November 1984

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

NOVEMBER 1984

State Board Votes to Change Teacher Certification Regulations
     The State Board of Education has adopted rigorous new requirements for becoming a teacher or administrator in Pennsylvania schools. The Board�s vote for Chapter 49 puts in place the last major component of the program proposed one year ago in Governor Dick Thornburgh�s �Agenda for Excellence in Pennsylvania�s Public School.�
     The new regulations made three major changes in the way teachers and administrators will be certified, beginning in 1987.
     Teacher graduates will be required to pass tests of basic skill, general knowledge, professional knowledge, and the subjects they plan to teach in order to be certified.
     New teachers will serve a one-year, supervised induction period before receiving a permanent certificate.
     Future teachers and administrators will be required to take six credits of continuing education every live years in order to keep their certification active.
     �Our goal is to ensure that teachers enter the profession with superior skills and that they keep those skills current throughout their careers," said Acting Secretary of Education Margaret A. Smith. �These regulations will help to achieve those goals."

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. -- Aristotle

NATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK
November11 -17
�Educational Excellence:
Our Nation�s Strongest Defense.�
Let�s Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Public Education

     Our Mt. Penn Junior/Senior High School is a public educational center for grades 7-12 located in suburb Reading, Pennsylvania. The current structure was built in 1923 while an addition was constructed in 1959. The high school was founded on the philosophy that, in order to meet the needs of each individual in our continuously changing society, the educational format should strive to develop each Mt. Penn student intellectually, vocationally, morally, and aisthetically, to the fullest extent of his or her potential.

This ideal continues today.

Academics
11 subject areas
111 courses in academic, business and general areas
1/2 day through the year Vocational Technical
     training through Berks County Vocational schools.
Co-op work experience

Students
Enrollment: 431
Average yearly number of merit scholars: 2 to 3
Average SAT scores above national norms:
     Math - 512 Verbal -473

Faculty and Staff
Full time teachers: 28
Part time teachers: 3
Nurse - full time: 1
Counselors: 2

Graduate Placement
Employment 23%
Vocational Technical School 11%
Two year college/University 48%
Four year College 48%
Military 6%

Athletics
10 interscholastic teams including soccer, basketball, field hockey, baseball, softball, tennis, bowling...
40% to 50% participation

Extra-Curricular
School newspaper, active musical/vocal organizations, language club, yearbook, student council, and a number of other interests.

U.S. Students Light on
Science and Math
     Statistics from the National Center for Education on the percentage of high school students taking three years of science and math show that students are light in Math and science subjects com�pared to other countries.
     About 20% of U.S. students take three years of Math, and 30% hike three years of Science. These percentages arc very low compared to the Soviet Union, West Germany and Japan, whose Math and Science percentages are 100%.
The U.S. percentagcs may increase because the Statc Board of Education his adopted new curriculum standards and increased graduation rcquircmcnts which will take effect in 1985 for the class ol
1989.
          - Kelly Grim

TELLS TESTING
     More than 400,000 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade students in Pennsylvania were involved in a new state mandated testing program held in October. Tells (Testing for Essential Learning and Literacy Skills) measures student achievement in vocabulary, reading, and math.
     If students score below the grade level acceptable to the state, they will be eligible for a state-funded remedial instruction program to begin in January of 1985.
     The 8th grade students at MPHS were tested October 16, under the supervision of Mrs. Barbara Livin.
     Competency testing for promotion from 11th to 12th grade is still in committee. Passage of this measure is almost a certainty, but it will not affect this year�s 11th grade.
          - Scott Christman

Letters to the Editor

Lefties: The Right Stuff
     People stare at you curiously when you write. Using a pair of scissors is an exercise in coordination. At school, you can never find a desk that �fits.� You�re not an oddball or a klutz; you�re just simply a lefty.
     Being a lefty doesn�t mean you lack the right stuff. Kristy McNichol, Paul McCartney, John McEnroe, Goldie Hawn, and Mr. Orlando are just a few of the famous lefties who are right on. Experts in the scientific fields may disagree on what makes ten percent of the world�s population left-handed. They do agree that it all starts in the brain.
     Basically, the brain is divided into two parts called hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls movement of the left side of your body, while the left hemisphere controls your right side. The side of your brain affecting your ability to speak, read, and write is the left side, while the right half � the side most used by lefties � deals with perceptions of space, musical tones, and artistic judgment. In most cases, one hemisphere will have more control over the other. In the case of lefties, that means the right side of your brain dominates.
     Left-handedness was once thought to be hereditary, but most lefties are born to right-handed parents. Left-handedness wasn�t always regarded as fascinating. Consider phrases such as �left out� and �two left feet.�
     Although it may be awkward for some, people who are left-handed are considered more independent, intuitive, imaginative, and more adaptable than righties.
          - Karen Denby

Penn Post Volume XXVIII, Edition II November 1984 Penn Post is published 8 times per year by the Journalism Class of Mt. Penn Junior/Senior High School Penn Post Staff
Editor	Kelly Grim
Editorials	Steph Sosh
Features	Jenny Eckel
News	David Blose
Sports	Diane Churan
Reporters	Scott Christman Robin Clouser Karen Denby Heather Hill Sandy Steigerwalt Kim Schmidt
Advisor	Mrs. Strickler

Reaction to Lunch
     Mr. Orlando expressed his opinions to the column written in the first issue pertaining to a longer lunch.
     He sees two different view points about it. He feels that sometimes the time required to go through the lunch line is too long. He knows that eight to ten minutes to really relax and socialize among friends is not much time, and he sympathizes with you. On the other hand, a double lunch period allows students to be dismissed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 2:30 P.M. instead of every day at 3:00 P.M.
     He stressed that everyday, the school teachers are at the school until 3:15. Those students who need extra help or are in danger of failing may seek help even on the dismissal days of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. This could give a student the maximum of forty-five extra minutes for special, individualized attention in a difficult subject. Mr. Orlando also stated that there is mostly a mutual respect among the students during the 9-12 lunch period.
     If Mr. Orlando could have his choice, he would remove open lunch and put study halls in its place. He mentioned a new social study in the cafeteria where soda and candy machines could be installed. There would also be a quiet study for individuals in the auditorium. Maybe this could lead to opening up the courtyard again?
     As far as he knows, the lunch periods will stay the same for now. When the students did have a triple lunch period, the juniors and seniors complained that they were eating too late. It was actually they who requested a double lunch period.
          - Karen Denby

Mid-Day Slumps
     Do you burn out during the day? Poor eating habits are probably to blame. The answer is in what you eat - or don�t eat. Here�s how to fix what�s wrong with your diet.
     THE BREAKFAST SKIPPER. When you skip breakfast your body is forced to function on a low-blood sugar level that takes away energy. This results in a mid-morning craving for sweets which, if satisfied, causes the blood-sugar level to rise rapidly and then drop again soon after. That�s when you crash. The same thing happens if you eat a high sugar breakfast. To avoid this eat an adequate breakfast that includes protein, carbohydrates and a little fat.
     THE LUNCH SKIPPER. Go without lunch and your body may react in a similar way, that is fatigue, dizziness, lack of motivation, basically - a slump. To avoid this slump, stick with something light; just make sure it's something.
          - Kelly Grim

Are We Better Off Today?
     Are the American People Better Off Today Than 4 Years Ago? This question was first raised by Ronald Reagan in 1980 during his bid for the presidency. Now, four years later, Walter Mondale is asking the American public that very same question. In my opinion we are better off. Ronald Reagan has done so much for the economy: lowered interest rates, lowered inflation, lowered taxes, and created jobs. Walter Mondale has already stated he will raise taxes if elected President.
     People raise questions about the huge deficit. Ronald Reagan has a plan, a constitutional amendment that will balance the budget. However, the democratic controlled House has rejected that plan. And remember, it is unfair to blame a country�s deficit wholly on one man, considering all previous administrations failed to control the deficit.
     People also complain about high spending on defense. The United States has let the Soviet Union catch up or surpass our numbers of conventional weapons. To adequately defend our nation, we need a very strong defense and Ronald Reagan is leading us there. But no matter what I say, each one of you must ask yourself, �Am I better off now than I was four years ago?�
          - Dave Blose

SCHOOL ENTHUSIASM
     What has happened to our school�s enthusiasm? Why is it so hard to get students involved in activities? For example, very few students showed interest in having a school play or a SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) Chapter.
     Look at Exeter, they have two plays a year, including a musical. You may say that Exeter is a larger school and that they have more students, but just because Mount Penn is a small school doesn�t mean we can�t produce a play.
     Although a SADD Chapter is going strong at Muhlenberg, it can�t seem to get started here. Granted, because one of the seniors at Muhlenberg had been killed in a drunk driving accident, the students realized the problem of drunk driving. But because no one at Mt. Penn has been seriously hurt, or killed, in an accident doesn�t mean we can�t help prevent it � for most likely we will all be affected someday, one way or another by a drunk driver.
     These are just two examples. We, the students, have to make Mt. Penn the best all around school by participating in such activities that not only will improve our school but will allow each of us to grow as individuals.
          - Heather Hill

Outstanding Students
LORI FIZZ	DANA KISTLER	JOHN SOSH
Our female student of the issue, Lori Fizz, is a very busy and active student. Lori is often on the Merit Honor Roll and in addition, she has received the Merit Honor Award and is a National Merit Semi-Finalist for PSAT. Lori is also in the National Honor Society. Lori has been a life guard at the YMCA for two years. She works after school every day for two hours, yet she manages to get her work done and also enjoy the things that she likes to do. As you are probably aware, Lori likes to swim. In the summertime, Lori is a Coach for the Antietam Swim Team. Besides swimming and coaching, Lori is on the Mt. Penn bowling team. After graduation, Lori would like to go to MIT, majoring in math and science related studies. - Robin Clouser	For this month�s issue of the Penn Post, the outstanding Vo-Tech student is Dana Kistler. Dana has been in Vo-Tech for three years as a machinist. He plans to put to good use his mechanical ability when he goes into the Navy August 20, 1985, as a Radio Man. Dana will be down in a submarine most of the time, receiving coded messages. But he will be well rewarded for his work, for the day he sets foot on the bus to start training, he will receive $1500.00. Instead of going out and spending it, Dana plans to send it to his parents, for them to hold it for a later time. The activities that Dana likes to do include fishing, bicycling, hiking, and reading. - Robin Clouser	This month�s Senior of the Issue is John Sosh. Since John started his life at Mt. Penn in 7th grade, he has been active in sports. He played basketball then and now he has been playing point guard for our varsity basketball team. John played baseball in grades 9 and 10 and is a member of Boys� Leader Corps. John is also a strong academic student at Mt. Penn. He was recognized for his character and service to others with the American Legion Service Award in 9th grade. Some of John�s hobbies include, besides sports, listening to his favorite music, The Moody Blues, and clowning around with his little brother. During the past summer and the week-ends John works with a landscaper. His future plans, however, lie in business accounting and he is thinking about attending Notre Dame. - Scott Christman College Frights Why do some freshmen flee for home after the first few months of school, while others thrive like ivy on a wall? Some experts agree that the way the students decorated their private spaces was a factor. They found that freshmen who dropped out of college were too tied down with their hometown. Freshmen rooms were filled with old prom corsages and high school photos. This led to serious homesickness. It�s okay to save some memories, but don�t let the past clutter up your future. Happier freshmen welcomed college into their lives by hanging up campus maps and football schedules. Experts say their rooms indicated commitment towards the new environment. Discover your campus grounds. Be open and make new friends. Homesickness is a normal reaction, but try to think of a new beginning. - Karen Denby
PROMISING JOB OPPORTUNITIES No College Degree Necessary Entry-level jobs that pay well are not only for graduates with bachelor degrees. Here are 5 jobs that prove just that. They begin at $15,000 and work their way up. Carpenter - REQUIREMENTS: Must start as an apprentice. POSITIVES: It�s outdoor, physical activity. NEGATIVES: A carpenter is involved in heavy work, and is subject to weather conditions. STARTING SALARY: $15,400. Chef - REQUIREMENTS: Need to complete 6,000 hours of apprenticeship training, 2 years of class work at a culinary school, and pass a written exam. POSITIVES: A chef gets to supervise people. NEGATIVES: Long hours. STARTING SALARY: $17,828. Computer Systems Technician - REQUIREMENTS: Need to know how to run, program, and most importantly, fix a computer. POSITIVES: This job is in high demand. STARTING SALARY: $14,400-$30,000. Court Reporter - REQUIREMENTS: A court reporter is required to get slate or national certification acquired by taking certain tests. POSITIVES: Court reporters are constantly learning new things, and it�s a good job for mothers. NEGATIVES: You must work your way up from lower positions. STARTING SALARY: $26,000. Dispensing Optician - REQUIREMENTS: Good math and physics records from high school are the only requirements. POSITIVES: There is advancement potential, and it involves working with people. STARTING SALARY: $20,000.

PRINCIPALS�S CORNER
JOYCE BROBST, biology teacher, has distinguished herself for the second consecutive year in the horticulture exhibit at the Bloomsburg Fair. Joyce�s violets garnered one second place and two fourth place awards, while her palm variation was deemed worthy of a gold medal.

HEATHER HILL and LEANN DIESHER, both juniors, have initiated the paperwork necessary to spend part of their remaining two years in an overseas student exchange program. If successful, Heather and Leann will be the first Mt. Penn student in 4 years to be accepted into the program.

     Mt. Penn is one of the 5 schools out of the 20 high schools in Berks County to be chosen by New Home Federal Savings to participate in a program which would familiarize seniors with banking skills. Topics include auto loans, credit cards, checking accounts, student loans, mortgages, saving plans, career opportunities, or other pertinent topics. At no time will any attempt be made to sell the students a product or promote New Home Federal Savings.
     The seniors will be meeting with the bank representatives on November 12, while the date for the junior session is November 13.
     This is only the first step in our process of acclimating students to specific aspects of surviving in society. It is our intention to utilize speakers from the insurance area, the field of car sales, law enforcement officials, and possibly Berks County Prison.

As part of �Juvenile Court Week,� the Juvenile Probation Office met with our students to explain the Juvenile Justice System of PA. The representatives provided basic information and served as a resource for our social studies teachers, as well as answered any questions the students had about Juvenile Court.

ALUMNI NEWS
     MIKE ELVIN, Class of �81, was one of the recipients of The President�s Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement for juniors and seniors nationwide. These students achieve a 4.0 grade average for at least two academic years. Mike was one of 5 seniors and 4 juniors recognized for this award at the Covocation for the 1984-85 academic year at Bucknell University.
     BRADLEY HYMAN, 1974 MPHS valedictorian, is part of a research team at the University of Iowa which has made a significant breakthrough in the search for a cure for Alzheimer�s disease. The team has found a pattern of cellular damage in the brains of victims. It is hoped that knowledge of this pattern will help researchers find the cause of the deterioration in memory and thinking capacity caused by the disease.
     After leaving Mt. Penn, Bradley graduated PHI BETA KAPPA from Northwestern University where he earned a bachelor�s degree in biochemistry. He went on to get both a doctorate in biochemistry and a medical degree from the University of Iowa. He is now doing his study of Alzheimer�s disease on a fellowship from the National Institute of Health.
     The work of Bradley Hyman and his associates was recently featured in The New York Times.

PAPER DOLLS
This dynasty take-off about the glamour worlds of fashion, beauty, and modeling will surely make those actually in the career cringe. Most of these beautiful people are greedy, selfish, spoiled and phony. Why should I care what happens to them week after week?
- Kelly Grim

Homecoming King and Queen


TOM DIGIACOMO	JENNY MILLER

HOMECOMING
On Friday, October 19, the homecoming queen and king, chosen by the students of MPHS, were announced at the dance sponsored by the Sports Boosters. Jenny Miller was crowned queen and Tom DiGiacomo, king. The other candidates in court were Traci Wenger, David Werner, Sandy Steigerwalt, Joe Boyle, Robin Clouser, Todd Ringler, Liz Stewart, Tim Miller, Michele Zillhart, and Scott Christman.
     The homecoming parade was held on Saturday, October 20. The couples drove around the A-held twice before the start of the soccer game. Mt. Penn played Governor Mifflin. The varsity tied 1-1 after two overtimes, and the JV tied 3-3. The hockey game scheduled for that morning was cancelled due to the inclimate weather.
          - Sandy Steigerwalt

Billy Squier:
Signs of Life
(Capitol Records)
     Barreling down the rock-and-roll highway, Billy Squier makes his hoarse, gritty vocals surge with excitement. His guitar wails in sympathetic unison as he sings �Take a Look Behind Ya� or �Reach for the Sky�, his band in solid support. Some may see the world through rose-colored glasses, but Billy�s incandescent view is tied to an amplifier - it�s larger than life, and that�s what makes it go so good.
     Anyone liking Bill Squier is definitely recommended to purchase this album.
          - Diane Churan

New Students
SOPHOMORES
     KEVIN GEMINO previously attended Central Catholic. Although he feels the academic courses he takes at Mt. Penn are more challenging to him, he enoys it here.
     The biggest change for him is becoming accustomed to the lay teachers. He is also fond of open lunch privileges and is estatic about the dress code. His only dislikes are the crowded conditions and being intimidated by older students.

     STEVEN GETROST previously attended school at Exeter. Steve feels the atmosphere at Mt. Penn is much nicer than at Exeter, however, he feels Exeter has a better variety of courses from which to choose. He enjoys most of his subjects and particularly likes math class. Steve enjoys collecting coins and would like to go to college or a trade school after he graduates.

     ALISON KLIPPEL is from Reading High School. She enjoys school here and feels the teachers are nice and the student body is very friendly. The biggest adjustment Alison has had to make is becoming accustomed to our smaller school system. Also, Reading High offered more and different courses. Alison enjoys science and spends much of her free time swimming, bike riding, or bowling.
           - Steph Sosh

FRESHMEN
     One of the new additions to the 9th grade this year is ELIZABETH REED. Coming from Central Catholic, Elizabeth enjoys the freedom in dressing (not having to wear uniforms), and at lunch (open lunch).
     As all of the other new students do, Elizabeth misses her friends at Central. But, in addition, she misses the strange, and sometimes funny opinions of the nuns. Elizabeth, who is already in the Modern Language Club and Y-Teens, would like to participate in softball and try out for cheerleading this year.

     MARY ELLEN REED is from Central Catholic. She also prefers the more informal dress here at Mt. Penn, but unlike her sister, is easily getting used to not having nuns. Mary Ellen enjoys the open lunch policy, but dislikes the rotation schedule; she�d rather have the same class all year.
     The lunch period, which was 1 hour for her at Central is one of the things Mary Ellen misses. She already belongs to the MLC, Y-Teens, the GLC, and looks forward to many other activities.

     MARSHA YERGER feels the people here are much friendlier than at Northeast Jr. High School, the school she previously attended. She also likes the teachers and the merit system here at Mt. Penn.
     One of Marsha�s dislikes is the long line at lunchtime.
     From her past school she misses the Panther Service Club and the teachers. Marsha would like very much to try out for volleyball, and also basketball and softball this year.

     CHRISTOPHER O�CONNOR, says that he gets along with students here better than at Oley where he used to go. One reason may be that he used to attend Mt. Penn.
     Christopher misses nothing from Oley. He is interested in track and field however, and regrets that we don�t have a team here at Mt. Penn.
           - Jenny Eckel

New Teachers
MRS. DIANE ANDRE
     Mrs. Andre, another addition to our faculty, is working part time in the Home Economics Department with 7th and 8th grades.
     Mrs. Andre, a former graduate of Mt. Penn received a BA in home economics from Messiah College in Grantham, PA.
She taught at Reading High for the past 3 years.
     Mrs. Andre�s husband Charles, also a Mt. Penn graduate, is a letter carrier. They have twin boys that started kindergarten this year. Much of Mrs. Andre�s interest lies in stitchery. As a matter of fact, she has done stitchery for Dimensions, a craft company, which were then photographer for their catalog.
     Mrs. Andre enjoys her work here and finds little difference between MPHS students and the students at Reading High.
           - Scott Christman

EXCITING SUMMER
      Mr. Becker, our world traveler, had another great summer. The first 2� weeks of his summer were spent on a bus tour to the World�s Fair in New Orleans, a tour which included Lexington and Nashville.
      The next 3 weeks he spent working for a travel agency in Reading and managed 2 tours, one to Ontario, Canada, and another to Montreal.
      His next adventure was a vacation with his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Dengler. They spent 5 days on a cruise to Nassau and the Bahamas.
      To end the summer with a bang, Mr. Becker and his family drove out to Los Angeles to see the Summer Olympics. They were able to witness the events of soccer, boxing, shotput, wrestling and diving. Driving home they stopped at campgrounds and the National State Parks and did some hiking, photography, and fishing.
           - Scott Christman

NEW COMPUTERS
Some additions to the computer room this year are two new computers with new printers. They are smaller, compact, have more memory, and are made of very good quality. The new computers, Apple 2C�s contain two disk drives each and are very compatable with the other computers, 2E�s. This addition of computers allows more students access and learning time, and raises the computer room to a total of ten computers.
- Scott Christman

Behind the Scene with
Mrs. Auchter
Mrs. Auchter, our school nurse, does more than wait around for one of our studnets to get hurt or feel sick. She carries out many duties unknown to most students. The following list of her responsibilities should give you an idea how busy she is.

1. Weighs and measures all students annually and refers students with unusual or unexplainable deviations. Councils students and parents for over or under weight.

2. Tests all students yearly for vision acuity. Informs parents when a problem is found and assists them in obtaining corrective care.

3. Administers a rapid hearing test to all students in grades 7, 11, and Special Education.

4. Arranges physical examinations, provided by the school, for grades 7, 11, and Special Education.

5. Arranges dental examinations, provided by the school.

6. Does scoliosis screening on all students and assists a physical therapist from the Department of Health.

7. Maintains accurate and comprehensive health records on all students.

8. Administers a tuberculin test every three years to students entering ninth grade.

9. Notifies and guides parents when a serious accident or sudden illness occurs.

10. Dispenses medication following Board policy.

11. Teaches students to recognize and report health problems.

12.Serves as a resource person to supplement health units and provides health education materials.

13. Completes all state forms mandated by the Department of Health to Harrisburg.
- Scott Christman

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

Class News	Club News
SENIOR CLASS The seniors are busy making decisions about their class trip and prom, as well as earning money for these activities. Some of their fundraisers include a car wash, a spaghetti dinner, and an Avon sale. They are now considering a dance. No decisions have been made on the trip as yet. The class officers are Tom DiGiacomo, president; Tim Miller, vice president; Jenny Miller, secretary; and Todd Ringler, treasurer. This class advisor is Mr. Choyka. - Diane Churan SPAGHETTI DINNER The spaghetti dinner sponsored by the senior class on October 19 was not as big a success as planned. Because of a lack of senior interest in selling tickets, the profit was only $200. Although the dinner was not a financial success, the evening went well. Everything was so well organized that those who worked were able to enjoy themselves. Approximately 20 seniors helped with the dinner and cleanup. Eight parents volunteered to cook. - Scott Christman JUNIOR CLASS The juniors have many money making ideas to raise funds for class jackets and the class trip. In the plans are some sales, items not yet determined, and a car wash. The class officers are Leon Pace, president; Randy Boyer, vice president; Kelly Clark, secretary and Diane Churan, treasurer. Mr. Fegely is the class advisor. - Diane Churan SOPHOMORE CLASS The Class of 1987, whose advisor is Mrs. Brault, anticipates an eventful sophomore year. Many fund raising activities have been scheduled by Mrs. Brault, who has never been a class advisor before. The fund raisers began with a sandwich sale in October, followed by a popcorn and assorted nut sale. They are now selling Class of . . . . items, such as key rings and friendship pins, which range from the year 1985 to 1990. The class officers are Steve Monroe, president; Steph Sosh, vice president; Becky Shaeff, secretary; and Kim Steiger, treasurer. - Jenny Eckel	MLC Trip to Europe This year the Modern Language Club is going to do something different: they are going to Europe. The Modern Language Club members will spend 9 days in Spain and France for a price of $879. The price includes airfare, hotels, 2 meals a day, and the tour itself. This trip will take place over Easter vacation so the students will only miss three days of school. The tentative dates are Saturday, March 30 to Monday, April 8. The trip will emphasize Spain�s capital, Madrid and Frances capital, Paris. Some of the highlights in France will be Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Louis XIV (Versailles Palace). The highlights of Spain are El Greco Museum, Cervantes, and a tour of many medieval towns. - Heather Hill MLC Halloween Dance The Modern Language Club is sponsoring many different activities this year including a Halloween Dance. The dance was held on Friday, October 26. Some students dressed up and prizes were given for the costumes. The dance was open to grades 7 through 12, and the profits will be used for their trip to Europe in the spring. - Heather Hill Trick or Treat for UNICEF On October 20, the Y-Teens didn�t trick or treat for candy, but for money. The donations collected went to UNICEF (United Nations Childrens Fund) to help with their work all over the world. After collecting the money the Y-Teens had a Halloween Party in the school cafeteria with lots of food, games, and fun. - Heather Hill Y-Teen Initiation Anyone absent on the day of the Y-Teen initiation missed out on the fun of a Mount Penn tradition. The initiates were seen wandering the school in pajama tops, diapers, curlers and new make-up styles. They wore flashy socks and thongs on their feet, leg warmers on their arms, and on their hands were rubber gloves with the fingers cut off, rings, and multicolored nailpolish. They were also "encouraged" to do such things as sing, dance, mop, and bark in the halls. Congratulations initiates, for making it through the day and becoming Y-Teens - you earned the priviledge! - Heather Hill	GLC News The Girls Leader Corps accepted letters from 23 hopeful girls no later than October 9th. On October 9th, the letters were read by the old members, and all 23 of the new ones were selected. This school term the Girls Leader Corps will be visiting the children�s ward of a hospital. Another service they will provide is donating a Thanksgiving basket to a needy family in our community. To start off its fund raising activities, the GLC will sell cashew patties beginning November 5th. The money from this and another fund raiser, which has not yet been determined, will be used toward their annual trip which will be a ski trip to Vermont on February 15th-18th. - Jenny Eckel BALTIMORE HARBOR The Science Club went to Baltimore Harbor on October 20. The students and their advisor, Miss Brobst, enjoyed the many activities at the Harbor Place from from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The aquarium was a popular place, particularly the shark exhibits and the tropical rain forest. Others enjoyed the science museum. Renting small paddle boats and sharing the Harbor with small cruise craft proved to be an exciting adventure. Eating and shopping rounded out the day�s activities. - Heather Hill REAGAN WINS MOCK ELECTION Reagan, along with all the Republican candidates, swept the mock election held at MPHS November 5. Of 180 votes Reagan and Bush received 123. Only a total of 3 students voted for members of the minor parties. The closest contest was between Stull and O�Pake, the incumbent, for state senator. Stull won by a margin of 87-68. The students favored all three referendum questions. Students were required to register in October. Those who didn�t register were turned away from the polls. A disappointing 45% of the students registered only 26% of the seniors. Of the registered voters, 87% cast their ballots at the polls. Since we had a regular voting machine, this was an opportunity for the students to learn by doing. The poll workers were members of the Penn Post staff. With David Blose in charge, they also organized the registration and the election with the help of Mr. Orlando.

Tips For A Great Presentation
     Do you get nervous when you have to give a speech or a presentation? Nearly everyone does. All that nervous energy can be changed to have it work for you.
     Your image during a presentation is affected by the little things - how you stand, talk, gesture, focus your eyes and handle questions. Here are a few tips to help you through your presentation.
     Stand, don�t sit. If you really want to make a point appear forceful and get your message the center of attention.
     Face the audience directly. Keep your weight equally distributed on the balls of your feet. Don�t shift your weight back and forth. You may take a step or two - but don�t pace back and forth.
     Use your hands. If you want to gain the listeners attention, gesturing is a must. Besides burning off your nervous energy with forceful gestures, it looks better than pulling at your necklace or turning your ring.
Focus your eyes. Hold your focus on each listener separately instead of sweeping your eyes around the room.
          - Kelly Grim

MAGAZINE DRIVE
     The annual magazine drive was again held in September. The homeroom representatives were Corina Davis, Steve Goodhart, Rebecca Quick, Michele Delp, Mike Henry, Jenny Reimert, Cathy Heck, Tracy Miller, and Felicia Overley. These students collected the money from other students in their homerooms.
Students were encouraged to sell as many magazines as they could and received prizes for their efforts. The prizes ranged from a Hershey bar to a television or an AM-FM radio.
     This year�s high salesman was Mark Leffler, 9-2, with $205.02. The runners up were Colette Szortega, 8-3, with $195.42; Denise Rieger, 8-3, with $129.
98; and Chris Wilson, 7-3, with $105.25. The high homeroom, Mr. Minter�s 8-3 section, was treated to a pizza party.
     Profits buy some large item to be used by the students and faculty. Over the past two years, the money was saved to buy the copy machine in the office. This year suggestions for the use of the money will be taken from the students and the faculty.
           - Kim Schmidt

Townhall Lecture Series
     As a representative of the Penn Post, I will be attending all four morning lectures being presented by the Townhall Lecture Series for the 1984-85 season. The speakers will include Winston Churchill, the former English Prime Minister�s grandson; Art Linkletter, a noted radio and television personality, also author of Kids Say The Darndest Things; L. Bruce Laingen, a former American hostage in Iran; and Jane Brody, an expert on nutrition. After each lecture, I will be writing a review for the Penn Post.
          - Dave Blose

Winston Churchill
     As I was trying to find my seat at the Rajah Temple, many thoughts and expectations were racing through my mind. After all, here was a man with such a historic and famous family. My own visual image of Winston Churchill was that of his grandfather, the former Prime Minister of Britain, and I expected his thoughts to be the same also. In many ways he is like his grandfather, but Winston Churchill is a very knowledgable man in his own right.
     The Honorable Winston Churchill is a 4th generation member of Parliament, elected to his first term in 1970 at the age of 28. Mr. Churchill is also an international journalist, covering the Vietnam War for the London Sunday Express and Look Magazine. He also served as a roving reporter for the London Times during Britain�s involvement in Biafra. Mr. Churchill has also authored several books.
     Mr. Churchill�s topic was �Can peace survive the arms race?� His speech covered a wide variety of topics that included Soviet involvement in Vietnam and Afghanistan, the US invasion of Grenada, US GI�s in Europe, and his grandfather. My personal highlight of the lecture came during a question and answer session after the speech when I was able to ask him about US involvement in Central America. His response was this: If a hands-off attitude is adopted by the United States, within a decade all of Latin America, including Mexico, would be under Marxist ruse. But he also said that support of these countries should be conditional, so that the money is used within human decency.
     As I look back on this lecture, I will remember Winston Churchill as a man who knows the world around him and presents himself as a dynamic personality.
          - Dave Blose

7th and 8th Grade Gifted
     The junior high gifted program is held at the Mt. Penn Elementary School. Its instructor is Mrs. Latimer, who was previously the 7th and 8th grade history teacher. The students attend this special class once a week for 1/2 day, or 4 periods. These 7th and 8th graders work on logic games and computer problems, as well as learning some French and other various activities while at the elementary school. For their annual trip this year they�ll be going to Williamsburg, Virginia on March 27-29.
           - Jenny Eckel

Are You a TV Addict?
     Nicholas Johnson, former head of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), once suggested, with a bit of humor, that television could be as addictive as alcohol. He offers this list of ten questions which will help you determine if you are already addicted to television:

1. Do you turn down the set when you answer the phone so the caller won�t know you�re watching TV?

2. Do you stay up late watching TV, but can�t remember the next morning what you saw?

3. Do you have to watch a TV program as soon as you get up in the morning?

4. Do you suddenly find you�ve watched several programs in a row without thinking about it?

5. When you have company, do you find it impossible to turn off the set or carry on a conversation without continuing to watch?

6. If unexpected visitors come do you rush to turn the channel to a �better� program?

7. Did you refuse a social engagement because you didn�t want to miss a program, but were ashamed to tell anyone that was the reason?

8. If you try to go through an evening without TV, do you become nervous and irritable?

9. When other people say you�re watching too much TV, do you become defensive?

10. Do you find yourself saying, �I never watch TV, but the other night I just happened to turn the set on and . . .?"

The way to protect yourself from being adversely affected by television is to be more selective of the programs you watch and limit your viewing time. Only you can see to it that TV doesn�t run you life.
           - Steph Sosh

Sports... SOCCER This season there were some surprises for the Mounts. The biggest surprise was the tic score against Oley, because Oley had previously beaten the undefeated Fleetwood Tigers. The Mounts went into the game ready to play and psyched. They really shocked the visiting Lynx. Mr. Messner, the head coach, feels the team had a very good season despite the number of losses. In the beginning, the team didn�t have a goalie. Leon Pace volunteered to fill the position. This year he did an outstanding job and will be back next year. Next year, the Mounts will lose many senior starters They are Joe Boyle, Dave Werner, Tom DiGiacomo, Todd Ringler, Matt Elvin, Dave Chlebowski, and Tom Schmitz. They are losing many starters, but next year they will still put up a good fight. Despite the loss, there will be a great number of players returning. - Diane Churan	Outstanding Athletes
	MAIA CARVALHO This issue's outstanding athlete is Maia Carvalho, a junior. Maia has been a member of the golf team for 3 years. Her average in the game has improved by twenty-six strokes since her freshmen year. Her placement in Berks County Girls Golf Tour is as follows: 1982: 4th place 1983: 3rd place 1984: 5th place She was the first girl at Mount Penn to play in the District III Girls Golf Tour. Maia�s determination and dedication to the golf team has continued and grown even though her seasons with the golf team have been losing records. Her coach expects her to place in the top five in the Berks County Tour next year and qualify for District III play. Congratulations Maia! - Karen Denby	LEON PACE This issue�s male athlete is Leon Pace, a junior. This year, Leon has been playing the varsity soccer goalie. This is Leon�s first year as a goalie. At the beginning of the season the team had no goalie and Leon very graciously volunteered his services. He is doing very well and is considered just as good as the other experienced goalies in the county. Leon also participates in volleyball and baseball. On the baseball field, he plays pitcher and left field. - Karen Denby Diane Churan and Jenny Miller charge Twin Valley goalie and score.
HOCKEY Unfortunately, things didn't turn out the way the varsity hockey team had hoped they would. This was probably due to all the injuries and sickness during the season. Those on the injured list for part of the season were Sally Ford, Kathy Ford, Terry Goodbred, and Bert Schreiber. These players were all on the starting team. In addition, some players were absent many times and a few players quit the team entirely. The team suffered greatly from the absences of these people. Mrs. Thomas feels that another reason for the unexpectedly poor season was the empty seats on the bench. Since the starters were injured, the second string varsity played. This left no one to fill the bench except the junior varsity players who lacked playing time and experience in varsity games. The Mounts were defeated by Hamburg (2-3), Daniel Boone (1-3), and Wyomissing (1-3). The Mounts conquered the Brandywine Bullets (1-0) and the Schuylkill Valley Panthers (4-1). Next year the team will he losing four starting seniors - Jen Miller, Roberta Schreiber, Terry Goodbred and Vickie Straka. The outlook for next year, however, is good because many starters will be returning. The season for the junior varsity was also unpredictable. They started off strong, for the most part, kept a strong hold. They, like the varsity, had a number of illnesses and injuries. This often led to defeat. The experience some of the players had on the varsity this year should help them next year. Hopefully, there will be as much interest in hockey next year. - Karen Denby