BuccaneerBulletin Volume 10 Number 7 June 2007
Bulletins Mark Your Calendars
The senior class is getting very busy with pre-graduation activities. There are some important dates to remember for the upcoming weeks. June 4 is the Senior Awards Ceremony at 6:00 pm in the theatre. June 8 is Senior Night, at 7:00 pm in the theatre. Seniors are reminded that participation is what makes this night so special. On June 12, the seniors have the class picnic. St. Paul’s Church will be hosting a Baccalaureate service on June 20 at 7:00 pm. There’s a lot to do on June 21 including graduation rehearsal at the Campus Center of SUNY Oswego at 9:00 am, followed by cap and gown pick-up 10:00 am-12:00 pm at the OHS theatre entrance, and the Senior Dinner Dance which will be held at the DA Lodge at 7:00 pm. Finally, the day we’ve all been waiting for, June 23, graduation at the Campus Center.
Our Top 25 Grads Sean Delaney James Bates Giovanni Scozzari Audra Gehan Emma Gorman Stephen Howard Havilah Tyler Jeffery Hewett Benjamin Lyman Frederick Ballyns Rachel Knight Nathan Opet Sarah Botting Alyssa Mulcahey Joel Bock Colin Lea Lindsay Howard Mary Pisa Ian MacDonald Jaime Dodge Joseph Fear Bethany Hinckley Margaret Donovan Sara Siembor Rebekah Lautensack
Oswego High School’s Student Voice
Graduation
Faculty Address
New Tradition Begins at ‘07 Graduation By Kevin Kearns Editor-in-Chief
After the decision was made to allow students to become an influential part of this June’s graduation ceremony, the main change by the senior class officers was to institute a faculty address at this year’s commencement. “After approaching the senior class officers about giving them more input into graduation, we began to think about who would they want to listen to,” said Mr. Robert Burt the senior class adviser at OHS. “Usually at graduation, you have the superintendent, Photo By Abby Martin principal, and the board of education president, but we wanted to find someThe new SUNY Campus Center is ready for OHS graduation on June 23. one who would represent the students the best…they decided the answer was to have a teacher speak at graduation.” Once the decision was reached to have a faculty address, it came who conducted last year’s graduation time to decide who would be best Greg Lyons band, stated that this made things espe- fit to make the decision. After some Reporter After 20 years of graduations cially difficult. “It was always difficult debate, the decision was reached to at the Romney Field House, OHS to hear… but there wasn’t a more ap- have veteran OHS English teacher Mr. graduation will take place at the new propriate place.” he said. Many students Tom Frawley, speak at the ceremony. “I think we chose Mr. FrawSUNY Oswego Campus Center for who attended also found it hard to unthe first time on Saturday, June 23. derstand the speakers at the ceremony. ley because he is just a phenomenal Romney Field House was never “It sounded like everyone was mum- speaker who is great with public anyoriginally intended to be a graduation bling,” said junior Katlyn Smegelsky. thing. Basically, he is the man. That’s Another issue for graduations was why we picked him,” said Rachel center. The rink was an old airplane hangar that was moved to Oswego from that Romney did not have a lot of seating Knight, the senior class secretary. “In my opinion, they chose him an air base in Romulus, NY. When it was for spectators, with only a few rows of completed in 1964, Romney became the bleachers wedged between the rink and because Mr. Frawley gets students first state college rink. But the interior the wall. “It was kind of cramped,” said to work hard, and even though there had not been designed for commence- Tim O’Connor, a 2006 graduate, “and might be an easier way out, it just ment ceremonies. “The heat was un- leaving after graduation was a real pain” isn’t acceptable to him. Students All these issues and more made the kind of like that,” Burt commented. bearable,” said senior class adviser Mr. Frawley, has long been a figure at Robert Burt, “and it was difficult to see.” college decide to build the new Campus The acoustics were also a problem, Center for graduations and other events. OHS. He said that he received a letter since the high, wooden ceiling made While the exterior of the center is still from the senior class officers asking hearing difficult . Mr. William Palange, surrounded by construction work and him if he would make a speech at their
OHS Commencement to be Held at New Campus Center
See “New Venue” page 2
A Day In The Life Page 3
CollegeBound Students Page 6
Outstanding Senior Athletes Page 14
See “Mr. Frawley” page 2
Also Inside ...
. . .Walking the Plank . . .Favorite Teachers . . .Point/Counterpoint
2
News
Mr. Frawley to Address OHS Graduates Continued from page 1
graduation, and he considers being chosen out of the many great teachers, a “humbling experience.” As far as why he believes that he was chosen to speak at graduation, he said, “Probably because I came with the furniture and I’ve been around here a real long time.” “To address a graduating class means that you are quite a special teacher. They admire the individuals teaching skills, dedication, and since they could choose any teacher they wanted (even including elementary school teachers) it just makes it such
an honor for the teacher who is chosen,” said Burt. When Frawley was asked if he had given his speech any thought yet, he paused and responded, “I have to tell you that since the time I was asked there has not been a day that has gone by that I haven’t given this some thought because it is such an awesome responsibility and I don’t want to disappoint the graduates. So, I’ve been mulling things over nearly continually in my mind, and I’ve had some fleeting ideas while changing my mind six or seven times. So it is all still very fluid.” Burt believes that the speech will definitely enhance the overall graduation ceremony. “By identifying with the speaker and what he has to say kids will get more out of graduation. Truthfully, I don’t think that the majority of the students know who the president of the board of education is or who the superintendent of schools is, but they certainly have to know Mr. Frawley. This year’s graduation commencement ceremony will take place at the brand new Campus Center on the Oswego
photo by Abby Martin
Veteran English teacher Mr. Tom Frawley will deliver the faculty address at OHS commencement. Senior class adviser Mr. Bob Burt hopes that the speech, combined with the faculty honor guard, will enhance the ceremony.
State campus. The festivities will take place on June 23, at 10 a.m. Along with Frawley some of the other speakers at the ceremony will be, Superintendent David Fischer, Board of Education President William “Dave” White, and Senior Class President Eric McCrobie.
New Venue to Host OHS Class of 2007 Graduation Ceremony continued from page
1
chain-linked fences, the rink is fully completed. It holds a maximum of 4,000 spectators, and contains multiple restrooms and a concession stand that will be operational during the graduation. The new facility solves many of the problems that the old field house had. The design of the field house and new sound technology it uses will make hearing easier. “The sound system is a thousand percent better,” said Burt “you will be able to hear from anywhere… and we can fit more people in good seats”. The Campus Center also has a hanging scoreboard and video message board which will be used to show graduates’ faces as they walk across the stage. Along with the new Campus Center, OHS graduation will be making a few other changes. Previously, the superintendent and principal would speak at the
Buccaneer Bulletin
ceremony. This year, the seniors were allowed to honor one teacher with the right to speak at graduation. This year, the seniors chose English teacher Mr. Tom Frawley to deliver a faculty address at graduation. The reception after graduation will not take place within the rink, but rather at a predetermined building across from the Campus Center. But much of the ceremony remain the same “As long as there’s still a graduation, [the band] will still be there”, said Palange The only cur rent drawback of the new facility is that with the ongoing construction, parking is limited. The SUNY Oswego graduation held at the Campus Center on May 19th was the first held in the new facility. The walkway to the Campus Center was adorned with green and yellow flags, which, of course, will be blue and white for the OHS graduations.
June 2007
Day in the Life
3
A Typical Day for the Journalism Kids 12:16- The bell rings and not to anyone’s surprise, the room is only half full. (Or if you’re adviser Mr. Michael McCrobie, half empty.) Class really begins when Crobie starts rambling on about how we’ll never make deadline, thinking we’re all listening, when we’re really just checking our e-mail.
one works wonders in photo shop like Fred Maxon does. But WHERE IS FRED!? How can our backto-back, Journalist of the Year in every aspect imaginable, drop our class? Was it the people in it, or did he really have other things to do? It’s like the newest rendition of “how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?” The world may never know. WOAH! I just got hit in the face with a massive puff of air! I look in the doorway and see Mr. Rowlee standing there armed with that stupid gun thing with the least intelligent look on his face that I have ever seen. I look around the room to see everyone’s reaction to this childishness and I
Katie Divita, are still hard at work on their fiftieth stories for the same issue. Wait, Waddle lost her concentration to argue something about a black stereotype. It looks like I spoke too soon. There is a slight disturbance in the class now, directed more in the direction of the “don’t mess corner,” occupied by Chrissy and Ashley. Chrissy is informing everyone of her dance schedule for later that night. Let’s count how many times she says “like.” Sixteen. We have a new record, and it’s not how many pages of our paper we can actually get people to read! Ashley is nodding her head in approval to whatever she is typing, probably the newest way to bash the school and the “over-pierced, drama-hungry monsters” who roam these halls.
12:20- A random shriek comes from the corner of the room that resembles the sound of a donkey having a seizure. Everyone turns around to see what all the excitement is about, but it’s only Morgan McNamara with another “wicked good idea.” But in the reality that she’ll never exist in, it’s actually the lamest thing anyone has ever heard. Suddenly, all eyes are turned to Sam Graham-Bell Austin, who is standing up saying something smart. But after identifying the speaker, everyone pretends not to hear him, which only makes him repeat himself numerous times within the next 40 minutes. Okay, let’s all have a party that we have several mediocre BUCCANEER BULLETIN PHOTO ads for the next issue, which only sold How in the world does this group of misfits produce an award-winning because the business refused to talk to school newspaper? him for three-and-a-half hours. 12:25-The journalism-related work is finally underway, at least for most people; Chelsea Waters is still on a winning streak in solitaire. Speaking of that corner, Mallory is sitting right next to her, (in case that was a surprise to anyone) sweating at her computer station. She is working on a newand-improved layout that will only be changed completely tomorrow. She takes a brief moment to lean over to Chelsea to devise a plan to secretly torture and kill Managing Editors Chrissy King and Ashley Johnston, for challenging their authority as seniors. 12:30-We interrupt this program with the latest episode of Jerry Springer: The Love Triangle, featuring Kat’s got your tongue (literally) Lazarski, Kevin “K squared” Kearns, and Zach “Gru-Boo” Grulich. This has been going on for sometime, but always results in a massive make out sesh (probably involving all three of them.) 12:35- People start freaking out because no
Buccaneer Bulletin
see that former lacrosse star Lindsay Usherwood, is hiding under her table. I wonder why… is she playing hide-and-seek with him? 12:40-The questions start pouring out. Any question in the class that involves the use of your frontal lobe (where basic logical reasoning is located) is considered a “Reeser question,” and to be directed to Mr. Bill Reeser. God love his laid-back personality too, if we only had McCrobie to run the show, we would all leave class limping and with cuts and bruises. We all know not to disturb him this time of the year, and it’s not even Christmas, it’s softball season. Journalism usually gets crossed out on his schedule and replaced with “time to go into cardiac arrest over the starting lineup.” But he’s starting to chill out now that Lindsay Marsh is comforting him by stroking his forehead. 12:45-Class is starting to wind-down now, for the average students, that is. The overachievers of the class, Waruguru “Waddle” Gichane and
12:50-As chief photographer, my job of assigning random people pictures and taking credit for them, is interrupted by a confused little person to my left, Grulich. I am biting my tongue as I show him how to make a damn text box and explain how one has to click and hold, in order to move it! As I am about to slide back into my spot, Sophie Rosenbaum is explaining something to McCrobie, completely confident that she has all knowledge as to what she is talking about. But if this were true, then why does he look at her like she’s speaking a totally different language?
12:55-Some people are already filing out and obeying the silent “journalism bell” tradition. Sarah Dehm is still sitting there staring at her screen. I feel like I could throw something by her head and she wouldn’t even flinch. But it’s okay, she’s been working on yearbook silliness for almost a week anyway, so I guess she can afford it. Lauren Dimarco then comes into view, but this is the first time I saw her all period. But it’s not just me, I don’t think anyone has seen her, let alone read any of her work that has taken up permanent residency in the can. As for the other kids, I can’t really say anything about them because I’ve never really heard them speak before. I think their names are Pat and Genny. However, I admire their quietness because I can’t go 5 minutes without saying something stupid. 12:57-The real bell rings and journalism is officially over. Unfortunately, we must all continue on with our regular school day knowing that it was just another predictable “day in the life” of The Buccaneer Bulletin. Editor’s Note: This is the twenty-first annual “Day in the Life of the Buc Bulletin” column. The tradition, begun by Erik Dessere in 1986, captures the essence of a typical day in journalism class.
June 2007
Walking the Plank
4
Sean Delaney, Class of ‘07 Valedictorian Top grad reflects on his four years at Oswego High
BB: Is there a teacher who had a big impact on your education? SD: Mr. Sullivan is the main teacher who pushed me towards motivating myself, and wanting to learn more. BB: What is your favorite class? SD: I think Spanish BB: When thinking about OHS, what is the first thing you think of? SD: Being with my friends. BB: What is your favorite homemade meal? SD: Spicy tacos and rice BB: Did your family affect your academic career? SD: They just wanted me to do the best I could; They really didn’t push me to be number one. BB: What inspired you to succeed? SD: I like the feeling of accomplishment so that’s what motivated me. BB: What is your favorite movie? SD: To be honest I don’t really like movies, because the story lines kind of bore me, but Borat was funny.
Photo BY Samuel-Graeme Austin
BB: What is your full name? Sean Michael Delaney BB: What college are you going to attend? SD: Syracuse University BB: What is your major going to be? SD: Psychology BB: What made you choose this major? SD: I took AP Psychology last year, and I really liked it. So I think I want to pursue that further. BB: What other colleges did you apply to? SD: U of R, Geneseo, and Cornell BB: Was it a goal of yours to be number one in the class? SD: Um… It kind just happened. I didn’t ever think I would ever pass number two, but I did. It wasn’t really a goal of mine when I came to high school. BB: Is there any advice for the underclassmen pursuing success? SD: Just put forth the best effort that you can.
Buccaneer Bulletin
BB: What quote can we remember you by? SD: April 1, is the day we remember what we always are.
BB: What is your ideal job? SD: I don’t know… the CEO of a big company. BB: If you only had three days to live, what would you do? SD: I would spend it with the people I like. I would go to an amusement park, eat everything that I like, and I would travel to as many places I could in that 72 hours. BB: What music do you listen to the most? SD: Rock BB: What song do you listen to the most on your ipod? SD: Right now, ‘It Only Hurts’ by Default BB: If you could have dinner with 3 people (dead or alive) who would they be, and what would you eat? SD: George Washington, Adolf Hitler, and Anna Nicole Smith. Kind of random… and they would eat Chinese. BB: Are you worried about the speech you have to give at commencement, or have you already written it? SD: At this point I’m not worried, but when it draws closer I’ll probably get more anxious.
BB: Describe yourself… SD: I’m random, stubborn, pessimistic, but I’m loyal to the people I care about. BB: What is your worst fear? SD: My worst fear is dying a painful death. BB: In ten years where do you see yourself? SD: I don’t know a specific career, but I hope to see myself doing something I enjoy and doing something lucrative. BB: If you could change something in OHS what would it be? SD: Get people to have better attitudes about being here and make some of the people less annoying. BB: Have you ever risked your education by doing or not doing something? SD: No, because I live a pretty boring life, so I’ve been able to focus just on that. Photo BY Samuel-Graeme Austin
June 2007
Walking the Plank
5
Salutatorian Ready for the Real World Salutatorian James Bates will attend SUNY Geneseo to study Chemistry and Psychology
JB: It’s really chill in there [the TV studio] It’s just…cool. It’s just something I like to do.
BB: What is your full name? JB: James Edward Bates
BB: What are you majoring in? JB: Chemistry and Psychology
BB: So you are Salutatorian of the Senior Class. Congratulations. What do you attribute to this honor? JB: I don’t know, my intelligence? I don’t really try. Mad Skillz?
BB: Have you decided on exactly what career path you are going to take? JB: I’m going to do law or medicine. I’ll still go to law school if anything and I’m going to take the Pre-Med requirements because I really don’t know what I want to do
BB: What teacher or teachers have guided you through this process? JB: Mr. Mark Mirabito and Dr. Thomas Altman BB: What did you learn from Dr. Altman? Dr. Altman often pushed me. Not necessarily in the aspect of physics, but more so in the aspects of critical thinking. While Dr. Altman taught me well in the discipline of physics, he taught me more so in ways of approaching and discussing the many diverse ideals that people hold in a modern world. BB: Who is your role model? JB: Probably, Alexander Hamilton. BB: We always see you on WBUC. What do you like about that course?
BB: Where are you going to college? JB: SUNY Geneseo
BB: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? JB: I know I am going to spend at least the next 8 years in school and then maybe a job after that. Maybe go to school for some more. I don’t know. Photo by Waruguru Gichane
BB: What other colleges did you apply to? JB: Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Northwestern, USC, UC Berkley, Fordham, Univeristy of Rochester, SUNY Stonybrook, Tufts, SUNY Geneseo and Syracuse University.
BB: What quote do you live by? JB: I don’t have a quote that I live by. It’s silly to live by one solid sentence. I just go with the flow I guess.
BB: Of the schools you got into, which ones did you narrow it down to ? JB: It was between USC, Tufts and SU.
BB: Who is your dream date? JB: Cameron Diaz or Lucy Liu, or maybe a date with Charlie’s Angels, the new Charlie’s Angels.
BB: What is your favorite memory of OHS? JB: Probably Earth Science freshman year. It was a crazy class.
BB: What is your favorite food? JB: Fried Ice Cream
BB: What do you wish people knew about you that they don’t currently? JB: I don’t think that there really is much people don’t know about me. I don’t really have any secrets. (laughs) Oh, I’m really lazy. Put that down. BB: Where would you be found on a typical weekend? JB: In my bed sleeping. BB: If we were to look in your music player, what kind of music would we see? JB: Rock for the most part. Radiohead, Modest Mouse, Sufjan Stevens. A lot of music people haven’t heard of. I don’t listen to rap or country. BB: What’s your favorite movie? JB: Adaptation BB: If you had the choice of any job in the world, what would it be? JB: That’s a tough question. I think I would be a big name sports journalist like Bob Ryan or Bob Costas.
BB: If you were to have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be? JB: Alexander Hamilton, Adolf Hitler and William Bellow. BB: You’re going to college for Sports Broadcasting, so what’s your favorite sport? JB: College basketball hands down. BB: What is your biggest fear? JB: Not finding something to do with my life. BB: Finally, do you have any advice for future OHS students? JB: Don’t be apathetic because if you’re apathetic, you don’t get anywhere in life. Editor’s Note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. This month’s installments were compiled by Waruguru Gichane and Samuel-Graeme Austin. If you know an OHS personality who you would like to see “walk the plank,” contact Kevin Kearns at kkearns@oswego.org
Photo by Waruguru Gichane
Buccaneer Bulletin
June 2007
Class of 2007
6
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s off to School We Go! A.I.P
Cayuga Community
Herkimer
Tony Lapetino
Cornell
Monmouth
Josh Kranz
Fred Ballyns
Dave Fultz
Abby Martin
SUNY Albany Liz Davis Corrin Conroy Sunil Ram
Albany College of Pharmacy Sara Siembor Shane McGann Sarah Botting
Art Institute of Dallas Nicholas Leo
Art Institute of Pittsburgh Alexandra Jackson
Peggy Struallo
Jim Gunn
Tanya Champagne
Cortland
Rachel Standish
SUNY Morrisville
Stephanie Moshier
Christine Khamis
Brandon Pitcher
Larry Vonholtz
John Gamble
Amara Ercums
Regina Wilson
Stephanie Batista
Megan Hibbert
Geoff Loughery
Amanda Giberson
Zach Grulich
Nichole Mcgrath
Daytona
Nina Ramos Joe Brown
Spencer Raby
Kyle Menter
Daytona Beach Airline Academy
John Harpst
Amanda Frey
Dustin Sharkey
Rebecca Demling
Jessica Tondeur
Hobart and William Smith Sally Kelleher
Iona Abby Dixon
Ithaca Bethany Hinckley
I.T.T.Tech Heath Murray
Art Institute of New England
Alicia Mitchelson Colt Ermini
Deleware Valley
Keiser
Mallory Kelly
Christina Burnswick
Nate Opet
Jessica Lewis
Nick Delaney
Brian Barry
Binghamton University
Melinda Cruz
Delhi
Keuka
Lindsay Howard
Steve Shurr
Brockport Amy Stone Carolyn Scanlon
Buffalo Liz Alnutt Colin Lea Kat Horan Zach Coty
Amanda Brownell Greg Sawyer Matt Muldoon Alizabether Searor
Cazenovia Chelsea Waters
Clarkson
Charles Kangah John Stepien
Dickinson Benjamin Lyman
Casey Knight
Le Moyne Bay Stoker Eric McCrobie
Tyler Freberg Eric Stein
Monroe Community College Melanie Mitchell Kelsey Rose Ward Andres Zach Harvey
Niagara Stephanie Auyer Krysten Kunzwiler Erin Baker
North County Community College Jason Mansfield
Old Westbury Dan Crisafulli
Erie Community College
Nicole Files
Onondaga Community College
Alex Pytlak
Audra Gehan
Steve Duncan
Maggie Donovan
Kaitlyn Anderson
Dana Shannon
Mary Mulcahey
Andy Lloyd
Graham Thieben
Fredonia Michel Herring Matt Slight
Austin Paulhart
Bryant and Stratton
Nicoel Hoefer
Jen White
Greg Lyons
Genesee Community College
Liberty University
Canisius
SUNY Cobleskill
Jennifer Pelkey
Mansfield
Sam Castaldo
Katie Jackson
Eric Cullinan
Geneseo
Karen Marks
Neal O’Brien
Steve Nelson
Aaron Nosky
Brain Dowdle
Ashley Mervine
Kara Peterson
Stephen Howard
Mohawk Valley Community
Emma Gorman
Greg Bradshau
James Bates
Tom Rollin
SUNY Canton Brittany Gilbert Ryan Cooley Aarion Gehan
Buccaneer Bulletin
Nate Pensero Matt Pehta Caitlyn Hanlon Adam Buske
Kristin Rinoldo
Tony Sansone Terence O’Kane
Brittany Lancto John Frank Alicia Miceli
June 2007
Class of 2007
7
More Post-High School Plans for Grads OCC Continued
SUNY Plattsburgh
Turkey Law School
Jessica DelPriore
Lindsay Marsh
Sanna Ratlya
Joe Brown
Will Folgherait
Bri Paice
Alex Culeton
Mike Gunther
Jeff Carson
Dale Thompson
Adam Monette
Keshia Reodriguez
Cory Callen
Eric Zerrahn
Chelsea Bosco
Alissa Greene
Universal Technical Institute
William Kronenbitter
Joe Munk
Josh Slade
Tim Moss
Andrew Marshall
Renato Cedillo
Joseph Fear
Steve Pritchard
Keely Richardson
Lauren Domicolo
Virginia Tech
Charlie Suppes
Angela Koulboord
Oswego State University
Chet Mazur Jessica Biancavilla
Lindsey Quenville
Pete Shull
Chelsea Wahrendorf
Morgan Goodwin
Tucker Glass
Matt Walters
Jessica DeLapp
Sam Austin
Christy Kinney
Wells College
Jennifer Nielson
Emily Monette
Noah Burke
Emily Anderson
Jeff Blum
Chrisite Batchelor
O nond a g a S cho ol of Therapeutic Massage Erica Davis
Andy Himes Matt Schneider Amber Legates
Sean Jaquin
Rensselear Shaun Gosselin
Greg Reynolds
R.I.T
Alicia Canale
Jaime Dodge
Ricky Pritchard
Anothony Fragale
Matt Pritchard
Giovannie Scozzari
Matt West
Kyle Backer
Mike Smith Matt Velzy Pat Schrader
Rutgers Matt Russell
Air Force Sean Gilbert
Army Scott Hall
Coast Guard Cory Stepien
Maritime Scott Anderson
Special Operations Colin Etherington
Genevieve Hall
Siena
U.S. Navy
Carolyn Austin
Carolyn Joyce
Travis Lamson
Brian Zeigler
St. John Fisher
Paul Bush
Ashley Nettles Sarah Mahaney Eric Haines Emily Knopp Dan Deloff Kevin Furletti Bri Borrow
Zach Fayette Mike Mooney Erika Connors
Josh Gentile RJ Lagoe
Undecided
St. Lawrence
Luis Alvarado Greg Wetzer Amanda LaClair
Brandon Natoli
St. Rose
Sean Mott
Angelina MeKeel
Rachel Knight
Adam Pitcher
Syracuse University
Dustin Hanley
Madison Lukaczyk
Brian Weigelt
Alex Waterbury
Tom Cusyck
Sean Delaney
Ian Courtney
Brandon Hyde Stacy Gioia Sarah Dehm
Penn State Dave Winklebleck
Buccaneer Bulletin
2007
Mike Stiles
Corey Gill
Casey Lawton
Congratulations to Our Fellow Classmates
Answers to Before They Were Our Stars from page 11, clockwise from top left: Mrs. Sweeney, Mr Fierro, Mr. Cook, Mrs. Chamberlain, Mrs. Weidman, Mr. Stacy, Mr. T.J. Bandla, Mr. Scott Bandala, Mr. Hall, Mrs. Shaver
June 2007
Editorial
8 Buccaneer Bulletin
Drawing Board
Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Kevin Kearns Managing Editors Ashley Johnston, Chrissy King Entertainment Editor Katie DiVita Alumni Editor Waruguru Gichane Layout Editor Mallory Kelly Clublicity Editor Sophie Rosenbaum Desktop Publishers Sarah Dehm Web Team Pat Dougherty, Greg Lyons, Lindsay Marsh, Lindsay Usherwood Sports Editor Zach Grulich Sportswriters Kailyn Gray, Kathryn Lazarski Art Director Fred Maxon Art Staff Amanda Bingham Morgan Goodwin Chief Photographer Abby Martin Photographers Alyscia Clohecy Alyssa Holland Ad Representatives Samuel-Graeme Austin Reporters Morgan McNamara, Sophie Rosenbaum, Lauren Dimarco, Genevieve Hall, Chelsea Waters Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie
The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200. It is intended as a vehicle to inform, educate, and entertain the student body. Printing services are provided by The Palladium-Times. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.
Buccaneer Bulletin
cartoon by Morgan Goodwin
.....to the new picnic tables behind the OHS cafeteria. We don’t know who is responsible for the construction or purchase of these tables, but with the nice weather here and the cafeteria hotter than ever, these tables give a few students each lunch period a pleasant alternative in nice weather. ......to Pathfinder Bank for its generous donation to the 2007 yearbook. If public schools want to continue to strive to excellence in extracurricular activities, corporate sponsorships are vital. .......to the extended Memorial Day Weekend. First there were snow days, then winter vacation was taken away, then a day was added to spring break, and finally two days were added to Memorial Day weekend. Confused? So are we, but we’re happy to have a nice five-day weekend before the final push towards exams and graduation. .....to the Oswego community for not only passing the school budget, but also all the accompanying propositions which will give us new science classrooms, reliable heating and air conditioning, and a better cafeteria here at Oswego High School. .......to us--the staff of your school newspaper. The Buccaneer Bulletin was recently named the best student newspaper in Central New York by the Syracuse Newspapers. In addition, nine individual plaques and certificates were awarded to individual staff members. ......to Mr. Bob Burt, who was named Wal-Mart’s Teacher of the Year for his continued efforts on behalf of his students and the Oswego High School.
June 2007
Editorial
9
In Our View . . .
Looking Back, Looking Forward
As the 2007 school year comes to a close, we, the seniors of The Buccaneer Bulletin staff, wish to leave with a few words that may come in handy for the underclassmen at OHS as they move up the “food chain” next year. High school can be very stressful. Ever since you set foot into the building as a freshman, you are counting the days until you are set free. Not to rub it your faces, but as soon as we are handed that fancy rolled up piece of paper, we are officially “outta here.” But we did our time! Four years of this place is more than enough for us, and now we can finally enter the next stage with a little bit of lift under our wings. We believe that the most important things you can take with you off to college or wherever you’re going, is not anything that can be taught in the classroom. Not to turn this into a motivationally humanistic confidence-booster, but the four years you spend here is more about finding out who you are and what you are going to do for the world when you get the chance. It would be horrible to leave this place not being able to answer those few key questions about yourself, even if you can answer anything you have learned directly from the classroom. Find out what you’re good at and just work your butt off to make something of it. Don’t just coast through the years here so fast that when it’s over, you look back and wish you had done something differently. Do your homework. Establish yourself as a good person (not someone to run away from), respect those vulnerable, be your own person, and when all else is said and done, then it’s time to celebrate. High school isn’t as bad as you probably thought it would be. Although you may feel like you are locked up all day until you are “saved by the bell,” get through it so that at the end of the day you can feel like you accomplished something. Finally, make high school both a positive and memorable experience to look back upon for the rest of your life. After all, you only live once and you’re not going to get any second chances.
What is your fondest memory of the school year? Brian Zeigler “My favorite memory was our home football game when we won in the hail. It was awesome.” Class of 2007
Maggie Donovan
“One hundred days was good. The hypnotist was really fun and it was nice to have an easygoing morning without classes.”
Think Spring Class of 2007
Mr. Nicholas Cook “My favorite memory was our first field trip to the movies to see Apocalypto. ” Faculty
Mrs. Ann Babcock My favorite memory would have to be when two girls in my Global 9 class sang “I’m a little teapot.” It was cute.
photos Courtesy of Melissa martin
Mrs. Melissa Martin’s art students transformed a dented and scratched, yellow and black, newspaper coin box into a work of art. The only rule was that the boxes had to remain usable for selling newspapers. Martin’s students designed a box entitled “Think Spring” during the worst of our winter weather. Way to go!
Buccaneer Bulletin
Faculty
June 2007
Features
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Bon Voyage and Au Revoir to Mrs. Olson By Kailyn Gray Reporter
Mrs. Kathleen Olson, a French teacher, will be retiring in June after twenty-one years of instructing here at OHS. Olson originally started her career at West Irondequoit High School, where she taught French, Spanish, and Russian. Making the decision to become a teacher after she graduated from college was made easier by her love for languages. After retiring, she plans to travel around the world to Las Vegas, Budapest, and Braque-Vienna. In addition, she is expecting her first grandchild in October.
Olson has been to France five times, and after receiving a scholarship from the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers, studied at the University of Montreal. The things she believes that she will miss the most are teaching and the classroom. Her favorite photo By Kailyn Gray memories of teaching at OHS include activities Mrs. Kathy Olson hopes to enjoy the culture she has taught about by traveling during retirement. with the French Club,
which have included Christmas parties, games, French food, and trips to French Canada. Olson says that she keeps her three children in mind when teaching. She always teaches her students the way she knows she would want her children to be taught. Her favorite quote, “Tout est pour le mieux dans les meilleurs du monde” meaning “all is for the best in the best of worlds,” comes from the book Candide by the French writer Voltaire. Olson’s advice to the students and staff here at OHS is to always stay positive, and focus on your strengths. Here’s wishing Mrs. Olson bon voyage and au revoir!
Teachers, Students Bid Farewell to Favorites with such an amazing talent. Rebs is one of the Go out into the world and face the test. Throughout our high school most creative and talented students of photography But I really must confess... years, we all find that one I have every had the opportunity to work with. She I wish that you could stay. is awesome to be around. Although I am sure she You’ll be missed, Will. teacher we can relate to will tell you that I annoy her unmercifully every Buena Suerte! and connect with. Once you chance I get, I have no doubt that one day she will be creating work for the whole world to enjoy. I will reach senior year, however, Mallory Kelly & Mr. Bandla miss her and her ability to see the world in such a Mallory: you start to realize time is unique way. Ever since I had Mr. Bandla as my tenth slimming down with these grade English teacher, he has been my favorite. Even though I didn’t have him for any classes after teachers. It’s about that time, Will Folgherait & Ms. Button Will: sophomore year, we still kept in touch over the and the Buccaneer Bulletin Ms. Button has always been my favorite teacher. following years. It seemed as though he always took I first had her as a teacher during my sophomore the initiative to see how I was doing. He has always interviewed several students year, then again in my junior year. She’s not only a good advice for me, and would give it in a way who reflected on their favorite good teacher, but she is also someone you can talk had that doesn’t make it seem like lecturing. It’s easy to on a friend level. She’s always willing to help to like to Mr. Bandla as a friend because no matter teacher, and vice versa.
Rebecca Demling & Mr. Shaw
Rebs: Walking into my first period Photography class freshmen year, I didn’t expect to be so inspired by the calm atmosphere of the room and the teacher in it that I would make photography my main focus for the next four years. Mr. Shaw introduced me to a hobby that requires talent, creativity and also patience which he taught me through praise and more often than not, criticism.. good and bad. Because of him, I hope to make photography my job someday. I won’t forget where my inspiration came from, and I hope Mr. Shaw doesn’t either. Mr. Shaw: What can I say about Reeeebs? She has pretty much lived in room B3 for the past four years. What an incredible pleasure it has been to be able to work
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me and other students out. She has a great sense of humor, which makes her fun to be around. I can’t wait to go to Mexico with her for the Spanish trip. I will definitely miss her after I graduate. Ms. Button:
An Ode to Will
Will can be a pill. But I love him still. And I always will, for now and always. Sometimes I wanna smack him. But he always keeps me laughin’; in class he can be distractin’ ‘cause he always likes to play. But if you need a hand big bear’s your man. He’ll help you out with any plan. He’ll figure out a way. He’s kind, smart and true, crazy and funny too. I’ve so enjoyed watching him grow into the young man he is today. I wish you ( and all the seniors ) the best.
what time or day he was always upbeat and happy. I will definitely miss him after I’m done with high school, but I’m glad I got the chance to know him. Mr. Bandla: I’ve thought of Mallory as one of “my kids” since she was first in my English 10 class. She’s just one of those students who, no matter what was going on, always seems to feel comfortable with who she is and what she is doing, which is rare for people in general, much less teenagers. Sure, she periodically suffers from “ I don’t wanna”-ism, like everyone else, but when it’s time to buckle down, she puts her best effort in. I’ve always appreciated the fact that she doesn’t think she’s too cool to say hello to her aging, ever-widening former English teacher. I’d wish her luck in college and whatever comes next, but she really doesn’t need it. She’ll do just fine on her own.
Editor’s note: Farewells compiled by Mallory Kelly
June 2007
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Features
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Staff Members Before They Were ‘Stars’ Times change, people change. How do you think our senior year pictures will look ten or twenty years from now? Pictured below are some of the faces that we, as OHS students, see everyday. But do we recognize these familiar faces? There are some of the yearbook photos of many OHS faculty members “back in the day”. How many of them can you recognize? Answers on page 7
Photos compiled by Greg Lyons
Mrs. C. : No Advice, Just a Fond Farewell By Zach Grulich Sports Editor
It’s never easy saying goodbye, but for Mrs. Jan Caroccio retirement came knocking and she answered the door with a smile on her face. Caroccio began teaching in 1971 in a small town near Watertown where she taught for a year before “semi-retiring” to raise four kids. She subbed, on and off, at OHS from 1973 to 1978. She finished her Masters’ Degree in 1982 and returned to teaching at Mexico Middle School in 1983 for two years. She had a one-year stint at the OMS before finally making OHS her home in 1986. Caroccio doesn’t know how she consciously decided to become a teacher. Her father, oldest sister, and uncle were teachers, so she felt she should be a teacher. “I did not have an epiphany,” stated Caroccio. Oswego High has undergone many changes during the years Caroccio has been here. She was teaching when this school had an open campus and a student smoking court. “I’m glad that is gone,” said Caroccio. She enjoyed her
Buccaneer Bulletin
many years as the Junior Class adviser. students who have touched her heart. She stated, “I would bring back track- She even opened her home to some of ing. I used to have so much fun with my those students. She’ll miss making Irish local classes. If I could, I would get rid candy and making her students laugh of Regents exams, state wide, and allow when she played, “Bless the Beasts and the Chilteacher s to h ave more dren” by freedom to Karen create enCa r pengaging lester. She sons that are will miss not restricted telling by time and her many content bestor ies; cause of the stories nature of the she says various Rethat Dave gents exams.” F u l t z She said thinks are Photo by lindsay usherwood made up, she’s going to miss the stu- Mrs. Caroccio will not miss grading papers! l i ke he r dents and the d r u n ken laughter. She will miss the many conver- cow story. She will miss the OHS faculsations she has had with students. She ty, however, she will not miss waking up will miss the students that would come early and WON’T miss grading essays. into her room during her free periods, Now that one chapter has ended just to talk. She says she has had many in Mrs. Caroccio’s life, another has
opened. She hopes to participate in Grandmothers’ Day for her grandchildren when they are in school. She wants to be with her grandchildren as much as possible, without their parents being too upset that she’s around too much. She is also thinking of opening an antique shop. She used to own a shop many years ago called the “Kountry Korner.” She hopes to travel and see the US and maybe even parts of Europe. She may substitute teach, though she is unsure. “I want to live at my river home during the fall when the colors of the foliage on the Canadian side are breathtaking. So I guess you could say I am going to be busy. Oh yeah, I want to read everything I haven’t had time to read since 1971!” Any parting words for students and staff? “I don’t think I have any advice for students and teachers. They don’t need to hear from me,” she said. So we say goodbye to you Mrs. Caroccio. Thanks for all you’ve given to your school, your colleagues, and your students during your time here at OHS. We wish you the best of luck.
June 2007
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News
Where Have All The Seniors Gone? By Sarah Dehm
Pete Myles, “The problem is not just with the seniors, it starts with the students in Looking left and right to see who their freshman year!” Myles went on to you are sitting next to graduation day say, “Many students get overwhelmed may come as a shock. Someone that their freshman year thinking that should have been sitting next to you, may twenty-two credits is a lot, but when you not be there. The decrease in the number lay it out, it is really only five and half of seniors graduating credits a year. With June 23 seems to be nine periods a day, Number exceptionally high twenty-two credNumber of Number of Percent of Students Percent of Students of Seniors this year according its are achievable.” Students Seniors in Receiving Diplomas Receiving Diplomas Senior Receiving to many seniors and Some seniors from their September from their Freshman from September of Year Diplomas from staff. In September, remain concerned Freshman of Senior Year to the end of their their Senior Year to September to the Class of 2007 had about the decrease Year Class Year Senior Year June June 441 students looking in graduation rates. forward to graduatTheir class ranks 2001-2002 379 306 259 68% 84.60% ing in June. At the may not look as good 2002-2003 447 382 339 76% 88.70% end of April there compared to what 2003-2004 Data Unavailable were 355 students they would have been 2004-2005 432 411 338 78% 82.20% ready to walk the if everyone one was stage. This number is 2005-2006 graduating on time 408 305 292 72% 95.70% likely to change again Lots of peo unavailable 441 355 (4/23/07) unavailable unavailable by graduation time. 2006-2007 ple offer words of Graphic By Sarah Dehm According to sethought to the unnior Margaret Donoderclassmen. “Keep van, “People just get The 2006-2007 information about the number of seniors receiving diplomas is an estimate, 355 is the working hard, and lazy. The end is in number of kids that would be receiving diplomas as of 4/23/07 and the percentages are not available don’t set your self sight and it is really because they have not yet graduated. up to be a super seeasy to give in and nior,” said Donovan. let yourself slide. Even some of the these are partial causes, but no one tion Diploma (GED). A number of the “Getting a high school diploma is a smartest kids I know are failing a few can say why people just give up when students who have already received their ‘doable’ thing, and there is going to be a lot classes!” Although the attrition rate the end is so near. However, it is im- GED have also been accepted to two of hard work involved,” concluded Myles. of students who are not graduating portant to note that just because some year schools. According to Principal Desktop Publisher
this year seems to be high, according to the administration, it is not that much higher than previous years. What is the cause of the decreasing number of grads in June? Laziness? People moving to different schools? Dropouts? The fact is, all of
students are not graduating on June 23, it does not mean they will not be graduating at all. Some students will graduate in August, January, and a few will even graduate in June of 2008. There are also some students who will, or may seek their General Educa-
Celebrity Look-alikes
Mangano or Daughtry?
Mangano or Daughtry?
Has anyone ever told you that you look like someone famous? This year in The Buccaneer Bulletin, we began a monthly feature called Celebrity Look-alike. If you know of anyone at OHS that has a celebrity look-alike, contact Katie DiVita at cdivita@oswego.org. Above, TV teacher Mr. Chris Mangano (left) is compared to American Idol singer Chris Daughtry (right). Mangano photo by Sarah Dehm.
Buccaneer Bulletin
June 2007
Point/Counterpoint
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College: Ticket to the Future or Overrated?
“Would you like fries with that?” Think about that wellknown fast-food salutation for a minute and ponder over whether or not you want to be uttering that while sweating over a deep fryer alongside Ronald McDonald for the rest of your life. If you don’t attend college, that may just happen. Some people aren’t motivated to attend college, some lack the necessary funds, and still others just aren’t interested. But if there’s a will there’s always a way to get a college education, and doing so has lifelong rewards. There are several factors as to why college graduates are better off than non-college grads. The most obvious distinction is the level of income. According to the Census Bureau, a high school graduate earns approximately $1.2 million in his lifetime, whereas a college graduate earns $1.6 million. Assuming a person works thirty years before retiring, that’s a difference of $13,333 a year. Furthermore, Bachelor’s Degree holders earn $2.1 million in a lifetime, which is $30,000 more a year than a high school grad. Other benefits of graduating college include a higher level of savings, increased personal mobility, improved quality of life for your children, better consumer decision-making, and more hobbies and leisure activities, according to the Census Bureau. Those are all the rewards that attending college has in your future, but what about while you are at the college itself? I mean you’re at college, you’re independent and you’re not worrying about mom and dad finding out everything you do. You have the freedom of going to a frat party with that cute someone special from biology class and seeing what follows. You don’t have mom or dad screaming to you get to bed “at a decent hour.” No, instead, if you want to go clubbing or go out with the boys, you can do that and go to sleep anytime you like. Also, think about the fine line of campus dinning (if your parents buy you the meal plan). All-you-can eat and a wide variety, at that. This can be yours daily if you go to college. You can burn off the calories you obtained at such dinning halls by exercising in the many athletic facilities and intramural leagues offered at most every campus. In most cases, all this comes with your tuition. However, if you don’t attend college, you miss out on all these great opportunities. So now you’ve got to ask yourself the question, do you want to be waking up in your parents’ basement in time so you can go to your shift at McDonalds, or do you want to be waking up to go to classes that will help shape your future? I’ll take the latter, but the choice, of course, is up to you.
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Does everyone have to go to college? No. Going to college causes nothing but stress. Bill Gates started Microsoft without a college diploma or degree. Just because you go to college doesn’t mean that you’re going to land your dream job. Some dropouts make
just as much money as college students. Most students who choose not to go to college do so because of the costs anyway. Financial aid and student loans are great, but they have to be paid back eventually. This causes more problems when you actually graduate and get a job. Who wants to start off life with thousands of dollars of student loan debts? Besides, is it really worth wasting all that money? Invest in real estate or your own business. In the long run, it could be worth more than attending college. Unless you plan on going for all four years or more, it’s not worth it. If you don’t go for all four years and you’re up against someone for a job who has a four – year degree, chances are they’re going to hire the person with more experience. What’s the biggest question people ask you in life? What do you want to be when you grow up? As you already know, your adolescent mind says you want to be a doctor, a vet, a lawyer, or something else spectacular. The career you once wanted however, starts to fade as you grow up. I remember the good old days when I wanted to be a ballerina when I grew up, but I don’t see that happening any time soon. Going to college for four years takes away from jump - starting your life. In my opinion, it would be easier and smarter to do what you like to do and find a career that you’ll actually enjoy, rather than trying to find a job that suits your college major. Take time to explore the world around you and find out what you really love in life. If that’s over, how about traveling a little. Who says you can only learn in a college classroom. Why not make the world your place to learn? Settling down with someone you love and starting a family is also a choice. What exactly is your point in life? Work your tail off all the time or have fun once in a while?
June 2007
Sports
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Outstanding Senior Athlete Award nominees for 2006-2007
At the year-end awards ceremony, not only are the academic awards announced, but also awards from the athletic department as well. Among those will be the Outstanding Male and Female Athletes, The Joseph Chesare and Donald Bishop Memorial Awards, The Sweich Family Scholarship, The Dorothy Gould Memorial Scholarship and more. Student-athletes nominated by the coaching staff are pictured below.
Abigail Martin Volleyball Swimming Softball
Alyssa Mulcahey Gymnastics
Corrin Conroy Tennis Basketball Golf
Ian MacDonald Swimming
Margaret Donovan Swimming
Sally Kelleher Swimming Indoor Track Track & Field
Spencer Raby Soccer Baseball
Steven Nelson Cross Country Indoor Track Track & Field
Casey Lawton Volleyball Golf
Charles Kangah Football Indoor Track Track & Field
Audra Gehan Cross Country Indoor Track Track & Field
Emily Monette Cross Country Indoor Track Track & Field
Sarah Dehm Track & Field Ice Hockey
Brianne Borrow Soccer Basketball Lacrosse
Fred Ballyns Soccer Tennis
Nathan Opet Soccer Ice Hockey
Regina Wilson Gymnastics Cheerleading Track & Field
Bay Stoker Golf Ice Hockey Lacrosse
Zach Fayette Golf Basketball Lacrosse
Chet Mazur Soccer Swimming
Tucker Glass Soccer Swimming Lacrosse
Danielle Broeker Cross Country Indoor Track Track & Field
Stephen Howard Soccer Tennis Lacrosse
Katherine Horan Swimming
Abby Dixon Soccer Volleyball
Alyssa Holland Tennis Ice Hockey Softball buccaneer bulletin illustration
Buccaneer Bulletin
June 2007
Sports
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Senior Athletes Receive College Scholarships OHS students taking their athletic talents to the next level in the fall. Corrin Conroy
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orrin will be attending the University at Albany as a member of the golf team. Corrin has had quite the success as a varsity golfer. She has been a member of the first team all-league since she was a freshman. She also has set a home record for the lowest score during a match with a 37. She chose Albany because she liked the campus and also because she has family close to campus. She received almost a full ride and will be majoring in education, either math or science.
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Erin Baker
rin, another member of the class of ‘07, will receive a D1 scholarship offer to attend Niagara for soccer. Repeated attempts to contact Erin for this story went unanswered.
Editor’s Note: Athlete feature was compiled by Zach Grulich. Layout by Grulich and Kat Lazarski
Abby Dixon
bby will be a member of the soccer team at Iona College next year. She will be studying mass communications with the hope to someday be a magazine editor. She chose Iona because of the great mass communication program with good internship opportunities. The campus is located near NYC where she plans to work one day. Abby received full tuition, based partially on her academic skills too, and only has to pay for room and board. As a Buccaneer, Abby has been a scholar athlete every season. She was a two-time recipient of the Coach’s Award and has also won first team all-league and First Team All-Section III awards. She has been playing varsity soccer since she was a freshman and was a part of the two-time defending Section III champions squad during her freshman and sophomore years. Abby has been playing soccer since she was five. She was on the State Champion Syracuse Blitz team twice and travels all over the East coast in the spring, playing in tournaments.
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Matt Russell
att will be attending Rutgers University next fall as a member of the Scarlet Knight’s lacrosse team under a partial athletic scholarship. Russell said he chose Rutgers because that he liked the campus and that it had his major, sports management. He stated that Rutgers has a young team that he hopes to contribute to. As a sophomore Russell was a member of the third team all league and a member of the second team all-league as a junior.
Abby Martin
bby will be attending Monmouth University next year as a softball pitcher. When choosing Monmouth University, Martin said that the campus was beautiful and the coach was very welcoming. She will be attending Monmouth for Secondary English Education under an “almost full-ride” scholarship. Abby considers herself a versatile player, as she can play any position and is a middle-of-the-order hitter. As a member of the Lady Buc softball team, Martin broke several pitching records for Oswego Softball. She was a second team all-leaguer as a freshman and first team all-league her sophomore, junior, and senior years. She has also been named Pitcher of the Year for the Colonial America Division of Onondaga High Schools League for two years running.
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Buccaneer Bulletin
June 2007
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