December 2010

BuccaneerBulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Volume 14 Number 3 December 2010

Add a ‘Noun’ to the Pledge page 6 Bonacorsi Profiled page 12 Athlete of the Month page 16 Photo by Monek Cullen

Editorial

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Drawing Board

Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Jasmine Davis Managing Editor Faith Whitely Layout Editor Mackenzie Oatman Chief Photographer Monék Cullen Art Director Erin McIntosh Business Manager Katherine Robinson Sports Editor Meghan Carl Senior Writer Kathryn Whelsky Entertainment Editor Tina Buckingham Clublicity Editor Shaughnessy Darrow Ad Representative Riley Flynn Jeff Wallace Sports Writer Christina Dehm Reporters Morgan Pratt Rebecca Pratt Heather Rounds Marcus Wolf Webmaster Madison Rhoades 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) 3412200.

It is intended as a vehicle to inform, educate, and entertain the student body.

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

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Cartoon by erin mcIntosh

...To the following students who attended the second Oswego County Academic Youth League competition last month: Catherine Wells, Victoria (Tori) Jaskula, Tyler Sheffield, Grant Richmond, Kennen McBrearty, Taylor Braun, Michael Carey, Victoria Frazier, Morgan Rabalais, Matthew Skinner. Congratulations! ...To the recently-elected sophomore presidents, Josh Jasewicz and Lauren Peel. It’s a great privilege and a huge help to have two presidents, instead of just one. ...To the successful OHS INC. Bake Sales that took place at Open House last month. It was an interesting and delicious competition! ...To the OHS faculty and staff whose “Jeans on Friday” fundraiser has provided Christmas gifts for needy OHS students for many years, including this one.

... to the audio system in the cafeteria because it is too LOUD, muffled, and obnoxious. ...To the ceilings in B-2 and B-3 leaking, as well as the brand new ceiling in the science wing leaking recently. Shouldn’t a brand new roof be able to withstand some rain? ...To not being able to bring guests to Winter Semi-Formal. Many students had to go to the dance solo, instead of bringing their friends from other schools or an older date. ...To the fire alarms of December 10. Of course, some malfunctions cannot be avoided, but what’s scary is that the alarms in some parts of the building did not sound at all, which could have been a disaster if it was a real fire. www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com

December 2010

Editorial In Our View . . .

It’s Time to Give Seniors Parking Privileges

Ever since we trudged through the high school halls as a freshman, we have dreamed of being seniors. It seemed like a far-fetched myth that would never be a reality. We were eager for the authority, the independence, and all the privileges we lacked as underclassmen. One of the privileges we had always looked forward to was driving up to the high school in our very own vehicles, being able to park in the school parking lot. As of today, students are not allowed to park in either the Liberty Street or the Utica Street parking lots, or the parking spaces near the entrance of Leighton Elementary.

In the previous years at OHS, students were required to fill out a student application signed by a teacher to even be considered for a parking spot. Whether or not those students received the space depended on their academic rank, and more importantly, how many spaces were available. If they were at the top of their class academically, the name would be placed in a hat multiple times, as opposed to the other students whose names were entered only once. The principal would draw around 30 names randomly from the hat, and the lucky winners would be notified. The students who received parking places had designated spots on Buc Blvd. near the tennis courts, or the teachers’ parking lot on Liberty Street.

They were required to place special OHS stickers

on their cars with a specific number to verify that they had the privilege to the parking space. Student Council members often went out to the parking lot to make sure students weren’t stealing others’ spaces.

We understand a parking place, and even driving to school, is not a right, but a privilege. It’s true that it’s an inconvenience for some high schoolers who drive to school to not have a parking space. It’s also true that it is the typical teenage fashion to complain until the outcome is favorable, or to disregard rules completely for personal satisfaction. But, for as long as we can remember, it was called “Senior Parking.”

As seniors, we are much more independent than the juniors, assume more responsibilities, and have earned the chance to park closest to the school.

Underclassmen don’t attend the Senior Trip, or the Senior Dinner Dance, so why should juniors have a right to take up parking spaces that seniors have earned?

Principal Hartwell has many issues to juggle as our principal, student parking being just a minor one. While the issue of student parking is still in the planning stages, no rules have changed, so it is still illegal to park in the teachers’ parking lot. We’re hoping now that construction trailers are gone and we have access to all parking lots around the building,

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What’s Your Opinion?

“Now that construction is over and we have more parking places available, how should school officials allocate student parking?”

Roxanne M. Scoville Senior

“I think those who have a car and those who are doing well in school should be able to have a parking spot. Of course, it would have to be on a first-come, first-served basis. ‘The early bird catches the worm,’ as my grandmother would always say!”

Jessica Krauss

Letters to the Editor

Senior

Smokers’ Corner Gives OHS a Black Eye

Dear Editor: One topic that is not covered in the school newspaper is “Smokers’ Corner.” I think this subject should be addressed. “Smokers’ Corner” is a disgrace to our school, and it is not the type of message our school should portray. Also, it is so unhealthy. Cigarettes and second-hand smoke cause so many health problems.

“Smokers’ Corner” really needs to be eliminated from our school. It’s pretty sad to see those kids out there day after day risking their health and others’. They should be disciplined for it. That spot is also notorious for fights and other illegal activities.

An OHS sophomore

There’s No Changing the Attitude at Smokers’ Corner

Dear Editor: I don’t exactly agree with everything said in The Buc Bulletin. I feel that when it comes to smoking, whoever wants to smoke should be able to do so at their own risk. The number of people who stand at “Smokers’ Corner” will not decrease unless the generation decides that smoking isn’t the way to go, but this isn’t the case for now.

Jennifer Kuhl

We don’t want to be known as “Oswego, the Dirty School” Dear Editor: I don’t think “Smokers’ Corner should be allowed right outside our school. If kids want to smoke, they should do it before they come to school, at their own house or whatever. Smokers’ corner causes a lot of problems. People fight there so the police are called, which makes our school look dirty. There are broken bottles and cigarette butts everywhere. We don’t want to be known as “Oswego, the Dirty School” or anything like that. Smoking is really bad for you. I also believe that if there was no longer a “Smokers’ Corner,” the teen smokers would be reduced. The teens might not be able to smoke at home, so they come to school and do it. If they can’t do it at school either, then maybe they won’t smoke at all.

“I think the most fair way is to give it to seniors first either by birthday, like they do for Driver Ed., or by first-come, first served.”

Mr. Edward Stacey Economics Teacher

“Award 12th graders by merit the opportunity to park in a specific number of spots. The other options might be a lottery, or first come-first serve for the allocated spaces.”

Caitlynn McCreary Senior

“Seniors should get first pick. Every senior should have a spot if they need one.

It should also be chosen by grades and attendance.”

An OHS sophomore

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December 2010

Clublicity

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Clubs, Organizations Demonstrate Holiday Spirit NHS

For the month of December, National Honor Society chose three charities to receive $100 donations: The Human Concerns Center, The ARC of Oswego, and a family from St. Mary’s parish.

Senior member Austin Tracz, concluded his service project which ended in a grand total of 554 golf clubs and 88 dozen golf balls that were collected to be sent to U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to treasurer Jackie Hondro, officers surprised members with Christmas cookies and punch during this month’s meeting.

Key Club

December is part of the season of giving, and the members of Key Club have taken that message to heart.

Recently, Key Club members went to the Salvation Army and served in the soup kitchen and helped out with a pancake breakfast. They have been hard at work collecting donations for UNICEF and Toys for Tots, as well as collecting canned goods for the food bank. They were also busy this month bell ringing for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign.

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GSA

The Gay-Straight Alliance, advised by Mrs. Heather Robillard, meets every Monday in room 237.

The main goal of the club is to alter the perceived image of the club. GSA is not only for gay and lesbian students, there are plenty of straight students who are involved as well.

GSA wants to educate students who aren’t in the club, not convert their beliefs. They are determined and dedicated to putting an end to discrimination and violence in schools. The club partakes in discussion days, where they review a media clip or current event articles regarding issues on gay-straight tolerance, or anything pertaining to the club.

They participate in a Day of Silence in April, bringing attention to anti-bullying. Recently, they’ve been focusing on the “It Gets Better” campaign that many celebrities have been involved in, which focuses on the recent spate of gay teen suicides and how they can be prevented.

The co-presidents are Dalton Carvey and Taylor Braun. Recently, the club has been putting up posters around the school to draw more attention to the club.

GSA is always looking for new members, even if you just wanted to attend one of the discussion days.

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Yearbook

The staff of the OHS Paradox is still very hard at work, snapping pictures and laying out pages to finish the 2010-2011 yearbook. This year, a new feature can be added to personalize your yearbook.

Yearbookyourself.com allows you to layout four of your own pages so you can have your personal memories saved only in your yearbook.

You can see adviser Mr. Warren Shaw in room B3 to pick up a yearbook order form today.

Environmental Club

The Environmental Club’s main goal this year is to help change the community to be more environmentally friendly. This year the Environmental Club is trying to get recycling bins for bottles and cans in the high school, middle school, and elementary schools. Any other time when they are not focused on their goal they are fundraising.

They are currently talking about perhaps going to Africa or Australia. Environmental Club meets on the first and the third Fridays of the month (twice a month) in room 141.

December 2010

Walking the Plank

Multi-talented Lukaczyk Walks the OHS Plank Senior Haley Lukaczyk doesn’t sit still for very long, but she took a few minutes to speak with The Buc Bulletin.

Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Haley Lukaczyk: Haley Morgan Lukaczyk.

BB: What extracurricular activities do you participate in?

HL: I’m the treasurer of Lacrosse Club, the president of Student Council, the secretary of NHS, the co-president of TV Club (which goes along with WBUC), I am part of the Oswego Youth Court, and I’m the student representative for the Board of Education.

BB: What do you do as Student Rep. for the Board of Education?

HL: My job is to represent the students, give them a voice on the board. If anyone has any concerns about something that’s going on with the board or anything that is going on in the school, I can bring that up and talk about it directly to the board.

HL: Right now everybody’s project for December is Christmas with the elementary schools. There are four of us who dress up as elves and then we bring along a Santa to every single kindergarten class, that wants to participate, in each of the elementary schools.

BB: Is there anything you would change about our school?

HL: One thing that I’d probably change is just sometimes the overall attitude, like, “Oh our school isn’t that great compared to this school or that school.” School is what you make of it.

BB: What do you do in Lacrosse Club?

HL: Well, Lacrosse Club is basically just a way to organize all of the players in both the JV and varsity girls’ lacrosse.

BB: Where do you plan to go to college?

HL: I’m looking into Northwestern and Ithaca.

Either of those schools would be really ideal.

BB: What position do you play on the lacrosse team?

BB: Do you have a role model?

HL: I guess it would be my parents. My dad is the one who drives me to get stuff done. And on the other side, my mom, is really relaxed. Like you can’t let everything get to you.

BB: Do you have any pets?

HL: I do. I have a fat pug named Miso. I love her.

Drawing Board Haley Luckaczyk

BB: Are there any current projects or issues you’re working on in this role?

HL: One big thing that people were concerned about was the changing of the Buccaneer logo. A lot of people in the graphic design classes were complaining that no one asked them to help us make a new buccaneer. Instead, they said they asked a professional agency to make it. So I brought that up at one of the meetings saying that maybe the art department could make a new Buc logo and the public relations firm could help distribute it, and whatever job that the art department couldn’t do.

BB: What is your job as president of the Student Council?

HL: As the president of Student Council, I run the meetings, I meet with the advisers regularly to make sure all of the activities that we’re doing are going along well, I participate in all of the activities that we do, and run our whole council this year.

BB: What is Student Council working on right now?

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BB: What is your favorite kind of music?

HL: I listen to a lot of indie rock, and sort of newwave things. It’s hard to really explain what I listen to. It’s sort of a weird mix of things I find from friends.

HL: I am the varsity goalie, along with Taylor Bowman. I’ve been on varsity since I was a sophomore and I’ve been goalie for a few years now.

BB: What is your favorite extracurricular activity?

HL: I love WBUC. I’ve been in that since I was a freshman and that’s what I want to go to college for.

But other than that, I do a lot of work with Student Council. I like the organization itself, and just how we can do extra things that other students normally couldn’t.

BB: What is your favorite thing about Oswego High School?

HL: My favorite part is that by this time, I feel like I know everyone. Walking around the halls, I feel like I’m at home.

funnier.

BB: What is your favorite TV show of all time and why?

HL: Actually, The Brendon Lenard Show, which is from a really long time ago.

It’s basically what we did in TV, but so much better and

BB: If you could spend a day with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

HL: Both of my grandfathers, just to get to know them.

BB: Is there anything about the holidays that you are looking forward to?

HL: I’m looking forward to hopefully getting my laptop for school next year. If not, then just having a break.

BB: Do you and your family have any interesting Christmas traditions?

HL: Actually, we’re a quarter Ukrainian, so we do a traditional Ukrainian dinner on Christmas Eve.

Editor’s Note: Walking the Plank is a monthly feature in The Buccaneer Bulletin. This month, Marcus Wolf interviewed senior Haley Lukaczyk, athlete, TV producer, and student activist.

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December 2010

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Features

Teacher Dreams of Adding a ‘Noun’ to the Pledge

By Christina Dehm Sports Writer

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

It’s familiar to all Americans. It is predominantly sworn by kids in public schools before the school day officially begins, but it’s also used to begin congressional meetings as well as local government meetings. It’s something everyone knows, something almost everyone grew up reciting.

After only four changes in over one hundred and eighty years, OHS teacher Mr. William Noun has come up with another amendment he would like to see to the Pledge of Allegiance.

Noun has been assisting kids at OHS for years and nothing is more important to him than a good education. That’s why he wants to add the words “and education” to the end of the Pledge, so that it reads “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty, justice, and education for all.”

The pledge was originally composed by Francis Bellamy in 1829, and since then has only endured four changes. The original was meant to last only 15 seconds; it was quick and to-the-point: “I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

In 1923, the Pledge was altered so immigrants wouldn’t confuse their loyalties. “My Flag” was changed to “the Flag of the United States.” A year later, “of America” was also added.

When it was originally composed, Bellamy established a kind of salute to the flag. But in 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted the present day hand-over-heart gesture, suggesting that Bellamy’s salute was too “Nazi-esque.”

The addition of the words “under God” was initiated six years later by Louis A. Bowman, who stated that President Abraham Lincoln said them in the Gettysburg Address. No attempt to get the pledge officially amended was successful until 1954, when Pastor George MacPherson Docherty delivered a sermon based on Lincoln’s

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Gettysburg Address, and cited that Lincoln’s use of the words of “under God” set the United States apart from other nations.

“I started to recite the pledge,” Noun said of his idea, “and I got to the part where it says ‘for liberty and justice,’ and all of a sudden I said, ‘and education.’ Those are the three important things that all Americans should have, and I just thought, ‘My gosh, that should be in there.’ And that’s where I really got the idea…I’ll never leave it.”

Noun believes that some kids really understand the value of an education, while some just don’t care that an education isn’t important to them. He believes that if everyone says those words every day, the kids who don’t care as much will start to think, “Maybe I’m entitled to an education too.”

He believes that an education is something that no one can ever take away. “You’re always learning, and with an education, you’re always learning more. Without an education, you end up learning less over your growing years.”

With education on every politician’s priority list, Noun doesn’t believe that it’s going to be very difficult for him to get the Pledge altered. “Not only is it for our students, it’s for every teacher out there in America.” He says that “Teachers are in the business of helping kids learn, and they need to do it as well as they can do it, to give these kids a chance to take advantage of it… . Education is very important. So it (the addition of the words ‘and education’) sort of puts a little pressure on everybody to want to get better. It’s in the Pledge of Allegiance; it’s part of what they’re entitled to.”

Noun believes that the two words seem like a logical change to be made to the pledge, and he is passionate in his crusade to change the language of the pledge. “I’ll go anyplace just to help the change be made. I’ll go to Washington and talk to the Department of Education, I’ll go on the Today Show…Kids are entitled to a good education.”

Noun added that, “Anybody can teach anybody at any time…It just seems right to me that everyone should have an education, and something that

Photo by monek cullen

Mr. William Noun, Director of the Oswego High School Assisted Learning Center shows his American pride with a classroom flag. Noun wants to begin a campaign to amend the Pledge of Allegiance to reflect a greater commitment to American education.

they can work off of and improve upon for the rest of their lives.”

Realizing that Barack Obama is known as the “Education President” is something Noun thinks will help his cause. “I don’t know how big a deal it is to put in two extra words,” he continued. “And who’s afraid of putting them in? It’s just two words, I’m not changing the whole thing… to me it’s not that big a change in number of words, but it is a significant change, because it lets everybody think about the Pledge of Allegiance in a different way. ‘I’m in there. I

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have an education or I’m going for my education, so I’m part of that. I’m part of the Pledge of Allegiance. I’m getting my education.’” Noun says he wishes he could do more for the kids who have dropped out of school, but he hopes that this will motivate them to come back.

“It’s part of the American dream.

It’s not a new car or a flat screen TV or an iPod or all that stuff… it’s an education.” Noun concluded, “You have to work for something to appreciate it. If you don’t work for it, it’s worthless.”

December 2010

Columns

Longing for the Traditions of Christmas Past As soon as the day after Thanksgiving hits, the rush begins, whether we’re ready for it or not. People swarm the grocery stores to stock their pantries full of holiday food and they leave the comfort of their warm homes to become part of the hoard of Christmas bargain shoppers. I mean, c’mon who doesn’t want to charge a store around Christmastime and risk getting hit in the face fighting over the last Xbox Kinect?

It seems to me that there are fewer people who practice tradition around Christmas anymore and more who focus on the number of gifts they’re buying or receiving and how many shopping days are left. Even kids seem more focused on their toys or synchronizing their Sing-A-Ma-Jigs instead of the many simple joys my age group found at Christmas when we were little.

Now, I can’t speak for everyone but I know that when I was 7 or 8, waking up any day in December gave me the same feeling as if it were Christmas because I knew that anywhere I went, I’d be reminded of everything that comes with the holiday. Nowadays, I’ll decorate the sections of the grocery store where I work and hope that it brings that feeling of Christmas to the kids who pass through. So, when I hear a little girl walk through, tear down one of my strategic, color-schemed decorations, and yell at the top of her lungs, “Christmas sucks!” you can only imagine the look of utter alarm and disappointment that I wear

on my face for the next few hours as I try to figure out when kids began to dislike Christmas-related paraphernalia.

I was the type of kid, growing up, who timed her activities based on when Christmas claymation was on because, God forbid, I missed seeing Rudolph and Clarice or Hermey the wannabe dentist elf sing with the polka dotted elephant and Charlie-in-the-box about being misfit toys. Even now, I can honestly say that when I think of Christmas, presents are the last thing that come to mind.

Tradition is def initely at the top of my list. Like Charles Dickens, there’s nothing I love more than recreating Christmas past.

Christmas shows and music are a huge part of holiday traditions in so many families; mine is no exce pt ion.

I’m the youngest of my generation in the family other than three seven year old triplet cousins who constantly need to be reminded that Christmas isn’t just presents and food. I have relatives and family friends who force their kids to stay home to either decorate their tree as a family or go caroling together. Whatever happened to children being excited about doing those things? All I know is that this year, I am taking it upon myself to introduce my cousins to the heat miser and snow miser special.

I won’t let that tradition fail. It’s just a matter of every other aspect of the holidays reaching kids first, causing them to ignore the more traditional elements of the holiday.

Along with infamous Christmas claymation

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specials, Christmas music is something that ties everything about the traditions of the holidays together. There is not a day that goes by where I don’t hear a teacher or a student blast Christmas songs during the month of December. Sure there are those songs that you hear all the time that make you wish you couldn’t hear anymore, but almost everyone enjoys the music played around this time of year. It’s those songs that tend to help us to go back in time just fo r a s e c o n d and remember everything we love d about Christmas when we were little.

How many of us have had someone try to serenade us with “All I Want For Ch r ist mas is You,” or burst out singing “Santa Baby” at the most random times? It’s the funny and unique memories that Christmas media help to create that I love most about the holidays because they’re t he t h i ng s I’m going to remember first when I look back.

I know that each generation is different from the one before it and they care about different things in different ways than the previous generation did, but it’s the simple, more traditional aspects of Christmas that I wish were the reasons behind children’s excitement (at least the ones that still enjoy Christmas time) about this time of year. Christmas isn’t every other holiday.

It’s the one that causes the most hype and has been responsible for the most tradition in so many people’s lives, so keeping those small, but significant, traditions thriving really needs to be remembered.

If the Mayan Prediction is Correct, We Should Enjoy 2011

Did you hear that the world is going to end in December of 2012? If you don’t believe the Mayan prediction, I’m with you. But there are a lot of people who have bought into this so called “apocalypse.”

A man named Patrick Geryl quit his job two years ago as a laboratory worker. He thought he’d saved up enough money to last him until December 2012. Geryl’s going to feel pretty stupid when the world doesn’t end and he has no job or money! He’s started to gather supplies and materials he’ll think he will need to survive after the apocalypse. Geryl thinks science is behind him, because NASA predicts there will be a sharp increase in the number of sun flares and sun spots in

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2012. Dude, that just means we’re going to get a little heat wave! Maybe we’ll get less snow in Oswego and it would be 60 degrees all winter. That would be great.

Don’t think you’re ready for 2012?

Don’t worry! Dennis McClung has put together a website where you can purchase supplies. It’s one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever seen on the internet. Why would I need a bullet proof vest? I really don’t see how a bullet proof vest would help me deal with increased sun spots.

Want to hear something really pathetic? Thomas Lehmann, a 25 year old man, has been researching and reading about 2012 for two hours a day since he was 12 years old. That’s 9,490 hours! How dumb will he feel for wasting all that time over the past thirteen years? He could have been doing something productive. If he thinks the world is going to end, then he should be scratching things off his “bucket list,” not researching.

There have been so many of ‘12, so it’ll be cold! While they’re predictions about the end of the world building their new civilization, I’ll be previous to this one that haven’t come sipping hot cocoa by my Christmas tree! true, why do people think this one If you actually believe in this is going to happen. People are mumbo jumbo then so gullible. McClung says you don’t have most of his customers are much time from the U.S. Wow, big left. With surprise. Mayans said 2011 the calendar is going right to end in 2012, but will restart after that.

They never spoke of a catastrophic event that would end the world as we know it.

Geryl and his core group of followers are going to build concrete dwellings or caves to around survive, and then after “the the end” is over, they’re going to corner, Illustration By Erin McIntosh we only create a new civilization. They can have fun with that. The world is have a little over supposedly going to end in December 700 days left until December 2012!

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December 2010

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‘Tis the Season Kids Get Sugar High

Along with the holidays, come lots of treats, bountiful pies, cakes, cookies, and other pastries, all loaded up with sugar. This can be a scary time for parents with young children for fear of a “sugar high or “rush” taking over. But does the high-sugar content of desserts and treats really make kids wild? Fear not parents and older siblings, this is a false statement.

Sugar will NOT bring on any hyperactive behavior in the average child. “While it is a common belief that high sugar intake causes children to be more active even ‘hyperactive,’ there have actually been controlled studies which dispute that belief,” stated Dr. LeAnn Kridelbaugh, a pediatrician and physician nutrition specialist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

Who is Santa Claus?

The story of Santa Claus is an entertaining myth claiming that Santa Claus is a Saint named Nicholas who travels around the world delivering gifts and eating cookies. All is true--except one detail.

An investigative journalism report by The Buccaneer Bulletin has discovered that Santa Claus is not a man named St. Nicholas, but indeed a man named Mr. Chuck Rowlee. Disguised as a high school technology teacher, Santa hides from the world in Oswego, New York.

He lives on the food of the students and faculty alike and passes on his knowledge of engineering and mechanics to the youth of OHS 185 days a year.

On one glorious evening a year, he brings joy to children around the world.

It’s the holidays; a time joyous. The air is filled with feasts and gift giving as our together to celebrate traditi some myths that we have believe--some of which are that boggle our m

Fruitcake Cannon

Fruitcake. Likely the most horrifying gift you might receive over the holiday season. It’s often a cheesy gift from a relative you barely know who jus t s howed up at your house during the holidays. But, believe or not, it is believed that fruitcake was put to a good use at least once in history of time. Legend has it, that during a Revolutionary War battle, an officer approached General George Washington.“We are out of ammunition sir,” said the officer.

General Washington replied “We have fruitcake do we?”

The officer nodded his head. “Don’t let them go to waste!”

That being said, Washington’s soldiers loaded the cannons with fruitcake. Supposedly the hard and elastic characteristics of the fruitcake has effectively fired from the cannon and killed British troops. Though there is no proof that this event actually occurred, fruitcakes can be effectively fired from cannon.

YouTube account holder “Operationfruitcake” displays a series fruitcake cannon video clips.

Sleepy Pou

It’s Christmas dinner. You have your typical turkey, mashed po Many people tend get sleepy after their holiday meal, and the turk you to become drowsy or sleepy? Some believe so.

Turkey contains L- Tryptophan, an enzyme which is essential Helmentstine, Ph. D, “Tryptophan also can be metabolized into se exert a calming effect and regulates sleep”. Although these prote you sleep after a large meal.

The fact is, these enzymes are only effective when they are co consume pure L-Tryptophan in order to get the sleepy effect. Abo factors which lead to post-meal sleepiness. The amount of fats co reducing the amount of energy you have. Alcohol is another cont nervous system depressant. Also, overeating stresses out the dig from throughout is concentrated on the digestive process, again,

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buccaneerbulletin.wordp

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eason of Myths!

s; a time to be merry and filled with the sound of ng as our families come ate tradition and explore t we have been led to which are true and some gle our minds.

Sleepy Poultry

key, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and all the fixings. al, and the turkey has been blamed. Does turkey really cause . ch is essential for a human to sleep. According to Anne Marie bolized into serotonin and melatonin neurotransmitters that gh these proteins are present, they do not affect how much

hen they are consumed by themselves. You would have to epy effect. About.com claims that there are a few contributing mount of fats consumed slow down blood flow, therefore s another contributor the after-meal nap because it is a ses out the digestive system. When this happens, energy rocess, again, decreasing energy.

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Snow Day Superstitions

We’ve all experienced the anticipation of a snow day. The weather forecast is calling for heavy lake-effect snow and you’re glued to the television looking for more reassuring signs of school cancellations.

The night before a possible a snow day, many students find themselves wearing the pajamas inside out and backwards, flushing ice cubes down the toilet, or putting a pencil in the freezer. Do these methods increase the probability of having a snow day? Of course they do. I know this from personal experience and it works nearly every time.

So don’t hesitate to throw a pencil in the freezer before a classic Oswego snowstorm.

Poisonous Poinsettias

While we gather to the homes of our friends and families during the holiday season, we find ourselves surrounded by numerous decorations. One such decoration, the poinsettia, often a common decoration, has caused us to make the poison control call when maybe the family dog or young child found the plant appetizing.

Paul Bachman, marketing chairman of the Society of American Florists knows otherwise. “Poinsettias simply are not toxic.

That was proven 23 years ago in scientific tests and we want to set the record straight.” The Researchers at Ohio State University have found that when ingested, high doses of any part of the poinsettia (including the leaves, stem, and the sap) are indeed non-toxic.

According to POISINDEX (R), the information resource used by the majority of U.S. poison control centers, a 50-pound child would have to eat 500 to 600 leaves to

No Hat? No problem.

“Put a hat on before you go outside so you don’t catch a cold!” A common phrase we’ve probably all heard from our mothers say as we ventured out into the winter wonderland. Although a common belief, we do not actually lose most of our body heat through our heads. This myth was traced back, by the British Medical Journal, to the US army survival manual which strongly recommended covering the head when it is cold, since “40 to 45 percent of bodyheat” is lost from the head.

So if the army said it was true, it must be true, right? Wrong. If the statement was actually true, the British Medical Journal claims that, “Humans would be just as cold if they went without a hat as if they went without trousers.”

December 2010

10

Columns

A ‘Preemie’s’ Story--You’ve Come a Long Way Baby

I encountered an experience that both challenged me and resulted in personal growth, very early on in my life. It happened to be on the day I was born.

For unknown reasons, I was born three and a half months early, weighing a mere one pound fifteen and a half ounces. That’s 893 grams; exactly one box of General Mills Fiber One Honey Clusters Cereal; or the weight of 7 1/2 cups of flour or 19 golf balls.

I was faced with challenges that the majority of children my age did not have to overcome. At birth, I was fourteen inches long and spent the first five months of my life in the hospital fighting for my life. Once home, I was on oxygen, with heart monitors, aroundthe-clock medical treatments and had nurses to help care for me giving my parents an opportunity to rest.

Growing up, I experienced differences and countless challenges that the majority of my peers did not encounter. One of the differences that had a profound effect on me during my years in elementary school was attending physical, speech, and occupational therapy. These involved what I found to be tedious tasks such as running around, doing pushups, stretches, lunges, hand/eye coordination exercises, and reading out loud. I was often embarrassed and didn’t understand why I had differences and had to go to these sessions. In my eyes, I was just like every other child in my classroom. Granted, I was significantly shorter and underweight, but I strongly disliked going to these sessions where I felt anything but normal.

I was treated differently in many ways due to my size. My capabilities in many areas were often underestimated because I was prejudged by my physical appearance. I looked two to three years younger than I really was. One example I remember was waiting in line to do chin ups at the United States Marine display at the New York State Fair when I was about eight years old. Having excellent upper body strength for my size and being a gymnast, I couldn’t

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wait to go up to the bar. If you could withstand 25 seconds, you got a free “Marines” t-shirt. It was my turn to go up, and an arrogant college student cut me in line, probably not even seeing me.

The marine noticed and told him to go to the back of the line and to give me a shot out of pure sympathy, knowing that what looks like a five or six year old isn’t going to last. I hung onto that bar with ease for nearly a minute and a half. Not only did I get a marine’s t-shirt, I embarrassed a college student, was rewarded with a hat as well, and gathered a crowd. I often look back at this memory with a smirk, knowing that everyone thought I was only five years old because I was so small.

I was limited to activities I could participate in due to premature birth.

At ten years old, weighing a mere fifty five pounds, and about four foot seven inches, I told my parents I wanted to play basketball. My parents supported my decision and I played for many Photo courtesy of the robinson family years as a point guard, who was quick Katherine Robinson, a few days old and weighing less than two pounds gets on defense. Despite my significant decreased lung function due to my birth, a comforting caress on the arm by her dad. The size of his hand illustrates I then pursued running in middle school just how tiny Katherine was at birth. in both cross country and track. There, community and Central New York. preemies. Both my mom and Terry were size was not an obstacle. Despite my Two weeks ago, my mom and I crying while I was simply watching the size, I overcame daily challenges and made the trip to the Neonatal Intensive little babies wiggle around, sleep, and achieved goals that were once thought to Care Unit at Crouse Hospital, a trip that get medicine and be bathed. It was a be unattainable. she hasn’t made in since the day I left life-changing experience.

However, there was one activity over seventeen years ago. Sharing my Yet one more thing made that day that I started at five years old and have story (that I was born over three months a miracle. I knew that one of my best continued to engage in throughout early only weighing one pound) with the friend’s newborn sister was in the NICU high school; Girl Scouting. Any girl staff that takes care of infants fighting fighting for her life. I gave Mrs. Costello can be a Girl Scout, where no girl for their lives, made the them extremely a package of a matching yellow hat, faces obstacles and everyone is always proud. “You’re the reason why we do blanket, and booties to give to the little welcome. Continuing Girl Scouting this,” stated head neonatal nurse Kathy girl. Due to confidentiality reasons, I throughout middle school and high Costello. Observing the infants with was not allowed to know if she was a school, I have learned many life skills. wires and tubes coming out of their patient at the hospital. Later though, Not only have I developed tremendous little bodies really put into context what I received a forwarded text message skills in leadership, teamwork, and my parents and I had to go through. through my best friend, from her step communication, I fully realize that While speaking with the head dad, providing me with a memory I making a difference can be a very neonatal nurse, the public relations won’t forget. I had made the dad of this simple act, which has a very large representative, asked my mom the little baby cry with happiness as he was impact on the world. name of my nurse who took care of me given a package for his daughter who Over my twelve years of while in the hospital for five months, was struggling to go home. Making his volunteering and Girl Scout adventures, fighting for my life. “Terry,” my mom day had made my day. one experience in Girl Scouting has said. “I think Terry’s working today, The Girl Scout Gold Award is significantly changed my life: working hold on,” stated Costello. I had no idea achieved by only two percent of toward and achieving my Girl Scout what to think. This was the woman who Girl Scouts nationwide and requires Gold Award. To make a lasting impact helped save my life. How was I going to hundreds of hours of work, community on my community, I chose a project that respond? service and dedication to complete. was close to my heart. I coordinated Sure enough I got to meet Terry, Completing this project is not the end a community-wide knitting and and it was unbelievable. She couldn’t of a process but only the beginning to crocheting project, and gathered over believe how tall I was and was so make a difference in the lives of infants 375 hats, blankets, and booties to send proud that I just brought nearly three and their families, as it has made a to “micro preemies” within the Oswego garbage bags full of supplies for microdifference in my life as well. www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com

December 2010

Entertainment

11

Former WBUC Teachers Return to the Studio Mr. William Bellow and Mr. Thomas Frawley, who made Television Production one of Oswego High School’s most popular electives visit the next generation of WBUC students.

By Christina Dehm Sports Writer

Every morning at the end of first period, televisions in every classroom throughout Oswego High School are switched on, and the school’s daily announcements are broadcast throughout the building via the student-run television program, WBUC. WBUC is one of the things that make OHS stand out, as not every high school has a television studio like we have. And if it wasn’t for Mr. William Bellow and Mr. Thomas Frawley, OHS might not have one either.

Last month, Bellow and Frawley, WBUC’s “founding fathers” returned to the blue and white house to talk to the kids who are currently involved in the television production classes about the history of WBUC. In 1985, New York State changed the kinds of classes that would give course credit to kids. Bellow was a wood shop teacher who wanted to have a class that would be fun and interesting for students; it was then that the Superintendent of Schools at the time BucCaneer Bulletin Photo told them about Cortland High School’s studentMr. William Bellow (left) and Mr. Thomas Frawley reminisce about the beginnings of student television run television studio. After talking to the students at Oswego High School. at Cortland about how much fun they were having working in their studio, Bellow made a decision: he into his TV studio. The rooms were turned into the studio went on air, he received a letter from a man wanted his own TV studio for OHS. In 1987, Bellow WBUC television studio by a TV set designer from in a nursing home. The man thanked Bellow for was given an audio-visual cart by Oswego High Cazenovia whom Bellow had met at a conference. letting him be able to watch his grandson play sports, School’s principal at the time, with a TV on one shelf The man had done set designs for ABC, NBC, and something he thought he’d never be able to see. and VCR on another. “That was our studio,” Bellow CBS, and jumped at the chance to build a studio that In a TV studio, everyone has value, and a very said. “We did the show in the hallway outside the would help train kids in the television field. important role. A show can’t be done with one principal’s office.”

Frawley, an English teacher, got involved with person. It needs every member of the studio team Every day after they were done filming their the program around the same time that the studio was to contribute. If it’s missing one person, anything show, Bellow put the show tape into the VCR on getting its first set of commercial quality equipment. could go wrong. That’s especially true at WBUC. his cart. He would “Two years If students don’t work together, they’ll produce then roll the TV later, it all came a terrible show that goes out not only to their “If you work hard and enjoy what you together,” Bellow to individual classmates, but to the surrounding community as classrooms for do, it’ll all come together.” said. “By 1991, we well. “But,” Bellow added, “if you work hard and students to watch were on the air.” enjoy what you do, it’ll all come together.”

--Retired OHS teacher William Bellow before the end of WBUC Alumni from WBUC currently dot the map from first period, and gives students coast to coast working in the television industry. then Bellow began an opportunity to do something that they might From a production assistant on Chuck Lorre’s staff a survey. He asked students what they liked better: not be able to do otherwise. “Students learn in an (Two and a Half Men) to sports anchors in Albany hearing their teachers read the announcements at environment where they have access to the same and Minnesota, former OHS students have taken their the end of class, or watching their fellow students equipment that is available to professionals in the fundamental skills and parlayed them into a career in read them on the television. The majority of industry,” Frawley stated. “The studio has always the field. But that’s not how the “founding fathers” students answered that they preferred watching their been a laboratory where the learning opportunities measure the true successes of WBUC. classmates on TV. were limitless.”

“Our success stories aren’t the kids who made it At that time, room 145, where the TV studio is WBUC exposes kids to possible careers that they to NBC or WSTM Channel 3,” Bellow stated. “It’s located now, was two big study hall rooms. After might not know exist without the studio at OHS. It the kids who didn’t even know if they would stay in receiving such positive feedback from the students, also lets the Oswego community see what’s going school, and then realized that they could make money Bellow was granted the two classrooms to turn on at the high school. Bellow said that after the while having this much fun.”

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December 2010

Arts & Entertainment

12

Artist of the Month

By Tina Buckingham

Entertainment Editor

Artist: A person who creates works of art and show sensitivity as well as imagination.

So basically, by means of the most universal definition of what an artist is, senior Nikole Bonacorsi has proven herself via her passion for art and all that it represents in her life.

While some students aren’t artistically inclined and have difficulty finding ways to obtain art credit during their high school years, the opposite applies to Bonacorsi. She is currently enrolled in three art studies her senior year including two independent studies and an advanced art class. Since her freshman year, she has gradually become more interested in the world of art and is now dedicated to creating a variety of art styles that, in themselves, are quite extraordinary. “It’s really relaxing; it’s honestly the only time when I’m not stressed Photo by Monek cullen out,” said Bonacorsi.

During her sophomore year, one of Bonacorsi’s pieces was displayed at the famed Everson Museum in Syracuse, which has thus far been her most noted accomplishment. She also received honorable mention for two of her pieces in the Scholastic Art Awards during the same year.

Out of the many techniques of art, she prefers to express herself with computer graphic aspect to others. It is “easy to fix mistakes and you don’t have to stress out when you mess up,” commented Bonacorsi. When creating her pieces, her inspiration is derived from her family, friends, boyfriend and one of her favorite bands, Alesana.

She looks up to Shawn Milke, a member of the band, as a role model artistically, and she’s always been a fan of artist, Andy Warhol’s work. In the past, her favorite creations by her have included “Behind the Broken Frames,” “My Dream Became My Descent,” and “Metamorphose.”

Her family and friends have been huge supporters in her talents. Bonacorsi admitted some of her supporters think some of her work is “different” or “creepy,” but that’s art. Her mother, Mrs. Sharon Bonacorsi, OHS biology teacher, loves her daughter’s pieces that deal with science.

Along with art, Bonacorsi has been a part of NHS since her sophomore year, Key Club since junior year, and she’s held a part time job at The River’s End Bookstore. She loves listening to music, attending concerts, reading and writing. She’s also a big fan of TV shows such as Modern Family, The Middle,” Project Runway and of course, Glee.

Photo by Monek cullen Bonacorsi plans to attend college, although she has not committed to a school yet. She would like to take a few art classes during her time in college as well as create works on her own time for the fun of it. Another life goal, which she is determined to achieve is to, “Discover how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop,” joked Bonacorsi. Her advice to other artists who may not be as accomplished or just beginning: “Never be afraid to try anything and everything.”

Nikole Bonacorsi

illustration by erin mcintosh

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December 2010

Column

13

Yet Another Internet Danger: Watch for Trolls can say he/she comes in contact with this in one way or another. But let’s face it, WoW players, our game is built on trolls. In the most common places to find trolls in WoW, trade and general channels, there isn’t a day when they aren’t completely littered with comments that are offensive in one way or another. These posts are intended to get someone riled-up. For example, I see trolling over spelling all the time… even when the person correcting the mistake spelled ‘stupid’ wrong.

Regardless, arguments begun by trolling sprout up until a new one

thinking, ‘Yeah right, like anyone would honestly do that.’ But I can tell you from numerous online experiences, people will go that far. In fact, that is an example of the worst (attempted) trolling I have ever encountered online.

In all seriousness, after the troll makes several other sexual jokes,he/she starts Twitter is one of the dumbest making jokes about having sex with a things on the internet. When will child. That’s no joke. people realize that no one cares The worst part is that arguing with what you are doing every second of “Trolls” like this is just feeding the everyday? And the people who do care, fire. They get a kick out of it because clearly don’t have a life or anything people get upset; that’s what trolling is. better to do than to tweet about how Telling a guy like this off and letting they are going to brush their teeth in a him know exactly what you think minute. about him, Next to just gives Twittering, Understand that when you start talking about children him fuel. trolling has What to be the and associate them with sex to get a kick out of how then, is next worst thing on the people react, it is not funny anymore; it is downright someone supposed to list.

WRONG! In fact, it’s a cyber crime. do? You are, Trolling of course, is typing an supposed to offending, comes along and makes some other tell the administrator, but what about racist, sexist, or derogatory comment comment to get people worked up after? You just sit there and hope no meant to get people riled-up. It’s an again and again. That’s all fine and one else responds so he will stop? I attempt to start an argument just for dandy, if people feel like pushing each don’t know about anyone else, but it’s the sake of arguing. It’s something other’s buttons and staying in that hard to walk away from that and just that is commonly seen on Myspace, chat all day, it’s fine by me. And most ignore the guy.

Facebook, chat rooms, blogs, and people trolling know this, but there Needless to say, I don’t enjoy online games. Trolling is everywhere. must be a cutoff point. trolling. I’m easy to pick a fight with. I To me there is a fine line between Understand that when you start don’t participate or like to encourage, funny and getting someone rattled for talking about children and associate even though I, being an older sibling, kicks and being a complete jerk. them with sex to get a kick out of how do enjoy being an instigator every once I experience this on WoW (World people react, it is not funny anymore; in awhile at home. of Warcraft) almost every time I it is downright WRONG! In fact, it’s There is a big difference between log on. Just about any other MMO a cyber crime. Some of you may be big funny and a shock humor. (massively multiplayer online) player

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WARNING:

Arguing with trolls can get you in trouble! If you lose your temper and curse or use vulgar language while arguing with the troll, in some situations, you could get in as much trouble, if not more, than the troll.

Here are some tips to help you deal with trolls: • Make sure you are dealing with a troll and not some other person who is just releasing stress in the wrong way.

• Report the troll to an online administrator or overseer of the message board, game, chat room, etc. immediately, especially if they are trolling over things, such as sex with a child.

• If your site or game has an ‘ignore’ command to block their posts, use it! If you don’t, do your best to ignore the person.

Responding to the troll is just giving him what he wants. “Don’t feed the troll!”

• Do not announce that you are leaving because of the troll! It is as bad as saying something in retaliation to them and convinces them that they are winning.

• Try complimenting the troll. It will throw them off balance by giving them the last thing they expect. In some cases, it has led them to stop.

December 2010

14

Sports

A Heads-up About Concussions for Athletes

Meghan Carl Sports Editor

Concussions have been a huge topic of interest in the last 18 months, not only in high schools, but in the National Football League as well.

According to a recent issue of Sports Illustrated, Dr. Ann McKee defined concussions as, “Incredible chaos in the brain.” Dr. McKee has also been studying the brains of deceased football players, to show the damage that is caused by repeated “helmet-to-helmet” hits. She looked at a slide of a cross-section of a human male brain, magnified 100 times that showed hundreds of tiny, brownish, triangular bits of a toxic protein, called tau, which chokes off cellular life to the brain.

“Athletes are too fast and too strong to think they can hit each other in the head over and over and think they’ll keep walking away unharmed,” stated Chris Nowinski, a former Harvard defensive tackle.

Concussions can really affect your

season as a whole. So far this school year, Oswego High School has completed only the fall sports season, which included 17 concussions from the modified level to the varsity.

Senior softball catcher, Devynn Wilder, received a concussion due to a foul tip to her helmet her sophomore year.

Wilder explained, “I knew something was up during the game, but I wasn’t going to come out, so I played through it.”

That’s exactly the kind of reaction athletic trainers, coaches, doctors, and school administrators are trying to put an end to. Athletic trainer Michelle Wink added, “You’re always going to get ‘those’ parents who want their kids play no matter what.”

Wink said that most of the concussions come from football and girls soccer. She said, “Wrestling and hockey are just starting up and those sports can be very rough too; I hope we don’t have any more concussions, but who knows.”

When commenting on the seriousness of concussions, running back for the

varsity football team, Richie Carpentier, said, “You can break my arm in half, but don’t mess with my brain.”

ImPACT testing (Immediate PostConcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) was brought to OHS by Athletic Director, Scott Sugar.

ImPACT has recently become a major part of testing for concussions.

ImPACT is a 20-minute test that compares pre- and post-concussion medical data while evaluating the player’s ability to safely return to his/ her sport.

Sugar said, “Sooner or later, every high school athlete will be mandated to take a concussion test, either ImPACT or something like it, so baisically, we’re ahead of the game.”

Wink agreed. She stated, “ImPACT testing is an “Anbsolute Godsend.”

ImPACT was developed in the early 1990s and consists of five different sections: health history, current symptoms, neuropsychological (baseline and post-injury) testing, injury

description and overall scores.

From an thletic director’s point of view, Sugar’s job has been made a lot easier. “ImPACT has been awesome!

ImPACT has allowed Michelle to have a better handle on when to let student athletes back onto the feild,” he stated..

Varsity cheerleader Nakecia Serrano had to take the ImPACT test after she received a concussion at a stunting clinic. Serrano was elbowed in the eye as her flyer twisted down from an extension. Serrano said, “Every time there is a chance of me hitting my head, in any way, I get nervous, I do not want another concussion.” According to studies, a second concussion can be even more harmful than the first.

As of week 13 in the NFL (week of December 2) there were 46 reported concussions.

A bill is pending in the NYS Assembly regarding the guidelines/ standards on when to allow athletes from high school to NFL back onto the field following a concussion.

Be Aware of Symptoms of Concussions • • • • • •

Passing out Not being able to remember what happened after the injury Acting confused, asking the same question over and over, slurring words and not being able to concentrate.

Feeling light-headed, seeing “stars,” having blurry vision, or experiencing ringing in the ears.

Not being able to stand or walk or coordination/balance problems Feeling nauseous or vomiting

Kansas HS Football Player Dies Seventeen year old running back and linebacker, Nathan Stiles, scored a touchdown on Oct 28 in a game vs. Osawatomie, and died the next day. Stiles died of a rare, but severe brain injury.

“It’s tragic,” said Rick Bowden, assistant executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association. “But I don’t if anything could have been done differently. When a doctor releases a student to return to participate what more can we ask?”

The Johnson County coroner stated that Stiles died due to a subdural hematoma, or bleeding between the tissue layers connecting the brain and skull.

“I think he just hit the ground pretty hard with his head,” Spring Hill coach Anthony Orrick told the Osawatomie Graphic newspaper. “He came on the sideline and told one of my assistants, ‘my head is really hurting.’”

NFL Concussions Bring Attention to Kids’ Health The Dallas-based National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), a professional membership association, is concerned about concussions among young athletes.“Youth sports participants are almost the forgotten population,” NATA president Marjorie Albohm said. “We’ve neglected a large amount of young people over the past years, and now it’s time to change that.”

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December 2010

Features

Power Balance Bands Get Mixed Reviews

By Christina Dehm Reporter

Power Balance hologram bracelets are designed to work with the body’s natural energy fields, providing an increase in health and athleticism. But do the bracelets really work? Or is it all in our heads?

Power Balance bands were first released in January of 2007. Since then, they have become increasingly popular among many age groups, ranging from high school kids to professional athletes. The bracelets claim to resonate with, and respond to the body’s natural energy field, and in turn increase endurance, balance, strength, and flexibility.

The science of Power Balance comes from the embedded holograms in the bracelets. The holograms are treated with energy waves at specific positive frequencies, which have a positive reaction with the body’s naturally occurring and ever-flowing energy fields. When the hologram comes into contact with the body, the energy flow is supposedly improved throughout the body, increasing everything from strength to balance.

Many OHS students believe them to work well.

“First I just wore them to wear them, and now when I go to Planet Fitness and do balance exercises I’m able to do them better,” said senior Ashleigh Ecke.

“I just put it on for everyday use and I think it works well,” added senior Margarita Vasquez. “My

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parents and brother use them too.”

But many people wonder if they really work.

It’s almost unbelievable that a plastic bracelet can do so much to increase health and athleticism. The bracelets are endorsed by many top athletes, but when it comes down to it, celebrity sponsorship really means nothing. Many people believe that the bracelets only work due to a placebo effect: any improvement seen while wearing the bracelet comes from positive thinking by the person wearing it.

Simply mind over matter.

According to sports scientists, there is no research to show that the holograms embedded in the bands could even have an effect on the body’s energy and performance.

“Things claiming to balance with the body’s natural energy field have been around for many years,” said physics teacher Mr. Thomas Altman.

“Magnets were the wonder for a long time because nobody understood them, and invisible energy was the key to ‘bringing harmony to one’s spirit.’ These

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15

bands use people’s ignorance and hope to actually get better performance out of athletes. So much of performance is mental, that any little mental edge can have a benefit. Often the difference between an elite athlete and a very good one is the desire to continue through the pain. Something like this could give one person a psychological edge over another. But the physics of holograms and resonance are just part of the story to help you believe.”

Tests have been done to try and prove that the bracelets work, but critics say they’re staged. One test consists of a tester standing on one leg, arms stretched out to the side, while another person pushes down on their arm, causing them to fall over. The test is then repeated with the tester wearing a Power Balance bracelet. It appears that their arm strength has improved, making it harder for the second person to push it down. But, according to critics, tests like this can easily be faked by only slightly changing the location of where pressure is applied to the body.

Power Balance Bands have faced mixed reviews from many different people, but despite some negative opinions, the bracelets have grown in popularity. Whether the bands work because of mind over matter, or if they actually have a positive reaction with the body’s energy fields, it’s up to whoever wears them to decide.

December 2010

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 14 Number 3

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

December 2010

By Jasmine Davis Editor-In-Chief

Sean Stegemoller sees the pool as an escape, for two hours a day he is able to plunge into the water and into silence and serenity. Lap after lap he is able to be alone with his thoughts. Stegemoller first started swimming to provide joint relief from growing pains when he was young. What started off as just exercise has turned into a passion.

He started swimming competitively at age eleven and has been improving ever since. He gave up football and baseball in his freshman year to be able to focus on swim. Stegemoller transferred to Oswego High School this year and he is The Buccaneer Bulletin Athlete of the Month for December.

Stegemoller may not be a familiar face in OHS just yet. Though he just moved here from Fort Drum, he’s actually been coming to Oswego for years to swim. “I really like it here, everyone is very nice. Classes are better and there are way more electives for me to take,” said Stegemoller.

As a part of his old team, Stegemoller’s dedication and heart set him apart from the rest of his teammates. He is now a member of the Oswego Laker Swim Club which trains at SUNY Oswego. His club coach, Josh Lerch, is also now his coach on the varsity boys swim team at OHS. “Sean has become a successful swimmer because of his work ethic and commitment to the sport. He is really a different swimmer today than he was when he first came to my club team. Sean came to me a very self-motivated athlete who, since then, has done all that I’ve asked and has proven himself to be a very coachable competitor,” said Lerch.

Lerch is Stegemoller’s favorite swim coach. “He and I are always on the same page, and when he asks me to do something in practice, I just go,” said Stegemoller.

Stegemoller works hard to become a better swimmer. Between high school and club teams, he logs multiple hours in the pool every day. He lifts weights regularly and while he prefers not to run, he gets his cardio in on the bike.

Stegemoller is constantly working to better himself in the pool. “Sean’s strongest attribute would have to be his ability to self-reflect. He used to try and emulate other successful swimmers in his strokes because he thought that was the way to become the best. I think that he’s grown tremendously in that area, because now he realizes his own abilities and is constantly reflecting on his performances to try and improve. Sean realizes that he has strengths and weaknesses and seeks to improve areas that are still developing and then work even harder to further progress in areas of strength,” said Lerch.

Stegemoller’s favorite event is the 200 yard butterfly, but that event is not offered in high school competition. Since he cannot do the 200 fly, he competes in the 100. Last year, he won the sectional championship for the 100 yard fly for class B. Stegemoller also excels at freestyle and the individual medley. For the upcoming season, Stegemoller hopes to make it to states, which he missed qualifying for by mere seconds last year.

Stegemoller wants to continue swimming in college.

Right now, his top school is Canisius College in Buffalo, NY but he has not made his official decision yet. No matter where Stegemoller decides to continue his education, he will surely make a splash in collegiate swimming.

Sean Stegemoller Athlete of the Month

photo by monek cullen