Penn Points Online

The Practice of Texting; A Deadly Toll

Nicholette Pomon, of East Brandywine Township, Pennsylvania, was only 17 years old when she and her nearly full-term baby were pronounced dead. The cause of their death: distracted driving.

The driver, Meghan L. Obendorfer, 18, was speeding on a winding, slippery road when she misjudged a corner and collided head-on with a school bus. Meghan was charged with homicide by vehicle. The worst part of her ruling was being charged with the murder of her best friend and her best friend’s child.

During the investigation, police found that Obendorfer had received 39 text messages and calls up until the accident. Avoid-texting-while-driving

Laws are being put into effect to help contain the problem. Currently there are 18 states that have banned texting while driving.

Pennsylvania currently has no state-wide texting laws enforced. However October 5 through the 11 was “Heads up Driving Week.” This was a “protest” to support a no-texting while driving law. People were asked to drive distraction-free for one week.

Texting was first used in 1992, it has recently become the main mode of communication between teenagers. Unfortunately it’s being done while driving.

In 2008, nearly 6,000 people were killed by distracted driving.

Penn Manor teens admit they participate in this risky activity.

“It’s really bad, but still I know people do it,” said Zach Buterbaugh a Penn Manor senior.

CTIA- The Wireless Association is an international industry trade group, originally known as the Cellular Telephone Industries Association, reported that 158 billion text messages were sent in the USA in 2006.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2006 that 78 percent of crashes were from a driver being distracted within three seconds of their crash. Of those crashes, at least 6 percent were from a driver talking or dialing on their phone.

“If a driver’s eyes are away from the roadway for two seconds or more in a six-second window, their risk of being involved in a crash is two times higher than an alert driver,” said Charles Klauer, a senior researcher at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

Lynn Torbert, a Penn Manor senior, said, “Passing this law is actually, probably a good idea, it’s (texting while driving) dangerous yet many people do it.”

A recent poll of 110 juniors and seniors at Penn Manor High School revealed that 75 percent believe that the law should be passed, and only 25 percent said that they think banning texting while driving is a bad idea.

Sophomores Michael Schneider and Joel Diffendarfer agreed they text at inappropriate times. — Sophomores Joel Diffendarfer, on left, and Michael Schneider, agreed they text at inappropriate times. Photo by: Lyta Ringo

According to a Nationwide Insurance study, nearly 20 percent of drivers are sending or receiving text messages, while driving.

Though she has never had an accident, one Penn Manor student who wants to remain unnamed said, “I’ll be driving and looking down at my phone, and when I look back up, there will be a car right in front of me and I’ll have to slam on the brakes.”

Abby Newport, a Penn Manor junior said, “I text while driving, but I’m trying to stop. It’s really bad and dangerous.”

According to an online poll, www.suite101.com, 37% of teenagers think that texting while driving is extremely dangerous; yet 50% of teenagers admitted to texting while driving.

“It’s my car, they’ can’t tell me that I can’t text,” said Penn Manor senior, Terrence Milligan.

Program Principal, Matt Sundeen, of the National Conference of State Legislatures said, “Certainly, texting is the issue du jour this year in the legislatures.”

Currently, president Obama has endorsed a minor texting law. Federal employees cannot have their cell phones in use, while on the road. The ban will also include sending e-mails, using instant messaging programs, and obtaining navigational information, while driving. The order will impact nearly three million civilian employees. Some law enforcement and national security workers will be exempt.

Another Penn Manor student who wishes not to be named said, “even if the law is passed, I’m still going to text and drive; I’ll just learn to hide it better.”

Abby Newport agreed.

“I’d still text and drive, I mean it’s not like I’m going to get caught every time,” she said.

By: Lyta Ringo

The Lunchtime Loogie

Its funny how many terrible things can happen to you during your days in high school.

For instance, today I was sitting at the lunch table minding my own business and plop, something landed on my head. Now I truly have thought many times that I’ve felt things fall on me when really it was just my hair moving or something else insignificant like that.

But just in case, I asked my friend who was sitting beside me to check and sure enough it was a blob of spit. Being the good friend she is, she wiped it off with her sleeve and I decided to try and not think about the germs that were most likely infesting my hair.

How funny is it that the day I get spit on two of my friends come up and decide to rub my hair around? Now we have a serious problem. The germs from my hair have crossed over to their hands and my other friends sleeve. What if the spitter had swine flu? What if being spit on at lunch just opened a whole can of worms and the school is going to be infested with a super spit virus?

I guess within the next few days we’ll find out. And hey, you spitter, just know that when this super virus comes about you will be the one who began the entire thing.

Then the thought crossed my mind, was I intentionally spit on? Was I the target? I still haven’t come to the conclusion as to which is worse; actually being spit on or being the target of the spitting. I have decided after reviewing the situation that I most likely was not the target. But if I was then that is pretty impressive aim.

By: Abby Wilson

Editorial: The Conflicts of a Stereotype

In the recent article “Bob Marley Fans Accused of Being Potheads?” Principal Phil Gale commented that “kids stopped listening” to the message. Apparently, they stopped reading, too.

The story was very clear in that there was no way Student Assistance Program leader, Mr. Darrin Donmoyer’s message accused anyone of being potheads because they wear hemp. He was making a point that it is society that makes the stereotypes that hemp wearers are potheads, not the administration and not himself.

Comments have been flowing into the Penn Points website that are proving that students still do not get the point. Not only do they lack the respect to listen to the full message, but they also lack the common sense to read an entire story.

Every comment so far has been around the point that the stereotype is wrong. We understand, we get the point, the stereotype is not always true.

Whether people choose to believe it or not, the world has not changed all that much in the last century. There is a stereotype in society that people who wear Bob Marley t-shirts or hemp necklaces are also involved in using drugs. There is also a stereotype that blondes are dumb.

Stereotypes are wrong and difficult to erase, and that is what Donmoyer proved by his message to the students. Students need to step up and accept the fact that this individuality that they hold as being so valuable, can also lead them into trouble.

When social studies teacher, Maria Vita, arrived at Penn Manor, she expected to find a classroom full of hicks with straw hanging out of their mouths, she said. Coming from New York, she came to learn that not all Penn Manor students are hicks.

The students also need to understand that stereotypes are rarely true. Not all blondes are dumb. Not all Penn Manor students are hicks. Not all hemp-wearers are potheads.

In fact, some believe that all jocks are stupid. This year, the Penn Manor football team was featured on FOX43 in a story showing their academic success.

Stereotypes do hurt; no one is refusing to accept that fact. Some people will just have to accept the fact that stereotypes will never end, unless every person in the world understands they are not valid. Certain styles lead to certain ideas or beliefs.

Donmoyer’s actions were not unprofessional, and in fact, he should be commended for the lesson he taught to the students who were actually listening to his message.

Unfortunately, the perception of the Bob Marley t-shirt or the hemp necklace wearer is that they are a pothead. Understand this conclusion is influenced by society. That does not mean cause and effect, which does not make you a pothead. It is a stereotype, repeat, most stereotypes are incorrect.

Stereotypes happen. Stereotypes hurt.

By: Tyler Barnett

Facebook Announces Memorial Guidelines

Since the passing of Cory Denlinger this past summer, the loving comments left by family and friends could break the heart of even the toughest man.

A recent post, left by a friend of the funny, outgoing 2007 Penn Manor graduate: “everyday this week I’ve been thinking of you! I got to describe you to all of my roommates last night and share some hilarious stories… we were all sitting around cracking up. You still can make anyone laugh 🙂 I miss you so much Cory.”

From Cory Denlinger's Facebook memorial page

From Facebook:

Cory Denlinger was loved by everyone he met and will be missed by all.

Please share any stories about Cory on this wall, I know we all have one,

and his family greatly appreciates them.

The posts that loved ones are continuing to cherish will remain, thanks to Facebook’s new policy announced October 26.

Facebook’s head of security, Max Kelly, made the official announcement to media reporters explaining the memorializing of its users, according to Time Magazine Online. Facebook spokesman claims this option has been present since shortly after the creation of the social networking site.

Facebook makes the process quite simple. If the family of the user wishes to terminate the deceased’s profile, they can surely do that. The second option is to complete an online form, which requires a link leading to the obituary or other proof that the user has actually passed away. This would create a Facebook memorial.

Along with the memorial, any friend suggestions, user updates, and status updates would no longer show up under the “news feed.”

Kelly released a statement where he said, “We understand how difficult it can be for people to be reminded of those who are no longer with them, which is why it’s important when someone passes away that their friends and family contact Facebook to request that a profile be memorialized.”

Facebook does not officially have the new guidelines as a part of their privacy policy, however, according to Time; the changes will be made in the coming days, most likely the end of October.

Facebook claims that they have no plans to change the basic idea of this policy, despite the outcry of a handful of critics, including MySpace, which continues to struggle with determining such a policy.

The family and friends of Cory Denlinger will forever be reminded of his loving charm and humor, and through Facebook, be able to share the stories that make Cory, a “Corlinger.”

By: Tyler Barnett

Janitor John to the Rescue

Vomit in the halls, stopped-up bathrooms, iced tea plastered to the floors, and locker rooms completely engulfed in mud. Whether it comes to cleaning up bodily functions or just paper and plastic, that’s a day in the life of “Janitor John.”

John Wealand, school custodian for 14 years, has been tidying up the halls to make them sparkle and shine. But does he feel appreciated?

“In some cases, everyone feels unappreciated. I personally feel appreciated,” said Wealand.

Janitor John straightens up Penn Manor every day with a smile on his face. Photo credit Alex Blythe

Wealand said, more teachers have been grateful for the custodians throughout his years here than the students. As they grow older, more and more students start to become more mature and they don’t always take things for granted.

“(I feel) appreciated by teachers, but not the student population, they got mommy to look after them,” joked Wealand.

Whenever people from other schools or parents visit the school, they comment on how neat and clean it is. But some students deliberately make messes just so they can have the custodians clean it up, Wealand explained.

“When you see someone deliberately make dirt, it makes you feel like you could crush them,” said Wealand

A lot of students may think that school custodians do most of their work during the school year, but it’s the opposite, according to Wealand. They do most of their work in the summer. The janitors have to strip every room down so that nothing is in it and then make them as clean as possible. It may sound like it’s not much work, but there are tons of rooms in the school and they can’t skip a single one, Wealand explained.

Most of the work done during the summer break and during the school year is done alone; however he doesn’t mind it, sometimes he even has a partner in crime.

But he doesn’t mind working by himself.

“I find it’s the only way I can have an intelligent conversation,” Wealand laughed.

Some benefits to being a school custodian, according to Wealand, are when former students come back to visit and they stop and have a chat to see how everything’s doing.

“That makes you feel appreciated.”

By: Jake Shiner and Alex Blythe

Television Station Visits Penn Points Newsroom

Penn Points Online is gaining lots of attention in its first weeks of release.

A crew from a local television station, WGAL, made an appearance at Penn Point’s newsroom Thursday to feature the online news magazine’s debut as one of the first student newspapers in the state to become totally web-based, eliminating any sort of traditional paper version.

“I was impressed,” said Lori Burkholder, a WGAL reporter, “especially with your featured video.”

Susan Baldrige, Penn Points Online advisor, was first to be interviewed.

“I was a little nervous, I’m not used to being interviewed, I’m used to being the interviewer,” said Baldrige. “I was nervous I would forget something.”

WGAL reporter, Lori Burkholder, and cameraman, Dan Maddox, visit Penn Points news room.

Pioneering an online school newspaper in Lancaster County has put Penn Points and its staff on front stage. Dozens of e-mails, posted comments, and positive feedback has graciously flooded the school newspaper and its staff.

Networking, getting to know people, and educating ourselves on not only local politics but national politics were just two skills the staff should be working on, advised Burkholder, with her 20 years of experience.

Burkholder also interviewed editor-in-chief, Robert Henry, senior Abby Wilson and long-time staffer, Andrew Zell, to find out how the paper has changed and the direction it is heading.

Most of the young journalists on the newspaper staff were videotaped working on deadline stories at their desk.

Penn Manor’s Information Technology director, Charlie Reisinger, who first conceived of the online paper, was on hand to answer technical questions for the reporter.

WGAL’s story on Penn Points Online is slated to air the week of November 2.

By Robert Henry

The Comets are Going One Step at a Time

They used to be lucky to win a few games each season. However, Penn Manor football has changed it’s identity and has set much higher goals-like becoming section champions.

The Comets have posted a record of 7-2 so far this season with a loss to Wilson High School last Friday night to bring down their seed for District playoffs, but the team isn’t thinking about the after-season just yet, according to head coach, Todd Mealy.

This is Mealy’s third year of coaching and by all accounts, he has made a huge impact on the program and is establishing a definite tradition of winning.

“Coach Mealy has brought energy and enthusiasm along with a sense of pride in our football program,” said Penn Manor athletic director, Jeff Roth.

Last year Mealy led the team to playoffs, but they did not have the results he was looking for. He is hoping this year will be different.

He feels like the team has enough wins to be safe, but are not there yet. The Comets have two losses from the Reading Red Raiders and the Wilson Bulldogs.

“We aren’t there yet and you have to take it one step at a time,” said Mealy on his concerns for the post season.

“Every team is a different kind of team and has different personalities,” he said. “This (’09) team competes like champions.”

Everyone wants to know who will get the ball in the clutch or who will be the player showing leadership out on the field, but the talent is so broad there isn’t one specific player that leads the Comets every game.

According to Mealy, there are dozens of leaders on the team. The Comets voted for five senior captains that will help manage the pressure the team will face during the postseason.

The team has been expecting pressure situations all season.

“During practices and off-season workouts, we put ourselves into these circumstances,” Mealy said.

“Pressure is feeling unprepared,” he said.

The players couldn’t possibly put a season like this together without the help of a intelligent coaching staff, Mealy said, giving credit to Scott Lackey, Chris Maiorino, Gordon Eck, Barry Hawkins, Kevin Kirchner, Darryl Daniel, and Bill Beck. Each coach is in charge of a different group of players.

“The coaching staff is a collective identity not just one single coach, the coaching has showed commitment in the off season and passion for the sport,” he insisted.

By: Connor Rowe

Penn Manor Still Hanging with Phils in 2009 World Series

Phillies fans in Penn Manor and all around the country had a wide range of emotions Monday when the Phils stuck it out to beat the Yankees 8-6.

They felt happy when they saw second-baseman, Chase Utley, hit two home runs again in one game and when the Phillies shot up their lead to six runs. But then they saw the Yankees rally once again with in the ninth to almost come back. However, their run went over a speed bump when “El Capitan”, Derek Jeter, grounded into a double play.

The Yankees gave another scare to Phillies fans when they almost rallied, but then Phils’ fans were able to breath a sigh of relief when their relief pitcher, Ryan Madsen, ended the game.

Phillies’ fans don’t have time to feel relieved as they are going back to Yankee Stadium to try to keep their season alive.

Although mostly Phillies’ fans are in Penn Manor, the Bronx Bombers have a lot of supporters in these halls as well.

“It’s easy to be a Yankee fan in that they win,” said Sean McKnight, one of the big Yankees’ fans of Penn Manor.

Even though students that are not fans of the Yankees might jeer his team, the tech teacher doesn’t keep his allegiance a secret. In fact, in his class, normally you wouldn’t be allowed to wear a hat, but if it’s a Yankees’ hat, you can wear it.

Not only that, McKnight and a fellow teacher, Gary Luft, are having a little bet of their own.

If the Yankees win, Mr. Luft, who’s a Phillies’ fan, has to wear a Yankees’ shirt and tie the next day, but if the Phillies win, McKnight has to wear a Phillies’ shirt and tie.

“(Having mostly Phillies’ fans as students) doesn’t bother me,” said McKnight. “It’s fun to rib.”

McKnight doesn’t mind being around a bunch of Phillies’ fans because he likes to joke around back and forth with the students.

“It’s going to be a really tight series,” said McKnight about the World Series.

McKnight isn’t the only Yankees’ fan teaching here. Other teachers including Cynthia Lonergan (Social Studies), Scott Lackey (Phys. Ed.), and Katherine Lombardi (Foreign Language) are in the lonely group of Yankees’ fan teachers surrounded by the other Phillies’ fan teachers like Matthew Scheuing, Gary Luft, and more.

Sean McKnight wears his favorite team's mini baseball helmet.

But why be a Yankee fan in south-central Pennsylvania?

McKnight said he was a Yankees’ fan because his brother used to play little league baseball and the team was called the Yankees.

That year, McKnight became curious about the real big league Yanks. That year, Jackie Robinson went wild with home runs and good numbers. His uniform number was 44. Guess what McKnight’s brother’s number was? Yep, 44.

So McKnight started watching them and came to like them more and more as time went on.

Lonergan was living in New York before she came to Pennsylvania to attend college and teach; Lackey was a Yankees’ fan ever since he’s been old enough to play baseball. He started liking them because players like Reggie Jackson and Ron Guidry were fun to watch; also, Lombardi’s father lived in Brooklyn, New York and all of her family members are Yankees’ fans so it rubbed off on her.

Both Yankees’ and Phillies’ fans, are expecting a tight series and most people are saying the series might go 6-7 games. In a poll of about 50-60 people, the average who voted for the Phillies who they like/think is going to win was 61% then leaving the Yankees percent at 39. Not surprisingly so, the Phillies’ fans outnumbered the Yankee’s’ fans.

Arguably the biggest Phillies’ fan in the school, Wes Rowe, thought the Phils were going to win in 6 games. Mark Curtin, who is a Yankees’ fan, thinks the Yanks are going to win in 6. Kyle Harvey, a senior who is pulling for the Yankees, thinks they’re going to win in 7. Another big Phillies’ fan in Penn Manor, Bryan Hess, a junior, thought the Phillies would get their second World Series in a row in just 4 games with the help of Carlos Ruiz, or “Chooch”, as he calls him. He also had this to say about Yankees’ fans in Penn Manor.

“If you’re from New York, support your team; otherwise, you’re band wagon.”

Philadelphia, led by ace, Cliff Lee and big bat, Ryan Howard, will continue to have most of Penn Manor’s support while they try and catch up to the Yanks.

Billy Scheid wears his phills shirts to school after their game one win of the world series — Billy Scheid wears his Phills shirts to school after their game one win of the world series

Will the Phillies make most of Penn Manor happy, or will the Yankees end their hopes for their second World Series in a row led by Alex Rodriguez, arguably the hottest hitter in the playoffs right now, and ALCS MVP CC Sabathia?

The Yankees gained a bigger lead, 3-1, on Sunday as they scored three runs off of Phillies’ closer, Brad Lidge, to win game 4 7-4.

If you want to watch these tight remaining game(s), the remaining game(s) will be on as follows: (Note all game(s) are on FOX and the ones with an * are if necessary) The Series is returning to the new Yankee Stadium on Wednesday at 7:57 p.m. as the probables of Andy Pettite, the all-time winningest pitcher in the playoffs, and Pedro Matinez, who got ripped apart by the Yankee Stadium crowd in game 2 of the World Series, go up against each other, and *Thursdayat 7:57 p.m. where CC Sabathia would go up against Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ, or even Cliff Lee on only two days rest but that would be doubtful.

“Someone is going to win and someone is going to lose,” said McKnight about this year’s World Series.

The Phillies, with most of Penn Manor by their side, will try and extend the Series and their season as they go from being comfortable – or maybe a little less because one loss and they’re out – in their own stadium to the tough to play in, Yankee Stadium.

Will the hanging by a thread Phillies extend their hopes to game seven? Or will the Yankees end the Phillies’ season on Thursday?

I guess we’ll just have to watch and find out.

By Alex Geli

PM Field Hockey Take Aim at Saturday Quarter-Finals

They just can’t find a way to lose.

The Comets field hockey team easily handled Twin Valley High School in the pouring rain Tuesday night. The rain remained steady and so did the Comets by winning the game 4-0.

Penn Manor started out the first half with two goals by Jill Witmer which quickly took Twin Valley’s hopeful attitudes out of the game.

After putting up two goals early, Penn Manor ended the half 2-0. All the Comets needed to do was to protect the lead and start preparing for the next district playoff game.

Not only did the Comets protect the lead, they increased it with another goal from Witmer who completed a hat-trick. Renee Suter also tucked a ball beautifully into the net to bring the score to 4-0.

The ladies on both sides showed no signs of slowing down due to the rain as they battled until the final whistle.

The Comets advanced their district run to the quarter-finals and are unsure of the opponent, but will play Saturday, October 31.

By Connor Rowe

Comets Win Nail-Biter Game on Senior Night

Rain couldn’t slow down the Comets in their 14-12 victory against Warwick on Friday, October 23.

The Comets were on the board fast as standout junior receiver, Demetrious Dixon, brought in a pass from P.J. Rehm. LeRon Lee also had reservations for 6 as he entered the end zone untouched.

By the end of the first half, Penn Manor was ahead 14-0.

The heavy rain started to come and so did the Warwick football team. Before the Comets could realize what happened, their lead was shattered and only two points separated the section rivals.

The 4th quarter came quickly on the Penn Manor senior night. The seniors were looking for a different result but a fumble by Lee was recovered from Warwick which quickly turned the tables in the section battle.

Warwick charged down the field and set up for a desperation field goal with about 1:50 left in the game.

Champions come out to play in the 4th quarter and make plays and this is what the Comet’s Garrett Young did to close the match up by blocking a field goal ending the Warrior’s plans to ruin Penn Manor’s senior night.

After the game, Young said, “The game was exciting and after blocking the kick I was pretty hyped.”

Penn Manor prevailed, improving their record to 7-1.

By: Connor Rowe