January 2008

Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice

OHS Student and Teacher Represent Our Country Page 2

Volume 11 Number 4 January 2008

Call To Duty

Graphic Illustration and Photo by Morganne Atutis

2

News

Teacher, Student Ready to Serve the Country Jack Carmody Clublicity Editor

Iraq and Afghanistan are roughly 6,000 and 6,500 miles away from Oswego respectively. So with world conflicts so far away, what do they have to do with us? For two members of our OHS family, the answer is “everything.”

Mike Harrington is a senior here at OHS, and is currently in the military.

He is an E1 private in the Army, and has already gone through basic of training experience. Being enrolled early in military training grants him many new responsibilities, but it comes with privileges as well. He will be given payments for the college courses ahead of him, and gets paid for running drills during the weekend. These drills include refresher courses of first aid, ground assessment, and driving Humvees. He mainly studies mechanics along with automotive repair.

It’s not all fun and games though.

His experiences include tough physical training along with educational sessions to familiarize him with

the proper material, and being instructed by a tough drill sergeant.

Harrington explains that with his experience, he’s become more focused with his studies and has developed a better work ethic. He has to attend

he is rewarded with a higher education.

Even though he is wary of the wars we face, he explains that it comes with the job and accepts the responsibility that comes with being a soldier.

He has learned that the military ben-

“Like any public servant, when you wake up in the morning and breathe free air, that is this country’s birthright, you do that because volunteer soldiers like me stand ready to do battle for their country. We may not always have to do it, but if called to, we will go.”

U.S. Army Major Benjamin Richardson OHS Social Studies Teacher

drills one weekend every a month for six years. He plans on finishing up school here, and then he will go to study at Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in North Carolina. By offering his time and hard work for his country,

efits young people. He said, “If you’re looking for something that will give guidance in life, and something that makes you a more independent person, this is one thing I would suggest.”

Don’t think that these efforts our country is making just mean something to military-bound students like Harrington. Mr. Benjamin Richardson of the social studies department is a Major in the National Guard, and is being deployed to Afghanistan.

National Guard is significantly different from the basic army. Guardsmen are deployed as an armed force for the country and the state when needed, but other than those particular times, they live average lives with their intended careers. They are also used to aid in natural disasters, such as hurricanes, f loods, wildfires, or snow storms.

Major Richardson has been in the National Guard for 19 years, well before he took the career choice of being a teacher. When he is deployed later this month, his main task will include working with the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) by training them for defense against the restless insurgency.

His equipment for field duty consists

Several OHS alumni are being deployed along with Richardson. These former students are: Buccaneer Bulletin

of nearly 60 to 80 pounds of supplies, including body armor, ammunition, helmet, and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) unit. The unrelenting heat of the country requires them to have access to plenty of water at all times, and often they carry their own in a unique drinking apparatus, comparable to the opposite of a scuba tank.

According to Richardson, the main goal for our continued occupation of Afghanistan is so that with training and reinforcement, the country can build itself a strong and healthy infrastructure, and develop a steady, acceptable for m of gover nment.

Richardson sees a few similarities between the army duties in Iraq and Afghanistan. The process of getting these countries “back on their feet” will require patience and determination. He said those are the only real similarities between Iraq and Afghanistan. The differences virtually include everything from culture and customs to the other steps needed for reconstruction.

Being an experienced, highly ranked member of the National Guard, Richardson’s only real anxiety is his family during his absence. He explains his commitment to his family and to his country as clearly as possible. “For a person at my level, it’s all about duty, honor, and obligation.

I could have left the Guard years ago; no one tricked me into staying in it.”

Living in an age of communication, he’ll have frequent opportunities to contact his friends and family, by email or cell phone calls.

What would Richardson say to the students and colleagues he’s leaving behind at OHS? He replied, “Like any public servant, when you wake up in the morning and breathe free air, that is this country’s birthright: you do that because volunteer soldiers like me stand ready to, do battle for their country. We may not always have to do it, but if called to we will go.”

•Specialist John Poyneer • Specialist Dave Poyneer • Specialist Rich Hall • Private Brian Coe • Private First Class Brandon Cleary

January 2008

Columns

3

Trends in Education Like Flavors of the Month King a Da Hill Chrissy King Education is an ever-changing field of study.

New philosophies about how students should be taught and how classrooms should be run are thought up all the time; and most of them seem to have been in place at OHS at one time or another.

“The Flavor of the Month” as it’s known to educators, refers to the continuous stream of “new” ideas regarding how teachers should run their classrooms and instruct their students. The flavors of the month generally are “new” ways that promise to make sure students don’t fail and bring test scores up, however, most of the time they seem to fall short on their promise. Some past “flavors” include course 1-3 math classes, the A-1 to A-3 and B-1 to B-3 math classes, the elimination of English 12, and the short-lived idea of eliminating all honors courses from OHS. Most of these flavors have shown in the past that changing things just for the sake of change is not a good idea. Many classes have even been changed back to their original form. Math courses were once course 1, 2, 3, then A-1 through B-3 classes.

Now, they have been changed back to the original

integrated algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. try or able to get an A. It’s just a fact and there Teaching styles also fall victim to the flavor of isn’t anything wrong with that. However, there is the month phenomenon. Some of the new styles something wrong when trying to change things of teaching that are coming into fashion say that justifies an administrator’s job, but becomes everything in the classroom has to be fun in order detrimental to students. for students to learn more. Using the “old fashioned” I’m not saying that we should go back to the teacher lecture with students taking notes, does “old days” when teachers could hit students with not allow students to learn as well, so current rulers and make them wear gum on their noses. My educational theorists say. I’ve had both of these concern is that if with every school year there are types of classes throughout my high school career, these new trendy ideas, that the school, the teachers, and although I’m all for having fun, the classes that and students will become figurative “jacks of all are all about fun tend to trades” and “masters of become a joke, rather When everyone School is not all about having none.” than a more serious class is adjusting to new fun. School is about learning curricula and teaching where there is a lecture from which students are and trying hard to get the styles, they’ll forget the expected to take notes. most important reason grades that you deserve.

School is not all about we go to school and that having fun. School is is to learn as much as we about learning and trying hard to get the grades that can during our time here, not to be a guinea pig to you deserve. Also, when students go away to college try out every new teaching fad. there are no college professors who are going to So, instead of putting all the blame for why have their students do fun group work; they lecture. students fail, why test scores are low and why So the questions are, why do we have the schools are “in need of improvement,” on teachers phenomenon of flavor of the month? Why can’t we and the way they teach, responsibility should be just stick to one way of teaching? I don’t know the placed on the shoulders of the students who do answer to this, but it’s likely due to schools trying not achieve, and the administrators for their kneeto meet state standards or to have students get A’s jerk reaction to failure. That way, we’ll stop the in all their classes. Note to educators: students phenomenon of the flavor of the month. are different and not all of them are willing to

Your Parents Probably Flipped Burgers Too Teenagers hold a significant number of jobs in the workforce today. Where do they work? In Oswego, most teenagers work at the typical commercial locations, such as fast food chains, or at local businesses. Still others choose to commute to Syracuse to work at a mall or a specialized place of business, like a television Danielle D’Amico studio. Still others babysit or mow lawns. There are similarities and differences when comparing the teenage job market to that of our parents’ generation. Minimum wage and employment laws are a few important issues that affect people who are employed today as well as a generation ago.

Teenage job trends have not changed dramatically in the past two to three decades. Teens of the ‘70s and ‘80s, like teens today, were employed primarily in the fast food industry, local restaurants, grocery stores and merchandise stores. One difference is the increase in the amount of minimum wage, but teenagers are usually unaware of the change because the cost of living has increased over the years right along with minimum wage.

As for working conditions, they are now much better than they were in the past, especially in terms of safety and benefits. There are employment laws in place regulating how many hours per day a student may work while taking into consideration whether it is a school day or not. Students are also only allowed to work four hours on a school night.

There is still room for improvement in the current employment world. Students sometimes get hurt on the job. Many students at our school suffer burns or cuts at work. More safety precautions need to be put in place to prevent such injuries. For example, if it was mandatory for workers to wear heat-resistant gloves while dealing with hot cooking equipment in the food industry, many burn injuries could be avoided.

Overall, the teen workforce has improved since our parents’ generation; teens make more money and are not forced to work long hours. With that being said, keep that in mind while you’re at work complaining about how bad your job is, I am sure your parents will tell you that their first jobs were just like yours--or worse.

D’s Dish

Buccaneer Bulletin

Minimum Wage 1975............................$2.10 1980............................$3.10 1985............................$3.35 1990............................$3.80 1995............................$4.25 2000............................$5.15 2007............................$5.85 Graphic by Chrissy King

January 2008

Clublicity

4

Clubs Enjoy a Variety of Activities, Events NHS

The National Honor Society will be contributing their efforts in activities such as helping out at Leighton Home and School and aiding in the Power Play Hockey Tournament.

During this month, members will also act as ushers and sell tickets for the Beauty and the Beast musical.

Among other events, this organization has given two large donations, one to a needy family to provide them with enough money to pay their National Grid electrical bill. Another donation consisted of $500 to the Cammeo Fund.

From January 9 through February 8 a candy sale will take place.

Each member must sell candy to help contribute to their volunteer work. As a result, members earn their gold chord to wear at graduation.

Photography Club

There has been a break in the action for Photography Club. “With the holiday rush and filled schedules of various students in the club, it has been hard to have a meeting,” stated secretary Sara Rogers.

This club is going to have a fresh start as the new year advances. Members are going to begin working on the bulletin board in room B3 where monthly photography contests will be held. More meetings, along with various fundraising ideas will be planned. This will allow students to raise money for their greatlyanticipated camping trip in the spring.

Spanish Club

The Spanish Club, advised by Señor Cook and Señorita Button, meets two Wednesdays a month to plan fundraising events along with doing something fun and cultural. Club members who plan to travel to New York City must keep up-to-date with their payments.

Those going to Mexico are reminded to fundraise so they have some spending money for the trip. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail Cook or Button.

Travel Club

Travel Club is in the process of selling Gertrude Hawk Chocolate.

The Tastefully Simple fundraiser was a huge success. The number of students going on the Greece and Italy trip is increasing. If you would like to join, please contact Mrs. Gretchen Fronk, Mrs. Sarah Williams or Mrs. Lisa McPherson for information.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Key Club

The Key Club meets every Monday after school in room 200. This month, the club is organizing a dodge ball tournament. It will also be selecting new officers in March. The current officers for the club are: president, Ryan King; vice president, John Collins; secretary, Chrissy King; treasurer, Sarah Miller; and sergeant-at-arms, Katlyn Smegelsky. If you would like to participate in any of the Key Club’s community service projects, you can contact Mr. Kirk Mulverhill at kmulverh@oswego.org.

The Musical

This year’s musical will be Beauty and the Beast. The play will be held at the Ralph M. Faust Theater; February 8, 9, at 7:30 pm and 1:30 on Sunday, the 10th. Admission prices will be $10 for adults and $8 for students.

“It is really going well. With only about a month left, we are meeting all the goals we have set for our rehearsals. I know that the play will be great,” said Mackenzie Stone – Sweeting, who is part of the chorus.

The cast will consist of about 40 students. Belle will be played by Rose Filer, the Beast will be played by Tyler Spicer, Lumiere will be played

by Kevin O’Connor, Jeremy Gosek is Clogsworth, Heather Buske will portray the part of Mrs. Potts, Babette will be preformed by Danielle Posillipo, Emily Scranton will play The Wardrobe, Gary Carpentier will play the role of Gaston, Fred Johnson will be portraying Lafou, and Kip Ward will play Maurice.

Aryelle Caruso, who is a part of the play’s chorus said, “Our practices have been good, and it should really come together in the end.”

Poetry Club

Poetry Club has scheduled a carnation sale outside of the cafeteria from February 4- 14. There will be cards to go with the flowers, with Valentines’ poems on them written by Poetry Club members. Customers will have their choice of flower color as well.

It will cost one dollar to buy a carnation and an additional dollar to have it delivered on Valentine’s Day. If more than one flower is purchased, it will still only cost one dollar for delivery (as well as the price of the flowers) if all the flowers are going to the same place. If not, one dollar will

Buccaneer bulletin photo

Members of the Future Engineers Club recently competed in the Entergy Science Competition held at Oswego County BOCES. Pictured from left to right are Ali Finn, Steve Snyder, Chris Wallace, and Sara Finn.

be charged for every different location.

Anyone ordering a carnation to be delivered must know the first and last name of the receiver, and the room number where the person is scheduled to be during first period.

February 12 is the last day to order a delivery flower, but leftover flowers will be sold on the 13th and 14th. These cannot be delivered and colors will be limited on these days. Pre-sale tickets can also be brought to ensure flowers.

There is a poetry contest coming up that anyone can participate in, sponsored by the University of Buffalo. Entry forms for the contest can be found online at http://humanitiesinstitute.buffalo.edu/ content/initiatives/poetry-contest.html.

A poem must be posted on the site by Monday, February 4. Winners will be notified by mail no later than Friday, March 7. The first place winner will receive $200; second place, $100; third place, $50; and fourth place a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble or Chapters. Honorable mentions will also be awarded. If there are any questions regarding this contest, Michele Bewley can be contacted at 1-716-645-6000 or by e-mail at mrbewley@buffalo.edu.

Poetry Club meets the first, second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 2:35-3:15 p.m. in Room 101, adviser Mrs. Carrie Patane’s room. Any student at Oswego High School can join the club at any time during the year.

Class of ‘09

The junior class is busy preparing for the Junior Variety Show, which is scheduled for Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. Act auditions for the upcoming show will be held on Tuesday February 26. This will be the only day for these auditions. Emcees and bands will audition on another day. However, before you audition, you must fill out and hand in the code of conduct to either Ms. Jen Dempsey or Mrs. Heidi Sweeney on or before February 8. Auditions must consist of appropriate words, music, clothing, dance, and movements.

Clublicity is a regular monthly feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. The following reporters contributed to covering the clubs included this month: Brittany Ross, Kaitlyn Scanlon, Joe Bucher, Morganne Atutis, Christian Scaccia,Kristin Hadley,Caitlin Sawyer,and Emily Difabio.

January 2008

Point/Counterpoint

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Does it Matter What Your Teacher Wears?

Professional educators should wear professional attire at school.

YES Professional educators should wear whatever they want to school.

By Dave Abare Reporter

Teachers are professionals. They have a piece of paper hanging on their wall proving their five years of extra education and probably a lot of college loan debt. They chose a profession that does not require wearing a suit and tie all day.

I’m sure if they didn’t want to dress casually, they would have pursued a job that would pay them twice as much.

This is Oswego High School, half the state doesn’t even know Oswego exists, and these teachers have to teach here. We should have sympathy for them; I mean how many of you want to stay here your whole life? If they had a highprofile job, I’m positive every faculty member would wear expensive and professional clothing every day of the week.

I think that students should show a teacher respect when they dress casually. These teachers put in more time in school a day than any of us students. Many students don’t even bother to come to school, and when they do, they don’t even lift a finger or put forth any effort. If it’s about respect, how can you not respect someone who cares more

Buccaneer Bulletin

By Lindsay Usherwood Reporter

Aren’t teachers considered professionals? Then why don’t they dress like it? Everyday I notice teachers walking around school and I can barely tell the difference between them and students, based on their attire.

I believe the lack of professional attire contributes to the lack of respect that students have for teachers. If there is a dress code for students, there should be a professional dress code for teachers. I’m sure for many students it’s hard to respect a teacher who doesn’t look professional.

I’m not saying don’t respect your teacher if they aren’t dressed professionally. It just seems like a personality issue. If you don’t respect yourself enough to dress nicely to teach students, then it seems like you don’t care about what you do. I can understand why students don’t really believe you care about them, when you don’t even look like you want to be there.

An administrator should be able to walk around school and distinguish between the students and teachers. I think it’s a distraction for students when teachers are not dressed professionally. Clothing that is tight, low cut, or short is distracting and unprofessional for the female teachers. Clothing that is casual such as t shirts, sneakers, sandals, and worn out jeans are unprofessional for male teachers.

Often, teachers will enforce the dress code on

about your grades than you do; no matter what they’re wearing.

Why is it so distracting if a teacher wears jeans and a sweat shirt? With all of the ridiculous and gross looking outfits the students wear on a daily basis through the halls. If teachers have a dress code, wouldn’t it only be fair if students followed theirs?

All of you students who have nothing better to do than complain about what a teacher wore to school really need to get a life. You have to look at a teacher for forty-five minutes at a time. Teachers have classes six periods or more a day. They have to deal with about ten disgusting revealing outfits for six periods a day.

What about the teachers that have to baby sit all of you show boats. They have to look at more skin than anyone. If you want to complain about the dress code I advise taking care of the students underwear halfway up their backs all day long first.

If a teacher dresses comfortably and tastefully, that should be fine. They don’t wear the hole-ridden, haggard jeans that students wear and they aren’t showing their underwear like the students.

No teacher in this school is driving a $100,000 car that makes you look twice. I see more spoiled students driving nice cars than teachers. Most are middle class people living in a middle class city.

If a teacher isn’t making enough money to own a mansion and a gorgeous car then why should he

students, but how about on other teachers? Or what about the teachers who enforce the code on students, when they themselves are breaking it? This goes back to the idea of respect, and hypocrisy helps to break down student respect.

Clothing that is normally used for working out or lying around the house should not be worn to work either. Teaching is a serious career. When you are teaching, you are influencing students who are the future of our country. It should be taken seriously. Whether you want to be role models or not, the fact is, you are. The way you look, walk, and talk projects you and your profession to us-your students. Teachers who do not follow the dress code, I believe, are making those who do try to be professional look bad as well. They are making it easy to mock the entire teaching profession.

I don’t want you think that I am bashing teachers, singling out my own, or showing disrespect for them. However, I am saying that four years of being in classes, and walking through the hallways of OHS, I see a lot of things that I don’t think are right. I also know that having a visual image of someone affects what you think of them.

You worked hard to earn the degree. You want to be treated like other respected professions like doctors and lawyers. You should dress professionally, show off your hard work, and show that you are proud of your chosen career.

or she have to spend money on business suits for everyday of the week?

Teachers have to deal with miscreants and unnecessary behavior on a daily basis so what they wear shouldn’t matter.

NO Illustrations by monique reeser

January 2008

Editorial

6 Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Chrissy King Katie DiVita Layout Editor Pat Dougherty Entertainment Editor Sophie Rosenbaum Clublicity Editor Jack Carmody Alumni Editor Morgan McNamara Sports Editor Kathryn Lazarski Business Manager Liz Waterbury Sportswriters Joe Bucher, Ryan Galloway Maddie Goulet, Kailyn Gray, Brett McClelland Art Director Fred Maxon Art Staff Amanda Donovan Mike Mordenga Chief Photographer Morganne Atutis Photographers David Abare, Michaela Frost, Blair Harvey, Caitlin Sawyer Ad Representatives Emily DiFabio, Katy Furletti, Christian Scaccia Ad Designers Olivia Capone, Michelle Stepien Senior Writer Kevin Kearns Reporters Dillon Coates, Danielle D’Amico, Lauren Dimarco, Kristen Diment, Christy Maher, Brittany Ross, Kaitlyn Scanlon, Lindsay Usherwood, Kristin Hadley 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.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Drawing Board

cartoon by Kat Lazarski

…to all the people who have helped out and participated in the fundraisers for Cammeo Lazarro.

The dodge ball tournament and the fundraiser at the American Foundry both were great successes as were the other fundraisers that have been held for Cammeo. …to the Oswego High School athletes who were recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. All eleven fall varsity sports were recognized as having outstanding academic achievements.

…to the over 200 people who coincidently had “appointments” the day of the winter pep rally. Pep rallies are supposed to be fun school events to bring awareness of what our sports teams have been doing and also to bring us together as a school. It is sad that over 200 students lack school spirit to the point that they felt it necessary to skip the pep rally. …to the fact that you can’t leave the cafeteria. If you have a full schedule with no lunches and your teachers are okay with you going to get food to bring back to the classroom to eat, then you should be allowed to leave the cafeteria with your lunch.

January 2008

Editorial

7

Stay Away From ‘The Juice’

It’s proven: anabolic steroids increase lean muscle mass, strength, and the ability to train longer and harder. Just ask Ben Johnson or Marion Jones (who had to return their Olympic running medals for admitting to steroid use). No matter whether athletes inject or swallow, cycle or stack, performanceenhancing drug problems will catch up with them. Families are being destroyed, Hall of Fame careers are being ruined, and lives are being lost.

In today’s competitive world of high school sports, so much more is on the line than just wins and losses for young athletes. High school athletes all over the country are under pressure to compete for college scholarships, coaches’ attention, media interest, and school respect. Some high school athletes may think they would do anything to throw further, run faster, or hit harder. They may even go so far as to consider the use of performance-enhancing drugs, specifically steroids, to increase their natural abilities.

Our advice: Don’t even think about it!

The recent surge in steroid use by professional athletes may be the reason why so many high school athletes have considered and even experimented with steroids. Although these professional athletes are willing to sacrifice their own long-term health, they should be more conscious of the effect their dangerous actions have on the nation’s youth. The pro athletes are role models to the entire athletic population, including athletes at the high school level. All eyes are on them as they break home run records or score the winning touchdowns, while gaining fame, yet destroying their bodies with steroids.

The damaging long-term effects of performance-enhancing drugs are even more overwhelming than the amount of publicity professional athletes receive for steroid use. The list seems endless: liver damage, jaundice, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, masculine/feminine problems, tumors, and infertility to name a few. Is it really worth it for that extra bit of energy or muscle mass? Steroid use can be compared to any other hazardous health habit: smoking, drug abuse, or alcoholism. Either way, what you’re doing is reducing your long-term quality of life for a brief amount of satisfaction.

If the health risks are not enough of a deterrent from using steroids, consider the hardworking athlete who is eliminated from a competition by another athlete in whose veins flows the infamous “juice.” To say it plainly, that’s cheating! It’s just like any other advantage in any type of contest. It’s immoral (not to mention illegal) to have this sort of unfair assistance in an athletic competition. Steroid-using athletes take important opportunities away from those naturally-talented athletes trying to make it on their own accord.

How can someone possibly enjoy “fame,” which was ill-gotten in the first place, knowing he/she unjustly edged out the deserving athletes?

So, let’s keep performance-enhancing drugs out of the hallways and off the playing fields of OHS. There’s no need to substitute legitimate hard work for illegal pills and injections for any reason. It’s just not worth it. Emulate your favorite professional athlete’s hitting stance, running form, or slap shot, and not their dangerous drug habits. “Bulk up” on your own terms and reap the many health benefits that go along with legitimate exercise. Help to curb the steroid epidemic. Stay away from the “juice!”

Letters to the Editor

Hallway Traffic is Like A Classic Video Game Dear Editor,

I would like to change something about the hallways. Getting through the halls at OHS is like playing Frogger, except not as entertaining.

The biggest problem is the humungous group of people who congregate to the right of the library.

They seem to fill half the hallway without even trying. Not to mention the fact that they’re always bumping into each other, and into the people walking. Now I understand wanting to talk with your friends before class, but we should make them go somewhere else. I think if people clutter the hallway, they should be put in in-school suspension, that way, they’ll have all day to be with their friends.

Tyler Elkin Class of 2010

Reply to Pagano Letter: School is Tough for Some Dear Editor,

I took the time to read the letter “High School Isn’t That Difficult,” in the December issue by Justin Pagano, and I have a very different opinion.

I was glad to hear from this student who says he has such a “high status.” Don’t get me wrong, he should be extremely proud of his achievements here at the high school. However, he should also take the time to acknowledge that high school is indeed difficult for a number of students. He should know that for every twenty “non-struggling” students here at the high school, there are about ten more who do struggle.

My belief is, “be the best you can be,” and then if you do struggle, it’s okay.

Once again, I praise him for his hard work, but he must realize when it comes to school, it just comes naturally to some, while to others, it does not.

Cara Pluff

Buccaneer Bulletin

Class of 2009

Do you think it’s acceptable for high school athletes to use steroids?

Lauren Souva “No, it has a lot of negative effects.The negative effects outweigh the positive ones.”

Class of 2008

Austin Crisafulli “Yes, because they help you perform better.”

Class of 2009

Kevina Schleicher “No, because it’s cheating and it’s illegal.”

Class of 2010

Gabby Doten

“No, because they are unhealthy.”

Class of 2010

December 2007

8

Unsung Heroes of Oswego High S

By Sophie Rosenbaum Entertainment Editor

also can be located in many, many places.

Sometimes they are in the teacher’s mailbox, the sub folder, on the teacher’s desk, in one of the offices, or they might just be arriving by another teacher. Finding, then understanding lesson plans is always fun.”

Throughout the day, substitutes follow the teacher’s schedule

Although working the same job everyday may become more like a routine or the “norm” for some people, for others, their job is much like a chameleon – always changing as they learn to blend in with their new environment. For substitute teachers, there is no routine and their job is as changeable as the Oswego weather.

The phone call known as the “dreaded phone call” starts (or ends) their work day. To clarify, if a substitute is going to be on duty, to some he/she is called either the night before or the morning of the day they will be working. Occasionally, there will be a “plan” for the substitute to come in for a particular teacher if there is enough “My favorite sub is notice, but this is not Mr. Wink, because he usually the case. Some has the personality along with the brains to help me substitutes like Mr. with my work without me Timothy Wink, who becoming to stressed or has been subbing on bored with it.” and off for the past -Jules Sheehan six years, always start their day the night before by placing their clothes out for the next day in anticipation of whether it is lunch photo by morganne atutis what is to come. Wink said that he likes to know duty, hall duty, study After arriving at OHS, the daily routine begins for the substitute where he will be subbing so he can plan his attire halls, or classes. This teacher when he picks up the keys and the sub folder from the accordingly. For instance, if he’s going to be in means that there are a counter in the main office. for a physical education teacher, he knows that it lot of new faces for just is not a shirt-and-tie day. one person, which often makes the job hard.

“My favorite sub is Mr. Next on the day’s agenda is to find out the First, they are coming into a position in which Canale, because he alroom assignment and pick up the key in the main students are not accustomed to seeing them ways knows how to enoffice at OHS. Each day, the keys are laid out in and they are also unfamiliar with the names tertain us during class. correspondence with a folder with each teacher’s and faces of many of the students they are I can never get enough name. After receiving the key, the substitute will seeing throughout the day. Yet, Wink explains, of his army songs!” go to the teacher’s room and read the lesson plan “Subbing is using your head. Everyone knows -Nikki Carroll for the day. Wink explained that, “Lesson plans the rules; you just have to make sure you keep are sometimes tricky. What seems crystal clear to everything into play.” one person may not be to another. Lesson plans

The Magic Words

If you’re looking for a substitute teacher, the magic word isn’t “please,” although it does help.

Nor are the substitute teachers much entranced by movie tickets, gift certificates, or other increasingly-popular bonuses from increasingly-desperate school districts. Nope, according to Doug Provencio, vice president of NEA’s Substitute Teacher Caucus, “the magic words are ‘professional compensation.’”

In Oakland, California, where Provencio teaches, district officials have followed the trinket trend and tossed their goodies as district-embossed backpacks toward “guest teachers.” But Provencio and his colleagues are much more excited about the new pay raises that reach $152 a day for those who work at least 60 days. Meanwhile, a few hours south in Los Angeles, their counterparts can earn as much as $233 a day ($255 during the summer)—and also get health benefits in their second year.

“Things like respect and lesson plans help—but they’re not mutually exclusive [of pay],” Provencio says.

--National Education Association

Buccaneer Bulletin

School--Our Substitute Teachers

9

On average, many substitutes have three or more and in other occupations such days of work per school week. John M. Canale, who as being the director of headhas been subbing for approximately 20 years, says, start program for the children of “I’ll come in for any subject and that’s not a lie. The migrant and local agricultural only assignment I’ve never taken is school nurse.” workers. Gilman added that, Canale, as well as a majority of the other substitutes, “It’s really the kids that matter; I agreed that substitutes work together and like to get don’t really care what subject I’m along with all teachers. Wink pointed out a common teaching.” misconception Most of by people is that the substitute’s “subs aren’t the certification is in a brightest of people. subject that does not “My favorite sub is We work hard in take priority when Miss Burger, beever-changing they are placed cause she’s cool and environments. Each into a classroom. she’s a black belt.” teacher is different, For instance, -Erika Johnson and each teacher Ms. JoAnne wants something Kapuscinski, who done differently. has been subbing It is amazing how for 25 years, is many ways something can be done.” certified in English and enjoys the Also, many of the substitutes have had full-time subbing in the English Department jobs before becoming a sub. For instance, Canale because she gets to teach what ranged from being an athletic instructor, to an she knows. Although English elementary is her preference, you Photo by morganne atutis teacher at can find Kapuscinski Kingsford subbing for the social Substitute teacher Mr. Tim Wink assists a student in one of “My favorite sub is many teaching assignments at Oswego High School.

Park, to an studies, language, special Mrs. Jones, because administrator education, or science she is the only sub at the Board of departments on a regular that could take me in She also added that her best Education, to a basis. a scrum.” memory includes anytime that substitute/tutor Although

“My favorite sub she connects with somebody, for both OHS most of those

-Greg King is Mrs. Gilman, because especially someone she started and OMS. interviewed she is just awesome in out on the wrong foot with.

Wink worked would not Without a specific memory at a behavioral specify a best every way, she’s the best in mind, Kapuscinski said program at Nottingham High School (in Syracuse) or worst memory – a with everything and that her best memory occurs for eight years and then worked at Beard Alternative few did. Gilman stated more.” “whenever the light bulb clicks School (also in Syracuse) for two years before that her worst memory -Ceara Donohue on in a student. It’s fun to see becoming a substitute teacher for OHS. Mrs. Irene was subbing at OMS the kids understand something Gilman, who has been subbing for approximately the day after a student they hadn’t previously thirteen years, has had other full-time jobs in teaching had committed suicide. understood.”

Some believe that subbing is the best of both the teaching world and the work world. For instance, a substitute is not required to work a certain amount of time per week, yet as stated earlier, most work three or more days a week.

The best part of subbing for Kapuscinski is that she doesn’t have to go home and grade papers or prepare a lesson plan.

“After school, I’m free,” she said When it comes down to it, Wink said it best when he says, “The best part of subbing is that you’re some place new each day. The worst part of subbing is that you’re some place new each day.”

Layout compiled by Kevin Kearns and Pat Dougherty. Classic Peanuts comic strip courtesy of United Media.

January 2008

News

10

Most U.S. High Schools Prohibit Cell Phones Dimented Kristin Diment Cell phones have to be one of the greatest inventions since, well, the telephone. Improvements are constantly happening; who ever thought we would be able to use a touch screen on our cell phones? While we may have imagined it, it probably seemed far off. Not only can you call people when you’re away from home, but you can also e-mail them, instant message them, and text message them.

While the cell phone brings a lot of new innovations to the table, the most important is the safety it holds.

Whether we hate them or love them, cell phones are always there for us; if an emergency occurs away from home, the first thing we reach for is a cell phone.

They also assist us with simple tasks.

Regardless of how you put it, the cell phone is a neat little piece of technology.

After months of making the news for being “flashy,” cell phones are currently making news in a different way.

Cell phones are being banned in most schools, and there has been much debate about whether it is justified or not.

According to schoolsafety.org, the issue will always remain up for debate.

Some schools only look at the cons of the situation and ban the devices with no regard. Others, however, are torn.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Allowing cell phones in school has both agreed. “Students should be allowed from school safety in an emergency, positive and negative aspects. When to have cell phones as long as they’re while 10% felt as though the effect you look at the situation from an admin- off during the day and used for emer- would be neither positive nor negative. istrator’s perspective, cell phones should gencies only. I want to be in contact Over 81% of schools in the United be banned from scholastic settings due with my son in case of an emergency.” States prohibit cell phone use, and it to their non-educational nature. They If cell phones are prohibited in looks like most schools, if they haven’t cause distractions and people have been school, how will the parents keep in already, will jump on the bandwagon. known to text message answers during touch with their children? According to Regardless of how well the intests. There have even been stories of a News Channel 9 story on cell phones st dividual student behaves, there will students using their cell phones to film Tully High School, the biggest offenders always be an issue between school teachers during inappropriate times. for calling cell phones during the school administrators, students, and parents.

Years ago, schools began banning pag- day are parents. In response, the district While cell phones, if ever permitted in ers because they felt they were related has asked parents to call the office if they school, should be off in students’ pockt o d r ug a nd ets, students would gang activity; “If cell phones are prohibited in school, how will definitely abuse the the cell phone the parents keep in touch with their children?” privilege. There are is no different. always k ids who While the rebel for the sake of idea of cell phones in school seems like need to speak to their children. This rebelling and ruin privileges for everysomething that should be shut down strategy to crack down on cell phone one else. Parents would complain that from the beginning, there are some as- use is proving successful, as many dis- keeping cell phones off could impact pects of them that make it worthwhile. tricts have picked up similar policies. communications. The administraIn a world where we can never know Using the “cell phones preserve tors would have to take cell phones what to expect, cell phones provide an safety” tactic to allow cell phones is away because of the students abusing excellent sense of security. We can’t false, according to schoolsafety.org. In the privilege. It would be inevitable. predict the future, and cell phones a 2002 National Association of School Still, schoolsafety.org is right—the make us at least partially prepared. Resource Officers (NASRO) survey of issue of cell phones in school will never Cell phones also provide features school-based police officers showed be solved. Unless the school districts that could help us with everyday tasks. that, at the time, 68% of the officers felt can find a legitimate reason to allow cell Most of them have a planner and cal- that cell phones would actually detract phones, they’ll just have to stay home. endar feature that could help students stay organized. Calculators are also a key feature that cell phones provide.

A good portion of the argument of cell phones in school is coming from the parents. Parents do not like it when their children are out of contact, and in times of chaos, they expect to be no further than a phone call away. One parent, the mother of an OHS sophomore

January 2008

Entertainment

11

Juno May be the Best Movie of the Year Hollywood Fred Maxon Fred Maxon “It all started with a chair.” With those six words, audiences are invited into the world of Juno MacGuff, the title character of Diablo Cody’s critically-acclaimed comedy Juno. Directed by Jason Reitman of Thank You for Smoking fame and released by Fox Searchlight Pictures, a film division of 20th Century Fox that has released many critically acclaimed films, Juno is already being called one of 2007’s bests.

Juno tells the story of Juno MacGuff, portrayed

by Ellen Page, a highly intelligent yet sarcastic 16 year old who finds herself pregnant with the baby of her best friend, Paulie Bleeker. Bleeker, an orange Tic Tac-obsessed track runner, is portrayed by Michael Cera of Superbad fame. When Juno, with the help of her friend Leah, a popular cheerleader played by Olivia Thirlby, tells her parents that Bleeker is the father of her baby, they react with shock. Her father Mac memorably states “I didn’t think he had it in him.” Mac and Bren MacGuff are played by J. K. Simmons and Allison Janney respectively.

After a failed attempt at procuring, in Juno’s words, “a hasty abortion,” she decides to put the baby up for adoption once it is born. She finds the perfect parents in, where else, but the Pennysaver.

She finds Mark and Vanessa Loring, the epitome of young, career-driven affluent professionals.

Mark (Jason Bateman), is a rock-musician-turnedcommercial-jingle-peddler who has had his remaining pieces of his former life banned to small, out-of-the-way rooms in an otherwise immaculate house. His wife, Vanessa, is obsessed with the idea of being a mother. Juno finds Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) neurotic and feels as though she treats her husband unfairly. Nevertheless, Juno is steadfast on her decision that this couple will be the best parents for her unborn child.

Whether it’s describing how her biological mother left her father when she was very young and inexplicably sends her a cactus every Valentine’s Day or how she got her name from the Roman goddess Juno, whom she explains as really beautiful “but really mean—like Diana Ross,” Page delivers perfect one liners at the drop of a hat.

Each character brings a, unique perspective to the situation at hand, and each character easily could have become a grand cliché, yet due to Cody’s skill as a writer, each has his own complex personality and quirks.

Diablo Cody’s first-ever screenplay is especially unique, In the two years since it was written, it

Buccaneer Bulletin

remained largely unchanged, Diablo Cody is the pseudonym of Brook Busey-Hunt, a stripperturned-writer with no formal experience writing screenplays. “I always say I’m kind of an emotional scavenger, because everything that I write about is drawn from life; it’s drawn from experiences that I actually had,” Cody stated in a recent Associated Press interview. Cody was inspired by a high school friend’s teenage pregnancy experience, and some of the trials she had to go through while pregnant.

Many have, however, pointed a finger at the similarities between Juno and the Korean film Jenny, Juno. Cody, however, responded quickly to these claims with a post from her blog. “Unbeknownst to me, we had another spiritual cousin out there, a Korean movie called “Jenny, Juno.” This time, the cousinry goes one step further and the movie is about-seriously--a pregnant teenager and her cute, sweet boyfriend. (The guy character is named Juno, not the girl.) There’s no adoption subplot and apparently the film is otherwise dissimilar to mine, but how [messed] up is that? I bring this up because a journalist drilled me about it recently--awkward!--and also because I saw someone on our IMDb board wondering if Juno was a remake of the K-flick. So for the record, 1.) it isn’t a remake 2.) I haven’t seen ‘Jenny, Juno,’ though I want to now, and 3.) I don’t think anyone would even bat an eye about this if my film was called Jenny. The name Juno Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures is just so darned distinctive that confusion is inevitable.”

Michael Cera and Ellen page star in Juno, a Fox I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Juno’s Searchlight Pictures about a 16 year old pregnant teenager. soundtrack. Filled with songs by Belle and Sebastian, Kimya Dawson, The Moldy Peaches, very funny…It was light on its feet, involving the Buddy Holly, and Sonic Youth, among others, audience in love and care for its characters. The this soundtrack is straight out of the mind of the first-time screenplay by Cody is Oscar-worthy. So character of Juno. Reitman stated in a recent is Ellen Page’s performance in the title role, which interview, “At one point, I asked Ellen Page before is like tightrope-walking: There were so many we started shooting, ‘What do you think Juno ways for her to go wrong, yet she never did.” In its listens to?’ And she said, ‘The Moldy Peaches.’ She went on my computer, played the songs, and I fell in year-end issue, titled “Signs of Life,” entertainment love with it. Diablo and I discussed putting a Moldy magazine Paste listed Juno as the best film of 2007, and it tied with Knocked Up and Superbad for 10th Peaches song in it where the characters would sing place when judged by A. O. Scott of The New York to each other. I got in touch with Kimya Dawson of Times.

The Moldy Peaches and she started sending me her This film is already a box office success, work, which was beautiful, and that became a lot and with the fact that it has received four Oscar of the soundtrack.” For those who don’t know the nominations, including Best Picture, it brings a music of Kimya Dawson, you are missing out on whole new meaning to Juno’s line “Yeah, I’m a one artist that should not be neglected. legend. You know, they call me the cautionary This film has been met with wildly supportive whale.” With Ellen Page and Michael Cera, reviews. Roger Ebert put it at his number one witty dialogue and realistic portrayals of teenage spot on his top ten list in the Chicago Sun-Times, pregnancies, you can’t go wrong if you go to see saying, “This was my true love, and I could this. So sit back, relax, have some orange Tic Tacs not be unfaithful. It is so hard to make a great and enjoy the laugh-out-loud movie of 2007: Juno. comedy at all, and harder still to make one that is intelligent, quick, charming, moving and yes, very,

January 2008

12

Features

Penny Project Sheds Light on Holocaust Deaths

By Christy Maher Reporter

Everyone thinks he knows exactly what happened during the Holocaust through lessons learned in school, but when students hear that six million deaths were perpetrated, that number is difficult to grasp. “When we teach about the Holocaust, the number six million has an impact, but it seemed to us that students still didn’t really get it,” said Ms. Arlene Laut, a faculty member at Hannibal High School. Six million is a huge number, but it sounds so small.

Have you ever seen six million of any object? Well, if you haven’t, you soon will.

Recently Laut, a Hannibal High School resource room teacher, along with members of their social studies team devised a project to show students what six million looks like. They are designing a plan to help students better understand the true meaning of the number six million. This tactic has been used by a Tennessee high school, but they collected six million paper clips. This Tennessee program provided the inspiration and development of the six million pennies project.

However, Hannibal wanted its project to have a much bigger impact, so they decided to collect pennies which they will then donate to two charities to

help better the society while keeping the knowledge and memories alive.

It’s not just a penny, it’s a life! Each penny donated will represent a life lost during the Holocaust. Once all six million pennies are raised, they will be able to show students just how much six million really is, thus helping students better understand the true meaning of not only the Holocaust, but the number as well. “The sheer weight and volume of six million pennies is huge, yet doesn’t come close to the reality of six million human lives,” stated Laut.

“It is very impactful to think of what the loss of six million human lives has been,” commented Laut. They have a few goals they want to achieve with this project. They hope they can help aid students in the understanding of the Holocaust and the horrors along with advocating to never forget the horrific event.

Currently the penny count stands active at 113,807 and is still climbing.

They anticipate achieving their six million pennies goal in about three or four years. But as Laut stated, “The more the message gets out there, the more the pennies come in, and the closer we will be to our goal.” The more people who know and the more schools that join this program, the quicker they can acquire their goal. Hannibal, Oswego,

and recently-added Baldwinsville High Schools are contributing to the project.

There are many drop-off sites as well, including The Rivers End Bookstore and Ontario Orchards.Once all six million pennies are raised, Hannibal High School is going to donate the $60,000 to two charities, Safe Haven in Oswego and The United Nation’s

Graphic by Fred Maxon

Children’s Fund. Safe Haven is a museum which helps preserve memorabilia and commemorates the 982 Jewish refugees who were brought to Fort Ontario in 1944 to survive the Holocaust. The United Nation’s Children’s Fund is an organization designed to offer protection for children worldwide.

‘Heap’ of the Month Owner: Brett McClelland Model: 1993 Chevy Gladiator Price: FREE Mileage: 143,000 miles Details: Broken 19’ TV, VCR and Queen Size bed, seats 10 comfortably, 4 speakers and 2 broken, wood grain dashboard and console, 14 years of detailed rust, door does not shut all the way closed-not water proof and falling out insulation.

Interesting facts: Fits 6 hockey bags, 6 players and 12 hockey sticks.

Quote: “I searched for a car for two years, but when I came across this beauty, I couldn’t resist.”

Buccaneer Bulletin

January 2008

Sports

13

Online Forums Hurt More Than Help Athletes Gotcha!

Christian Scaccia Has anyone accepted the fact nobody’s perfect? Here at OHS, not every sports team wins a championship. Though players work hard on and off the court, sometimes they fall short of victory.

Besides the fact that they have to deal with their coach’s, their parents’, or their friends’ criticism of the game the day after a loss, there’s also the possibility of having to deal with anonymous people posting their input on online forums.

In the world today, parents, friends, relatives, etc. tend to get involved with their children’s sports way more than they should. Sports forums are just one way in which parents express their opinions in harmful and sometimes over-honest ways. Its like parent-fans have become some sort of a cult created to emotionally break an opposing team down in order for their child’s team to be the best. I think it’s time that parents accept the fact that their son/ daughter’s team is not going to “win it all”. It’s only high school sports that you’re complaining about, not the WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, etc. Trust me;

the world will not end simply because a referee accidentally missed a foul in a blow out game that wouldn’t have made a difference in the team’s record anyways.

Besides the fact that immature parents have a problem with handling the truth, (which is that their son/daughter’s team isn’t exactly the “dream team” of the entire world), they also have a problem with telling the truth. By posting ridiculous, adolescent comments on online forums, such as www.syracuse. com, they are creating an immense problem of confusion. For instance, one of our very own Oswego Buccaneer parents could post a bulletin stating that the girls’ varsity soccer team won its home tournament and played the best soccer that they had ever seen. At the same time, a parent from the opposing teams could post a bulletin stating that Oswego paid their referees in order to win their home tournament. If you weren’t present at the game and you approached the forum to find out how it went, which would you believe? On a more factual example, a bulletin was recently posted stating that the Oswego boy’s varsity hockey team should not be expected to win at all for the rest of the season due to their lack in critical areas. Now, lets say that the CNS boys’ varsity hockey coach just happened to read this post and decided that he would play his weaker players in their game against Oswego. If CNS were to lose that game, wouldn’t that make the

sports forum wrong?

The majority of sport forum users refuse to post their real names on their bulletin. Instead, they make up a fake identity to hide the fact that they are not only embarrassing their teams by writing inaccurate and opinionated information from their point of view, but also embarrassing their kids and themselves for even writing something so repulsive.

If, for some reason, you may think that a sporting event was very unfair for your home team, stop and think for a minute. How do you know that the opposing team isn’t thinking the same exact thing?

People need to realize that life isn’t always fair.

Its okay to put your two cents in sometimes, but when your key point is to hurt other people to make yourself, or your team, feel and/or look better, then I think you’re taking it a little too far. Not only do comments posted on sports forums hurt individual players, but they can also hurt the entire team.

Chemistry is a key component for any team to work well together and that can be destroyed by simply reading forum comments and trying to guess the writers’ name. People may think they’re informing the public, but you’re only mis-informing them.

To parent writers on the forum: get a life. You’re a parent! You should have other things to worry about like paying your mortgage, raising good kids, and mowing your lawn!

Vick Held to Unreasonably High Standards A Lot of Gall Ryan Galloway Over the summer, many people watched the strange story of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Mike Vick unfold. In April 2007, authorities searched Vick’s 15 acre property during a drug sting and uncovered extensive facilities used for dog fighting. Vick and three other men were indicted on felony charges related to his dog fighting ring called, “The Bad Newz Kennels.” For months, Vick fought and denied the charges against him, claiming that he never visited that house and that his cousin was there more than he was.

However, after the three other men entered guilty pleas and agreed to testify against Vick, he too, pleaded guilty and was convicted of

Buccaneer Bulletin

conspiracy in interstate commerce and aid of unlawful animal fighting venture. In other words, he paid for it. In August, the three other men were all sentenced to terms of 18 to 21 months in federal prison. Vick is currently serving a 23 month sentence in federal prison. It strikes me as odd that the other men who were actually fighting the dogs, got less time than Vick, who only funded the ring and never participated in the killing of any dogs.

The question I have is how far are we willing to go to make an example of a successful athlete and high profile figure? In 2003, dog fighting was not even a felony in Virginia, and now we want to hang this guy out to dry?

In no way am I condoning dog fighting, I just think the sentence is too harsh. Any of us could go out, buy a gun, and go hunting. You could go put a bullet in a defenseless animals’ head and then slap five with your buddy. I understand that the deer population needs to be monitored,

but if you go ask an experienced hunter why he hunts, chances are he won’t say, “I’m doing my part to try and keep the deer population under control.”

Lately it seems that whenever an athlete gets into some kind of trouble, the public lashes out and tries whatever it can to nail him to the wall.

Like Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot and killed in his home recently, Vick had trouble distancing himself from his childhood friends.

Instead of understanding and trying to help like the public does when a lot of famous celebrities get in trouble, we go for the athletes’ throat and end up making things worse. Why? Because Vick is an athlete with a troubled past.

When we think about athletes we think about on-field accolades and off-field trouble. We fail to focus on the good things most athletes do. In, 2006, Vick, his brother Marcus, and his mother Brenda started the Vick Foundation, which focused on giving at risk youths in the Atlanta area

some structure. Last season, after a frustrating loss in Atlanta, Vick made an obscene hand gesture to a fan who was heckling him as he left for the locker room. Vick was fined $10,000 by the NFL and on his own, donated another $10,000 to charity. $5,000 went to the family of an Atlanta firefighter who recently died, and the other $5,000 went to teammate Warrick Dunn’s charity foundation, which helps single mothers become homeowners.

Also, after the Virginia Tech tragedy, Vick donated $10,000 out of his pocket to help families who were affected by the tragedy. For some reason, these things were not talked about during his recent trouble. Had someone in the media stood up for Vick and announced all the good Vick had done, he might not have been punished so harshly. Instead, things like that go unnoticed because of the media constantly focusing on the negative.

January 2008

14

Sports

‘Varsity Club’ Will Spur Fan Support for Bucs Sugar hopes to make Varsity no officers have been chosen yet, Sugar program for the student-athletes here at Club one of the main organiza- hopes that all the members will be OHS, the idea is highly regarded by staff tions behind homecoming, and able to act together. “I’d like everyone and students alike. Sophomore Vanessa • Gridiron Squad Finishes Season 10-0 possibly even the pep rallies. to have an equal say. The members Sheffield is glad Sugar has started this • Artificial Turf for Joe Wilber Field Along with raising school have to be open-minded and be able program. “He’s doing such a good job • Buc Baseball Wins Section III Title sprit for everyone, Sugar hopes to voice their opinions, too,” he said. here,” Sheffield said. “He’s trying to that Varsity Club will also start However, this club won’t only be know every person here and he’s rea new program, “Bucs Sup- involved with the things that happen ally dedicated.” Sheffield is involved While OHS may not be particularly familiar with these types of headlines, porting Bucs.” This initiative would within the school. The Buc Boosters with three varsity sports here at OHS the newly introduced Varsity Club take students to all athletic games to are hoping to have two Varsity Club (volleyball, basketball, and track), and is glad that every sport may make these dreams a reality. cheer on the other teams will be represented by the This new club has been intro- from OHS. He hopes to duced by the new athletic director, Mr. make all the athletic teams “I don’t want to control what goes on club. “It’s not just about Scott Sugar, in hopes of getting the here as close as a family. here, I’m going to leave it up to you… me, it’s about the athletes student-athletes more involved with As part of this side project, as a whole,” she said. the things that happen within athlet- each person would receive You guys will run the show.”

Softball coach Mr. ics. Sugar wants all athletes to “be an a T-shirt and sit together Mr. Scott Sugar Mike McCrobie said, active part of what goes on in their in a student section. The OHS Athletic Director “It’s an exciting time for athletic careers.” The Varsity Club will club would also be involved Oswego athletics. With a help OHS sports improve in all areas, with organizing spectator busses to officers become a part of their organi- revamped Buc Booster club representand also give the members a chance various varsity games. “When you’re zation as well. On the Buc Boosters, ing the adults and community and a to see what happens within the school. in a hostile environment it helps to have the Varsity Club members will be able Varsity Club representing the athletes, “I want the student-athletes to feel fans there supporting you,” stated Sugar. to keep the Boosters informed about the program is sure to move forward.”

The club will elect officers who will school events and possibly improve the valued within the school,” Sugar said.

Varsity Club is open to any varsity “It’s like a student council for athletes, run the entire club. At the first meeting, athletic program. “I’d have the Varsity athlete at OHS who wants to improve giving them say in what happens.” Sugar stated, “I don’t want to control Club do the research about turf fields the athletic program and have his/ As a new club at Oswego High what goes on here, I’m going to leave it and see if we could possibly get one,” her voice heard. However, freshmen School, Sugar hopes that it will catch up to you…You guys will run the show.” Sugar said. “They could figure out the and junior-varsity athletes may also The club will have a president, vice pros and cons and even pitch it to Mr. join if they would like. If anyone is on, and that students will be interested in it. “Once people see what we’re doing president, a secretary, and a treasurer, Myles to see what he says about it.” interested in joining Varsity Club, they Although Varsity Club is a new should see Sugar as soon as possible. as a club, I’m hoping that it will grow.” like every other club at OHS. Although

By Kat Lazarski

Sports Editor

Baller Tim Hilton, Athlete of the Month

By Joe Bucher Sports Writer

The 2006 -2007 varsity basketball team had a very rough season finishing with a 4-16 record. This season they’ve turned it around, and midway through the 2007-2008 campaign they were hovering around .500 with key wins against West Genesee and state-ranked Hannibal. A big part of the team’s turnaround can be credited to senior co-captain, Tim Hilton. His scoring and leadership has helped pick the team up and keep it motivated. Hilton is averaging over 18 points per game.

Hilton’s motivation has been simple, “I just want to win,” he said. Hilton’s desire and hustle on the court as well as during practice have helped him do just that. He also said he wants to be a part of “turning around the basketball program here in Oswego.”

The past few seasons the Buccaneers have turned in some disappointing results, partly due to lack of team chemistry. Hilton said that his teammates are just taking the practices much more seriously and working much harder than they have in the past. “We have a lot of trust in each other,” said Hilton.

Head coach for the team, Mr. Warren Shaw, felt that Hilton’s experience has been a big help this season. Shaw also said that his “speed and ball handling abilities are obviously a big help.”

As for college, Hilton plans to attend Oswego State and hopes to play for the basketball team. Shaw believes that Hilton can “definitely play at the next level.”

Buccaneer Bulletin

photo by morganne atutis

Tim Hilton is enjoying a great senior year for the resurgent Buc Basketball Team.

January 2008

Sports

15

the use of steroids in pro sports Youths on Juice: Has trickled down to the high school level?

By Kevin Kearns Senior Writer

Steroids, steroids, and more steroids. Lately the sports page has begun to read more like a prescription pad with stories about performance-enhancing drugs. Every sport seems to have been affected. High school athletics may not be immune from the steroids.

“I believe that anything that happens on the professional level eventually trickles down to high school…” said Oswego baseball coach John Finch.

Recently, former senator George J. Mitchell published a report in which he looked into past steroid use in baseball. While most people who read the report focused on the pro athletes named as users, it also looked into the effect that professional athletes use of steroids has on high school athletes. Mitchell reasoned that there was a direct correlation between a high school athlete’s decision to use performance-enhancing drugs, and a Major League Baseball player’s use of the same drugs.

In Mitchell’s report, he cites a recent study

by National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse which found ‘Clean’ athletes face three choices: (1) compete without performance enhancing substances, knowing that they may lose to competitors with fewer scruples; (2) abandon their quest because they are unwilling to use performance-enhancing substances to achieve a decisive competitive advantage; or (3) use performancePhoto Illustration by morganne atutis enhancing substances to level the playing field.

Combined with Mitchell’s findings, several oc- Many steroid users inject the substances directly into their muscles through syringes. currences around the country have proven that high The downfall to random drug testing is that it can school athletes use steroids. Further studies found may make you hit the ball further but you still have to have the ability to hit the ball,” he said. prove costly. Tests can range from $50-200 per person that approximately three to six percent of high school Although steroids typically give athletes more tested.

According to Sugar, unless a problem emerges students use steroids, leading high schools to debate energy and strength, according to many, the main at Oswego, random drug testing is not very likely. whether performance-enhancing drugs is a problem downfall of steroids is that over time, the athlete’s Most around Oswego High School highly doubt at their schools. Oswego Athletic Director Scott body will break that any Oswego athletes are currently using steroids.

Sugar does not bedown. “…I view “You look around here and you don’t see any kids ‘put lieve that currently “There was a time in the early ‘90s steroids as a quick together’ enough to be using steroids. You don’t see steroids are a probfix.

When an aththe results of what steroids should be doing to them,” lem at Oswego, yet where there was a corps of our male lete doesn’t want to said Oswego head football coach David Gryczka. he is hoping to preathletes that was rumored to be put in as much time “I don’t think any athletes in Oswego use stevent any problem and energy, steroids roids,” said Oswego senior football player Jeremy from occurring. “... using steroids. It was widely known, b e come a n op Linn.

“There aren’t that great of standouts in Oswego The first thing is for but never proven” tion…” said Finch. and they don’t have the effort to go with the steroids.” me to work with my Mr. Mike McCrobie If there are usSome veteran coaches believe Oswego athletcoaches on educaters at OHS, they ics had its “steroid era” years ago. “There was a ing our athletes. If Veteran Oswego Softball Coach aren’t talking.

“I’ve time in the early ‘90s where there was a corps of we have to hand out done too much reour male athletes that was rumored to be using stepamphlets or flyers, search to put steroids in my body.

They are too dangerroids.

It was widely known, but never proven,” said or even bring in doctors or specialists to talk to us and our ous to be worth it,” said senior hockey player Greg King.

Mr. Mike McCrobie, an OCSD coach since 1983. athletes, that’s what we are going to do…,” said Sugar.

Many larger high schools around the country It appears as if the current generation of the Steroids seem to be a big temptation to many are beginning to look for ways to prevent athletes from ‘juice’ hasn’t hit Oswego.

However, steroids will athletes as they try to bring their game to the next using performance-enhancing drugs other than solely undoubtedly continue to rock the sports world, and level. Sugar however, warns high school athletes of trying to persuade athletes out of it.

One common opgrab the sports page headlines that should be reserved a common misconception about steroids. “If you tion is random drug testing.

“The best way to prevent for the true achievements of athletes, continually are any average baseball player, there is nothing athletes from doing steroids, or any drugs for that increasing the chance of an Oswego athlete risking to say that simply taking steroids will make you matter, is to have random drug testing…” said Sugar. his body, in order to try and reach that next level. a great player or a college ball player…steroids

Buccaneer Bulletin

January 2008