December 2005

Volume 9 Number 3

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Bulletins Cell Phone Users Can Run, but Can’t Hide

December 2005

dinner time

New-market cell phones are now being manufactured with Global Positioning System (GPS) chips installed that can be used in emergencies to help locate lost people, specifically children.

Teen Arrive Alive, which is a service available to Nextel users, uses GPS through a program within the cell phone which sends the user’s location to the company every two minutes. The program has the ability to determine the user’s last known location by street address, the direction the user is traveling, and even the speed at which they are traveling.

Majority of Teens Do Volunteer Service

According to a recent study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, fifty-five percent of teenagers (ages 12-18) do volunteer work.

The reports showed that thirty-nine percent of teens who volunteer said that they do it regularly, meaning at least 12 weeks a year. Another sixty-four percent of teen volunteers stated that they do their work through a religious, school-based, or youth leadership organization.

Teen TV Viewing: The Top Ten

The Kaiser Family Foundation recently released a list of the top 10 TV shows watched by teenagers for the 2004-05 season. Making the list were: •“American Idol” •“The Simpsons” •“Desperate Housewives” •“Survivor: Palau” •“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” •“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” •“The O.C.” •“Family Guy” •“Survivor: Vanuatu” •“One Tree Hill”

Photo courtesy of www.theotherwhitemeat.com

Family dinner took on an entirely different atmosphere in the 1950s.

Is the Family Meal Outdated?

Casey Rose Clublicity Editor Fighting kids, unwashed dishes, bills to pay, and baskets of dirty laundry, create another stressful day. Such a hectic atmosphere at home leaves little or no time for family bonding.

But, when you walk into a room with the aroma of a home-cooked meal, the troubles of the day can seem trivial. At that moment, all five senses kick in, and quality family time becomes a reality.

But with our busy lives has family dinner become a thing of the past?

Many people believe that the twenty minutes or so dinner takes out of the day are completely worth it. It is evident that most people agree that dinner time is family time, “Families are forever,” Mrs. Barb Wheeler, House One Principal stated.

“I love the memories that some of those dinners create—whether it is the small, intimate family dinners or

those big, extended family, Sunday dinners, which I’ve missed since my father passed away,” stated Mrs. Sandra Kielb of the English Department. Kielb pointed out that these days, so many traditions are being thrown down the drain. Each tradition carries memories, but that is not enough to sustain it.

“Families today do not spend enough “real bonding time together” so sharing a family meal once a day is not too much to ask for, for the health of a strong family connection,” insists technology teacher Mr. Philip Meaney.

There are many variations of a “traditional” family dinner. “It is a family tradition to sit down and have dinner together as a family, usually consisting of some kind of meat, potato and a vegetable. It’s somewhat of a family tradition, too, that at least one out of the four kids turns his or her nose up at something I’ve made (at least until they continued on page 2

Handwriting: An Analysis Abby Martin Reporter More than 200 years ago, our founding fathers were signing their “John Hancock’s” on our Declaration of Independence with their perfect, calligraphy-like handwriting. We’re far removed from this notion. In fact, handwriting in America today seems to have degenerated into “chicken scratch,” tangles of twisted scribbles and scrawls, that bear only a borderline resemblance to any letter or word in the English language.

Many people think that good handwriting is a thing of the past. In today’s society of advanced technology such as word processors and complex writing programs, like Microsoft Word, people are finding fewer reasons to put the pen to the paper in an orderly fashion.

Good penmanship, however, is not ready to retire quite yet. Having good handwriting can still make a big difference in our modern world. It could mean either receiving a refund of money in the mail, or having the IRS disregard it because the apparent “address” on the front gave them a headache to even look at.

It could also mean the difference between getting the correct prescription from your local pharmacy or receiving something that is not only incorrect, but perhaps life-threatening and extremely dangerous to your health. “If you can’t read it, there is a good chance you will misread it,” said Oswego Eckerd pharmacist, Kristen Czerow, “If it’s not legible, it could lead to an error which is a threat to the patients and their health.”

A disadvantage of having a “bad hand” is that it is associated with disinterest in the reader and a lack of effort by the writer.

Today, the quality of penmanship continued on page 2

A Goodbye Tribute to Our “Mr. B”

Columnist is Hit by the X BOX 360 Fad

Author pens A Terrific Teen Novel

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Page 11

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Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2005

News

Family Dinner Time is Needed Family Bonding Time Continued from page 1 eat it),” claimed Mrs. Eileen Sharkey, secretary in the main office.

The list of reasons supporting a “traditional” family dinner, seems to be endless. Mrs. Lisa Schultzkie, an OHS math teacher and her family use dinner time as a time to bond. “Yes we do eat a family dinner, and it is very important. It is the only time of day we can re-group and talk about the day,” she explained.

The biggest motivation behind the family dinner seemed to be tradition. Mrs. Nancy Richardson of the social studies department was among those who responded in such a manner. “As a child, my family always ate together, so it is important to continue the tradition,” she said.

Studies have shown that not only does eating a family dinner nightly affect the kids mentally, but also keeps them more resistant to drugs and alcohol use. A Project EAT survey recently concluded, that the kids who sat down to meals most often with their families—seven or more times weekly—tended to have higher

grade-point averages and were more welladjusted in general than those who ate the fewest family meals. Project EAT (Eating Among Teens) was started by a group of around four hundred parents from Minneapolis, that started a revolutionary program, by promising to eat family dinners (a minimum of) four times a week.

The problem today is that many families simply say that there just isn’t enough time in the day to conduct a “traditional” family dinner every night.

“We are so busy talking to other people via e-mail, cell phones, telephone, etc., sometimes we forget to make time for good conversation with the people we love the most,” concluded Mrs. Sherry Deloff, math teacher at OHS. Others surveyed agreed with Deloff’s statement, and said if there was just one extra hour added on to the day, there is nothing else that it would rather be spent on then preparing and sharing a family dinner. Unfortunately, priorities that should seem rather insignificant to the development of a family, sometimes take

a more important role. “Between commitments to work, sports, meetings, second jobs, third jobs, coaching, girlfriends, boyfriends, homework, and just plain exhaustion from all of the above, it is seldom, if ever, that we have time to prepare, serve and enjoy a traditional type of sitdown family dinner with everyone at the table,” admitted Mr. Warren Shaw, photography teacher and yearbook adviser.

It doesn’t matter how you practice it or where you practice it, family dinner should be a must, if possible.

Mrs. Katie Regan agrees. “Whether it be standing in the kitchen, sitting at the table, or sitting on the living room floor, as long as everyone is together, that’s what’s important,” she said.

Mr. Allen Hallett teaches his family a certain respect when eating dinner. At his dinner table, all members must stay seated until everyone is done eating.

M r. Wi l l i a m R u n e a r i still eats an extended family dinner every Sunday with his parents.

If you can’t possibly find time on

Handwriting Once Again Becoming Important, Even in Modern Society

According to Mr. Tom Frawley, an OHS EngContinued from page 1 is said to have a great effect on high school stu- lish Teacher, “Some people are actually able to dents getting into the college that they desire. think by going through the process of pen and In March of 2005, a group of administrators paper writing.” Nowadays, however, many of us for the SAT college entrance exam proposed a find it difficult to write without a computer. So hand-written essay portion of the test which em- many people in this day and age have caught the phasizes that the scorer must be able to read it “computer bug,” and are unable to string a legible “I’m not going to waste my time,” says Mrs. Carrie and grammatically- correct sentence together.

Patane, a ninth grade English teacher here at OHS. “If The reliance on technology is obvious to they didn’t take the time to write it (carefully), then why teachers as well. “It’s not only handwriting, should I take the time to decipher it?” she questioned. but grammar as well,” said Patane. “People Many careers and professions are under increasing are now dependent upon the computers.”

When asked weather pressure to write with a or not penmanship still legible hand. Doctors, “I think it’s very important has value, the OHS especially, need to avoid student body seemed possible medical mis- because what is the point of to have a wide varitakes at hospitals and writing if you can’t read it?” of opinions. “It’s clinics from prescripErin Baker ety about what you write, tions and orders that are OHS Junior n o t h o w y o u w r i t e impossible to analyze. it,” said sophomore For many years, in elementary schools nationwide, the techniques of Jessica Mazur. Conversely, according to junior cursive writing, was being drilled into the heads of Erin Baker, “I think it’s very important because young children with elongated, practice sessions of what is the point of writing if you can’t read it?” making line after line of those squiggly symbols. Though according to Frawley, “Emphasis “Learning cursive in elementary school was point- on penmanship is not nearly as important less,” Brian Zeigler, a junior at OHS stated. “It as it once was,” it seems that after many taught kids how to write neatly, but now I’m the only y e a r s o f d i s r e g a r d , p e n m a n s h i p i s o n c e one who uses it, and my writing isn’t neat at all!” again gaining importance across the country.

jam-packed weekdays to practice a family dinner, Mrs. Gloria Canale-Giberson, of the Spanish Department, says it would be a positive choice to, “utilize the holidays.”

For some families, holidays seem to be too busy also. Mrs. Lisa Roman, who has young children, uses bed time stories as an alternative to the mandatory family dinner, and she still gets the wanted family bonding time.

Overall many people eat a “traditional” family dinner, but others find ways to still enjoy the quality family bonding time in other ways. “Families are important, and with the loss of so many traditions being thrown by the wayside…this is one we should cherish,” urged Mr. Geoffrey Baer, of the Guidance Department.

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines family as the basic unit in society, traditionally consisting of two parents and their own or adopted children. But, Mrs. Meghann Langelier sees it as so much more, “It’s how important we are to each other-----past, present, and future.”

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Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2005

Alumni

The Bandla Brothers Enjoy Working at OHS Kris Dewine Alumni Editor Steven Spielberg’s 2001 film, Band of Brothers, is a story of camaraderie and the solidarity of a strong sentiment the men feel for each other. Here at Oswego High School we are fortunate, not to have our very own band of brothers but to have the Bandla brothers, Mr. Scott Bandla of the English Department and Mr. TJ Bandla of the Theatre Staff.

Both Oswego High School alumni, TJ Bandla (’86) born in Dunkirk, N.Y. near Lake Erie, and Scott Bandla (’91), an Oswego native, have certainly made their mark here at school. The siblings working under the OHS roof together, are unlike any others. With their zany outlook on life, and undeniable senses of humor, it’s no wonder they’ve made it through life without wanting to choke each other. “We’ve always been on the same wavelength,” TJ stated, “We’re completely together.”

Although the two brothers didn’t pursue the same major, it’s obvious they both feel the same about their careers. “I love talking about concepts of literature with people, because there are lessons to be learned there,” Scott said, “Being able to turn a teenager onto that is so worthwhile,” he added.

Clearly, TJ is very passionate about his work as well, “I always wanted to be a sound engineer, and I knew that was what I wanted to go to college for.”

To get to where each is today, both TJ and Scott had their share of inspiration throughout their high school careers. “My greatest inspiration would have to be Mr. Tom Frawley. Just watching his teaching style, watching how he looked at literature made me want to become a teacher,” Scott commented. TJ had more of a general inspiration, “Mr. Anthony Joseph, he really taught me the important things in life, ‘How not

to sweat the small stuff and to concentrate on what really matters.’ I guess most importantly ‘love what you do.’”

There certainly was a life before his employment at OHS for TJ, “I used to be a professional musician, that was my public contact,” he said. If he could be doing anything other than working here, at the Oswego High School he’d be on the road doing rock concerts. Little brother Scott, used his more vivid imagination when he said he’d be, “A game show host, defiPhoto courtesy of Nancy Bandla nitely,” with a hint of sarcasm.

Mr. Bandla and Mr. Bandla--the early years. At left, Mr. T.J. Bandla of Working tothe OHS Theater, and at right, English teacher Mr. Scott Bandla pose gether as brothers may in one of their mom’s favorite family photos. seem quite stressful but that couldn’t be further two different bodies. Whether it be TJ reminiscing about from the truth. “It’s so great working in the same build- the Florida Marching Band trip his senior year, or Scott ing; seeing him twice a day totally rocks!” TJ pointed remembering how easy it used to be to leave school and get out. “It has brought us closer, absolutely. Not only do everyone lunch from Rudy’s, or the unforgettable memory we have our personal lives to talk about, but our profes- of convincing Mr. McCrobie to spend $120 on pizza from sional lives too,” Scott said. every place in town for the sake of a journalism feature sto“Anytime I want to ‘geek out,’ I know where to ry, it’s evident the two brothers sincerely enjoyed their time go,” Scott said. Known to TJ as a “scary psychic connec- here at Oswego High School as students, nearly as much tion,” it’s apparent they share the same frame of mind in as they’re enjoying their time here as professionals.

Alumni Note College, Military Accomplishments Maggie Lester (’03) a junior at Penn State, won her first college golf tournament this fall at the Penn State Women’s Golf Nittany Lion Invitational, by shooting a 2-under par 70 in the second round to finish at 144. Over the summer, she won the New York State Women’s Amateur championship and the Post-Standard Women’s Amateur.

Sean Dewine (’92) joined the United States Army. First stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama as a PFC (Private First Class), became a member of military police, and then went to Fort Benning, Georgia to join the 82nd Airborne. Eventually he became a member of the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown, for almost two years. He now resides in Fort Jackson, South Carolina for Drill Sergeant School.

Meg Runeari (’03) As of this report, Runeari, a junior defender for the American University women’s soccer team, had had two assists this season, and had participated in all 14 games, starting nine. American University is located in Washington D.C.

Breanne Scholla (’04) a sophomore at Oswego State University was named the Oswego State StudentAthlete of the Week in early October.

Scholla tallied 57 kills per game, and helped the team on defense with a total of 54 digs, and was named to the Oswego State Invitational All- Tournament Team.

Michelle Quinn (’03) a sophomore at University of Buffalo led her fellow runners at Cornell University’s

Reif Memorial Run recently, after placing 24th overall in the five-kilometer event. She had completed the run in 22:11.5, a season-best time, cutting her previous best time by 45 seconds.

Quinn had turned in a time of 23:11.0 at the Harry F. Anderson Invitational at Roberts Wesleyan the prior week.

Matthew McCrobie (’02), a senior history major at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, has been named to the college’s Judicial Council.

The council is the student governing body, hearing rules and conduct infractions. McCrobie also is on the Board of Directors for the College of William & Mary Symphony Orchestra.

Mary Hoefer (’05) is a freshman Journalism Major/Spanish Minor at

Ithaca College. Hoefer spent first semester as an Assistant Producer for ICTV’s Newswatch 16. Recently, she was elected vice president of the college’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. She’s also a member of the American Red Cross Club at Ithaca College, as well as a committee chair for the IC/Cornell Relay for Life.

Karli Klein (’05) is currently playing for the Georgia State Panthers. The soccer standout played in all 16 games contributing to the Panthers 7-9-2 record. The freshman midfielder has two assists to her credit.

Editor’s Note: Alumni Editor Kris Dewine compiles alumni notes. If you know of an OHS grad doing good things, send her an e-mail at kdewine2@oswego.org

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Buccaneer Bulletin

Walking the Plank

December 2005

Bellow Bids ‘Aloha’ to Oswego High School Family BB: You will be retiring after this semester. Are you looking forward to it?

Mr. B: With mixed feelings. This has been the best career I could imagine. I have been very lucky in that regard. I look forward to traveling when school is in session.

When you think about it, I have been in school since I was 5 years old and always have had to go on vacation by the school schedule. So I look forward to that.

BB: What last bit of advice can you give to the senior class?

Mr. B: Choose your future, choose your direction. Make it your responsibility to pick your future and your destiny. Don’t wait for others to make the choice for you.

Don’t make “no choice” your choice. Someone else to blame for why your life sucks is no substitute

summer but the bills don’t, you have to scramble to find summer work to make ends meet. Also, the school day does not determine your work day, week or year. To be good at teaching is like anything else, it takes time, effort, and caring about the quality of the experience you are providing. It is a lot harder than it looks and if you think it

BB: How many years have you been teaching?

Mr. B: This is my 31st year.

BB: Is there any particular reason for retiring mid-year?

Mr. B: Last year when I made this decision there was talk about eliminating my job and cutting the TV program. I felt It would be very hard to do that if I left in mid year, as there would be students involved in the program so it would require hiring someone to at least finish the year. At the time I was also very unhappy with the building leadership and the support our program was receiving. This year, I feel much better about the building and the conditions I am leaving behind. I am leaving happy and I am having a very good year. It is a great way to go.

BB: What will you miss most about OHS/teaching in general?

Mr. B: That is the easiest question of all….the kids. They have been my life and what has kept me going all these years. In my opinion, you get out of this job what you put in, and I am most sad to think I will not get to see those incoming freshmen and then just four short years later, how much they grow, with the hope that I have in some small way helped to make their lives a little better.

BB: What are your post-retirement plans?

Mr. B: Work in my woodshop, play with my car collection, be my wife Nancy’s valet when she travels on business, and do a little traveling and catching up with friends I haven’t seen in years.

Buccaneer Bulletin Photo

Before founding WBUC, Mr. Bill Bellow taught in the old wood shop, Here he’s talking to student Steve DeStephens in the late 1970s.

for happiness.

And last but not least… find something you love and do it. It’s not so much about money as it is about enjoying your life and your career. I was lucky that way! I have loved every minute of the career I chose.

BB: What advice would you give to young people thinking about a career in teaching?

Mr. B: If you are thinking about it because you would like a career that gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people, you should pursue it. If you are thinking about it because you like the summers off or the vacation schedule, don’t bother.

It was more than twenty years before I had a summer off. With the Master’s Degree requirement within five years of graduation and the fact that the checks stop for the

looks easy, it is because you have had some great teachers. I’ll bet you have also had some that weren’t so great. That tells you that it is not easy. They were trained to do it, have done it for a while, want it to work, but can’t.

BB: Were there any teachers that you had that had a significant influence on you as a person?

Mr. B: It has been more the people I have taught with than the teachers I had in school.

BB: What did you get your degree in at college and where did you go?

Mr. B: My degree is in Technology Education from Oswego State with my Master’s from there also. Prior to graduation, I attended college in California for a couple of years.

BB: How did the idea for an OHS TV station come about?

Mr. B: It was something I thought about when I realized how much students enjoyed a new course called Communication Systems. I also had seen a few schools around us having a radio station. I was looking for something new and exciting that could help prepare students for a career, as well as to develop responsibility in a realworld environment.

BB: How do you think the program will sustain itself after your departure?

Mr. B: If the program does not sustain, it will have nothing to do with the teachers that come after me. It will be due to a lack of support by the district administration. They have shown no appreciation for what this program does for the students or the community. Probably because this is not their community and they have never seen a show the students have produced. They have never bumped into the parents or grandparents of our current or former students to hear firsthand how their participation influenced their lives. I believe the Superintendent said it best in a presentation when he said, “You can’t (or don’t, not sure which) support what you didn’t create.” That may not be exactly the quote but it, to me, expresses a sentiment. This program experienced 16 years of excellent support through some very hard financial times. The support came from an administration that lived here, watched the programming, had children in the program, or neighbors in the program, and knew its value and kept it a priority. That is not true today. The teachers who are taking over are excellent and I am very lucky to be leaving the place in their hands.

About that aspect, I feel very good.

I wish I were leaving them in better financial condition.

BB: How has OHS changed since you first started here?

Mr. B: At OHS, like in society we have become a non-smoking building.

Continued on page 5

December 2005

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Buccaneer Bulletin

Walking the Plank

‘Founding Father’ of WBUC Retires From OHS Continued from page 4 When I came, technology class meant Wood Shop, Metal Shop, or Print Shop. We had no computers.

They weren’t invented until probably ten years after I started to teach. So a lot has changed. At WBUC, the changes have been mostly technological.

Students haven’t changed r much. I think maybe some are a little less motivated and responsible, but for the most part, kids are kids.

BB: What is your dream job?

Mr. B: To be Jimmy Buffets’ handy man. Work at his Key West place and just fix stuff when it breaks.

BB: Do you have a favorite sport?

Mr. B: Drag Racing. I worked on a jet-powered dragster for several years during the summer and loved the challenges and the sport.

my birth certificate says Ewe Plantation Hospital. It was the clinic at the pineapple plantation nearby. I came to Oswego to visit throughout my life from wherever we lived. My mother was from here and a “McCrobie”. I learned to love and appreciate it here we

BB: What do, or did, you spend your summers off from teaching doing?

Mr. B: Like I already said for the first 20 it was school and working.

Lately I have taken a couple of woodworking jobs and mostly work around the house and on my annual “honey do” list.

becoming a teacher?

Mr. B: No, like most 17-18 year old kids I didn’t know. I knew there was the Vietnam War and a military draft and I knew I didn’t want that, so I thought about what I really enjoyed and how to make a living at it. I enjoyed doing woodworking and helping people learn how to do it. So I thought, I like my shop classes in school (that’s the old name for technology) and I enjoy teaching people how to do stuff. In Hawaii I taught Houle’ (pronounced howel e--that is what Hawaiian’s call white people) kids to surf and pick coconuts on the beach. In Oswego, I taught relatives how to remodel their houses and cut mitered corners.

Teaching technology was the natural fit. I was lucky, I chose right.

BB: What do you think of the budget’s threat to WBUC? Mr. B: It has the ability Buccaneer Bulletin Photo to kill the program.

BB: What kind of car do This is a program whose you drive? entire existence is tied to Mr. Bill Bellow adjusts a WBUC camera at commencement last June at Romney Field Mr. B: Depends on the House. Bellow has led the school’s TV station since its inception, sixteen years ago. equipment and technology. day. I collect cars. On The value of the experience a sunny summer day, I is its relevance to what students drive either a Cadillac convertible moved here so my dad could be BB: Are you excited for Christmas? will encounter in college or the or a Cougar convertible. In the in charge of the Coast Guard Mr. B: I have always enjoyed world of work. Without adequately snow I drive a Ford Explorer. In station.

In my junior year, he Christmas. This one especially. My functioning equipment, there is no between times, I like to drive one was transferred back to a ship birthday is December 22, so it and WBUC. of my Pontiac GTOs or one of in Hawaii.

I didn’t want to go.

It Christmas make for a fun season my Lincolns. I sometimes drive was his sacrifice to go to Hawaii for me.

BB: Do you think WBUC is a Toyota Camry, and soon, I will by himself and leave my mother important to the students involved? enjoy vacations in our motor home. and me here. That put me where BB: How did you end up at OHS? Mr. B: That is something that you I am today. He spent the last two Mr. B: From the minute I knew truly have to hear from students, BB: What is your full name? years of a 32-year career alone I wanted to be a teacher, I knew I both past and present.

Mr. B: Same as my dad’s except and living on the ship so I could wanted to teach in the school that I’m the 2nd. William Harold stay in Oswego and finish school. I had meant so much to me.

Bellow II. BB: Do you enjoy any particular never forgot how lonely it had to be type of music? being away from my mother and BB: So, confirm it right now BB: Who is your role model?

Mr. B: Jimmy Buffet is, of course, me for that long after 28 years of for everyone – is it “Bellow” or Mr. B: My dad. my favorite! marriage. He never complained.

“Bellows”?

Mr. B: No “s.” It has never been a BB: What is your hometown?

BB: Do you have any notable big deal to me what you call meEditor’s Note: “Walking the Plank” Mr. B: I call Oswego my hobbies? is a regular feature in The Buccaneer -it’s more how you call me that is hometown. I was born in Ewa, Mr. B: Car collecting, important to me. I am a big respect Bulletin. This month’s installment was Hawaii. My dad was a lighthouse woodworking and exploring new compiled by JoBeth Dunsmoor. If you know person. tender for the Coast Guard. I was of an OHS personality who you would like places. actually born in the small house to see “walk the plank,” contact her at BB: Did you always plan on at the base of the lighthouse, but jdunsmoo@oswego.org.

Buccaneer Bulletin

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December 2005

Clublicity

OHS Club Activities Warming up as Winter Begins Poetry Club

The Poetry Club has been conducting fundraisers to build the club’s treasury. The Poetry Club is wrapping up the Earth Tones fundraiser and the lollipop fundraiser. They’ve also started a fundraiser to win a $100 gift certificate for Carousel Center. The tickets are one dollar per chance.The tickets are well worth it, as the prize money could especially be used at this time of the holiday season by almost anyone.

Aside from fundraising, Poetry Club is investing time in writing poems to submit to the yearbook. They have also begun using new technology to share their poems. Mrs. Carrie Patane, adviser, stated, “We are now using Moodle, a website that allows club members to submit their own poetry and read each other’s poetry online.”

Class of 2009

The freshman class’s first big fund-raiser was a success. “I think we raised a good amount and Ms. Irwin was glad that everyone participated,” said freshman class treasurer, Brandy Earl.

“I asked everyone to participate in the fund-raiser as a whole because everything we do counts,” said the freshman class President, Jessica Lalande. At their recent meeting, the class was informed about the upcoming fund-raisers and activities that will be happening. The class officers and the advisers also had the opportunity to speak to the students.

Drama Club

The Drama Club recently put on numerous one act plays. “We usually practice for one and a half months then the shows are done,” stated Maureen McManus, the Events and Publicity Chairman. That was the first show the club put on this year. There will be more to come. Not only does the Drama Club put on plays, but they will be going on a trip at the end of the year to either Toronto or Ontario.

Class of 2006

For seniors who are going on the senior class trip, the third and final payment is due on January 18. The final payment is $260.

The senior slide show is starting to be organized. Start bringing in photos of seniors as babies, as well as any from through the years. It would be very helpful to have a large group of people working on this project instead of just one person.

The drop point is in House 3, where a box is being used to collect them.

Please put all of your photos in an envelope with your name so we can get them back to you. if you have any questions see Liz VanDurme. Remember only to give appropriate pictures.

Yearbook

The OHS yearbook is requesting that any photographs of springtime in Oswego. They be delivered to Mr. Shaw’s room as soon as possible. Seniors are also still being asked to bring in photos of seniors in small groups.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Nearbin

Freshmen Brianna Amedio, Jessica Nearbin, Katie Berardi, Chelsea Bartlett, and Miranda Sereno enjoy this year’s semi-formal dance.

National Honor Society

The National Honor Society is wrapping up its annual coat drive.

These coats, gloves, scarves and hats will help those who are less fortunate, but still need to stay warm this winter.

Any donations will be greatly appreciated. For more information on other ways to help, contact adviser Mrs. Tami Guido Palmitesso.

At this time, you are no longer able to join the Nation Honor Society.

However, inductions are in May. If you are interested in applying, you must be a sophomore or junior, with a 90 or above average. You must do at least twenty hours of community service, demonstrate leadership qualities, and show good character.

Student Council

Photo courtesy of Bill Foley

Mr. David Fisher (left) and Mr. Doug Buske (second from left) present a certificate to JoBeth Dunsmoor, Chris Battles and Mr. Mike McCrobie of The Buc Bulletin.

The Student Council is an important part of the Oswego High School.

The kids and staff members who participate in Student Council sponsor many of the events that take place throughout the year at school. The Student Council has sponsored its annual food drive, and will host the popular Winter Sports Fest according to Mrs. Michelle Lloyd, the adviser for the Student Council.

The Student Council is a great way to hone leadership skills, help the community and organize a lot of different events. The council includes leadership positions such as president, treasurer, co-treasurer, secretary, sergeant at arms, and also up to nine representatives from each class. This way many kids can be involved. “I wanted to be

in student council so I could be a voice in the school and see the other side of the administration,” commented Gabby Rumrill, Student Council President.

This year, the Student Council has many goals that could change the school for the better. They hope to rev up the school spirit of our students, get clocks installed in the hallways, and deal with the on-going problems with the two smokers’ corners.

Model Aircraft Club

The Model Aircraft Club led by Mr. David Shoemaker continues to meet weekly The club meets at the Oswego Middle School soccer fields at two o’clock if nice weather, but due to the change of season and unpredictable weather, the club will meet based upon the weather conditions.

If previously planned ahead, instead of going outside to test or fly the planes, the club will stay indoors.

When indoors they will continue to assemble numerous types of planes, and test each part to make sure they were built efficiently.

If interested, new members are encouraged to join the club. Contact Mr. David Shoemaker, any club members, or keep an eye out for announcements on WBUC. Editor’s Note: Abby Martin, Alyssa Holland, Kait Anderson, Fred Maxon, Chrissy King, Casey Rose, and JoBeth Dunsmoor contributed to this report. If your club wants free publicity, e-mail crose@oswego.org.

December 2005

Feature

Attention-Deficit Prescription Being Used as ‘Recreational Drug’

It seems that this drug is extremely easy to get (illegally), and it’s cheap. A nonuser of adderall stated, “It’s real easy to get. When I asked, everyone I talked to knew exactly what I was talking about.” Most users of adderall paid two to three dollars per pill, with a lasting effect of about six hours. The effects of this drug are an extreme focus, awareness, and a high that lasts longer than marijuana. Another user emphasized, “It’s better than pot by a long shot. Pot makes me feel like I’m in a haze and can’t concentrate on anything large. But adderall lets me focus.”

This drug, by its composition, is made for focus.

By taking it unprescribed and in a higher dosage, it allows you to use it for study purposes. One student claimed, “It is the exact opposite of pot and feels more like cocaine, but less crazed.”

Perhaps because adderall is so easy to get and less expensive than other drugs, it makes it more attractive to students who use drugs.

The last abuse of adderall was for weight loss. Adderall was originally created in the 1960s as a weight-loss pill, but now has a side effect of an appetite suppressant. “Before adderall, I would eat three meals a day and still be hungry. Now, I can eat one meal a day and be full,” stated an OHS adderall user.

Every choice you make is followed with consequences.

If a prescribed adderall user gets caught dealing pills they may face a stiff penalty. New York State Police Investigator Steven Bourgeois stated, “Whenever you provide someone with a controlled Photo Courtesy of wikipedia.org substance or illegal drug, it’s considered a criminal sale of Adderall is becoming a dangerous recreational drug. When taken that drug. Money doesn’t have for ADD and ADHD, it’s beneficial to prescription users. When to change hands, all you have people who do not have ADD/ADHD use adderall, it can have to do is give it to someone.” If adverse, and sometimes deadly, consequences. a non-adderall user gets caught people are illegially taking the drug within the halls purchasing the drug, he or she also may face a penof OHS? alty, depending on his age. “Anybody sixteen years Illegal users of adderall cite varying reasons why or older will get treated like an adult. You wouldn’t they take it recreationally. The biggest reason was for get to go to juvenile court. You could get arrested for the “high.” The next would be the direct purpose of criminal possession. What degree depends on how the drug--to focus and concentrate on their studies. much of the drug and what type of drug you have,” Finally, some use it as a weight-loss drug.

Bourgeois said.

The main statement that is made by users of It seems like in our society, there’s a pill for evadderall interviewed for this story is that it’s a good erything. Whether it’s legally prescribed or illegally high. One user stated, “Everything else is a depres- purchased, adderall is becoming an easy way out for sant and kind of puts you in a haze, but adderall lifts kids who are looking for a quick weight loss, more you up and gives you a bit of a rush and lets you focus in studying for an exam, or just a high. focus.”

Alyssa Holland Reporter To many of the OHS students who suffer from ADD (attention deficit disorder) or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) prescription adderall is their ticket to normalcy. But to many other teens, adderall is becoming a recreational drug of choice.

Oswego High School nurse Christina Chamberlain said that the number of children being diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, “is a lot more prevalent because the disease is better understood.” Only three OHS students take prescription adderall in school, while the other prescription users prefer to take their medicine in the privacy of their homes. But the question is, what about the nonprescription users? How many

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Buccaneer Bulletin

Research Continues On ADHD Jordan Brancato Reporter

There have been a lot of questions about ADHD. What is it?

What does it stand for? What does it do to the human brain? How do I know if I have it?

ADHD stands for AttentionDeficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

According to WebMD, some of the symptoms of ADHD children are an impulsiveness and a display of significantly more energy than a non-ADHD child would have at the same age.

The ADHD child is restless and unable to concentrate for a long period of time. (For example, doing a long essay for homework would be extremely challenging.)

There are two kinds of ADHD. There is childhood and there is adulthood ADHD.

People who have ADHD can’t focus on instructions when they are given; they have an inability to get organized, they talk too much and fail to finish projects, including chores and homework.

As the research continues on ADHD, new ways will be created to cure the disorder and help the child and adult live a normal life.

Right now, Adderall is a common prescription drug to assist ADHD sufferers. It also highly addictive and can cause some side effects for the brain and body.

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Buccaneer Bulletin

The Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2005

Editorial

Drawing Board

The OHS Students’ Voice Editors-in-Chief Chris Battles JoBeth Dunsmoor Managing Editor Allan Brown Business Manager Scott Anderson Entertainment Editor Dave Winklebleck Layout Editor Ashley Johnston Sports Editor Mike Tyo Alumni Editor Kris Dewine Clublicity Editor Casey Rose Chief Photographer Kait Anderson Art Director Fred Maxon Webmaster JoBeth Dunsmoor Ad Reps/Designers Savannah Bell Chrissy King Photographers Aric Fenton Alyssa Holland Sportswriters Kevin Kearns Bill Haresign Senior Writer Mura Gichane Reporters/Columnists Abby Martin Jordan Bancato Ian Ryan Cassandra Barnum-Kechak Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200. Printing services provided

by The Palladium-Times. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.

Cartoon by Karen Bichler

Thumbs Up ... to OHS students Meghan Keating and Leandra King. The Oswego Elk’s Lodge #271 honored the girls in October and November respectively as their “Teenager of the Month.” … to former student Eric Cole of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes who has pledged $1,000 to the renovation of the Oswego Public Library for each point he scores this season (goal or assist) if the funds are matched locally. The Oswego native has inspired our own hockey team to aid in the library’s cause as well. The Buccaneer Hockey Team is also starting a community-wide pledge-per-goal drive. For information contact a Buc hockey player or the library. … to Owen Burns. Oswego High School’s shining soccer star was selected to be a part of the 1st Team All New York State and Region II All East Region Team … to Brian Delong, our late classmate, who was posthumously awarded the Red Cross-sponsored 7th Annual Real Heroes Youth Good Samaritan Award for his life-saving efforts, that cost him his own life in a tragic car-pedestrian accident.

Thumbs Down … to our aging school. The ceiling panels that hang over our heads are always getting wet, molding, rotting, and falling into garbage cans that obstruct crowded halls. This is just one more thing on the list of things that give people a negative first impression of OHS. … to the library traffic jam. Between every period a riptide flows. Students crawl their way around two library doors and over the top of students to get into or out of the library. Sliding doors would help, but with no money for improvements, this won’t happen. Students should be able to use the other library exits that open to the less-crowded C-wing hallway. … to the chaos on Friday, December 2. Recapping: two fire alarm malfunctions forced students outside into the cold; whiteout conditions to and from school; a lockdown; and multiple vehicle accidents including a bus that went into a ditch. Can you say “Two hour delay?”

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Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2005

Editorial

Cursive Writing: Sparingly Used, and Rarely Mastered

In the age of a technological revolution, something that was once a skill used daily has been relegated to a talent sparingly used, but rarely mastered. Now that we have entered the glory days of spell check, Microsoft Word, and computers, the ability to print legibly by hand has faded to almost nothing.

Aside from occasionally writing your name at the top of a page, which many use only as an excuse to practice their movie star autograph, the amount of actual writing students today do is limited. Most students jot down the numbers in math that haven’t been entered into the miraculous calculator or scribble out notes and answers on paper as a temporary form before they are typed. Along with the keyboarding revolution has come a whole new wave of problems, along with just as many excuses.

In the good old days, if you had messy handwriting, it was, within itself, a problem to be addressed. Some teachers wouldn’t accept sloppy work and would hand it back to be redone in your best handwriting. In modern times, students see Times New Roman as their “best handwriting.”

It used to be that if you did not finish an assignment, you had to hurriedly complete it using only a pen and some paper. The trick of “I’ll finish it in study hall tomorrow” has become much less available as basically all students’ assignments are done on computers, and computer use during free periods is often limited. Now, on what seems like a daily basis, the defense of “computer glitches” is all that students can fall back on.

In all honesty, newer versions of Microsoft Word can make just about anyone into a competent writer, with tools such as grammar check and the famous “right click, synonyms” trick. The fact is, the point of teaching basic handwriting (“trace the capital A…”) and eventually cursive (tedious fourth-grade work) are bound to be replaced with basic keyboarding classes. The keys on a computer keyboard are arranged so randomly, yet children are memorizing them at a seemingly faster rate than they do the alphabet. Kids even keep their personal journals (blogs) online nowadays. When the day comes that we second guess the spelling of our own names just because there’s a squiggly red line beneath it, you know we’ve reached a problem; one that needs to be attended to before it’s too late for our generation.

Write on!

What’s Your Opinion?

Do you think that good penmanship is important in this day and age?

Tori Hamler Senior “Yes, because if the handwriting was not legible, then there may be misunderstandings.”

James Soucy Junior “ Yes, I think that legible handwriting is important in this day and age.

Handwriting shows what type of person you are.”

Mrs.Carrocio Teacher “Absolutely. I think it’s important because when you’re in the situation where you can’t use the computers, you have to write things down.”

Devon Harris Sophomore “Yes, it is important because it represents you and how much you care about your work.”

Carolyn Joyce Junior “Yes, legible handwriting makes for neater and more organized notes so you can study easier for tests.”

Lindsay Marsh Junior “I believe it shows maturity. If you have sloppy penmanship it just shows that you don’t care about your work, or care about the person who reads it.”

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Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2005

Feature

‘Tis the Season to Reflect on Nature’s Four Seasons Mura Gichane Senior Writer

It’s the departure from shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. It’s the arrival of boots and coats as the earth changes its features.

It’s the early sun, coupled with the early shadows of night, as each cold breath becomes a misty fog in the light.

The snow a white paste, frostings on the ground like a cake; a cake heavy with frosting thanks to the effects of our lake.

Summer has disappeared and winter has arrived, but the yearly pattern doesn’t change that it’s a new stage in our lives.

Shoveling snow replaces the cutting grass labor, and another season cycles through following strict Mother Nature.

It’s frostbite instead of sunburns, numbness instead of sweat, and outside the snow gently rests, as the ground becomes its bed.

The sun is still there, even though it’s so far away, and we crave for a vacation, but our parents remind us that the heat bill must be paid.

Rain becomes sleet, hail, or slippery ice, as driving to school becomes a miserable plight.

The buses are late, the snow impedes their lanes and the sky reflects our moods, because it’s certainly gray.

But the snow creates excitement, the day before school. Kids are up late watching the weather, or up early listening to the news.

“A snow day” they say, many of them pray, wear pajamas on backwards like there’s a difference it makes.

There’s a connection with your bed, as a relationship is made.

Each day presents a problem when it becomes impossible to get awake.

While in school, it’s a journey getting between the walls. Students wrapped in plentiful layers, its suffocation getting through the halls.

Muddy boots stampede, blanketing the floors.

Snow melting into puddles bringing the elements from outside the doors.

Classes without heaters, classes without teachers. Everyone enjoying chicken soup, while battling the flu and the fever.

Freezing conditions, it’s like we have stone hands. But the

numbness becomes fun when we’re making a snow man.

Or making a snow fort, and loading up on snow balls. Waiting for the girls to step outside, before approaching in a slow crawl.

Forgetting your sweet hearts, as you reenact the attack on Troy.

And girls you can’t get mad, because you know boys will be boys.

Wrestling’s here, hockey is back, basketball returns, and so does indoor track.

It’s hibernation for many, an intermission before spring. But for those of us who play a sport, winter becomes the reason we live.

No matter the sport, the competition flows through the veins, to defeat opposition is the reason we train.

Players dribbling for a dunk, or maneuvering with skates. Or maybe it’s a race, whether swimming or running-- the goal is first place.

With the New Year approaching, another year half done. It’s bitter sweet, because for seniors it’s the last one.

Remember the memories; every second is precious so hold it.

Enjoy this time together, even if it’s only a moment.

Think to the past, bundled up sledding down hills. Now look to the present, we’re bundled up sledding down still.

We’ve grown so close, think of every homeroom together. Every class, lunch, and recess that will be with us forever.

Remember each winter, the cliques, gangs, and rumors. So serious back then, now we all look back at the past with some humor.

With time we progress, but much stays the same. We all grow and move forward, but true friendships are those that remain.

As the last of the ice melts and the first flower blooms. A lot has taken place, in only a handful of moons.

The temperature increases, as do allergic reactions. But the tunes of the birds offer a mood that’s relaxing.

Skirts come back into season, and Valentines Day promotes sexual attraction. But the greatest part of spring, is the return of March Madness.

As quickly as it arrived, winter comes to an end. But not before dissolving girls into women, and thawing boys into men.

December 2005

Buccaneer Bulletin

11

Entertainment

Despite Glitches, X BOX is this Holiday’s Hot Gift

had broken into the Zales, and it became obvious equally cool, comfortable, and easy to use, a big Allan Brown they were only pretending to be on an episode of improvement over the huge XBOX controller Managing Editor Cops. After ten minutes of this, they finally opened and ugly-looking headset. One of my favorite In the early morning hours of November 22, 2005, while you were nice and comfortable up the gate, and there was a small surge forward things about the console is the ability to turn in your beds, millions of avid gamers, worried as everyone rushed to get a better spot in line. I it on by pressing a button on the controller. As parents, and angry girlfriends were waiting in somehow ended up as one of the first people in Microsoft even said themselves, they are creating line for this holiday’s “hot toy” the XBOX 360. the door, so I quickly picked up my games and the a generation of kids who can’t even get up off the Released four years after the first XBOX, the 360 system and walked out. My parents scared me into couch to shut off the system, and that’s okay in my offers many new features, including book. better graphics, a better online service, XBOX Live, the online service that better games, and of course a bigger price is offered by Microsoft is one of the easiest tag. services to use. When you turn the console I found myself in Great Northern on, you’re already logged onto the internet, Mall, waiting for the Electronics where you can download classic arcade Boutique to open, while nervously going games, movie trailers and hi-definition over my preorder receipts to make sure music videos, as well as send voice and I belonged there. When I looked at the video messages to your friends and set up people around me, I wasn’t surprised games to play. Every game supports voice at all; some of the oddest people I have chat, which is good for people like me met were also waiting in line. An older who like to trash talk the other team, and couple was standing ahead of me, and the new video messages will be amusing when I asked what could have possibly (if not really creepy) to recieve and send. motivated them to be here at this time Microsoft says they are planning on of night, the woman turned around half making tournaments and leagues a big part asleep and said “my son begged us to of XBOX Live, so the online gamer-type get him one for Christmas.” That’s good will have a tight schedule between the parenting right there. There was a group Halo 3 tournaments and the Madden ‘07 of grandparents throwing pennies into the Leagues.

Photo by Allan Brown fountain (obviously wishing they could As far as the games go, nothing get home to watch reruns of “I Love “boundary pushing” has been released yet, The brand new XBOX 360 and its shiny, sleek design have Lucy”) and a scary looking guy with long but between Perfect Dark Zero, Dead or attracted gamers of all ages, many of whom waited in long black hair wearing a Metallica T-shirt and Alive 4, and Call of Duty 2, the wait for lines overnight to receive theirs when it first hit the market earlier this month. head banging to his iPod. next years “hot list” (The Elder Scrolls IV, Two security guards came up to Saints Row, and Gears of War) will be a our small group (there were only twenty of us) and thinking I was going to get mugged on the way out little easier. asked if we had seen anybody suspicious around. to my car, so I power walked all the way, got in The bad thing about the console launch is We said no, and while one guard stayed to talk to quickly, and drove off before anyone else had even there is virtually no chance of you getting a 360 the older people, the other security guard sprinted left the mall. before February unless you already have one. over to the Zales across the fountain and shined The 360 is actually one of the coolest Microsoft fell far short of its original goal of three his flashlight around the dark room. They then looking pieces of technology out there. The million units shipped worldwide, so unless you proceeded to radio each other to report no one controllers and headsets that come with it are have some unbelievable luck with eBay, you’ll get

Grease is the the Word (and the Musical) this Year Special to The Buccaneer Bulletin

The 2006 Oswego High School Musical, Grease, will run on Friday February 10, Saturday February 11, and Sunday February 12 (piano matinee) in the Ralph M. Faust Theater of the Performing Arts, under the direction of Mrs. Eve Phillips (Stage Director), Mrs. Veronica Shaver (Choral Director), and Mrs. Laurel Artz (Choreographer), with a cast of over thirty students.

According to Phillips, the selection process was extremely difficult this year. “OHS is very fortunate to have so many talented students,” she said. Leading the cast is Roopa Bhopale as Patty Simcox, Joel Bock as Eugene Florczyk, Sarah Mather as Jan, Tess Kobesmeyer as Marty, Desiree Sterphone as Betty Rizzo, Micheal Herring as Doody, David Artz as Roger, Chris Battles as Kenickie, Greg Lyons as Sonny LaTierri, Molly Cichy as Frenchy, Laura Taverni as Sandy Dumbrowski, Tim O’Connor as Danny Zucko, Sam Austin as Vince Fontaine,

Josue Canales as Johnny Casino, and Laura Zaryski as Cha-Cha DiGregorio.

Special guest artists (surprise faculty members--guess who?) will play the parts of Miss Lynch and Teen Angel.

According to Phillips, “This is going to be an outstanding show because we have an outstanding cast.”

The chorus, which plays integral role in this performance, has been rehearsing diligently since auditions to master the difficult musical numbers and choreography. Members include Heather Buske, Drew Canale, Caroline Chatterton, Kaitlyn Clarke, Michael Delles, JoBeth Dunsmoor, Elizabeth Enwright, Waruguru Gichane, Fred Johnson, Tony Lapetino, Maureen McManus, Nick Mezza, Kevin O’Connor, Devon Omuden, Keisha Rodriguez, Sara Rogers, Emily Scranton, Cindy Sideris, Bryan Syrell, Becca Tetro, Elizabeth Tresidder, Havilah Tyler, and Amy Walker.

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Buccaneer Bulletin

Entertainment

December 2005

‘Perks . . .’ Would make a Great Stocking Stuffer Fred Maxon Art Director

Let’s face it, freshman year can be tough. Now, just imagine it if your best friend committed suicide over the summer, for no apparent reason. That is what happens to a kid who calls himself Charlie.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky is a book about how hard life can be sometimes.

The story is told through a series of letters written by Charlie to a person he doesn’t even know. These letters offer a unique glimpse at the life of the Pennsylvanian teen. This book deals with a ton of teen issues, such as drug use, suicide, love, life, death, and depression.

This book shows what life is like for a depressed, drug using freshman.

Charlie enters high school friendless.

His best friend, Michael, killed himself, and his other friend, Susan got taller and prettier and now acts dumber in the hallways; she doesn’t like to admit she’s in advanced English, or say “Hi” to Charlie.

Then one day, Charlie decides to go to a football game where he meets Patrick and Samantha. They’re step siblings. They introduce him to their crowd. They live off of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and they live for that time when

you just feel “infinite”. They’re all seniors, and Charlie spends every possible moment with them. He picks up some of their bad habits too, like doing drugs. He goes to the weekly Rocky Horror Picture Show showings with Mary Elizabeth, the editor of Punk Rocky, a magazine for, and by, high school students.

Mary Elizabeth is also a senior, and soon they begin going out.

He morphs into one of them. He becomes a trusted member of their little group. They help him survive.

When he’s drowning in his emotions, they save him.

But there’s someone else who influences Charlie’s life too, and it’s for the better. His name is Bill, and its his advanced English teacher. He gives Charlie classic novels to read, like The Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird. “It is now my favorite book of all time, but then again, I always think that until I read another book,” Charlie states. Even while being busy spending every moment with Sam, Patrick, Mary Elizabeth and others, he still has time to love books and classic literature.

And then, there’s his strict, but loving family. There’s the Mom and Dad, an older brother, who is in college, and a sister who is a senior in high school . His sister entrusts with him the fact that she is pregnant, but is relieved when it was just a scare. The older brother plays football for Penn State. The

dad secretly cried when M*A*S*H ended, and the mom tries to keep things normal and everyone happy.

This is a very good book.

Currently, it has an Average Custumer review rating of four and a half stars at Amazon.com, and I totally agree. It has emotion, and it

Author Stephen Chbosky

really sticks with you. You just keep thinking of it. At 256 pages, it’s not very long, and one can probably finish it over a weekend or in a couple hours if you’re snowbound on a vacation day. However, this book is not for all audiences. If this was a movie, it would probably get an R rating, for drug use, sex, language, and others.

The back cover says it best,“Standing on the fringes of life

offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor. This haunting novel is about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks Of Being a Wallflower.

This is the story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie’s letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory into a world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends . The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.”

I agree. Looking for a stocking stuffer? Does mom like to buy you a book each Christmas? Ask for The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky this Christmas and I promise you, you won’t be sorry.

ISS Not a Fun Way to Spend Six Hours of Life

your chair, and then you get to sit in it. Sweet with his/her work, while also reinforcing acceptable Scott Anderson huh? It’s awesome, that chair is yours for the day. behavior. The student in ISS is counted present, for Business Manager Have you ever been in ISS? That’s where you will spend the majority of your attendance purposes.

You’re not missing anything. I’m time. The work given to you seems to get done in A benefit of in-school is that you can get all glad I had the experience, but the first or second period. That only leaves seven your work done. If you were so inclined, you might I definitely don’t want to do it more periods to check out the room. That’s about even get ahead in your work. If you’re reading a again. It was long, boring, and a it. Sometime near the end of sixth period, you get book in one of your classes, you could get a chunk total waste of my of reading done. Don’t get me wrong, life. Did I deserve I think some students prefer the in-school I’m not advising that you go do something it? Mrs. Wheeler terrible, just so that you can get in-school. environment. Otherwise, why would they be All I’m saying is that believe it or not, there thought so. If you wonder what it’s like to spend seven hours in is a bright side, even to in-school. I think in there all the time... right? in-school suspension, wonder no that some students prefer the in-school more. environment. Otherwise, why else would Your day begins with a friendly hello from the escorted to lunch. Talking in in-school is almost they be in there all the time… right? teacher in the front. Yeah… right. You walk in non-existent. If a conversation does get started, it’s So, in-school is a way to punish students. The with your day’s work and some writing utensils. brought to an abrupt end. next time you think about cutting class or chalking The teacher in the front has you sign a sheet that In-school isn’t just to torture us; it is used as up three lates, in-school is what you’re going to be says you were there and you agree to the rules of a lesser punishment, opposed to out-of-school looking at. I’d recommend that you avoid doing in-school. Then it gets really fun. You get to pick suspension. It is mainly to keep the student current anything bad. A day of ISS just isn’t worth it.

13

Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2005

Entertainment

Holiday Specials: Everyone Has a Favorites’ List Dave Winklebleck Entertainment Editor ee that snow on the ground, know what that means? Yup, its Christmas time boys and girls. To give you some ideas on how to spice up your TV and movie watching experiences this Holiday season, I thought I’d review my top five Christmas movies of all time. Starting with: 5)Frosty the Snowman – “Frosty the Snowman was a jolly happy soul, with a corncob pipe and a button nose, and two eyes made out of coal.” Never mind that it’s a twentytwo minute made-for-television movie, Frosty the Snowman has become as big of a part as Christmas as any elf or reindeer. Everyone and their parents (who were born after 1969) can remember watching the opening sequence of this movie on TV around Christmas time. Who can forget when that magic hat lands on Frosty’s head and he joins the school children in their sing-song dance around town?

This cartoon is filled with memorable characters; that evil Professor Hinkle who tries so desperately to get his magic hat back (and even tries to kill Frosty by locking him in a greenhouse). Equally memorable is that goofy, foot-thumping bunny who helps out Frosty and the Karen (the girl who goes with Frosty to try to find him refuge and elude Hinkle), and of course, the big guy, Santa. Santa steals the show and makes sure the story ends how every movie geared toward children should, the good guys come out unscathed and the bad guy learns his lesson.

S

4) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer- Yet another made-for-TV

movie that surpasses most straight to homevideo and feature films. The film tells the timehonored story of the lovable outcast, Rudolph. He’s the poor little reindeer that because of a deformity (an obnoxiously bright red nose) isn’t allowed to “join in any reindeer games.” Then Santa gets in a bit of a pickle when a snowstorm rolls in on Christmas and he’s contemplating canceling Christmas. When Santa realizes Rudolph’s bright red nose is perfect for seeing through the snow, he goes to Rudolph and delivers the famous line; “Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight.” And of course, the rest is history.

This movie just doesn’t give you the bare bones story; it also adds a very interesting and entertaining side plot, Rudolph, after being kicked out of the reindeer games, teams up with Hermey the elf, who longs to be a dentist and Yukon Cornelius, the prospector.

The group of the misfits runs into the Abominable Snowman, and they end up on an entire island of Misfit Toys. They hatch a plot to go back to the North Pole and ask Santa for some help relocating their poor, misfit friends. As luck would have it, Santa was in need of Rudolph’s help too, so in exchange for Rudolph’s help with his shining nose, Santa agrees to help out the whole lot of “Misfit Toys.”

Another nice addition to the story is Sam the Snowman, voiced by Burl Ives, the narrator of the story, who adds some flair to the transitions between scenes.

3) A Charlie Brown Christmas – While talking with the rest of the Peanuts

gang, Charlie Brown gripes that Christmas has become too commercial and materialistic and people have lost sight of the true meaning of the holiday, so Lucy suggests he signs up to direct their school’s Christmas pageant. During the movie, the gang sends Charlie down to the Christmas tree lot to find them a tree to decorate. To their dismay, he returns with a pint- sized fur tree that hasn’t the slightest bit of pizzazz which the kids are used to seeing in a Christmas tree. Charlie fails in his attempts to explain that Christmas isn’t all about big, beautiful trees or vivid light displays, and that the little tree shows what Christmas is truly about. When his attempt fails, Linus delivers a speech, straight from the Bible (Luke 2:8-14). We all know that these words would go through one ear and out the other of kids this age, but c’mon, it’s a movie. The speech depicts the story of Christmas from the Bible, and shows the true meaning of Christmas to all of the Peanuts gang.

2) The Muppet Christmas Carol – The skinny on this movie is that it’s the

classic story of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol portrayed by the kid-friendly Muppets. If you think that that’s all it is, then you my friend, are just plain wrong. The Muppets go above and beyond anything old Dickens could ever think up, Rizzo the Rat and The Great Gonzo (you know, the blue guy with the crazy nose) narrating the story, are pure gold. The ghosts are pretty well done, especially the Ghost of Christmas Present, who by the time he’s gone is the spitting image of good ‘ol Saint Nick. continued on page 14

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Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2005

Entertainment

These Five are Must-see TV for the Holiday Season Continued from page 13

Another shining point of the movie is the musical aspect of it with some quite enjoyable songs.

My favorite part of the whole movie has got to be the song that’s sung on Christmas Eve by Kermit (Bob Crachit) and his co workers, as they clean up the shop they start to sing “After All There’s Only More Sleep ‘Till Christmas.”

The song just hits me the right way and fills me to the brim with Christmas spirit and joy. Granted, my position on this movie is a tad bit biased (it’s a tradition in my family to watch this movie every Christmas Eve), but I still think its definitely worthy of it’s number two slot on my list.

1) A Christmas Story – “A Tribute to the Original, Traditional, One-Hundred-Percent, Red-Blooded, Two-Fisted, AllAmerican Christmas.” Oh buster, (credit for this expression is given to Mr. Sullivan) where do I start to

review this classic? First off there are the quotes that you will never stop hearing and more importantly never stop wanting to hear, like the mega-famous, “You’ll shoot your eye out,” the rallying cry of the adults against Ralphie’s (the main character) Christmas wish of receiving his dream present, a “Red Ryder Carbine Action 200Shot, Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock.” Another famous sequence involves two of Ralphie’s classmates at the flagpole, one of them daring the other to stick his tongue to the flagpole, and they then commence in the time-honored tradition of the different levels of dares, that climaxes when the one kid is faced with the “coup de grace of all dares, the sinister triple-dogdare.” Therefore, forced to do it, the whole situation ends up with a visit from the fire and police departments to get the poor kid’s tongue back in his mouth. The

characters delivering these lines are also works of art, starting with the main character, Ralphie, the poor kid whose main goal in life during this time period is to somehow get his hands on “the perfect gift.” He faces almost insurmountable opposition what with the constant, “You’ll shoot your eyes out!” and the local bully (Scott Farkus). After it looks like he’ll just have to try again next year, on Christmas Day, Ralphie discovers one last present hidden behind a desk in his living room. His dad motions for him to go over and see what it is. With fury seen only in Discovery Channel specials about piranhas, Ralphie rips open his present to find, “the gift.” Yes, it’s the one and only Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot, Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock. Oh, but the fun isn’t over yet. Ralphie rushes outside to test out his new toy, and low and behold a B-B from the gun bounc-

es off of his target, nailing him right in the glasses sending him into thoughts of, “Did I just shoot my eye out?” He quickly cooks up a story about falling icicles to tell his mother, which works like a charm. He comes away unscathed, minus a pair of broken glasses.

The story concludes with the family finding its Christmas dinner ruined by their neighbors’ dogs, so they decide to go downtown for their dinner. The family goes to a Chinese restaurant where we get the final laugh of the movie, the Chinese waiters butchering popular Christmas songs.

So, once you’re done reading my reviews, I’d highly suggest that if you haven’t seen these movies, you first crawl out from under the rock you’ve been living under, and then make your way to a video store and rent the movies you haven’t seen (and the ones you have seen) and enjoy them during this holiday season.

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Buccaneer Bulletin

December 2005

Sports

Admirals ‘Drop Anchor’ at Oswego High School Mura Gichane Senior Writer It doesn’t matter how you slice it. Oswego is, and will forever be a hockey town fueled by the great success of its high school and collegiate teams. This past fall, the community was treated to another hockey team as the Oswego Admirals became the newest members in the East Conference of the Ontario Provincial Junior “A” Hockey League.

Comprised of 17-to-20-year-olds, the team is part of a league dedicated to improving and refining amateur players while preparing them for the collegiate and professional ranks. The players picked to be on the team stay with host families and attend either the high school or the college depending on their education level.

Here at Oswego High School we share our classrooms with three of the Oswego Admirals-Corey Callen, Daniel Galello, and Daniel Lio. Arriving from New Jersey and Pennsylvania this past fall, the three young men have quickly adapted to the small cold town that is Oswego. “I’ve met a lot of kids in the high school and made a lot of friends,” noted Callen, “but I hate the fact that it’s such a small city, so everyone knows everything you do.” At 17, Callen is the team’s youngest member, but he has an impressive track record playing for such programs as the USA Overseas National Team, the Atlantic District Festival Team, the New Jersey Devils Quebec Team that went on to win the Quebec International Tournament, the Montreal Metros and the New England powerhouse Salisbury Prep School. This year, he’s off to a good start, registering 13 goals and 7

assists.

“I don’t really miss home, but I miss my friends,” he said about Annandale, New Jersey where he called home for the first fifteen years of his life. “I’m in a little different situation than the other Admiral players because my parents bought

Oswego Admirals Schedule January 13

Port Hope

7:00

January 14

Trenton

7:00

January 21

Cobourg

7:00

January 22

Peterborough 3:00

January 27

Bowmanville

7:00

January 28

Lindsay

7:00

February 5

Wellington

3:00

Graphic by Fred Maxon

Above is the Oswego Admirals remaining home schedule. All games are played at Romney Field House, on the campus of SUNY Oswego.

a house for several members of the team to stay in. (We) stay with my mom and at times my dad comes up to visit. The experience has been great.”

Galello, quite accustomed to being away from home for extended periods has also adapted to his new setting as well. “It’s like living with a bunch of my brothers,” he said referring to his teammates.

“I love the town because it’s so small and hopefully we get a lot of snow days with all the lake effect.”

Many from this region would warn Galello that you get what you wish for.

In Depth

High School Hockey Athletes Often Forego Football, Other Fall Sports

football doesn’t get kids to come out.

Continued from page 16 The bottom line is that the football team player, and senior on the 2005-06 Bucs’ hockey team. “It’s mostly because I didn’t want to get hurt needs the number and kinds of athletes who are on the hockey team. The contact before the hockey skills between tackling, blockseason started,” 2004-05 2005 ing, and body checking are Hogan said.

Hockey High School Football similar--even if it is a different Hogan also Record Record game. In Central New York, believes that the recently however, only a few reason the hockey 13-1-3 Oswego HS 1-9 schools have been able to proteam is so much 6-3-3 Ithaca HS 0-9 duce powerhouses in football more successful Did not Field and hockey during the same than the football 19-0-1 Clinton HS a Team year. There is no doubt that it team is because, Skaneateles can be done, but it takes comthe hockey team, 12-2 0-9 HS mitted athletes, understanding every year, has a coaches, and open-minded lot of very good Graphic by Kevin Kearns parents to have this become a athletes going out reality. for the team, and

“I do miss the warmer weather” says Lio dreading the idea of waking up to a town buried in snow. “But this town is not too bad, although there’s not a lot to do when you’re under 21.”

All three hope to extend their hockey careers as far as they possibly can make it. All three are hoping to end up with D1 scholarships to college, with further aspirations into the pros, either playing in the NHL or in Europe.

The level of competition the Admirals face on a weekly basis is tough. “High school hockey is much slower and less physical,” said Lio “but I’ve seen a few kids on the high school squad who can play with our team (GO OSWEGO),” added Galello. “Our league gets all the top prospects around North America, while high school is only kids from each town,” explained Callen. “Overall, I think it makes for better hockey and competition because we compete with kids from everywhere.”

This season however, the Admirals have struggled in their first year of existence. “This season has been alright,” Callen said addressing the team’s 10-17-3 record. “Our record’s not that good, but we’re an expansion team.” Even with a losing record, the team has still done well, recording some great wins in a very competitive 36-team league, which features a majority of Canadian-based teams. The team has also done well at the gate, averaging the fifth highest attendance in the league.

The greatest success however, may be off the ice, which is the case for Galello. “Being on the team has just brought me closer to a whole bunch of new friends and it has brought me to a nice neighborhood…I can’t wait to graduate with the class of ’06,” he stated.

Volume 9 Number 3

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Some Strong Hockey Schools Struggle on the HS Gridiron

Kearns “Part of the reason we’ve had success Kevin (in hockey) is we’ve had good athletes,” said Sports Writer Players with strength, quickness, agility, and Oswego Bucs hockey coach Mr. Mark Fierthe ability to lay somebody out are all essential to a ro. “The football team has good athletes too, winning program in football or hockey. Ithaca, Clin- just (in my opinion) not enough of them.” ton, Skaneateles, and Oswego high schools all seem Oswego Football center, junior Dave Winkleto have these types of players when it comes to hock- blek agreed with Fierro’s statement. He said, “We are ey, but why do these traditional hockey powerhouses, playing against teams that most of the players will have some of the weakgo on to play for Diest football programs “A lot of them (the hockey players) vison 1 or Divison 2 in Central New York? colleges and we only Coaches have have futures in hockey and might have a few kids who tried, but it is nearly not want to risk losing that future will go on to play impossible to teach kids any college ball. It’s skills they have to be to play football.” obvious that talent Dave Winklebleck is a big factor….” born with. Sure you can teach somebody about M r. B i l l OHS Football Player form and technique but Bryant, Ithaca High the natural athlete will School’s Athletic always triumph over an athlete who has limited natural Director, believes that hockey players are needed skills. Obviously the hockey teams at all four of these to help Ithaca’s football program. He said, “A lot schools have extremely talented athletes. But when it of our hockey players don’t play football, and I comes to football, the teams just don’t have what it think we need to get more of the hockey student takes to win. Oswego High School had nobody play athletes involved with our football program.” football who is a member of the twenty-five mem Most likely the hockey players could help bervarsity hockey team hockey. The football team the football team at any school. If the football team has won one game in each of the past three seasons. could really use the players, it raises the question why none of the hockey players play football?

“A lot of them (the hockey players) have futures in hockey and might not want to risk losing that future to play football,” said Winklebleck. “Also, there is a possibility that the coaches might be discouraging them from playing.”

F i e r r o s t a t e d t h a t j u s t t h e o p posite is true. He stated, “We encourage the kids to play as many sports as they can.”

Bryant believes that his hockey coaches at Ithaca do not discourage players from playing football, either. “I’d be very surprised if that happened, actually I’m sure that it doesn’t happen,” he stated.

The coaches at any hockey program probably don’t directly discourage the players from playing other sports, but many schools and community youth hockey programs hold preseason hockey training sessions that help a player’s chances of making their school’s hockey team. Often these can conflict with the football season. Trying to play football and attend these optional hockey practices could be very difficult because of the physical demands of the two sports. It is often cited as a factor in a hockey player’s decision whether or not to play football.

“I never really got around to trying out for football,” said Andrew Hogan, a physical continued on page 15

December 2005

Buccaneer Flashback 5 Years Ago December 2000

The Oswego girls’ varsity hockey team played its first-ever game as an interscholastic team with a loss to Ithaca, 7-1. The team’s coach, Beth Arduini stated the league wasn’t very competitive in the first year because there were only four teams (Ithaca, Canton, Saranac, and Oswego), but she was positive of the league’s future as more teams were considering joining.

The team consisted of seniors Beth Torrice and Casey Danzer, juniors Kate McNamara, Kristin Chalifoux, and Shawna Opet, sophomores Sara Beers, Ashley Snow, Sarah McCrobie, Megan Oberst, Rachel Cullen, and Bobbie Faivius.

10 Years Ago December 1995

The Oswego boys’ varsity basketball team returned two all-leaguers in Matt Comerford and Jamal Lazarus. They also returned five other seniors, giving them a great chance to win the league.

Coach Jeff Johnson was very positive about the team’s chances to win the title, despite the league being “extremely competitive.”

15 Years Ago December 1990

The varsity swim team got its first victory of the season against fierce rival Fulton.

The team was helped by two freshmen (Dan Kells, Pat Chetney) turning in first-place performances. Other freshmen on the team included Don King, Duane Lapus, Ryan Conrad, Niki Morgan, Rob Cole, and Johnston Campiano.

The team also returned twenty-six other swimmers, making them a promising team.

20 Years Ago December 1985

Three OHS varsity football players were named first team on the Onondaga High School League all-league squad. Quarterback John Dunsmoor and end Randy Carr made the offense.

John Dunsmoor also was also first-team allleague at defensive-back. He was one of six players named first team on both sides of the ball in the history of the team. On second team, Jim Downs made the offensive line, and Jim Maniccia was at tight end.

Editor’s Note: Flashback, compiled by Allan Brown, is a monthly feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin.