February 2006

Volume 9 Number 4

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Bulletins Current OHS Schedule To Continue Next Year

The Oswego High School bell schedule for the 2006-2007 school year will not change.

Recently, there have been suggestions to address two major concerns at OHS--too many students in study halls and lunch periods that are too long.

Interim Principal David Cowell has announced that next year the nine period day will remain in place.

“The seven-period day proposal was starting point for discussion.

However, in reality, I don’t feel that it would be possible to implement due to the present student population,” said Cowell. “After looking at many alternatives, it has been determined that the nine period day is the best at this time,” he concluded.

He indicated that as population decreases (as it is projected to do in the future) other schedules may be both possible and beneficial.

Minimum Wage Increases to $6.75

On January 1, 2006 the minimum wage increased from $6 to $6.75 an hour. This increase is part of a three-year increase plan that was approved by the state legislature. By 2007, the minimum wage will make a final increase to $7.15 an hour. At that time, tipped workers’ pay will increase from $4.35 to $4.60 an hour.

This affects many teens and students at OHS who hold parttime jobs in fields such as fastfood, retailing, and healthcare.

The Associated Press

Grease Hits the Stage Next Weekend

The Oswego High School Music Department will present Grease, in the Ralph M. Faust Theater of the Performing Arts on Friday and Saturday, February 10, 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $7 (adult), $6 (senior citizens), and $5 (students and children).

For reservations, call 341-2275 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

February 2006

safe school?

OHS Seniors: A Class of Cheaters?

By JoBeth Dunsmoor Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Kris dewine

Busy areas such as the cafeteria hallway are packed wall-to-wall with students frequently throughout the day, raising safety issues.

Staff Survey Reveals Concern

By Christopher Battles Editor-in-Chief

A first-semester survey of eighty Oswego High School staff members reveals that many think there are “serious” and “severe” safety problems in this, their building of employment.

The largest areas of concern were in the categories of bullying and intimidation, disrespect among students to faculty, fighting with weapons, and drug sale and usage (including alcohol). Faculty also said they felt “less than generally safe” in the cafeteria as well as in hallways and stairwells.

The survey, taken in the fall of 2005, was shared with the District’s Curriculum Council on January 10. The survey covers a variety of topics. The basic format asked a question such as “In general, how safe do you feel at this school?” There were response levels including: “very safe,” ”generally safe,” “somewhat safe,” “not very safe,” and “unsafe.” When the survey asked “how

much of a problem you think each of the following had been during the most recent school year” the results came back nine very safe, fifty-four generally safe, fourteen somewhat safe, three not very safe, and zero unsafe.

Debra Miller, the Assistant Superintendent for Business, explained what prompted the survey. “When our superintendent, Mr. Fischer, arrived in Oswego last January, his primary concerns were the district’s educational plan and school safety. It was requested to reinstate the school district’s District Wide School Safety Committee and to address safety concerns. The committee is comprised of the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, the district property and liability insurance agent, the Director of Athletics and Nursing Services, security staff, union leaders, support supervisors, the benefits specialist, continued on page

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Alumnus is An Olympian

Grease Star On the Plank

Page 4

Page 6

It is said that “perception is reality.” If that is the case, then the class of 2006 is a bunch of cheaters.

Society’s acuity of cheating has caused many students in Oswego High School to take on a nonchalant attitude toward it; after all, “everybody does it.”

Recently, the Class of 2006 has allegedly gained a reputation of being the worst cheating class to come through OHS since many teachers can remember.

Though blaming culture for everything is probably a bit inaccurate, it is becoming difficult for students to even see the choice between honesty and corruption due to the action being accepted. In a 2004 book entitled The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead, the author, David Callahan, states: “Cheating can be very tempting. It becomes a secret weapon that really can get you ahead. Most people feel uncomfortable gaining an unfair advantage, but many will put aside their qualms if they are under enough (pressure) or if the carrot dangling before them is large enough.”

Add all of this to ‘senioritis’ and you’ve got a senior class of over 300 kids working with teachers who have noticed plagiarism and cheating in their senior classes in epic numbers. Though no teachers agreed to go on the record regarding the “inclination towards cheating,” it has reached the students recently that more than one educator has commented that particularly seniors this year have a reputation for cheating.

Margaret Perry, a member of the senior class, cited a more specific example in which the accusation was brought to her attention. “In one of my classes, my teacher called the senior class the continued on page

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Red Planet Ends Skater Stereotypes Page 10

News

Survey Says: School Safety an Issue at OHS continued from page

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student and parent representatives as well as our OCM BOCES Health & Safety Coordinator Debra Eichholtz.”

Miller went on to explain, “The committee meets quarterly to review both staff and student accident reports, building safety committee minutes, safety inspections and emergency planning. At the last meeting, the committee discussed building emergency plans and the desire for additional information and input from staff on safety. Ms. Eichholtz was instrumental in creating the survey and is in the process of compiling the information by individual school and on a district-wide level.”

On January 26 there was a committee that reviewed the survey results along with recommendations for improving the district’s security and safety.

Though the survey was a step forward in raising the standard of safety in school, Head of Security John Anderson and Interim Exec-

graphic by chris battles

utive Principal David Cowell revealed some holes in the survey.

Anderson and Cowell agree that the survey presents some “good general information,” but lacks detailed information that would allow the administration to focus on individual concerns and better explain their answers in the

survey. For example, more faculty felt threatened while in the cafeteria than there are actually assigned to cafeteria duty. Cowell says the problem with the survey is that “it doesn’t ask why.”

Both officials explained that they can see why there is more of a safety problem in the high school. Cowell

assumed that “it makes sense that there are more fights – there are more people.” In his first stint at OHS, beginning in 1990, Cowell said there were approximately 1,300 students. At present there are more than 1,600 students.

Anderson echoed Cowell’s statement by commenting, that about the same percentage of students is getting in trouble, but his observation is that “the nature of the fights are getting worse.”

Anderson went to say that the four percent of students that do cause problems make it necessary for rules and regulations to limit the other ninety five percent that become “splintered by rules.” Anderson feels it is unfortunate that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but continued the metaphor by stating, “It keeps squeaking.” He explained that the entire student body needs to work together. “It takes a village,” referring to the old education adage that it takes an entire village to raise a child.

‘Cheating’ Seniors Have Gained a Reputation

1 convictions. Most recall the trial of Martha Stewart, access to pre-written papers, book reports, and biggest cheating class to come through OHS, and told television personality and homemaker deluxe, as she even opinion pieces. Though many of them cost us that he or she had heard that from other teachers, too. was tried and convicted on all counts of obstruction of money, the kids who are willing to cheat are often He or she then proceeded to give each class period that justice. Her insider-trading scandal was the lead story willing to pay the cash, but not the consequences. seniors were taught a different unit exam because he on every major news network in America, especially Websites such as TurnItIn.com have taken one or she didn’t trust us. I don’t like being penalized just when the end of the trial came and she was found guilty. step in combating the plagiarism problem, offering because some of the kids in our class are deviants. It’s As fans and cynics alike awaited her sentencing, both their services to, as the homepage describes, “instantly an unjust generalization to say that about everyone in the were slightly surprised to find that her punishment was identify papers containing unoriginal material.” Some class when only a minority of students do it,” Perry said. five months in a minimum security prison. As most teachers at OHS have taken advantage of services Many OHS seniors have claimed that not every of us get our morals from society, this was not a prime such as these to fight against the problem of cheating. member of the class of ’06 wears the scarDue to society’s leniency toward let C, though many are prejudicially given “The bad things students do are more publicized cheating, the number of kids who actuthe label. Kids who are being punished than the good, and that’s not fair.” ally do it has increased. A senior who for their peers’ cheating habits are not chose to remain anonymous during Melissa-Ann Evanchik an interview admitted to cheating. “I particularly happy about it. Senior Melissa-Ann Evanchik stated, “I don’t think Senior don’t cheat on papers, but I do cheat it’s realistic to accuse the entire class of if I run out of time because I’m doing 2006 of cheating. The bad things students do are more example of doing the time appropriate for your crime. other homework. I cheat when I know I can get away publicized than the good things, and that’s not fair.”

Further, the stories of the steroid scandals in base- with it, and sometimes I give others answers because Senior honors student Jake Pagano com- ball, President Clinton’s infidelity, and unpunished DWI I know I might need their help someday, too. I will mented on why he believes his class has gained convictions have only added to the perception that cheat- most likely continue cheating until I get caught.” a reputation. “I think our class feels that the ing is alright. “We live in a permissive, forgiving society.

The issue itself was summed up by Mirabito. grade is what is important, not how you get it.” Our judicial system is full of plea bargains, suspended “The reason that people don’t get punished is beAnother senior, Roopa Bhopale, added, “I don’t sentences, and paroles,” said Mr. Mark Mirabito, Oswe- cause of the self-esteem movement. Punishment think we cheat any more than any other class does, go High School’s AP Psychology teacher. “It all comes has merit because it reinforces society’s values. So, though…maybe we just get caught more.” She also add- from achievement motivation, which is the desire to we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by punished, “The one time I was accused of cheating, though, I succeed or get ahead. It exists in all cultures, so it is safe ing them. If cheating is never punished, then no really wasn’t, so maybe we do have a reputation of sorts.” to assume that it’s an inborn trait.” Mirabito went on to one will learn from the negative reinforcement.”

In a culture such as America’s, the permissive at- explain that this manifests itself in high school students, As the root of the problem has now been identititude toward cheating has stemmed from a multitude sometimes pushing them to cheat in order to get ahead. fied, perhaps now we can confront the problem as of national news stories that have followed more faPlagiarism has increased exponentially in the it is, and in doing so can change negative percepmous cheaters through their accusations and digital age. Through many websites, students have tions of the senior class before they graduate in June.

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Buccaneer Bulletin

February 2006

Columns

Skinny Celebs Causing Bad Habits for Teens Hollywood is a huge part of the American culture. Many people can’t get enough of the drama-filled lives of their favorite TV and movie stars. Celebrities are everywhere.

They’re hired by sponsors to sell their merchandise; they’re constantly on TV promoting their new movie, perfume, fashion line, or whatever else they can think to do to promote their image and get themselves in the public Chrissy King eye. Even entire television channels are devoted to celebrities such as MTV and E! Some of these stars, however, seem to think that they can do whatever they want, without affect ing anyone else. But that is not the case.

Just think how many times have you bought an outfit or pair of shoes because you saw your favorite star was wearing something just like it.

Most stars direct their promotions toward teens our age. However, today’s stars may not only be influencing your fashion choices, but also the choices teens make with their bodies. Starlets like Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Ritchie have recently lost huge amounts of weight. Both girls are now looking emaciated and sickly, and getting praise for it! So what does this mean for the teenage girls who think of these starlets as role models and try to be like them? Some people might just ignore the weight loss and continue to copy their fashion choices and lifestyles, but others may take their lead down a very dangerous path of dieting and over-exercising, which can lead to eating disorders.

“I don’t think that they’re good role models because losing that much weight is not healthy,” commented sophomore Tony Alelunas.

There are different types of eating disorders, I’m sure we’ve all heard of anorexia and bulimia, but there are also other less well-known eating disorders that have not been formally diagnosed such as anorexia athletica, which is a type of

eating disorder where you exercise so much that You can’t watch an hour of TV without seeing at you’re burning off everything you’ve eaten. Does least five commercials for a new “magic” weight this sound familiar? Aren’t stars always talking loss drug or a gym. America’s obsession with about how many hours a day they exercise to keep weight may lead people to think that to be healthy in shape? Since this they need to be thin. has not been formally This is not the case. diagnosed, not all “I think that there is a people know that it trend to have this mind is dangerous. “It is? set,” stated OHS nurse I don’t think people Andrea Doviak. realize that because I The way that people didn’t even know it,” become desensitized stated freshman Carly to violence due to Carson. video games, people Not that every become desensitized celebrity has an eating to the seriousness disorder, but some of eating disorders. people may misconstrue Movies about people other’s diets that are with eating disorders being monitored by where the character gets trainers and nutritionists over the disorder in a and take them a bit matter of ten minutes too far. On average, do not exactly show an women gain around accurate picture of how forty pounds between hard it is to overcome the ages of 8 and 14. something like an Many girls think this eating disorder. Just like weight gain is related any other activity you to getting fat, but it partake in for a long isn’t. This weight gain time, it can be a hard photo courtesey of centerstage.net is the normal process of habit to break. With Many teens idolize actresses like Lyndsay growing up. Seventytreatment, 60 percent seven percent of people Lohan, shown above in a scene from the movie of people with eating Mean Girls. who have or have had disorders recover, but an eating disorder report the onset between the without treatment, 20 percent will die. That’s a ages of 11-20. High school-aged girls are right in pretty scary prospect for someone who was just the middle of this statistic. trying to mimic someone else’s body type.

Celebrities cannot be blamed entirely for Teen girls are under a lot of pressure to fit in; the emphasis that people put on weight. American this may mean anything from wearing the “right” society, in general, puts a lot of emphasis on weight clothes to talking with the “right” lingo. Sometimes and the “battle of the bulge.” We’re constantly it’s hard to see through the hype of Hollywood to bombarded with images of thin women and men. see the dangers of attempting to mimic celebrities.

Winter Cold No Match for Hot Attire

Did your mom ever tell you to “bundle up?” Well then, when its subzero in Oswego, why don’t you?

When I walk through the halls I see at least five to six guys clad in shorts and at least numerous girls dressed in the stylish jean mini skirts. This ASHLEY JOHNSTOn is February!

The Oswego February 2006

High School is hardly warm enough to dress like that--even in the spring.

With the unpredictable fire drills and the irregular temperature of classrooms, there is no predicting how to dress for the next day, but one thing’s for sure--forget the shorts and minis!

Some students walk into school everyday insulated in their ski jackets and gloves, shielding themselves from the crisp winter air. These are called “smart people.” When I got off

my bus this morning though, I saw a kid, who obviously hadn’t faced his mother. He was dressed in the usual summer attire, shorts and all, in the middle of winter! I thought that kid was crazy, but then, when I got into to school, I headed to my locker and saw a girl wearing a thin spaghettistring tank-top with her back and both arms completely uncovered.

This was a cold winter Monday. In my opinion, Mondays seem to be the coldest days of the week, during

Buccaneer Bulletin

weekends the heat is shut off because the high school isn’t being used on Saturday and Sunday.

Although this winter is not as bad as Oswego expected it to be, it is still extremely cold. Students at OHS have found many ways to overcome the draftiness so they could wear their summer apparel in the weary winter.

Apparently, dressing in flip-flops, shorts and tee-shirts combined with shivering and crying about the cold weather makes you feel warmer.

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Alumni

Coach Reflects on Erik Cole’s Accomplishments

By Kris Dewine

Alumni Editor

Editor’s Note: The following is a tribute to Oswego native Erik Cole, who plays in the National Hockey League for the Carolina Hurricanes. Cole was recently named to the U.S. Olympic hockey team.

The author is Oswego’s Pete Sears, a goaltender for the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1972. Sears coached Cole when he was with the Oswego High School team.

I can remember watching a young, feisty, cocky kid back in the late 1980s and early ‘90s at the Cullinan and Crisafulli rinks. He was one of many Oswego minor hockey players that looked like he had the potential to be a good one.

Today, I sit here with chills going up my spine because this young man, Erik Cole, has been selected to represent his country in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy February 13-27.

Having been fortunate enough myself to have gone through the Olympic experience in 1972, I know the emotions that Erik is experiencing.

First of all was the thrill of even being considered for the team, then waiting and anticipating the announcement that you have made the team. Finally is the experience of the games themselves, with all of the atmosphere, pageantry, and the chance to win a medal.

The excitement, the memories, and the pride he feels will be with him every day for the rest of is life.

I was one of the fortunate coaches that had an opportunity to see what Erik could do firsthand. He played for the Oswego High School hockey team in the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons. It was during this time I realized how special this athlete really was. Everyone could see the obvious things--his skating, shooting, stick handling, passing, and scoring skills.

But many players have these skills.

There were other qualities that made me believe that Erik was destined for greatness.

• His drive, desire, determination, heart, and relentless effort to improve and win.

• His aggressiveness. He thrived on competition.

• His responsibility. He recognized his mistakes and the need for change and improvement.

• His leadership, not vocal,

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photo courtesy of the post standard

/ dennis nett

PETE SEARS poses in front of a display case dedicated to Erik Cole at the Crisafulli Ice Rink in Oswego.

Sears coached Cole, a member of the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team, when Cole played for OHS.

but by example.

• His self-confidence, his belief that he could handle challenges. He never had any self doubt.

• His emotional control. He delivered top performances, regardless of the circumstances.

• His mental toughness. He could accept criticism, recover quickly from setbacks, and not give in when the going got tough.

• His coachability. He was receptive to coaches’ advice and played within the team’s system. I have been asked what I did as a coach to help Erik as a player. My response is that I learned much more from him than he ever learned from me.

• His trustworthiness. His coaches and teammates knew they could depend on him in all situations.

• His preparation. He wanted to make things happen, not hope for or wait for things to happen. He always had a plan for each game and each shift on the ice.

• His enthusiasm. He loved the game and thrived on hard work. It was fun for him, not a chore.

• His focus. He never took his eyes off his goals.

• His ability to handle pressure. He was always the player other teams keyed on.

He enjoyed the challenge.

• His ability to make other players around him better.

• His understanding parents. Sheri and Dennis encouraged and supported Erik, but did not push him. They knew if it was meant to be, it had to come from within him.

Erik had expectations for himself above and beyond what other athletes had. He had goals, dreams, and aspirations that made him focus religiously year-round. Many athletes have potential, but a select few have the discipline to stay on course every day to get what they want. These choices that Erik made are what enabled him to determine and take control of his own destiny.

He had natural gifts, yes, but never took anything for granted pushing himself when he was on the ice with his teams and probably more importantly when he was on his own off the ice, when nobody was around.

No one outworked Erik.

From Oswego minor hockey to Oswego High School to junior hockey in the USHL to Clarkson University to the National Hockey League and now the U.S. Olympic team, Erik had a plan, a dream, a goal that step by step has enabled him to be successful

Buccaneer Bulletin

at every level.

He is playing for the Carolina Hurricanes, and even though he no longer resides in Oswego, he has not forgotten the place where he grew up and sculpted his dreams that have become a reality today.

Recently, he has volunteered to be the honorary chairman for the Oswego Public Library Capital Campaign to help raise funds for the rehabilitation and restoration of our historic building here in the city.

In his “Score for Oswego” challenge, Erik has offered to give $1,000 for each point he accumulates this NHL season, if the donation is matched by business and/or individual donors here locally.

Erik has come full circle, giving back to his home community, where his dreams all began. Oswego was the place of the foundation for his success.

I am so proud of the way Erik has handled his fame. Each time I see him playing on television or in person, in the NHL or in the Olympics, I will remember th a t young, feisty, cocky kid who had the potential to be a good one and made i t c o m e t r u e .

February 2006

Clublicity

OHS Clubs Busy as Second Semester Begins Class of 2006

Finally, the end is near. The seniors’ last payment of $260 for the senior trip is in and the class is ready to head to Orlando from March 5-8. The trip’s schedule is packed full of fun adventures at Disney World and Universal Studios.

March 23 marks the one-hundred days to graduation festivities.

Class of 2007

In the weeks to come, the juniors have some interesting events planned. These events will follow the annual traditions that take place from year to year.

The juniors are planning to host the annual Junior Variety Show. The show is slated for April 21-22, in the Ralph Faust Theater.

The Prom Committee is also hard at work. Their next meeting will be held on February 14 to discuss further planning. Prom this year will be held on Saturday, May 13 at the SUNY Oswego Hewitt Union.

Class of 2008

The sophomores at Oswego High School don’t seem to be very busy this month, but they are doing a lot behind-the-scenes. Continued fund raising efforts and planning are taking up much of their time.

They plan to host a school-wide dance tonight from 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. in the new gym. Tenth graders will be informed when another fund raiser comes up. Until then sophomore student MaryKate Mooney stated, “We’ll just continue to have fun being sophomores!”

Class of 2009

Freshman Class Secretary Brandy Earl stated, “The planning of the events and ways to earn the money takes time, eventually, however, new opportunities will be in effect.”

Keep a look out for new fund raising efforts for the Class of ‘09. To get involved in class activities

contact Miss Cheryl Irwin or a class officer.

Poetry Club

The Poetry Club’s to-do list seems to be becoming more and more extensive with each month that passes.

Over 500 carnations with poems attached are available to buy for a loved one from now until February 14. Mrs. Carrie Patane adviser, pointed out, “There’s no better way to brighten a friend’s day.” The carnations will be just $1 each or six for $5. An extra dollar is necessary for delivery.

The carnations will be sold in the cafeteria during lunch periods from February 1-10. Deliveries will be made on Valentine’s Day during first period. However, if you did not order for delivery, your carnations can be picked up on Valentine’s Day, by simply showing the ticket that you received when purchasing the carnation.

Poetry Club is also busy planning its “Slightly” Open Mic and Slam Night, for April 28. Poetry Club is a great club, and anyone is welcome to join at any time.

February 2006

photo by casey rose

Members of the Oswego High School Poetry Club listen carefully as a member shares a poem to be placed on a carnation for the club’s Valentine’s Day fund raiser.

Student Council

The Oswego High School suffered a great loss with the passing of Brian Delong. The Student Council recently organized a “Blue Ribbon Campaign” in honor of him. The Delong family was very appreciative of the support given in memory of their son from the students, community, and the faculty.

Student Council has been very busy the last few months with different projects that they have worked on. One of these being “Christmas with the Elementary” which took place at several elementary schools in which student council members dressed up as Santa and his elves.

The Student Council has recently formed a “Spirit Committee,” which will bring back a greater sense of school spirit to the Oswego High School. Some of the ideas they are currently working on include projects such as a mural contest, in which the best Buc theme will be painted on a school wall to represent our school spirit. Another project being worked on is a fund-drive for the school Alma-Mater banner.

Through donations of local businesses, the council is hoping to reach its goal of $500 for the banner.

Student Council is organizing this year’s Winter Sportsfest on March 10, 11, 2006. Students will have the opportunity to form teams to participate in dodge ball games, basketball games, and the pin game. Sportsfest was a big success last year and they anticipate the same for this year!

“We have received a suggestion from students to have clocks installed in the hallways.

The council is currently working with the school district to achieve this,” student council President Gabby Rumrill stated. She urges students to continue to keep bringing their concerns and suggestions to the Student Council members.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Travel Club

Travel Club allows students to travel around the world with adult supervision. Travel Club is keeping its fund raising efforts active in order to produce enough profit for the annual much-anticipated trip to a foreign country. Right now, they are selling lollipops to produce needed funds. Travel Club meets the first Thursday of the month in room C2.

Travel Club has been traveling for many years.

Last year, the trip was to Italy. Students visited Italian cities such as Sicily, Florence, Venice, Rome, and Assisi throughout their nine day trip. Although some trip sites are more expensive than others, for your payment you are given in return meals, hotels, and guides. They have language “cheat sheets” to assist you with the foreign languages.

This year, the club is planning on a trip to Germany. The members fund raise on an individual basis, however, once individual fund raising is complete, fund raising for others turns in to a helpful option. You do not have to travel this year to be involved in the Travel Club. At meetings, you break down the schedule for the trip and keep track of payments and fund raising.

“Travel Club is one of the few lucky clubs’ to survive the budget cut,” stated adviser Mrs. Lisa McPherson. If you would like more information on Travel Club please contact Mrs. Conzone, Mrs. Fronk, Mrs. Williams, or Mrs. McPherson.

This month’s clublicity was compiled by Fred Maxon, Casey Rose, Ian Ryan, Gabby Rumrill, Jordan Brancato, Ashley Johnston, and Savannah Bell. Clublicity is a monthly feature that spotlights fund raising and activities of Oswego High School’s clubs and classes. If you would like your club featured, contact Casey Rose, Clublicity editor at crose@oswego.org.

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Walking The Plank

‘Grease’ Lead Has Musical Past, Present, Future Editor’s Note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular feature in The Buccaneer Bulletin. This month’s installment was compiled by JoBeth Dunsmoor. If you know of an OHS personality who you would like to see “walk the plank,” contact her at jdunsmoo@oswego.org.

BB: What is your full name?

LT: Laura Frances Taverni.

BB: What did you initially think of the decision to perform Grease this year?

LT: I wasn’t that excited at first because I didn’t know if it would be a community-friendly show. We get a lot of kids coming to these shows, and this is being advertised as being a PG or PG-13 show. But, I loved the movie when I was little, so I was also pretty excited.

BB: How do you feel about it now that you’re so involved in the show?

LT: To be honest, now that I have a lead, I’m very excited.

BB: Was Sandy the part that you wanted?

LT: Yes, that’s the part I was going for, mainly because Sandy sings more in my range in the show. The other parts may have been more fun because you get to play with accents or sing humorous songs, but now that I’m into it, I like Sandy’s character.

BB: How long have you been involved in musical theatre?

LT: What really sparked my interest in it was the summer before eighth grade when I was in The King and I at

SUNY Oswego. I got to be in it with a lot of my friends and I fell in love with it after that.

BB: What has been the favorite show that you’ve been a part of?

LT: We did Fiddler on the Roof when I was a sophomore and I loved the music in that. I had the part of Fruna Sera, too, and the role really brought me out of my shell.

BB: At what age did you being your singing career?

LT: Both of my parents are music teachers, so I’m fairly sure that I came out of the womb singing.

BB: Who are your role models in the field of singing?

LT: I’d say besides my mother, Renee Fleming because she is the best in her field, but is still very humble and her voice is still improving even now.

Also Maria Calles because I admire her voice; it grows on you because it’s so unique and atypical.

BB: What are your college plans?

LT: I’m going to Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. I’m planning to major in music education right now, but I am considering being a double major of music performance and education.

BB: What are your career goals?

LT: I’m torn between performing and teaching. A big part of me wants to perform and go far because that’s who I am, but the other part of me

photo by jobeth dunsmoor

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wants to be able to have a family, and teaching gives me that opportunity.

BB: What kinds of music do you enjoy?

LT: I basically like all music, except for country. Specifically, I like Modest Mouse and The Appleseed Cast, and I listen to jazz.

BB: Besides singing, what are your other hobbies?

LT: I play the flute in band, and I like to play the piano. I also try to be somewhat athletic and active in spare time.

BB: How do you feel about the rest of the Grease cast?

LT: I think everyone’s doing a great job and everything is coming together. Assuming we don’t get bombarded with snow days, we’ll definitely be ready by show time.

BB: When is the show scheduled?

LT: It’s on February 10, and 11.

BB: Being so heavily involved in music electives, what do you think of the recent threats to these and other athletic and elective programs?

LT: It definitely upsets me. The things that define your personality and who you are come from choosing what you want to do and not just taking required classes. I’d hate not being able to be involved with what I wanted; people hate high school enough already.

photo by traci hoy

Buccaneer Bulletin

BB: Do you have a favorite or inspirational quote?

LT: The golden rule: Do unto others as you’d have them do to you.

BB: What is your favorite movie?

LT: I like Say Anything because it’s so easy to relate to. It’s a simple story but it made me cry, and I never cry during movies.

BB: What did you want to do when you were younger?

LT: I wanted to work at a grocery store, really. I wanted to push colorful buttons.

BB: Do you have any siblings?

LT: I have two sisters. Margaret is in college and is twenty years old, and Annie is thirteen; she sings, also.

BB: If you didn’t decide to go on in music, what would you have done?

LT: I would have majored in English because I love to write.

BB: What are your weaknesses?

LT: I’m very stubborn, so it causes me to be a little obsessive about getting things done.

BB: What is your biggest fear?

LT: Not succeeding in what I would like to.

BB: Who are the special guest artists in the cast of Grease?

LT: Mrs. Schneider will be playing the part of Miss Lynch and Mr. Runeari will be the Teen Angel.

photo by traci hoy

February 2006

Features

Oswego’s Red Planet is a Skateboarder’s Utopia

By Alyssa Holland Reporter

Skateboarding has a bad reputation.

Oswego’s skateboard park has done everything possible to change that reputation. Red Planet provides its members with a safe alternative to street skating.

The Red Planet, Oswego’s skateboard park, opened on October 26, 2002 on 77 West First Street.

It is endorsed and supported by Reality Check, The Tobacco Free New York, local churches, government, and businesses. It offers a variety of activities such as movie nights, demos, a clothing line, lockins (where the doors are locked from midnight until 7:00 a.m.), video premieres, and other community events. Red Planet supported a toy drive for local children and accepts contributions for breast cancer awareness. They have a lot to offer, they are accepting to all people, they actively participate in the community, and the community supports them.

So why does skateboarding have a bad reputation?

Bruce Bailey, owner of Red Planet stated, “Skateboarding, in general, has a bad reputation. We’ve polished it through the last couple of years.” Although the city has welcomed the skate park with open arms, signs forbid skateboarding still exist in just about every public area.

The skate park offers a confined area where the safety features are available. Walking into Red Planet you see an unavoidable sign: “No hel-

photo courtesy of terry o’kane

OHS Junior Derek Guzman preforms a kickflip at the local skate park, Red Planet.

met, No ride.” All skateboarders, bike riders, and those who rollerblade respect the helmet rule. But

most of all they respect the park. Skateboarder Derek Guzman stated, “Most kids don’t even care for our park, but I do, and I try to help all I can with the rest of my friends to try to keep it open.”

“We love when people come; the more the merrier,” said Bailey. Red Planet gets new members by word of mouth, the clothing line, and community events. Stacy Gioia, a spectator and worker at the park emphasized, “It’s a good atmosphere and it’s a lot of fun to hang out and meet new people.”

The skate park is open Tuesday-Thursday from 3-8:00 p.m.; Fridays from 3-10:00 p.m.; Saturday from Noon-10:00 p.m.; and Sundays from Noon8:00 p.m. Red Planet relies on the fees from skaters bikers, and rollerbladers for the funding of the park. Admission is $7. There is no age limit. Gioia explained, “We have skaters from 30 year olds to 6 year olds. There’s a good diversity of people.”

If it were to close down, it would affect many of the people in this town. Without Red Planet, skaters would have to drive elsewhere to skate.

Guzman declared, “If they closed, I would be very mad because I would not have a place to skate during the winter. I would have to drive to Rochester to skate or Binghamton because those are the only other two indoor parks close to us.”

Gioia added, “I wouldn’t have anything to do, neither would a lot of people.”

Classes Statistically Unbalanced by Gender

By Ashley Johnston Layout Editor

During the last few weeks of summer, when all the students and teachers think about how their next school year will go, they normally picture their classes with the teachers pet, the class clown, the jocks, the quiet kid who sits in the back, the geeks, and the kid who never comes to class. A pretty balanced equation, right? It seems like this year at OHS, many classes,have a balance of everything, except an equal proportion of boys and girls.

All classes at OHS are chosen randomly by a computer program. All of the students who requested classes are entered into the computer program and all the rest of the work is up to the computer.

There are a lot of classes at OHS that the computer played tricks on-resulting in classes that are extremely unbalanced by gender. In Mrs. Carrie Patane’s fifth period English class, there is a large difference in the ratio of males to females. Asked if they were uncomfortable in a visibly male-dominate class, the four girls were hesitant to February 2006

answer. Maybe those girls are just shy in general, but can all four girls be shy?

In Mr. Tim Bishop’s third period Spanish 3 class, there are twenty males and eight females, more than a 2:1 difference. Bishop stated, “Most of the girls are hesitant to answer. One of the girls even seems like she doesn’t want to be there.”

Students expressed different opinions about the gender imbalance in Bishop’s class. Junior Erica Davis commented, “I feel fine about it; it doesn’t bother me that there are more boys than girls; most of my classes in the past have had mostly boys.” On the contrary, sophomore Matthew Wiltsie, who is in the same class, replied, “I don’t really care, but I think most of the guys, who are upperclassmen, talk out to get attention. So I think it’s not the gender, it’s the attitude.”

For the most part, electives that are traditionally male or female always possess a lopsided enrollment.

The technology classes have a greater number more males than females.

“Most of my computer classes are

dominated by males, probably because males show more of an interest in computers than girls,” stated Mr. Lee Laurion, “It’s a shame because most of the girls who take my computer classes do very well,” he added.

Although males dominate the tech-

the ratios of males to females are 184 and 17-3. “Those kinds of figures can’t help but change the dynamics of a classroom,” McCrobie stated.

“In one ninth grade English class I have 13 boys and 5 girls. In another class I have 15 girls and 4 boys,” Mrs. Meg Schneider stated. “Go figure!”

With these large dif9th 10th 11th 12th ferences, it must change how the students re199 199 180 Girls 205 act to the assignments that are given to them.

There are many solu200 255 160 Boys 211 tions that could be used to fix this dilemma. Mrs. graphic by fred maxon and alyssa holland Eve Phillips brought up The overall enrollment per grade is not out of an interesting solution. balance by gender, though many classes are.

“Balancing by gender, nology classes, females seem to favor (if we are to continue mixed classart classes over males. In Mr. Michael es) is very important. Some public Lynne’s Drawing and Painting class of schools are beginning to use genseventeen, only four of them were boys. der segregated classes altogether.”

In other cases of basic, required Although this may not be appealing courses, the imbalance cannot be ex- to all students or practical at OHS, plained. English 10 teacher Mr. Mike it could solve the probMcCrobie has two classes in which lem of gender imbalance.

Buccaneer Bulletin

7

Editorials Drawing Board

The Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice

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

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

8

cartoon by jenna skubis

Thumbs Up … to the winners of the county-wide Oswego County Music Educators’ Association Scholarship.

Among more than thirty students, Oswego High School earned impressive awards. Christopher Battles won a first place, $500 scholarship with a performance on timpani and snare drum, Carolyn Chwalek presented a trumpet solo to win a third place, $300 scholarship, and Laura Zaryski sang to earn a $100 honorable mention. … to Ryan King for his enrollment in the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) program. HOBY is in its forty-eighth year of promoting youth leadership in sophomores through nine-day seminars. … to all of OHS, especially those in the National Honor Society and the junior and senior classes, for their generous donation to the high school’s Christmas giving program. The fundraiser was able to purchase more than 140 $25 gift certificates for needy students at the high school level that were distributed prior to Christmas. … to the Oswego City School District for listening to the community, students, and faculty who were up in arms regarding the proposed schedule change. This is the kind of public awareness that the district needs to be sure the decisions are made cautiously and with input from all parties.

Thumbs Down … to the physical condition of OHS. Many bathrooms and locker rooms are either out of order, out of paper towels, or out of soap. If that isn’t enough, the lack of tissues will aid in the spread of bacteria and viruses that will make their own paradise in the school in the coming cold and flu season. … to the realignment in high school sports seasons, specifically girls’ volleyball. Our fine athletes have planned their year’s to fit a schedule that allows them to participate in many different sports throughout the three seasons. Altering seasons will force students who have been dedicated to their activities for years to decide on one sport or extracurricular over another. … to the condition of the weight room. Broken and failing machines pose a safety threat to students.

Who will be the student martyr that brings the need to initiate the repairs and updates our weight room needs to the administration’s and public’s attention?

Buccaneer Bulletin

February 2006

Editorials In Our View . . .

What’s Your Opinion?

In our October issue, we ran a feature on the arrival of new interim executive principal, Mr. David Cowell. Sadly, his “re-retirement” is here.

As many know, Mr. Cowell returned to Oswego

Where is the most dangerous place in the school?

Many Thanks to Our Mr. Cowell

throughout the day, whether it be smiling warmly at students in the halls or dropping in on a class to say hello. Mr. Cowell has completely altered our views of what a principal’s job is all about. The members of the class of ‘06 will have seen plenty of different people at the helm OHS in their high school careers, “He was a highly-visible administrator, of but Mr. Cowell will stand out in our frequently seen throughout the day, minds as being a serious, supportive, whether it be smiling warmly at and motivational figure, instead of just in the office behind the desk. students in the halls or dropping in the man Your days here end much too soon, Mr. Cowell. Your kindness and support on a class to say hello.” will not soon be forgotten, and you will certainly be missed. Perhaps you’ll come back again someday when you High School after a short retirement. Over the past see OHS in a time of need. Let us extend a cordial five months, Mr. Cowell worked closely with all invitation to you to join us on stage at graduation. areas of OHS, including showing immense support There’s nothing we’d like more than to see you smile for our music programs, athletics, and electives. He at us one more time. You were a great thing to hapwas a highly-visible administrator, frequently seen pen to this school, again. Thank you for everything.

Greg briand Freshman

“Classrooms because there’s nowhere to hide”

emma gorman Junior

“Silver Bullets because everyone has a bad temper.”

Our Safety: Think Outside the Box

Safety. What is it to you? To Webster’s Dic- where children call their educators by “Sir” or tionary, it is “the condition of being safe from “Ma’am” instead of by yelling “Hey G-dawg!” undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss” or “a With structure in place by kindergarten, high device (as on a weapon or a machine) designed school security would go by the wayside. In our to prevent inadvertent or hazardous operation.” overcrowded high school, you would be flabberWhy can’t safety mean friendship and respect? gasted the day we all walked on the correct side Enough is being done to prevent the imminent threats of violence, but “Picture a school where children who is being paid to expand their minds call their educators by ‘Sir’ or beyond the here and now? Would it be wrong to think that violence is a learned ‘Ma’am’ instead of by yelling behavior that develops over time? The ‘Hey G-dawg!’” key to preventing violence is exposing a child at a very young age to positive role models. Furthermore, giving the child something to be a part of, a function or di- of the hall. Wouldn’t it be a treat if our disrespectrection in life, provides an opportunity for respon- ful peers apologized to us for interfering with the sibility that encourages self-conscious decisions. rest of us who come to school to be educated?

The solution to keeping our schools safe Are you still asking how to prevent violence?

Answer: Respect and discipline. Picture a school is in keeping students on track and in order

Update the Tribute to Former Staff

While in the main office a few weeks ago, we noticed a plaque that was hanging there to honor retired teachers that has not been updated in 14 years! The last name on the plaque was Helen Jermyn, who retired in 1992.

There is plenty of space on the plaque to honor the teachers who have retired since, but for some reason, nobody updates it. A lot of teachers give over 30 years to OHS. When they retire, there seems to be no record of them ever spending a minute in this building, except maybe for an old yearbook here-and-there.

We’re not pointing the finger of blame at any individual for not doing his or her job.

We’re just indicating something that has been neglected, for whatever reason, that could be easily updated by one of our service clubs, classes, or a community service project. Sure, the cost of engraving might be a little expensive, but let’s take the time and effort to recognize all of the teachers who have retired since the plaque was abandoned. It’s the least we can do.

February 2006

Buccaneer Bulletin

mike segretto Sophomore

“The hallway by the gym because everyone fights there.”

amanda borick senior

“Gym, because it’s easy to get hurt.”

Mike smith Junior

“The boys’ locker room.”

jessica dickquist

sophomore

“The stairwell because I’m short and don’t want to be thrown off.”

9

Can One Survive a Hard-Knock Life?

Features

This is where the story begins, inside of a dank, cavernous factory. My brothers and I are poked at and prodded, and after about fifteen minutes we are shoved into a dark compartment, locked up, and stuffed onto a large truck.

From there, our journey continues with America’s truckers. Several truck stops, cups of coffee, and month-old apple pies later, we find ourselves in a large room, stacked precariAllan Brown ously on top of each other and tagged. This may sound weird to you, but it has happened to every one of my family members for generations. We sit in a brightly-lit room for weeks before we find a home. Finally, a nice looking young family comes in, and after some inspection, purchases me and five of my brothers and sisters. Once again we are locked up in the dark, and after what seemed like a terribly long journey, we find ourselves at the family’s home.

Once “home,” we were locked again in coldness that seemed like a dungeon, but luckily, food was available. We couldn’t see anything, and we were forced to huddle together for warmth. It was hard to move, because of the restraints around my necks, but we managed to survive the night. To our horror, the next morning when we awoke, my sister was gone. It looked like there was a struggle, as her plastic chains were ripped apart. We only had a few minutes to mourn though, as the door was opened and the family forcefully grabbed me by my neck and took me.

After a few minutes, it was over. My body felt significantly lighter, and I was tossed in a bag with other bodies. It was a horrible feeling, still being alive and seeing others who had suffered the same fate as I. I landed next to my sister, who was also in rough shape, and we huddled together. This went on for days, and more and more of our family ended up with us. After a few weeks, the bodies were piled up almost three feet above me, and it seemed like it was time to clear them out.

Our hosts came into our room, picked us up, along with three other groups, and shoved us into a car. After a short journey, we were all brought into a small, dirty room and thrown onto a large table. Four strange people, smelling of alcohol started to sort us into separate sections depending on our color and size. It was dirty and nasty, and when we were all segregated, we were tossed aside and thrown into a large cement room.

A few days went by with more and more being added by the hour. At the end of the third day, a large door opened, and a truck driver began loading us into a truck. About ninety-five containers were loaded, we lay in one, and we were off on another journey.

We soon found ourselves back in a familiar place, our homeland. We were unloaded onto a huge assembly line, which led down into a large oven. Soon, it was my turn, and my last memory was seeing a large container with melted aluminum in it, the aluminum of my brothers, my family, and my friends.

Yeah, this is a hard, tough life for a Coke can.

10

Buccaneer Bulletin

February 2006

Entertainment

Teen Comedies Popular Through the Years

By Dave Winklebleck Entertainment Editor

From way back in the ‘50s with movies starring Elvis Presley, Sandra Dee and “The First American Teenager” James Dean, to now in 2006, the “teen movie genre” has been a huge part of the American movie industry.

The genre has grown a lot since its early days.

Initially, these films were cookie-cutter plots that were just slightly different in order to get the stars of the time period, like Elvis, onto the screen.

Another type of movie that dominated the fifties was the “cheap, drive-in” genre. These were usually poorly made, low-budget films whose sole purpose was to be shown in teen-inhabited drive-ins.

Once the ‘60s rolled around, the studios turned to what they thought teens wanted to see, instead of just using the current “in” actors. Apparently, the studios thought that the only things teenagers cared about were beach parties judging by the titles-Beach Blanket Bingo, Beach Party, Ride the Wild Surf. Just like the movies of the ‘50s, the movies lacked relevant plot lines and quality writing. The “teen” genre was still an afterthought of the studios until one, ground-breaking movie came along and took the genre off the back-burner and thrust it into the spotlight of American moviegoers. The aforementioned ground-breaking picture was, The Graduate. The movie is the first of the “teen genre” to actually focus on a real-life situation--the interests of a college-aged kid embarking on a quest to have an affair with his father’s business partner’s wife.

The Graduate starred a very young Dustin Hoffman, who became a star with his role as the main character, Benjamin Braddock.

The ‘70s brought about a little more growth in the genre, with titles including; Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and Animal House. Animal House, one of the most famous teen movies of all-time. It was the first “wild, teen comedy.” It depicted a very party-oriented frat and all of its crazy antics. The two other top teen

movies, Grease and Saturday Night Fever both were Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in 1999. appealing to teens because they focused on the music No one teen movie of the ‘90s dominated the press of the time period. and box-office quite like American Pie. The movie The ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s all brought about minor was often referred to as “the Animal House of its changes, but not until the ‘80s did the genre see such generation,” showing great respect for both movies radical improvement and change. With help from involved in the comparison. Just like Animal House, filmmaker John Hughes, the decade became the American Pie pushed the limits of the of genre by “Golden Age” of teen movies. using crude humor and much Hughes, who directed many more sexually-related content classic teen films including which had not been seen in Sixteen Candles, The a movie made for teens prior Breakfast Club and Ferris to that.

Bueller’s Day Off became In this decade, the know as the father of the American Pie series was modern teen movie. Hughes finished with the production was not solely responsible of American Pie 2 and for the boom of teen movies American Wedding, both in the ‘80s. Other directors of which rode the success such as Amy Heckerling of the original to receive (Fast Times at Ridgemont above-average receptions.

High), Bob Clark (Porky’s) Another important movie and Jeff Kanew (Revenge of in the genre, Not Another the Nerds) all contributed to Teen Movie, was released the decade’s plethora of teen in the new millennium. Its comedies. The main reason importance was not because for such radical change during of its success, but instead, photo by dave winklebleck the ‘80s was the revelation by because of its content. The The American Pie movies are teen the directors and producers whole point of the movie favorites of this generation, just as that the largest group of was to spoof every previous Animal House was an icon of the ‘70s. people going to movies was teen movie. One of the jokes teens. They then realized that making movies about in this parody was having the high school named topics teens can relate to might just be crazy enough after legendary teen movie director John Hughes. It to work. The rest is history. From then on, countless also featured cameos from actors who starred in teen teen movies have graced the silver screen every movies from the past, like Molly Ringwold (Pretty in year, especially during the summer months (the most Pink, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles) and Paul popular time of year for teen comedy releases).

Gleason (The Breakfast Club).

The ‘90s benefited greatly from the success of From its infancy with Elvis and James Dean, to the ‘80s movies. Some of the memorable films of the present day with American Pie and Not Another the decade were Dazed and Confused and Clueless.

Teen Movie, the teen genre of movies has made great The decade also saw the resurrection of the ultrastrides to become one of, if not, the most popular type popular series, Star Wars, with the release of Star of movie being released into theaters today.

Runescape, New Online Role-Playing Game

By Eric Fenton Photographer

Imagine fighting fierce demons with only a sword and shield to protect you, and having duels to the death with people from China. Now you can in Runescape, a very popular online RPG (role playing game).

It might not have the best graphics, but the frequent updates and holiday events make up for it. The game plays well for different types of people, whether you’re into making money or making your player strong for the PVP(player vs. player) area called wilderness.

In the wilderness, you can test your player against other players from all over the world.

February 2006

There are seven combat skills to master, capture the flag, connect four and checkers. including marksmanship, magic, and prayer; Paying members also have special or if you’d like hand-to-hand combat, each weapons they can acquire. Paying members skill increases your combat level a certain can also master the newest skill to the game, amount. There farming, are also eight which allows money-mak- “Imagine fighting fierce you to grow ing skills like demons with only a sword certain foods. mining and and shield to protect you...”

Apart smithing, fishfrom the ing and cookfighting and ing, and even woodcutting. All of those skills money making, there is a group of quests to be can be mastered by free worlders, but there completed to gain quest points (which lead to are also special worlds in which only pay- better quests) and earn skill experience. There ing players can enter, with mini games like is an upside to playing over the internet with

Buccaneer Bulletin

other players, which includes the ability to talk to more people and make some new friends.

The downside is that there are beggars who ask for free money and items without getting to experience the fun of the game, and scammers who say some items are worth more than they are.

There are also name callers who make fun of people because they’re low leveled and discourage people from playing the game.

If you make it through and learn the scamming tricks, no longer get fooled, and ignore the name callers, you might wind up having a good time with this game.

11

Entertainment

In the Future, Everyone has Anderson’s Feed

By Fred Maxon Art Director

A computer chip implanted into your brain that enables you to shop, talk to your friends, and watch television.

Sounds convenient, right? However, this chip makes you unable to read, write, or be yourself. You become just another face in the crowd. This is the world of M.T. Anderson’s book Feed. Taking place in the future, everyone has a feed (the computer chip implanted in their brains). The book is told from the eyes of Titus, a teenage boy living in this futuristic world.

“We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck,” Titus explains. He and his friends, Calista, Loga, Quendy, Marty and Link go to the moon one spring break and meet Violet, a girl their age who received the feed when she was seven, whereas other kids usually got the feed implanted shortly after they were born. She’s different.

She knows how to read and write, and she wears wool instead of plastic. Violet goes to the nightclub with them, and that’s were disaster strikes.

Someone hacks into their feed. They have to shut down the parts of the feed that control the shopping, chatting, and TV networks for a while, but they don’t totally shut it down because the feed controls all the vital functions too.

Physically, everyone is fine ---except then you get ads based on what you’re for Violet. Due to the fact that she got supposedly like. They try to figure out it at a later age, it’s more prone to seri- who you are and to make you conform ous malfunctions. They turn hers back to one of their types for easy marketon, and she’s fine, but they warn her ing. It’s like a spiral: They keep making about the effects of everything more it. She is going to basic so it will aphave serious malpeal to everyone. functions over the Gradually, everynext few months. one gets used to Violet can be everything being very “anti-feed” at basic, so we get times. She listens to less and less varied her dad’s stories of as people, get more when feeds weren’t simple. So the around--stories corps makes everyof how the trees thing even simpler. were green, and And it goes on and there was one sun, on,” she teaches not all these little Titus. They create bubbles that sura profile for her, round every house so messed up they that have their own can’t market to her. courtesy of hu.mtu.edu climate. She longs M.T.Anderson, author of Feed However, that also to have a house sends the message to teenagers, leads to her downnear a lake that “We (adults) are counting on you.” fall. No business doesn’t steam, or wants to give her move when there’s no wind on it. money for her operation, due to the fact Violet is a philosopher. “Everything she’s different. They aren’t sure what she we’ve grown up with—the stories on likes. In this world, the media controls the feed, the games, all of that—it’s all the schools, the clouds, and your fate. streamlining our personalities so we’re Violet sends Titus her memories of easier to sell to. I mean, they do these when she was a kid, and he deletes them. demographic studies that divide every- He soon regrets it. They fight over her one up into a few personality types, and beliefs “Do you know the earth is dead?”

she explains, “Almost nothing lives here anymore, except where we plant it? No. No, No, No. We don’t know any of that.

We have tea parties with our teddies. We go sledding, We enjoy being young. We take what’s coming to us. That’s our way.”

Titus tries to forget about her; he starts seeing another girl, he starts avoiding her attempts to chat. Then her dad contacts him. Her dad tells him to come over, for she asked that he do, when she started getting near the end.

As she lay on her bed, with wires attached to her, and machines checking her pulse and breathing, he realizes that she isn’t going to live much longer, and tries to reconcile. He talks to her, even though she can’t respond.

This book has many different lessons about life. “Be unique” speaks loudly, and so does “Everything must go,” the book’s final words. By far though, the most important lesson comes from the book’s author. “Ultimately, in writing Feed, I wanted to say to kids who are already doubting what they see around them, ‘You already think in ways I’ll never be capable of, and are dreaming of things I can’t conceive of.

Keep it up. We’re counting on you.’”

I highly suggest picking up Feed by M.T. Anderson. This book really makes you enjoy the abilities we take for granted, like the ability to be a unique person, and not just another face in the crowd.

Top Two of the Season: Sims and Smackdown

By Jordan Brancato

web is exploding with rumors that this latest title have the ability to pick your own superstars from the could be, in fact, the best game made to date. roster. At the beginning you get to pick which brand The two best releases that have come out this True you can only play the season mode twice be- you want to run. You either get to run Smackdown or season for gaming are Smackdown fore the story repeats Raw. The game gives you profiles vs. Raw 2006, and the Sims 2. itself, but it looks like on the stars that state their mood, The Sims 2 is the fourth Sims it makes up for itself how much you pay them, etc. game to hit the Play Station 2 console. with how well the The graphics on the game Sims has made the PS2 even story lines are put seem very real. When the promore awesome than it already was. together. The graphics grammers and the designers sat Sims 2 has everything that are great. For anydown and figured out how they you have come to expect in a one who has seen the wanted the graphics to be, they Sims game and it gives you new commercial for the put a lot of hard work into them. things like ability to control your game, the graphics As for the controls, they are characters with the analog stick. really are that good. very hard. These were not deThis would be the first Sims It is actual game play signed carefully enough. It seems game where the Sims can fall in the commercial. like the controls of the game in love or have a one-nighter.

Next there’s the were thrown in at the last minute.

Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 beall-new GM mode, The overall play value is poor. ing the sixth title made by THQ which is my favorite The AI in the game is very frusand Jak Pacific. The part of the game. You trating. courtesy of playstation 2 courtesy of ea sports.com Reporter

12

Buccaneer Bulletin

February 2006

Sports

Supporting Your Teams May Help the Results

By Bill Haresign

Sportswriter

You wear the Buccaneer T-shirts at the pep rallies. You tie the Oswego hoodie around your waist on game days. But do you show up to the games themselves? Chances are, if you’re not related to one of the players, you’re probably at home, playing video games, instead of in the bleachers rooting for the Bucs. And that’s a crying shame.

Sports teams thrive on the roar of the home crowd, and OHS athletes are no different. But instead of looking up in the stands and seeing a sea of blue, our athletes often find themselves in a figurative wasteland, sparsely peppered with the occasional parent, sibling, or whoever is giving one of the players a ride home.

Needless to say, it is a tragedy when our fellow students, who act as ambassadors for our school and community, have no one to boost their confidence, especially when the future of many of our athletic squads is hanging in the breeze.

Another side effect of the apathy of our so-called “fans” is, ironically, their number-one complaint. As even the most casual sports fans know, home-field advantage, that adrenaline boost a player feels when he knows that the home crowd is behind him, can make or break games. “You get fan support,” stated JV soccer player Anthony Caramella, “and you know the field well, so you know the conditions.” In our

February 2006

photo illustration by kait anderson

Sometimes, fans at Buccaneer games look as lonely as the fans at Florida Marlin baseball games.

case, we’re about as broken as it gets. When asked about the effects of game attendance, former varsity wrestler Dave Hamler explained, “Sometimes it’s helpful, but sometimes the coaches don’t really like it because the things the fans say aren’t really helpful.”

The expectations of the entire city are

Buccaneer Bulletin

extremely low for many of our athletic teams, most notably the football squad. An interesting little nuance you might have noticed is that poor performance in any of our sports seems to magically lower expectations for the rest of the athletic teams in our school. You’ve seen it happen. You’ve heard a parent, a classmate, or a teacher expressing surprise at a Buccaneer victory.

Okay, so it’s not all about fan support, you claim. The talent of the players determines how successful any given team will be. Well, guess again. Although victory isn’t guaranteed for the crowd favorites, the most physically-impressive group is still at risk of an upset from time to time. Indeed, there is an infinite list of variables that can alter the outcome of any contest.

According to Hamler, “The record or status of his opponent, and your own coach can help one team gain an edge over the other, because they can give you confidence.” Team chemistry, coaching strategy, or the ability to perceive weakness can put a check in the “win” column, regardless sport. “Good practice and having good compatibility with your teammates,” is also a factor, claimed Caramella. Granted, there may not be one single key to achieving perfection, but one of the biggest factors is the roar of the crowd.

It really isn’t that difficult to show up at games, is it? Just drag your carcass away from your TV screen. Honestly, what’s more important? A Buccaneer win, or seeing whether Rory Gilmore decides to drop out of Yale? You know the answer.

So let’s get out there, and as the song goes, “root, root, root for the home team,” because if they don’t win, it really is a shame.

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Sports Columns

Multi-Sport Athletes Upset With V’ball Switch

By Abby Martin Sportswriter

Athletic careers are sometimes cut short by injuries. However, some of these careers here at OHS, are not being brought to an end due to tragic injuries, but by administrative decisions that often do not reflect the opinions of the players and coaches.

Just a few weeks ago, our coach walked into the gym with a white piece of paper in his hand. Judging by the look on his face, what he had to say was not good news.

We were absolutely shocked.

The letter that Coach Ahart held in his hand blatantly informed us that next year, we would be faced with an extremely tough decision of continuing something we’ve worked so hard at or playing another one of our favored sports. Volleyball, our winter sport, was going to be moved to the fall.

The decision would be very difficult for almost all of us, and it came down to choosing between two things we were equally passionate for. This was brought upon us in the middle of the season right before a

practice! Whatever happened to a fair warning? We shouldn’t have to worry about this now, let alone ever! It’s not only unfair to us, but it’s unfair to Coach Ahart, to athletes who play fall or winter sports, to coaches who coach fall or winter sports, and most importantly to our program and all the volleyball programs in Section III.

and competitions too. Moving volleyball to the fall interferes with the marching band schedule; it would cut into practice times and games/ competitions for both volleyball and marching band,” said freshman volleyball player and member of our marching band program, Becca Battles. “It puts so much pressure on us and throws us off our normal schedules,” she stated.

Our straw and stick “I guess this is our last houses have definitely been year to prove ourselves as blown down after we’ve worked so hard to build a team” and we have no brick Abby Dixon them, houses to escape to. It’s OHS Volleyball Team Member going to happen whether we like it or not, and you probably know who the “big Sports are not the only conflict bad wolves” are. here. Take marching band for It’s not just us, either. Almost example. It is every bit as timeevery volleyball athlete in the section consuming, competitive, and feels as strongly as we do about this enjoyable as athletics. Participants issue, except a few who specialize in still take pride in putting on the volleyball only at the “power house” uniform. “Marching band may schools. These schools are in favor of not be considered an actual sport, this rule because the volleyball state but it’s just as much of a sport as tournament is held in the fall. anything else, we have practices “The timing is completely

off. It’s not fair. We should get at least a warning for those who have conflicts,” said Lauren Drozynski of the West Genesee volleyball program.

I agree.

I don’t think that one person is happy about this on my team. “It’s ridiculous that they would take away something we’ve worked so hard at and put so much time into,” stated junior captain of the OHS varsity volleyball team, Abby Dixon. “I guess this is our last year to prove ourselves as a team,” she said.

Additionally, there was a tenthree vote that favored switching the volleyball season to the fall.

However, those votes only reflect the opinion of thirteen people--the athletic directors, not the best interest of the players and coaches.

Finally, you have to admit that this issue is angering more people than it is pleasing. What the heck ever happened to the notion of democracy? For those of you in favor of the switch, you should ask yourself one personal question: What’s really at issue here--our pride or our program?

Defining Team Captains and Team Leaders continued from page

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shows me who is more motivated and it helps me make my choice.”

The varsity girls’ basketball coach Mr. Phillip Reed said, “When picking my captains I take into consideration skill and experience to help me choose who I think will lead our team the best.”

Mr. Theodore Beers, the girl’s varsity hockey coach, chooses a different method of picking captains. “I let the athletes pick their captains, because the athletes are the ones who play in the games, not the coaches.”

Beers has picked captains before, though. Beers said that when he does pick his captains he looks for one who is a leader more than who has the most experience.

Senior swim captain Casey Woods said, “I think when some teams pick captains they go for more of the best athletes than people who could fulfill the position the best.”

Every season, teams from high school to the pros crash and burn from a lack of leadership. This year, many people believe that the Syracuse Orange basketball team will be hurt from a lack of leadership. These critics say that the senior leader, Gerry McNamara, has not fulfilled all the responsibilities which the team has needed. If the Orange

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end up having a disappointing season, many people responsibilities or not at all, can a team be successwill look at this as a big factor. ful? Klein believes that teams can be successful, but All captains have certain responsibilities, which it normally helps to have good leadership, because can differ from team to team or sport to sport. For a when the team chemistry is not good, it sets the team captain to do his job, he has certain responsibilities, up for failure. Also, both think that no matter what, such as being a positive presence in the locker room. a team with good leadership will be more successful Klein believes that a good captain’s responsibilities than a team without good leadership. are to lead the “It may not team, motivate “Most captains will, at times, be doing be completely the team, espe- their job, but at other times not. When necessary,” said cially when the Reed, the varsity team is down, this happens, I believe that it’s the girl’s basketball c o u n s e l t e a m coach’s responsibility to motivate the coach, “but it cermembers if they captains.” tainly does help have a problem, to have good capRick Klein tains.” and maintain Oswego Varsity Swim Coach Ultimately, an open link of communication when captains between themselves and the rest of the team. do fulfill their responsibilities, teams have a much When Woods was asked if he fulfills all the greater chance of succeeding. There is a chance that responsibilities that are asked of him he replied, the difference between a state championship team “Sometimes.” and a team with a losing record could be good leader “Most captains will, at times, be doing their job, ship. Even though some teams have accomplished a but at other times not,” said Klein. “When this hap- winning season with little to no leadership it, having pens, I believe that it’s the coach’s responsibility to someone who can lead the team in the right direcmotivate the captains.” tion is usually a component of successful or even So when captains do not completely fulfill their championship teams.

Buccaneer Bulletin

February 2006

Sports

Switch of V’ball Season has Far-Reaching Impact

As of now, only three of the ten underclassmen on situation. “We’re going to get hurt. Both programs 16 tough change, especially for the girls that have the varsity volleyball team have said they will be (girls’ volleyball and girls’ soccer) have very proud been involved in volleyball since seventh grade,” playing volleyball for sure next season. “I think traditions, and I know that the girls’ soccer program veteran volleyball coach Ronald Ahart said. “Some a lot of the girls are going to choose what’s been is going to fight to stay on top as we are. We’re of my girls have been playing volleyball for over their primary sport that’s their love,” Coach Ahart not going to roll over, we’re going to come out and five years, and now, next year, they’re going to stated. “Would I like them all to say ‘Coach, we’re we’re going to prepare the kids,” Ahart stated. “I’m have to make a decision between what has been all coming back to play volleyball’? The answer not going to put any pressure on the kids to make a two high quality sports in our would be yes. But I’m also a realist,” Ahart stated. decision. Whatever they decide, they decide. And school, the soccer program and The players aren’t the only ones who have to we go from there. We build with the kids who come the volleyball program. Five of make a choice on what sport to participate in next to the gym. We don’t worry about who’s not there. my girls are soccer players, two fall. Ahart is also the coach of the boys’ varsity But I think every year, the girls are going to face tennis, one swimmer, and one soccer team, and will have to make a tough choice that decision, because they’re not moving volleymarching band. Only one of the on which sport to coach next season: volleyball or ball at the middle school level; it’s staying in the players that would be return- soccer. “I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m leaning winter. So what’s going to happen is, a girl could ing next year doesn’t take part towards possibly coaching volleyball at this point play soccer in the fall and volleyball in the winter Ron Ahart in a fall activity,” he lamented. in time. It’s a tough decision all around. If every- and then every fall, once they hit high school, Ahart is struggling with body in our section, or everybody in the state had they’re going to have to make a decision, as they’re the logic behind the decision. “The bottom line gone to the fall for volleyball, I would feel much going to be forced to choose between one program is, if you’re going to make this change, move all better about making that decision,” Ahart noted. or the other, which is going to hurt the programs.” of Section III, or all of New York State. If it was Another concern that Ahart has with the proOne of the major issues next year will be about everyone, then okay, we probably don’t have a leg cess is the fact that the coaches weren’t part of the how to make up for the players playing a different to stand on, but the fact that it is sport come next fall. Ahart says it’s only the class AA schools doesn’t “Some of my girls have been playing volleyball for going to take some work. “Losmake a lot of sense to me,” he said ing almost all of the junior class Oswego Athletic Director over five years, and now, next year, they’re going that would be seniors next year is Bradford Dates took part in the to have to make a decision between what has been going to hurt us. It’s going to be decision to move the girls to the we’re going to have to two high quality sports in our school, the soccer something fall. He shed some light on the work at for several years, starting decision, along with updating the program and the volleyball program.” with building around young players, public with some news that even Ronald Ahart and hope that we can get enough the coaches weren’t aware of. to fill out our program.”

Varsity Volleyball Coach players “Now that the lawsuit’s there, evDates also commented on that ery Title IX lawsuit that’s been out topic. “My thought is, that what it there, whether it’s been in this state, or any other decision making for the move. “We were told at does (and in talking with people out at Section V state, has ruled in the favor to align with the state our pre-season coaches’ meeting that we shouldn’t which runs girls’ volleyball in the fall), is it actutournaments. When the lawsuit started coming up, worry about it, that Section III was dealing with ally opens up other opportunities for other girls to the large schools decided, let’s move ahead. That the issue. A couple of weeks later, I was called fill those slots. One of the things that they see in vote was taken at the end of November, early part in and given a press release stating that class AA the Rochester area, for instance, is girl’s basketball of December. Since that time (January 4), there volleyball would move to the fall. I was told that players playing volleyball in the fall. That void will have been rumors that there might very well in fact it might happen, it could happen, but it wasn’t get filled. There will be an opportunity. This year be a counter-suit being brought up,” Dates said. until I was handed the press release did I find out. we had about 59 modified girls “At our first meeting of 2006, it was stated that I was given no input. Even a year ago when they cut from volleyball. There are a there was a school contemplating filing a counter took a vote on it initially, the athletic directors lot of people interested in volsuit to the original lawsuit. This might pose an voted against moving it to the fall. This was when leyball that might then choose to opportunity to delay the volleyball’s move to the we had AA and A schools in our league. Now stay with volleyball, even after fall. People have to understand, if this lawsuit did our league is only AA, so the athletic directors they got cut, because the opporgo through, and they settled it in July, we could’ve saw this as an opportunity to move,” Ahart said. tunity to play will be increased.” been possibly told in July that we’ve got to move Dates also weighed in on this topic. “They (the Initially, when looking at brad dates girls’ volleyball to the fall, starting the very next coaches) may not be always looking at the good of this change on paper, it doesn’t month, in August. So that’s why we made our move the overall program. They may be more concerned seem like that big of a deal. But if you look at when we did. Philosophically, I was for moving with what may be individually satisfying for them. all of the areas that moving girls volleyball afthe season to the fall for the girls, and I’ve said This decision is broad based. So that’s why I say, fects, it puts a much different perspective and this to the girls, and to parents. I was for the girls philosophically, I think it’s important that the context to the move. This issue is still evolving, having the same opportunity in volleyball that girls have the same opportunity in volleyball that and it’s still a question on where it will end up. they have in basketball, that they have in soccer, all our girls in other sports have,” Dates stated. Dates sums it up well with this sentiment: “I feel that they have in softball, and all of the other Girls’ soccer being affected by volleyball’s bad for the girls if this lawsuit goes through; I sports, to compete in a season that allows them move to the fall this year, and years to come is feel bad for them to have to make this choice. I the opportunity to go to states,” Dates stated. another component to this issue. Head coach of the truly do. At some point in time, though, a choice Probably the most controversial issue in all of girls’ varsity soccer team, Mr. Brian Greene, and would’ve had to be made anyway.” this is how it’s going to affect the players involved. Ahart are both going to do their best to deal with the continued from from page

February 2006

Buccaneer Bulletin

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Volume 9 Number 4

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Value of Team Captains is Questioned

February 2006

Stunned

Sports Flashback

By Kevin Kearns Sportswriter

In nearly all high school sports at the beginning of each season, captains are elected or selected by the coach. A team captain has numerous responsibilities and can become vital to helping a team become successful. Even though a captain is supposed to have a lot of responsibility, the question is whether or not captains are team leaders and role models or just the most popular kid.

“I don’t think that when teams pick captains it is a popularity contest” said varsity hockey girls captain Alyssa Holland, “I believe that photo by abby martin most of the time teams are choosing Erin Baker and Abby Dixon have to decide whether or not to give up someone who will be a good leader.” volleyball next year because administrators have changed it to the fall.

Teams have numerous methods of choosing who their leaders will be. On most teams, either the coach chooses what members of his team he thinks are the best fit for being a captain or By Michael Tyo This all stems from the fact that the team will vote. Both methods have Sports Editor the state championship for volleyball proven to be successful, but choosNext season, the female volley- takes place during the fall, making ing the right captains can be crucial. ball competition in the “AA” schools, it impossible for volleyball teams Oswego varsity swim coach Rick comprising the Colonial Conference competing during the winter season Klein looks for experience when in the Onondaga High School League to contend for states. According to picking his captains. He said, “Nor- will be playing during the fall rather the Education Department, the Ofmally I will pick seniors who have than the winter session due to a class fice for Civil Rights received the Title been on the team for a while. If, action lawsuit filed with the U.S. IX gender discrimination complaint like last year, we have a lot of se- Department of Education asking that in April and made the decision to niors, I’ll have them write an essay. Section III move all girls volleyball inspect the matter on August 30.

The reason this is a Title IX precontinued on page 14 programs from the winter to the fall. dicament is due to the fact that all of the boys’ sports currently take place in the Owen Burns same season as their state championOwen Burns Statistics ships, and since this is not the case with girls’ volleyball, they are not “equal.”

Title IX is the federal law requiring gen• 15 goals/13 assists der equity in interscholastic athletics.

Oswego volleyball is one of the • Player of the Year programs that will be affected by this move. “I think right now, it’s a very • All League first team

Volleyball Season Switch Leaves Athletes with Fall Sports Dilemma

continued on page

• 1st Team All New York State CNY Star Athlete Soccer

• Region II All East Region Team

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Five years ago 2001 Oswego lacrosse goalie Krystal Winchek signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at St. Bonaventure University, a Division-1 lacrosse school in Olean, NY. Winchek received a full tuition scholarship to play goalie for the Bonnies.

In Winchek’s junior year at Oswego High School she recorded 211 saves and was a twoyear varsity player for the Bucs.

Ten years ago 1996 The 1995-96 swim team was in need of swimmers and decided to look on the middle school swim team for help. Athletic Director Mr. Ted Kerley and Coach Pat Chetney asked eighth grader Kris Klein, seventh graders Ben Delia and Don Dowd to swim for the varsity Bucs.

All three agreed to the promotion.

Klein, Delia and Dowd set the foundation for swim team success the next couple of years and eventually went on to set team records for the Bucs.

Twenty years ago 1986 According to a new rule instituted by the State Board of Regents, girls could try out for school-sponsored football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, boxing, and rugby. For a female to participate in any of these male sports, they have to pass a selective classification exam, as if they were an eighth grader trying out for a varsity sport.

Most OHS coaches and Athletic Director Mr. Joseph Wilber disagreed with the ruling because they thought schools already had great athletic programs and opportunities for girls.

Strong Opinion!

Why Low Attendance?

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