She has been doing this since the football season, but only recently did her protest reach social media, where it has been met with support and criticism. .

    When Ajani Powell knelt during the national anthem at a Northeastern High School basketball game on Friday, it wasn't something new for her.

    The cheerleader, a high school sophomore, had knelt during every football game in the fall, too. But this time, someone snapped a photo and posted it online. Debate ensued. Some commenters called her disrespectful and suggested she be kicked off the squad. Others stuck up for her freedom to protest as she wishes.

This image taken Friday set off controversy online, for the first time since Northeastern High School cheerleader Ajani Powell started taking a knee in protest during the National Anthem at football and basketball games.

For more information see the December 15th, 2016 edition of the Dillsburg Banner

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Township Association embraces spirit of the season, donates toys, and more to New Hope Ministries
Submitted by Kathy Albert, Pa. State Association of Township Supervisors

     Inspired by a story making the rounds on social media and the commonwealth’s hard-working local government officials, the staff at the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors in Enola are giving to others this Christmas instead of each other.

     Recently, the 36 employees donated more than $2,000 worth of new toys, clothes, and household items to New Hope Ministries in Dillsburg, Mechanicsburg and Hanover.

     “Like most offices, we do a gift exchange at our annual Christmas party,” PSATS Executive Director Dave Sanko said, “But after hearing about the ‘White Envelope Project’ and witnessing the unselfish acts of our member townships, the staff decided they would rather give back to the community than receive another scarf, candle, or box of candy.”

PSATS elves, from left, Debbie Linn and Kathy Albert stand among the more than $2,000 worth toys, clothes and household items to be donated to New Hope Ministries in Dillsburg, Mechanicsburg and Hanover.

For more information see the December 15th edition of the Dillsburg Banner

 

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Polar Bears rebound for win
by Joe Guty
Dillsburg Banner
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     After an opening loss in the Northeastern H.S. Tip Off Tourney last weekend, the Northern H.S. Boys basketball team held off fast-charging Delone Catholic, 50-47 in the consolation contest. The Polar Bears built a 24-15 lead by halftime, letting the Squires back into the hunt in the second half before posting their first win of the season. Owen Clendaniel led Northern with 13 points and Dominik Topper added nine. Other scorers included: Scott Leitholf (7), Ryan Heisey (6), Joey Razzano (6), Ryan McGill (5), Curtis Robison (2) and Josh Fekete (2). In the Championship tilt, Northeastern defeated Eastern York, 66-49.

     Against the host Bobcats on Friday night (Dec. 9), the Polar Bears could not make up an 18-point half time deficit with Northeastern running away to a 68-43 win. Dominik Topper paced Northern with 13 points while Ryan McGill added 11 and Scott Leitholf knocked down 10. Ryan Heisey (4), Joey Razanno (4) and Curtis Robinson (1) also contributed. Antonio Rizzuto paced the Bobcats with 23 points followed by Fred Mulbah (19) and Brandon Coleman (10).

Ryan McGill shoots for the basket during in second-quarter play against Northeastern..

For more information see the December 15th edition of the Dillsburg Banner

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Polar Bears to host East Penn
By Joe Guty
Dillsburg Banner

     Northern H.S. swimmers and divers are immersed in the new season and will host East Pennsboro this Thursday, Dec. 15. In their first official meet of the 2016-17 campaign, the Polar Bears competed against York Suburban last Saturday and also had Central York slated for home this past Tuesday.

     On Saturday, the word of the day was "inspiring" as several Northern athletes set personal records. Kate Colgan and Ross McFadden led the way in their first diving competition. Colgan took first place in the Girls 1-Meter Diving event with a score of 63.75 with McFadden adding a first place score of 101.0 in the Boys 1-Meter Diving to set the tone for Northern's day.

Larissa MacDougall placed first in the Girls 100-Yard Backstroke with a time of 1:05.14.

For more information see the December 15th edition of the Dillsburg Banner