Rev up to Rematch:Cowboys vs. Eagles

So much for a December fallout for the Dallas Cowboys.

Now the sudden underdog, Philadelphia Eagles, must fly and fly into “America’s team’s” doghouse on Saturday night while trying to hold back the not-too-distant memories of the 24-0 beat down laid on them by that very same team.

“I think it will be a blowout (by the Cowboys),”said Adam Sahd, one of Penn Manor’s very own football players.

He has good reason to think that since the Eagles have not yet seen the explosive side of the Eagles’ fairly young offense against their upcoming opponent so far this season. The only offense that looks alive is the Cowboys with the help of their star quarterback, Tony Romo, who is playing some of the best football he’s ever played – especially being in the hot seat that he was in while trying to prove that the Cowboys can be a playoff contender.

Should the Eagles be worried?

“Maybe a little bit,” Devin Shenk said, but he said he still thinks that the winner coming out of Saturday night’s game is going to “probably (be) the Eagles.”

A Cowboys’ fan, Randy Fisher, is a very confident about the Cowboys’ chances, saying, “(The Cowboys are going to) own them again.” Then, in a drop of confidence, said that he’s “optimistic they’ll win.”

Last week, Donovan McNabb noted that  having inexperienced and young players is one reason why the Eagles got shot out of the sky – maybe that’s not the best pun to use because shooting Eagles is illegal. But Philly’s young players like Desean Jackson, Lesean McCoy, and Jeremy Maclin are a significant part of their success.

They need to (keep Brian) Westbrook out and McCoy in,” said Neil Fellenbaum, an Eagles’ fan and Penn Manor teacher, “they just need to play overall better in every aspect.”

That they do and we’ll just have to see this Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

But there is another game this Saturday right before the big NFC match up, and it’s another week 17 repeat: the New York Jets at the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chad Ocho Cinco talked up a storm last Sunday night but got injured in the pre-game so he couldn’t back up his claims that one of the best cornerbacks in the league, Darelle Revis, couldn’t stop him or else he would change his name back to Chad Johnson.

A lot of talk will be revolving around that highly anticipated game just like every other Jets game it seemed during the season with rookie head coach, Rex Ryan, not being afraid to say anything with a little back up from his defensive buddies, Bart Scott and Kerry Rhodes.

by Alex Geli

The Truth About Band – One Opinion

With the band season now over, it is time to set the record straight.

If there is one thing I can say about band, it is that everyone has the wrong idea about it.

There are basically four major misconceptions about band.

The first: Band is for nerds. While I can not argue that there are quite a few nerds in band (I will not mention names), most of us are actually normal teens, with lots of friends.

Many of the students in band participate in other sports. Some are even ex-cheerleaders.

The second: Band is not a sport. According to dictionary.com, a sport is basically any athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature.

If you came to a practice, you would see band is obviously a sport. We run. A lot. We compete every week end for three months. We endure the hottest days of the summer, the horribly windy days of fall, and the iciness of winter, all in one season.

The third myth: Band is simple. Ask a drummer, band is not a simple endeavor.

For some reason, I highly doubt that many students in our school are capable of running for eight and a half minutes with a forty pound weight strapped to their chests. All the while, maintaining good posture, proper marching techniques, and keeping a steady beat.

The fourth myth and probably most common misconception about band: What goes on at band camp. If you are above the age of ten, then you have most likely seen the American Pie movies or at least heard the classic “one time at band camp…” line.

Let me just say, nothing at band camp is even remotely the way the movie portrays it.

The basic idea of band camp consists of lots of running, drinking a lot of water, sweating, playing music and searching the field to find your exact spot as Mr. Mumma yells over the speakers, “A little to the left. A couple steps forward. Now a little to the right. Okay, there.”

If you have any disagreements, come to Marticville Middle School, the second week of August 2010. You’ll see exactly what band is all about.

By Stephanie Carroll

Dating Age – a Matter of Opinion for Teens

Have you ever heard this directive from your parents?

“You’re just a kid, you don’t understand dating requires a lot more than you think. It’s as simple as you live in my house you go by my rules.”

According to Families.com, a parenting website, the majority of parents say teens should start dating at the age of 16 and up.

But a recent informal poll at Penn Manor high school was conducted, with the question, “what age do you think is appropriate for teens to start dating?” – with dramatically different results.

11 out of 25 people interviewed said between the ages of 12-14.

The recommended ages ran from 7-18.

Chandler Miller, a junior, stated “14, it’s stupid to have a kid start dating at 16 when they can drive and lie about where they are going.”

“Age 10 when they start liking girls, you get more experience at an early age and get better at it,” said Jon Zeigler.

Luke Harvey and Jill Wiley walking to class together. Photo by Miriam Karebu and Kelly Owens.

Misha McIntyre said, “16, because their minds aren’t fully developed before then.”

Brittany Scott said “It varies between girls and boys, but dating on a serious scale should be at the beginning of high school and the parents should know and approve.”

Throughout the poll, male students normally stated a lower age then females did.

Felix Santo Domingo Gonzalez said “13, because curiosity is at its peak. They don’t have the ability to tell between right and wrong.”

Gonzalez explained his first serious relationship started at the age of 15.

“It was definitely hard to balance school and my social life, my grades suffered a lot.” said Gonzalez.

Genny Leonards’ said between the ages of 13-16, “My first serious relationship is now and I’m 16.”

She feels that she is not too young to be in a serious relationship because she learned how to balance school and her social life.

“My grades are actually better now that I am with him because he helps me with my homework,” said Leonards.

Contrary to Leonards’ love story, Gonzalez said, “I didn’t come to school for two weeks straight after we broke up, I just sat and stared at the TV.”

The faculty’s answers were very different from the student’s responses.

“When they’re out of the house,” said Principal Jason D’Amico.

Krista Cox, an assistant principal, responded, “When they’re 18, out of my house and an adult.”

Even though adults and teens may not agree, in the end it’s the teen’s choice.

By:Miriam Karebu and Kelly Owens

Swine Flu Vaccination Free to Public

In late October, swine flu hit Penn Manor hard, with a whopping 214 students absent in one day!  (Not all these absences are swine flu related.)

The state of Pennsylvania originally offered the vaccination to those in specific target groups, including individuals 6 months – 24 years of age, caregivers for children under 6 months of age, pregnant women, emergency medical service personnel, and individuals under 65 years of age with underlying health conditions.

Nurse Butterfield. Photo by Brittany Burke

Now that most of the people that are more prone to complications have been vaccinated, it’s open to the public, free of charge.

Penn Manor’s nurse, Anne Butterfield, advises people to get it.

“There has been a decline in the past few weeks, but it’s going to return in waves,” said Butterfield.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is offering H1N1 vaccinations free of charge January 8th and 9th, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  In Lancaster County, there are two locations: Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center in Manheim, and Lancaster/Lebanon IU13 in Lancaster.

An appointment must be made first, at www.H1N1inPA.com, under “What’s Hot,” or by calling 1-877-724-3258.

By: Brittany Burke

Down in the Dumps This Winter Season?

It’s the darkness.  It’s only 5:00 pm and the black curtain over the sky has dropped for the night.  Slight depression slips in and laziness is at its all time high.

It’s the cold and you’ve noticed that you are suddenly gaining weight, you’re craving the sweets and starches; you are tired and constantly trying to stay focused in class but cannot; the worst part of it all:  final exams and the stress on you make you irritable and increase in your anxiety.

What you are experiencing may be SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).  The change of the seasons is the cause, and you’re not alone.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, as many as half a million people in the US are diagnosed with the full-blown SAD disorder.  While another 10-20% of the US population experience a milder form.

As the seasons change, the loss of light usually causes some strange effects.

“I don’t know why, but now I’m pissed  off a lot, like all the time,” said freshman Addison Myer.

Other students said they noticed no change in their emotion and behavior, but some said the winter makes them feel “sad or depressed for no reason.”

The effects are stronger in women than in men, but anyone can experience the symptoms.

The tolerances are short, and the fuses are even shorter.

Irritability and short-tempers are common in the hallways of Penn Manor, especially now with the on-set of winter.

“I’ve noticed it a lot in my friend,” a sophomore here at Penn Manor said.  “Tension is really in the air now.  I feel like anything I say she’ll snap and get mad at me for, and then I get mad because she got mad at me for nothing!”

“I think I mostly get grumpy and unhappy because it’s getting colder, and exams are coming up.” said senior Marie Ondeck.

By Alyssa Funk

Where’s the New Logo for Penn Manor

Penn Manor School District has been known as the Comets with pride in its colors-blue and gold.

Though the logo for Penn Manor is simple and well known, it is not a consistent one. There are many different logos and designs that have been made for the school district over the  years.

The school district is looking for a new logo, one that can be  consistent. They are looking for a creative mind to come up with a new logo to be able to use from here on out.

The blue and gold colors of Penn Manor have changed a lot over the years. It has gone from more of an aqua blue and yellow…to a navy blue and sparkly gold.

If you have any ideas for Penn Manor’s new logo you can email your ideas or a drawn picture to cindyrhoades@pennmanor.net or mail to PM Logo, P.O. Box 1001, Millersville, PA 17551 by January 15, 2010.

You do not have to be a graphic designer or any kind of genius with art.  The district is just looking for something creative to show the pride of the Penn Manor School District for years to come.

by Cassey Graeff

Students Plan to Enjoy MLK Holiday – Despite Forecast

This year Martin Luther King Jr. Day is expected to be a tricky one for driving.

On Sunday,  Millersville is expected to receive a “light wintry mix” of snow and rain showers, according to Weather.com. The winter weather is expected to run throughout the week  with temperatures ranging from 39 to 43 degrees.

Penn Manor students have a 4-day weekend vacation from school and many plan on working around the predicted weather.

Senior Becca Conner, excitedly said, “I’m going to King of Prussia!”

Another senior, Jimmy Durborow, claimed, “I’m going to hang with my girlfriend and some friends and play a game or two.”

The weather isn’t stopping any of the students here at Penn Manor from doing things they enjoy doing.

Like junior Larry Thomas, students plan to go to work and others, such as junior, Cassey Graeff, are going out for their driver’s license.

Abby Newport, a junior forgot about  the Monday and Tuesday off.  She said, “I don’t know what I’m doing! But, Friday, I have a basketball game and Saturday, I’m going to Veritgo (a teen club in York). I’m so excited!”

Penn Manor students and staff will begin a new semester Wednesday.

By Ariela Contreras

Night School Experience was Life-Changing

Its last year.  I’m sitting on my grandma’s step waiting for the bus to go to school at 3:00 in the afternoon.

That’s right 3 p.m.

Unusual right?

But that’s a regular schedule for a night school student.

That’s right, night school.

Night school, where all the kids who don’t have their life on track go. Suddenly I was one of the those kids.

As a freshman, you are introduced to so many new things and you get so much more freedom than ever before. You think you’re unstoppable, well; at least that’s how it was for me and my friends freshmen year.

Tyler Keith

That year, I got mixed in with the wrong group of kids. I thought they were the popular kids and the ones that were having the best time. I wanted to be the popular kid. So I went and made the biggest mistake of my life just to be a popular kid in school. I bought drugs. Being a freshman, thinking that I was unstoppable, I showed the drugs off on the bus.

That next Monday, I was called to the office with no second thought about the drugs. I was sitting in the office getting interrogated by two principles. They started to tell me the disciplinary actions. The whole ordeal becomes a nightmare and I just wanted to wake up.

From being the kid that has never got into any real big trouble for anything to the kid who suddenly became a major screw-up.  When my dad walked in the office door, I couldn’t even look at him just because I knew he was so disappointed in me.  My parents were more disgusted than ever about everything.

This was the worst chapter of my life. I felt like there was never going to be an end to my punishment and that I was going to sit at home all summer long while my classmates were out enjoying their high school years.

It got to the point where I would live my life during the night.  This way I wouldn’t have to be around anyone. I ended my last ten days of freshmen year at my house and it still wasn’t over. I had a punishment of a minimum of 45 days in night school, 25 hours of community service, drug and alcohol classes and a chance of not being able to wrestle the next year. My whole life was wrestling.

That first day of night school, I was more nervous then the first day of elementary school, middle school and high school put all together. Not knowing anyone or what you were in for and not one person you had anything in common with, except your crime.

Night school was not as bad as I thought except I couldn’t see my friends; go to football games or homecoming.  But it changed my life around and made me smarter about my decisions. The good news was that, after 45 days, I returned to day school and was able to wrestle.

That’s right, I’m back on track.

By: Tyler Keith

Thursday Night Weather

A snow shower is expected in Millersville on Thursday.

According to Weather.com, around 2 p.m. The town is expected to have a low temperature of 28 degrees with winds around 5 to 10 miles per hour. The shower is predicted to leave the ground covered with one inch of snow. The weather is likely to extend itself onto Friday.

With showers and flurries from Thursday night, be ready to wake up to a light snow covered lawn. Winds are expected to be about 10-20 miles per hour with a high of 31 degrees. According to WGAL, Friday will leave the ground covered with one to three inches of snow, however Saturday morning will be dry, partly cloudy, yet still windy.

By Ariela Contreras

Lots of Fun Planned for the Holiday Break

With 11 days of Christmas break, presents will have been given, feasts will have been made, and snow will possibility have fallen from the sky. Not exactly white, a forecast has been made about this Christmas being a rainy one. Although it’s not sure the weather outcome, many people at Penn Manor have plans for their long break:

Juan Cubano – Hang out with friends and “do some crazy sledding stuff.”

Deryk Morales- Playing hockey.

Cree Bleacher- Hanging out with friends and quality family time.

Chloe Reisinger- Probably not play in the snow.

Tiffanie Ray- Going to a couple New Years’ parties and “eat lots of food and candy. Yum.”

Dana Poetzl- “Working at HOLLISTER!”

Suzi Groff- Working, sledding, and making snowmen.

Christy Rhoades- Visit sister and go sledding.

Forrest Lovett- Play basketball, go snowboarding and bake and eat Christmas cookies.

Juan Montez- Relaxing, making igloos and playing snow soccer.

Keith Eshelman-“Cuddling in warm blankets sipping warm cocoa by the fire.”

Christopher Rossi- Catching up on sleep.

Erik Klugh- College applications and snowboarding in the Poconos.

Lakan Rightnour- Working and cheerleading.

Jocelyn Mylin- Musical jam session with family.

Jerad Heming- Playing football.

David Bresh-Cleaning floors for a job.

Ellen Blazer- Watch family open gifts.

Natalie Dell’Esate- News year’s eve parties

Lynn Torbert- Shopping for myself.

By: Alex Geiger