Imagine working everyday for two months after school, for just one day of preforming.
A few students did that and reached their goal to make county and district chorus, band and orchestra.
The chorus was judged on tone quality, melodic accuracy, rhythmic accuracy, intonation and musicality.
Meredith Hitchcock worked extremely hard on these skills. Hitchcock went to both the county and district auditions where she placed 13 out of 98 in the county competition, and 23 out of 111 in districts as a soprano two.
“Doing these auditions and being involved with these auditions will help me with the musical challenges after high school,” said Hitchcock.
Music students succeed at their audition. Photo by Mary Treier
The music that the music students had to perform were very difficult.
“The musicality was hard,” said Hitchcock.
Ian Bricker also auditioned to both the county and the district competition. Bricker placed 3 out of 23 in the county and 7 out of 63 in districts.
“I worked on my music everyday after school and during all the homeroom periods,” said Bricker. “I wanted to do this to better myself as a musician.”
Along with Bricker and Hitchcock, the following people made county chorus, Emily Biechler, Kate Harrold, Brendan Kincade, Kelly Lenahan and Mitchell Wise.
Harrold also made district chorus along with Bricker and Hitchcock.
The orchestra members who made county orchestra were, Olivia Deitrich, Danielle Barleib, Allison Herr, Nick Charles and Jesse Griffith.
Lily WuShanley and Sophia Wushanley were the only two Penn Manor members who made district orchestra.
Eye-black, check. Turf field, check. Cold weather, check. A whole lot of fun, check.
The Penn Manor tradition for a powder puff game will continue in Dec 2010, despite previous rumors that it would be canceled.
Both the senior and junior girls are excited, as well as the senior and junior football players who will act as coaches.
“Powder puff isn’t just a game it’s a way of life,” said senior girls coach, Corey Morales.
The game allows senior and junior girls to get a feel for what the football players experience on Friday nights. The girls get to throw on some eye-black and get physical.
“The game last year was a lot of fun. The best part is throwing on your eye-black and getting all mean and nasty,” said three sport standout (field hockey, basketball, soccer) Katie Breneman.
The powder puff game will be run by the “Penn Manor Pride Club”, also known as varsity club.
“I expect powder puff to be a good game. I expect it to be a lot of fun. I think it’s a great thing for the girls to look forward to,” said Pride Club adviser Brittany Clugston.
Now lets not forget about the coaches.
The senior girls will be coached by football players; Ande Olson, Garrett Young, Kevin Kann, Corey Morales, and Jessen Smith.
The junior girls will be coached by football players; Cody Stryker, Dylan Webber, Alex Cummins, and Trent Crider.
The game allows the football players to coach girls to victory on the gridiron.
The senior powder puff coaches are confident that their class will be victorious.
“It’s extremely exciting to teach the girls something and watch it come to life on the field,” said Kann.
“You have to simplify everything. And try to get the girls a good base and understanding of the game,” said Stryker, a coach for the juniors.
As far as history of the powder puff game goes, the seniors have been victorious more than not.
“We know we’re the underdog, but we think we can make it a lot closer than a lot of people think,” said Stryker.
“Our key to winning is our speed and strength,” said junior go-to girl Alicia Ygarza.
Thursday, December 9th at 6:30 pm, the girls will be ready to do battle.
Sixty-nine years ago yesterday was Japan’s retaliation on U.S. soil.
Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was the catalyst to the United States’ involvement in World War Two.
Penn Manor social studies teacher Dan Myers said it is important and necessary to teach students about the attack.
“It was one of the most significant events in U.S. history,” said Myers. “It was the event that actually brought us into the war. We wanted to stay out.”
Leading up to “Operation Z,” Japan’s secret name for the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt imposed an embargo on Japan’s oil exports in July of 1941 after their efforts to further expand into French Indochina.
Over the next several months, pilots were trained, equipment was amended, and intelligence was collected by Japan. Japan’s Emperor Hirohito never approved attack efforts until November 5 and final authorization was not given until December 1. By this time, the U.S. knew something fishy was up with Japan and put U.S. Pacific bases and facilities under alert.
Pearl Harbor bellowed with smoke as the Japanese take advantage of their unknown attack. Photo by eitsfan.com
But the U.S. underestimated Japan’s naval power to follow-through with more than one operation at a time due to their objective to attack the Philippines. Thus, Pearl Harbor wasn’t known as Japan’s main target and the attack soon astonished America.
Japan intended to destroy American fleet units, in return delaying America’s efforts to fight back and end their domination of expansion.
They also wanted to buy time for them to recuperate and increase their naval strength. Most of all, Japan wanted to drown American morale.
Japan’s game plan consisted of 408 aircraft in all; 360 for the two attack waves and 48 on defensive combat air patrol including nine fighters from the first wave.
The first wave’s mission was to demolish every possible armament with the second wave to finish off whatever was left. Japan sent two disguised aircraft out before the planned strike and had another four patrolling the area between their carrier force and Niihau to halt any counterattacks.
Japan originally wanted to inform the U.S. it was ending all peace negotiations 30 minutes before the attack, but the message was never delivered.
Finally, on December 7, 1941, at 7:48 Hawaiian time, the first wave soared over Oahu like a vast flock of birds releasing complete mayhem on Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor burning from Japanese surprise attack. Photo by pagotan.com
Thousands awoke to the sounds of alarms, gunfire, screams and exploding bombs.
“Air raid Pearl Harbor. This is not drill.”, were the words screamed from the headquarters of Patrol Wing Two, the first senior Hawaiian command to respond.
The attack was equivalent to a toddler in a ring versus a UFC fighter. The United States was caught completely off guard and had no means of readiness for a counterattack.
Japan wreaked havoc for a total of 90 minutes, killing 2,386 Americans and wounding 1,139. Of the 402 American aircraft in Hawaii, 188 were destroyed and 159 damaged. Of 33 PBYs, American flying boats, in Hawaii, 24 were destroyed, and six others damaged beyond repair.
On the other hand, there were only 64 Japanese casualties along with one being captured. Of Japan’s 414 available planes, 29 were lost during the battle with another 74 damaged by antiaircraft fire from the ground.
Upon the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, 15 Medals of Honor, 51 Navy Crosses, 53 Silver Crosses, four Navy and Marine Corps Medals, one Distinguished Flying Cross, four Distinguished Service Crosses, one Distinguished Service Medal, and three Bronze Stars were awarded to the American servicemen who distinguished themselves in combat at Pearl Harbor.
A special military award, the Pearl Harbor Commemorative medal, was later authorized for all military veterans of the attack.
Penn Manor’s own chorus will travel to Hawaii in 2011 to perform at the 70th anniversary of the attack.
Senior Jere Vital said, “I thought the surprise attack was vicious. This event shows a trend through history where attacking heavily populated areas using planes as a weapon foreshadowed events such as 9/11.”
Several current and former Penn Points staff members won national awards for their work in the National Scholastic Press Association individual competitions, announced this month.
The NSPA has competitions divided into sections for various groups such as online newspapers, yearbooks and story of the year. Each section has three places and an honorable mention category.
Sarah Schaeffer, Taylor Groff and Kendal Phillips holding their awards
Junior Sarah Schaeffer, 16, was awarded second place in the Multimedia Story of the Year category.
“It felt wonderful to know that I won this,” she said.
Her story told of Mandy Li, an immigrant to Lancaster County from China and about her talent at the piano and in math.
Another NSPA multimedia award was given to senior Kendal Phillips. Her multimedia project won honorable mention.
The story was about the high school’s mosaic wall project progress.
“I found out about my award in the beginning of the school year,” said Phillips.
Taylor Groff also was recognized for his video contribution to both awards. Groff did some of the video and multimedia in both projects. He said he was proud of his work and of Penn Points achievements.
Cody Erb and Dessie Jackson, 2010 graduates of Penn Manor, also worked on the Mandy Li story.
Every year, the NSPA awards students and school organizations for their excellent work throughout the United States.
It’s time to deck the halls and satisfy that sweet tooth, without dishing out your savings account.
Students in the Life Skills class at Penn Manor are having a Christmas Bazaar Dec. 2 at the IU13 building off New Holland Pike. The bazaar will run from 9am-1pm.
The Life Skills class having a discussion. Photo by Gabby Bauman
The unique part? The crafts and snacks that will be sold are homemade by the students.
Amy Reis, a teacher assisting with the event organization, said, “90 percent (of the snacks and crafts) are made by us.”
Candy kabobs, cocoa cones, brownies, rice Krispie treats, magnets, ornaments, holiday pins, garlands, homemade scarves, homemade dish cloths, and much more! This bazaar has it all.
But first, lets take a step back.
“This event is bi-annual and has been around for years, before I even started teaching,”said Melissa McMichael, another teacher involved.
And unlike other fundraisers, this one has no monetary goal.
“We don’t set a monetary goal. The purpose is to give kids a chance to work with people, socializing,” Reis said.
The students made cocoa cones and needed to learn how to run a business. Photo Courtesy of Gabby Bauman
Combining the skills such as math, communication, and entrepreneurship, the Life Skills kids are able to have a fun-day that is beneficial to their
education and allows them to experience how the real world operates.
“The kids would say the best part is a day out of school,” said Reis.
But whether it’s a day out of school or chance to fund raise, the bazaar represents all the hard work students have put forth.
What a way to represent a true meaning of Christmas, where money doesn’t matter.
Willkommen bei Penn Manor! (Welcome to PM in German)
Visiting German teachers were welcomed to Penn Manor High School in late October. They were surprised at how different our schools are, but were excited to be here.
Initially, the simple desire to see a high school in a different culture brought them here.
Two of the teachers explained that they “always wanted to see an American high school” and that this opportunity was too good to pass them by.
The teachers traveled about 4,000 miles to get from Germany to Pennsylvania. Photo Courtesy of venere.com
One particular individual was Ulrike Schroen. She visited librarian Sue Hostetter in 1976 and they’ve kept in touch ever since.
But regardless of the previous visit, when the rest of the teachers arrived at the building, they noticed a sundry amount of differences.
Where they were from, they explained “about 1,000 students and 50 teachers” attended, which made Penn Manor High School seem very large compared to what they’re used too.
The biggest hit? Our Sanders P. McComsey library. All agreed that it was very impressive.
Surrounded by laptops and computer stations and a large selection of books, they couldn’t believe the size of our library. At their school they said they have few “separate computers” and “a little library.”
Throughout the day, the German teachers were able to observe classrooms and explained their levels. We have honors, college prep, and career prep level courses all in the same building, but in Germany, their level classes are in completely separate buildings.
The German teachers made comments about our library. Photo Courtesy of moodle.pennmanor.netThey questioned the number of students from career prep levels that go on to college here as well.
All of their students who are in career prep are college bound, contrary to those at Penn Manor High School.
In fact, they reported that all of their levels go to college because education is crucial in their culture.
Surprisingly the teachers were well equipped in their English speaking skills. They explained that “all (students) are required to learn English from third grade on.”
The teachers agreed the trip was worthwhile and the experience was one they will always remember.
“This is like a second home to us already,” said one.
They left Penn Manor humoring all who asked about their new cultural experience: “Your toilets are so nice-so clean.”
The comedy by Mark Twain is playing on November 19 and 20 starting at 7:30 in the Penn Manor High School auditorium.
The play “Is he dead?” is about an artist who is deep in debt to a usurer, which is another name for a loan-shark. The artist is unable to sell his artwork so he and his friends come up with a plan to fake his death in order to drive up the price value of his paintings. The play covers the entire scheme and all the crazy complications.
The lead role is played by senior Cody Goldberg, who plays a male and female role in the play.
Cody Goldberg
“I have a lot of respect for Cody, doing this,” said Melissa Mintzer, assistant director of the play. “I give him a lot of props for learning all of those lines and costumes.”
Crews have been working three hours a day, four days a week, since the second week of school.
The cast is made up of 15 students, there are 25 crew members and 4 adults.
The director of the play is Carol Shellenberger, a retired English teacher at Penn Manor. Assistant director is Melissa Mintzer, Tech director is Mark Dennis, and Rebecca Cotich is in charge of costumes.
How do you speak an English line with a French or German accent, when you were born and raised in America?
“Students will have to try and speak in a different accent when, maybe, they have never even studied that language before,” said Mintzer.
Mark Twain is one of the best humorous play writers that ever lived, so the school has much anticipation.
The play is roughly 2-2 1/2 hours long and is brand new, it has never been done before.
“We hope to inspire other schools to do the play in their high schools,” said Mintzer.
The play is extremely funny and the characters have to do crazy, abnormal things.
But the worst part is that, for some reason, not as many people are coming out to the shows that should.
“My least favorite part is trying to get more people to support and come see the shows,” said Mintzer. “They are always extremely good but people don’t always know that.”
This year’s play is going to be a fun and humorous one that everyone will enjoy.
Penn Manor seniors may not be receiving their diplomas at Penn Manor High School this year.
Penn Manor and Hempfield are looking to share a facility and split the costs for 2011’s graduation ceremony. Their top choice, Franklin and Marshall College, is indoors so inclement weather wouldn’t be a problem. Students getting their cap and gown drenched in sweat also wouldn’t be a problem because the building is air-conditoned.
Principal Phil Gale and others are discussing the alternative graduation site and are trying to get a site scheduled in time.
Penn Manor Graduation 2010. Courtesy photo from http://www.pennmanor.net/blog/2010/07/06/commencement-2010/
“We are looking for a place that can host a ceremony without running into problems with inclement weather or the hot temperatures of the gymnasium,” Gale said. “We don’t want to set up two locations again.”
During previous graduations, Penn Manor set up in Millersville’s football stadium but took everything down and held the ceremony in the school gym if weather threatened.
Gale has been talking with the Hempfield principal about the new idea.
“Hempfield was looking to move as well and so I discussed with the principal at Hempfield about finding a place together,” said Gale. “We could split the cost and have a nice facility for people as well as save money.”
Gale and Dr. Michael Leichliter, Penn Manor’s Superintendent, met with principals from two other schools to talk about graduation.
“In October, Leichliter and I met with superintendent and principal of Hempfield as well as the principal of McCaskey and talked about finding a common place that all three of us could share and split the costs,” Gale said, “but McCaskey graduated at the Lancaster Convention Center last year and they are scheduled to graduate there again this year.”
Gale also went on two different tours at F&M to see the facility Penn Manor could use and to get more information.
“Myself and Dr. D’Amico went over to F&M in mid-October for a tour,” Gale said. “It was really nice because the stage was set up so we could visually see what it would look like.
We also got more information and costs,” he added. “After the first tour, I talked with the school board about the concept and ideas. I then asked for permission to go further.”
On November 8, Dr. Leichliter, the class officers and Gale went on another tour of the facility.
This is a new idea, something that has never been done before. That has students wondering if this is a good idea or not.
F&M Alumni Sports and Fitness Center. Courtesy photo from godiplomats.com
“I don’t think we should do it. It’s bad luck and I would rather have it at Millersville (Biemesderfer Stadium) like we always do,” said senior Brittany Wright.
“I think it would be a great idea to graduate at a different place, but at the same time, I want to graduate at the school that I’m graduating from,” said senior Morgan Ream.
Gale pointed out the necessity of figuring out the location as soon as possible, saying, “We should know if graduation will be held at F&M soon because we need to book a date and get things set with Hempfield.”
Hanna shares public speaking experiences. Photo By: Whitney Reno
Oh no… I have to speak in front of the whole class? My hands are shaking, my voice is going to falter, I can’t do this.
Many students feel this way and now there is a club just for them at Penn Manor.
Quay Hanna, known as Penn Manor’s “Redneck,” because he runs a group to ease racial tensions and increase understanding at the school, has started a Speakers’ Club, designated to helping students improve their public speaking skills.
Hanna is a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Speaker’s Association (NSA) and was appointed to offer the club as a way for the Association to contribute and give back to the community and high school students.
Quay, along with other public speakers, will be coming to visit the students in the club to give them tips on how to better their public speaking skills.
“It’s top notch advice to students for free,” said Hanna.
“These are skills that would have helped me when I was 17 or 18,” said Hanna.
Once a month Hanna will invite anyone to come to his office, located in the faculty lounge in the cafeteria, during Tuesday club to listen to the presentations. The topics will include how to write a presentation, deal with hecklers and business speaking.
Hanna said he feels that this will be beneficial to anyone with any background, no matter what field of work they want to pursue.
“If you can communicate, you will stand out,” Hanna says.
Hanna says he has found some difficulty in getting this club started because it’s available for anyone so he is unsure of what to expect.
Student's attended the Speaker's Club on Nov. 16. Photo By: Whitney Reno
He said that anyone who is interested in this club should sign up in the office.
He hopes to gain a core of people that come to every club, so eventually there can be a competition involving the skills they’ve learned. All student speakers will give a five minute presentation, and the winner will hopefully receive a cash prize.
Hanna’s hopes are that they can develop this core of people who come to each club, but says he “tends to think too big.”
This Tuesday, Nov. 16, Hanna shared some of his experiences while giving a presentation.
Next month’s presenter will be the president of the NSA who will tell the students about marketing their speaking and branding, or what you’re known for as a speaker.
Ally Emmert, a senior attended the first presentation.
“I think it’s going to be really beneficial because public speaking is something you can always use,” said Emmert.
Penn Manor’s girls field hockey team raised money to help breast cancer awareness this year.
The team knew October was Breast Cancer awareness month, so they decided to have a pink game to help raise money. They sold shirts to Penn Manor families, students and anyone who wanted one. All the concession stand money collected throughout the game by selling food went directly to this cause.
Penn Manor players were not the only people involved in the effort, friends of the field hockey booster club played a big role on preparing everything. Manheim Township was involved, too.
“Yes, we plan to do it again next year,” Matt Soto said about the team’s plans to repeat the event next year.
“We plan on getting the entire league to participate in this next year, it just might be a huge turn out,” Soto said.
The game was a huge hit. One game raised $4,550.
“We exceeded our goal. Our goal was not money, it was cancer awareness,” Soto said. “Its amazing what one day or one game can do.”
One way Penn Manor honored people with cancer or people who have passed away from cancer was by placing lighted baskets throughout the stadium with their names on it.
Players and families were very impressed with the turnout and would like to thank everyone who participated.
