TOWAMENCIN – Thirsty for knowledge? Sure! North Penn has always had a major problem on its hands trying to meet the needs of students with unquenchable thirsts for Sophoclean thought, the mysteries of Pythagoras, and the wit and wisdom of Whitman.  In all cases, the demand often too high for the supply. But in the 2023-2024 school year, it is a different kind of thirst North Penn High School has had a challenging time fulfilling. It is the monumental thirst, so massive, so demanding, that only giant cups made of stainless steel and lead, weighing more than a social studies textbook, filled with water, can quench. And now, NPHS is ready to meet these ever increasing demands to make sure those Stanley cups runneth over.

Recognizing that the emergency Chemistry showers are often underutilized beyond the first day of school safety demo, and recognizing that the water bottle filling stations installed throughout the school just a few years ago were made before the 10 gallon cup craze, North Penn smartened up. Administration realized that repurposing the existing chem showers would be a great way to upgrade the drinking supply without spending money on new water fountains, one of many budget cuts necessitated by the failed voter referendum. So, the answer – chem class showers will now be used to fill Stanley cups.

“I think it’s an awesome idea! Actually, it’s safer for Chem classes too, because in any given class, there are at least 15 people rattling around full Stanley cups which they rarely actually drink from, so if there is an emergency, we can just dump our cups all over the poor kid,” Chem student Maggie Robertson explained.

With current water filling stations only located in certain areas around the building, it is difficult for some students to find time to fill their water bottles, but with the volume of water that these chemistry showers produce, the entire process should be much smoother.

“Not gonna lie, I’m not gonna have to use Knight Zone to fill my Stanley everyday now,” NPHS senior Peyton Miller said. “I’ll be able to swing by the lobby and fill this massive cup in seconds. That’s so fire.”

The smaller filling stations will still be operational around the building so students not yet on the Stanley train can refill their little 1/4 cup apple juice containers from the cafeteria, with a quick stream of tasty water.