Penn
Post
Mt. Penn Jr./Sr. High
School
25th and Filbert Sts. - Mt.
Penn, Pa. 19606 |
VOLUME 26
EDITION 4
FEBRUARY 1983
Falling snowflakes - silent;
a blanket of pure white
covers the cold, hard earth. Morning - crystal skies;
blue ice above.
Stillness
Households awaken - scrambling
for mittens, hats, scarves,
and boots
as mothers prepare their children.
Footprints - unbroken snow;
A kalieoscope of color as
the children play.
Laughter
Snowballs and Angels - white;
colors are lost as
the battles continue
and little coats and pants
get wet with newfallen snow.
Mothers call
Children receed - playing ends;
quiet descends
and all that is left
are the footprints
deserted angels
and forgotten mittens.
Peace
Uninterrupted white and
shades of gray
Dominate.
- Beth Long |
Valentine�s Day
The 14th day of February, St. Valentine�s Day, is now
symbolized by parties and the exchange
of valentines. In earlier days the
customs of the day were taken quite
seriously by young men and women, It was
an ancient belief that birds chose their
mates on February 14; therefore, people
also began to believe that the first
person one met on that day was to be
one�s valentine for a year, perhaps for
life. Sometimes young people held a
lottery on St. Valentines Eve. The names
of the girls were put into a box and
were drawn at random by the young men.
Then each pair would exchange gifts, and
each would be the other�s valentine for
the year.
St. Valentine actually had nothing to do with the day
that is named in his honor. In fact,
there are seven St. Valentines listed in
the Acta Sanctorium (Acts of the Saints)
from Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, and
Africa. February 14 is the saint�s day
for all of them. It is thought that the
customs of today are really a
continuation of an ancient Roman
festival called Lupercalia. This was
held on February 15 (the ides of
February) and was something like a
carnival.
- Marshalle Palm
The oldest
American valentine is a handmade
card from the early 1700's.
|
 |
| Pam
Horning and escort, Rick
Denby |
Mt. Penn Begins
New Tradition
Pam Horning was elected
Basketball Homecoming Queen as a part of
a new tradition here at Mt. Penn High
School. This coveted honor was awarded
on Dec. 28 at the game against
Schuylkill Valley.
Nominations were held in senior homerooms; two nominees
were chosen from each. The six
candidates included Kelly Boarder,
Cindy Bright, Lisa Hafeti,
Pam Horning, Kristin Szurgot,
and Robin Tobias. The entire
school voted for their choice on Dec.
21, and the results were kept secret
until the night of the game.
There are hopes that this will become an annual
tradition.
- Mindy DiGiacomo
|
|
 |
FREEDOM
OF INFORMATION
IS A MIGHTY, DELICATE
CREATURE |
Pennsylvania Newspaper
in Education Week
February 7-11, 1983 |
|
Editorials
TV Violence
First of all, this is not an editorial concerning any
specific civic group of concerned citizens organization.
Rather, I�d just like to remind everyone of one very
important fact regarding violence on television: I can
always turn the set off!!
I have to laugh when I read in the papers that someone
wants a show taken off the air or changed because
there�s too much violence, nudity, or the like. Everyone
has their own opinion about shows on television, but it
gets funny when people campaign to have a show removed
from the viewing program. If they don�t like it, why
don�t they simply not watch it? There are other shows
on. And, of course, there�s always that one final option
- turn the set off. There are plenty of other things to
do if there isn�t anything on that you want to watch.
Granted - there are some things that don�t have a place
on TV. For instance, I agree with the banning of hard
liquer advertisements from television. After all, you
can�t turn the television off every time a commercial
comes on. But when it comes to entire shows, I still
feel that it is my choice, and not someone else�s. I�m
the one who should decide what I want to see, not some
unknown person or group who doesn�t know me or even
consult me. It�s my choice, it�s my TV set, and it�s my
off-switch.
- Beth Long
Work-A-Thon
If you want
my advice on extracurricular activity, not only are you
among the few, but you�re even going to get it. My
advice to you on what to do with the spare time school
allows you is work, work, work; and when you get paid,
save at least half of the fruits of your work.
I don�t speak from years of experience because I�ve
only been working a few months. What motivates my
thinking is logic. What better time in your life to save
than when you live at home with few expenses. So if you
see a friend who�s working for peanuts in a grease pit,
don�t say a word, or he may tell you to get a job, a
real job.
- Tim Conlon
Bathroom tissue at the turn of the
century was packed in single sheets, wrapped in a plain
brown wrapper, and sold only in drugstores where it
usually was stored out of sight under the counter. |
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
This year when we came back to school, we found a few
people missing. This was because they had gone to
college early. This, I�ve been told is completely legal
as long as they make up classes over the summer. They
have enough credits and enough class time to graduate,
so they did.
What is the fun in that? From the day a child begins
first grade, he dreams of that day when he can get up on
stage and receive his diploma. But these individuals are
so anxious to get out of school that they can�t wait for
June. They must not realize what they are missing.
They�re missing the prom, the class trip, and graduation
ceremonies.
I�m not jealous because if I wanted to do it, I�m sure
I could. It�s just the fact that it�s not normal. It�s
like leaving the dinner table before the dessert comes.
Do you think you could possibly explain the philosophy
behind leaving your school before your time?
- Dave Ravel
I personally don�t think
it�s normal or healthy to spend 13 years waiting and
working for a fleeting moment of honor. I also don�t
think It�s fair to call someone who is trying to trim a
year from their formal education abnormal.
If I would choose to leave high school a year early to
start college, I would do it because there's a sort of
romance about college that high school just doesn�t
hold. I�ve always felt that high school molds minds, but
college allows for their use.
Either mode of exit is normal it just depends on
values. Many people regard high school as merely a
stepping stone, while others like their senior year and
graduation because they affirm years of achievement. If
you are patient and can wait the 10 months of your
senior year, that�s great. However, there is another
philosophy. It might be best expressed in the philosophy
of Clement W. Stone. �Do it now!"
Dear Editor,
I attended the College Day which was held in our
cafeteria before Christmas. I felt it was a good idea in
the way it was set up, but far more ineffective than the
one held last year. This year�s format in which the
students were to seek out individual colleges only
provoked chit-chat, where as, the previous year�s
format, a question and answer panel, answered many
serious questions before we were allowed to gossip. If
it is to continue, I would like to see it return to the
original format.
- Jeff Jacobson |
Crime Watch
You�ve all seen those commercials on television many
times. A criminal is caught robbing a home by two
neighbors riding in a car talking to the police on a C.B.
radio. A dog dressed as Columbo walks in and takes a
bite out of the word crime. That idea has become a
reality in Berks County today. There are Crime Watch
programs in our area from Shillington to Stony Creek.
Two or more people ride in a car or work a radio at the
base station. They cruise the streets looking for any
suspicious actions or people. If they see something
wrong, they immediately call the base station, which in
turn notifies the police.
The idea of a program like this was started by
concerned citizens who felt that crime was running
rampant in the streets. It also helps to get under age
people off the street by curfew. According to
statistics, Crime Watch is a huge success. In most
places crime has dropped dramatically, and property
values have doubled since the program was started. The
idea alone seems to be a big deterant of crime.
The neighbors are helping out the police and community,
but there are some rules and regulations they must
follow. This is to protect the volunteers and the
criminal.
DO�S
1. Record accurate descriptions of vehicles, people,
locations, times, and license numbers.
2. Watch merchandise being loaded onto cars or being
carried.
3. Report disorderly groups.
4. Report underage drinking.
5. Report traffic accidents.
6. Patrol known trouble areas.
7. Report Street and traffic lights out of order.
8. Report anything out of the ordinary.
DON�TS
1. Do not lay a hand on any individual.
2. Do not have in possession or in vehicle any weapon.
3. Do not perform any security investigations such as
checking doors or searching between homes.
4. Do not become involved in the pursuit of speeding
vehicles.
5. Do not shine lights in any vehicle or house.
6. Do not get involved with police work unless told by
an officer.
7. Do not get out of vehicle except at an accident scene
or disabled vehicle.
8. Do not violate any traffic laws.
9. Do not render first aid to anyone unless you are
qualified.
10. Do not discuss what you see or hear while on patrol.
11. Do not use alcoholic beverages or drugs.
- Dave Ravel |
Missing Pages 3, 4, 5 and 6
The Breath of Life
If you walk
into the health suite and see a group of seniors beating
up manikins, don�t be alarmed. Actually they are
practicing to save lives rather than to be good muggers.
Mrs. Rita Auchter, the school nurse, is teaching CPR
courses to all those seniors who are interested. CPR
means cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is the
process of acting as the heart and lungs for a person in
distress. The whole course is taught with the use of an
individualized guide prepared by the Red Cross and 4
manikins. These are used to simulate people who are
unable to breathe or those whose hearts have stopped
working.
The course involves techniques for administering CPR to
babies and adults. It also includes handling choking
babies and adults, 1 man CPR, 2 man CPR, and
mouth-to-mouth resusitation. It also teaches one of the
most important aspects of CPR, which is when to give it
and when not to. Too many people watch Marcus Welby on
television and think they know how to give CPR. This
class is really a necessity for those who may have to
save a life some day.
At the end of the course there is a 70 question test on
the important points. Those who score 80 or above
receive a card stating that they are qualified to give
CPR for one year. For those who think they are good
enough at the end of the course or those who want to
polish their knowledge there is the instructor�s course.
Only seniors can take the CPR course, and I recommend
that every senior think seriously about learning CPR.
You may be able to save a life some day.
- Dave Ravel
There�s a connection between
stuttering and teaching natural a left-handed child to
be right-handed.
A slip of the foot you may soon
recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get
over. |
A Breathtaking
Experience
One-one thousand, two-one thous�and, three-one
thousand, four-one thousand, five - b-r-e-a-t-h-e. Did
you ever try to push in a mannequin�s chest five times,
all in five seconds? If you have, you�ve probably taken
CPR. In our four years at Mt. Penn the only time we�d
ever been in the nurse�s office was for height, weight,
and eye checks, but starting January 5 we were to be
there for two weeks to take CPR. Our first day we went
to work on the babies. Those dolls must have weighed 30
pounds! We had to give mouth-to-mouth resusitation to a
big baby doll with a diaper, making sure the chest was
compressed at least 1/2 to 1 inch the trick was covering
the baby�s nose and mouth and breathing hard enough to
inflate the baby�s lungs. After we mastered the baby, it
was time to breathe into Annie. Annie is a plastic body
that has inflatable lungs. That mannequin seemed to have
lungs the size of Texas because it was so hard to get
the light to light up. The light indicates that Annie�s
lungs are properly inflated. After we could inflate the
lungs, we had to master chest compressions at a rate of
60 to 80 compressions per minute, depend�ing whether one
or two persons are working the CPR.
To sum it up. CPR is very difficult. As a matter of
fact, taking CPR is a breathtaking experience. But, we
still recommend it.
- Jodi Kisling
Let Us Hear From You
I was very disappointed with the feedback that the Penn
Post received last marking period. When I walk down the
halls, I hear plenty of gripes complaints, and stories
of disappointments. Talk alone, however, just won�t do.
How about putting your opinions in writing and dropping
them off in the Penn Post mail slot in the main office.
There�s been too much muttering and too little shouting
around here.
Please, write something down and turn it in. You�ll be
glad you did.
Last night�s freshly fall�n snow
glitters with diamonds in the morning light.
- Beth Long |
Can You Afford
To Be A Senior
Warning to all underclassmen: start saving your money
now! If you don�t you�ll be broke by the end of your
senior year. It�s standard to pay dues, and buy class
rings and jackets in 10th and 11th grades, but that�s
nothing compared to what you�ll spend while you�re a
senior.
Before your last year even starts, the school
photographer sends your proofs in the mail. You can just
pick out one senior picture for the yearbook at no cost
to you, but Aunt Florence, cousin Joe, and all your
grandparents are counting on 5x7�s. You�ll also need
enough wallet sized pictures for friends. Of course, it
costs more.
If you are planning to go to college, the beginning of
September is a good time to start filling out
applications. Unfortunately, colleges require a fee for
reviewing your application, and if you�re accepted, most
of them will ask for a down payment.
Then it�s yearbook time again. You don�t have to buy
one, but your picture will definitely be in it this
year. Besides, you�ll want to remember all the people
you�ve gone through school with. It will also come in
handy when your 10-year class reunion rolls around.
Seniors have the option of having their names printed on
the cover of their books. Of course, it costs more.
Next you must cough up the money for cap and gown
rental. Oh yes, don�t forget an extra tassel for your
rear-view mirror. Of course, it costs more.
While you�re thinking about graduation, order some
graduation announcements. They aren�t required but
they�re nice for close friends and distant relatives.
You may, of course, send them to close relatives and
distant friends if you wish. More announcements will
just cost more.
If you�re lucky, all of those people who receive
announcements will send you money-money which could be
used to pay for your class trip. You�ll want to have a
good time for as long as possible, right? Well, more
time means more money! If things have gone well, the
class treasury will give you some money towards
expenses.
Speaking of the class treasury - Have you been
contributing to it? I hope so because you�ll probably
need financial help to meet prom costs. Professional
photographers, meals, and formal attire aren�t free, you
know.
Now that you know what to expect, make sure you can
afford to be a senior.
- Trish Hill |
|
Sports |
Mounts Score High
The Mt. Penn
girls� basketball team has made a definite improvement
this year compared to the past few years. The team�s
record as of January 17, is 4 wins and 11 loses overall.
Although they do not have any victories in league play
yet, the girls have definite potential. In the game
against Tulpehocken, January 13, Mt. Penn cleaned up by
scoring 61 points and leaving Tulpehocken with only 20
points. Bert Schreiber was top scorer and reached
her all time game high with 27 points.
Coach Cardinal and the girls are looking forward to
improving their win-loss record in the next few weeks.
- Stephanie Rosenthal
Girls are enthusiastic over
victory
Three Cheers for the
Cheerleaders
What has a big mouth, wears a short skirt, and is
usually of the female gender. No, it�s not a tennis or a
field hockey player. It�s a cheerleader! We at Mt. Penn
have much to be proud of, and our cheerleading squad is
no exception. These spirit-lifting girls are responsible
not only for cheering at basketball games, but for
coordinating pep rallies, entertaining during halftime,
cheering at soccer games, and organizing the homecoming
ceremony. They also run a stand with coffee and baked
goods in the lobby during home basketball games.
The cheerleading advisor is Mrs. Mazzo, who took over
after Mrs. Sload left.
At the next basketball game come out to support the
team, not to mention the cheerleaders.
Varsity
Tracey Walker -
Co-Captain
Sandra Seiz -
Co-Captain
Vicki Denunzio
Denise Malecki
Lisa Martin
Patti Boyer
Steph Kingree
Sandy Steigerwalt
Missy Becker
Sybil Kane
Alternates -
Kim Zuber
Vicki Straka |
J.V.
Kristin Szurgot -
Co-Captain
Cheryl Ryan -
Co-Captain
Lisa Ruemmler
Kelly Clark
Tracy Damiano
Traci Wenger
Missy Ryan
Dawn Hill
Jenny Miller
Kathy Kunkel |
|
League Games Start in
Boys� Basketball
In order to
salvage the Mounts� dismal start, the boys must make a
fine showing in their league. Mr. Choyka feels
the team is still not playing up to its potential. As a
matter of fact, he feels the team has only played close
to its capability in three games: Lebanon Catholic,
Hamburg, and the first Exeter game (first three
quarters). The team must be able to maintain the
consistency that was present in these games in order to
save their season.
The Mounts struggled over Lebanon Catholic to win
54-51. At Exeter, our rivals, the boys lost 45-63.
Against Brandywine the team lost a close one
50-52. The Mounts conquered the Kutztown Cougars 44-33
and the Tulpehocken Trojans 81-51. The Mounts then lost
to Fleetwood 50-62, Schuylkill Valley 53-56, and Hamburg
35-41. With the start of the league season, the Mounts
pulled out two very close games. At Wyomissing they won
38-34, and in overtime against Daniel Boone, they won
61-58.
Leading scorer is junior Tom Sload, with an
average of 13.7 points. He is followed by senior Jeff
Eckel, whose average is 10.5 points and senior
Matt Faust with 9.3 points. Tom Sload is also
the leading rebounder with 9.5 rebounds per game. He is
followed by Jeff Eckel and Matt Faust who
each average 5 rebounds per game. The offensive average
for the games is 50.6, and the defensive average is
51.5.
- Pam Horning
Whoosh, Kevin!
|
Sending a Fruit Basket Today
Beats wishing you had tomorrow
3 K's Farm Market
1801 Kutztown Road
929-8200 921-2976 |
"Some kids used to take a year off
before college to find themselves. Now they�re
taking a year off to find some money to go to
college." - John Q.
|
Mt. Penn Bowlers
Mt. Penn is once
again in the midst of another bowling season. As usual
we are the �cellar-dwellers� of our division.
The season started on January 3 against Twin Valley; we
lost three games. Although this first match was
disheartening, there was one outstanding player:
Keith Biscanti rolled a 639 triple with a high
single game of
254. The JV bowlers managed to pull out one game, as did
the varsity girls. High girls� scorer was
Mindy
Snyder with a 454 triple.
The next match was on January 6 against Daniel Boone;
this, however, produced the same results. The high
scorer for the varsity boys was Steve Orth with
573. The JV boys won only one game, and again the girls
followed suit.
Mindy Snyder, got
her name in the paper with a 444 high score.
The last match before this issue went to press was
January 10 against Exeter. This would prove to be an
interesting match because both teams had perfect records
no wins and six losses. Exeter took all three games in
the match, putting Mt. Penn at the bottom. Steve Orth
bowled the varsity high by getting 497. The only win by
Mt. Penn was recorded by the girls. The high scorer for
the girls was once again
Mindy Snyder with
461.
If you�ve been adding as we go along, you know the
boys� varisty record is now 0-9. Hopefully, this is just
a bad start, and the team will improve. Coach Fegely
certainly hopes so.
- Dave Ravel
The Pekingese dog is the result of a
love affair between a lion and a squirrel, or so say the
Chinese storytellers.
| |
|
Penn Post Staff |
| Editor |
Marshalle Palm |
|
Editorials |
Tim
Conlon |
| Features |
Pam
Horning |
| News |
Jodi
Kisling |
| Sports |
Stephanie Rosenthal |
| Art |
Lynn
Slutsky |
|
Reporters |
Dave
Ravel
Beth Long
Trish Hill
Mindy DiGiacomo
Jeff Jacobson |
| Advisor |
Mrs.
Strickler |
|
|
