Oswego High School’s Student Voice
Volume 12 Number 4
‘Pharm Parties’ Deadly & Dangerous
T
o buy drugs like marijuana and cocaine, you need cash and a dealer. But a growing number of teens are finding it easier and cheaper to obtain drugs simply by raiding their own medicine cabinets at home. A trend among teen drug abusers is what’s known as “pharm” parties. At a pharm party, teens bring different pills they have in their medicine cabinets and then toss them into a bowl with everyone else’s pills. Then they reach in and grab a couple of pills. Though the results could be deadly, teens don’t care because all they are interested in is a high. The act is reckless and the results can be horrific, but of course, that is the point of a pharm party--to take a risk for the thrill of getting high. It’s a trend with its own slang language. It’s easy for teens to understand and it also confuses parents and teachers. When teens are looking for pills, it’s called “pharming,” which is often done in their own medicine cabinets. A bowl of random pills can be referred to as “trail mix” and party-goers “graze” on pills when they want to feel a high. Teens attend pharm parties sometimes and don’t even realize it. They just swap a bunch of pills with friends and take them. In a survey through Drug-Free America, nearly one in five teens reported trying prescription medications to get high. (The survey included more than 7,300 junior high and high school students.) The number of available prescription drugs is too great for one to keep track of, especially with the astronomical number of new drugs introduced each year. In another survey by Drug- Free America, 4.5 million American teens stated they have taken multiple pills at one time. The increasing trend of pharming can lead to serious complications, even death. Teens are now even swapping their pharmaceutical drugs in schools by bringing in Ziploc bags and swapping with a friend. Although prescription drug use is not just emerging, parents have yet to realize the deadly combinations that these drugs offer. Some parents are naive and believe that this is not happening. Then there are the irresponsible ones who do know, yet do not see it as a problem because the drugs being taken by their children are not illegal drugs. At Oswego High School, students are not only attending pharm parties, but also taking these prescription drugs by themselves just to obtain a high. “I tried Vicodin one time, I liked all the other prescription drugs I had used previously, so I figured why not,” stated junior Nick Farella. Another OHS student who wished to remain anonymous stated, “I’ve tried Xanax; it’s usually used as an anti-depressant but I just took it to get high.” Although pharm parties are currently not extremely popular, with the rising use of prescription drugs, the attendance and frequency of these parties could rise. The OHS Farnham drug and alcohol counselor, Penny Morley, stated, “I
February 2009
Pill Pop’n Story and Photo Illustration by Caitlin sawyer
know there are students all over the county involved in pharm parties. However, I’m not sure of the number of students partaking in pharming in Oswego.” Although ‘pharming’ is not a widespread trend in all counties of New York, it is growing popularity may lead to ‘pharm’ parties. The results of pharming could lead to many health problems including seizures, respiratory depression, and cardiovascular failure. “It’s not about telling on your friends, it’s about potentially saving your friend’s life,” stated Morley. Parents should keep track of their monthly medications and others that may be lying around in their medicine cabinets. Disposing of unneeded prescriptions can make it harder for teens to obtain them. Karen CarpenterPalumbo the Commissioner of New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse stated, “We need to implement strong safeguards in the fight against prescription drug abuse. I would encourage families to discuss the issue of prescription drug abuse and not assume that it can never happen in their home. Prevention is the first prescription to a healthy New York.” The state is trying to prevent drug abuse, and with the help of parents, it can be avoided.
Editorial
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Buccaneer Bulletin
Drawing Board
Oswego High School’s Student Voice
Editor-in-Chief Fred Maxon Managing Editor Emily DiFabio Layout Editor Stephen LiVoti Chief Photographer Caitlin Sawyer Art Director Brian Richmond Business Manager Catie Furletti Sports Editor Ryan Galloway Senior Writer Hazal Pacaci Entertainment Editor Kailyn Gray Clublicity Editor Brittany Ross Alumni Editor Rachel Clark Photographers Carissa Benson, Emily Hoyt, Monék Cullen Ad Representatives Kijafa-Monée Berkley, Nick Dunsmore Art Staff Heather Hanlon, Mary Losurdo Sports Writers Joe Bucher, Jasmine Davis Reporters Kaylee Barkley, Mary Kate Torbitt, Blair Harvey, Mackenzie Oatman, Katherine Robinson, Kaitlyn Scanlon, Liz Waterbury, Kathryn Whelsky, Kimberlyn Bailey Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200. It is intended as a vehicle to inform, educate, and entertain the student body. Printing services are provided by The Palladium-Times. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.
Buccaneer Bulletin
Cartoon by Brian Richmond
… to Dennise Vazquez, an OHS senior who will be participating in the HYLI (Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute) in Albany in April. She is one of ten people chosen from the Central New York region to represent Hispanic students of Central New York. … to waxing the floors throughout the school. It makes the school look better and cleaner. … to the junior class that has persistently tried to do a variety of fun and interesting things for the student body, such as the Match.com fundraiser. … to the adjusted bell schedule on January 20 to watch the Inauguration. This was an historic event, and we appreciate the ability to experience it. … to the first-ever class of the Oswego High School athletic Hall of Fame: Helen Jermyn, Pete Sears, Elmer Akley, Brian Akley, Dave Garrow, Sally (Dowd) McCrobie, Robert Sheldon, Dave Powers, and the 1934 Buccaneer varsity basketball team.
… to the increase in disruptive behavior at OHS over the last month. Why, all of a sudden, are there more fights, more disrespect and less cooperation? … to the new teachers having to go to mandatory workshop days. It is hard enough to get used to your teachers with our holidays, snow days, and vacations, but when teachers have to miss so many additional days for ‘workshops,’ it makes adjusting even harder.
February 2009
Editorial
3
In Our View . . .
Incentives Send the Wrong Message There is a new trend in education, and we’re not a fan of it at all. This new trend calls for schools to give money or incentive prizes to students who pass their classes or do well in school. While it sounds great to receive such rewards, we must ask: what is our society coming to? We are very grateful that the Oswego City School District has not adopted this philosophy, as it would be costly and because such programs only feed the fires of mediocrity. There might even be tax increases to give five dollars to C students, while more electives get cut. We cannot understand the thought processes behind this plan that other schools have adopted. Yes, it is very important for students to graduate, but we believe that a high school education, being a free service to students, should be something that students seek out, not something that the schools pay students to obtain. If a student doesn’t do his work, his consequences should be lower grades, not a reward payment. This policy appears to be bribery to get students to do their work. There is something seriously wrong with this idea. We cannot even fathom the problems that could arise from this policy. In addition to major tax hikes, loss of electives and an increase in laziness among teenagers, they will see this as a sign that if you don’t get paid for something, then it isn’t worth doing. To give money to students for doing what they should be doing, goes against everything that our society was built on. An education should be something that is sought out, not something that you’re paid for. Some may argue that our Buc Bucks program
is no better than a payment-for-achievement program. While this falls under the umbrella of an incentive program, we feel as though this program only affects a small number of students at a time, and thus is not the wide-scale terror previously mentioned. Also, the Buc Bucks program aims mostly to encourage students to be more courteous and polite, rather than stressing grades. Thus, we do not perceive the Buc Bucks program as a true money-for-grades style incentive program. While this is not an official policy of the OCSD, it is a practice of many Oswego parents. It is extremely sad to see parents have to give their sons or daughters money or gifts in return for doing well. Their reward for doing well should be a sense of accomplishment, and not $20 or a trip to the mall. We have to wonder if the practice of giving gifts for good grades is to ease their guilt as parents for raising unmotivated kids. Parents need to realize that this idea conditions their children to do just enough to get by--just enough to “get paid.” We must also admonish those students who think that scraping by with no effort put forth is a good plan. You will grow to see the error of your ways and regret it. Don’t let yourself get into that rut now; don’t let yourself fall into the trap of achieving only for a reward. Let a good education be your reward. Lastly, we must commend the students who do their best, the students who don’t settle for mediocrity and don’t expect anything in return other than a quality education. The idea that students need an incentive program to achieve good grades is ridiculous.
Jake Sperino
I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t think the schools have the funds for it and they should use it for repairs instead.
Class of 2012
Alex Lafond
Class of 2011
I don’t think it teaches the kids anything. It teaches them whenever they do something good they get money or rewards, which won’t happen all the time.
Zach Sizemore
Letter to the Editor
Blocking the Hallways an Everyday Occurrence
Dear Editor: They are a constant annoyance for people who need to get to class and they are always in the way. From locker 1797 to locker 1810, everyday, in between all periods, you will notice a large gathering of students, our peers, who seemingly have not yet noticed or who do not care that they are clogging the hallways and preventing students from arriving to class at the appropriate time. They stand around the hallway outside the library, sometimes lumping together on one side, blocking it like a clot blocks a vital artery or a detour snarls traffic on the highway. They talk, yell, share make-up and food, and do not care that they are causing stress and frustration to those who attempt to pass them by. Teachers pass them by as best they can and give them dirty looks. The “mass” does not disperse if politely asked, and often replies with anger. Brushing past them in the attempt to move to class allows you to further hear their constant verbal barrage of vulgarities. I wonder how they get away with it. Don’t they have to follow the same rules as everyone else? If I’m barely on time due to them, they must surely be late. Don’t they have to face consequences? Personally, I’m sick of it and I know I’m not the only one.
Buccaneer Bulletin
Should parents and educators give incentives (money or other rewards) for academic or athletic achievements?
Brian Richmond Class of ‘09
They should do it because those who are deserving and don’t have as much money should have a chance to go to college; the money they make can go towards college expenses.
Class of 2010
Mrs. Anne Babcock I’m against it. I think a lot of students today feel entitled to receiving awards for everything they do. The reward should be the accomplishment. OHS Staff
February 2009
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News/Feature
Incentive$ a Controversial Topic in Education By Rachel Clark
tending two-hour-long after-school study sessions twice a week. The federal minimum wage is currently $6.55, meaning that these students are technically making more to study after school than they would working at a fast-food restaurant. The creator of the program, Jackie Cushman of Atlanta nonprofit Learning Makes a Difference, told NPR that she hopes the money will get the kids into the classroom, but that, once there, they’ll start to enjoy learning. For the most part, statistics show that while this approach may seem too
in math, science, and English AP tests increased from 79 the year the American teens have been underprogram was implemented to 664 in performing academically, as compared 2007. At Northeast High, the number to their international counterparts, for of students on the principal’s honor decades. For an equal amount of time, roll have doubled since the introduceducators have been searching for ways tion of the Student Incentives Proto help students score better on tests gram three years ago. Scores on all and achieve higher grades. Recently, sections of the graduation test have many school districts have been exalso increased, by ten to 27 percent, perimenting with a controversial tactic: although Scavella stated that this was paying students to raise their grades and due to a combination of factors, not test scores. the incentives program alone. One such program, the National Despite the apparent success of Math and Science Initiative’s these incentives programs, AP Training & Incentive Pro- “If you pay someone to get good controversy has arisen over gram, was launched in Dallas the issue between education in 1996 and has since grown grades, the only reason they’ll experts and high school stuto include seven states. Under want good grades is for the dents alike. Richard Lakes, a this program, students are paid Georgia State University asso$100 for each passing grade at- money.” ciate professor of educational Emily Mears policy, is strongly opposed to tained on Advanced Placement tests. The program also proClass of 2010 the Learn and Earn program. vides financial incentives and “This message really reintraining to AP teachers, making forces that these low-income the teaching staff more prepared to good to be true, it is actually quite kids are destined to a life of wageteach higher-level courses. effective. One eighth grade partici- earning,” he told NPR. “It reinforces Another program, Project First pant in the Learn and Earn program that these children in particular are Job, was implemented in Tucson, Ari- mentioned during a focus group, “At going to be servants of the middle zona high schools in 2007. The plan, first I didn’t like school, but now that and upper classes.” which is funded by Arizona nonprofit I am bringing up my grades, I like Oswego High School math teachYouth Education Security, gives at-risk school more and want to go to high er Mrs. Sarah Hill is opposed to such students the opportunity to earn $25 a school and college.” incentives programs, but for a difweek for attending all classes, avoiding Dr. Todd Coleman, a former stu- ferent reason. “When my kids were disciplinary issues, and getting passing dent in an AP Training & Incentive in school, they were expected to do grades in their courses. Participating Program participant district, said he well, so that they could do well later students can also receive bonuses for was happy with his decision to take in life. This sets a bad precedent by achieving a 3.0 grade-point average AP classes under the program. “All rewarding students for things they and perfect attendance. my AP teachers were excellent. I did will just be expected to do in the Northeast Health Science Magnet not have a single bad teacher. You are future,” Hill stated. High School in Macon, Georgia is so well prepared as a result. It gives Junior Emily Mears concurs. “If trying a program somewhat similar to you a head start in college, so you you pay someone to get good grades, the BUCS program used here at OHS. can pursue a double major like I did, the only reason they’ll want good According to principal Dr. Sam Scav- or you don’t have to take as heavy a grades is for the money. They’ll have ella, students at Northeast are able to course load so you can take part in no drive for education,” she stated. win prizes for a variety of academic campus organizations and have more achievements. Students who make free time, more flexibility in college,” straight A’s are invited to a Principal’s he told NMSI representatives. ColeHonor Roll breakfast at the end of the man went on, after high school, to semester, where they are entered to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering win a big prize. This year, it will be a from MIT. 42” flat-screen television. Juniors and Student testimonials are not the seniors who attend Saturday study only evidence to prove that these prosessions for the Georgia High School grams are working. Statistics show Graduation Test are also entered to win that test scores have risen steadily in prizes, as are students who have perfect participating districts. For example, attendance. in 10 Dallas schools that particiAlso in Georgia, a program called pated in the AP Training & Incentive “Learn and Earn” pays low-income Program, the number of minority Atlanta students $8 an hour for at- students who received passing grades
Alumni Editor
Buccaneer Bulletin
Sarah Miller, another junior and a member of the National Honor Society, said, “I don’t think it’s a good way of motivating people.” Freshman Emilie Benigno disagrees. “I think it’s fair. If you studied hard all year and got good grades, you deserve to be rewarded,” she said. Harvard economist Roland Fryer, who is in charge of an incentives program in New York City, told USA Today, “I just thought that giving them some short-term incentives to do what’s in their long-term best interests would be a good way to go.” Scavella’s reason for implementing his program is similar to Fryer’s logic. Scavella said the reason his program was launched is that the quality of a student’s future life will directly reflect the type of student he or she was in high school. He went on to state that becoming the person you want to be starts with a high school diploma, and therefore it is important to motivate students to do well at the high school level. With the debate raging over the effectiveness of these programs, many students may wonder if there is a possibility of an incentives program being introduced at Oswego High School, which has been on New York State’s Schools In Need of Improvement list since the 2004-05 school year. Unfortunately for students who may be keen on the idea of incentives in addition to the BUCS program, Oswego Superintendent of Schools Mr. Bill Crist stated that while providing larger-scale extrinsic rewards for success may be a “short-term fix” for academic underachievement, “in many cases, intrinsic rewards are really more fulfilling in the long run.”
February 2009
Feature
5
OHS Students Witness Historic Event By Emily DiFabio Managing Editor With the recent election of our new president, Barack Obama, a few of our peers made the pilgrimage to Washington, DC for the January 20 inauguration and saw history in the making. Their experiences will stay with them forever and the historic inauguration day is something that they will share with their grandchildren someday. Three OHS students who made the trek to Washington are senior Savannah Bell, junior Rachel Baxter, and sophomore Tom Drumm. Baxter and Bell belong to the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC). This group does political activities and viewed Washington, DC. They also heard guest speakers. When Baxter and Bell were at the Inauguration of President Obama, they heard former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Al Gore, and anti-apartheid activist Bishop Desmond Tutu. These speakers gave the members of CYLC a better understanding of how the electoral process worked and the transition of power from George W. Bush to Barack Obama. Baxter stated, “I was able to witness history in the making.” As we sat in our seventh period classes on January 20, many of us could not help but envy our classmates who witnessed the Inauguration firsthand. Bell stated, “I was stunned to see President Obama; I didn’t know what to think; I just tried to take it all in. It was exciting to be there and be a part of history.” The students from OHS were in a sea of millions of people (both Americans and foreigners) who got to see the first African American President of the United States. Baxter stated, “I’m an African American, and I really was looking forward to the possibility of having our first black president.” While at the Inauguration, they heard the Inaugural address that President Obama delivered, which stated, “My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you’ve bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.” “Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents.” These simple words that President Obama spoke with such clarity and conviction, gave hope to a nation which is in need of a change. This hope has come to many Americans in the form of President Barack Obama. With President Obama being our first African American President, the country has truly changed since George Washington took the oath over 200 years ago. The same street, Pennsylvania Avenue, is where slaves were marched down to be sold to
Buccaneer Bulletin
AP Photo/Chuck Kennedy, Pool
President Barack Obama, left, and his wife Michelle and daughters Sasha, right and Malia, are seen on the podium moments before Obama was sworn in as the 44th president at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
new masters. The Inauguration of a new president symbolizes change to this country; when Lincoln was sworn in and allowed African Americans to walk in the inaugural parade, this show that the nation was on its way to have freedom for all who inhabited it. Then, in 1917 when Woodrow Wilson had women walk in that same parade for the very first time. As President and Mrs. Obama were attending over 10 balls that were held in Washington, DC, Baxter and Bell both attended a ball that was put on by their organization, CYLC; this is where they got to hear Chris Daughtry perform. Americans living all over the world followed the Presidential election of Barack Obama. Grace Maxon, Class of 2006 graduate recently spent time in Africa and was in Paris, France at the time of the Inauguration. She stated, “He was brought up a few times in Africa, but in Paris he is mentioned in every class we visited. The (French) kids are highly educated in US politics. One English class I was in had every student write a speech as if they were a past president of the US. They were to write about their thoughts on Obama from that president’s standpoint. They did a great job. Some kids on the metro asked me who I voted for and said that it was a shame that so many people voted just for change and hardly knew the proposed policies.” As people all over the world watched the inauguration of President Obama, both Bell and Baxter got
to witness it with their own eyes. Bell stated, “After this experience I have a better sense of government and understanding our country. I have a greater sense of patriotism.”
Inaugural Facts •Bill Clinton’s, January 20, 1997, inauguration was the first inauguration to be broadcast live over the Internet. •In 1865, Abraham Lincoln was the first president to include African-Americans in his inaugural parade. •The theme “A New Birth of Freedom” commemorates the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. •$40 million to $45 million is the estimated cost of the 2009 inaugural parade, balls, opening ceremonies, and other expenses for the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
February 2009
6
Feature
Analyze Your Hand to Predict Future Success Studies show that the length of your fingers (ring finger and index finger) may predict everything from neurotic behavior to sexual orientation, from cancer to future career preferences. By Liz Waterbury Reporter
Mostly students have hopes or dreams of becoming successful in life, and every day here at Oswego High School, students work diligently to prepare themselves for success. However, recent studies have correlated success not just to hard work or diligence, but to the length of your fingers. Apparently, the longer your index finger is, the more testosterone you received in the womb of your mother as a fetus. A hormone called androgen is present nine weeks into pregnancy, which fulfills the amount of testosterone and estrogen. Up until recently, the hormone exchange at this point of pregnancy has been only correlated with sexual orientation, but now, it is likely determining your future success. So, if you quickly look down at your hands as you are reading this, compare your index finger’s length to your ring finger’s length. Typically, in men, the index finger is a bit longer than the ring finger as opposed
Buccaneer Bulletin
to women, where it’s usually the op- where mostly everyone is a male. posite. Writing this as a female, it is kind According to ABC News, of a letdown in the fight to the study has been done say women are better than and confirmed by a team men, however it is not to of researchers at the say women do not have Cambridge Universithis feature as well. It is ty in England. One of very likely many do. If their various studies you do not possess the concluded that the winning trait of your most successful index finger’s length, stock traders at a do not be discouraged. London brokerThere is much age firm, were more to the actually exstrategy of posed to more becoming testosterone rich and as fetuses. Besuccesscause of this, ful in life. it is likely to Of course, assume they knowledge, are more judgment, confident, and collaboand have ration skills the ability to are still work quicksome of the ly in very most useful stressful entechniques in vironments. attaining sucThis is like cess. These a bizarre urban are all the more legend, but it reason to contintruly has been reue working hard searched, and it is in school, even not a meaningless if you just realized difference of your your index finger is fingers’ lengths. slightly longer than The most sucyour ring finger. cessful traders in this British study are earning nearly Image and sidebar information from fingerlengthdigitratio.wordpress.com $6 million a year,
If your index finger is longer than your ring finger:
AMONG women, these are homemakers, administrators, and health care professionals HIGH scores for neuroticism among these types EARLY breast cancer may be related to long index fingers IF MALE more likely to be homosexual IF MALE more likely to have an early heart attack AS CHILDREN more emotional, tendency to complain of headaches, clingy, many fears or worries LESS attention-seeking than those with long ring fingers MORE likely to have allergies, eczema, asthma, hay fever MORE likely to have schizophrenia LOWER sperm countsmales likely to have fewer children than those with long fingers
February 2009
Clublicity
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Clubs Keeping Busy During Winter Months NHS
The National Honor Society is kicking off its annual letter writing for St. Jude’s Hospital this month. It is a mandatory group fundraiser that collected over $7,800 last year. The National Honor Society is hoping to equal or surpass last year’s total. National Honor Society members are continuing their individual service projects. Any interested parties who wish to have a National Honor Society member tutor or work at their community events may contact adviser Mr. Mike McCrobie at mmccrobi@oswego. org for more information. Juniors or sophomores interested in joining the National Honor Society are required to attend the mandatory candidates’ meeting on Friday March 6th at 2:40 in room 200. Candidates must have a 90 unweighted average and complete 20 hours of community service prior to submitting applications. For more information, contact McCrobie or get an information brochure from the display outside of room 105.
Travel Club
The Travel Club members have been working on finalizing their payments for the trip to Ireland shortly after graduation. They have just begun a Gertrude Hawk fundraiser to assist in defraying the cost. Soon, the club will be deciding on its 2010 destination. Members tell the advisers where they would like to travel, and the advisers present them with a 3-5 trip options with prices. After reviewing their options, the club members take a vote. If you are interested in joining the Travel Club to help choose next year’s trip and to start fundraising in advance, the next meeting is February 4 in room 104 at 2:35. Gertrude Hawk orders will also be due then. For more information contact adviser Mrs. Lisa McPherson.
TV Club
If you are in TV Club or you would like to be, they are starting to record their first Primetime Sports games. The first game that they plan to record is a girls’ hockey game. Members will purchase WBUC clothing to proudly display their club logo. If you would like to purchase clothing or be part of TV Club, contact Mr. Chris Mangano, adviser.
Buccaneer Bulletin
Spanish Club
Spanish Club has just finished its Yankee Candle fundraiser, selling over 500 candles. They are planning a visit to the Azteca Restaurant, for a tour to learn how to prepare traditional Spanish food. Students in the Spanish Club are also interested in doing bi-weekly craft projects like tissue paper flowers. The annual restaurant field trip to Syracuse’s Mission Restaurant is planned for March or April. The next, and probably the last, fundraiser for the club is going to be selling Gertrude Hawk Chocolate in March. Club members are also willing to do community service at Leighton School. Spanish Club meetings are held every other Thursday in Room 241. New members are always welcome.
on a (slightly) Open Mic/Slam Night on April 24. The Mic Night will be open to those budding poets in the student population. Winners of each division during the night will each receive $50 as a prize and a thank you for participating in the project. All submissions for the Mic Night must be given to Patane in room 101 before 2:30 on April 11. To be able to participate in the Mic Night, you must be pre-approved
by Mrs. Patane to read your poem, and you must bring your own copy of the poem. There is a three-minute time limit on readings. Readers are not allowed to use gestures, costumes, or props allowed to be used during the readings. If you plan on reading a ‘slam,’ you must have it memorized in order to perform it. If you’re interested in the Open Mic/Slam night, make sure to get your original poetic pieces in to Mrs. Patane before April 11.
Foreign Exchange
At the Foreign Exchange Club’s recent meeting, members talked about the differences between the Oswego High School and their schools back in their home countries. A big difference they discussed was school discipline and how issues are being handled here compared to their home schools. They haven’t had as many meetings as they would’ve liked to have due to the snow days.
Poetry Club
Some students might have joined in on the fundraiser that was set up in the days before Christmas vacation-the candy-cane sale, which let students buy candy-canes and send them to friends. You have the Poetry Club to thank for that fun alternative to traditional Christmas cards. The Poetry Club puts on various fundraising activities throughout the year, all to replenish the club’s funds and help support the group of aspiring Poes and Lord Byrons that gather under Mrs. Carrie Patane’s supervision every Wednesday in room 101. The club’s next fundraiser is the Valentine’s Day carnation sale; a saving grace for those of you who will no doubt forget to buy flowers or candy for your ‘significant other.’ Flowers will be available for purchase. As well as the carnation sale, Poetry Club is also going to be putting
Buccaneer Bulletin
February 2009
8
Walking the Plank
Gosek is Professor Higgins in Musical Buccaneer Bulletin: What made you interested in musical theatre in the first place? Jeremy Gosek: “My parents took me to see musicals and plays when I was a kid. I guess that started it.” BB: What are some of your previous roles? JG: “Recently I have been Conrad in Bye Bye Birdie, Jeffrey in Godspell, and Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast.” BB: Are there any roles that you aspire to play? JG: “I’d love to play Emile in South Pacific, the Baker in Into The Woods, Benedict in Much Ado About Nothing, and Peter in The Cherry Orchard.” BB: What other activities are you a part of? JG: “I’m in WBUC and Chamber Singers. I also play guitar.”
all 5 seasons of ‘The Office.’ ” BB: If you could dine with any three people, living or dead, who would you choose? JG: “Jessica Alba, Megan Fox, and Scarlett Johansson” BB: What’s your favorite movie? JG: “It changes a lot but right now it’s Almost Famous and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. BB: What is your favorite class? JG: “I enjoy a lot of my classes, but my favorite would have to be Chamber Singers. BB: What role do you have in My Fair Lady?” JG: “Professor Henry Higgins.”
BB: What career are you interested in? JG: “I think I want to go into film and television production.”
BB: Describe your character. JG: “He is an expert on phonetics and a self-proclaimed life-long bachelor. He’s very egocentric and misogynistic, but witty at the same time. The play is about him teaching Eliza Doolittle how to speak properly and how to behave like a lady.”
BB: If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring three things, what would you bring? JG: “My friends, a guitar, and
BB: Are you anything like him, or can you relate to him? JG: “I think we are very similar in that we are both a little full of ourselves and think we are very witty.
Buccaneer Bulletin
However, I don’t think I’m quite as extreme as my character.” BB: What is the most challenging thing about playing Henry Higgins? JG: “The hardest part for me is trying to make him likeable to the audience.” BB: Do you ever get stage fright? JG: “Not really, I get a little nervous before the curtain goes up, but I think that’s a good thing.” BB: How do you cope with long practices and homework? JG: “Not very well. I try to get as much done as possible in school so I have more free time after school.” BB: What’s your favorite song? JG: “My favorite song to perform is “Ordinary Man” which is really a lot of fun. I also, enjoy my big soliloquy at the end of act two, “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” BB: What is it like being a lead with Danielle Posillipo? JG: “A lot of fun, I didn’t know her well before this show, but I think we have good chemistry together and share the same sense of humor.” BB: What is the hardest thing
about the musical? JG: “This year it’s memorizing my massive amount of dialogue, but it changes from year to year.” BB: What are the pros and cons of being a lead? JG: “The pros are that you get a lot of stage time and have a lot of your own songs. The cons are that you have to put a lot more work in outside of rehearsal and that you don’t get as much time to hang out.” BB: How did you react when you found out that you were the lead? JG: “It definitely put a skip in my step. I might have let out a little cheer. BB: Beauty and the Beast vs. My Fair Lady? JG: “They are very different shows, but I’d say I’m having more fun in this one.” BB: What is your favorite play? JG: “I really like Chekhov, specifically Uncle Vanya and The Cherry Orchard. BB: Are there any embarrassing scenes in the play? JG: “Not really; however, I do have to waltz with Danielle for a little bit center stage which makes me a little self-conscious.”
February 2009
Walking the Plank
9
Posillipo Plays the Lead in My Fair Lady Buccaneer Bulletin: What is the musical about this year? Danielle Posillipo: It is called My Fair Lady. It is about a girl who is poor and can’t speak English very well. She meets a guy named Henry Higgins who teaches her how to speak English beautifully and she improves her speech, but realizes he was only using her as a bet, and then they fall in love. BB: Who do you play? DP: Eliza Doolittle. BB: Are you anything like her? DP: She wears her emotions on her sleeve and you can always tell what she is thinking by her facial expressions. I think I am opinionated as well. BB: What is the most challenging thing about playing Eliza Doolittle? DP: She talks a lot, and she has a lot of lines. I also have to speak in two different accents throughout the musical. BB: Do you get stage fright? DP: Well, I’ve only done one show before and I couldn’t see the audience, so I just pretend they aren’t there. BB: What are you most nervous about? DP: I am most nervous about being prepared for the performance night. There is just so much to learn, and not a lot of time to do it (and lots of snow days)! BB: How do you cope with the long practices and homework? DP: In the little spare time that you have you have to help each other along with homework, and
Buccaneer Bulletin
study halls help. BB: Do you have a favorite song in the musical? DP: “Wouldn’t it be Lovely” by Eliza. BB: What is the hardest thing about the musical? DP: Memorization and acting like a role model to the other people in the play. I always have a problem with being on time for things; everyone’s focus on me BB: What is it like co-starring Jeremy? DP: Interesting. I didn’t know him very well up until last year. I don’t think we liked each other a lot in freshman year and now we’re both working toward the same goal. Everyone is getting along pretty well now. BB: Do you know what you’re going to wear in the musical? DP: A big sparkly dress, high waisted skirts, and lots of hats. BB: What is the best thing about being the lead in the musical? DP: I get to be the star and that’s kind of cool. It’s really the whole atmosphere; it doesn’t matter what part you’re playing. Even the people you don’t see make a difference and everyone has to have his part right. BB: How did you react? DP: I had to ask someone if it was true and I thought it was a dream and I thought I had to go to school and see whether I made it.
BB: How long have you been in chorus/ acting? DP: I’ve been in Chamber Singers since my sophomore year every since elementary school. BB: What got you started in singing? DP: I could sing before I could talk. I hummed tunes even before I could make words. It’s just good that we have a program for music. BB: Favorite singer or inspiration? DP: I listen to a lot of music, mostly rock, anybody who can make the lyrics of the songs mean something while still making their music sound good. BB: Beauty and the Beast vs. My Fair Lady? DP: Magical happy vs. real life. If you spend enough time with the play, it kind of grows on you anyway, so it almost doesn’t matter what you’re doing. BB: Any embarrassing moments? DP: I have to act really girly and sing a song saying I could have danced all night and that’s kind of weird for me, because I usually don’t break into song and sing such happy music like that. Editor’s Note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. This month’s installment was compiled by Emily DiFabio and Katherine Robinson. All photos were taken by Caitlin Sawyer. If you know of a student or a staff member you’d like to see walk the plank, contact Emily DiFabio at edifabio@oswego.org
February 2009
Entertainment
10
The Fall Visually Stunning, Emotional
trotting adventure that takes is improvised, and even them to Paris, Rome, Egypt and when it is, it is not nearly India in hopes of finding—and half as believable as The Fred Maxon killing—their common enemy. Fall. She will definitely be In exchange for the story someone to watch for in Fred Maxon continuing, Alexandria is upcoming years. asked to steal morphine for an Critics have given Every once in a while, there is a increasingly suicidal Walker. this film mixed reviews. film that just deserves to be awarded The entire movie is set either in Roger Ebert gave the film an Oscar, but doesn’t even receive Alexandria’s imagination and four out of four stars, a nomination. Not only is this a or in the hospital. Alexandria saying “Tarsem’s ‘The cinematic tragedy, but it happens all imagines many of the people Fall’ is a mad folly, an too often. This is especially true for a she knows in real life as the extravagant visual orgy, lesser-known film called The Fall. characters in the story, with a free-fall from reality Directed by Tarsem Singh, The Walker being the Black Bandit into uncharted realms. Fall was based on the 1981 Bulgarian and a nurse at the hospital being Surely it is one of the movie Yo Ho Ho and stars Lee Pace his love interest. Eventually, wildest indulgences a as an out-of-work silent film stunt Alexandria herself becomes director has ever granted man Roy Walker in 1920’s Los a part of the story, becoming himself. Tarsem, for Angeles, who, after a potentially the Black Bandit’s pint-sized two decades a leading life, and career, threatening injury, accomplice. director of music videos is bedridden. During his stay at a The Fall’s dialogue and TV commercials, small hospital, he meets Alexandria, certainly isn’t witty, but it has spent millions of his own portrayed by Catinca Untaru, a the ability, when coupled with money to finance ‘The young Romanian girl who has also the superb acting of Pace and Fall,’ filmed it for four suffered an injury—albeit less life Untaru, to tug at the viewer’s years in 28 countries and threatening—while picking oranges heart strings. The movie is an has made a movie that you with her family. They meet one day, emotional crescendo and if the might want to see for no and he begins to enchant her with a point of a film, any film, is to other reason than because story about Alexander the Great. After trick the viewers into believing it exists. There will never the brief story is over, and Alexandria that they are seeing something be another like it…. ‘The must return to her room, Walker tells Photo courtesy of allmoviephotos.com that is real, a real interaction Fall’ is beautiful for its her to return the next day to hear Lee Pace (left) and Catinca Untaru (right) star in between two people, then The own sake. And there is the another enchanting tale. The Fall, a movie that perfectly mixes adventure, Fall can certainly wear the sweet charm of the young emotion, and stunning visuals. She does, and his new story Trompe-l’œil (fool-the-eye) Romanian actress Catinca involves revenge, romance, action merit badge with honor. Untaru, who may have believable. Untaru perfectly mixes and brief comedy to make an epic The viewer feels for the been dubbed for all I know, but speaks hurt--both physical and emotional-story about the quest of five heroes: characters-- Walker is flawed, with with the innocence of childhood, confused, sad, angry and happy, in an ex-slave, seeking revenge for his suicidal tendencies, and even if you working her way through tangles of some scenes, and this makes it so that killed brother; an Italian explosives can’t relate to what he’s feeling, words. She regards with equal wonder each line, no matter what its about, expert, hoping to avenge the reality she lives in, and the fantasy comes off with the the loss of his former she pretends to. ” Ebert placed it prefect tone. Untaru perfectly mixes hurt--both life after he is exiled; seventh on his top ten list of best films This is not a Best Charles Darwin and physical and emotional-- confused, Picture worthy film, of 2008. his sidekick Wallace However, not all critics were but I have to say that sad, angry and happy, in some scenes, the monkey, on a quest positive. Nathan Lee of the New York this movie should have to find a beautiful rare and this makes it so that each line, no been nominated for Times stated “The details of this saga, butterfly—alive—after a threadbare patchwork of postcard Best Cinematography, matter what its about, comes off with someone had sent them exoticism, turgid characterizations, Costume Design, and a dead one; an Indian the prefect tone. Best Supporting Actress stilted duels and lackluster spectacle, whose wife was taken are projected via the imagination of for Untaru. Untaru’s away by an evil man a little girl cognizant, it would seem, performance is even who, when she rebuked his advances, Pace’s portrayal of the out-of-work, of the full repertory of high-gloss, more stunning when you realize that, forced her to spend the rest of her days lonely and injured stuntman makes empty-headed pictorialism deployed before she was cast, she knew no running in a maze, finally forcing her it automatically relatable. He doesn’t by corporate advertising.” English, and that many of her lines to jump to her death; and, lastly, a play suicidal like most other actors, The Fall is, like Ebert said, were loosely scripted. Each line is masked man called the Black Bandit but rather creates an emotional just one of those films that everyone delivered with such conviction and whose brother was killed after years of cocktail of grief, remorse, anger and should see, simply because of its such realism that you believe that exile. They all have a common enemy: hope that, when coupled with Walker’s unbelievable visuals and the emotional she really is stealing morphine in Governor Odious. They are joined mixed morals, creates a character story of remorse, redemption, and exchange for stories from an out-ofby a mystic, and set off on a globe that is fully developed and entirely adventure. work actor. It is not often that drama
Hollywood
Buccaneer Bulletin
February 2009
Features
11
Love is in the Air--And in the Movies! 1
Casablanca (1942)♥♥♥♥♥
2
The Notebook (2004)♥♥♥♥♥
Casablanca is a classic love story about love in the midst of war. Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) is an ex-freedom fighter who runs a nightclub in Casablanca during the early part of World War II. Rick’s café becomes a haven for refugees looking to purchase illegal letters of transit which will allow them to escape to America. Then, Rick is approached by a famous rebel, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) because he and his wife want to escape to America. To Rick’s surprise, Victor’s wife is Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), Rick’s one true love who deserted him when the Nazis invaded Pairs. This coincidental meeting has gained the movie’s tagline, “They had a date with fate in Casablanca.”
The Notebook is the love story of our time. Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) was a working boy who fell in love with Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) while she and her family were visiting his town for the summer. No one can forget his life-threatening date proposal and the intense on-screen chemistry, plus their heart-shattering break-up just before Allie had to leave town. A year went by and Allie never received any letters or saw Noah. She became a volunteer nurse and cared for the soldiers. She looked at everyone of them as Noah. That’s when she met her fiancé. Then she and Noah’s love got a second chance when she saw the “dream house” he built for her in the newspaper and received the letters that he wrote, one each day for a year, that she’d never gotten. The notebook’s message is true for all generations, “Behind every great love is a great story.”
3
Titanic (1997)♥♥♥♥♥
There has never been a ship as magnificent and glorious as the Titanic. Its beauty and size captivated people. This is where the story of Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson (Leonard DiCaprio) begins. Their love and compassion for one another is off-limits and dangerous. They are from different social class and Rose is engaged to Cal Hockley (Billy Zane). They pursue each other and fall madly in love, just as the ship hits a glacier and is sinking. They must fight to stay alive and together.
4
Romeo and Juliet (1968)♥♥♥
Romeo and Juliet is a tale of forbidden love between the children the Montagues and the Capulets, two opposing families. As almost everyone knows, it the tale of two star–crossed lovers whose relationship was doomed from the start. In the 1968 movie, Olivia Hussey plays Juliet and Leonard Whiting stars as Romeo. The story shows how far two teenagers in love will go to be together.
Buccaneer Bulletin
5
Ghost (1990) ♥♥♥♥
6
Gone with the Wind (1939)♥♥♥
While out late one evening, New York couple Sam (Patrick Swayze) and Molly (Demi Moore) are confronted by a robber. After submitting to his demands, Sam is murdered anyway. He then finds himself a spirit, invisible to the living world, wandering without hope until he finds another spirit in the subway (Vincent Schiavelli) who gives him some pointers on how to co-exist. Step by step, Sam learns that his friend and co-worker Carl (Tony Goldwyn) plotted to kill him. The mugging was just a cover-up. Carl is also planning to kill Molly, and Sam has to find a way to save her. He gets help from a psychic (Whoopi Goldberg), because she can hear and see him. The movie blends so many genres together, with some comedy, action, horror and romance. Gone with the Wind is a classic and timeless tale of a love-hate romance. The story is set in the South during and after the Civil War, from the perspective of Scarlett O’Hara (Vivian Leigh). Scarlett is a Southern beauty, who lives on a large plantation in Georgia. She is only concerned with her many suitors and Ashley Wilkes, the man she fantasizes over and wants to marry. Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard) ends up marrying his cousin, Melanie Hamilton (Olivia de Havilland). Scarlett marries numerous times, but only in spite of Ashley or because she needs money to keep her family’s plantation up. All along, she has been pining for Ashley. Scarlett and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) eventually marry, but it’s not until Melanie dies and she sees Ashley crying that she realizes that she never could have meant anything to Ashley, and that she had loved something that never really existed. After discovering this, Scarlett goes back to Rhett realizing she has loved him the whole time As Rhett walks out the door, despite her pleads, but she wouldn’t give up. “After all, tomorrow is another day.”
7
West Side Story (1961) ♥♥♥♥
West Side Story is a romantic tragedy that has close ties to Romeo and Juliet, but is more modern. It takes place in the tenements of New York City and their love is forbidden due to racial issues. The story opens with the bitter hatred and rivalry between two street gangs, the Jets (American teens) and the Sharks (Puerto Rican immigrants). While in the process of setting up a “win it all” rumble, the co-founder of the Jets, Tony (Richard Beymer) falls in love with Maria (Natalie Wood), the sister of Bernardo (George Chakiri) the Sharks’ leader. Not only is the movie filled with love and action, it is a musical with wonderful and entertaining dance pieces and musical numbers.
8
Pride and Prejudice(2005)♥♥♥♥
Pride and Prejudice is set in Britain during the close of the 18th century. The Bennets have five daughters and desire to see that they are married off. In this era, marrying a rich man was the most a woman could hope for, except for Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) who was not driven by wealth to marry, and declined many offers. Then, Charles Bingley (Simon Woods) a young, wealthy bachelor, moves into a nearby estate. Eager to see if a match can be made, the Bennets bring their daughters Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Jane (Rosamund Pike) to a ball thrown by their new neighbor to see if sparks will fly. At the ball, Elizabeth and Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen), Charles’ egocentric best friend, met. They continually cross paths and although they dislike one another, they can’t stop thinking of each other. Elizabeth discovers that the one person she cannot stand, is the one man she may not be able to resist.
Walk to Remember(2002)♥♥♥♥ 9 ACocky, rebellious and popular, Landon Carter
(Shane West) had everything anyone could ever want-until he and his friends played a trick on a boy who wanted to join their clique. They convince the boy to jump from a tower into a small pond and he gets hurt. Landon’s friends bolt, but he stays to pull the kid out of the water, but when Landon’s making his escape, he gets caught. For punishment, he must tutor a kid on Saturdays, help the janitors and be in his school play. While doing this, his path crosses with Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), a nice, conservative, Christian girl. They fall in love and soon after, he discovers that she has leukemia. Jamie has a list of things she wants to do before she dies and Landon helps her. He’s her miracle. “Our love is like the wind, I can’t see, it but I can feel it.”
10
If Only (2004) ♥♥♥♥
If Only, is a love story with a second chance. After Ian Wyndham (Paul Nicholls) and Samantha Andrews (Jennifer Love Hewitt) have a fight, and nearly break up, Samantha dies in a car accident before Ian can express his true feelings to her and why he has been holding back his love for so long. Just when he thinks it’s too late, he gets another chance to love Samantha, and possibly save her. Ian is able to relive the day she died. He uses the day to let Samantha do everything she’s been wanting to do and to love her. He does everything in his power to make her happy and let her know how much he cares He loved her like there was no tomorrow. But will it be enough to save her? Editors Note: Story and page layout by Kaitlyn Scanlon. Key to Heart Rating Scale: 5 hearts- excellent, 4 hearts- good, 3 hearts- fair
February 2009
12
Alumni
Former OHS Journalist Follows Her Dream Oswego alumna Rebecca Madden is now on the staff of the Watertown Daily Times. By Rachel Clark Alumni Editor
High school is a place of indecision and ambiguity. Most students have no solid plans as to what they truly want to do for the rest of their lives, and the few who think they might have an idea, will probably change their minds a few times before settling on a career that, according to statistics, they are more than likely to be dissatisfied with. OHS alumna Rebecca Madden is a different story--she was dead set on a career in journalism by the time she graduated from high school, and she is enjoying her dream career today, six years after graduation. Madden was initially introduced to journalism in Mr. Michael McCrobie’s tenth-grade English class. She attributes her success in journalism to McCrobie, who has served as the adviser for the Buccaneer Bulletin since 1982. “He had joked with me that I’d make a great English teacher someday. I give credit to him for getting me interested in journalism because when I told him me teaching English wasn’t an option, he said I should give his journalism class a try the following semester. I did, and got hooked,” she recounted. Madden’s high school journalism career was marked with many accomplishments. She initially signed on as a staff writer, then rose to the position of Clublicity Editor and eventually Co-Editor-in-Chief. She won numerous awards along the way, including a first-place sports story, best editorial, best news feature, and best coverage of September 11, an award she shared with a classmate. Madden did not consider her high school journalism experience to be positive simply because of her prestigious achievements. The class also provided a valuable learning experience. “It helped me learn how to structure stories, work with others and meet deadlines,” she explained. In addition, it helped her create memories and relationships she still treasures today. “Once in a blue
Buccaneer Bulletin
moon I’ll e-mail Mr. McCrobie, and I still correspond with Joanna Thorpe, who was Co-Editor-in-Chief with me. It’s hard to forget people you had fun with in high school,” she said. Outside of the journalism classroom, Madden was very involved in academics. “I wasn’t a straight-A student, but tried to be,” she recalled. “I definitely had my nose in books, and liked--yes, liked--doing work.” Her brother, current Board of Education vice president Sean Madden, agreed, saying that she tended to take school seriously and put forth effort to study. Other than that, Rebecca says that she “joined Key Club for a while, but wasn’t really active in it. Journalism pretty much was, and is, my life.” Madden’s favorite classes in high school were mostly English-related. One of her favorite teachers was Mrs. Gretchen Fronk. “She was patient and kind, and helped me get a couple of poems published in an advanced writer’s class book,” Madden remembers. Her other favorite teacher was Ms. Karin Button, who she describes as being photo courtesy of rebecca madden the best Spanish teacher she ever had. Former Buccaneer Bulletin editor Rebecca Madden poses with her “When teachers really take the time to daughter, Brooke Anne. show students they really want them to somewhere that I can continue studying walking and talking, and you just want learn, and that student excels in some- the language.” to enjoy all of that.” thing they didn’t think they could, it’s Today, Madden resides in Adams Occasionally, Madden also spends rewarding to the student. I went from Center, NY and is the health and social time with co-workers, playing cards and not remembering much of the foreign service agencies reporter for the Wa- watching movies. One of her favorite language at my old school to taking tertown Daily Times, which means that movies is All the President’s Men, a three years of Spanish classes at Oswego she is responsible for covering hospitals film she saw for the first time in high High School,” Madden said. and other medical services in Jefferson school journalism class. She also enjoys After graduating from OHS, Mad- County, as well as non-profit agencies watching “all of those bad reality telein the area. “As far as vision shows, and then of course news “Journalism pretty much was, the non-profit agencies programs…. You can’t get away from go, the people who that when you’re a journalist at heart.” and is, my life.” lead the agencies and All in all, despite the frenzied pace, Rebecca Madden the communities they Madden is extremely satisfied with how Reporter, Watertown Daily Times support are what give her life has turned out, and it is “right me the best stories,” on target” with her goals from high Madden stated. “I may school. Brother Sean said, “I always den went on to SUNY Oswego, a school have a blank slate at the beginning of knew that she would be doing what she she chose for its affordability, as she the week, but there’s rarely a day when wanted, and someday I see her doing had to pay for college on her own. She I don’t have a story. bigger things.” majored in journalism and minored in When she is not at work, Madden If you would like to live a fulfillhistory. “I never changed majors, and spends most of her time with her fiancé, ing life like Madden has enjoyed, she knew exactly what I wanted to be,” she who she will be marrying in the sum- has some advice: “Hard work pays off, stated. Of her college experience, Mad- mer of 2010, and their ten-month-old whether it be at a good job as a cosden said, “I loved college. Bigger class- daughter, Brooke Anne. Of being a metologist from those BOCES courses rooms. More to learn. I like to believe I working mother, Madden said, “It’s hard you took, a job in a local union, or helped encourage the Arabic language balancing a full-time reporting job and something after years of college.” program start there. Although it didn’t being a mother, but you have to make it It sounds simple, but it seems to start until my senior year, I was able to work. One minute your daughter learns have worked quite well for this OHS take that for a year, and I’d like to find to wave good-bye, and the next she’s graduate.
February 2009
Column
13
Relationships in America Different from Turkey A Foreign Perspective Hazal Pacaci It might sound a little bit weird to hear that relationships among people differ from country to country since we are all humans, but they really do. Culture, lifestyles, values, even the way people talk and greet each other is really different. When you are away from your homeland like me, after a while, you start thinking in a different way. It does not really matter how patriotic you are or how much you love your nation and country, you just adapt yourself to think differently. I believe it is both good and bad (though I haven’t really experienced the bad side of it yet). It’s good because you get the chance to see things in a more productive way and through another point of view, but you also have to keep in mind that you are going to hear from other people who are from your own nation that you act differently or that you find it strange to practice some of your own traditions. I know, however, that there are a lot of people who wish ‘they were me.” Relationships among people are really important in my homeland of Turkey. Because of its location, Turkey has always interacted with other nations and countries. Also, hosting many civilizations in Anatolia, where Turkey is now, during the history, the Turkish nation has developed this strong sense of intimacy and hospitality. Today, Turks are known for their hospitality. Turks enjoy any kind of get-togethers and guests are always welcome. When hosting a guest, there are some traditions or habits that Turks practice. In cities, Turks mostly live in apartments, and having a house like the houses in America is considered a luxury that requires a lot of money. The cities are crowded, so the apartments are usually close to each
Buccaneer Bulletin
other. However, in smaller towns, it is possible to are always busy, which is, I think, a lot better than have your own house. I think it would not be wrong just sitting at home and killing time without doing to give Oswego and New York City as comparative anything. But to be honest with you, it would not examples. It is pretty unusual just to walk in to be far from the truth to say that I miss having big somebody’s house without ringing the bell or at dinners more often with my own family. Days like least knocking on the door. Opening the door for Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving when Americans the guests, serving some food and drinks, especially get together with their families are not really special tea, making them feel home and comfortable is occasions in Turkey, that’s what we usually do. important. Here in America, usually you are the Dates are another thing that I would like to “help-yourself person,” but in Turkey, it is just the mention since we have Valentine’s Day coming opposite. It is considered rude even to make the up. How we celebrate Valentine’s Day is not really guest get his own water or cup of coffee. Turkish different. Couples exchange gifts, men usually buy coffee is generally what is offered to the guest after flowers or chocolate for their wife or girlfriend and meals. malls are decorated with roses and red ornaments. In schools, since However, some people students don’t switch Turks enjoy any kind of get- think that Valentine’s Day their rooms for classes, is just an easier way for togethers and guests are always companies to make more they are with their classmates during the money. I know the story welcome. day and the school year, about Valentine’s Day, so this helps making but I believe it is more real friends and having unforgettable memories. important to be nice to your partner and make That is why being in high school is considered a him/her happy all the time, rather than just on unique experience. When you start college, you Valentine’s Day. have lots of responsibilities and you start worrying Turkish men are more protective of their more about earning money or your career. girlfriends or wives. When you go out for dinner Before high school, you are just a kid. But high with a Turkish boy, they are the ones who usually school is when you start being a young adult and pay for everything. When entering a restaurant not worrying that much about the future. In Turkey, or a place like that, holding the door and chair high school is when you usually meet your best for the girl is another common practice. Giving friends and develop intimate, warm friendships that your coat to your girlfriend when it is cold is last even later in your life. considered polite behavior. Starting to date One of the Turkish traditions is the family another person soon after you break up with your friends gathering. Getting together with the other partner is not really a good thing, however it is family members or relatives once in a while is really not always the bad news either. common. Here in America usually family members In this column I wanted to discuss the have different schedules. Sometimes when parents relationships in Turkey, but I also want to say that are home, kids are not. When kids are home, parents I really like being here and I am enjoying my time are not. So it is kind of hard to find a time when as much as possible. I also know that it is going to everybody is home. Schools and districts offer a lot be harder to adjust back to everything when I get of activities and most people join these activities no back to Turkey. matter how old they are. I can say that Americans Happy Valentines Day!
February 2009
Sports
14
Gym Space Tough to Come by for Cheerleaders Shades of Gray Kailyn Gray Set aside your opinions about cheerleading for a minute. Love it, hate it, whatever. The point is, Oswego High School cheerleading is considered a legitimate varsity athletic team with both players and coaches, yet almost every day we find ourselves being kicked out of our practice area for a different sport, recently for sports that aren’t even in season right now. I understand that some teams like to get a jump-start on their season with optional practices, and in the interest of supporting excellence in athletics here at OHS, I think it’s a really great idea. However, the fact that those practices are leading to the cheerleading teams getting kicked out of gym space while we’re still in season, in my opinion, is pretty inconsiderate. Sure, we can and have moved our mats from the gyms into the cafeteria to practice when we have no other option, and we can do the majority of our activities in there, but when it comes to throwing girls in the air,
the low ceiling prohibits us from ever practicing those skills. That’s like asking the basketball team to practice on the football field. Talk all you want about how you think our cheerleading team might not be as good as it used to be, but how are we supposed to be able to bring back that reputation and impress everyone with more complicated stunts and risky high tosses if we’re kicked out of the only place we can really practice them? Honestly, look at it from a different perspective. If it were spring and the cheerleading team walked into the gym and asked the lacrosse team to leave so that we could prepare for our tryouts in June, how well do you think that would go over? It wouldn’t, so why should it be okay for the same exact thing to happen to us? I don’t care if the fact that we’re not a sports team somehow makes us less important. The fact of the matter is that we are a recognized student athletic activity within the school, a recognized varsity team nonetheless, and we deserve the same respect and consideration as all other varsity teams. Not only are we displaced by way of practice space, but our time available for practice is cut as well. For another OHS sports team? Oh no, for Oswego Men’s City League basketball. This is an organization
that isn’t even affiliated with Oswego High School athletics. Now that’s ridiculous. Once again, try to view it from the perspective of another varsity team. What if the football team was forced to cut their practice time by an hour to make room for Pop Warner? Try that, and I’m sure you’d have a virtual riot on your hands. This isn’t just me acting like a whiny cheerleader trying to turn focus from real sports to our activity. I couldn’t care less how you view my activity; that’s not what I’m trying to draw attention to. The fact of the matter is, it’s not fair to tell us we can’t practice in a proper environment, when every other OHS winter sports team has an adequate practice area. Like I said, if this were happening to any other athletic team here, people would lose their minds. Time and space are limited, that’s understood. It’s also understood that the cheerleading team isn’t the only program with practice time conflicts. For things to run smoothly for all
athletic teams especially on days when conflicts are inevitable and crossover booking with gym space must occur, everyone has to give a little. The cheerleading team is willing to compromise, and so should all other athletic teams here at OHS. All we ask for is half a gym to be able to roll out our mats and properly practice our activity. While we understand that it is a complicated and stressful process trying to allot practice space to all sports teams, we as members of the organization simply request that the needs of all Oswego High School athletic teams be given gym space based on the season that their activity is normally played in, and their general need for a gym. It seems unfair to me that a team whose season is currently in session is coming second to a team whose season hasn’t even begun yet. For Oswego athletics to truly be as great as we strive for them to be, support should be shown for all our recognized athletic teams.
Celebrity Look-a-Like
McClelland or Devendorf?
Devendorf or McClelland?
If you know anyone at OHS that has a celebrity look-alike, contact Jasmine Davis at jdavis3@oswego.org. Above, Brett McClelland (right) OHS senior, and Eric Devendorf (left) Syracuse University basketball player.
Buccaneer Bulletin
February 2009
Sports
15
Coach Reed Earns One-Hundredth Victory By Joe Bucher Sports Writer
Girls’ varsity basketball coach Mr. Phil Reed earned his 100th victory when the Lady Buccaneers visited the Henninger Black Knights on January 9. In just his sixth season as head coach, his record stood at 100-26 following the match-up against the Lady Knights, and has since tacked on several more wins. Reed has led his teams to league titles and Sectional final appearances the last three seasons. Reed characterized his coaching style as demanding. “I have high expectations for my players,” he stated. He went so far as to say his style is similar to Bobby Knight the Hall of Fame college basketball coach as far as the intensity that he brings to the game. Reed says the most rewarding part of coaching is watching the players develop. “It’s like an extension of teaching,” he stated. Reed stresses to his teams that “hard work and commitment pay off.” Anyone who watches the Lady Bucs in action can see that Reed always has his players prepared and they work hard on both ends of the floor. Reed has coached various sports for 30 years including soccer, wrestling, and track. As far as Reed’s future on the sidelines, he said he might like to try his hand as an assistant at the college level. Two hundred wins is not a goal of Reed’s, but neither was winning 100. “It was just something that happened,” he said.
Buccaneer Bulletin
Photo by mary kate torbitt
Mr. Phil Reed instructs his players during the recent first-place showdown with CNS at Powers Gymnasium. Reed notched his 100th coaching victory earlier this season against Henninger.
February 2009
Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 12 Number 4
Oswego High School’s Student Voice
February 2009
DRake Becksted “He’s not part dolphin, or fish, or amphibian. He doesn’t have gills or flippers or fins. Then again, if you sort of squint your eyes and the light is just right…” --Visa commercial discussing Michael Phelps. Drake Douglas Becksted is the Michael Phelps of Oswego High School. Becksted is a freshman on the boys’ varsity swim team. He’s already broken two records and placed in the top tenth in the nation in the U.S.A. Swim 13-14 year old division. Becksted specializes in short distances in the water. He competes in the 100 fly, 100 free, 50 free, and the 200 free. For those of us who aren’t familiar with swimming; the butterfly stroke (fly for short) is a stroke swum with both arms moving simultaneously. During the freestyle (free for short), swimmers are allowed to use any stroke they want. Most swimmers use the traditional front-crawl because it’s the fastest technique. Becksted’s personal favorite is the 100 free. He said, “It’s a bit longer than 50, but you still have to push as hard as you can. There’s a little room for mistakes in the 100, unlike in the 50 where the race is practically over as soon as you begin, but you have to swim it to the best of your ability no matter what.” Becksted has already broken two school records, including the 50 free (22.09 seconds) and the 100 fly (53.7 seconds). He is also first in Section III for the 100 butterfly, 100 freestyle and 50 freestyle. Becksted has been swimming for only five years. He started when he was nine in the beginning of fourth grade and loved it immediately. Becksted has been swimming for U.S.A. Swim, a swim organization outside of school. U.S.A. Swim is made up of mostly club teams that compete at a much higher level than a normal varsity team. According to Becksted, “U.S.A. is a completely different league of swimming; there are boys my age and younger setting times that most varsity teams have never reached.” The times recorded at the U.S.A. Swim meets are ranked nationally. As far as his current varsity season, “So far it’s been an excellent season; our team has done great so far. As teammates, we’re always there for each other, we’ve got each other’s backs. My teammates are always cheering each other
on and helping each other reach our goals,” Becksted said. He said that he concentrates more on his personal events for U.S.A Swimming, but for the varsity team, he knows it’s about winning the entire meet, so it’s a group effort. “Every meet has been very important to me, but I’d have to say the best one was on January 6. I broke the 100 fly record and it was also my grandmother’s birthday, so I feel it was for her,” said Becksted. As far also goals for next year, he hopes to break more records and improve on all his times. Swimming is a very important part of Becksted’s life. “Swimming, for me, is to have something outside of just academics, something that sets me apart. Swimming is something that I immediately excelled at. My family and friends thoroughly support me and I believe that I’ve found my niche in it.” An important part of his motivation to swim is to earn a college scholarship. “Swimming is not just something that I love to do. I know that by continually working hard at it, it will provide me opportunities for the future,” said Becksted. Becksted said his favorite part of swimming is when he’s competing in an event, and reaches the end to look at the times. “When you see you’ve reached your goal, won the race, or even broken records, it’s completely gratifying. It’s thrilling knowing you’ve done the best you can do, knowing all your hard work and determination haven’t gone in vain.” Mention the Olympics and a smile comes to his face, “Of course going to the Olympics would be amazing, and it’s definitely a goal of mine, but there’s a long way for me to go in the next two years to even consider it. It would be a lot of hard work, but being at the 2012 Olympics would be a life-changing experience.” Although Becksted is only a freshman, he has already advanced far in his swimming career. His hard work and determination have brought him to the top, breaking records and placing first, but his passion and love of the sport is what keeps him in the pool during most of his free time. Photo by Caitlin Sawyer Story by Jasmine Davis Photo Illustration by Steve LiVoti
Oswego High School Athlete of the Month