December 2009

Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Volume 13 Number 3

A Day in the Life of Santa Claus Pages 8 and 9 Walking the Plank Page 7 New Moon Review Page 10 Former OHS Students Now At Prep Schools Pages 14 and 15

Photo by Monek Cullen

December 2009

Editorial

2

Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Editors-in-Chief Rachel Clark Emily DiFabio Managing Editor Caitlin Sawyer Layout Editor Kimberlyn Bailey Chief Photographer Monék Cullen Art Director Edward Wallace Business Manager Vanessa Sheffield Webmaster Kaitlyn Scanlon Sports Editor Jasmine Davis Entertainment Editor Catie Furletti Clublicity Editor Mackenzie Oatman Alumni Editor Aaron Callahan Photographer Christina Buckingham Ad Representative Dacota Kazyaka Ad Designer Hilary MacDonald Art Staff Ashley Fidler Sports Writers Brittany Ross, MaryKate Torbitt Reporters Shaughnessy Darrow, Emily Fultz, Rachel Healy, Michaela Kearns, Mary Losurdo, Faith Whitely, Kylie Wyman 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.

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.

Buccaneer Bulletin

ILLUSTRATION BY Ashley Fidler

. . .to the OHS NCA cheerleading team that traveled to Disney to participate in the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade in early December. . . .to the OHS Inc. bake sale that raised over $1,500 for the Travel Club. The Travel Club will put that money towards their trip to Barcelona this summer. . . .to Jill Doty, Sarah Miller, and Richard Mandanas for competing in the annual Double Down competition. The group won the first round. ...to the National Honor Society for their recent donations to the Human Concerns Center ($200), Humane Society of Oswego County ($100), Salvation Army ($100), and ARC ($100). ...to the OHS faculty and staff for providing ten needy families with Thanksgiving dinners and for collecting donations to provide Christmas dinners to more families. . . .to the new vibrant blue Buccaneer rug in the Media Center that adds spirit to our school.

. . . to the OHS students smoking at the backside of Leighton Elementary School before school starts. Not only is this harmful to one’s health, it is also illegal to smoke on any school grounds in New York State. . . .to the system the library uses for students to come to the library. It is not necessary to have multiple passes to go to one location (pink pass and signed pass book). It’s a hassle. . . .to the relocation of lockers that some students had to abide by. There was no need to move their lockers to decongest the hallways. The problem is the students who stand around and talk or those who stop in the middle of the hall, not the location of the lockers. . . .to the semi formal being held in the new gym for the second time. The point of a semi formal is to dress up and look nice, but being in a gym, where people usually sweat, defeats the purpose. . . .to the disrespect shown to the hall monitors. Just because they are not members of the administration does not mean students can you use profanity or show any disrespect towards them. . . .to the odor present in the music hallway (the week of November 30). It was not only distracting, but could it possibly have been hazardous?

December 2009

Editorial

3

Remember the True Holiday Spirit Christmas seems to be a time where many of us are concerned about the newest and latest gadget or the coolest new pair of shoes, but have you stopped to think about people who are less fortunate than you? There are so many things that we can do to help people besides spending hundreds of dollars on items that are just there for the moment and might not last as long as the time that you could spend volunteering at a soup kitchen, or ringing a bell for The Salvation Army.

We at The Buccaneer Bulletin think that this holiday season we should try and give back to our community and to those who are less fortunate.

There are a lot of other things that tend to get lost in the glitz and glam of the holiday season, and philanthropic deeds tend to be one of them.

So this year, try and go out of your way for your community and local people who could really use the extra help.

Also, instead of spending money on expensive gifts, try doing some things that you did when you were younger, like going sledding with friends and family, making a snowman, or creating a hand-crafted homemade gift for someone. One of

the best things about the holiday season could be spending time with family members who live far away, or the simple pleasure of spending time by a fire drinking hot chocolate.

We should stop the materialism and spend quality time with the ones closest to us. We should remember the ones who have passed and welcome both new family member and friends.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to get or give gifts to the ones who are close to you, but this year, you could possibly buy a gift for Toys for Tots, or pick a tag off a giving tree at church. There are many things that can be done this holiday season, no matter what religious beliefs you might have, to help the ones most in need.

So, this year, let’s try and remove ourselves from the hustle and bustle that usually come with the holidays and try to do something for someone else. We’ve been called the “Me Generation.” Let’s prove we’re not the self-centered individuals some people think we are.

Have a happy and safe holiday season.

Buccaneer Bulletin.

What is your favorite thing about the holidays other than giving and receiving gifts?

Troy Norton “My favorite thing about the holidays is just being with my family.”

Class of 2010

Danielle Faivus

“Christmas music, Christmas lights, and baking sugar cookies!”

Where’s the Respect for the Marching Buccaneers?

Dear Editor, As you enter the gym for PE class ,you will see a mural of sports on the wall to the left. As you observe the mural, you will see sports like swim, football, soccer, cheerleading, wrestling, track, lacrosse, tennis, and some others I might not have mentioned. But there is also an activity that is offered here at OHS that is a sport, but people don’t consider it a sport.

Marching band is a sport and it is not pictured on the mural and it really bothers me.

We Marching Bucs do a lot of physical activities that people don’t take into consideration. We either do more or the same physical activity as other athletes, color guard especially. During color guard, you’re outside in the summer day all day. We dance and do fitness activities, not to mention spin a flag. When we

learn drill on the field, we run back to our spots--and at attention. You have to have potential and confidence to be in Marching Band or color guard.

I feel like our school doesn’t support us. They don’t announce what place we get during the weekly competitions like they do every other sport. We work hard at what we do and hardly get recognized for it.

It is a shame that people call us “band geeks,” simply because we have a passion for music. Without band geeks or music nerds, we wouldn’t have the music we have today. All the bands and artists people listen to today started somewhere. I’m actually proud I’m a band geek.

Rachael Chetney Class of 2012

Dear Editor, I read the recent article in The Buccaneer Bulletin about the issue of the bomb threats. There have already been a lot of bomb threats compared to normal between OMS and OHS. I found it very interesting how you can get punished so harshly for a thing some people think as a joke. I personally really hated the bomb threats and found them to be just a waste of time, being packed into a gym and forced to sit, really isn’t any better than sitting in class. I hope that through the article that was published in the paper,

people will understand that it really isn’t a funny joke and we can learn from other people’s mistakes.

Wes Smith

Class of 2012

Class of 2012

Jake Metcalf

“My favorite is visiting my relatives from out of town and going fishing.”

Class of 2011

Bomb Threats: Let’s Learn from Mistakes of Others

Buccaneer Bulletin

Nadia Serrano

“My favorite thing about the holidays is making new memories with friends and family.”

Letters Policy

It is the policy of The Buccaneer Bulletin that letters-tothe-editor be signed. We may, however, withhold the name if the writer requests. We ask that matters of good taste be kept in mind. Letters may be edited for length or content. They may be sent to mmccrobi@oswego.org or given to any member of The Buccaneer Bulletin staff.

Class of 2013

December 2009

4

Features

Teacher’s Creations Get National Attention

By Rachel Clark Editor-in-Chief

Oswego High School art teacher Ms. Stacey Van Waldick has achieved something most people only ever dream of: she’s been acknowledged, at least indirectly, by Oprah. Van Waldick’s gem truffles, described by O Magazine as “what the well-dressed chocoholic will be flaunting this season,” were recently featured in the gift finder of the magazine’s December issue.

The recognition, which Van Waldick says she originally thought was “too good to be true,” has its roots in Van Waldick’s time in graduate school at Syracuse University. “One of my professors gave me an assignment to create a series of rings out of anything but metal,” Van Waldick said. She started out molding wax, but then began thinking that if she could mold wax into rings, maybe pouring chocolate into the molds would work as well.

The first rings were, as Van Waldick says, “crude looking.” But with some research and tweaking, Van Waldick eventually developed a product that she thought she might be able to sell. She then found a manufacturer, and her line of chocolate gems and rings went on sale in February of this year, becoming a hit around Valentine’s Day. Promise Me Chocolate, which

Buccaneer Bulletin

gained its name from a brainstorming session in which Van Waldick and her friends and family were researching slogans of different jewelers, started taking off when Van Waldick set up a booth at the summer 2009 Fancy Food Show in New York City. At the show, which draws buyers from highend department stores, magazines, restaurateurs, and other power players in the food industry, Van Waldick was approached by the creative director and the fashion editor of O Magazine.

This led to a lengthy review process, in which the chocolates had to pass through numerous jury committees.

Finally, in October, Van Waldick received a call from the magazine saying that they were “99 percent sure” that her product would be featured in the holiday issue of O. “I said I wouldn’t believe it until I saw it in print,” Van Waldick said.

Now that the magazine has hit newsstands, Van Waldick’s business is booming. She now receives several orders a day. “Everyone has been very supportive,” she stated. This does not exclude her colleagues. “I thought it was an amazing idea right from the beginning. I was so excited,” said fellow OHS art teacher Mrs. Melissa Martin.

“The thing about Ms. Van Waldick is, she’s such a perfectionist, and that

Photo by monek cullen

OHS art teacher Ms. Stacey Van Waldick shows off a box of her gem truffles. The candies were featured in O Magazine’s December issue.

spills over into these products.” In addition to the support she receives from fellow teachers, she noted that family and friends have been very helpful with completing tasks such as tying the bows on the packages, as the volume of incoming orders has made it impossible for her manufacturer to keep up with this.

The influx of orders has made it difficult for Van Waldick to think about expanding her product line at this point.

“I have a zillion ideas in my head, but right now I’m focusing on getting through the holiday season,” she said.

However, summer is usually a slower season in the chocolate industry, so Van Waldick plans to expand her line at that point when she has more free time.

She is hoping to start selling chocolate bracelets and necklaces, among other things.

When Van Waldick does have free time, she engages in a number of hobbies, especially traveling. “I love to travel,” she said, noting that she has been to Florence and Munich, among other places. She also went backpack-

ing for eight weeks across Europe with her best friend after graduating from college, visiting nine countries along the way. In addition, she goes to New York City every couple of months.

“Everyone should live in New York at some point. You have everything at your fingertips, and you meet the most interesting people,” she said. Aside from travel, Van Waldick says, “I love my puppy, and I’ve really gotten into candymaking. I do a lot of playing in the kitchen.”

Although Van Waldick mentioned that she always wanted to own a business, she also loves her job as an art teacher. “When I graduated, I worked for a jeweler. I did wax carving, designing, repairs, and benchwork, basically building things. But I felt it wasn’t very gratifying,” she said. “I wanted to do something where I could make a difference.”

On that note, she likes to use her success story to inspire students. “If I hadn’t stayed in school, none of this would have happened,” she stated.

“Anything is possible.”

December 2009

News

5

Business Experience Can’t be Found at OHS

By Vanessa Sheffield Business Manager

The high school experience is comparable to living in a bubble. For the majority, we live with our parents, and biggest concerns may be what their big plans are for the weekend. During these four years of high school, we’re able to enjoy the most freedom with the least responsibility, however when senior year comes to an end, how ready are we to tackle the real world?

Whether we chose to jump right into the work force, or continue our education at college, we want to be as prepared as possible before cutting those last ties with our parents. The fact and reality is, in a matter of years or even months, we’re going to be stepping out of our high school years and walking into adulthood where we’re accountable for our own success.

Gaining experience through business classes can offer multiple advantages from being able to handle your own finances, to giving you more experiences over your competitors in college.

This brings up the issue of what opportunities we have at Oswego High School that can give us an edge above others. Unfortunately, the answer is not too many. While striving to complete the required classes to fulfill our regents or advanced regents’ diplomas, we have some leeway to take elective courses that may interest us. One of the purposes of these classes is to get a little more background and exposure to what we plan on majoring in at college. Also, we want to learn important life skills that we can take with us as we are living and working on our own. However, unless one desires to be an English or social studies major, we may be lagging in experience for our first year of college.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, in 2006-07, the most Bachelor Degrees were conferred in business. At the Master’s Degree level, business also ranked second, behind education. This goes to show that business is a popular major at most universities. So the question must be; why does OHS only have only one business specific course? Prior to this year, we were offered none!

Oswego Inc. was introduced to the curriculum this year and has turned into an immensely popular course.

Each of the five sections of the course is composed of a CEO, president, vice presidents and managers who direct the actions of the class as a corporation. The class has been a positive addition and substitute for seniors who need to fulfill their required PIG/ECON credit. With the apparent interest OHS has shown in business, its obvious that we should have more classes to accommodate to the students and add a wider range of business electives.

Mr. Ben Richardson has taken on the arduous task of teaching all sections of the Oswego Inc. course this year. Aside from the business education that one receives in the class, Richardson said, “The students learn the ability to function within a team towards a specific objective. The class also works on their interpersonal skills.”

Richardson is strongly for the addition of more

Buccaneer Bulletin

photo by christina Buckingham

The Oswego Inc. classes recently participated in a bake sale during the fall open houses. In picture from left are OHS seniors Eric Witmer, Karly Babcock, and Mackenzie Stone-Sweeting.

business classes as well. “There are just not enough teachers, rooms, or resources for more business classes. That’s exactly why I created Oswego Inc. A wider variety of business classes would give the students more opportunities to learn outside- world information.”

Compared to schools in the area, OHS is providing a minimal number of options for those with an interest in business. Paul V. Moore High School in Central Square, only 40 minutes away, offers their students 19 full and half-year business-related courses including: Sport and Entertainment Marketing, Visual Advertising, Business Law, and College Preparation.

Along with the courses they can take in the classroom, their students have the option of taking a “Career Exploration Internship Program” in which students go to a local business and complete an internship to gain insight and firsthand knowledge of how a business operates.

Cicero- North Syracuse High School also has an array of 20 business classes, with seven teachers who are devoted to the subject. Their business classes range anywhere from Entrepreneurship to Business Team Leadership.

Although the business world isn’t cut out for everyone, skills that can be acquired from taking any one of these classes will impact students in their everyday lives. A recent Post- Standard article stated that according to surveys done by the University of Kansas, “Although most parents think it’s important to discuss personal finance with their teenagers, more than threequarters flunked when tested on their own knowledge

of personal financial management.” The article went on to state that more than half of high school seniors flunked in a test of their overall financial literacy.”

This shows alarming evidence that students need to be educated on how to deal with personal finances before they’re thrown into situations dealing with their own money. With the horrible condition that the economy has been in in recent years, financial awareness should be at the top of any senior’s priority list, as they will soon be affected by the economy in a more direct manner when the time comes to get a job on their own.

Schools in the area have accommodated and added classes that teach students in-depth about finances and accounting in classes such as Career and Financial Management, Financial Accounting, and Financial Analysis. At one point in time, OHS also gave its students the chance to prepare in for a career in business. Over time, the OHS business curriculum was phased out. Accounting 1 and 2, along with Business Mathematics was in the program studies at Oswego High School during the 1976-77 school year.

Aspiring college business major, Marissa Canale, commented that “Oswego Inc. is good, but it’s the only option that we have. I’d definitely want to take more business classes if they were offered.”

Senior Katelyn Stevens plans on majoring in photography and hospitality in college, however she still feels that there is a need for a financial class at OHS. “Next year I’m going to have to pay for my own things in college. I need more background information on how to deal with my money.”

December 2009

Clublicity

6

OHS Clubs in Full Swing This Season Engineers Club

The Engineers of Tomorrow Club, under the supervision of Mr. Bill Reeser, Oswego High School Technology teacher, meets every Thursday at 2:30 in room B2. Members are currently involved the Entergy competition, which is sponsored by Entergy’s James A. Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power plant. The project focuses on providing education and factual information on topics associated with nuclear power. According to the project’s guidelines, a team must consist of no more than five members.

Entergy provides $150 for materials and supplies to each team and the teams must not go over this amount.

The winning team will receive scholarships ranging from $150 to $1,000. Last year, a team from our own high school, The Oswego Commando Squad, won first place. For their prize, they each received a $1,000 scholarship. The team also won the Sam Walker Memorial Award, which was named after a student who participated in the competition in 2005.

If you are interested in joining this club, attend a meeting in room B2 or contact Reeser for more information.

Drama Club

For December, the Drama Club doesn’t have any planned performances, but they are in the process of planning this year’s Shakespeare competition. Participants will recite a passage of classic Shakespeare they choose themselves in front of a panel of judges. A winner is immediately chosen and goes on to compete at a regional competition in Syracuse in March.

Much like a spelling bee, the winner continues to a national competition with an all-expense paid trip to New York City, and finally on to a worldwide competition in London, England.

A date has yet to be set, but last year’s winner Tyler Spicer is already eager. He remarked, “I’m excited to do it again. It’s a good competition to participate in.”

Editors Note: The following staffers contributed to this page: K i m b e r l y n B a i l e y, C h r i s t i n a Buckingham, Rachel Clark, Emily DiFabio, Jasmine Davis, Rachel Healy, and Kylie Wyman,

Buccaneer Bulletin

Junior Class

The Class of 2011 continues to be active in fundraising and preparations for school activities such as the JV Show and prom. There is an ongoing can and bottle drive through the spring; if juniors are interested in participating, they may bring cans or bottles to Great Lakes Redemption Center. Other future events include a chicken barbecue and a lollipop sale.

The junior class also just completed a successful Gertrude Hawk fundraiser.

“We want to thank all of the juniors who participated in the Gertrude Hawk fundraiser. If we can encourage more participation, we should be able to have a great prom this year!” said junior class adviser Ms. Kimberly Oswald.

Travel Club

The Travel Club is for students who are interested in travelling to various parts of the world. This year, students are fundraising for a trip to Spain, which will be held this upcoming summer.

According to one club adviser, Mrs. Sarah Williams, the Travel Club is finishing its Tastefully Simple fundraiser. The lollipop sales are over, but the club members will begin selling again in the spring. In January, the club will start their Gertrude Hawk fundraiser in an effort to raise money for the trip.

The club meets the first Wednesday of every month in room 104 right after school to review their sales and to discuss trip details and upcoming events and fundraisers.

Photo by christina buckingham

Seniors Griffin Mervine and Lauren Nearbin prepare a chicken dinner as part of a senior class fundraiser.

Senior Class

The Class of 2010 is off to a great start this year with events and fundraising. So far, the senior class has already put on three fundraisers including the October candy sale, the chicken BBQ and its most recent event, the annual winter semi-formal on December 5.

The chicken BBQ alone raised an estimated $1,100. “Part of that money went

to the senior class, but most of it went to the kids who sold the tickets for the BBQ that are going on the senior trip to help defer their costs,” commented Ms. Tami Palmitesso, class co-adviser.

The proceeds from events and fundraisers hosted by the senior class help to pay for the One Hundred Days ‘Til Graduation Celebration as well as the Senior Trip to Disney World next semester.

Poetry Club

The Poetry Club will be having a Holiday Poetry and Presents meeting on Wednesday December 23. Members of the club will be writing their own poetry and putting it on a grab-bag.

The presents must cost fewer than five dollars for each gift. Everyone will be picking a gift and reading the short. Other people will have a chance to “steal” a gift based on the poem.

New members are always welcome, and all current club members must have their gifts in to Mrs. Patane

by December 16. The annual open mic night will be taking place on April 30, so anyone who would like to participate should start working on their poems now. You do not need to be a club member to participate.

December 2009

Walking the Plank

7

“Unofficial Dean of Students” Plunges In “Walking the Plank” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. In this month’s installment, Emily DiFabio sat down with OHS senior Michael Johnson.

Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Michael Johnson: Michael Lendard Johnson BB: What is your favorite class?

MJ: I’d probably have to say gym.

BB: What are your plans for after graduation?

MJ: I want to go into criminal justice, and hopefully become a police officer. I want to work in New York City.

BB: If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be?

MJ: Jesus, Martin Luther King, and definitely Abraham Lincoln.

BB: If you could change one thing about OHS what would it be?

MJ: Probably some of the attitudes that some people have around here especially about coming to school.

BB: Who has been your favorite teacher at OHS? MJ: Mrs. Sullivan BB: Who has most influenced your life thus far?

MJ: I’ll have to say my parents. They have always been positive about situations, and they are always behind me, and motivate me.

BB: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

MJ: My laptop, my cell phone, and my Jordan’s. I got to have my Jordan’s with me.

BB: Where is one place that you have never been that you would like to go?

MJ: Hawaii, because of the beautiful beaches and it just seems like a be nice relaxing place to free your mind.

BB: As the unofficial “dean of students” what are your duties?

MJ: To lead by example, to get to class on time, and to encourage the underclassman.

BB: Do you have anyone in mind to fill your place

Buccaneer Bulletin

after you graduate?

MJ: Joe Brown. He is going to be taking my position.

BB: What is your favorite holiday?

MJ: Christmas. It’s a time where the family gets together and we have a family day. And the gifts, the gifts are great.

BB: What’s on the top of your Christmas list?

MJ: Money; I always like money.

BB: Do you plan on buying anything with your Christmas money?

MJ: A 2009 Escalade.

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

MJ: We always eat cookies after we open our gifts.

BB: What is a littleknown fact about you?

MJ: I love food. A lot of people don’t think I like to eat, but I do.

My favorite food is Chinese.

BB: What are some extracurricular activities that you take part in?

MJ: I helped out with the volleyball team during its season. I also help with the freshman basketball team.

BB: What is your favorite movie? TV show?

MJ: My favorite movie is Madea Goes to Jail. And my TV show is the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” BB: What is your favorite sports team?

MJ: I’m a Shaq fan, so I go where ever Shaq goes, so right now it’s the Cleveland Cavaliers .

BB: Do you have a favorite childhood memory?

MJ: When I was 13 I got to meet my grandmother that I never met before.

BB: Do you have any embarrassing moments?

MJ: There was this girl I liked when I was 12 and I tried to pop a wheelie, because I always thought

that popping a wheelie was something really fun to do. So I popped a wheelie when she was watching and I ended up running into a tree.

BB: If you could be on any game show on TV, what would it be and why?

MJ: The Price is Right, I would like to win some money and I like Drew Carey.

BB: If you could have a super power what would it be?

MJ: To be invisible. I could go to places and no one would ever see me there.

BB: What are some of your hobbies?

MJ: I like to play basketball, spend time with my nieces, I have nine! I like to hang out with my friends .

BB: Where is your favorite place to go in Oswego?

MJ: The Oswego High School BB: Who is your favorite musical artist?

MJ: Kanye West BB: If you could give one piece of advice to an underclassman what would it be?

MJ: To have a photo by Monek Cullen positive attitude throughout high school and to work hard and that hard work pays off.

BB: What is one quote that you live your life by?

MJ: If your ship doesn’t come to you, swim out to it .

BB: What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

MJ: Determined. Determined to succeed, determined to be successful at everything I do.

If you know of a student or staff member you would like to see walk the plank, contact Emily DiFabio at edifabio@ oswego.org.

December 2009

8

A Day as Santa’s Helper

By Kaitlyn Scanlon Webmaster

Holiday traditions. We all have them. Whether it’s opening one present on Christmas Eve, baking a certain kind of cookie to leave out for Santa, or simply being around family, these little rituals we have are the essence of the holidays. One holiday experience almost all of us have faced is visiting Santa. One most of us haven’t experienced is being “Santa’s helper” for a day.

About two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to shadow Richard Willey, or as he’s known at the Great Northern Mall, Jolly Old St. Nick. At first, I was skeptical. I mean, if you think about it, making your kids sit on a dressed-up stranger’s lap as you force them to have their pictures taken isn’t exactly a comfortable situation for a child. Likewise, it isn’t always easy for Santa either. We had to deal with many screamers and criers during my time working as “Santa’s helper.” But don’t get me wrong, many of the little kids were adorable, and it was entertaining to see how each child reacted as he or she talked to Santa.

So, let me take you back to the day I shadowed Santa Claus. For starters, it was the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so I began my weekend morning at 8:45 a.m. UGH! I had to get to the mall by 10 for “my shift.” I found out upon arrival that “Santa’s helpers” are no longer elves. Apparently, their positions have been given to middle-aged women in aprons.

But hey, that meant I didn’t have to take on the pointyears, pointy-hat and pointy-shoe look! The dress code was black pants, black shirt and black shoes, with a work apron. I kind of missed the memo on the dress code. I got it half right.

I had black shoes and pants, but I had a gray shirt on instead.

Anyway, I got a work apron. It was green and it said, “I’m Santa Approved.” I’m pretty sure whoever came up with that slogan was the same person who thought to cancel the elves.

The day started out slowly, and for a while I was starting to think Santa was a fading trend. As I was standing in the makeshift workshop, I had nothing to do except reflect on my own humiliation and examine the surrounding stores.

H&M was behind the Santa display; Macy’s to the side and straight in front of me was a new martial arts gym.

The gym had a plasma screen television in the window that showed numerous fighters winning awards and competing in self-defense. I couldn’t help but find it amusing that I was learning how to incapacitate my opponent while Santa was talking to little kids behind me. Things started off so slowly that one of the helpers working with me had time to run to Famous Footwear and buy a pair of shoes for $12.99. Good deal. Santa also had a bit of a cough, so she was able to get him water, with extra ice, from Sbarro.

What I noticed as the day progressed was that a lot of kids are scared of Santa. Not only were there some who cried, but a lot of kids didn’t even want to come that close to Santa, or they would hide behind their mothers. My favorite thing was when toddlers came to sit on Santa’s lap. The mothers would have to put the little ones up there. The facial expressions alone were priceless. They had that, “What is going on, who is this strange man?” look. Also, to get a kid to look for pictures, “Santa’s helpers” would jingle a bell behind the camera and call the child’s name. Chris and Kathy, the two helpers I was with, even got one little girl who was afraid of Santa to be in the picture by tricking her. They gave her an ornament and told her to go give it to Santa. continued on page

Happ

11

Christmas Remake is Dazzling

By Rachel Healy Reporter

Disney’s 2009 A Christmas Carol, written and directed by Robert Zemeckis, remains true to the traditional aspects of Dickens’ story, while also portraying a modern twist with new technology and 3-D projection to entertain viewers and enhance the overall viewing experience.

A Christmas Carol has been re-written and re-produced in many different ways, by which the producers have displayed their views and interpretations of the story.

There’s the version that you see playing numerous times repeatedly on ABC Family, where it seems like the more times they air it, the closer it is to Christmas: The Muppet Christmas Carol was most likely a childhood favorite. There have been many other remakes and versions based on Dickens’ work. But, there are few remakes that stay true to the original story and understanding of the moral message that Dickens had intended

without having to modernize the film in able to relate to viewers.

Disney’s newest A Christmas Carol is filled with eye-popping scenes, amazing graphics and special effects that stimulate the senses and create a realistic scene for the viewer. You’d think that all of this new technology would hinder the effect the story has on people and stray from the original tale, but it actually stays close to the morals and values that Dickens conveyed.

The characters still have that OldEnglish accent and way of speech, and although a children’s movie, the dialogue isn’t dumbed down to be viewed from just a child’s perspective. In fact, the graphics were actually quite terrifying at points, especially to really young children; hence the PG rating.

In particular, the ghost of Marley, Scrooge’s business partner that had died on Christmas Eve many years before, comes to haunt Scrooge and warn him about his destiny if he continues to be heartless. The ghost of Marley continued on page

Buccaneer Bulletin

11

From the Staff

The Buccanee Bulletin

Photo and layout b

py Holidays

f of

er

by Kaitlyn Scanlon

Why is “Merry Christmas” Taboo?

By Shaughnessy Darrow Reporter

Why can’t I say Merry Christmas?

In December, one of the things you hear most coming from people’s mouths is the phrase “Merry Christmas!” This is an exciting time of year, and personally, one of my favorite holidays. There is so much joy at this time for families to get together. There is just an overwhelming feeling of caring and well being.

This is not the case for some people who hesitate then they say the words “Merry Christmas,” because of a debate on whether or not it is “politically correct” to say Merry Christmas. One aspect the holidays is about decorations, baked goods, Christmas specials on TV, and the big red suited guy who comes down your chimney. The other side of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of one baby boy, Jesus, who was born in a stable and placed in a manger. There is absolutely nothing wrong with either aspect of the season, but there have been some very heated discussions about the simplest of holiday greetings, “Merry Christmas.”

This is ridiculous! I am sorry if you are offended when I say “Merry Christmas.” If I say it, I’m taking time to wish you well. If that offends you just because it has the word “Christ” in it, then this is absurd. I understand completely that people have their own beliefs and opinions; I have several myself. There are plenty of faith options, but I believe our

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society sometimes is too concerned with whose feelings are going to get hurt. I’m saying “Merry Christmas;” I’m not hitting you over the head with a Bible or dragging you off to church.

I was in Wal-Mart the other day and I saw a nativity set up right next to a blow-up Santa. This is not an uncommon juxtaposition in this day and age. This is a holiday of peace and people are choosing to go out of their way to make this a big deal. Does this mean Jews cannot wish people a Happy Hanukkah? Can we no longer say Happy St. Patrick’s Day because saints are related to the Catholic religion and not everyone follows the Catholic beliefs? God is taken out of everything; some schools don’t even allow the pledge of allegiance due to the phrase “one nation under God.” I just don’t understand why no one questions an atheist’s opinion, or no one discourages a Muslim from wearing a head piece. Why does the fact that someone believes in Christ a big deal?

I love Christmas and it’s just sad to hear that people would prefer to hear “Happy Holidays” instead. We live in a world where people are always going to say things that offend people or have opinions we don’t agree with. It’s our right as American citizens to be allowed to say those things. So this year, when you’re out playing in the snow, or making Christmas cookies, or decorating, take a minute to look someone in the eye and say “Merry Christmas!”

Think Simple Gifts from the Heart

By Mackenzie Oatman Clublicity Editor

Every year, someone complains about how early Christmas paraphernalia starts appearing on store shelves.

While the Christmas spirit isn’t truly being pushed on us any earlier this year than last, there a few changes one might notice, all due to America’s economic crisis. There are also many things we can do to cut back on spending too much money this holiday season when we don’t have as much money as before.

This season, costs on some pricey items such as the Nintendo Wii, are being lowered. Wal-Mart has generated a list of toys it will be selling for only ten dollars such as Transformer action figures and Barbie Dolls, and many stores are offering layaway plans that allow you to buy pay for products in installments.

We owe these changes primarily to high unemployment rates, lower incomes, and an ongoing battle with credit for some people, all results of the economic hole America is in. Retailers see consumers in a jam and are making modifications to conform to it.

The Friday after Thanksgiving, or “Black Friday,” is well known as the first day of the traditional Christmas shopping season. On this day, stores hold sales and many expensive items are temporarily priced exceptionally low.

Some of this year’s best deals were a $200 Dell Laptop, an 88 dollar digital camera from Target, and a $248 32” HDTV from Wal-Mart.

The sales are good, but we have all heard stories about how chaotic Black Friday shopping can get. Last year, a Wal-Mart worker from Long island was trampled to death when the doors opened at 5:00 A.M. The surge of over 200 shoppers barreled over all obstacles, including 34-yearold Jdimytai Damour. These shoppers turned savage were like a scene taken straight from the Lord of the Flies, and what was it they were after? Items on sale included a $798 Samsung 50-inch Plasma HDTV, a Bissel Compact Upright Vacuum for $28 and men’s Wrangler Tough Jeans for $8.

They trampled a man to death for a TV, a vacuum, and God forbid you pass up those eight dollar jeans.

Have we been brainwashed by the media to such a point that we believe consuming is of that much importance? continued on page

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December 2009

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Entertainment

New Moon Exceeds Audience Expectations Hats off to everyone who stood in line for hours outside of the movie theater last month. It’s been an intense few weeks for all of us Twilight fans. Let’s take a step back and discuss the movie, as part of our inevitable Twilight detox.

Stephanie Meyer hit home with American girls in her saga Twilight.

When her first book became a film, the media hype exploded.

And now, the second book in the saga, New Moon, has hit theaters, making box-offices explode. Even individuals who try their best to distance themselves from all things pop-culture have an impossible time escaping the phenomenon that is Twilight.

New Moon is a tangibly fresh film and it is noticeably different from Twilight. New director Chris Weitz brings so much to the film that Twilight lacked: Colors, faces, and dialogue that are almost exactly true to the book.

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Bella Swan spent the last year of her life in the arms of her beautiful boyfriend, and vampire, Edward Cullen. At her dreaded eighteenth birthday party, things get pretty dramatic when Bella accidently gets a paper cut opening a present.

Edward sees the danger he puts Bella in by being a part of her world, and he decides to leave her. Bella is completely taken aback by this decision, and to say that she goes into a state of depression would probably be the understatement of the year. Bella gives up sanity without Edward. It’s not so much that she can’t be someone without him, as much as it is she would never want to be anything without him. Through a round-about turn of events, she discovers that by being reckless and putting her life in danger, she may be able to keep him alive and present in her head. And the cost may just be sanity.

When Bella comes up with some junk metal that kind of resembles two motorcycles, she remembers that she has a friend who is a mechanic, named Jacob Black (gasp!). The point in visiting Jacob is to get the bikes fixed so that she can get her unhealthy adrenalin fix this way.

photo cOURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES.

New Moon, the second film in the wildly popular Twilight saga, has pulled in nearly $580 million at the box office worldwide.

Jacob turns out to be Bella’s saving grace. Their friendship becomes crucial to Bella’s emotional clarity.

I hope I’m not giving away anything by mentioning that Jacob becomes a werewolf. Bella realizes that it could be possible that it all might be real, everything we’ve read about in fairytales. In the midst of finding out her best friend is a werewolf, keeping her relationship with this boy strictly “friendship,” and mending a heart broken beyond repair, Bella finds out that Edward, whom she hasn’t seen in almost a year, has run off to intentionally get himself murdered by the Volturi, who are the ones that keep the law in the world of vampires. To Bella, knowing Edward’s dead is worse than any suffering she could endure.

If Edward doesn’t exist at all, then it is like his whole presence in her life never happened.

Here is the pattern I see: people who have read New Moon will love it; people who haven’t, will hate it (probably). Regardless of whether you have read it or not, if you watch the first movie, Twilight, and then New Moon, you will undeniably agree that the quality of the moviemaking itself was much better in

the second one. In fact, it may even be fair to say that comparatively, Twilight looks more like an amateur film than a blockbuster money maker. Conscious decisions about presenting the characters, such as the eye colorations and the pallid skin, really boosted the quality of the movie in comparison to Twilight.

Also, the high-tech creations of Jacob and his brothers as werewolves were certainly impressive: they went from man to dog with the rip of a t-shirt.

These changes were much more true to the book, making the characters believable.

For those of you who have read New Moon, you will have to appreciate this movie. Whether you liked the book or not (I know the lack of Edward was really hard for some people), you won’t be able to deny how well it follows the book. The film goes almost entirely chapter by chapter, leaving out only the seemingly irrelevant day-to-day troubles that Bella endures; like not having anything to cook Charlie for dinner, or getting the stomach flu.

New Moon is deliciously captivating (in more ways than one).

Twilight fans across the universe (literally) will not be disappointed.

December 2009

Features

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A Day in the Life Helping St. Nick Dickens’ Classic continued from page

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Another thing I realized during this experience was that men, dads in particular, are too cool for Santa. A few dads would come in with their kids, but the ones who did, stayed as far away from Santa as possible. I saw numerous dads refuse to come near Santa. I must give credit to the dad who took a picture with his son. He was more excited than the child!

I also got the inside scoop about the man behind this mall Santa. Turns out he’s a retired truck driver.

He drove for 20 years and has been working as Santa for six years, at both Carousel and Great Northern malls. His favorite Christmas movie is Miracle on 34th Street, and, of course, Christmas is his favorite holiday. His second favorite is Independence Day. He celebrates the holidays with the same traditions as most: Christmas dinner, decorating the tree and the house. He has a son and a daughter, but they’re too old to get a big kick out of him being Santa.

He has seen and heard it all while playing “the big man in red.” “I’ve been asked for some really strange gifts. Kids have asked me for chainsaws, and this one kid asked me for a rifle so he could shoot people. I have also been asked for nice things, like for parents to get back together or peace on earth. My favorite part about being Santa is seeing the little kids who really enjoy it,” said Willey.

I was skeptical at first about being Santa’s helper, but it’s a nice holiday tradition, and he’s there for the kids who truly believe--not the ones who are too old or too good or who take pride in outgrowing

Santa. This moment of enlightenment enabled me to enjoy the experience more, and as cheesy as it sounds, I got to hear the stories of each of the kids who visited Santa.

Another Santa visitor who stood out was this lady who looked like she was about 40 and was in Christmas clothes. She worked at the mall. She got her picture taken with Santa to send to her young grandchildren. As she was taking the picture, some teenage girls walked by and laughed. I wanted to defend the woman, and share my enlightenment with the girls, but I didn’t say anything, because I wasn’t sure if the woman heard, or if the girls were laughing at her. But then Kathy, one of the women working with me, saw what happened, and said to me, “You’re never too old for Santa.” In that instant, I suddenly realized why she picked this job.

By the close of my shift at 1:00 p.m., I was really getting the hang of things. It turns out you can get more than just a picture. They are really hightech up there at the “North Pole,” because if you want, you can get your picture with Santa on a mug, keychain or even a mouse pad.

The helpers I was working with were extremely nice and open to me working alongside of them for the day. They treated me just like another employee at Santa’s workshop. Other than the lack of workplace gossip and the countdown ‘til quitting time, it can be said that working as Santa’s helper is just like any other job--it’s an experience where you learn and see a lot. As for me, I learned that you’re never too old to visit Santa Claus or to embrace the Christmas spirit.

A Handmade Gift is Better than a Zebra-print Snuggie Every Time continued from page

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complete article about in a previous Buccaneer Bulletin, sums a lot of this up. The twenty minute documentary that is featured on the website is definitely something every money-spending, economyboosting, commercial-watching individual should take the time to watch this holiday season. It really puts things in perspective when it comes to the way Americans spend money, and reveals shocking facts about the products we buy.

When it comes down to it, Christmas should be about happiness and being with your friends and family. Everybody knows that. Everybody also knows that with the holiday, comes a considerable amount of spending, but we don’t have to go about it the way we have been. Holiday sales are pretty convincing, but we have to look past them. That zebra printed “Snuggie” is half off? It’s a blanket with sleeves--you don’t need it!

It is no secret that the economy isn’t doing well. Money is tight for virtually everyone. My advice for people my age when it comes to Christmas gift shopping is to think small. Bowling or movie tickets are good ideas. Movie tickets don’t cost much, but will definitely be appreciated by a true friend.

There is also the ageless alternative of giving something you made from the heart. Moms especially like this. When you were five, it was the family portrait artfully drawn with crayons, then it was the construction paper tree ornaments and Popsicle stick picture frames. My mom has seen it all. When all your other options are exhausted, this one always pans out, even as you get older. Handmade crafts are always nice, and poems are the way to any grandmother’s heart.

Whichever means of “shopping” you choose, just remember to choose your gifts wisely, and from the heart.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Brought to Life

By Jim Carrey

continued from page

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Marley enters through Scrooge’s door all chained up, to represent how his soul isn’t free because of his wrong-doings in his lifetime, and tells Scrooge he is risking the same fate if he doesn’t change his ways; he’ll forever be a wandering soul. The image of Marley’s ghost had an eerie green fog emanating from its spooky body, with a low and wavering voice that made him seem even more frightening with all of this enhanced by the 3D projection, he seemed to be floating right towards the audience’s faces.

Jim Carrey perfectly interpreted the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge with his foul and snippy tone of voice, and was perfectly drawn to illustrate Scrooge’s harsh, demeaning personality with exaggerated and sharply angled features. Not only did Carrey speak the voice of Scrooge, but also the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

This movie has many positive aspects, but like most movies, has its flaws. For instance, the scene where Scrooge sits in front of his fireplace and hears creepy sounds awaiting one of the ghosts to arrive in her presence seemed to drag on. I personally zoned out during this scene, so it’s safe to assume that most young children had lost their interest too. There were even some scenes that didn’t even appear to be 3D, and I had to take off my 3D glasses to make sure I was seeing a 3D feature.

Also, some scenes and characters seemed extremely menacing and frightening to the audience, mostly consisting of small children.

During some parts of the movie I even heard some little kids scream out loud, clearly freaked out by what they were seeing. The Ghost of Christmas Yetto-Come was a terrifying character, for example, as its shadow came to life and threateningly tried to chase down Scrooge.

Another detail that I found confusing was that Tiny Tim was barely featured. Much of Dickens’ original story, as well as the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol directed by Brian Desmond and written by Noel Langly is based on this child, the child whose fate Scrooge holds in his hands because if Scrooge isn’t generous enough to give Tiny Tim’s father a raise, the child may die because his family can’t afford to make him healthy again.

Despite the weaknesses, I thought that this was a clever version of the traditional story. Although frightening to children, I enjoyed the effects and the overall production of the film. For the most part, it was entertaining and each character’s different and distinct personality gave the movie a flare of its own, without veering away from the traditional aspects of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

December 2009

Entertainment

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John Mayer’s CD Doesn’t Disappoint When someone hears the name John Mayer in conversation, one most likely imagines bluesy guitar riffs, soothing melodies and inspirational lyrics.

John Mayer has had great success in his career. He has had countless amounts of Grammy nominations and wins, he was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone in February of 2007, and he even played an instrumental version of “Human Nature” at Michael Jackson’s memorial service. To add to this list of accomplishments, Mayer’s new album Battle Studies reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. With over 286,000 copies sold, the album skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot within the first few weeks after it

was released on November 17.

According to Billboard.com, the two most downloaded tracks off of this album are “Who Says,” Mayer’s current single, and “Half Of My Heart,” a duet with teen country sensation Taylor Swift. “Who Says” has been on the charts for six weeks straight, earning the No. 17 spot on the Top 100 Chart. “Half Of My Heart”, which has only been on the chart for one week, now holds the No. 25 spot.

Mayer does not hold back his feelings when it comes to song writing. “Who Says,” although favored and praised by fans, has also been criticized because of the reference to drug use. He even begins the song by singing these lyrics: “Who says I can’t get stoned, turn off the lights and the telephone? Me in my house alone, who says I can’t get stoned?”

Although this song has been deemed controversial, it still holds a spot on the chart.

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about heartbreak or just being lonely, some lyrics can be considered inspirational. “I’m in the war of my life; I’m at the core of my life. Got no choice but to fight ‘til it’s done.

So, fight on. Fight on everyone, so fight on. Got no choice but to fight ‘til it’s done.” In these lyrics from the song “War Of My Life,” Mayer sings about hardships during life. He encourages to fight to get through them.

Like Mayer’s previous albums such as Continuum, Room For Squares, and Where The Light Is, Battle Studies is a mixture of slow pop- rock songs with soulful and inspirational songs.

Whether you enjoy John Mayer’s music or not, “Battle Studies” will not disappoint.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 also known as MW2 is on store shelves now. It was released last month. This game is action-packed all throughout the campaign mode and into the online play. MW2 is a first person shooter with an assortment of weapons.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 was released with high expectations and is extremely realistic. When games are realistic, they may not be appropriate for the younger ages. The game’s rating is M for mature. MW2 has a great campaign. To go along with that, there is a different game type called spec ops. You and a partner (if needed) can choose from an assortment of missions that include just sneaking around or trying to beat the clock in a snowmobile race. Spec Ops will give you hours of fun.

MW2 is made for X Box 360, PS3, Wii, and PC. Online game play is like no other. There are many maps for online play that go from the Arctic to an Afghan city. The difference between Mw2 and the old Call of Duty Modern Warfare is a wider choice of weapons and attachments. Some of the attachments you can get are a heartbeat sensor to an infrared scope. As many know, you need to win the attachments. Online you can gain ranks by getting experience from a wide range of methods.

Sophomores Dan Maniccia and Petey Lloyd like the game. “The tactical nuke and the plethora of options for killing enemies are the highlishts of the game,” Lloyd said.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 is an overall a great game. There are many factors that a game needs to be a good game and this one has them. All it has is a great campaign, amazing online play, new weapons, and the new spec ops. I am not a professional game rater but I would give this game a 9. This game is sure to grow on you.

December 2009

Point/Counterpoint

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Which Decade Will Reign Supreme?

By Mary Losurdo Reporter

A lot has changed in the world since the ‘90s. Detrimental events have taken place that surprised Americans and every other citizen of the globe.

From memorable Presidential bloopers to illnesses blamed on pigs, I think the past ten years have been an unfortunate shock to us all.

September 11, 2001. Ring any bells? On this fateful day in New York City, thousands of Americans lost their lives in an attack which, some say, could have been avoided. The moment defined global politics. Before this day, Americans felt reasonably secure in their own country. However, in the weeks following 9/11, these feelings were overpowered by a nationwide fear by the way the US government was handling the situation.

In March, 2003, the Bush administration decided to invade Iraq, apparently in response to 9/11 and the war on terrorism. The goal: to take down Sadam Hussein and bring democracy to Iraq. Seven years later, thousands of American lives are being taken everyday, and the country in question is almost completely divided. Good plan, guys.

When it seemed like our dreary world in politics was just too depressing to get any worse, Mother Nature seemed to have other plans.

Tsunamis and hurricanes tore through the globe at rates unfathomable, making some cities resemble something out of a Sci-Fi movie. Thousands have been killed. In December, 2004, the day after the celebration of the birth of Christ, a Tsunami hit off the Indian Ocean. Over 200,000 lives were taken in a matter of a few hours. Merry Christmas. This was a start of a terrible chain reaction. Natural disasters such as these are often blamed by some scientists on human impact. In the past decade, global temperatures have sky rocketed. Human causes such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and illegal hunting are mostly to blame, and the effects of these causes can be seen in the Earth’s oceans, atmospheres, and natural forests. Overpopulation contributes to all of these. Modern luxuries like big, fuel-guzzling cars and long-lasting computers which require ten times their weight in fossil fuels, are heating things up so fast, the Earth simply cannot keep up. One myth, believed by many world-wide, is that all of these horrific natural disasters might be Mother Nature’s way of fighting back.

September 13, 2008. On this date, unless you lived in China or Brazil, you were in an economic bind. On this date, the stock market crashed. The income for the average American family dropped over $2,500 between the years of 2000 and 2008. American views on the global economy took on a different perspective that day. By 2008, 13.2% of Americans were living below the poverty line, which is over 2% higher than from 2000. The whole nation has gone into a state of raw economic fear. The irony of this, is that it seems that in order to get us out of the global crises’ at hand, we are going to have to spend money on reversing the effects of humans on the Earth.

Even more ironic is the fact that, economists say that in order to get out of this financial rut, we have to keep spending money, to boost the economy.

Again, the American hope of order and leadership was jeopardized.

2000 – 2010 has brought the birth of iPods, flat screen TV’s, and cell phones that turn into GPS’s. It’s a shame that all these great accomplishments do nothing to help what really counts, such as help cool the sweating planet or reducing world hunger, and actually just add to the problems. In my opinion, the worldwide horrors of the past decade speak for themselves.

Maybe if we start trying harder right now, and I mean really trying, not just talking about it, come 2020, we’ll all still be alive and thriving, as Americans and citizens of the globe.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Emily DiFabio Ediitor-in-Chief

The first decade of the new millennium has given the world so many new advances in technology and medicine. Since the year 2000 the world has advanced in many ways and should be looked upon as one of the most advanced and prosperous decade in technology and medicine. It’s hard to think back to the year 2000, when some of us hadn’t even entered kindergarten, but for those who remember life in the 1990s, (or any previous decade) you could say that the changes and the way of life can’t hold a candle to the 2000s.

Ten years is a long time and the world as we knew it in the ‘90s is far behind us. Just think about the changes in communication. Now, instead of calling people on the phone, or writing a letter, we e-mail, Facebook, MySpace, text, Twitter, and Skype our friends and family members. The new technology has changed the way we communicate with people around us, and around the world.

The green technology and the green movement has become a huge aspect of many people’s lives since the turn of the century. Many of us are into the green movement, and it has changed the way millions of Americans live their lives. There have been significant advancement in solar, wind, and hydro energy, that could one day change the way we live our lives.

This decade has really been some of the best years that we have had.

Just think of where we would be if we didn’t have cell phones, iPods, digital cameras, or advanced computer technology. Everyday, millions of people in this country and even more around the world rely on these technologies to get them through the day and to keep up with the latest information. Just think of where we would be without our touch- screen cell phones, iPods and laptops that are the same size as a composition notebook. These items have become everyday household objects over the course of the past 10 years. Just think about how many of these technologies are in your home. These technologies have become so ubiquitous that it is hard to imagine what exactly our lives would be like without them. “The best thing about the new millennium has probably been the explosion of the internet. It has made the entire world more accessible. I can use a cell phone, computer, or iPod to access information on the internet at any time,” stated OHS senior Haleigh Daino.

We also cannot forget the new technology that has come right here in the Oswego City School District. Our technology programs have some of the latest software, that is available and many of the technology and art classes help prepare students for careers in fields that weren’t even heard of in the ‘90s. Where would OHS and the rest of our district be without the use of SmartBoards? These were only brought into our district a few years ago, yet many teachers in the district rely upon these boards every day.

The turn of the century also brought us many new medical advances that have, or one day will, change our lives. Just this past March, President Obama lifted the ban on research involving human stem cells. Robotic surgery has changed the way that many surgeons conduct difficult surgeries. The use of robotics can reduce the amount of bleeding and scarring of a patient.

We can’t forget the huge changes that the Untied States has had politically; we elected our first African American president, Barack Obama. “I think that Barack Obama becoming our first African American President was one of the best things that happened this decade,” stated junior Katie Chetney. Many states have passed equal marriage bills allowing gay couples to marry, while we still might have a long way to go until all 50 states allow it, this is still a move forward to becoming a more tolerant nation.

While we do not know what the next 10 years have to offer, what we can say is that the past 10 years have been a tremendous decade.

December 2009

Features

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Former Bucs Leave for Prep Schools

By MaryKate Torbitt Sportswriter

Tyler Hunt Enrolls at IMG Academies in Florida

“I can definitely get used to the warm weather,” said Tyler Hunt, a former OHS student who transferred from Oswego High School to a private boarding school in Bradenton, Florida.

Hunt attends classes at The Pendleton School, located at IMG Academies, a multi-sport education and training facility where student athletes from all over the world travel for various camps and skill training throughout the year.

Hunt attends the full-time basketball training program that runs from September to May. The weather isn’t the only change Hunt has experienced since leaving New York to go to school and train over 1,300 miles away from home. Though school policies are generally the same between Pendleton and OHS, there are several differences. He now attends class in a uniform: a pair of khaki shorts and a polo shirt bearing his school logo.

Every student at Pendleton is required to have and bring his personal laptop to all classes. Most of his tests and quizzes are taken online, papers must be submitted via internet, and homework is often completed on his personal computer. He is learning in a more intimate environment, where his smallest class consists of five students and his largest class contains 15 students. “The smaller classes make it much easier to learn the material,” Hunt stated.

“The opportunities at this school are amazing. The possibility of playing

basketball year-round in such a structured environment is very appealing,” he said. Hunt doesn’t have the daily schedule of an average public school student athlete. He practices two or three times a day during the week and every-other-day rotates between extra conditioning and weight lifting sessions. His schooling is scheduled in blocks where each class is 71 minutes long and classes are broken up into A and B days. “I go back to my room after breakfast and morning shoot-around to get ready for the day at around 7:00 am,” he said. His school day is roughly three or four classes long which brings him back to his room by 12:30 pm to relax before lunch and practice.

His season will be made up of roughly 40 regular season games, not including tournaments and camps he will attend with his team in various parts of the country such as Washington, DC and Chicago. “There are more opportunities as far as being seen on a national map instead of a local map, since we travel around for our games,” Hunt said.

Though he has a packed academic and athletic schedule, there are plenty options for Hunt to keep himself occupied. He lives in a small apartment approximately half of a mile away from the school and basketball gym.

Students can relax and socialize at the pool, recreation center, or on offcampus trips to the mall, beach or amusement park.

Hunt plans to finish his high school

photo courtesy IMG Academies

Former OHS Buc Tyler Hunt makes a move to the hoop against Stanford University-bound Dwight Powell at the IMG Basketball Academy.

career at Pendleton and IMG. “Without a doubt, I get homesick and I definitely miss family and friends so I’m not glad to be away. I miss Fajita Grill too!”

He plans to attend college to play basketball. “The college placement for

students graduating from here is really impressive. They’re very helpful when it comes to future decisions,” he said.

A number of Division 1 coaches have visited Hunt’s team during their practice since his arrival in August.

Ahern Exploring Hockey and Academic Opportunities at Prestigious Millbrook School

By Jasmine Davis Sports Editor

For fifteen year old Megan Ahern, Oswego High School was not giving her what she wanted.

Ahern, who has been playing hockey almost all of her life, wished to play at a higher level. She also wanted to be challenged more academically. Ahern and her family made a big decision when they decided to transfer her out of Oswego High School into a boarding school located in Duchess County. She is currently attending Millbrook School, where she is a “third former.” A third former is the equivalent to a ninth grader in OHS. Ahern plans on spending her next four years of schooling at Millbrook, “It’s such a great atmosphere to live in. I can see myself having a great four years here. I’m extremely appreciative of the OHS teachers who helped me with recommendations and such. I

Buccaneer Bulletin

really owe a lot to them, and it was wonderful that they helped me make this possible,” said Ahern.

The first couple of days at Millbrook for Ahern were difficult to get accustomed to because the difference between public and private school is so dramatic. But once she got into the swing of things, and she was able to learn her schedule and the campus, she said she felt like she had been there for years.

Hockey was one of the main reasons why Ahern transferred. At Millbrook, she can focus 100 percent of her energy towards the sport and challenge herself to a higher level of competition. But Ahern does not participate in hockey all year round. The school requires participation in a sport each season, so she also plays varsity soccer and softball.

The academic atmosphere at Millbrook is very different than at OHS. At Millbrook the student-toteacher ratio is 5:1, which means classes usually have

only ten students in them. “Having such small class sizes gives students the opportunity to have more individual attention and more personal teacher-student interactions,” she said.

Ahern’s mother, Darcy Ahern, had many good things to say about her daughter’s experience transferring schools. She and her husband, Kevin Ahern, are both very proud of their daughter. “It was very hard to see her head off to school, however the thought that she is one step closer to realizing her dreams, to see how happy she is, and how well she is doing makes it much easier,” said Darcy Ahern. The decision for Millbrook was obvious for the Ahern family. “People will tell you that you will feel it in your heart when it is the right school. Last Thanksgiving we went on a five state, 14-school tour, stopping briefly at each one to get a feel for the school and community.

AHERN Continued on page 15

December 2009

Sports

15

OHS Transfers Seek College Opportunities

By Brittany Ross Sportswriter

Usherwoods Chasing Their Hockey Dreams in Lake Placid

Last year, Lauren Usherwood would look outside OHS and see power lines and smoke stacks from the steam station. This year, she has a breathtaking view of the Adirondacks and Mirror Lake from the campus of Northwood Prep School.

“I’m attending Northwood in order to further my hockey career, and for new experiences,” stated Usherwood. She was a successful goalie at OHS for four years, and played for the Syracuse Stars as well.

Her dedication to hockey has been evident throughout her whole life. Although one of her main reasons for transferring to Northwood was hockey, the athletic atmosphere of the school encouraged her to participate in other sports as well. “I came to the school to play hockey, but during the fall season, I played soccer for the first time in my life. In the spring season, I will most likely be playing lacrosse,” stated Usherwood.

Northwood also offers other activities such as mountain climbing, swimming in the lake, and dodgeball tournaments.

Lauren Usherwood attends Northwood Prep with her younger sister, Leslie. Because she is now attending a prep school, there are many alterations to her daily routine that took some getting used to. From the classroom atmosphere to mandatory study halls, this prep school has numerous policies that are quite different from OHS. “There are around 175 students total for grades nine through twelve along with post graduates.

The ratio of boys to girls is somewhere around four to one,” stated Lauren Usherwood. Instead of the six day even/odd scheduling rotation that we have here at OHS, at Northwood, classes rotate on a two–week/tenday class rotation. “This makes it easier for us to stay up to date with our classes because we aren’t always missing the same ones,” explained Usherwood. Mandatory study halls every night are from 7:15 to 9:15, where students are required to complete homework assignments without distractions.

Once winter time approaches, “winter schedul-

Photo courtesy of the usherwood family

The Usherwoods prepare for an away game.

ing” begins. This consists of the regular schedule of five classes before lunchtime, however you then move to your winter sport. Whether you play hockey or participate in snowboarding or skiing, you head off to the slopes or the ice rink. “Gym classes aren’t offered, but everyone is required to play a sport or sign up for an alternative activity every season,” said Usherwood. As far as formal events are concerned, there are dances, but it’s hard to incorporate everyone’s sports’ schedule in order to plan a date where everyone has the opportunity to attend. However, unlike at OHS, there are formal dances that are held once a month.

If you’re a day student, you’re required to keep all of your class materials in your dorm, and make trips appropriately for your class schedule. “Unless you’re a day student, you don’t have a locker,” stated Usherwood.

School uniforms aren’t required, but a strict dress code is enforced. “We have to wear either a collared

shirt, button up, or polo with nice pants. These pants must be khakis, corduroys, dress pants, or something else similar,” explained Usherwood. Jeans, sweatpants, hoodies, and other casual clothing are not permitted.

Flip flops aren’t an option either; you are permitted to wear only close-toed shoes.

While regular high schoolers who attend public school live with parents or other guardians at home, if you attend a prep school, you live in dorms on campus.

Boys live in the top three floors of Main Hall, and girls who attend Northwood live in Bergahminie, a separate building. “Unless you’re an RA (Resident Assistant), you share a room with another student. Each room consists of two beds, two closets, two desks, two safes, and two dressers. Bathrooms have multiple stalls, and showers on each floor,” stated Usherwood.

Transitioning to a new school is a difficult process for some; however Usherwood didn’t have too much trouble adjusting. “The transition from schools was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I was very nervous on the first day, but after being here for only a couple of hours, I already felt very welcomed. It also helped that my sister Leslie was here with me,” said Usherwood. It was easy for Usherwood to make new friends in such a welcoming atmosphere. “You can be sitting in the living room, and people of all sorts just come to sit and socialize,” stated Usherwood.

The staff at Northwood is very much like our staff at OHS. “Teachers are friendly and caring, and it’s easy to get a hold of them for one-on-one help. The majority of the teachers live on campus, so it’s easy to form good relationships with them,” said Usherwood.

Having a great support system at home made this adjustment easier for the Usherwood sisters. “My parents come up to see Leslie and me to watch our games frequently, so I see them all the time. I miss my friends and my older sister Lindsay a lot though. I tend to get homesick when I talk to them. I also miss my dogs and all of the good food from Oswego, like Sub Shop and Fajita Grill,” she stated.

Preparation for College Outweighs Homesickness, Costs of Prep School Experience

AHERN continued from page 14

It was a couple of weeks later, at the urging of the hockey coach at Millbrook that we decided to stop at Millbrook on our way to catch a couple of games in New Hampshire. From the moment we arrived on campus the very first time she knew, and we knew that this would be her home for the next four years. It has 258 students, faculty that live on campus with their families, 11 dogs, and a zoo. It has become Meg’s second home.”

Missing their child isn’t the only cost of sending their daughter to prep school. Having Ahern attend Millbrook is approximately $45,000 a year. “Meg worked very hard in the classroom and with her athletics and was offered a package that made it very affordable for her to attend. She applied to five schools;

Buccaneer Bulletin

four of them came back with similar offers, which was nice for her to have a choice. We remember when she started to get all the offers in the mail and her calling us at work asking ‘You mean I can go!’ She was so excited, as were we,” said Darcy Ahern.

Ahern says that the hardest part about making the transition is missing her family. “I really have a close relationship with my family and friends, so it was hard leaving them, but I see my family all the time and talk to them every day. They come down for my games and on weekends, so I get to spend a lot of quality time with them. It’s also nice that we have college schedule breaks, so they are longer and more frequent. That way, I get to be home for long periods of times to just relax and be with my friends,” said Ahern.

photo courtesy of the ahern family

Megan Ahern suits up for her new school in hockey action.

December 2009

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 13 Number 3

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

December 2009

Oswego High School Athlete of the Month

T

wo seconds. Two continual seconds of your opponent’s shoulders touching the mat and that’s it. The match is done, your opponent is pinned, and you have won. Every ounce of your hard work can be determined by two seconds. Every weight you’ve lifted, every mile you’ve run, every drop of sweat you’ve produced goes towards the effort to win the match. Senior wrestler Shane Bartrum lives by the saying “hard work pays off.”

Bartrum has been wrestling since the 7th grade. He started wrestling because of his older brother, who he looked up to as a role model. When he first started, Bartrum had no idea of the success he would gain through the sport of wrestling. His coach, Mr. Kurt D’Angelo, recalled Bartrum as a novice wrestler. “He started off as a pudgy little kid with not a lot of good technique, but because of his attributes, he has become one of the top athletes in his weight class in Section III,” D’Angelo said.

Now in his sixth year of wrestling, Bartrum has tied school records, won the Section III Class AA Tournament, and was named the event’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. Bartrum placed third at the overall Division I sectionals. When looking at Bartrum’s career stats on the official CNY Wrestling website, his progress is evident. Since his freshman year, Bartrum’s win count each season has increased noticeably, including last season, his junior year, when he posted a 36-6 record.

It wasn’t ever easy for Bartrum, though. Wrestling is a sport that not only takes an enormous amount of physical strength, but also mental toughness. D’Angelo spoke highly of Bartrum’s work ethic during an interview with The Palladium Times. “The guy doesn’t stop… He’s a machine. He has a personal trainer he works out with after practice almost on a daily basis,” the coach stated. Bartrum goes to his wrestling practice that runs anywhere from two and a half to three hours, and then he works out with a personal trainer twice a week. On some days, he runs in the morning before school.

Wrestling isn’t just about working out though; another important factor of the sport is weight control and nutrition. In wrestling, the athlete’s weight determines which weight class he competes in. “Weight sucking is the hardest part of wrestling,” said Bartrum.

“Sucking” weight is the term used when a wrestler tries to lose weight to compete in a lower weight class. When it comes time for Bartrum to drop pounds, he minimizes his food intake and avoids drinking liquids, but he’s cautious not to become dehydrated or under-nourished. He also works out harder than usual.

Bartrum has set his goals high for his current season of wrestling and beyond.

With hard work, both on and off the mats, he knows they are achievable. As far as after this season, Bartrum hopes to keep wrestling in college. Right now, after a campus visit to Ithaca College, he is very interested in wrestling for the Bombers.

They are equally interested in him wrestling for them next Photo by Mary Kate torbitt season. illustration by Emily difabio

Shane Bartrum

By Jasmine Davis Sports Editor