November 1985

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Penn Post
Mt. Penn Jr./Sr. High School
25th and Filbert Sts. - Mt. Penn, Pa. 19606

NATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK
November 17 - 23
"American's Public Schools: The Subject Is Excellence"
Let's Celebrate American Education Week

YOUR MONEY'S WORTH
     Mt. Penn High School is a comprehensive 6-year public school. The current enrollment is 434 students. Out of that, 78 are seniors, 67juniors,81 sophomores, 59 freshmen, 80 eighth graders and 69 seventh graders.
      There are 31 faculty members; 28 full time and 3 part-time. Of these, 15 are male and 16 female. There is a ratio of 13 students to 1 teacher. There is one guidance counselor who works with grades 7 through 12.
      A recent discussion with the guidance counselor revealed how well our students are doing. Out of the 59 seniors who began school last year, 52 graduated, with 55% of those attending college. Less than 2% dropped out.
     The average SAT score in March and May, 1984 for Verbal was 473. This up from a 1982 score of 450 and 460 in 1983. The math average was 512, up slightly from 1982 at 510, but down from 1983 when it was 540, the highest in the county. Last year 2 of our seniors qualified as Merit Scholarship finalists and were awarded scholarships.
     For graduation, a student needs 26.6 credits, which is the highest requirement in Pennsylvania. There are no study halls in Mt. Penn. Students have 40 out of 40 periods in classroom instruction.
     Mr. Cox was quoted as saying, "We are the best high school with the highest standards and the best educated students in the state of Pennsylvania." When asked "Are the people getting their money's worth at Mt. Penn High School?" Mr. Cox replied, "I don't know where you could get more!"
          - Irene Hatzistravakis
 

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruits are sweet.
          Aristotle

TEACHERS
"Wanted: human beings who are a mix of saint, ham actor, and full-time work-aholic."
     Have you seen this ad in the local newspaper lately? Most probably not, but if you had would you believe it's for a teacher?
     Most of us don't realize how much time, effort, and patience it takes to be a teacher. In fact, until you've either tutored someone, or actually taught a class, you don't realize how hard it is to be a teacher.
      Educators need to be shown respect, just like other professionals. Where would we be without teachers? Not only do they instruct us by facts and figures, but they also teach us a sense of responsibility.
      During American Education Week, I think we should show teachers how much we value them by positive comments, an appreciative attitude, or a simple than k you.
           - Cindy Jurasinski

THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
      Education is the study of teaching and learning processes. People take education for granted because, it's given to us so easily. Few of us realize the importance of a good education. After all, where would civilization be without a good system for educating the youth?
      Education gives everyone a fair chance at succeeding in life. A person from a very poor background can make good use of his education and make a name and a better life for himself and his family.
      We at MPHS should consider ourselves lucky to be in a school that has a high quality system of academics. Although we are a small school, our academic standards are very respectable.
           - Kerry Motze

NOVEMBER 1985


THE MT. PENN
SUCCESS STORY

      Many graduates of our school have reached levels of success in their fields. The Penn Post would like to begin keeping record of achievements by our graduates. We begin in this issue with these few:

HAROLD WEAVER was the president and chairman of the board for Carpenter Technology. He is now retired.

TOM KOCH ('81) is a graduate of Penn State with a BS in geology. Presently at North Carolina State, he teaches class 20 hours a week on an assistantship while studying for his masters' degree.

MICHELLE SANTEE ('78) has a doctorate in aerospace engineering and is employed by NASA in the jet propulsion lab. She is part of the preparation for the Venus probe in the 1990's.

STEVE HERB ('70) is the coordinator for the Dauphin County Library. He is in the process of writing a children's literature book and is also working on his Ph.D. in early childhood development.

BRADLEY HYMAN ('74 valedictorian) earned a BS in biochemistry and an MD from the University of Iowa. He recently received publicity in the New York Times for his research on Alzheimer's disease.

     There are more success stories on our list, but if you have any to add, we are very interested in including them. Please send your information to Penn Post or give it to Lorraine Tobias.
            - Lorraine Tobias

 

 
Letters to the Editor
THE DROPOUT PROBLEM
     One of the major problems in high schools today is the dropout crisis. Approximately one in four students will not graduate from high school. This statistic is very alarming, since there are virtually no good jobs available to people who don't have a diploma.
      There are many reasons why students drop out of high school. Some leave because they join the service. Others leave for more depressing reasons, such as drugs, illiteracy, poor grades, sexual abuse, and pregnancy.
      The high school graduation percentage for Pennsylvania is 79.7%. Pennsylvania's percentage is seventeenth on a list of graduation rates from highest to lowest. The state that has the highest graduation rate is North Dakota, with a 94.8%. Louisiana, with a 57.2%, has the lowest rate in the country.
      Mount Penn's amount of dropouts is relatively small, but having just a few dropouts is still too many. I n the class of 1984, 3 people dropped out of a class of 76 students. In 1985, 3 dropped out from a class of 65 people, 1 of whom returned. Presently, 1 person has dropped out of this year's graduating class of 80. Mount Penn's dropout rate over the past few years hasn't made any dramatic increase.
      What is being done to help increase the high school graduation rate? A few programs have been started in different areas of the country. Many schools have counseling for dropouts and potential dropouts. Hopefully, in the future, a few of these programs will be available to our area. Even if the counseling helps only a few students, it's worth it.
            - Kathleen Petruska

THE BEST THINGS IN
LIFE ARE FREE

      Think about the things you value most, things you couldn't live without �friendship, love and laughter. How much did you pay for them? They cost nothing, yet so much is gained from them. Friends are always there for you; they provide the love and laughter we all need so much. A true friend is a friend for life. That's one thing most material objects don't provide.
      Yes, money may make the world go 'round, but the best things in life are definitely free.
          - Nancy Snyder
PROBLEMS WITH SCHOOLS TODAY
     On a local survey conducted for the PSEA (Pennsylvania State Educators Association) by an independent firm, the people of America listed the problems with public schools in their community today. The biggest problem of all in local schools is the fact that students are greatly lacking discipline. The second biggest problem in local schools is the use of drugs, followed by the difficulty in getting good teachers, poor curriculum and low standards, in that order. There is also the lack of adequate financial support, and the racially integrating in public schools.
      This 1985 survey was taken for the average public schools in America. This does not however, mean that this survey pertains to Mt. Penn. In my opinion, the biggest problem in Mt. Penn would be the difficulty in getting good teachers. It would be followed by a lack of adequate financial support, the use of drugs, lack of discipline, poor curriculum and low standards, and then racially integrating the schools.
VIETNAM -
THE VETS RETURN

     In the late 1960's and very early 70's a war raged in Vietnam between the Communist group, also known as the Viet Con, and the Army of Vietnamese. The American people went to Vietnam to aid the Army of the Vietnamese in their fight to maintain their freedom from the Communist backed VC.
     The young American people of the day were full of contempt and ridicule for the soldiers returning from Vietnam. With the "me" generation in full swing the soldiers received no thanks or recognition for the job they did as the veterans of previous wars did.
      Now, and only now, the veterans of Vietnam are starting to get recognition for what they did. Movies like Rambo, Missing in Action, and Commando have heightened the public awareness and patriotic attitude of the nation, and I think it's about time.
      The men who fought in that war believed in their cause and were willing to die for it. In my opinion, the men who fought in Vietnam deserve all of the respect and admiration we can show them.
     - Jon Franckowiak

PREJUDICE, A LITTLE IN EVERYONE?
     Is that a true statement, is there a little bit of prejudice in everyone? I believe everyone has a little bit of prejudice in them. For example, how many Americans dislike Russians or Cubans? Although they aren't known personally, they are disliked because a few of them cause a lot of trouble.
      Prejudice is an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a race, or their supposed characteristics. Prejudice is very unfair because it is based on preconceived judgments made about a person or group before one gets to know them or what they stand for. I feel prejudice is a terrible way of thinking, and is totally unfair to the minorities.
            - Kerry Motze
CURIOSITY
     Many people complain about the poor schooling their children receive, but I think that many people forget that half the school system is the students. How much a students wants to learn is directly related to how much he will learn.
     Students so often complain about how much they hate school or how boring it is, but they fail to try. They do not fail to try to do the work, but they fail to try to really question things, to inquire how the sun works, how things change, how cells multiply, how to increase vocabulary and word power, and an endless number of other questions.
     Through the search for answers to questions, we can lead ourselves into the study of mathematics, the sciences, English and other branches of knowledge. We can gain not only knowledge and great satisfaction, but future employment as well. So come on, aren't you just a little curious about something?
          - Michael Young

 

PENN POST
Volume XXIX, Edition 2
November, 1985

Penn Post is published 8 times per year by the Journalism Class of Mt. Penn Junior/Senior High School.

Staff

Editor Kelly Grim
Editorials Editor Pam Tucci
News Editor Laura Schnader
Features Julie Hyman
Sports Kerry Motze
Reporters Jon Frankowiak
Dan Hafetz
I. Hatzistavrakis
Sandy Horning
Cindy Jurasinski
Kathleen Petruska
Kristen Pfahl
Marla Schnee
Nancy Snyder
Lorraine Tobias
Mike Young
Advisor Mrs. Strickler

 

 

Seniors of the Issue

Chris Mal's 11th Grade Health Class Wife, Diane
DIANE CHURAN

Randy Boyer, stealer of the Stats Exam
RANDY BOYER

     Diane Churan is our Female Senior of the Issue. Her favorite subject in school is Anatomy and Physiology.
     Diane enjoys her participation in many clubs. She is president of Girls' Leader Corps, treasurer of the senior class, sports editor of Penn Alma, and an active member of the National Honor Society and the Modern Language Club.
     Diane also enjoys playing sports. She plays field hockey, basketball, and baseball for Mt. Penn. She was recently elected to the County All Star Hockey Team.
     In her spare time, Diane enjoys horse-back riding and spending time with friends.
Diane's future plans include college for physical therapy. She would also like to get her masters in Sports Medicine.
          - Julie Hyman
     Our Senior of the Issue, Randy Boyer was born on November 22,1968. Randy instantly became an active boy. He now plays basketball, volleyball, and baseball for Mt. Penn and football on the side.
     Randy is not only athletic, but also very active in many school clubs and organizations. He is the president of Boys' Leader Corps, assistant business manager of the Penn Alma, and a member of the National Honor Society.
     Randy's favorite school subjects are American Government and Advanced Chemistry.
     In his spare time, Randy enjoys playing poker with the guys, playing basketball, watching movies, and sleeping.
     Randy's plans for the future include college with a major in engineering.
          - Julie Hyman

MYSTERY STUDENT
     Did you guess Brendan Kane as the mystery student for the previous issue? If you did, you were correct.
     This issue's mystery student is a female junior who has blonde hair and green eyes. In her spare time, she enjoys eating, reading, and playing basketball, which is also one of her favorite hobbies. Her favorite class is accounting, and she was quoted as saying "I know you are, what am I?"

          - Cindy Jurasinski
 

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.
      - Mark Twain


DEAR HABIB

Dear Habib,
     I have a severe problem and I just don't know what to do about it. My old boyfriend keeps calling me and bothering me. He says he just wants to be friends, but whenever I go out with other guys, he gives me the third degree. He is still so hung up on me that I'm beginning to feel really guilty. Just what should I do about it?
          Sincerely,
          Guilty

Dear Guilty,
     You must approach this delicate situation in a tactful manner. The first thing you must do is sit down and talk over the matter. Be careful not to hurt his feelings because he still likes you. Let him know about the way you feel.
You never know, this extinct romance may blossom into a beautiful friendship.
 
From Our Critics THINNER
     Are you ready for another super-natural story? Then Stephen King's, writing as Richard Bachman, Thinner
is definitely for you to read. Billy Halleck is a wealthy man with a good job and a nice family. His one fault is that he is fifty pounds overweight. An old gypsy woman is crossing the street, and Billy, thinking of other things and not paying full attention to driving his car, accidentally hits her. He is found not guilty in court, but an old gypsy man feels otherwise. This man whispers the one word, "Thinner", to Billy as he is leaving the court room. Billy begins to worry, and the weight starts dropping. How can he get rid of the curse, or can't he?
     Any Stephen King reader will surely add this book to his or her collection. It is definitely very suspenseful and thrilling. I found it very hard to put down before I reached the end.
          - Sandy Horning

THE GOLDEN GIRLS
     The new fall T.V. season is upon us, and with it always comes a big share of bombs and a handful of hits. One of the shows that is destined to become a hit is The Golden Girls, which airs on Saturdays at 9 p.m. on NBC.
     The Golden Girls has all the ingredients needed for a hit comedy. It has a good plot, a fine cast, and a razor-sharp script filled with hilarious one-liners.
     The Golden Girls was created by Susan Harris, the woman who was also behind shows such as Soap and Benson. It stars Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty.
      The storyline is basically simple. Arthur, White and McClanahan are three middle-aged women sharing a house in Miami. Estelle Getty, who plays Bea Arthur's mother, pops in after her nursing home burns down. Her character, along with Arthur's, provides most of the sharp one-liners.
      Each episode usually has a serious overtone. In the premiere, Rue McClanahan's fianc� gets into trouble with the law. Even so, during the dramatic scenes it is hard not to laugh at the quirky humor of Estelle Getty.
     So if you are in the mood for a unique sitcom with just the right amount of humor and sincerity, The Golden Girls is the show for you.
            - Kathleen Petruska
THE COLOR PURPLE
     One of the best books I've read this year is The Color Purple by Alice Walker. The Color Purple is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the American Book Award. It is an affecting, emotional book filled with colorful characters.
     The Color Purple tells the story of Celie, a young black woman living in the South. Celie's life isn't easy. She's been raped by her pa, she's married to a tough man who doesn't love her, and she misses her younger sister Nettie, who's a missionary in Africa.
     Celie doesn't really have anyone to talk to, so she explains her life and tells her problems to God. It is through these conversations with God that we learn about Celie and come to understand her life.
     One of Celie's problems is that she never stands up for herself. Celie just takes what she gets, even though that's very little.
     Then one day her husband's lover, Shug Avery, comes to town. Celie becomes enthralled with Shug's presence. Through Shug, Celie learns to stand on her own two feet and have the courage to be herself.
     I thought The Color Purple was a fascinating book. The more I read, the better I got to know the characters. The book has such an emotional impact that the story stays with you long after you read it. If you want some quality reading, definitely consider The Color Purple.
          - Kathleen Petruska

AGNES OF GOD
     Agnes of God, a movie adapted from a Broadway play, takes place mostly in a convent. Sister Agnes, a naive young nun, played by Meg Tilly has a baby which is murdered immediately after birth. Jane Fonda, who plays a investigating psychiatrist is sent to find out if Sister Agnes is competent to stand trial. She becomes very emotionally involved and continually encounters Anne Bancroft,. who plays a protective and devious Mother Superior. 'There are many important skeletons in the past, which must be uncovered to reveal the outcome. It is a different type of movie portrayed by great actresses, but it does leave one feeling depressed. I really don't feel it would appeal to most guys.
          - Sandy Horning
THE PROMISE
     If your looking for a good book, The Promise by Oanielle Steele is a good place to start. As with most of Oanielle Steele's books, you simply can not put it down.
     The Promise is about a happy couple who want to be married. The only thing stopping them is Michael's mother, who is very wealthy and thinks he can do better than Nancy, his fianc�. One night Nancy and Michael decide to elope. As they drive off, the dream of the happiest night of their lives turns out to be tragedy.
     The ambulance arrives after the car accident and takes them to the hospital. Nancy, who went through the windshield, has no face.
     Later in the hospital, Michael's mother finds out that her son isn't in too bad condition. She also finds out it will take about a half-million dollars to give Nancy a new face. A proposition is soon offered to Nancy by Michael's mother, she will pay for her new face if she promises never to try to find Michael, only Michael can find her.
     Nancy knows Michael loves her and will try to find her. The only thing she doesn't know is that Michael's mother told her son that Nancy was dead.
     As you can see this book is very interesting and gets even more interesting as you read on. So go to any bookstore and pick up this must-read book.
          - Pam Tucci

ST. ELMO'S FIRE
     Released over the summer, St. Elmo's Fire is a movie dealing with the after-college lives of seven friends. In it we meet Leslie, Wendy, and Jules; as well as Kevin, Kirby, Alec, and Billy, all of whom are played by popular young stars. We see each of them dealing with their problems in their own ways and becoming mature independent adults.
     They are also trying to hold onto their pasts by paying regular visits to their college hangout, St. Elmo's Bar. Not visiting St. Elmo's symbolizes letting go of the past and starting fresh, which is what the seven must do.
     I wasn't sure what to expect when I first saw "St. Elmo's Fire", but I was very pleased with what I got. I have so far seen it four times, and I'm ready to go for five!
          - Nancy Snyder
 
New Students
FRESHMAN

NATHAN LATERZA came to Mt. Penn from Berks Christian School. His favorite classes are art and algebra. His least favorite subject is English. A difference he has noticed is student's carrying cigarettes here, which was not allowed at Berks. Nathan's hobby is computers.

LUIS GALEN came to Mt. Penn from Southern Junior High. His favorite subject is math; his least favorite is English. Luis says that Mt. Penn is smaller than Southern. His hobby is also computers.

JENNY REARDEN went to Wyomissing before coming to Mt. Penn. Her favorite class is English; her least favorite is biology. Jenny says that Mt. Penn is smaller than Wyomissing.

8TH GRADE
MICHELLE QUELL came from Southern Junior High. Her favorite subjects are health and math. She doesn't have a least favorite subject, and she has noticed no changes at Mt. Penn compared to Southern. Her hobbies include baton
twirling.

KEVIN TOLLAND is also from Southern. His favorite subjects are gym, art, and health. His least favorite are history and reading. Kevin says the only difference he has noticed is that Mt. Penn is smaller. Kevin's hobbies include drawing and helping h is father build car motors.

LORI STOUDT came from Exeter Junior High. Her favorite subjects are English and history. Compared to Mt. Penn, Lori says there are more people in Exeter. Her hobbies include swimming, baseball and basketball.

KELLY O'NEILL came to Mt. Penn from Mifflin and Tulpehocken. Her favorite subjects are reading and math. Her least favorite is history. The only differences she has noticed at Mt. Penn are being able to go to her locker between classes and not being able to wear shorts without permission.

TINA WERTZ comes from Governor Mifflin. Her favorite subjects are math, history, and science. Tina says that the only changes she's noticed at Mt. Penn are the people, the lunchroom, and the classrooms. Her hobbies include playing sports.
          - Jon Frankowiak

HOW TO BECOME A BETTER STUDENT
     Many teachers will agree that most students could and should improve themselves as students. Here are some suggestions from our teachers and our principal.
     One of the most common responses was "read as much as possible." Mrs. LaPorte, one of the read believers, also said we should "learn to accept responsibility for ourselves."
     The other responses included Miss Brobst's "develop pride in yourself and your work and do the best you can do," which is basically the same as Mrs. Haag's "positive thinking above all" We also had the "do your homework" response from some teachers and Mr. Ranck's "less apathy toward everything" and Mr. Orlando's "Enjoy yourself."
     I do know all the possible ways to improve have not been said, but these are great ideas, and maybe one can help you become a better student and perhaps even a better person.
          - Michael Young

THOUGHTS TO
THINK ABOUT

    
To inquire is not to suggest stupidity, but to suggest curiosity, a foreshadow of ingenuity.
     Listen to people rather than just hear them; you will find they are more intelligent than you think.
     The only obstacle between you and your dreams is your doubt.
          - Michael Young

 

Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be
done, whether you like it or not; it is the first lesson that ought to be learned; and however early a man's training begins, it is probably the last lesson that he learns thoroughly. - Thomas Huxlev

 

The person who knows how will always have a job. But the person who knows why will be his boss. - Carl C. Wood

PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
     In the Open House program prepared for your parents, specific advice was provided them as to what they can do to assist you in achieving higher grades or success in school. In addition to that advice, there are some very basic methods you can utilize to "get straight A's."
- Never miss a class. Sit up front so you won't be distracted and can hear well. Always do your assignments before you go to class so you'll know exactly what the teacher is talking about. Take notes and if necessary rewrite them before the next class - it's a better way to absorb them and you'll actually learn the material while rewriting.
- When you take an exam, read all the questions first and jot down key points for the answer. Then answer the easiest questions first. If you get hung up on a later question, at least you will have completed part of the test. And answering the easiest first builds confidence and lets your mind think about the harder questions on a back burner while you are answering the easier one.

     These are not guarantees that you will achieve straight A's; however, they're worth a try as you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
     S.A.C. - Strategic Air Command? Students Against Communism? Skeleton Ate Cucumbers? No, S.A.C. is an anacronym for the student advisory committee - a committee of students formed to voice your concerns about what is happening in school. The committee meets with me a minimum of once a month, or whenever the students deem it necessary, and is composed of Leon Pace, Brendan Kane, Audrey Acker, and Mindy Snyder. The agenda items for each meeting will be prepared by the students; therefore, if you have a concern, seek out one of the aforementioned students and ask him to put the topic on the agenda.
     The formation of this committee does not negate your opportunity to make an appointment to personally meet with me regarding any concerns you might have. It does, however, attempt to guarantee you a voice that expresses your concerns on a regular basis.

 
FTA LOLLIPOP SALE
     The FTA (Future Teachers of America) Club sponsored a lollipop sale for Sweet Remembrance Day, November 8th.
     The lollipops were sold for 50rt and another quarter if you didn't want your name revealed. The lollipops that were sold were giant rainbow suckers.
     Mrs. Haag, the club advisor, said that the lollipop sale is usually a big fund raiser and that Steve Reis has been invaluable addition to the club as vice-president in charge of fund raising.
           - Jon Franckowiak

INVASION
     Were those actual creatures invading our school on October 3?
     Of course not. They were the Y -Teen initiates who paraded strange outfits consisting of diapers, homemade hats, and other unusual items. The members of Y-Teens made them sing, dance, skip and even roll down the hall.
     This ritual, which takes place each year, enables the new members to participate in the Y-Teen activities year round.
          - Cindy Jurasinski

SOPHOMORE SALES
     Starting November 4, each sophomore student will be selling inexpensive gifts that will arrive before the winter holidays. You can see any sophomore for information about this. The sophomore class also is going to be selling sweatshirts, sweatpants, and other articles of clothing that will be shown in the glass window near the office. The articles of clothing will have a Mount Penn design on them. The profits will go in the sophomore treasury. To order any of these articles of clothing see Jason Miller, Kerry Motze, Kathleen Petruska, Sandy Horning or Miss Weaver.
          - Sandy Horning

ANNUAL CITRUS SALE
     Each year the band, bandfront, and chorus sell citrus fruit, and this year was no exception. The sale began on October 20 and lasted until November 25.
     Pink grapefruit, tangelo, hamlin, and navel oranges were sold. Each type of fruit could be bought in a 4/5 bushel box, a 2/5 bushel bag, or a 1/5 bushel bag. The prices ranged from $4.00 to $15.00.
     Cash prizes were given to the high salesperson for each week, and to the overall high salesperson.
     The profit made from the sale will be used to purch2se new band uniforms, and possibly for an electric piano for chorus. It will also be used for the annual Hershey Park trip in June.
     There is a possibility of a second citrus sale where Sunkist oranges and apples may be added.
          - Nancy Snyder
SCIENCE CLUB
Leaders of the Antietam Creek pH testing Club     This year's Science Club, led by Miss Brobst started off the 1985-86 school year with sign up the week of September 9th thru the 16th. Approximately 40 students in grades 9-12 signed up.
     Miss Brobst will be meeting with the Executive Board soon to discuss plans for the upcoming year's activities. Some tentative plans include a trip to the National Aquarium at Baltimore Harbor in the Spring and a trip to Winterthur.

Science Club officers:
Brendan Kane - president
Chris Malinowski - VP
Heather Hill - secretary
Jason Miller - treasurer
         
          - Jon Franckowiak

F.B.LA.
     On October 15th, the F.B.L.A. went to Twin Valley High School for work-shops and really learned what the club was all about. They met with students from all the different schools in the county and met the state and Regional officers.
     They had two workshops and then there was a buffet dinner. After that there was an awards assembly.
     The ten people that went from Mt. Penn really had a good time: Audrey Acker who is the president said this was the best turn out from Mt. Penn. The next event taking place is a National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
          - Marla Schnee

BONUS BOOK SALE
     The Boys' Leader Corps has had it's yearly bonus book sale. The bonus books are full of coupons that save money on not only fast food restaurants, but leisure restaurants, fitness centers, bowling, miniature golf and more, for only $25.00 for a booklet.
          - Michael Young

OPEN HOUSE
     Mount Penn's annual open house was held on October 17, 1985. It started at 6:30 p.m. and ended at 8:30 p.m.
The purpose of the open house is to give students' parents the opportunity to meet their teachers.
     This year, some members of the National Junior Honor Society acted as hosts and hostesses for the evening.
      In addition to the open house, a book fair was also held. Many current paper-backs were made available. Each book's price was lowered ten percent.
          - Kathleen Petruska
MISSING GRADUATES
     The class of 1965 is planning their twentieth class reunion, but a few. of the students from that graduating class are not able to be located. The addresses of these people are needed so they will be able to participate in this memorable event. If you have any information on these people, please send the information to the school through the Penn Post.

Here are the Missing Graduates:
ERIC ERLBAUM
MICHAEL RICHARDS
FRED FAWCETT
ELLIS HECKMAN
BARRY SANTEE
JAMES LUTZ
JOHN HOWELL
THOMAS HOLLAND
BARBARA LIS
MARSHA SCHELL

          - Danny Hafetz


COMPUTER UPDATES THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
     Computers are involved in everything these days, and the music world is no exception. We've recently added an Apple IIE Duo-Disc System computer to the Music Department.
     The computer will be used to help many different people. The band and chorus members will be able to refresh their music skills with programmed materials or theory. It can also be used in Music Theory Classes, and will be used in some of the junior high music classes. Mr. Ruch can use the computer for grading purposes, too.
     Mr. Ruch will explain to the students how the computer works; they will practice music skills on the computer. It will be very beneficial to the students and the Music Department.
          - Nancy Snyder

Y-TEENS HALLOWEEN PARTY FOR UNICEF
The Y-Teens have a Halloween party every year for a worthy cause, UNICEF. This is a fu n get together with lots of goodies and lots of friends to show off your costumes to.
     All the Y-Teens first go out trick-or-treating as if reminiscing the past. Instead of treats, however, they collect money for UNICEF. After they finish trick-or-treating, they all meet back at the school for their party.
          - Lorraine Tobias

 

Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern but impossible to enslave.

 

 
New Students
SEVENTH GRADE
MIKE BRIZEK came to Mt. Penn from Exeter. His favorite subjects include math, history, and English. He dislikes science. He feels that the schedule is better at Mt. Penn than at Exeter, and the rooms are different here. Mike enjoys collecting coins in his free time.

DAVID HARING came to Mt. Penn from Jacksonwald Elementary School. His favorite subjects are math and spelling. He dislikes English, science, and history. David says that he didn't have health or typing at Jacksonwald. He likes to play football and watch television.

ZAK HOFFER attended Westmont Elementary School before coming to Mt. Penn. His favorite subjects are math and history, but Zak dislikes reading. He feels that there is more freedom at Mt. Penn than at Westmont. In his spare time, Zak likes to ride his bike, play soccer and build models.

BRANDI SCHEURING came to Mt. Penn from Oley Valley Middle School. Her favorite subjects are typing, English, and math. She dislikes art, music, and history. Brandi says that the classrooms at Mt. Penn are arranged differently from Oley. In her spare time, Brandi swims, skates, and waterskis.

TINA TOLLAND went to Tyson-Schoener before coming to Mt. Penn. She likes math, history, and library. She dislikes reading, science and English. Tina says that Mt. Penn is bigger than Tyson Schoener. In her spare time, Tina enjoys collecting sea shells or sleeping.

DAVID KRAFT attended Lorane Elementary School before coming to Mt. Penn. His favorite subjects are history and reading. He dislikes math and science. David has noticed that our lunch rules are different. He also feels that our whole school is run differently. David's hobbies include collecting baseball cards and doing well in school.

ZACHARY LUDWIG came to Mt. Penn from Exeter. His favorite subjects are math and computers. His least favorite class is science. He says that Mt. Penn's students are nicer than Exeter's. In his spare time, Zachary likes to read or play baseball.

JUNIOR
JENNY DeCESARE came to Mt. Penn from Phillipsburg High School which is in New Jersey. Her favorite subject is Cosmetology. Jenny says her least favorite subject is Math. When I asked her what is different about Mt. Penn from her other school she said the people. Her hobbies are skating and riding horses.
NUCLEAR PHYSICS CONFERENCE
     As part of their continuing education, some of last year's physics students will be attending a nuclear physics conference at Penn State University, main campus, in December. These students, now seniors, had nuclear physics last spring and are extending their experience with the PSU program.
     During the conference, they will participate in nuclear physics experiments and will tour a nuclear reactor where the radioactive block is visible and the reactions can be seen. At the area nuclear plants the operation itself is a closed system, and the reaction is displayed on slides only.
     This program is held twice a year at PSU, but this is the first time our students have had the opportunity to attend.

CUTTING UP IN A&P
     The anatomy and physiology class will be dissecting cats and fetal pigs for the first time. The students were so enthusiastic about this experience that they are voluntarily paying for their own specimens since no money was allocated for them.
     Most of the students in this class hope to go into the health field and wanted the experience of dissecting before starting college courses. Seeing the actual placement of anatomical structures is a valuable visual aid. Many high schools offer this experience in their science programs.

MAGAZINE DRIVE
     The Magazine Drive was held on September 9 until September 23. The students in grades 7th, 8th, and 9th participated. The homeroom with the highest sales will win a stuffed gorilla and also a pizza party for the entire class. Individual salesmen are also awarded separately for the goals that they achieved.
     This year something new and different will be happening. When all of the prizes arrive, there will be a drawing. The winner of this drawing will receive a Cabbage Patch Doll.
     To help with the sales, each homeroom elected a captain. The captain chosen has the responsibility of collecting the money from his/her classmates. The captains of 7th grade are Christa Ettele, Joseph Pocrass, and Kristen Stoss. For 8th grade the captains were Corina Davis, Steve Goodhart, and Gregory Pocrass. The captains for the 9th grade are Christal Dunn, Mike Henry, and Jenny Reimert.
          - Kristen Pfahl
IMPORTANT DATES IN U.S. EDUCATION
1635 The Boston Latin School, the first secondary school in the American colonies, began classes.
1636 Massachusetts charted Harvard College, the first college in the American colonies.
1642 Massachusetts passed an education law requiring parents to teach their children to read.
1647 Massachusetts became the first American colony to require the establishment of public elementary and secondary schools.
1785 Georgia chartered the first state university.
1833 Oberlin College became the first coeducational college in the U.s.
1852 Massachusetts passed the first compulsory school-attendance law in the U.S.
1874 The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that taxes could be collected to support public schools.
1908 FIRST MT. PENN HIGH SCHOOL OPENED
1917 Congress passed the Smith-Hughes Act, the first act to provide federal funds for vocational education below college level.
1923 THE PRESENT MT. PENN HIGH SCHOOL OPENED.
1944 Congress passed the first G.I. Bill, granting funds to veterans to continue their education.
1954 The U.s. Supreme Court ruled that public schools segregated by race are unequal and therefore unconstitutional. 1958 FINAL ADDITION ON THE HIGH SCHOOL WAS BEGUN. This includes the gym and the math wing.
1965 Congress passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to aid local schools and to improve the education of children from low income families.
          - Irene Hatzistavrakis

BOOK FAIR
     This year the Reading Program for kindergarten through twelfth grade held a Book Fair. This Book Fair was held on October 2 during school hours in the high school gym. It was also for the first time incorporated into the Open House. If you attended the Book Fair, you might have noticed that all of the books had a 10% discount off of the cover value.
     The reading teachers are hoping to have this Book Fair every year. The profit made from the sale is going towards buying books for the high school reading teachers, Mr. Segro and Mrs. Krick. Thanks to Mrs. Gernerd and Mrs. Hinnershitz for having made this Book Fair a success.
          - Kristen Pfahl
 
Sports
FIELD HOCKEY
     The Field Hockey Team has done very well this season. Varsity worked through the rest of the season by defeating Oley Valley and Schuylkill Valley. Losing but putting up a good fight against Twin Valley, Central Catholic, and Hamburg came next. They beat Wyomissing and tied Daniel Boone, who placed first in their division. Varsity ended the season with two wins against Oley Valley and Twin Valley. Their final record is 6-5-1. Varsity placed third in their division this year.
     J .V. has had only one loss this season which was to Hamburg. They also ended the season with two wins against Oley Valley and Twin Valley. Their final record is 9-1-5.
          - Sandy Horning

SINGLE STANDOUTS
      Even though the soccer team and hockey team did not win their division, they still had individuals who were acknowledged for their achievements on their respected teams.
     Diane Churan of the hockey team was selected to the Berks All-County Team for her outstanding efforts in hockey. Sally Ford, also on the hockey team, was selected to the All Division Team. Diane played the left line position while Sally played the left inner position.
      The soccer team had two players acknowledged for their efforts in soccer. Leon Pace who played striker and goalie and Kerry Motze who played center half back were both selected to the Berks All-County team honorable mention. Congratulations to these athletes for their achievements and hope that the teams will keep having individuals who excel at each and every sport.
          - Danny Hafetz

Outstanding Athletes

Kelly Clark
KELLY CLARK

Spanky
EVAN SPOHN

     The female athlete of this issue is Kelly Clark, the left back on the Varsity hockey team. Kelly also participates in volleyball and cheerleading. She is in National Honor Society and is an officer of Y-Teens and Girls Leader Corps.
     In her spare time she enjoys drawing, being with her friends and participating in sports. Kelly has done very well this hockey season and Mrs. Thomas was pleased with her performance.
          - Sandy Horning
     Evan Spohn, the male athlete of the issue, is the number one man on the golf team and has done very well this year. He went to Counties and shot an 80 in the first round. In the second round he shot an 91, giving him a total of 171, which put him in eighth place.
     Playing football and basketball, listening to the radio, watching T.V., and going out with friends are some of the things he enjoys doing in his spare time.
          - Sandy Horning
GOLFERS GO TO DISTRICTS
     On Tuesday, October 22 three of Mt. Penn's golfers played in the District 3 tournament in York. Derek Hutchenson, Evan Spohn, and Danny Hafetz competed with individuals from many schools in District 3 to qualify for the state championship which was held at Penn State on Monday, October 28. It was a two day tournament with a cut after the first day of play. The top 40 and ties qualified for the next days round. Players from Berks county did qualify for the second round including Mt. Penn's Danny Hafetz.
          - Danny Hafetz
SOCCER
     The soccer team, after jumping out to a quick 2-0 league start, lost a couple games in a row to drop the league record to 2-4. Our team has had very little success in non-league games, losing every one. Mt. Penn has had a very hard-working team this year, giving the better teams tough, close games.
     This year's soccer season had its ups and downs, and its fair share of dramatically close games. The Mounts league record ended up at 5-6-1. Next year's team will have plenty of experience.
          - Kerry Motze

GOLF SEASON COMES TO AN END
     Suffering an early loss to a very consistent Reading High Squad, the golf team needed to win every other match to win the division title. They did play well against the eventual division champs, the Fleetwood Tigers. They then lost two extremely close matches against them. The total amount of strokes they lost by in both of the matches was five.
     The team has nothing to be ashamed of by finishing 64, and in third behind Fleetwood and Exeter. The loss of senior Evan Spohn could hurt next year's team a little, but four sophomores and a junior will be returning. Coach Fegely feels the team can do it next year if all the players do return.
          - Danny Hafetz