness. And that makes the environment bad for everyone.Why? Well, any idiot can drive an automatic. But I don’t want any idiot on the road. Get my point?” said Allen Wastler from CNN Money.