Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice
Extreme Sports:
A widespread hobby among OHS students - Pages 8 & 9 Girl with the Dragon Tattoo shocks audiences - Page 13
Photo By Dan rounds
Volume 15 Number 4 February 2012
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Editorial
2
Drawing Board
Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Mackenzie Oatman
Managing Editor/Webmaster Madison Rhoades
Layout Editor Chloe Martin
Chief Photographer Patrick Baer
Art Staff
Alexis Daniels Paige Daniels
Business Manager Taylor Falls
cartoon by Alexis and paige daniels
Senior Writer Justin Peterson
Ad Representative Casey Caroccio
Sports Editor Carlie Morley
Reporters
Kara Collins Lauren Daniels Catti-Brie Hoyt Alanna Maldonado Adrienne McDougal Gabrielle Sacco
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 PalladiumTimes. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers. On the Cover: Photo of OHS junior Jeff Wallace submitted by Dan Rounds OHS Class of 2011.
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. . . to Austin Demott, who was named Teenager of the Month for December by the Oswego Elks Lodge #271. . . .To the winners of the 2012 Scholastic Art Awards from Oswego High School. Our local winners were: Silver Key, Fine Arts Portfolio: Megan Mahaney Silver Key, Photography Portfolio: Taylor Braun Honorable Mention, Photography Portfolio: Emily Fleischman, Naomi Greco Gold Key: Abigail Allen, Jewelry; Criszer Cabanlig, Drawing; Jane Coty, Jewelry; Emily Fleischman, Photography; Emily Henderson, Drawing; Megan Mahaney, Design; Keegan Taylor, Design. Silver Key: Chrissy Abare, Photography (two pieces); Drake Becksted, Design; Taylor Braun, Drawing (two pieces); Austin DeMott, Digital Art; Aviriana Follet, Jewelry; Paige Hart, Design; Megan Mahaney, Drawing; Patricia Talamo, Jewelry and Photography (two pieces). Honorable Mention: Chrissy Abare, Taylor Braun, Emily Fleischman, Naomi Greco, Michelle Hannock, Ashley Pitters, Eve Simmonds, Patricia Talamo. . . . to the two snows days we’ve had so far this year. The roads were very bad both times we’ve had snow days. It shows the district is looking out for our safety.
. . . to the teachers who fail to distribute The Buc Bulletin. We work hard on each issue and students should at least have the opportunity to read it. . . . to the poor lighting at the entrance to the Liberty Street parking lot. Possibly due to the poor lighting, an accident injured a student in December. www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com
February 2012
Editorial In Our View . . .
Use Tax Money to Restore Programs The new year may bring some good things for the Oswego School District. The last four months of 2011 set the pace for a good 2012. So far this school year, our district has seen its boys’ varsity volleyball team go to states, an abundance of students involve themselves with charities, two all-American musicians represent our school on a national level, and in our biased opinion, dozens of awards and a handful of breathtaking issues of The Buccaneer Bulletin. And that’s just to name a few. In the near future, though, the district will not only be basking in the accomplishments of its students, but also may by the recipient of some extra money. Oswego County is home to two nuclear power plants owned by Constellation. Constellation is required to pay taxes to Oswego County, Scriba, and the Oswego City School District based on the power plants’ calculated value (which amounts to 30.38 million currently). A payment in lieu of taxes or PILOT agreement has been in place for the past ten years. To maintain consistency and to avoid the revenue fluctuations that can occur when the assessed value of the plant rises and falls, the county negotiates a series of fixed payments to receive from Constellation, rather than collecting taxes. This ten year PILOT agreement expired in December 2011 and the county, OCSD, and the town of Scriba have instated a new, tentative, three-year PILOT agreement with Constellation that is based on the most recently assessed value of the plants, $30.38 million dollars. Constellation will pay in three installments of about 10 million each year which is more than the 7.45 million that was being received annually in the last five years of the previous ten year agreement. We at The Buccaneer Bulletin will be the first to admit that our eyes lit up at this news. Our older staff members still have memories of the things we’ve seen go. The idea of some extra money flowing through our district brings them back to mind. We’ve seen clubs slip through our fingertips. French Club, cut; Spanish Club, eliminated; Photography Club, gone; Outdoor Adventure Club,
axed. We’ve seen clubs have to raise funds to compensate for things the district used to provide. We’ve seen seasoned clubs holding on for dear life by their pinky fingers. Drama Club scrambled to make sure it would be able to put on its two yearly performances. This publication felt the fear shared by so many dying newspapers nationwide when we realized we can barely afford to get the paper printed. We remember when our less celebrated sports teams struggled to stay afloat. A gymnastics team fought tooth and nail to preserve itself before finally coming to terms with their loss. The freshmen sports teams that gave underclass athletes the space and time to develop their talents are nearly extinct. We saw elective course after course scratched off of the registration list. Our course offering Program of Studies book is a shadow of what it once was. It takes a variety of classes to engage a wide range of students. There may only be a few high school poets, but where do they flourish if not for that single poetry class? We watched SUPA English float away like an escaped balloon when a couple years went by in which the low enrollment wasn’t enough to validate the money spent to maintain the class. We saw our technology labs downsize and our equipment outdate itself with passing time. We see engineers in Project Lead the Way who are brilliantly advanced in their field, but just can’t seem to get their hands on the equipment that would take them even further. The graphic designers and publications editors were granted some of the most advanced computer programs on the market but so often lose their work when a slow computer cannot support this software and freezes. Consider this our extra tax money from Constellation a way to fulfill our Christmas wish list. We know we won’t get everything we circled in the toy catalog, but it’s nice to dream. There are a lot of talented students doing great things at Oswego High School right now. Students are the number one thing a school district should invest in. Let’s add back what we’ve had taken away in the lean budget years and use this money to return OHS to excellence.
By The Numbers The Oswego High School Testing Center provides students with a place to make up tests and quizzes after an absence. At right, are the number of tests administered each month so far this year.
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3
What’s Your Opinion? “If you had input on how to spend $24 million in extra school tax funds, what would you use it for, and why?” Chuck Domicolo Junior
“New computers because I think they need to update the software.”
Jared Jaquin Freshman
“I would get a system where everyone had a laptop or tablet computer.”
Megan Scanlon Junior
“For a new sports stadium for our school sports, or for an indoor turf practice/playing field.”
Taylor Higgins Junior
“School supplies for people who can’t afford them or new things for classrooms.”
Alicia Baker Sophomore
“ I would give all the classes laptops”
February 2012
News
4
Chamber Singers to Perform at Carnegie Hall By Taylor Falls
Business Manager
The weekend of March 16, will be an exciting experience for the Chamber Singers of OHS as they will travel to New York City to sing in one of the world’s most famous venues, Carnegie Hall. World renowned musicians such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, and Jay-Z have performed in this exquisite theatre. “Most high school musicians don’t get a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall,” said Julia Knight, a chamber singer at OHS. For the four days they will be in New
York City, they will be gathering together with other selected high schools to perform pieces led by well-known conductors. All together they will perform two concerts combining with all the students from the chosen schools. It will be a wonderful experience for the Chamber Singers because it will represent Oswego well and showcase the good points we have at OHS. All participants will benefit by practicing with prestigious conductors to help improve their singing skills. “It’s a great learning experience,” Joseph Ruggio stated, a chamber singer at OHS.
Photo by Bill foley
WW II veteran Harold Woods shows off his Oswego High School diploma.
87 Year Old Vet Receives Long-Awaited Diploma By Kara Collins Reporter
Photo courtesy of google images
The interior of Carnegie Hall, where the OHS Chamber Singers will perform next month, is one of the most impressive venues in entertainment.
Snowless Winter Leaves Oswegonians Wondering By Chloe Martin Layout Editor
In a town like Oswego, where it’s normal to see huge piles of snow everywhere from the end of October to the beginning of May, the big question on everyone’s minds this year is, “Where is the snow?” According to local meteorologist Bill Gregway we had received 45.1 inches of snow as of January 31, when normally, in an average year, we should have a total of 92.7-128 inches before February 1. So far, surrounding areas such as Syracuse have also been experiencing historically low amounts. As of January 31, Syracuse had only about 31.8 inches of snow this winter, which ranks this as the least snowiest winter recorded in Syracuse history. In fact,
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snowfall nationwide has been so little that NBC News jokingly called the first month of the year “June-uary.” According to meteorology teacher Mr. Jason Guild, “Our winter has been mild with a very small amount of snow because of a couple of factors. The first is we are in a La Nina for the second straight year but the difference this year is due to something called the arctic oscillation. To put it simply, weather near Greenland affects our weather in the winter time and this year it has been mostly positive arctic oscillation, which has meant that most of the cold air has stayed to the north. When it is negative, such as last year, more cold air rushes down from the poles towards us more often.”
Harold Woods, a resident of Oswego, and also a veteran of World War II, graduated from Oswego High School in December of 2011. Five days after his 87th birthday, the Oswego School District presented him with his high school diploma. Woods didn’t finish high school after he was drafted into the army at the age of 18, where he fought in World War II and was stationed in Germany and Japan. Due to medical problems that included
bad breathing, he was discharged from the army, after he received 19 medals while in the service. Veterans who left high school to go fight in Korea, Vietnam, or World War II can receive their high school diplomas and have them presented by the Oswego City School District as a part of its Operation Recognition Program. Harold’s daughter Liz Woods stated, “He’s my dad, my hero. I’m proud of him and I’m proud for what he did for our country. I know if he could go back and do it again, he would.”
Photo by Mackenzie Oatman
Even though the sign says “winter break,” the green grass tells a different story in this photo taken on February 7.
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February 2012
Alumni
5
OHS Alumnus Launches Career as an Illustrator By Kaleigh Fitzsimmons Reporter
A former Oswego High School student, Maggie Henry, is making a name for herself in the world of children’s literature by illustarating a stunning picture book. The book, A Coming of Winter in the Adirondacks, written by Brian J. Heinz, has been published with Henry’s unique style of hand drawn and thoroughly edited illustrations. This book tells a charming story of the transition from autumn to winter occurring in the valley of the Adirondacks. Henry embraces this transformation through the use of warm colors to represent autumn, then shifts to blues and whites to signify the first snowfall. In these illustrations, indigenous critters of the valley are delightfully enjoying the first snowfall and the continuation of winter. While Henry was working for a local author in Oswego, she made a contact with North Country Books located in Utica, NY. She went in for an interview and presented her portfolio. She was asked to illustrate the charmingly written children’s book. Her process for creating these illustrations was quite unique. She used a mixture of paint and digital line, with the use of Adobe Photoshop to create her images. Henry defined her art work as, “whimsical realism.” Although her usual style ranges from very stylized cartoons to a more realistic detailed form, she enjoyed creating this different form of work. Photo by Abby atkins While she was preparing to take the next step in Oswego High School WBUC-TV student Kaleigh Fitzsimmons interviews Maggie Henry, OHS Class of her career, she took many reference photos, and 2005, at her recent book signing at River’s End Bookstore. Henry illustrated Brian Heinz’s children’s thoroughly researched the Adirondacks and the book A Coming of Winter in the Adirondacks, which is getting outstanding reviews. animals that inhabit this particular area. As a child, Henry always had a love for nature, student with a wide range of abilities and interests. her teacher, but the judges as well. art, and the outdoors. For as long as she can “She could do anything,” she said. “Maggie’s style Martin is not at all surprised about her protege’s remember, she, “put pen to paper.” She was always all depended on the skill she was working on at the commercial success. “Surpised, not at all,” Martin drawing and began to turn her love for nature into art. time.” stated. According to Martin, she can see Henry Out of all the various forms of art work she creates, Martin also recalled some of the awards that continuing with illustration which is, “What she her favorite is painting. She loves the color the paints Henry earned as a student. She earned a gold medal loved the most.” are able to create and is also drawn to the fact it is in graphic design in the scholastic division and her Martin’s advice to aspiring artists is to work hard. tangible. Her inspiration is derived from everything Nothing comes easy, you need to be willing to put in around her and the effort and be driven. This is advice which Henry from other artists. “Love what you do and practice because success was willing to pursue. After high school, Henry During her high decided to continue her career in art; it was just “her must be earned.” school career, niche.” She attended college in Utica, NY at Munson Henry was enrolled -- Maggie Henry Williams Proctor Arts Institute for two years and then in many art classes OHS Class of 2005 proceeded to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. including graphic When asked Maggie what she is most proud of design, Web.com, in her art career so far, Henry stated, “This book.” and independent work was named “Best Graphic of Show” during her Although Henry said she did not picture herself in the art which consisted of fine art and drawing. These junior year. After this competition, her art work was position she is in today, she is very glad to be where courses were all taught by Mrs. Melissa Martin. sent to nationals where she earned a silver award. she is, and will continue to pursue her career as an Henry looked back on her experience at OHS As for her senior year, her portfolio won a gold key, illustrator of children’s books. Maggie advises any fondly. She was impressed with the quality of the which in “non-artist” terms, would amount to “first student who is serious about taking his/her art work technology courses we offer here and how helpful to the next level, to draw every day, fill up a sketch they were in preparing her for where she is today. She place in fierce competition,” Martin said. Right before Henry graduated, she won best-inbook and portfolio to bring it to college interviews. credits the art teachers, Martin in particular, and with show in a competition that included all of Oswego Institutions specializing in art will be most interested confidence stated, “I couldn’t have done it without County for both her 2D and 3D pieces. In Martin’s in the artwork an artist does on their free time, them.” words, “she stole the show!” without any pressure of assignments. Martin described Henry as an outstanding Henry’s work undoubtedly stood out to not only
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February 2012
6
Features
College Students Returning after a Semester Away By Gabrielle Sacco Reporter
With the first semester of college coming to an end and the second beginning, you’d think most of last year’s high school graduates would be settled in at school and loving life there by now. Well, you thought wrong. It seems as if going away to college isn’t all that it’s made out to be for some alumni, who have already come back home to attend Cayuga Community College or SUNY Oswego. There are many reasons why some people choose to transfer back home after just one semester. Excuses such as, “I had a bad first semester,” “I miss my boyfriend or girlfriend,” “I hate my roommates,” “I haven’t found friends there,” and “I’m homesick,” seem to be the most common. There are a lot of adjustments connected with going off to a new place, living with new people, and being more responsible for yourself personally and academically. In the first semester, freshmen are confrontedwith an array of hard decisions to make regarding life and academics. On the relationship side of things; many teens aren’t ready for this kind of pressure during their freshman year of college. Although, you’re probably
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thinking you’re different and that statement doesn’t apply to your relationship, it most likely does. Hating your roommates can also make the first semester at college quite rough. But, just remember that the roommate relationships work both ways. You have to put part of the responsibility on yourself to make things work too. If you’ve really tried everything, and nothing seems to work, try redirecting your anger towards your roommate by spending more time outside your dorm with friends, or maybe at the library studying. Annoying roommates helped influence a 2011 graduate, Ashley Deveney to transfer home to Oswego State from Ithaca College. “I was just sick of sharing a room. I could never get any studying or homework done because my roommate was skyping or talking to her boyfriend twenty-fourseven,” she stated. “I would not want to
Photo Illustration by mackenzie oatman
share a room with someone again. I just need my own space,” she admitted. The cost of college can also make students rethink where they’re getting their college education. Of course, financial aid is an option, but in all honesty, nobody wants to come out of college with thousands of dollars worth of debt they have to pay off. Sometimes you might even have your mind set on one major, and then quickly decide it really isn’t right for you. In this case, you might be in a situation best fit for transferring to another college if your school doesn’t offer anything else of interest. Deveney said, “I wasn’t able to change my major until the fall semester and it wasn’t guaranteed that I’d actually get into the new program, so I didn’t want to waste time and money taking pointless classes.” It’s never easy going somewhere new without people you know, having to make new friends. Some people are lucky and fall right into place with a good group of friends from the start. For others, it takes some time to get comfortable around campus and find friends with similar interests. “But getting halfway through freshman year is not enough of an experience to decide that there’s no one on campus to be friends with,” stated education.com. According to education.com ,the most common reason for transferring
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home seems to be homesickness. It definitely isn’t easy to just get up and leave somewhere you’ve been most your life and be expected to settle down right away in a whole new atmosphere. Being homesick seemed to be an influencing decision for another 2011 graduate, Karissa Favata who recently transferred home to Oswego State from Brockport. “To put it simply, I honestly missed being home. Most people overlook Oswego State due to the fact that those who are from Oswego have had it drilled in their heads to get out as soon as they can. For me, I liked being in a small homey town,” Favata said. “Just the fact that for most people, including myself, you build up such good relationships with the people in the city. Like at the high school, the teachers all know your name even when you come back to visit. It’s personal, but not so much that you need to feel uncomfortable. It’s nice to have friends and family that are there for you when you need them.” Settling into a new school far from home seems to be easier said than done. There’s many factors that go along with students deciding to transfer home. Before going away to a school far away, you should consider all these different factors and see if staying close to home is better for you after all.
February 2012
Features
7
Adoption is an Option for Millions of American Kids By Lauren Daniels Reporter
We have all looked in the mirror and zeroed in on a feature that wasn’t inherited from either of our parents. We’ve scoured our family tree, through aunts and uncles, cousins, and generations of grandparents looking for a sign of this trait. When you came up with a blank, you may have wondered if you were adopted. While this situation rarely rings true for most people, there are seven million children living with adopted families today in the United States according to adoptionfacts.org. Fifty-eight percent of Americans have a personal connection to adoption, meaning they know someone who is adopted, they are adopted, or they have adopted people in their family. Approximately 140,000 children are adopted in America each year. “I came to live with my adopted parents when I was five days old. It was on St. Patrick’s Day actually,” said Dylan Morgia, who is sixteen years old and a junior at Oswego High School. About 46 percent of all adopted children are under a year old at the time of adoption, as Morgia was. “I was two months old when I went to live with my adopted parents,” said Liz Bonner, a freshman at Oswego High School, who was also adopted. Many adoptions take a more global perspective. “I was adopted when I was five or six years old,” said Mr. Stephen Cass, a technology teacher at Oswego High School. “I was born in South Korea. Before people find out that I’m adopted, they sometimes
Approximately 7 million Americans are adopted. Approximately 140,000 children are adopted by American families every year. As many as 100 million Americans have a connection to adoption in their immediate families. Graphic By Mackenzie oatman
Buccaneer Bulletin
assume that one of my parents is Asian and the other is Caucasian.” There are two main types of adoption. Public adoption involves children in foster care being placed in a home by a governmentoperated organization. A private adoption consists of a child being placed in a home by a non-profit agency. International adoption also occurs, as with Cass, and this involves either private or public adoption of a child from a different country. Approximately 500,000 children are in the foster care system, according to onthemovebayarea.org. Of these youth, 20,000 will “grow out” of the system and become emancipated, which means they will be released from the control of the system as adults. Sixty-five percent of the emancipated minors leave the foster care system with no idea where they are going. “A lot of people ask if I was born in another country,” stated Morgia. This can be a misconception, as many people associate adoption with people COURTESY OF THE MORGIA FAMILY from another country. Morgia said, The Morgia Family “The most common question is how old I was when I was adopted and where I was born. I was born Bonner has also always been approachable about in Syracuse.” it. When asked if her parents have been as open to “The most common question I’m asked is about talk about it as she has, she replied, “Yes. I’ve known why I was put up for adoption,” stated Bonner. “I ever since I could remember anything.” have two siblings who are both adopted as well.” Different people have different reasons to adopt Morgia’s brothers are all also adopted. “My older children. People who have an inability to have brother was adopted from a different family, and he children, but still want a family may choose adoption. was already home when I was born. He was a little There have been cases of someone with a trait or older than two at the time I was born. I have three genetic disease brothers, and that they don’t they’re all “The most common question I’m asked is want to pass adopted. My on to their own about why I was put up for adoption.” little brothers offspring, so they are twins, and adopt instead. they’re ten. My --Liz Bonner Others could be a older brother OHS freshman single parent who is nineteen,” wants to have Morgia said. children or loves While kids. some parents of adopted children choose not to Adoptive parents are every bit as “moms and tell their kids that they are adopted, others choose differently. Cass stated, “My parents were open about dads” as birth parents. “I call my adopted parents mom and dad,” said Morgia. “I mean they’ve been it with me. It wasn’t a secret.” my parents my whole life.” Bonner does the same. “My family has been open with talking to me Morgia, Bonner, Cass, and dozens of other about it,” stated Morgia. “I’ve always been open students and teachers at OHS are living happy and about talking about it, too. There isn’t really much to successful lives because of their adoptive parents. talk about, but I’m open about it.” www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com
February 2012
8
Feat
STUDENTS DEFINE THE LURE AND E
Extreme Sports: (Noun) Plural ex·treme sports - any recreational activiti risk, aggressive and spectacular stunts, and which appeal to t By Carlie Morley
“It’s just tons of fun, an said. Racing cars may n When we think of sports, usually the first things that come to mind according to Cliff, the l are the traditional team activities most of us have played as kids or in of the machine being ra gym class like basketball, baseball, soccer or football. These sports are full-sized race cars. all a great time, but many people find enjoyment from non-traditional A lesser known spo sports such as snowboarding and parkour. Such sports are becoming parkour. “Parkour is mo known as extreme sports. ‘a’ to point ‘b’ as quick The term “extreme sports” refers to an activity involving high risk a local parkour particip and spectacular stunts. Some examples are motocross, skateboarding, and agility. DeMott is d BMX (bicycle motocross), race car driving, parkour and snowboarding. time I did a standing ba These are not only popular nationwide, but had,” also right here in Oswego with extreme sport “I just love the atmosphere of it, going out with all my friends just anyon enthusiasts walking among us here at OHS pa skating around town. Everyone has their own style, there’s so many are every day. most variations to it that make it fun.” Most likely everyone has heard of -Shawn Sansone buildi motocross before, but just for the record, Class of 2013 and Ps motocross is racing motorized bicycles around an enclosed dirt course containing hills, jumps and sharp turns. OHS winding dirt courses on his bike for a few twists and turns. Like most Oswego area, at least in sophomore Dakota Elkin frequents the quad cross scene. Quad cross kids, Marsallo learned to ride a bike when he was only three. Since at OHS are a part of Sk is fundamentally the same as motocross, only with four -wheelers then, with the support of his father and grandfather, he got into BMX snowboard. One of thes rather than bikes. Elkin has been riding bikes his whole life and riding. From practicing almost every day (weather permitting), to snowboarding experien decided to take it to the next level and take up quad cross. Practicing riding in local competitions, Marsallo’s favorite part of riding BMX is to the adrenaline rush o this extremely physical sport weekly gets Elkin ready for competitions learning new tricks. With some determination, if you can ride a bike, would spend every day where he is eligible to win trophies and even money in higher-level it won’t be too long before you can do a trick or two out on the BMX get bored of.” Though h contests. He admitted the best part is, “The feeling you get right before course. snowboarding competit the gates open,” as he described the adrenaline rush. It is well known that the Oswego Speedway is a large part of So, if you are ever Skateboarding, being the most well-known of these extreme Oswego’s appeal. Many students enjoy going out to the track to watch routine, think about tak activities, is very popular among the students of OHS. Often we see the races, but actually some are the ones racing. Dan Cliff is one such activities. Learn some people riding their skateboards to and from school. One student who is driver. Cliff, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, grew up at day at the track. One w particularly adamant about skateboarding is Shawn Sansone. Sansone the race track and took it upon himself to continue the family tradition. sports will provide a rea Sports Editor
has been skating since he was ten years old, however it wasn’t a serious passion until about four years ago. With the exception of winter, he usually skates five days a week. Enthusiastic about his pastime, Sansone said, “I just love the atmosphere of it, going out with all my friends just skating around town. Everyone has their own style, there’s so many variations to it that make it fun.” Although skateboarding is a seemingly relaxed activity, Sansone admits that it actually is quite physically demanding, but with a little practice, anyone can enjoy this laid-back sport. Similar to motocross, is BMX racing. The difference is simply the use of non-motorized bikes. Aaron Marsallo is one to frequent these
PHOTO COURTESY OF AARON MARSALLO
Aaron Marsallo practices a trick in a parking lot near the Oswego River.
Buccaneer Bulletin
PHOTO BY DAN ROUNDS
Shawn Sansone jumps a set of steps on the SUNY Oswego Campus.
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tures
EXCITEMENT OF EXTREME SPORTS
9
ies that involve high the young
nd the racing community is so friendly,” he not seem like it would take much exertion, but (1) level of physical activity depends on the size aced. The real effort comes when racing actual
ort that is certainly extreme is something called ovement that is efficient; it is getting from point kly as possible,” explained senior Austin DeMott, pant. Parkour requires immense core strength definitely passionate about the activity. “The first ackflip was probably the greatest feeling I’ve ” he said. Since it is generally noncompetitive, ne can try it and pick it up, especially since there arkour and free running classes at the Armory days of the week. So, if flipping off the sides of dings and hurdling cars appeals to you, stop by see if parkour is right for you. Probably the most popular extreme sport in the n the winter, is snowboarding. Many students ki Club which travels to Labrador to ski and se students is Jeff Wallace. Since his first nce in fifth grade, Wallace has been addicted of action sports such as this one. “If I could, I y snowboarding; it is something I could never he has not personally competed, there are tions that one can enter. looking for a way to break out of your normal king up one of these extremely exciting e new tricks on the motocross course or spend a way or another, getting involved with an extreme eal adrenaline rush.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN CLIFF
Oswego High School senior Dan Cliff negotiates a curve at the Oswego Cartway.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAKOTA ELKIN
Dakota Elkin is pictured riding his ATV on a dirt trail in Oswego.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF AUSTIN DEM)
Senior Austin DeMott uses an exterior wall of OHS to perform a back flip.
January 2012
Point/Counterpoint
10
Should High Schools Link Grades to Privileges? By Taylor Falls
Bussiness Manager
NO: There’s more to student performance than just grades.
Imagine missing out on the exciting thrill of the prom, or the competitive spirit of the powder-puff game. These aren’t just silly little events; they make up a big part of your high school experience. Sure, some classes can be a hassle and the intolerable drama can make you cringe at the thought of school, but missing out on important events in your early life creates gaps in the memory of high school, gaps that could leave you with feelings of regret for years to come. Some schools are denying their students’ rights to participate in extracurricular events. Some are even punishing those who are failing just one class. Being denied the right to participate in your high school’s activities because of your intellectual level is wrong on so many levels. Most high school students have the constant pestering of their parents to finish their homework or to improve
By Chloe Martin
Layout Editor
their grades. Sometimes this is a difficult task in the busy lives of teens. Grades are one of the biggest factors of stress in teenagers. Many times, however, grades don’t always express the intelligence of the individual. There are many other factors that play a role into how grades are developed. As most teachers would most likely state, grades are created strictly on the work the student produces. There could be serious debate as to whether that is true. Some teachers don’t think that at all. If someone were to give you attitude or say something rude, you’d probably lose respect for that person. It goes for teachers as well. Dealing with very moody, hormonal teenagers, some things could be said that make the teacher angry with a particular student. Most people try to make the lives of people they dislike miserable. Do some teachers use this tactic to make a student
“losers” who fall short in academics is ignoring the fact that they might be talented in some other way. Not letting those students participate in their own school’s activities is not the way to motivate a young person. This rule would also greatly affect seniors. Powder-puff, senior trip, senior dinner dance, the class picnic--all of these fun events are what being a senior is all about. The last year of high school, getting accepted to colleges, thinking about what you want in life, all starts to come together senior year. Though some seniors tend to get a little lazy in their school work after being accepted to college, they soon discover that if they’re failing a class, senior year goes right down the tubes, socially as well. Just by failing a class they should not have to miss out on their whole senior year experience. That’s ridiculous.
YES: Students shouldn’t be rewarded for slacking off.
Towards the end of a long, stressful, but successful senior year, you should be able to look forward to a nice reward like the senior dinner dance, the picnic at SeaBreeze, the prom, or the senior trip to Florida. However, these rewards should only be offered to the students who deserve them. If you are failing a class or multiple classes, you should not be able to participate in the fun part of school. In today’s society, children learn from a young age that we hardly have to work for anything anymore. In elementary school, every student got those cheesy participation awards that your parents would hang up on the fridge. In middle school, every student was accepted onto the sports team, even if they weren’t skilled. And now, in high school, every student is allowed to participate in fun school activities, even if they don’t deserve it. It all has to do with that thing called selfesteem. Everyone wants to feel special, and get all the rewards, without having to go through the hard work to earn them. There are many students in
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fail? A few teachers could even hold grudges towards students related to “bad kids.” Relation to a “bad kid” sometimes has nothing to do with the capabilities of that student. Not every teacher is this unfair, most aren’t, but when there is that one teacher who fails you for no apparent reason, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences of missing out on the fun things of high school. The motivation of a student in high school to become successful in life varies from student to student. Predicting a student’s future from grades is not always a correct form of judgment. Not every person is the same; one may be focusing on sports, while another person may try his hardest in physics. It all depends on the individual. Schools should widen their parochial view on this matter, and realize not everyone needs good grades to succeed. Singling out the
our school who can be caught sleeping in the back rows of their classes, maintaining yearly averages of 40 percent, or even sitting in ISS 4 days a week. Why should these “students” enjoy the privileges of going to the prom or Disney World? Why are they being rewarded for their bad behavior? The prom, along with the many other activities seniors are lucky enough to have, should be reserved for the students who maintain good grades and are active in their school all year long. Even if you are struggling in school and can only manage a barely passing grade, as long as you work hard to get that grade, you should also be rewarded for your effort. Maybe if the students who don’t do anything in school didn’t get to participate in the fun stuff, they would rethink their ways and work a little harder to be able to participate in the privileges along with their friends. This idea that students should be rewarded for good behavior and good grades shouldn’t only be specific to seniors. School dances, field trips, and pep rallies should also be reserved for students www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com
of any grade in good academic standing. In other schools across the country such as the Dobson County Schools in North Carolina, rewarding students for good behavior has shown a huge improvement in the academic performance of students and significantly decreased the number of disciplinary referrals seen per year. Teachers in that district reported “trips to the office for disciplinary action were going down, while academic grades were going up.” In a school like ours, where students seem to be more worried about the latest drama on Facebook than what their grades are, this “new” way of rewarding students for good behavior seems like it could really help us become better students and help our school become a more rewarding experience. Editor’s note: “Point/Counterpoint” is a regular debate feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. If you have a topic worth debating here, contact Mackenzie Oatman at moatman@ student.oswego.org.
February 2012
Feature
11
Oswego Coffee Culture Adds to Number of Teen Consumers By Mackenzie Oatman Editor-In-Chief
locations in the Oswego area. All of these places sell decent-tasting coffee. A popular order is a regular coffee with two creams and two sugars or “double double.” Senior Jaime Bouffard takes advantage of the variety of favors available and orders a medium hazelnut coffee several times a week. All of the aforementioned places also feature blended drinks that are like coffee milkshakes, if you’re into that type of thing.
“I definitely don’t remember as many of my peers drinking coffee,” history teacher Mr. Edward Stacy reminisced on his days as a high school student. Stacy is backed up by former classmate and current colleague Mr. Mike McCrobie who says “I can’t remember any of my high school friends drinking coffee, and if they did, it wasn’t in school.” It doesn’t take a genius to look around OHS today and conclude that this is no longer the case. Port City Cafe Students are carrying travel mugs from home and If you’re looking for a 2:00 p.m pick-me-up, styrofoam cups from a drive-through coffee place. this is definitely the place. Located on West First There’s no doubt that coffee is the wake up drink- Street, Port City is a popular place to go to lunch after of-choice at Oswego High School, but why? school that provides a generous selection of Green As new age teens we have pretty fast-paced lives, Mountain brand coffee to pour yourself. The Dark for one. We get up Magic Espresso sounds early and go to bed late really cool and has a ton and what happens in of caffeine, but weak between is a whirlwind stomachs should always of movement and avoid dark blends. Keep technology. We’re this in mind as you chose sources of constant a table to eat at in the productivity and we nice cafe environment don’t even realize it all Port City offers with its the time because we brick walls and subdued were “born this way, lighting. baby.” Taste the World Combine our Specialty Foods tendency to always and Coffee be doing something, Located in the heart with the fact that we’re of Canal Commons on living in a country West First Street, Taste that consumes three the World is definitely hundred million cups the number one place to of coffee a day, and go if you have a taste for it’s a marriage made really good quality coffee. in heaven. There’s Owner Anne Backer a coffee place on roasts her own coffee every corner, and now beans on location. “It’s they sell these sugar an interesting process,” filled, cream topped, Backer said. Starting with chocolate flavored, 150 pound bags of green, 800+ calorie coffee drinks you can sip out photo by patrick baer or raw, coffee beans, Backer fires up a big red of a straw. It’s a wonder Taste The World Specialty Food and Coffee roaster that sits in a corner it took the $18 million owner Anne Backer roasts a scoop of raw coffee of the store. She has a dollar coffee industry beans. variety of different ratios this long to pitch its she follows to create light, advertisements to a regular, and dark blends that she names after places in younger age group, because even if some of us don’t Oswego. An example is “Nuclear,” one of her popular like the taste of a regular cup of coffee, we’re loving dark roasts. Backer’s shop offers shelf after shelf of these delicious new, flavored concoctions. specialty foods and gifts alongside the full-service There’s also a significant number of local coffee and tea bar. Taste the World also features live places selling coffee, many of which target a teen demographic. Each one has its own ways of grabbing music the first and third Friday of each the month from 7-9 p.m. our attention.
“Fast- Food Coffee”
A before-school favorite because of the drive thru windows, Dunkin’ Donuts, Tim Horton’s, and McDonald’s can be found in more than seven
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The Coffee Connection
Quietly tucked away on Water Street, The Coffee Connection provides a comfy environment for lazy Sunday afternoons. Order your coffee or specialty www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com
drink downstairs and allow yourself to be tempted by the fresh baked goods from Cakes Galore. Take your purchases upstairs to enjoy in the big reincarnation of someone’s living room. With mismatched couches and chairs, wood floors, walls painted with murals, and windows that offer a perfect view of the Oswego River, it’s a hipster paradise. You can camp out there all day and fresh coffee is always right downstairs. If you and your friends are looking for a relaxed atmosphere, this is easily the best, if not the only place in town to find it.
The Ritz Diner
Located on West First Street by the post office, The Ritz Diner hasn’t changed since the mornings you went there as a child to get pancakes with your grandparents. That’s what makes it so endearing. There’s a juke box, a classic diner counter, there’s fresh coffee with experienced wait-staff offering you fresh cups so often that your never really sure how many cups you’ve had. The Ritz is a popular choice on weekends, half days or midterms when you’re ready to embrace your late morning and get a caffeine fix that will last you the rest of the day. If you’re interested in the diner atmosphere, Oswego also has Wade’s, Ma and Pa’s Diner, and Dahl’s in Scriba.
The Lake Effect Cafe
Located on the SUNY Oswego campus, the Lake Effect Cafe is a secluded section of Penfield Library that supports the only Starbuck’s vendor in Oswego. A cup of Starbucks coffee has become a bit of an icon amongst celebrities who are constantly photographed carrying the white and green paper cups all over town on their days off set or out of the studio or whatever. The Lake Effect cafe doesn’t reflect this stigma, though. It’s really just a bunch of college students on their laptops. If you’re getting bored with your OHS peers, you may want to think about stopping by to get a little taste of the college life. Keep in mind that Starbucks coffee has a reputation for being on the bitter side. It really just has a very distinct flavor to it, that you either like or don’t like. If you’re worried you won’t like it, grab a cup for free on Thursday nights during open mic from 7-9 p.m. With all these places drawing us in and offering up our favorite caffeinated drink in hundreds of delicious forms, it’s no wonder we started drinking coffee so much earlier than generations past!
Home Brewed
Everyone’s favorite coffee place should always be their own house. Before we even had our first sip, that freshly brewed smell was wafting into our rooms and pulling us softly from our morning sleep. Choose from a wide selection of white ceramic mugs that say things like “I Love My Mom,” or “I Survived Some Ride in Disney World.” Use five spoonfuls of sugar and Coffee Mate creamer that’s been in your fridge for probably too long. Making coffee at home is best on a Saturday morning after you’ve slept in a few extra hours. You’re well rested and taking the nice small things into stride.
February 2012
Columns
12
Expensive Camera Gear Not Always Money Well Spent Cell Phone Camera
?$ SLR Camera
With the large growth of technology these days, anyone can take a good picture with his/her simple camera phone without having to spend $500 or more on a professional camera. It makes it possible for average people to be photographers within a reasonable budget. a professional camera that they do want, but do not need. I see them use it as soon as they buy it, but check back weeks later and the camera is nowhere to be found. Why is that? It’s because they don’t need such a high-end professional camera. It is also because they simply don’t understand how to use the camera, so then they end up giving up on it completely. So they’re left with a $500 paperweight. I do understand the desire to purchase a fancy camera. Some people, such as me, use them for
cameras. I’m not saying to avoid being interested or passionate about photography, because if you truly do like it, and want to improve, then by all means, get state-of-the-art equipment. I am trying to stress is that you’re taking a huge leap from your camera phone, disposable, or small digital camera to a professional DSLR camera. I do find many of my peers have a photographer’s gifted eye, and some may really pursue photography in a professional way. But many people pick up the idea of
about everything the occasional photographer needs. On the other hand, occasional photographers with professional cameras are wasting money on a product that has many features that are not needed in their experiences. In the attempt to express your creative side, without spending Although this is a moment that money on a $500 dollar camera, happens to many people nowadays, there are many easy-to-use apps for these feelings and passions for iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touchs. For hobbies like photography change like instance, one is called Instagram, and the weather. it is an easy way to have fun with Think to yourself. What type photography on a daily basis with of camera do you have? How much some quick editing did it cost? Do you use your iPhone or do you I agree with a quote I once found on Twitter by a man named Derrick tools built right in. I feel as if this really use that camera @iDeeplove, “You don’t need a $500 camera to take pictures of would be a good you saved all your money for? In many yourself in your bathroom mirror.” Basically, that is all I see people alternative to the photography world. cases, people buy these doing with these expensive cameras. Many people can extremely expensive just use the camera cameras, which may be on their phone and unneeded. Was it just to it just long enough to waste money make it look really cool and creative. follow that one feeling they had when classes like yearbook or journalism. But mostly, I agree with a quote on a wildly expensive camera that There are talented people they took that one cool picture? I once found on Twitter by a man they will use twice and then hide in out there, and they have worked When I see people walking named Derrick @iDeeplove, “You the corner of their bedroom for the their way up to using professional around with these large, heavy duty, rest of eternity. equipment. I am not saying you’re $500 plus cameras, I think to myself, don’t need a $500 camera to take pictures of yourself in your bathroom Lots of people have a small not one of them. Just before you run do they ever use them? Do they just mirror.” Basically, that is all I see point-and-shoot digital camera. out and spend your money on a $500 carry them to impress someone? people doing with these expensive They are inexpensive and do just camera, think twice about it. People waste hundreds of dollars on
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February 2012
Columns
13
Dragon Tattoo Not Just Another Action Flick
Few movies today can invoke actual thought for the viewer, and when one does, the film sticks in one’s mind, and doesn’t leave for some time. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is the second movie that has been made based on the first book in the Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson, following the critically acclaimed Swedish version made in 2010. Directed by David Fincher, Tattoo delivers an intriguing mystery with incredibly complex, believable characters. But what this movie does best is make the viewer feel every hit, gasp at every twist, and sob at every tear shed, all because the viewers cannot take their eyes off of this incredible film. I went into this movie relatively unaware of what to expect. I only knew that it was a mystery involving teamwork between two characters, one a journalist (Daniel Craig), the other a Goth woman with a lot of piercings (Rooney Mara). In all, the story is about these two coming together to solve a mystery over Photo courtesy of Google Images forty years old, and the bond that slowly grows Lead actress in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Rooney Mara has also played parts in The Social between them. Craig is good as Mikael Blomkvist, the journalist Network (2010) and Nightmare on Elm Street (2010). Mara has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture- Drama. charged with solving the case. He fits this role well, and while he does a great job portraying Blomkvist, the lengthy running time and complex story may Mara steals every scene as Lisbeth Salander. Salander main protagonists. What is great about this film is turn some viewers off. Thankfully, the central story is a troubled young hacker, with an aggressive nature, that it doesn’t have to develop the characters in any way. The characters are introduced as just people that takes place on the island and introduction of the which leads to some of the most outstanding scenes anti-hero, Lisbeth Salander, will keep you interested in the entire film. Her introductory story is one of the with problems, figures who the viewer can tell are something interesting to watch, until the mist beyond the violent climax. The film does allow you most brutal and interesting in the whole film. surrounding them slowly unravels. Tattoo is at its to piece together the puzzle as the characters do, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is an intense best during the pivotal moments when you realize giving the viewer a sense of accomplishment, saving romp through the evils that haunt our world today. itself from the disaster, Fincher builds up suspense nicely, with If you want a fast-paced action film, this is not for you. If you including intricate plot lines easily shattered by a gruesome acts of want to see a lighthearted romance, keep away from this movie. vacant viewer. aggression that happen If you want a fastin the blink of an eye, If you want a complex, engaging masterpiece with intriguing paced action film, this is and long, graphic scenes characters and twists that will make your heart jump, The Girl not for you. If you want taking place in Salander’s With the Dragon Tattoo is something you need to see. to see a lighthearted introductory story that romance, keep away from allow the audience to see this movie. If you want who this woman truly who these characters are. Blomkvist isn’t the most a complex, engaging masterpiece with intriguing is. Tattoo is rated R, and those who aren’t seventeen interesting of characters, but his relationship with characters and twists that will make your heart jump, should be wary of entering the theater. The blood, Salander by the end of the film will tear at the hearts The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is something you nudity, and rape are bad enough, but the fact that of viewers. need to see. Rooney Mara is absolutely phenomenal, all of this is set in a modern world where this can The story is quite intricate, however, weaving and the movie should be seen just to watch her tear actually happen, sends chills down your spine, and many different plots in and out could spell disaster if up the scenery as the Goth hacker Lisbeth Salander. scares the viewer more than any recent horror movie handled poorly. This intricacy is not Fincher’s fault, Yet the best moment of the film is the final thirty could hope to do. since he is trying to be faithful to the source material, seconds, because as you realize the pain and suffering While this is a highly stylized film about a with the movie running time being about two and a you are witnessing, the movie comes to a close and mystery surrounding a broken up family on an half hours, which makes it all the more impressive your jaw is left on the floor, a closing scene that will island, the story is more about introducing the two that he pulls it off with flying colors. Unfortunately, forever be burned in your mind.
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February 2012
14
Artist of the Month
Artist of the Month Matt Fay Talks Cosmic Sea By Mackenzie Oatman Editor-in-chief
“When we started, we were aiming on getting bigger. We wanted to be up there with all the bands that we listen to,” OHS senior Matt Fay commented on the early dreams of a local band called Cosmic Sea. Consisting entirely of Oswego High School alumni and current students, the band has developed a “groovy death metal style with a progressive accent,” said Fay. One of the band’s first performances was right here at the Faust Theater during an annual Battle of the Bands competition, which they won in 2010. Back in those days, the band didn’t possess the unique combination of styles that has since defined its music. Fay said, “The band went through changes. When we write, we can definitely see how we’ve progressed from the beginning. We have a feel for our style now.” The band members’ abilities to Photo COurtesy of Matt Fay create a style that they all understand From left to right, Cosmic Sea band members Jeff Murray, Scott Warner, Mark Berlin, Mark Solazzo, and Matt Fay. could have something to do with the fact that they’re all friends as well as Sea. The band is on the go frequently, production will begin for a full-length understand what’s happening in a song band mates. Jeff Murray, Scott Warner, having easily played 50-100 shows album they’ll eventually be able to set is something Fay has taken away from Mark Berlin, Mark Solazzo, and of according to Fay. Cosmic Sea played on the shelf next to a demo recording being in the band. Through making course, Fay, all knew each other in on two separate occasions at the and an EP that they’ve already up new songs and learning what other some way before forming the band. Montage Music Hall in Rochester. At completed. band members have to play, Fay said Some of them have different things one show, they opened for the national It’s apparent that Fay doesn’t he has begun to notice “every time I going on in their lives like jobs and touring acts of Decapitated Flesh, God think twice about devoting himself listen to music, I can tell what they’re school, but that’s not enough to affect Apocalypse, and Decrepit Birth. At the to the mindset of a band. “I’ve been doing, how they want to catch your the pact. ear at a certain part, if there’s like an Somehow, “The band went through changes. When we write, we can uplifting part and then it crashes.” time is always Similarly, Fay stated, “being in a found to meet up definitely see how we’ve progressed from the beginning. band, you appreciate what other people for band practice We have a feel for our style now.” do a lot more.” in Murray’s -Matt Fay Something about the tight dynamic basement, of this group radiates a consistent the same spot second show, they opened for Lazareth playing for so long that I’ve gotten degree of appreciation for each other where a young Murray and Fay began A.D. The first show sold $300 worth of pretty good,” Fay admitted, but and the band’s music. Guitarist Scott learning to play music years ago. One tickets. his perspective on the way Cosmic Warner commented, “Matt can make of the longest friendships in the band, The band does keep it local by Sea composes a song is purely anything funny; everything would be Murray and Fay, neighbors their entire playing shows at the Moose Lodge collaborative. boring without him.” lives, have literally been around each almost every month for an event “When we write new songs, we On a separate occasion Murray other since they were in diapers. advertised as “Metal at the Moose.” all write a ton of riffs and we pick one commented on what it was like when Fay’s uncle was a bass player Cosmic Sea has a growing number that we like and think is catchy. Then Warner joined the band. He said, in a Beatles’ cover band and was of local fans, but they’ll be working on Jeff writes a drum part for it and we “Scott Warner came in and formed that responsible for teaching Fay how to building a new fan base in Boston. The collaborate from there,” stated Fay. tight “niche” group of musicians and play the instrument. Simultaneously, band plans to relocate after Murray and He also commented on the talent more importantly friends that we are Murray was taking to the drums and Fay graduate high school. Boston offers possessed by Cosmic Sea’s vocalist, today.” the two of them have been playing a bigger music scene for the band’s Mark Berlin. He said that lyrics are If this band’s talent wasn’t enough, together in that same basement since style and a couple of the members plan “screamed and growled, but Mark the fact that they’re buddies will give they were eight years old. on attending Berkeley College. knows how to accent his vocals so them that extra fuel to achieve their The pair definitely hold no The first step of the next chapter you know what he’s saying. It’s not all original dream to be up there on the reservations about venturing out of the of the young band’s legacy will be nonsense; we have lyrics.” stage and on the charts with their basement to play gigs with Cosmic taken in the next few months when preAn ability to express and really favorite bands.
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February 2012
Columns
15
Lunatics is an Outrageous and Entertaining Read
The novel Lunatics, written by David Barry and Alan Zweibel, is the narrative of two men’s unexpected journey around the world and the companionship it leads to. Two men, Phillip Horkman and Jeffery Peckerman, who are polar opposites, are thrown together by chance, and end up in demanding situations they never could have imagined. This comedic tale includes
a clothing-optional cruise, Chuck E. Cheese, terrorists, and one mischievous lemur, all of which contribute to the rollercoaster ride Horkman and Peckerman find themselves on. Horkman and Peckerman mistakenly get themselves into a situation with the New York City police, from which they must quickly exchange their previously-average lives, for outrageous experiences when they are mistaken for terrorists. Horkman takes on the role of the knowledgeable and serious companion, where as Peckerman is purely crude and immature. This novel is an enjoyable, clever read, full of humor which encourages everyone to keep reading. The comedy in the book is subdued; rather than being contextual, the humor
comes more from the pure insanity and unrealistic nature of the events in progress. Due to the madness of everything going on around him, Horkman often reassures the reader that no, “I am not making this up (a line Dave Barry frequently used in his syndicated newspaper columns).” The creativity behind the ideas in this book is commendable and makes one wonder what goes on in Barry’s and Zweibel’s head on a daily basis. The vast range of subject matter incorporated in this book
make it over-the-top and surely oneof-a-kind. In addition to encountering none other than Donald Trump and Sarah Palin, Horkman and Peckerman take part in historical escapades around the world, including in China, Cuba, Somalia and Palestine. There is never a dull moment in the presence of these men; their story is filled with mayhem and pure idiocy at times. If you enjoy books simply for entertainment and you’re not looking for a thought-provoking learning experience, you will not be disappointed by these two lunatics.
Oswego Should Consider a Field Hockey Team
Hockey, but on a field? Yes, you heard that right. Although many schools in the area have field hockey teams, it is not offered by Oswego High School. Field hockey can be a great alternative for those who want the hockey experience, yet aren’t able to skate or are afraid of skating on ice. The game is played between two teams of up to sixteen players,
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with eleven allowed on the field at one time. If our school had a field hockey team, we would be able to play against teams such as Liverpool, Cazenovia, Canastota, Rome Free Academy, CNS, F-M, Auburn and other local schools. If all these schools in our area have field hockey teams then why don’t we? We’re always encouraged to try new things, new sports, and be adventurous. I’ve heard numerous people talking about how if our school had a field hockey team, they’d try out and play, so why not give us a team? It’s a great opportunity for people to try new things. Field hockey could also be a good sport for ice hockey or lacrosse players during their off season to keep busy and play a somewhat similar sport. Field
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hockey shares the same concepts as regular hockey, except a few minor differences, the biggest one being the game being on a field, rather than ice. Field hockey would be played as a fall sport, typically offered for girls and more popular among girls, but could be offered for boys as well. The sport would require a ball, field hockey stick, mouth guard and shin pads for regular players. The goalie would be required a helmet, leg guards and kickers, as well as chest guards, padded shorts, padded hand protectors, groin protectors, neck guards, arm guards, and a specialized stick. Who knows, maybe our very own Oswego High School will have a field hockey in the coming years as it becomes more popular among the upstate New York high schools.
February 2012
Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Athlete of the Month After playing hockey for fifteen of his eighteen years of life, it’s now Josh Sova’s time to shine. Sova, a senior captain on the boys’ varsity hockey team, has spent the majority of his life on the ice, thanks to his dad. “I got into hockey because my dad played hockey growing up and he put me on skates as soon as possible,” he said. This is Sova’s fifth year on the varsity team, and in those five years, he has improved immensely. “Josh has been playing for me for two years. I think that his leadership is one of the biggest things that have improved; he’s very vocal and leads by example. He goes out there and gives it his all every shift, and I think it’s very contagious,” commented Sova’s coach, Andrew Rozak. Leading the league in points and assists and being in a position of seniority on the team, Sova strives to set a good example for the younger players both on and off the ice. When he’s not number nine out on the ice for the Bucs, Sova sharpens his skills playing on a junior team in Syracuse, as well as playing most weekends during the off-season. All of the time and dedication he has shown toward the sport have paid off as Sova is gearing up to reach his goal of continuing to play hockey in college. In hopes of continuing to play hockey at the next level, Sova looks to his dad and brother for inspiration. “I look up to dad mostly, because he played college hockey, so he knows what it takes. Also, I look up to my brother because he’s so proactive. He’s smart, he’s athletic, and he can do anything he sets his mind to and that’s what I want to be like.” In addition to hockey, Sova also plays lacrosse and is a member of the National Honor Society. Although he admits it would be fun to play lacrosse in college, he would definitely rather play hockey. “Lacrosse is fun and I enjoy playing it, I just don’t enjoy it nearly as much as hockey,” he admitted. This season, Oswego and Skaneateles are the best two teams in the section, so when the Bucs beat Skaneateles this year, it was, “a great feeling.” This was a great game for the 2011-2012 Bucs, but Sova says that there was no prouder moment than his sophomore year when the team beat West Genesee when the Wildcats were number one in the state. “Compared to the past couple years, this team gels better than previous teams, just because all the guys have played together going up through Oswego Minor Hockey,” Sova said about his current teammates. Surely that is something he will look back on fondly when recalling his last season in high school. “His performance on the ice is always one hundred percent; he can change the game anytime he steps out on the ice. He is very skilled and very determined,” photo by Lauren Peel remarked Rozak. Sova has contributed much time and illustration by carlie morley effort to the team and his success is a reminder of that. Sova’s are some big skates to fill, but Rozak is hoping next year the younger players will have learned from the example set by Sova and the rest of the seniors on the team, and someone will come in to take over his role as leader, play maker and game changer.
Josh sova By Carlie Morley
Oswego High School’s Student Voice
Volume 15 Number 4
February 2012