Panther Press

On November 8, 2024, East Pennsboro Area High School held a Veteran’s Day ceremony to honor those who served our nation. Students, staff, and veterans attended the ceremony. 

The ceremony began with the high school band gracefully playing the National Anthem. Following the anthem, freshman Cadet Bianca Early made a speech detailing the history of Veterans Day. 

Early shared, “Veterans Day to me is a day where we can recognize people who served and as someone who had loved ones that served in the army, I feel like it’s a very important day so the people who did serve get recognition.” 

After Early’s speech, a video presentation was played that provided an inside look at life in the military. It provided a glance at what it takes to serve our country. Senior Raven Smith said, “I liked watching the video with the statistics, and like just because it showed so much emotion and it makes you really think about what Veterans sacrificed for our country.”

Social studies teacher Kelly Burkhart then read an entry from her uncle’s mother’s diary which brought an informational and emotional element to the ceremony. Junior Veer Chaudhary stated, “I enjoyed when Ms. Burhart read her diary because it was kind of interesting to see a first-hand perspective of the Pearl Harbor attack.” 

Social studies teacher Rhett Baker followed with reading an excerpt from a letter William McKinley wrote to his wife and son. The excerpt discussed his wishes for how his wife should raise their child. English teacher and current Air National Guard member Echo Snedden then read two excerpts from letters written by soldiers during the Vietnam War. 

The keynote speaker, Commander Greg C. Kirk from the U.S. Navy, delivered an inspiring speech that went over the values of service, honor, and commitment. His words inspired lots of people as he also went over his own journey in the Navy. 

In the final portion of the ceremony, East Pennsboro Area High School honored the veterans who were at the ceremony and staff members who had/have family in the military. 

Sergeant Reynolds, who led most of the ceremony, spoke on why it is important to bring Veterans Day to schools. “It is important that everyone understands the sacrifices that people have made for our country.”  

He also remarked on the importance of the NJROTC students’ participation, “The NJROTC program is modeled after the military, and the leadership program is an integral part of it. The veterans themselves also enjoy seeing the young kids enjoy it.”

Vice Principal, John Jahoda expressed, “I think it’s important to have a Veteran’s Day ceremony each day to remember the past, present, and future of people that have served the country to pay tribute for what they did.” 

This ceremony was an excellent reminder to honor and respect those who have sacrificed everything for not only our safety, but for our country.

For a school that is not the biggest, East Pennsboro High School's marching band knows how to bring it. Our marching band is an award winning team. They perform at football games and go on road trips to various schools to compete. 

The Marching Band consists of color guard, wings, drum line, percussion, and leadership. In this season of Marching Band, East Pennsboro has won a few competitions. Recently, they earned third place at the recent championship held at New Oxford. East Pennsboro competed against ten other marching bands during this competition.

They won first place back to back against Mechanicsburg on September 28 and Big Spring on September 21.They placed second place at a major competition at Central Dauphin East on October 12th.

Isander Gomez, senior tuba player, states, “It felt great and emotions were high. It’s my senior year and it was amazing.” 

Chassidy Cruz, senior trumpet player, adds, “I was shocked, but ecstatic!” 

Their favorite and most popular song to play is “Hot To Go.” Mackenzie Weavado, freshman, who is in color guard comments, “The band plays ‘Hot To Go’ near the end of the game, so it's always very hype and upbeat.”

Marching band participants enjoy the experience of being in marching band for a variety of reasons. 

Liam Corkery, freshman drummer, mentions, “My favorite part of marching band is when we all get together after the football game and eat. I especially like the chicken.”

Another student, Samyua Agarwal, freshman flute player, comments, “Football games are my favorite thing because everyone gets to hear us play.” Others agree that just being able to spend time with friends and doing things as a team is their favorite part.

During marching band season there were many challenges. These challenges were overcome by the team as a whole. Daimee Kargbo, senior tenor sax player, explained, "We had to learn to communicate better.”

Vickie O'Keefe, senior percussion player, said something along the same lines. “Since we spend so much time together people start bickering but talking it out works really well.”

Some students enrolled in marching band now, also plan to have it involved in their future. Gomez announces, “ I will be doing marching band in college.  I hope to meet new people and grow in skill.”

Kargbo claims, “I will continue marching in college, and hopefully pursue music ed.”  

Marching band conductor Coleman Lidle was pleased with this year’s marching band season. He remarks,  “It went a lot better compared to years in the past. Students were more engaged and more mature in experience. Overall, a great year!”

Every autumn, the charming town of Enola, Pennsylvania, comes alive with vibrant colors and the festive spirit of Pumpkin Fest. This beloved community event is a celebration of all things fall, featuring an array of activities and attractions that draw visitors from near and far. 

This year's event was held on October 11 and 12 at Adams-Ricci Park.

This year, the festival introduced new attractions like a pumpkin carving contest and new animals to the petting zoo, which were huge hits. Sophomore Teagan Light says, “ My favorite thing I did was the petting zoo. It was a chance to do something new and fun with my friends.” 

Many people volunteered at Pumpkin Fest, such as Mini thon and JROTC. Freshman Sophie Livingston says, “It was fun seeing people play our game, and win prizes.” 

“One of the highlights of Pumpkin Fest is the art contest,” says Sophomore Jessie Lou. She also adds, “It's always a crowd favorite, and the perfect chance to see unique work.” In addition to the artwork, the festival also includes live music, charity donations, and free chances to win epic prizes.

Freshman Shae Gelotte says, “It's amazing to see the community come out and support this event year after year.” 

Freshman Audrey Dheihl adds, “The kids love the games and activities, and it’s a great way to celebrate the season.”

Pumpkin Fest is a cherished tradition that continues to grow each year, bringing joy and excitement to everyone who attends. Whether you’re for the pumpkins, the food, or entertainment, it’s an event that truly embodies the spirit of fall.