Anderson speaks powerfully in her new book “Shout”

 

by Sam Shelenberger, Broadcast Director

Shelenberger read SHOUT for his locker lit display. 

Nearly two decades after publishing her critically acclaimed novel “Speak,” author Laurie Halse Anderson has published a memoir written in free-verse poetry titled “Shout.”

The book delves into the mind of Anderson and the trials and tribulations she’s faced in life. Covering everything from having a father with PTSD to being raped at thirteen, Anderson does not hold back. She empowers her audience to speak against injustice in the world.

Overall, the book was incredibly moving. Her anecdotes may help those who have experienced sexual abuse to be empowered, and it allowed those who are naive to realize the heinous crimes some people have committed.

The use of free-verse poetry to convey her point was effective as there were fewer words distracting the audience. Her use of colorful figurative language made the book much more enjoyable and gave power to her message. 

 

April Fools Pawdcast 2019

Infographic of the Week: Drugstore vs. Name Brand Makeup

By Chloe Luchansky, staff writer

Infographic of the Week: Netflix v. Hulu

By Sheena Byham, sports editor

Footloose Auditions kick off FCCT’s upcoming performance

By Dustin Steiger, arts and entertainment editor

As the month of March draws to a close, the French Creek Community Theatre (FCCT) is preparing to perform “The Wizard of Oz,” starring Belle Snyder, Zach Hansen, Jonathan Merritt, and Dustin Steiger.

The show will be held at the Maplewood Elementary School auditorium starting at 7 p.m. on March 29-30, and March 31 at 2 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found at www.fcctheatre.com, or by calling (814) 373-8892.

In addition to this, FCCT has opened up auditions for their next show, “Footloose.” While the first day of auditions has passed, there’s still another chance to join the show.

Any interested performer between the ages 12-22 is welcome to audition this Thursday, March 14 at 7-9 p.m.

Those who don’t get a starring role are still welcome to join the cast for ensemble and dance. More information and audition packets can be found at www.fcctheatre.com.

Valentine’s Day is over, but rom-coms are forever

By Bree Snyder, staff writer

Everybody loves a good rom-com whether they’re recovering from a recent heartbreak, feeling particularly lonely or are just in the mood to laugh.

Romantic comedies are light-hearted movies containing a humorous plot line revolving around romance. Though they are often referred to as “chick flicks” and dismissed as senseless and dull, rom-coms appear to be making a comeback in pop culture.

Is there a better way to spend a cozy night in with your significant other than settling down with a good rom-com?

That being said, finding a good rom-com in an overly saturated genre can be tough. Below are several lists that detail the best of the best.

According to ‘Rotten Tomatoes,’ the best rom-coms of all time are as follows:

1. It Happened One Night (1934)
2. The Big Sick (2017)
3. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
4. Roman Holiday (1953)
5. My Man Godfrey (1936)

According to ‘Seventeen,’ the most anticipated rom-coms of 2019 are:

1. What Men Want (out February 8)
2. Isn’t It Romantic (coming out Feb. 14)
3. Five Feet Apart (coming out Mar. 22)
4. Aladdin (coming out May 24)
5. All The Bright Places (currently no release date)

According to ‘Rotten Tomatoes,’ the best rom coms currently on Netflix are:

1. Lovesick (2015)
2. Catching Feelings (2018)
3. Lust Stories (2018)
4. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
5. Tramps (2016)

Valentine’s Day Pawdcast: Blind Date

Infographic of the Week: Chapstick Connoisseur

by Claudia Fetzner, photo editor

‘On Applebee Pond’ will soon debut at Saegertown

By Samantha Thomas, staff writer

A group of juniors and seniors from Saegertown High School have been working to introduce a research-based curriculum known as ‘On Applebee Pond’ that uses puppets to teach children positive and applicable life skills to elementary school students.

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Saegertown elementary students will soon be learning positive life skills from the On Applebee Pond puppets shown above.

Designed by the Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission Inc., this program is designed to teach young children about social skills, the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and peacemaking through eight charismatic puppet personas.

The puppet characters will be portrayed by seniors Madison Morgan, Dustin Steiger, Stephanie Polach and Mykenzie Connally, and juniors Oliver Smith and Carson Jones. Advisor Susan James and her students will be performing at the elementary at a date yet to be determined. She emphasizes the importance of teaching kids social skills at a young age.

“I think it’s important to help teach the kids in a relatable and captivating way that they can understand and enjoy,” Steiger said. Steiger, along with five other students, were recruited by Assistant Principal Kylene Koper.

According to Mrs. Kelly Burke, who taught the curriculum at Maplewood, each of the eight puppets were handmade by retired seamstresses. Arnold, the farmer who introduces and concludes each lesson, is joined by Tadpole, Buddy Beaver, Clayton Crab, Handy Gander, Freddie Fish, Merrie Mermaid, and Bull Frog. Each character has a unique personality that will help teach students valuable lessons. To learn more about the program, click here.

Did Thanos kill you?

By Dustin Steiger and Sam Shelenberger, arts and entertainment editor and broadcast director

On January 9, Panther Press members Dustin Steiger and Sam Shelenberger released a survey to discover which members of the student body survived ‘The Snap’ from Avengers: Infinity War. Click here to find out who lived and who died.