February 2015

www.buccaneerbulletin.com

ARRRGH YOU GOING TO BE MY VALENTINE? Teen Dating Violence Page 3 Valentine’s Day Wishes Pages 8 & 9

February 2015 Volume 3 Number 4

How to Catch a Cheater Page 13

BuccaneerBulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Editorial

2

Drawing Board

Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Rachael Purtell Managing Editor Hannah Griffin Business Manager Courtney Osmun Webmaster Lisa Kanbur Chief Photographer Elizabeth Sincavage Art Director Nathan Greene Alumni Editor Amber Canbek Sports Editor Chase Pelton Clublicity Editor Morgan Haynes Layout Editor Mariya Hirna Entertainment Editor Taylor Montgomery Reporters Hannah Cali Victoria Armet Advisers Bill Reeser Heidi Conland Sheffield

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.

Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.

On the Cover: Love is in the air as senior Mark Taormina posed as Cupid at Man in the Moon, a local candy shop. This month’s cover photo was taken by Rachael Purtell.

Buccaneer Bulletin

CARTOON BY KAYLA VOLKOMER

. . . to the best come-back-from-Christmas-break-week ever! Two snow days and two two hour delays, can’t get much better than that, Bucs! . . . to the 22 students who auditioned and were accepted to participate in the OCMEA All County Band on January 16 and 17. Congratulations on your exceptional musical talent. . . . to those who performed in the OHS musical Pippin. The show was very successful and all the actors and actresses gave amazing performances. . . . to those who won prizes at the Scholastic Art Awards. Art is something that very few people excel at so we are proud of your tremendous ability. . . . to the self defense classes to be held on Thursday, February 26 and Tuesday, March 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm in the OHS gymnasium.

. . . to the cold. Although we live in Oswego and should be used to it, these incredibly low temperatures are relentless! . . . to juniors parking in senior parking. Yes, the handbook says “student parking,” but the class of 2015 waited their turn and juniors should be doing the same this year. . . . to seniors with a short day in the afternoon not being allowed to exit through the side doors. It is a long walk to senior parking in the cold and the winter conditions put students at risk of injury and illness. . . . to the bathrooms in the girls’ locker room. They smell like sewage and the wall between the two stalls closest to the pool moves back and forth as it is not attached to anything! www.buccaneerbulletin.com

February 2015

Editorial In Our View . . .

Hard-hitting facts for February Although love is in the air this month with Valentine’s Day right smack in the middle, according to www.loveisrespect.org, 1.5 million students nationwide experience physical abuse by a dating partner each year.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and we, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, believe that abuse in romantic partnerships is indeed a problem for students in high school.

According to Google, teen dating violence is defined as a pattern of actual or threatened acts of physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse perpetrated by an adolescent against a current or former dating partner.

It is necessary to focus on America’s youth when discussing this problem for several reasons. First, according to www.loveisrespect.org, girls between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence.

Second, patterns of violent behavior usually begin between the ages of 12 and 18 and the severity of partner violence is often greater the younger it is established.

Lastly, 70 percent of college students claim that they have at one point been sexually coerced into doing something they did not want to do.

We, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, hope that seeing these disturbing statistics will make people realize this is a problem among our age group.

81 percent of parents do not think that this is a problem or have admitted they do not know if it is a problem. This statistic from www.loveisrespect.org is especially troubling when one in three adolescents is a victim of some type of abuse at the hands of a dating partner. One in ten adolescents have been purposely hit, slapped, or hurt by their partner, and one in four adolescent girls have experienced physical and/or sexual abuse by their partner.

Those who experience this type of abuse are at a higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, participating in risky sexual behavior, and being a victim of further domestic violence. According to www.loveisrespect.org, teenage girls who suffer sexual abuse at the hands of a male partner are six times more likely to become pregnant and two times more likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

According to www.loveisrespect.org, only about 33 percent of those who suffer from teen dating violence will ever tell anyone about the abuse. We, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, want to reduce this number within our own community. Our own high school has several resources that students are not aware of if the need arises to talk to someone about these issues.

Mrs.Heather Robillard is our school social worker and is available every day in the Counseling Office. School social workers provide mental health

Counseling Resources

services within schools and are specially trained to meet a student’s social and emotional needs.

Ms. Erin Reilly and Mrs. Michele Hager are our school psychologists and available daily in room 206A and 208 respectively. They have expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior and use their skills to create a supportive learning environment for each and every student.

Ms. DeEtte Franz is available daily in the office next to the Math Office and sees students regarding drug or alcohol related issues. Ms. Jackie Guglielmo is available every day in the Nurse’s Office to help students who are dealing with dating violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.

Ms. Krissy Paura is our teen health educator and is available on Tuesdays to help students with a variety of issues and provides education on sexual health. Ms. Alyse Fleming is the Runaway and Homeless Youth Coordinator and is located in room 126C next to the Nurse’s Office. Any and all of the guidance counselors are also willing to help students with any issues they are facing.

This issue also receives a great deal of attention nationally and many organizations have been formed that are committed to ending domestic violence and sexual assault. The most commonly known is NO MORE and they frequently release powerful public service announcements (PSAs).

NO MORE’s most recent PSA “Speechless” features current and former NFL stars Alfred Morris, Cris Carter, Curtis Martin, Dwayne Allen, Dwight Hollier, Eli Manning, John Lynch, LaVar Arrington, Mark Herzlich, and William Gay. The PSA premiered on Thanksgiving Day and was designed to reveal how difficult it is for everyone to talk about the issue and NO MORE encourages us to “help start the conversation.”

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also a resource available to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. This hotline can be reached at 1-800799-7233; additional information and contacts can be found at www.thehotline.org.

We, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, promise ourselves, current and future partners to maintain relationships based on respect, equality, trust and honest communication. We will value our partners’ boundaries online and behind closed doors. We will never engage in any type of abuse -- physical, emotional, sexual, financial or digital.

If one of our friends experiences abuse, we pledge to help them by saying something, modeling healthy communication and connecting them to resources.

We pledge to remember, demonstrate, and promote the fact that love is respect. Go to www. loveisrespect.org to take this same pledge and take a stand against teen dating violence.

DeEtte Franz

Math Office

Drug and Alcohol Counseling 341-2263

3

What’s Your Opinion?

“Do you think that teen dating violence is a problem in today’s society?”

Natahley Babcock Senior

“Yes, I definitely do think it’s a problem because of the way our society is and the way some people are raised.”

Jordan Crapser Junior

“Yeah, it’s a problem but I don’t see it because I’ve never been in an abusive relationship. It’s there but it’s hidden very well.”

Emily Purce Sophomore

“Yes, because I have close friends that it’s happened to and I’ve been told about it.”

Derek Fitzsimmons Freshman

“Yes, you should treat each other with respect in a relationship.”

Mr. Bill Noun

Assisted Learning Center

“I think it is a problem. Guys don’t really know how to treat girls like ladies and some girls don’t really treat guys like gentlemen.”

Heather Robillard

Guidance

Jackie Guglielmo

Nurse’s Office

Mrs. Patricia Shene

Erin Reilly

Room 206A

Krissy Paura

Room 182

Michele Hager

Room 208

Alyse Fleming

Room 126C

“I would guess yes.

Although, I don’t have a great deal of firsthand information.”

School Social Worker School Psychologist School Psychologist

Buccaneer Bulletin

341-2269 341-2240 341-2239

STEP Project

Teen Health Educator

341-2242 341-2200

Language Teacher

Runaway/Homeless Youth Coordinator 341-2200 www.buccaneerbulletin.com

February 2015

News

4

Controversial comedy causes catastrophe between countries

By Hannah Griffin Managing Editor

The Interview, directed by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, starring Rogen and his long time co-star and friend of 15 years, James Franco, was released December 25, 2014, after a wild series of events involving North Korea and the United States.

The Interview is a comedy based on a celebrity tabloid show called “Skylark Tonight” which featured Dave Skylark (Franco) and producer Aaron Rapoport (Rogen). When they score an interview with the notorious dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, who is also a “Skylark Tonight” super-fan, they are asked to assassinate Jong-un by the Central Intelligence Agency.

In response to this movie, a group, who called themselves Guardians of Peace, hacked Sony Pictures Entertainment on November 24, which resulted in the online leak of unreleased movies such as The Interview as well as personal information and company e-mails.

It was confirmed by the United States government that North Korea

was behind this cyber attack. On filmmakers like and think is interesting announced that the film would be December 16, something sinister began as audience members as well,” Rogen released, although no details were to unfold. The Guardians of Peace said. given. sent a message to the U.S. threatening Some people felt the movie would The next day, North Korea’s theaters who released The Interview not have such an impact if Kim JongInternet was completely shut down with 9/11-type attacks. un’s name had been changed. for about 10 hours, and although the Although the Department of In response, Rogen said, “We United States was blamed, it would take Homeland Security said there was no thought, ‘Whose feelings are we trying months to decode who was responsible credible reason to for the cyber attack. believe the plots On December 25, The Interview were true and active, “...we wanted to make a movie was released and could be purchased many theaters that had one foot in reality. That’s or rented on Google Play, YouTube, announced they PlayStation, and was available something we as filmmakers like Xbox, would be pulling on Movies On Demand. It was also the movie from their and think is interesting as audience released in some theaters. lineup.

The actors rejoiced, tweeted members as well.”

In an interview “Thank you, Sony!” and encouraged Seth Rogen people to watch the movie. with Stephen Co-director of The Interview Colbert, host of North Korean officials released CBS’s satirical a statement after the release of The Late Show, Rogen Interview saying Obama was the responded to the disturbance The to spare by doing that? Kim Jong-Un?’” “chief culprit,” and forced Sony to Interview caused acknowledging that he On December 17, Sony Pictures “indiscriminately distribute” the film assumed it would upset North Koreans. announced the film would not be according to the International Business “We did not think they would love released on Christmas Day at all.

Times. the concept of the movie to be totally President Obama, however, said he No serious threats have been made honest, but more than anything we believed Sony made a mistake in since the release of the movie. The wanted to make a movie that had one pulling the film.

Interview is currently available on foot in reality. That’s something we as On December 21, Sony’s lawyer DVD.

Allegations of misconduct surround comedian Bill Cosby

By Lisa Kanbur Webmaster

Bill Cosby, the actor who portrayed the comedic and fun-loving patriarch on The Cosby Show, faced recent allegations accusing him of drugging and sexually assaulting young women who had turned to him for career guidance.

Although Cosby, age 77, has denied most of the accusations made, the events have affected his reputation.

William Henry Cosby is most known as a standup comedian, actor, author, and activist. Cosby got his start in San Francisco where he landed a starring role in the 1960’s show I Spy. Cosby produced and starred in The Cosby Show which aired from 1984 to 1992 and was rated the number one show in America for five years.

These recent accusations seem to have dominated over everything he did in the past and his many accomplishments. At least 23 women have spoken out against Cosby, and the world has witnessed another side of him.

The women who accused Cosby of sexual assault and drugging have made their stories known using various media outlets.

One of the women speaking out against Cosby was Beverly Johnson. Johnson made a name for herself in the modeling world in the 1970’s as she was the first black woman to appear on the cover of American Vogue.

However, years later when she went through a divorce and wanted to find relief from being a model in the acting world, her agent received a call that Cosby wanted her to audition for The Cosby Show. In an interview with CNN, Johnson said that Cosby was very helpful in their initial meetings when she visited him with her daughter.

When she went back alone a few days later, she said that Cosby was quite insistent that she drink a cappuccino he made for her.

“After that second sip, I knew I had been drugged,” Johnson said.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Johnson said she confronted Cosby. When asked why she didn’t go public with her story sooner, Johnson stated that she felt ashamed about telling people and felt that Cosby was “a powerful man in an industry she would have liked to be a part of,” according to an interview with CNN. She also wanted to support her longtime friend, Janice Dickinson, who said Cosby sexually assaulted her in 1982.

Regarding Johnson’s accusation, Cosby’s agent did not immediately call back to make a comment, so this raised people’s suspicions everywhere.

Another person came forward in November.

Frank Scotti was an employee of NBC when Cosby was hugely popular on network television. Scotti decided to share his story just as the sexual abuse allegations against Cosby began to gain momentum.

“I felt sorry for the women,” he told The News.

Scotti accused the comedian of paying off the women he had sexual relations with.

Cosby used Scotti to deliver monthly payouts to eight different women between 1989 and 1990.

Included in this group of women was Shawn Thompson, whose daughter, Autumn Jackson, claimed the actor was her father. Cosby denied being her father but paid out more than $100,000 to Thompson over the years after their affair began in 1974 according to www.nydailynews.com.

Scotti told The News that he believed Cosby was having relations with the women he sent money to.

“Why else would he be sending money? He was sending these women $2,000 a month. What else could I think?” Scotti said.

Despite the accusations and women who have spoken out against Cosby, others have defended him.

His former co-star on The Cosby Show, Phylicia Rashad spoke to ABC in an interview on January 7.

“We’re talking about a legacy that introduced and portrayed American culture in its diversity. It’s difficult for me to watch this legacy be erased as if it never happened. When I heard about the allegations, I immediately thought, ‘Hmmm. Someone has a vested interest in preventing Mr. Cosby’s return to network www.buccaneerbulletin.com

television,’” Rashad said.

Cosby’s fellow co-stars also defended the comedian.

Keshia Knight-Pulliam, who played his younger daughter on The Cosby Show, said, “I can only speak to the great man I know and love, who has been so generous, who has been such a philanthropist and giving back millions of dollars to education and schools. And just the man I grew up knowing. It’s really not my place to speak on that. Unfortunately, in the court of public opinion, everyone has formed their own opinion, but we’re still in America, and you’re innocent until proven guilty of any crimes.”

Comedian Faizon Love faced criticism in November after he went on a Twitter rampage, calling the people who believed the accusers crude and vulgar names. Other people have taken to Twitter as well to voice their idea that the controversy surrounding Cosby is to draw attention away from the media buzz of the killing of Michael Brown by a Ferguson, Missouri, police officer.

Steve Netta, a stand-up comedian, posted a tweet which stated, “Dear Bill Cosby, Thank you! Love, Ferguson PD.” At recent live performance in Canada, Cosby received a standing ovation despite protesters outside the venue. His show in Kitchener, Ontario, was the first of a three date tour in Canada. Approximately a dozen protesters gathered outside the venue and displayed signs that said, “Rape is no joke.”

Other ticket holders said they would boycott the performance. Fans who attended the show told reporters from the British Broadcasting Corporation that they were doubtful of the accusations.

“Innocent until proven guilty. I’m hoping it’s not true and until I know otherwise, I love him to death,” said a fan according to www.nydailynews.com.

Cosby has denied these sexual assault allegations, however, there are many people who believe the accusations made by more than 20 women. Cosby has refused to comment on the situation.

February 2015

News

5

NYPD officers are in danger after Garner and Brown and Liu. Liu’s funeral took Oswego High School and the place on January 4. rest of the nation are talking about Friends and family the death of two New York Police members gave speeches Department officers who were shot to and talked of the kindness death by Ismaaiyl Brinsley, a vengeful in Liu’s heart. Memories gang member in Brooklyn, New York, included Liu in his high at 3:00 p.m. on December 20 and school years when he another case that happened January 5 would stop playing when two more NYPD officers were basketball with his friends severely wounded when responding to to buy groceries and cook a robbery. dinner for his parents.

Before the assassination of the When Mayor de two NYPD officers, Rafael Ramos Blasio gave his speech in and Wenjian Liu on December remembrance of the fallen 20, Brinsley, the executioner, officer, hundreds of police bragged about his plans online. officers turned their backs Alongside a picture of the murder to him in defiance, despite weapon, Brinsley used the hashtags, the warning not to issued ShootThePolice, RIPEricGarner,

by NYPD Commissioner and RIPMikeBrown. Brinsley also William Bratton. wounded his girlfriend with a gunshot, Due to Brinsley’s which he boasted about before motives and his pursuing the police officers. explanation why he killed Brown and Garner were both the officers, some people cases in which a police officer killed say that the killing of the an African American man. Both officers was justified. cases have caused controversy due to Other people know that both of the police officers not being the cases of Garner and penalized for the shooting. People Brown were separate and PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES have claimed that the court’s decision Liu and Ramos should not Ramos and Liu were rushed to the hospital after being shot by Brinsley. Both officers on the cases of Brown and Garner have paid with their lives looked as if they were struggling when on the ground bystanders stated. The two shots were based on race and not fact, for those who were lost. were fatal and the officers died shortly after. favoring the white officers.

Mr. Mark Fierro, a Mr. Michael Wilson, a security history and psychology Mrs. Anne Babcock, a social the officer, Daniel Pantaleo, who officer at OHS stated, “All death is teacher at OHS, stated, “It’s tragic studies teacher at OHS, stated, strangled Eric Garner after he resisted tragic, but to assassinate two police and certainly not justified. It’s a very “This is a tricky and difficult arrest for selling “loosies.” Loosies officers who weren’t involved in complex issue with many sides.” subject to address. Of course there are single cigarettes from packs either situation only makes the streets On January 5, another situation are instances of racism involving without tax stamps. more dangerous to those of us who are arose. Two NYPD officers were shot police and minorities, but we can’t Wilson also stated, “Most people just trying to live a happy life. Police at while responding to the robbery assume all shootings, arrests, etc. who get into police work don’t do it are charged with the task of making of a grocery store in the Bronx. One are unwarranted, nor can we assume for the paycheck, they do it because split second life and death decisions, officer was shot in the arm and the all are justifiable. I don’t see the it’s a vocation that called to them, many times only being able to rely lower back while the other officer police and minority problem as a war maybe to make a difference for on the stories provided and their was shot in the arm and chest. The so much as a series of battles with the good in their own community. own judgment in any given situation officers’ names were not released and individual causes, agendas, motives, They go to work every day with the and the results can have drastic are now in rehabilitation. and outcomes.” burden of knowing they may never ramifications.”

In the cases of come home again. If you’re ever New York City “If you’re ever involved with the police, comply Brown and Martin, involved with the police, comply Mayor de Blasio no one but the with what they ask of you. It’s that gave an emotional with what they ask of you. It’s that simple.” officers themselves simple. Doing so almost certainly speech after the Mr. Michael Wilson could tell what would have prevented the deaths death of Ramos happened. Both of Brown and Garner as well as the OHS Security Officer and Liu and told of the officers deaths of the NYPD officers and the the citizens that described a havoc caused during the protests.” police officers are here to protect, not The two perpetrators, Jason struggle with the victims while the In reaction to the jury’s decision, to commit acts of violence on African Palanco and Joshua Kemp, have been officers were trying to arrest them.

NYPD Commisioner Bratton ordered Americans. Before this speech, de arrested. Palanco was charged with The death of Martin was considered a a review of how much force an officer Blasio was threatened for his unity attempted murder on a police officer, self-defense act. can place on a suspect and the proper with anti-cop protestors. attempted murder, robbery, assault Babcock stated, “I try to put procedures.

NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton and criminal possession of a weapon. myself in the shoes of a police officer After the assassination of the two said the assassination came with no Kemp was charged with robbery, who thinks he or she is in danger officers, the number of arrests in NYC warning. The only warning about grand larceny, criminal possession of and can only imagine what my has decreased. NYPD officials have the crime came too late at 2:45 p.m., a weapon and criminal possession of response to such a situation would mandated that on regular calls such as just minutes before the officers were stolen property. be. We all like to think we would be burglary and alarms, there should be killed. This warning took the form of There has been debate over this cool-headed and defuse any and all two police cars instead of one at the a wanted flyer for Brinsley, who was so-called “race war.” After the Brown potential altercations, but I believe the scene for a safety precaution. a lifelong criminal and was under the and Garner cases, officers, and the reality would be different than what With the new trending hash tag Baltimore County radar after his posts American government were deemed we imagine. I am not the one out on #CopsLivesMatter and Bratton’s order about killing NYPD cops. racist. When the NYPD officers were the front lines trying to keep order for review, efforts are being made In a speech, the President killed and wounded, perspectives in an environment of hostility and to protect our officers and to let the Barack Obama said that there was started to change. People believed that resentment.” public rest knowing that officers are “no justification” for the actions the it was no longer a matter of race but Students at OHS were shocked by well trained and understand what they perpetrator committed against Ramos the decision of the court. the grand jury’s decision not to charge are doing.

By Amber Canbek Alumni Editor

Buccaneer Bulletin

www.buccaneerbulletin.com

February 2015

Features

6

STEP advocate preaches trust and prevents violence

By Courtney Osmun Business Manager

Oswego High School welcomed a brand new member to the high school staff this year. STEP advocate Jackie Guglielmo, is located in the Nurses’ Office and provides a multitude of resources for students.

Guglielmo works with students on issues such as domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. She provides a comfortable environment for students to speak about their issues and can provide access to additional help if needed.

Guglielmo has worked with STEP for about a year.

“I love working with teens, my degree is in psychology and I always knew I wanted to work in a helping field,” said Guglielmo.

STEP is a domestic violence program working with youth in Oswego County school districts.

STEP provides services for Fulton, Hannibal, and Oswego High Schools.

Guglielmo presents a great deal of resources for students dealing with these matters. Within the school she provides advocacy through administrators and teachers

and provides emotional support for students.

Public support can also be provided outside the school through the police, Family Court, and Oswego Hospital. A safety shelter is available through STEP. There is a 24 hour hotline, 342-1600, which students can access any time they are in need of help.

One of the many issues Guglielmo deals with is teen dating violence, which is an immense issue among OHS students. According to a survey conducted in the school, 38 percent of OHS students have known someone who was abused or have witnessed abuse. Six percent admitted to having dating violence happen to them and someone they knew. 27 percent of OHS students know someone who has been stalked, and eight percent admitted to having been stalked. Four percent of students admitted to not knowing what teen dating violence is.

Many young adults are unaware of the signs of teen dating violence. The effects of the violence lie much deeper than the physical bruises and scarring and begin much sooner. Many young adults have a false idea about what a good relationship entails. Many find

their partner’s frequent text messages, continuous calls, their sudden interest in their whereabouts and their choice of dress, and isolation from their friends and family an act of love and a perfect example of a cute relationship.

They are completely blind to the fact that these are the signs of an abusive relationship.

The longer these behaviors are allowed to continue, the worse the relationship can grow. These behaviors can lead to physical abuse and serious harm to a partner.

In extreme cases, these abusive relationships can lead to death.

Although these relationships are impossible to avoid, Guglielmo encourages students to be aware of warning signs.

“Be educated and take advantage of resources in the school. Have open relationships with parents, teachers, and friends, and counselors so you always have someone to talk to,” Guglielmo stated.

It is important to realize that teen dating violence cannot be easily prevented. Someone who is abusive will continue to be abusive. Even after leaving an abusive relationship, the abuser will simply carry their

unhealthy habits into their next relationship. It is important to be educated and use the available resources in the school. If people are more educated about dating violence, the rate can eventually be lowered.

Guglielmo is a great resource in our school. Students experiencing these problems should not hesitate to visit her.

Students speaking with Guglielmo sign a release form keeping everything between Guglielmo and the student completely confidential. Guglielmo cannot contact parents without the student’s consent. In fact, Guglielmo cannot contact anyone without the consent of the student, so students can simply use her as someone to talk to about their issues without pursuing outside involvement in the matter.

Guglielmo encourages students to talk to her about their issues and know she is a trusted adult in the building.

“I want to be that go to person for students who are going through this and be a trusted person to work with.

I want them to know I am someone to talk to about the problems they are going through and for them to know that it isn’t their fault,” said Guglielmo.

Returning coach inspires team on and off the court

By Elizabeth Sincavage Chief Photographer

The girls’ junior varsity basketball team was led by a new coach this season, Ms. Megan Daley. The girls quickly took to her coaching and were able to learn from her and improve. The team has currently won six out of their seven games, and won a holiday tournament at Fabius-Pompey.

Daley is excited to be back at Oswego High School coaching once again.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to get me back into things,” she said.

Daley seems to have improved the athletes’ attitudes about both the team’s practices and games.

“We have a lot more fun at practice and every player gets lots of playing time. She makes us excited and can get us into the game with her enthusiasm,” said Madison Rahn, a sophomore on the team.

Daley said, “The team works hard each day at practice, which translates to the games. This is a team that is resilient and relentless in every game, which is what any coach would ask of their players.”

All of the players started the season with a clean slate; none of them had ever worked with Daley before.

“She is new to all of us. This is her first year back after coaching the junior varsity team seven years ago. She makes us all laugh and smile and is very well educated about the game. She is confident in all of the players and gives equal attention to each of us.

She is absolutely amazing,” said OHS freshman Grace Bruns.

While most of the girls have been playing basketball since elementary school, they have learned tremendously from Daley.

“She showed us new drills that help our offense and defense,” said OHS freshman Mariah Galletta.

The team this year is very close as most of

Buccaneer Bulletin

them have been playing basketball together since they were younger.

“I am looking forward to continue having great success on and off the court.

Also, keeping it drama free.

Drama and tension can break down the players and eventually the entire team,” said Bruns.

Having a close knit team is very important, which is why many PHOTO BY RACHAEL PURTELL teams spend time Pictured above, OHS freshman Grace Bruns drives by a Nottingham defender as on team bonding. Coach Daley cheers from the sidelines on the home court earlier this season.

Communication between players work hard, but we also have fun while doing it,” said is crucial if OHS freshman Breeanna Race. a team wants to be successful. Drama creates a The JV girls’ basketball team has had a very communication barrier, which makes playing the game successful season so far, but they have some tough harder than it has to be. Daley has brought a positive games ahead of them. and comfortable environment for all of the girls, “I’ve really enjoyed coaching this group so far which has contributed to the drama free environment and I hope we can continue to have success during the on the team. second half of the season,” said Daley.

“We are almost like a family. We all get along, we www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com

February 2015

Point/Counter-Point

7

Is the Sports Code of Conduct followed or effective?

The athletes who honor the code of conduct heavily outnumber those who do not.

Many students feel that athletes are treated differently in disciplinary situations.

By Taylor Montgomery

By Hannah Cali

All Oswego High School athletes must sign the Athletic Code of Conduct in order to play a sport. Whether the student athlete signed their name because they felt it was right or if they signed because they had no other choice, they surely signed one.

“We are familiar with the contents, and further that we agree to be bound by the terms and conditions contained therein, all as a condition of participation by the student/athlete on a school athletic team.” Every OHS student athlete signed their name after these very words in the OHS Athletic Handbook.

While there are many opinions about the code of conduct and its usefulness, OHS athletes are obligated to follow it. Each year new student athletes sign the conduct to play on junior varsity or varsity teams and do not generally question its contents. That is because students find it beneficial to their team and choose to follow it to protect one another.

No matter what the reason may be, athletes at OHS follow this code. Some students choose to obey the rules of the conduct because they believe in the code and follow the guidelines all year round. However, there are other athletes who only follow the code when they are bound by it during an athletic season. They do not do things that they might do if they were not playing a sport such as violating school rules, getting into a fight, or drinking at a party.

The fact that some athletes only behave themselves and act in a proper manner during a season has many people begging the question, why isn’t the code of conduct enforced all year? That is answered simply; an athlete’s rights need to be protected just as much as any other student. Trying to bind athletes to these conditions all school year long would only lead to the conduct being breached far more often.

Furthermore, if athletes are bound by these conditions year round, then it would need to be considered that other school groups should be bound by them as well. If sports teams are faced with these conditions, then so should band, chorus, art groups and other various organizations at OHS. The enforcement of rules among groups should be fair.

When people read this they will likely think of examples of OHS athletes breaking the Sports Code of Conduct, and the article in opposition to this point of view will share such examples.

It is easy to pick out the few people who have made mistakes and broken the rules of the code of conduct. It is also easy to say that no one follows the code of conduct and that it is useless.

But, do those few people who made some mistakes really represent the rest of the athletes who obey these expectations all season long or all year long for that matter? No, they certainly do not.

While people who have broken the code of conduct become well known, the majority who do respect the code and follow it are not publicized. If they were all recognized for their loyalty to their team and their obedience to the code, the majority of OHS student athletes would need to be acknowledged. However, people do not find obedience of the code newsworthy. People do pay attention to publicity of code breachers.

OHS physical education teacher and former coach, Mr. Brian Parrotte, spoke on the topic. He believes that the Sports Code of Conduct can be a very useful tool if the team is willing to commit to it and work together.

Parrotte said, “The code of conduct is only as good as the parent’s morality.”

In other words, if the parents are willing to lie for their children and tell them that their wrong actions are okay, then the code will not be effective.

Student athletes should be recognized for their accomplishments and love of the game, not scolded for their rare mistakes. In fact, many student athletes earn a higher GPA than students who do not play sports, especially when they are participating and forced to budget their time. This is something that students are rewarded for and rightfully so. These accomplishments, along with all of their hard work and time spent pushing themselves for the betterment of the team, should be respected.

Athletes are meant to be good examples of clean cut, well rounded, healthy, strong individuals. However, is the Sports Code of Conduct enforced for all athletes?

The OHS Sports Code of Conduct states that students will not use tobacco, drink alcohol, use drugs, commit crimes, have parties where illegal substances or alcohol are present, or use steroids. Additionally students will maintain good grades and behavior in school according to the code.

Oswego High School physical education teacher Mr. Brian Parrotte said, “If they don’t commit to the group, a piece of paper means nothing. After all, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”

A former varsity football player from the class of 2011 who wished to remain anonymous said, “We had an athlete that was smoking pot and he was one of our top players so he was treated differently than if any other student was caught. It was glazed over and he got away with it.”

He also stated, “A teammate struggled academically and we had a certain criteria that if you weren’t doing well in school you couldn’t play, again same scenario it was glazed over.”

This former student claimed that over looked violations of the code of conduct were especially bad his senior year.

Another anonymous student who does not participate in varsity athletics feels that athletes are favored because they are more involved in school through their sports participation.

The student feels that some of the star athletes get special treatment when it comes to certain things, while athletes who are not recognized as much or are not the star players do not get the special treatment.

OHS English as Second Language teacher Mrs. Kari Free firmly believes in the Sports Code of Conduct and enforces it. She has students who play sports and those who do not in her classes. She said she does not treat athletes any differently than her other students.

She stated, “I would try to help them figure out a way to balance both school and sports if there was an issue.”

OHS parent Ms. Janette Vincent stated she has not seen her sons treated any differently because they are athletes.

Both her boys are still expected to do all the same things as other students and even behave better because they do not want to be removed from teams.

She stated, “In theory the Sports Code of Conduct is great but it is only as good as those who enforce it.”

Some students are aware of at least one experience where they feel that a student was treated differently because he or she was an athlete. This is a problem that has always been around, and it is not going to go away anytime soon.

Opinions are split down the middle. Generally, students believe that athletes are treated differently. However, parents and administration believe that athletes are treated equally and that is why the OHS Sports Code of Conduct exists.

Reporter

Entertainment Editor

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Editor’s note: “Point/Counter-Point” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin to debate issues here at OHS. If you have any issues or concerns that you would like to see discussed here, contact Rachael Purtell at rpurtell@oswego.org.

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February 2015

Happy Vale

8

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARIYA HIRNA

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Visit us on the web at www.b

entine’s Day!

9

To the love of my life,

Ryan Galvin you are my one and only.

From Dylan ♥ Logan and Morgan,

You are pleasant, stay beautiful!

Love Sydney Sam Spaulding,

I’ll love you until the day I die. ~Bae Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you!

Have a fun and loving day.

~Destiney Richards

Dear Teyler Cookie,

All my loves and affections. ~Jordan Runner

Haley Horn,

Today is after our fifth month together. I love you and I wanted to say Happy Valentine’s Day love!

Dear Logan,

I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day. Love Nate

Dear Libby,

Happy Valentine’s Day, I love you.

~Rohan Jacobs Danica,

You are a wonderful person to be around. You have been blessed with many gifts and I hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Dear Morgan,

You are beautiful. I love you.

From your secret admirer Happy Valentine’s Day Celia!

Love Avalanche :)

To Lauren Boshart,

I paided a dollar for you <3

~Raphah Dear Melanie,

Thank you for being the most fantastic friend ever. You’re the best pet fish I’ve ever had. Happy Valentine’s Day little guppie.

Love Carrie Yurkon

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February 2015

10

Artist of the Month

Marching Buccaneer twirls her way to San Antonio

By Courtney Osmun Business Manager

February’s Artist of the Month, Bowl.

Kylie Pelkey, is easily recognized “It’s a long process of viewing performing on Oswego High School’s thousands of videos, looking at grades, Wilber Field with the Oswego and unique qualities from senior boys Marching Band. Pelkey’s famous and girls all over the country trying flag twirling led her to perform at a out for flag and/or rifle,” stated Pelkey. bigger venue last month when she She was completely mindblown by performed in San Antonio, Texas at her selection and could not believe that the Alamodome for the U.S. Army All- she was selected over the thousands American Bowl. who auditioned.

Pelkey began performing with the Performing in San Antonio with Oswego Marching Buccaneers five the best in the country was a humbling years ago. experience for She grew up Pelkey. around the She stated, marching “It was the best band and experience of my knew she life. I got to work belonged on with 101 of the the field, flag best high school in hand. senior band students “I lived and 23 of the best with a foster high school senior family for guardsmen in the about ten country.” years and Among I consider the things she them my learned during her real family experience in San as opposed Antonio, one piece to my birth of advice really family, but stuck with Pelkey. my foster “The best parents had message I learned PHOTO COURTESY OF OSWEGO MARCHING two sons in there was, ‘Be BUCCANEERS the marching humble, be hungry,’ band, so I would go to their practices which means don’t think you’re better with my mom and the color guard than anyone else and always be willing really drew me in and I knew I wanted to learn,” she said. to do it,” stated Pelkey.

Her years with the color guard Since then, Pelkey has become have proven to be beneficial for a crucial member of the Marching Pelkey. She encourages students to be Buccaneers’ Color Guard. active in the OHS music program.

Over the years, Pelkey has “I absolutely encourage people grown to love her time as a Marching to get involved. We have one of the Buccaneer. best music programs in the state! And She said,“I love working with my marching band may not be one of the guard and working with the amazing ‘cool’ things to do, but it’s proven band kids. Everyone in the marching that learning to play music expands

Marching Buccaneer was when they went to see The Blue Man Group in New York City during the 2012 marching band trip.

Pelkey performs with the school’s Winter Guard during the marching band’s off season. Pelkey also showcases her cosmetology talent by doing hair and makeup for Drama Club productions.

“I like making people feel good about themselves and making them feel happy about how they look,” she said.

Pelkey performed at the Junior Variety Show the past few years singing and playing guitar. Pelkey has played guitar for almost five years and picked up the ukelele last year. Pelkey revels in her time on the JV Show stage.

“I like sharing talents and trying to express them on a level where some people can feel what I’m doing.”

As a senior at OHS, Pelkey has plans after graduation. She hopes to go to Hudson Valley for mortuary science, the study of deceased bodies through mortuary work.

“It’s an interesting field that not many people want to go into.

I want to give families peace of mind about their loved ones,” stated Pelkey.

Pelkey plans to continue music after graduation but is unsure if continuing guard is a possibility for her since drum corps can be expensive and time consuming.

Pelkey is a talented student at OHS who showcased her talents and represented Oswego High School at a national level.

She continues to shine in activities at OHS. Pelkey has a bright future ahead and her talents will continue to grow in everything she pursues.

“I absolutely encourage people to get involved.

We have one of the best music programs in the state! And marching band may not be one of the ‘cool’ things to do, but it’s proven that learning to play music expands the mind to different boundaries.”

Kylie Pelkey

band is talented beyond belief, especially in things outside of the activity.”

In July, Pelkey found out she was selected to perform with the color guard at the U.S. Army All-American

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the mind to different boundaries.

The guard learns how to express that music, so their minds are expanding too by learning to truly feel the music and how to interpret it.”

Pelkey’s favorite memory as a

PHOTO COURTESY OF KYLIE PELKEY

Pictured above is Kylie Pelkey in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas where she performed for the U.S. Army All American Bowl January 3, 2015.

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February 2015

Walking the Plank

11

Outgoing junior inspired by those around him

By Elizabeth Sincavage

BB: What is something that most people do not know about you?

JS: I think everything in life has a purpose.

Chief Photograhper

Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Josh Simmons: Josh Christopher Simmons.

BB: What is your favorite color?

JS: Blue.

BB: How old are you?

JS: 16.

BB: Do you have any pets?

JS: Yeah, two dogs and a cat.

BB: What grade are you in?

JS: I’m a junior.

BB: What is your biggest accomplishment?

JS: Teaching myself guitar because most people take lessons for it.

Teaching yourself is so much harder.

BB: How long have you been snowboarding and playing guitar?

JS: I’ve been snowboarding for four years and I have been playing guitar for almost two years.

BB: What is your favorite subject?

JS: My favorite subject is math but Mr. Phaneuf is my favorite teacher.

BB: Did anything or anyone inspire you to start either?

JS: Actually, Matt Spaulding, a good friend. The only reason I started snowboarding was because I would watch videos and just decided to go for it in middle school when Ski Club started.

BB: What is your favorite thing about snowboarding?

JS: The thrill and just being on the mountain with a friend.

BB: Do you have any siblings?

JS: No, I am an only child.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSH SIMMONS

Junior Josh Simmons, pictured on the left, plays a song with senior Matt Spaulding, right. Spaulding is a good friend of Simmons and said Spaulding inspired him to learn guitar. They share a passion for music and are members of the OHS Chamber Singers.

BB: What is your favorite thing about guitar?

JS: I love music. It is in everyday life. It brings me joy.

BB: What kind of music do you listen to?

JS: It varies from alternative soft acoustic to trap.

BB: What is your least favorite thing about high school?

JS: Sitting down and listening to teachers lecture.

A lot of the things we are being forced to learn we won’t need for our careers.

BB: How would you describe yourself in three words?

JS: Funny, artistic, and outgoing.

BB: What is your dream job?

JS: Probably a music producer or performer.

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

JS: Invisibility because I think it’d be wicked cool. You could scare people and get into places you usually couldn’t.

BB: Do you participate in any after school activities?

JS: Ski Club is the only one.

BB: If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring three things what would they be?

JS: Definitely my guitar, notepad and pen, and a jacket.

BB: Do you have a role model?

JS: Mr. Phaneuf and Ed Sheeran. Mr. Phaneuf because I admire how wise he is and his interpretation of things is so different. Ed Sheeran because of his passion for music and how much he has grown as an artist.

BB: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

JS: Performing in Madison Square Garden.

BB: Do you have a favorite band or artist?

JS: Mumford & Sons, Sam Smith, and Ed Sheeran.

BB: What is your favorite thing about high school?

JS: The social life. I’m a very social person, so I enjoy that the most.

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BB: What is something you would not want to die without doing?

JS: Meeting Ed Sheeran.

BB: What is your biggest fear?

JS: I guess not really knowing what I want in life and it not turning out as I expected it to.

BB: What is your favorite food?

JS: It has got to be tacos. www.buccaneerbulletin.com

Editor’s note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular questionand-answer feauture of the Buccaneer Bulletin. If you know a student or staff member who you would like to see walk the plank, contact Rachael Purtell at rpurtell@oswego.org.

This edition of “Walking the Plank” was written by Elizabeth Sincavage.

February 2015

Entertainment

12

College-aged women cornered with safety concerns

With college quickly approaching, I am bombarded by questions from adults.

“Where do you want to go?”

“What do you want to do?”

“Are you excited? Nervous?”

It truly never ends.

Along with these questions are the unavoidable speeches that could fill a memoir by the “more experienced” people.

These speeches range from those who graduated a year ago and somehow gained the wisdom of ten years, and those whose college experience probably included dodging dinosaurs on their way to class.

But, there are the select few who actually might know what they’re talking about and give some advice worth listening to.

As I prepare for college I have so much going through my mind. Keeping track of applications, acceptance letters, scholarships, and supply lists can become tiring and overwhelming but is expected to some extent.

What I did not expect when getting ready for college and seeking advice from older friends and family was the shockingly true dangers college students, especially college women, face.

Dating violence has become a huge issue in our culture. It seems every time you turn on the news, there’s another story about a girl getting drugged and raped at a college party.

According to the University of

the Sciences, one in four women will experience date rape or an attempted date rape during her four years at college. 84 percent of these women knew their attackers.

What does this mean? Imagine you are in a class with 20 senior girls.

Statistically, five of those girls will be date raped or face an attempt in the next four years.

These statistics can be scary and overwhelming for those entering college next year, but it is important to be educated so these situations can be avoided.

At Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, one girl was raped during her first semester and shared her story on the college’s website. She said she went to an off-campus party that included GC students and other college students. She drank too much and ended up back in a residence hall room on campus with a

probably asked for it. I never gave my consent, though he assumed it through my drunken silence. My virginity was very important to me, saving that experience until it could be my true expression of never-expressed-before love. Now that was ruined. And it hurts.”

Eventually, the student opened up to her close friends finding they also had painful stories to share.

She said, “Women need to share and listen to one another. That’s how healing takes place.”

The University of the Sciences provided the statistic that “74 percent of the perpetrators and 55 percent of the victims of rape within a nationally representative sample of college students had been drinking alcohol.”

Is this a valid excuse?

Too often am I reminded by parents that “bad things happen when alcohol is involved.”

If someone says “no,” it means no. People should never assume a person wants to do something unless they directly say so. boy who was a friend of a GC student.

She said she was coming in and out of consciousness but remembers she did not want what was happening to occur.

She wasn’t in any condition to say no.

In the morning she woke up cold and naked being pushed out of the room by the person who lived there.

She tried to deny what happened, and kept it a secret for years.

She said, “What makes me angry to this day is that I felt if I told anyone they’d say I deserved it because I was drunk (and that’s a sin) and that I

Too often am I told, “Don’t get drunk.”

I can’t help but wonder, are boys entering college told the same thing?

As teenage girls, we are warned not to go out alone, not to drink too much, and not to lose control. Society has taught us to be careful. But what has society taught men?

The media has played a role in this.

We’ve all seen them: college movies featuring buff frat boys taking girls upstairs. And we all know what happens next.

But what if the girl said no? There aren’t many movies that portray this scenario, and I can’t help but wonder why.

In an ideal world, the solution would be to teach boys to respect women from a young age so this kind of abuse doesn’t happen, but this isn’t a perfect world.

Instead, girls going to college are forced to adapt to this new environment.

It is not uncommon for pepper spray to be one of the essentials when shopping for college supplies.

So what can we do to help prevent these kinds of crimes from happening?

First, we have to talk about it.

Before a solution can be found, people need to be informed and educated. If someone says “no,” it means no. People should never assume a person wants to do something unless they directly say so. People of both genders have to be careful when alcohol is involved because it can lead to a bad situation for both parties.

The most important thing to remember if you are the victim of rape is that it’s not your fault. No matter what you were wearing or how much you had to drink, the blame is the rapist, not you.

As a society, we have to help make it easier for victims to speak up and have their stories told to prevent more cases from happening.

Although this column mainly concerns women, men are susceptible to date rape, too. There aren’t as many recorded stories, but it does happen. It is equally important for both genders to pay attention and become informed.

To learn more about dating violence in schools, report harassment, support survivors, or spread the word, visit www.knowyourix.org.

Save your skin with common sense and self defense

If someone comes up to you and demands your wallet or purse, throw it in one direction and RUN in the other. No purse or wallet is worth your life, folks.

That’s the first rule of thumb when it comes to self defense and probably the most important. You are worth defending.

Self defense is more about common sense than it is about technique. There are many steps that prevent you from being put in situations that may be dangerous. Self defense is a way to create an escape route. It’s not a way for you to get back at your attacker or hurt your attacker. It’s a way for you to get away from your attacker.

My mom, otherwise known as Mrs. Pryor, has

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trained in Tae Kwon Do for roughly ten years. She teaches basics which include punches, blocks, and kicks. Poomsaes are a series of blocks, punches, and kicks showing how to get out of a situation in just about every direction. Lastly, how to defend yourself from a punch or grab is taught.

When you think you are in a bad situation you should try to mentally prepare yourself. It’s very hard to do but make yourself think about what’s going on and formulate a plan. Look for ways to get out of a situation like throwing your wallet one way and running in the other direction. The man wanted the wallet, not you, so you can run to safety.

Always be aware of what is around you. At night when you go to the mall with your mom, make sure she parks where there are lights. If she doesn’t, tell her you don’t want to park where it’s dark.

If you must walk somewhere at night, make sure you go with a group. If you do go alone, take your cell phone. Talk to someone while you are walking and make sure they know where you are.

My mom says to always listen to my gut. She says if I’m walking somewhere and I get a funny feeling about someone I should listen to it. www.buccaneerbulletin.com

She taught me to always look both ways when I leave a building to see who is around. When I leave the Tae Kwon Do school to walk home, I look up and down the street to see who I may have to pass on the way home. If I don’t like the look of someone, I will wait to leave until they are gone.

Likewise, if I am waiting in the car and I don’t really like the look of someone in the parking lot, I lock the doors while I wait for my mom to return.

There are physical techniques that my mom teaches that I know as well. My mom teaches what she calls “soft” spots on people to hit. The first one is the knee. She always says that a person who cannot run cannot attack.

She also says one of the biggest myths is that people advise hitting men between the legs. She said that men braces themselves for that and know it’s coming so it is not a good option. They don’t feel it and become more angry and attack harder.

There will be two free self defense classes on February 26 and March 3 at the Oswego High School in the main gym from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Self defense is for anyone, not just women. Self defense can save your life!

February 2015

Columns

13

Long distance love is not necessarily a lost cause

According to Oxford Dictionaries, a long distance relationship is defined as a romantic relationship between two people who live far apart and are unable to meet on a frequent basis. A boyfriend in the Marine Corps who is stationed in Washington D.C. falls into this category.

Like the loved and hated Taylor Swift, I have ex-boyfriends who will tell you I’m insane, so if I can do this, anybody can do this. While I do not have any profound wisdom to share about how to make your love last, I can tell you what has helped my relationship survive despite the ups and downs due to the 412.4 miles between us.

Hunter Hayes said it right when he sang, “Love don’t know what distance is” in his hit “I Want Crazy.” Contrary to popular belief, not all long distance relationships are doomed to failure. In fact, according to longdistancerelationshipstatistics.com only 40 percent of them end in a break up with 70 percent of these failures due to unplanned changes, NOT the distance itself. An example of such a change would be a new job opportunity that would prevent the couple from moving back together in the near future.

If a couple is willing to work together for a future that includes one another and have reasonable expectations of each other, then the distance is simply an opportunity to test

the strength of their relationship.

One of the most important aspects of any relationship is communication, and this is especially true when distance is involved. Couples in long distance relationships should communicate, regularly and creatively.

Technology has made this easier for our generation as we can send pictures and videos via cell phone and we can utilize

to texts from him.

While he was in training at the School of Infantry, he was not allowed access to his phone on week days.

About halfway through training, he bought a burner so he could send quick texts even at the risk of getting in trouble with his combat instructors.

Although technology has made communication easier, there is nothing more sentimental than hand written letters. Since three months of mail was the only method of

Facetime, communication GRAPHIC BY RACHAEL PURTELL while he was at boot Skype, and Snapchat in addition camp, I learned that there was to regular phone calls. no such thing as too sentimental!

Also, ladies and gentlemen, you I wrote him daily while he spent would be surprised what simply his summer in Parris Island, South making sure to say “good morning” Carolina and according to him, my and “good night” will do. I generally letters helped him get through tough fall asleep texting or talking to my days and kept him excited about boyfriend, but it’s awesome to wake up coming home in September. While he

may have written me too often when he should have been resting, his letters definitely helped me stay sane until his boot camp leave as well.

There are a plethora of little things that can be done to make long distance relationships a little easier.

Putting #ManCandyMonday or #WomanCrushWednesday on your social media posts never hurt and it could make your significant other smile when they’re missing you.

Exchange personal items with each other. My bedroom has been taken over by my boyfriend’s stuff, and it’s nice to be able to curl up in one of his hoodies and put on his dog tags when I’m wishing I was next to him.

Romantic relationships of any kind are chaotic and there is no science to them whatsoever. You can find advice on long distance relationships from idiots like me, Twitter accounts like @ Relationship, websites like lifehack. org, song lyrics, you name it! That being said, the long distance relationship will fail if you’re not in it with someone who you love and trust completely.

This past Christmas, my boyfriend led me to believe that he was not going to be able to come home to celebrate the holidays with me and while we were discussing this on the phone the week before, he surprised me by telling me to come downstairs because he was standing on my porch in his uniform.

This moment is an example of what makes the distance so worthwhile and the relationship so special.

Distance makes a relationship harder, but it also makes you appreciate the time you have with your significant other. The more effort you put into a long distance relationship, the greater the reward. Work makes it work.

Strange behavior should spark several suspicions random fights because they feel guilty.

The website also stated, “Your partner buying you an excessive amount of gifts could also be a sign of guilt.”

Although you should not always believe your friends, www.insightmagazine.com said that if your

Have you ever wondered if your boyfriend or girlfriend is cheating on you? Have you wondered why they’re acting so strange? Have you ever wondered what the signs are?

According to www.private-investiator.com, if you find that your partner is deleting multiple messages, won’t let you touch his or her phone just to take a picture of you both, asks for more space, and appears very inconsiderate of your feelings, he or she may be cheating on you.

According to www.wikihow.com, they may start

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Www.today.com stated, “If they stop saying ‘I love you’ that could be a big sign.” They also say if they are spending most of their time with their new “friend” they could be cheating. Another sign of cheating is if they say they miss being single.

If they are ready to move on to a new boyfriend

Have you ever wondered if your boyfriend or girlfriend is cheating on you? Have you wondered why they’re acting so strange? Have you ever wondered what the signs are? friends claim to have heard or seen something it could be a sign of trouble. Sometimes your friends simply do not like your boyfriend or girlfriend. If they do not like him or her, they may just be acting that way because they feel abandoned. However, most of the time your friends care about and feel sorry for you and the situation you are in. www.buccaneerbulletin.com

or girlfriend immediately after a break up, this could be a sign that they were cheating on you.

Although it is difficult to know for sure if your significant other is cheating on you, it is definitely wise to pay attention to these warning signs if you are suspicious.

February 2015

14

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February 2015

Sports

Beautiful buzzer-beating basket leaves basketball fans breathless

By Rachael Purtell

of it. At that time it wasn’t about me or my team winning the game, it was about Joey getting to have The Oswego High School boys’ freshman his time in the spotlight.” basketball team played their final home game against Westhill coach Denise Becher stated, “My kids Westhill in early January. With about two minutes are very mature for freshman and I would expect left, Joey Perras, OHS freshman, checked into the nothing less from them. After coaching kids for a game. whole season you get to know them pretty well, Perras was the team’s manager for the season Corey did what we were all thinking and I’m so and had not played in a game during the season. proud of all of them.”

His primary roles included doing the scorebook, Benjamin said, “When he scored the basket keeping track of game statistics, and doing I jumped out of my seat and almost ran onto the whatever else he could to help the team. court because I was so happy for Joey. The whole Perras stated, “It is a great experience being bench went crazy and after the game we talked and part of the basketball team and getting to know and some of my teammates said their parents cried. hang out with my teammates. My teammates have After the game was the happiest I’ve ever seen great personalities and so does my coach. We have Joe.” a great time together.”

Perras said, “It was so beautiful. When I made Perras has a form of autism called Asperger’s; it, I wanted to shout for joy!” this can make it difficult for him to do things that Coach Gaffey stated, “Our whole team come easily to his surrounded him at other teammates such half court after the as shoot or dribble a game and it was basketball. Despite just pure happiness, this challenge, Perras jumping up and down is loved and accepted and hugs.” by his teammates and After the game, is able to overcome the team gathered many of the obstacles at the center of the this condition poses. court and cheered Coach David for Perras. He was Gaffey said, “Joe is awarded the game the perfect teammate, ball which he asked always encouraging all of his teammates everyone on the team to sign. and always willing to “I want you to help.” know that I love this Perras’ teammate, team and my coach. freshman Liam I hope we all remain Benjamin, agreed. friends for a long Benjamin stated, time,” said Perras.

“I really like being Despite years on a team with Joe of participation because he is so in a local summer enthusiastic towards basketball league, the team and always PHOTO COURTESY OF MR. DAVID GAFFEY Perras stated, “My Above Joey Perras (right) shoots the ball and scores tries to be positive. favorite thing about moments after Westhill’s Corey Frassica (center) Joe is our assistant basketball was hands him the ball after getting a defensive rebound. coach who helps us making my shot.” run through drills. He makes it so we are always in Frassica said, “I couldn’t be any happier for a good mood at practice.”

Joey. His reaction when he made the shot was As Perras ran up and down the court, the crowd priceless. He jumped up and down while everyone chanted, “JO-EY, JO-EY,” over and over. clapped and cheered for him. Both benches jumped Westhill player Corey Frassica said, “When up and clapped for him and I couldn’t do anything Joey entered the game he was so excited and but smile while he was so happy.”

I haven’t seen anyone so happy in my life.

Moments such as these are rare at any high Everybody on the bench for Oswego started school and they deserve to be recognized as nothing cheering his name and he had the biggest smile short of fantastic. Many people at the game were in ever on his face.” tears after this young man made the basket in the Coach Gaffey stated, “Everyone in the stands last seconds of the game. was on their feet clapping as well, including fans Coach Becher said, “I have been coaching for and parents from the other team.”

28 years and this is definitely one of the top things Perras had several shot attempts throughout I’m going to remember. The kids were still talking the final minutes of the game and most of them about it the next day at practice, so I think he left a resulted in near misses. With only ten seconds lasting impression on us all.” left on the clock, Perras received a pass from his Coach Gaffey stated, “There are no words to teammate DJ Pfiefer. truly describe how I felt when Joe made his basket.

Perras shot the ball and missed again. With It would probably be a mixture of happiness, joy, everyone on their feet, Westhill got a defensive and exhilaration. I feel privileged and honored to rebound off this shot and Frassica handed the ball coach the fine young men on this team and be a part to Perras. Perras was then able to lay it in for the of the Oswego basketball program. It was a great last basket of the game just as time expired. ending, and everyone in the gym will remember it Frassica stated, “I just want to congratulate for a long time.”

Joey on the shot and it was amazing to be a part Editor-in-Chief

Buccaneer Bulletin

www.buccaneerbulletin.com

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Buc Sports Flashback 1 year ago… *The girls’ swimming team time of 1:54.41 at 200 yard medley relay leads Section III at Hilton. *Mariah Matcalf, varsity swimmer, said, “Our relay team is unique because we are very young and have great attitudes and a competitive edge, that motivates us to compete against the older more experienced teams.”

5 years ago… *The girls’ volleyball team won the league title for the third consecutive year under the direction of coach Ron Ahart. *Jamie Bouffard, girls’ soccer, received All-CNY honors.

10 years ago… *Jessica Zielger and Caitlin Pike competed in the New York State Track and Field Championships. *Both of them placed well at the event amid stiff competition at the Carrier Dome. *Hilary Callen won the Section III title in the 500 meter freestyle.

15 years ago… *Girls’ varsity soccer coach Mr. Paul DeRitter was named co-coach of the year by his colleagues in the Onondaga High School League.

20 years ago… *Mrs. Dillon, Mr. Kerley and Mr. Muench started the Varsity Club to encourage athletes to take ownership in their athletic program and to become a team off the playing field as well as on.

25 years ago… *The boys’ varsity boys cross country team placed fourteenth out of twenty in state rankings. *Freshman Anne Sivers was accepted to the New York City School of Classical Dance.

Editor’s Note: Buc Sports Flashback is a monthly feature of the Buccaneer Bulletin.

If you have any events that you would like to see included in future Buc Sports Flashbacks please contact Chase Pelton at cpelton@oswego.org. This month’s Buc Sports Flashback was compiled by Mariya Hirna.

February 2015

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 3 Number 4

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

February 2015

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH JULIA LAVERY

By Rachael Purtell Editor-in-Chief

After recovering from a torn labrum and hip surgery, Oswego High School senior Julia Lavery continued to play basketball, a game she has loved and refused to let go of since kindergarten. After being pulled up to play on the junior varsity team in eighth grade, Lavery sustained her injury during freshman year of high school and was forced to sacrifice an opportunity to be on the varsity team her sophomore year.

Although her injuries slowed down her growth as a player, Lavery learned from her experiences as a result.

She stated, “It really taught me how to become stronger through everything that I need to work through and keep my head up as a player and as a person.”

Head Coach Mr. Mike Palmitesso stated, “Everybody loves her [Lavery] and thinks the world of her. I know she would do anything for anyone on the team and everybody on the team is willing to do anything for her at any time.”

Despite many players beginning their fourth year on the varsity team, Lavery’s teammates voted her as one of their three captains even though it was just her second year on the

varsity team.

Lavery said that she was really surprised when she found out and really happy that the girls think of her as a leader.

Lavery said, “I always look at myself as a leader both on and off the court. I help a lot of

girls with basketball problems, school problems, and sometimes even boyfriend problems.”

According to her, Palmitesso also stresses the importance of the girls being close off the court in order to foster their chemistry on the court.

Co-captain and senior McKenna Brooks agreed that Lavery is a good leader and deserving of her position as captain.

She stated, “She knows how to give criticism in a positive way.”

Palmitesso echoed these sentiments and said, “She encourages them, but if she sees her teammates doing something wrong she’s not afraid to step up and say something.”

He claimed that as a result of her injuries, Lavery has acted like an assistant coach while being on the disabled list.

“Julia’s been a big part of our basketball program for many years and knowing all the girls on the team as well as she does, she understands what she can be. She can be a leader out there even though she’s not on the court because she has played with these girls for so many years and understands what they are capable of doing,” Palmitesso also stated.

Lavery claims that her cousin, Kristina Lavery, is the person in her life who inspired her to play.

She stated, “She was the one who got me into basketball, taught me all the basics, and

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY RACHAEL PURTELL

was my coach up until junior year.”

Kristina Lavery played throughout her high school career and almost went on to play in college so she was well prepared to help her cousin follow in her footsteps.

Julia Lavery said, “She has been with me since day one. She has given me the best advice for basketball whether it’s being a leader, a captain, a guard, shooting, the little things, the big things, she’s given it all to me; sometimes in a sweet way, sometimes in a ‘you’re an idiot’ type of way, but by far she’s been number one.”

Lavery’s personal goals for the season include working her way up the line and improving her shooting and ball handling skills.

Palmitesso said, “It’s been sad that she’s had to deal with so many injuries in her high school career, but hopefully in these next few months we’ll be able to get her on the court and let her play a little bit more.”

Her favorite part of the sport is her teammates.

She stated, “My favorite aspect of basketball is the team.

I really love the girls.

Our chemistry, our history, our relationships; the girls and the team in general are by far the best part.”

Lavery has high expectations for herself and her teammates this season.

She said, “I hope that our team can win league champs this year and hopefully sectionals. It’d be amazing if we could go even further. We just need to work as a team and look at our goals as a whole

and make sure we’re really strong about reaching them and I think we’ll be able to do it.”

Palmitesso said her smile will be missed. “Even though she can’t practice some days because she’s hurting, she still comes to practice every day with that smile,” he said.

In addition to her success on the basketball team, Lavery has performed well in school, kept her academic average high, and taken many honors and advanced placement level courses. She plans to go to Oswego State and major in business with the hopes of possibly owning her own business some day.

Lavery is a new member of Interact Club this year, and although basketball season has reduced her participation, she enjoys being a part of it and really likes what the club is about.

Lavery was chosen as February Athlete of the Month because she is a good example of someone who plays a vital role on a team without collecting statistics.

Palmitesso stated, “She’s one of our key people on the team. Not because she’s scoring points, she’s not getting rebounds, but just being on the team and so positive all the time.”

Many athletes would not rise to accept the responsibility of this role much less excel the way Lavery has.

However, as Brooks said, “She’s crazy, but a good crazy.”

Editor’s note: “Athlete of the Month” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin to showcase some of the top athletes here at OHS. If you know a student who you think would deserve to be an athlete of the month, contact Chase Pelton at cpelton@oswego.org.