June 2008

Seniors heading to college, armed forces, and work places.

Pages 8 and 9

BuccaneerBulletin

Volume 11 Number 7 June 2008

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Photo by Morganne Atutis Graphic Illustration by Fred MAxon

News

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Credit Recovery Could Lower Dropout Rate other option, we are also looking at building an online course in social studies for Oswego City School District may next year, which will also be for credit be following LaFayette High School’s recovery, but will then morph into an lead towards credit recovery for the alternative for taking a traditional social students who do not successfully comstudies class. We hope to then expand plete a course by allowing students to to the other core content areas based take online classes on the success instead of repeating “I wish that this credit recovery program was we achieve with classes the next year the program.” or in summer school. set up when I was a freshman, then I would have The school Our school dis- been able to successfully clean up my act and district is now trict is currently looklooking at a few ing at two opportuni- graduate on time with the rest of my friends. I companies that ties for online classes think that this program will help a lot of students could potentially according to Mrs. host these webCathleen Chamber- who didn’t do so well in their early high school based courses lain, Assistant Su- years.” and also offer perintendent for CurACT and SAT Joseph Buske prep courses. riculum & Instruction. One is through OHS student One of our own a program that would staff members, allow students to take the online courses sibly to allow for 24/7 access to work Mr. Thom Caswell, may also aid the for credit recovery. “We have seen that on passing the courses and getting school district in developing the other many students will get behind on the credit recovered,” said Chamberlain. online social studies course. “His extennumber of credits they have, especially The other alternative modifies the sive background in technology and web as freshmen and sophomores; they may curriculum for certain subjects for those design makes him an outstanding caneventually drop out of school. With our students entered in this program. “In the didate for this. He has also had training

By Danielle D’Amico Reporter

goal being to increase our graduation rate, we know that we would like to find more alternatives for students to meet with success. To start, we would have students scheduled into these online courses and do the coursework in school and then branch out pos-

to be an online instructor,” Chamberlain commented. She further stated, “These programs are also very nice because they design a path for the student to work on the gaps in their learning. The idea is to get them to master the content that they initially struggled with.”

The program will start off by offering only core classes such as math, science, English, social studies and foreign language. Students taking these classes will earn full credit upon completion of the course.

Joseph Buske, who hoped to graduate in the Class of 2008 stated, “I wish that this credit recovery program was set up when I was a freshman, then I would have been able to successfully clean up my act and graduate on time with the rest of my friends. I think that this program will help a lot of students who didn’t do so well in their early high school years.”

Chamberlain hopes that this method of credit recovery will help save many students from dropping out of high school as well as give students a chance to graduate on time.

OHS Alumnus a Noted Race Car Designer

By Kaitlyn Scanlon Reporter

Race cars have always been a part of Joe Hawksby’s life, and even though his racing career has taken a back seat; his premier race car designs are still tearing up the track.

Hawksby graduated from Oswego High School in 1998 and pursued his dream of racing. He raced cars for six and a half years at the Oswego Speedway and on the International Super Modified Association (ISMA) circuit in the Northeast and Canada.

Hawksby has spent the past 8-10 years designing race cars at his shop in Minetto, Hawk Jr. Racing Productions. At the shop, he and his staff do everything from manufacturing super modifieds to distributing parts. Drivers who use his 2004 chassis model have won more than 30 super modified feature races, and Hawksby has high hopes for his 2008 model coming out this summer.

His love for racing developed early because his dad, was a racer. In school, Hawksby went to BOCES for engineering and design. His love and knowledge of cars grew and he was inspired a great deal by his BOCES teacher, Mr. Ralph Gravelle.

“Joe was a very talented welder and metal fabricator; he could definitely put Paul Jr., from the American Chopper program to shame in a build off,” said Gravelle.

After high school, he went to Onondaga Com-

Buccaneer Bulletin

munity College for two years and then to Oswego State, where he graduated with his technology teaching degree.

“My driving dream evolved into a business when I wanted to do something different at the speedway,” Hawksby said. “So I designed my own car to help keep me on top of my game. It turned out to be a hit.”

Hawksby is truly living out his dream and embracing his love for cars.

Not only did he get to race, he is able to design cars. Hawksby likes his job and the freedom of being his own boss. “Just being around cars is great,” he said. The only thing that gets to him is the stress that comes with owning a business, because, in the end, everything falls on his shoulders. courtesy of jim feeney When he is not at work, Hawksby Joe Hawksby, Jr. has earned high marks for his innovative enjoys four-wheeling, snowmobiling designs in the world of supermodified racing. and traveling- when he gets time to do student aid. these things. Hawksby values his time “Living in Oswego doesn’t limit me,” he said. with family and treasures his girlfriend, Cary, and baby boy, Talen. Hawksby admires his friend Pat “It’s a person’s determination that matters, not his Morrison, an engineer who started his own shop and environment. Success comes from hard work and convinced Hawksby to do the same. He is grateful his determination; anything you focus on will have a parents were always supportive. His mother Lynne is positive outcome,” he said. employed here at Oswego High School as a disabled

June 2008

Day in the Life

A Day in the Life of The Buccaneer Bulletin T hat’s How the Way I Live Pat Dougherty Editor’s Note: This marks the 22nd consecutive year that a senior staff member has written a column entitled “A Day in the Life of The Buccaneer Bulletin.” When Erik Dussere first wrote the column in 1986, who knew that his tongue-in-cheek look at a typical day in journalism class would become a cherished tradition.

As I sit here in room B-2, doing for the first time in about a month anything that could even be considered work, I notice how truly unique my journalism class is. Nowhere else in the world could you find such easy targets for ridicule. Honestly, it brings a tear to my eye. So, when I was asked (more like told) to write a yearly feature for the paper we call “A Day in the Life of The Buccaneer Bulletin,” I was both honored and offended. Honored because this is a pretty prestigious piece, but offended because it’s usually the “jerk” of the class who writes this thing. Well if that’s what they all think, then they’re in for it.

Where do I begin? Well, first let’s break down the room into the various groups the fine journalists of The Buc Bulletin have divided themselves into.

Sitting in the front of the room are “the editors,” comprised of Chrissy King, co-editor-in-chief and the closest thing to a journalism nazi I have ever encountered. Either that or she’s related to Batman, and her “bat cave” is room B-2. I have literally never seen her outside of this room or not stressed about the paper. Next to Chrissy sits entertainment editor Sophie Rosenbaum, who through some fluke of nature is capable of writing the longest, most boring stories anyone has ever read. Four pages on the bridge being out? FOUR?! I never thought I’d say this, but please, Sophie, write only as much as you talk. My brain will thank you. Next to Sophie sits who I like to call the “kraptastik kouple” of Kevin Kearns and Kathryn Lazarski.

I believe these two have a symbiotic relationship which forces them to maintain physical contact or die. Kathryn is the sports editor of the paper and does a fantastic job of telling people to write sports stories and talking about our new athletic director, “Scotty Shoogs.” Kevin Kearns, whose name can only be said as “Kevin Kearns” or “Keh Kuh,” is the “senior writer” for The Buc Bulletin. What this means is that last year he was editor-in-chief, but lost that position due to his inability to properly use the words “then” and “than,” yet still has too much pride to be demoted to the job of reporter.

In the row behind the editors sit “Hollywood” Fred Maxon, our reviewer of obscure Canadian bands, who does some work on the side as our art

Buccaneer Bulletin

director. Fred is famous. That’s why he’s called “Hollywood.” Next in row two is Michelle Stepien.

I’ve never actually seen her, but I think she creates some pretty good ads. She probably does that in yearbook or something. Next to her is Katie DiVita, the other co-editor-in-chief. She does a lot of work.

Of course, she has to, she owes it to Mr. McCrobie, who has written at least one hundred letters of recommendation for her to get into every highpriced college in the country. Rounding out this row of people I like to call “the row of people who aren’t really in a group, per se” is Dillon Coates. He’s a reporter and a damn good writer, but I think he may suffer from the same apathy I do, as he’s only had one or two stories published this year. I guess if I had to say something bad about him, it’s that he used to pop his collar a lot.

Next up is the “sports staff.” Now not everyone in the sports staff is on the sports staff, but that’s the name of this group. I’m writing this, not you, Joe Bucher. Joe Bucher is undoubtedly the tallest member of this group, which is comprised of him, Ryan Galloway, business manager and tanning expert Liz Waterbury, and this year’s “journalism romance” Brett McClelland and Morgan McNamara, who I’m fairly certain are trying to create the first-ever intellectual black hole, where knowledge and logic cannot exist. The sports staff usually keeps itself busy by not doing any work and generally distracting each other from their respective jobs, which they must refer to the masthead to remember.

Adjacent to the sports staff are the two ad girls, DiFabio and Furletti.

That’s all I’ve got, really.

They sell ads. I’m not sure if they speak. I’m not sure if they have first names. Or if they really exist. I guess I should mention the other group of girls whose existence I doubt here. They are named Kristen Diment, Kaitlyn Scanlon, Kristin Hadley, and Blair Harvey. They sit in a row and I think they actually do work every day, because I really don’t know who they are.

Sometimes something good with their name on it is published in the paper, so I wish I could congratulate them.

The final group is the “photographers.”

I don’t know who of them are actually photographers, because

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I’ve never seen a photo in the paper by anyone other than our chief photographer, Morganne Atutis. She’s prodigious in her output, but one has to assume she may be a little crazy. I understand we want a good shot of that cool car outside, but six hundred pictures is just a tad excessive. What the rest of the photographers do is clog up the back of the room near Morganne’s computer, where Mr. Reeser is always standing, trying to get the front and back pages “to bed” as he says. The photographers consist of Danielle D’Amico, Caitlin Sawyer, and Kailyn Gray. They yell. All the time. I cringe. Just as often.

All these people work under the oppressive gaze of Mr. Michael McCrobie, whose cute, alliterative name masks the oppressive nature of his leadership.

He gets his leadership techniques from a book about Atilla the Hun. I wish I were kidding. Despite this, however, after the first few weeks of class, we realized he’s really a big teddy bear. A sheep in wolves’ clothing, if you will. Needless to say, we no longer fear him. I hope he doesn’t edit this out of the story.

This is what a day in the life of The Buc Bulletin is like. Every day. Every day, I observe these people--their interactions, their strengths, and their quirks. And every day I walk out of journalism wondering how the school hasn’t imploded around this room. I wonder how so much work can be done with so many people doing what looks like nothing at all. I am proud to be a member of The Buc Bulletin staff, despite all the critiques I may have.

You must remember, I am the class jerk.

June 2008

4

Walking The Plank

‘08 Valedictorian Katie DiVita Headed to SU Buccaneer Bulletin: What does being valedictorian mean to you?

Katie DiVita: I don’t necessarily think it means that I am the smartest person. I think it means I’m the person who worked the hardest, but also had some natural intelligence to help.

BB: So, who has been your favorite teacher?

KD: A lot of teachers have helped me have success in high school.

They know who they are. But if I had to have a class with one, it would probably be Mrs. Jan Caroccio.

BB: Is this something you came into high school wanting to be or did your desire for the honor grow as high school went along?

KD: I didn’t really care if I was at the beginning; I really just tried to get good grades. Towards the end I started to really want it though because I thought if I’ve come this far, I don’t want to lose it.

BB: Where are you going for college, and why did you decide to go there?

KD: Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. I remember looking up at the wall with the majors written and realizing I want to study all of them.

BB: Which trait of your personality was most beneficial in your ability to earn such an honor?

KD: Probably my work ethic. I put forth my best effort in everything I do, which includes my schoolwork.

BB: Any idea what your speech at graduation will be centered around?

KD: No idea. I should probably get on that.

BB: What would you tell a freshman who is striving to be valedictorian?

KD: Take the most advanced classes because they really do help.

Just do what you can and don’t get too caught up in the “competition.”

BB: Aside from yourself, who do you think has played the largest role in your success?

KD: It really was just myself. My parents, friends, and teachers didn’t care. The pressure was self-inflicted, as it usually is with everything I do.

BB: Has the result caused any hard feelings between you and the salutatorian?

KD: No way! We have been good friends since Minetto Elementary School. We both just let happen whatever was going to happen. It’s cool how it ended up like this.

Buccaneer Bulletin

BB: So what do you want to do in life after college?

KD: I’m not really sure, but definitely something that has to do with writing or journalism.

BB: As you went from being a freshman to a senior, is there any change that stood out to you?

KD: I used to be a lot quieter and a lot less secure. I’m still naturally shy, but I have learned not to care so much what people think. I’ve became a lot more comfortable with who I am.

BB: If you could, is there anything you would change about your time at OHS? KD: I probably would have gotten involved in the art program. I would have taken AP Psychology, too. Also, I wish I would have had a class with Mr. Frawley and been able to be in journalism a year earlier.

BB: What will your first thought be as you cross the stage at graduation?

KD: Oh my God, where is my speech?!

BB: What are your interests and hobbies?

KD: I like to read, play soccer, play the violin, and run because it relieves my stress.

BB: What sports do you play?

KD: I did freshman soccer in ninth grade. I didn’t make the JV team, but I worked really hard and the next year I made varsity.

For all four years I have been on the indoor and outdoor track teams also.

BB: What has been your favorite Mr. McCaul moment?

KD: There have been many, Photo By Morganne Atutis but probably when we ran at Romney Katie DiVita is one of Oswego High School’s best Fieldhouse because and brightest. She made the most of her high school it was snowing. We education in academics, athletics, and club activities.

BB: What’s your favorite couldn’t find the lights so we could season? barely see. It was fun, especially KD: Summer because there is no when he made us do our form drills school or homework and I hate being backwards. cold.

BB: If you could have dinner BB: What has been your favorite with any three people, alive or and least favorite high school deceased, who would they be? memory?

KD: My deceased grandmother KD: My favorite high school who I’m named after, Dane Cook, and memory was going on the Mexico maybe Lance Armstrong. trip. My least favorite was breaking my collarbone during the Sectional BB: What entrée and dessert game in soccer my junior year. would you eat?

KD: Cheesecake for dessert and BB: What will you miss the most the entrée would be anything from my and the least about OHS? dad’s crock pot.

KD: I’ll really miss my friends, BB: Is there any one place in the teachers, and coaches. All the people who have helped make me who I am. world you really want to visit?

The part I’ll miss the least is having KD: Italy. I’ve always felt like to get here at 6:45 in the morning so I I should go there because of my can park three miles away and have to ancestry. But I want to travel all over be thankful for getting a spot so close. someday.

BB:Would you rather end up with a high-paying job that you dreaded or a low-salary job that you looked forward to?

KD: The low-salary job, hands down. If you don’t enjoy and feel proud about what you do every day, the big house and fancy car aren’t worth it.

BB: Are you at all hesitant about leaving high school?

Not at all. The only thing I will miss is the people, but I will keep in touch with them and meet new people in college. I’m so ready to move on.

Editor’s Note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. This month’s installment was compiled by Kevin Kearns.

June 2008

Walking the Plank

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Salutatorian Alyssa Collins Explains Her Success of them?

AC: Yes, I have talked to last year’s salutatorian James Bates.

BB: What would you tell a freshman who is striving to be successful?

AC: All the time and hard work you put in will eventually pay off; don’t ever give up.

BB: Aside from yourself who do you think Photo By Morganne Atutis has played the Alyssa Collins--salutatorian, class officer, NHS largest role in your officer, and a role model to younger students. success?

AC: All my teachers, but mainly Buccaneer Bulletin: What does Mrs. Jan Caroccio. being salutatorian mean to you?

Alyssa Collins: It means being BB: So, who has been your a role model to everyone. I like it favorite teacher? because people can always come to AC: I have a lot of favorite me for help or to just talk. teachers, but my all-time favorite is probably Mrs. Caroccio.

BB: Is this something you came into high school wanting to be or did BB: Do you have a favorite your desire for it grow as high school class? went along?

AC: Math is my favorite subject AC: My desire to be either but my chemistry class this year has valedictorian or salutatorian grew definitely been the most fun. as I went through high school. I was eleventh in our class freshman year BB: Where are you going for and it was definitely a motivator and college, and why did you decide to go goal of mine to move up. there?

AC: Villanova University, the BB: Which trait of your basketball team was a huge motivator personality was most beneficial in and I just really like the campus. I your ability to be so successful? could go into all the academic details, AC: I’m motivated, determined, but I don’t think people would want to and a perfectionist. hear about them.

BB: Any idea what your speech BB: So what do you want to do in at graduation will be centered life after college? around?

AC: I want to be an actuary. I’d be AC: I have no clue. dealing with stuff like insurance and risk management.

BB: How would you compare yourself with some of the past OHS BB: As you went from being a valedictorians and salutatorians? freshman to a senior, is there any AC: I’m probably not as smart as change that stood out to you? they were. I just work really hard to AC: I’m not as quiet anymore. I’m get where I am now. not afraid to talk in class, where as freshman year I was.

BB: Have you ever talked to any

Buccaneer Bulletin

BB: If you could, is there anything you would change from your time in OHS? AC: The time that school starts.

BB: What will your first thought be as you cross the stage at graduation?

AC: Is my face turning red in front of all these people?

BB: What are your interests and hobbies?

AC: Sleep, is definitely a big one for me. I also coach my brother’s soccer team and volunteer a lot for Oswego Youth Soccer Association (OYSA.) Also, I like to hang out with friends and can’t wait until summer.

BB: How has your time been as an NHS officer?

AC: It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been fun.

BB: If you could have dinner with any three people, alive or deceased, who would they be?

AC: My deceased aunt, my aunt who is 104, and Ryan Gosling.

BB: What entree and dessert would you eat?

AC: Olive Garden breadsticks and strawberry shortcake.

BB: Is there any one place in the world you really want to visit?

AC: Australia.

BB: Would you rather have soft or hard ice cream?

AC: Soft.

BB: Chocolate or vanilla?

AC: Twist.

BB: Would you rather end up with a high-paying job that you dreaded or a low-salary job that you looked forward to?

AC: I’d want the high-paying job but I wouldn’t dread it because I know how to make the best out of any situation.

BB: What’s your favorite season?

AC: Summer.

BB: What has been your favorite and least favorite high school memory?

AC: My favorite would have to be sitting in Mrs. Caroccio’s room in tenth grade watching Syracuse beat Connecticut in the Big East Tournament. My least favorite would probably be having to go to school during winter break, twice.

BB: What about your favorite memory from your senior year?

AC: The senior trip.

BB: What will you miss the most and the least about OHS? AC: I’ll miss seeing a lot of my friends every day, because I know it’s going to be a while before I see everyone again after college starts. I will not miss waking up early.

BB: Are you at all hesitant about leaving high school?

AC: Yes, it is a big change, I’m not ready to leave everyone I’ve gone to school with for 13 years.

Oswego High School’s Top Twenty-Five Graduating Students 1. Katie DiVita 2. Alyssa Collins 3. Jordan Holliday 4. Sara Finn 5. Jenna Skubis 6. Hannah Kisselburgh 7. Alison Finn 8. Waruguru Gichane 9. Katlyn Smegelsky 10. Justin Pagano 11. Gabrielle Rumrill 12. Steven Kolenda 13. Monique Reeser 14. Steven Czarnecki 15. Kristina Licatese 16. Amanda Donovan 17. Zackary Falls 18. Michael Sellars 19. Christopher Sova 20. Rachel Walczak 21. Shannon Donovan 22. Ryan King 23. Elizabeth Donovan 24. Michael Ryan 25. Christopher Wallace

June 2008

Entertainment

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Batman Film Will Be the Summer Blockbuster New Batman film was in post-production at the time of Heath Ledger’s death.

Ledger portrayed the role of the Joker.

By Morgan McNamara Entertainment Editor

After an eight-year hiatus, the Batman franchise rebooted with the highly popular film Batman Begins in 2005. Due to the popularity of Batman Begins, Christopher Nolan started his magic again directing the new Batman movie to hit the screen in July of 2008.

The Dark Knight is the upcoming summer 2008 superhero film based on the fictional DC comic Batman, and the sequel to Batman Begins. Christian Bale leads in the role of Batman with other big stars such as Heath Ledger playing the role of the Joker. Batman’s primary conflicts in the film come from his fight against the Joker and his strained friendship with district attorney Harvey Dent.

The Dark Knight was primarily filmed in Chicago, as well as several other locations in and outside of the United States.

Some new improvements have been made to the movie. The newly designed Batsuit now has a hood, allow-

ing Bale to move his head. The new creation of the Batmobile will also be introduced, renamed the Batpod.

Christian Bale reprises the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, a billionaire who has dedicated himself to protecting Gotham City from the criminal underworld as the “Dark Knight.” Bale was confident in his choice to return in the role because of the positive feedback to his performance in Batman Begins.

Ledger plays the mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown, comic book villain The Joker in the The Dark Knight.

The film was in post-production at the time of Ledger’s death. Luckily, they finished all of Ledger’s scenes prior to his death. Entertainment Weekly said that Ledger’s death is likely to have an affect on audiences. “No one will be able to watch The Dark Knight without seeing unintended ironies and these eerie portents of doom.”

Warner Bros. has also temporarily pulled back on some of the promotional material centered on Ledger’s creepy whiteface makeup as the Joker, keyed to the tagline “Why So Serious?” It remains to be confirmed whether the film’s technical wrap-up will require a new game plan as well.

The Dark Knight is a must-see for the summer ’08 movie fan, and could be the biggest hit movie of the season.

courtesy flickr.com

The eerie movie poster for The Dark Knight has sparked controversy.

Summer Movie Comedies Will Leave You Laughing

By Morgan McNamara

Entertainment Editor Over the summer there are plenty of fun activities to take part in, like going to the beach, hanging out with friends and of course, sleeping late. However, when you tire of these activities, there are plenty of summer movies that are sure to spark your interest.

Here are just a few:

The Love Guru: Mike Myers

stars as Pitka, an American who was left at the gates of an ashram in India as a child and was raised by gurus. As an adult, he travels back to his homeland and tries to set himself up as a self-help expert. His first task is to save the marriage of Toronto Maple Leafs’ star hockey player Darren Roanoke and his wife.

When she starts dating LA King’s player Jacques

Buccaneer Bulletin

Grande, Roanoke becomes very depressed and the Maple Leafs turn for the worst. The team’s coach and team owner put extra pressure on Pitka to mend the relationship so the Maple Leafs can win the Stanley Cup. The movie stars big names such as Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake. The movie is scheduled to be out on June 20.

Brennan and Dale are forced to live and deal with each other being step brothers. As their laziness and hate for each other tear the family apart, they work together to get their parents back together. To pull this off, they must form an unlikely bond to mend their parents’ relationship.

Step Brothers: Will

Uma Thurman and Jeffery Dean Morgan star in a romantic comedy to debut on August 22. Firefighter Patrick Sullivan is happily engaged until he finds out that his fiancé Sofia has gone to Dr.Lloyd for marriage couseling. She advises Sofia to dump her soon-to-be husband on the eve of their wedding, which she does. To get revenge, Patrick has records altered so it looks like he has married Emma Lloyd, which throws a wrench in her plans to marry the man she is already engaged to.

Ferrell is at it again with his new movie to debut on July 25.

Ferrell plays Brennan Huff, a lazy and sporadically employed thirty-nine year-old who lives with his mother Nancy. John C. Reilly plays Dale Doback, a terminally unemployed fortyyear-old who lives with his father Robert. When Robert and Nancy marry and move in together,

The Accidental Husband:

June 2008

Columns

7

These are the Best ‘Free’ Years of Your Life many times you whine at the television, or change stations, the outcome does not change. If OHS is not closed on channel five, it won’t be closed on channel nine either. I have spent numerous blustery winter mornings waiting to see the magic phrase, “Oswego Waruguru Gichane City Schools Closed” only to be disappointed with a two hour delay, or nothing at all. Watching the list of The final months of high school are bound to school closings go from Oneida to Otselic Valley is make any senior nostalgic about his/her years at a rather painful winter ritual.

Oswego High School. Looking back now, there are 3. If you want to get to class on time, you have a few things I wish I’d known before I entered the to be aggressive in the halls. The rules of driving halls of OHS. Here are the top five. pertain to the hallways as well. In between classes, 1. I wish someone had told me that the heat the halls of OHS are every-man-for-himself. There only works in the summer, and the air conditioning are groups of students in clusters obstructing half is on full blast of the hallway, during the winter are couples Watching the list of school closings there time. Every year making out, there are rumors go from Oneida to Otselic Valley is a outstretched of refurbishing the legs, and people rather painful winter ritual. heating system, walking against and installing new traffic. Turning ducts, but of course, nothing ever changes. During left getting out of the library is about as difficult as the winter when girls still insist on dressing as crossing the Utica Street Bridge with all the new if they lived in the Caribbean and guys are still detours due to bridge construction. wearing shorts to their ankles, classrooms are 4. Freshmen are at the bottom of the food unbearably cold, and concentration may be rather chain. Many freshmen walk into the high school difficult. If you wish to remain fashionable when the with a rather cocky attitude. They enter OHS temperatures are below zero, keeping a sweatshirt believing they are God’s gift to the world. Freshmen handy may be a good idea. revel in their new-found freedom, and at times 2. Even if Fulton, Hannibal and Mexico forget why they are in school. Of course freshmen have a snow day, OHS is still open. No matter how are not the only ones acting out or blocking the

Giche’s Niche

hallways, but they are the first to be blamed. If anything goes wrong, freshmen are the first to be named. If something has to be done, the freshman has to do it. It’s annoying and unfair, but eventually, you will no longer be a freshman, and you can pass on the task to the newbies. After sophomore year begins, you are off the hook.

5. The years go by a lot faster than you think.

Freshman year is usually somewhat exciting, but after the initial feeling of elation wears off, it seems like time is simply crawling. By the end of junior year, you have become so exhausted by the routine that you just can’t wait to get out. You stare longingly at the seniors walking through the halls after the Hundred Days Celebration, making college/career choices, and crossing the stage after graduation. You long to be in their place, but a yearlong wait just seems too long. Hearing seniors say that “time goes by too fast” frustrates you because you have to return to OHS in the fall. Time does indeed go by quickly; you just have to wait your turn.

When they say that “these are the best years of your life,” they are definitely lying, but that does not mean that high school isn’t enjoyable.

The phrase should be, “these are the best ‘free’ years of your life.” College is expensive fun, and after that, nothing will be free. So, enjoy your final cost-free days, wearing a sweater and walking with conviction, your time at OHS will soon come to an end.

Politics and School Sports a Bad Combination Ste p It Up Michelle Stepien Whether we’d like to admit it or not, there is such a thing as politics in everything we do: in our jobs, our academics, and so on. Many high school athletes see this happening in many sports they take part in. Some athletes who try out for a team don’t make it due to other players having priority on the team, though they have the skills and abilities over those others. This is not always the reason for making a team, but in many cases “politics” does have an impact.

Politics in sports range from the professional level, to college, and has begun to affect high school sports. This has altered the way the

Buccaneer Bulletin

coaches have run their teams and it has a negative impact on many young athletes. The political end of sports in many high schools comes from the “connections” you and your family may have, allowing some kids to make the team or receive more playing time, just from knowing the right people.

Kids who benefit from this may not always see what goes on from their point of view, but the kids who suffer from this preferred treatment of others understand, and can see what is happening.

Now this is not always the answer as to why someone may or may not have made a sports team, but these politics go on further than just affecting individual cuts. A lot of times, the outcome of the team’s season is altered due to the individuals selected, and it changes how the team performs for years.

This system of politics also

creates an uncontrollable situation for many coaches. Coaches have had their jobs on thin ice due to parents complaining to the authorities. These parents come from both ends; some who are involved with this game of creating a name for their kids, personally threaten the coaches. Other parents of high school students who

As much as we’d like to deny this idea of politics in sports and in most of what we do in our lives, it is reality, and it does happen. A lot of times in today’s society people use their connections to get ahead in the things we do, instead of relying on true talent. It’s the old saying, “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” is a game that As much as we’d like to deny this This certain individuals idea of politics in sports and in choose to take part most of what we do in our lives, in, which ranges from our jobs to our it is reality, and it does happen. schooling. Knowing the right person could make or break do not wish to get caught up in this someone. But some of those who truly game, go to higher authorities such as have the talent to succeed have the the school board or athletic director opportunity taken from them because complaining that their kid did not have they choose not to play the game of a fair shot on a specific team due to politics on an uneven playing field. the politics.

June 2008

Senior

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Oswego High Seniors Heading Nea Steven Abramski – Clarkson University Tony Alelunas – Onondaga Community college Jesus Alvarado – Herkimer Community College Tyler Anderson – Maritime College Robert Andrews – SUNY Oswego Glorimil Aponte – Cayuga Community College Karyn Atkinson – Mohawk Valley Community College Morganne Atutis – Rochester Institute of Technology Justin Bailey – SUNY Oswego Jeffery Bame – Onondaga Community College Jessica Batchelor – Niagara University Morgan Batchelor – Finger Lakes Community College Erin Belden – Herkimer Community College Helen Bennett – Cayuga Community College Mark Berlin – Cayuga Community College Ellen Bosco – SUNY Fredonia Stephen Bosco – SUNY Fredonia Erin Bourgeois – SUNY Cortland Jareth Boyer – Cayuga Community College Maria Brancato – Cayuga Community College Michael Brown – SUNY Oswego Millicent Brown – SUNY Fredonia Brittany Bruce – Cayuga Community College Kathryn Brunschweiger – Nazareth College Caitlin Bryant – SUNY Oswego Natasha Burdick – Onondaga Community College Kali Burke – Cayuga Community College Tyler Burke – Cayuga Community College Brian Buske – Finger Lakes Community College Heather Buske – SUNY Brockport Jessica Buske – Bryant and Stratton College Ashley Cahill – SUNY Binghamton Jeremy Cahill – SUNY Plattsburgh Drew Canale – SUNY Oswego Anthony Carmella – Hofstra University John Carmody – SUNY Oswego Andrea Carrow – Syracuse University Amanda Carswell – SUNY Fredonia David Chatterton – SUNY Fredonia Tiffany Ciarla – Cayuga Community College Jennifer Cigler – Onondaga Community College Rhevia Cliff – Herkimer Community College MaryKay Cloonan – Cayuga Community College Dillon Coates – St. Bonaventure University John Collins – University at Buffalo Elizabeth Combes – Swedish Institute of Heath Sciences Kevin Conway – Cayuga Community College Eric Cooper – Monroe Community College Gabrielle Corwin – Cayuga Community College Michael Crandall – SUNY Oswego Kelly Cregg – Cayuga Community College Joshua Crego – Paul Smiths College Emily Christ – LeMoyne College Melinda Cruz – Cayuga Community College Danielle D’Amico – Herkimer Community College Joshua Darling – Fashion Institute of Technology Grant Davis – Cayuga Community College Lisa Davis – Finger Lakes Community College

Buccaneer Bulletin

Jennifer Delles – Nazareth College Alexis Deming – SUNY Cortland Elizabeth Desacia – NY Institute of Message Therapy Jessica Dickquist – SUNY Oswego Lauren DiMarco – SUNY Oswego Kristen Diment – SUNY Oswego Katie DiVita – Syracuse University Patrick Donoghue – Cayuga Community College Amanda Donovan – Nazareth College Casey Donovan – SUNY Brockport Elizabeth Donovan – SUNY Albany Shannon Donovan – Syracuse University Eric Dorval – Cayuga Community College Patrick Dougherty – SUNY Oswego Adam Dristle – Hofstra University Thomas Dufore – SUNY Oswego Brian Dunsmore – Herkimer Community College Curt Dunsmore – Cayuga Community College Paula Eannetta – SUNY Oswego Nikolas Eason – Cayuga Community College Cody Espinoza – Jefferson Community College Zackary Falls – Canisius College Joseph Farella – SUNY Brockport Eric Ferguson – Herkimer Community College Renee Ferlito – Cayuga Community College Rose Filer – SUNY Oswego Brittany Fink – St. John Fisher College Alison Finn – Lafayette College Samantha Fiorini – University at Buffalo Troy Flack – Onondaga Community College Stephanie Fochtman – SUNY Potsdam Andrew Fultz – University at Buffalo Waruguru Gichane – Cornell University Jonathan Gilbert – SUNY ESF Gavin Gilpin – Onondaga Community College Nicholas Goewey – Finger Lakes Community College David Hamler – University at Buffalo Samantha Hammond – Cayuga Community College David Harrington – SUNY Institute of Technology Stephanie Harrington – Cayuga Community College Devon Harris – SUNY Plattsburgh Alex Hawthorn – SUNY Delhi Frank Heagerty – Herkimer Community College Daniel Henry – Onondaga Community College Timothy Hilton – SUNY Oswego Lindi Himes – SUNY Potsdam Jordan Holliday – LeMoyne College Abby Howard – Onondaga Community College Tiffany Hudson – Cayuga Community College Kathy Irwin – SUNY Potsdam Austin Izyk – Rochester Institute of Technology Drew Jacobs – Onondaga Community College Erika Johnson – Onondaga Community College Nicole Johnson – Cayuga Community College Ashley Johnston – SUNY Oswego Jessica Joyce – SUNY Oswego Kevin Kearns – Syracuse University Holly Keating – Cayuga Community College

Bruce Kesselring – SUNY Oswego Christina King – SUNY Brockport Gregory King – SUNY Oswego Ryan King – Albany College of Pharmacy Eric Kingsley – University of Buffalo Steven Kolenda – SUNY Fredonia Matthew Lafond – Onondaga Community Donald Lamb – Canton Community Colle Sean Languein – LeMoyne College Matthew Laskewicz – Cayuga Communi Kathryn Lazarski – SUNY Cortland Andrew Lazzaro – SUNY Oswego Cammeo Lazzaro – SUNY Oswego Robert Lefevre – Onondaga Community C Kristina Licatese – SUNY Geneseo Benjamin Liccardi – Cayuga Community Jeremy Linn – Buffalo State Lauren Longley – SUNY Oswego Michael Losurdo – Cayuga Community C Stephen Losurdo – Onondaga Community Melissa Lynch – University of Buffalo Cali Maas – Onondaga Community Colle Christy Maher – Cayuga Community Col Sean Mandurano – St. John’s University Kevin May – SUNY Alfred Steve McCrobie – SUNY Oswego Kali McDougall – Cayuga Community Co Emily McLaughlin – Onondaga Commun Maureen McManus – Onondaga Commun Stephen McManus – SUNY Plattsburgh Morgan McNamara – SUNY Fredonia Sydney Miller – Cayuga Community Coll John Miuccio – SUNY Fredonia Mary Kate Mooney – Nazareth College Cassandra Morley – Cayuga Community Stephanie Moshier – Cayuga Community Calli Murdock – Cayuga Community Col Meghan Murphy – Bryant and Stratton Co Nicole Nalle – Morrisville Community Co Marianne Natoli – SUNY Oswego Katie Nelson – SUNY Oswego Ashley Olcott – Utica College Emily Oleyourryk – Niagara University Justin Pagano – Lafayette College Collin Patrick – Onondaga Community C Ryan Pekarek – SUNY Oswego Sharon Perrine – BOCES Cosmetology S Amber Perry – Herkimer Community Col Charles Perry – Onondaga Community Co Shelby Persons – SUNY Cortland Alyssa Peterson – SUNY Oswego Sarah Petrie – Monroe Community Colleg Chelsea Pittenger – SUNY Oswego Tyler Pratt – SUNY Institute of Technolog Nicole Pritchard – SUNY Oswego Jeffery Proud – SUNY Fredonia Emily Pryor – SUNY New Paltz Mandy Ranous – Nazareth College

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ar and Far After June Graduation

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Monique Reeser – SUNY Binghamton Kristen Regan – Cayuga Community College Theodore Reifke – SUNY Oswego Scott Richards – ITT Tech Kevin Robinson – SUNY Alfred Sara Rogers – SUNY Fredonia Casey Rose – SUNY Oswego Sophia Rosenbaum – SUNY Binghamton Casondra Rowe – Cayuga Community College Jamie Ruggio – SUNY Oswego Gabrielle Rumrill – Syracuse University Elizabeth Schermerhorn – SUNY Oswego Elizabeth Schultz – College of Saint Rose Andrew Schute – Cayuga Community College Emily Scranton – SUNY Fredonia Michael Sellars – Sienna College Brittany Shoults – Cayuga Community College Justin Shufelt – Universal Technical Institute Steven Surr – Cayuga Community College Jenna Skubis – Nazareth College Alicia Smith – Onondaga Community College Sara Snow – Bryant and Stratton College Morgan Snyder – Cayuga Community College Stephan Snyder – SUNY Brockport Lauren Souva – Onondaga Community College Christopher Sova – LeMoyne College Annetta Steen – Onondaga Community College Michelle Stepien – SUNY Brockport Kimberly Stevens – Morrisville Community College Mary Stoutenger – SUNY Oswego Mark Suchnicki – Onondaga Community College Cassandra Suiter – Canton Community College Jeremy Symborski – Onondaga Community College Jacob Tyler – Cayuga Community College Tiffany Tesoriero – SUNY Oswego Peter Thingvoll – SUNY Oswego Sarah Thomas – Cayuga Community College Bryan Thompson – Niagara University Morgan Thompson – Cayuga Community College Angela Tombolillo – SUNY Oswego Madeleine Tombollilo – Onondaga Community College Ciera Toolan – SUNY Oswego Melissa Towsend – Herkimer Community College Elizabeth Tresidder – Cayuga Community College Matthew Tynan – SUNY Oswego Lindsay Usherwood – SUNY Potsdam Adam Vansanford – Onondaga Community College Michael Vivlemore – Clarkson University Chris Wallace – Clarkson University Jacob Wallace – Cayuga Community College Katelyn Winchek – Onondaga Community College Brian Witmer – SUNY Brockport Eric Wood – Rochester Institute of Technology Gina Wyatt – SUNY Albany

Out of State Colleges

Devon Amedio – Arcadia University William Barlow – Arizona State University Katelyn Bateman – Costal Carolina University Megan Boardway – University of Tampa Cody Brett – Chandler Gilbert Community College Jayson Brown – Limestone College Hillary Callen – Denison University Nikki Carroll – University of New Haven Alyssa Collins – Villanova Steven Czarnecki – Stevens Institute of Technology Rebecca Delaney – Emmanuel College Justin Empson – North Western of Ohio Colin Fink – Loyola College Sara Finn – Messiah College Joshua Hibbert – University of South Florida David Kazyaka – Embry-Riddle University Hannah Kisselburgh – Bronde University Jessica Mazur – Colorado State University Colin Meagher – Embry-Riddle University Jessica Renski – Gulf Coast Community College Michael Ryan – Ohio State Lindsay Scharf – University of New Haven Katlyn Smelgelsky – Northeastern University

Work Force David Baptista – Pipe Fitters Union Ryan Blauvelt – Pipe Fitters Union Matthew Coffey – Pipe Fitters Union Matthew Duplessis – Pipe Fitters Union Richard Ottman – Pipe Fitters Union

Armed Forces Luis Alvarado – Army William Barry – Army Michael Booker – Navy Ian Kuhl – Navy Amber Liberty – Navy Derek Sheldon – Navy Christopher Colon – Air Force Steven Oleyourryk – Air force Amanda Olcott – Army Nicholas Purt – Army Kip Ward – Marines

June 2008

Editorial

10 Buccaneer Bulletin

Drawing Board

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, Kailyn Gray, Brett McClelland Art Director Fred Maxon Art Staff Jenna Skubis Monique Reeser Chief Photographer Morganne Atutis Photographers Blair Harvey Caitlin Sawyer Ad Representatives Emily DiFabio, Catie Furletti, Ad Designers Michelle Stepien Senior Writer Kevin Kearns Reporters Dillon Coates, Danielle D’Amico, Kristen Diment, Kaitlyn Scanlon, Kristin Hadley, Christian Scaccia 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

cartoon by Monique Reeser

…to the Senior Class picnic taking place at Sea Breeze this year instead of Thunder Island. The senior class always has a great time on its picnic and will have even more fun than usual at Sea Breeze. …to the Oswego Middle School teachers and students who helped raise money for a member of their student body diagnosed with cancer. The middle school student council helped organize events such as hat days and donation jars and even nominated teachers to get their heads shaved. The top five teachers were Rocco Favuzzi, Steve Cass, Rory Malone, Jamie Sykut, and Mike Patane. These fundraisers earned nearly $700. ...to Oswego High School’s student council for recognizing the faculty and distributing pens on Teacher Appreciation Day. …to all the dedicated teachers who are volunteering their time to stay after school for the After-School Homework Center. The program is a big help to students and is a convenient way for them to get the help they need at this crucial time of the year. …to the Lady Bucs’ softball team that hosted a StrikeOut Cancer tournament with all teams wearing pink. Over $1,700 was raised to fight cancer.

…to all the teachers, staff, and students who are taking illegal left-hand turns into the Utica Street parking lot. Not only is this illegal, but it is also dangerous. There are no lefthand turns into the Utica Street parking lot for a reason, and everyone should abide by these rules to keep our commuters and pedestrians safe. …to the automated flushing system in the boys’ bathroom urinals at OHS. The urinals seem to have minds of their own--flushing as we approach, while we do our thing, and as we walk away! The problem is, most of us don’t like the front of our pants all wet. Plus, it wastes water.

June 2008

Seniors:

Editorial

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New Responsibilities Await You After High School. Accept and Embrace All of Them.

For the past few months (or even the past year), We will face pressures and temptations that we most seniors have been enjoying the downhill ride have never known before, some of which may distract towards the day they walk across the stage. Their us from our goals and aspirations. There will be more “senioritis” symptoms have gradually worsened: parties, more readily available alcohol and drugs, that is, the diminishing incentive to come to class and more peer pressure. It is your responsibility, and non-existent motivation to do homework have as a graduating senior, to take control of your life, become chronic ailments. because if you don’t, no one else will. Don’t sacrifice However, after four long years, it is reasonable for your talents, abilities, and hard-earned money by seniors to take some time to relax and revel in their spending the next few years wasting the time that is secondary school finale. But beware: let us be the usually considered the most critical stage in a young first to give you a dose of the antidote to “senioritis” person’s life.

– -re al it y!

Our parIn the next It is your responsibility as a graduating e n t s , e d u y e a r , a l l senior to take control of your life, because if c a t o r s , a n d members friends have of the se- you don’t, no one else will. done all that nior class, they can to lay whether they go to college, join the Army, or become the foundation for our post-high school success. So, a part of the labor force will be expected to take re- if you refuse to choose responsibility for yourself, sponsibility for what they do and don’t do, as well as choose responsibility for them. It would be selfish the consequences that result from those decisions. and inconsiderate to deliberately disappoint the Up to this point in our lives, our time has been people who have been supporting you for years. Make wholly structured for us by others. We are here ev- them proud. Set goals, have ambitions. We have been ery weekday monotonously obeying the period 1-9 equipped by Oswego High School with the tools to bells, shuttling to our activities, only to wake up the succeed – don’t undermine such an opportunity! next day to do it all again. We are punished (or given If this preemptive reality check doesn’t motivate multiple warnings) for our infractions, and have you, think about your own potential and look into little choice in these matters. But, once June 28 rolls your own futures. Strive to be that person you’ve around, there will no longer be anyone around to slap always dreamt about. Don’t sell yourself short. Reus on the wrist if we don’t come to class or spend all member: the choices you make now and in the next of our time on MySpace. Our time will be our own, few years will be rewarded by the life you will lead and it will be up to us to make the most of it. in the future.

What is your fondest memory of Oswego High School?

Sean Languein

“Battle of the Bands because it gave everyone a chance to see all the talented people in our school.”

Class of 2008

Erika Johnson “The Hundred Days Celebration because it was so fun, and it meant we really only had one hundred days left”

Busy Slate of Senior Activities

The Class of 2008 will be graduating on Saturday, June 28 at the Campus Center at SUNY Oswego. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m., but it is recommended that the seniors arrive around 9:30.

Seniors should pick up their caps and gowns after the graduation rehearsal on Thursday, June 26. The cap and gown costs $20 (checks made payable to the Class of 2008, or cash). All books must be ret u r ned before students can pick up their caps and gowns.

Other upcoming senior activities include Senior Night, Senior Dinner Dance, and Senior Picnic. Senior Night is a chance for seniors to show their talent, creativity, and share some unforgettable moments with one another. Of

John Collins

“Defeating Mr. Mulverhill in the 2008 Springfest frisbee game.”

Class of 2008

Shelby Persons

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course, senior superlative awards are given out and the infamous senior slideshow is shown. This year’s Senior Night will be June 6, starting at 7 p.m.

For the first time, the seniors will enjoy Sea Breeze for the Senior Picnic. The Senior Picnic is set for Friday, June 13. Senior Dinner Dance is held at the DA Lodge from 7 pm -10 pm on Thursday, June 26.

If seniors have any questions about senior activities or graduation, contact any of the class officers (Gabby Rumrill, Kristina Licatese, Casey Donovan, Alyssa Collins) or Mr. Burt or Mr. Mirabito.

Listen closely to any announcements and/or posters put up directed towards seniors. We’ve only got a few days left, so let’s make the most of them!

“Winning the Powderpuff football game two years in a row.”

Class of 2008

June 2008

12

Like MacArthur,

By Katie DiVita Editor -In-Chief

It is a sad year for OHS when one of its most respected U.S. History teachers and enthusiastic baseball fans leaves its community. Unfortunately, this is exactly what is happening with the retirement of Mr. Robert Burt, who has been an integral member of the social studies department and Red Sox Nation for decades.

Burt began his teaching career at Mexico High School before becoming one of the most admired faculty members here at OHS. He is known for connecting with his students in a way that makes them feel like more than just U.S. History vaccuums during their 45 minutes in his classroom. His aptitude for making constitutional amendments, stagflation, and Alexander Hamilton interesting to 16 and 17 year-olds has cemented

Feature

Mr. Burt Wants to Fade Away his position as one of the most talented educators at Oswego High School.

He has always been more concerned with fostering his students’ intellectual skills than their ability to “puke-up” random facts about our country. His beneficial projects have ranged from having his students construct the diary of FDR to having them impersonate fundamental U.S. figures as they are interrogated by other members of the class.

Aside f rom unle a sh i ng h is st udents’ creativity as they lear n, Bur t gets to know his students on personal levels outside the classroom.

Because of this, he has become one of the most popular teachers with students and faculty alike.

There is a reason why he is asked to write literally dozens of college and scholarship recommendations each year. OHS alumnus Tim Sollenberger, a student in Burt’s 2005 AP U.S. History class, said, “From helping students study for the AP test on Saturday mornings to somehow making history a fun subject, Mr. Burt goes out of his way to ensure his students’ success.”

Few people may know that Burt is also worldclass prankster. Dozens of his former students and colleagues have learned this the hard way. Sophie Rosenbaum, a student in Burt’s 2007 AP U.S. History class, recalled that he once wrote her a hilarious fake letter of recommendation. OHS English teacher Mr. Thomas Frawley said, “He could be very dangerous with all that extra time he will have in retirement.”

While he may be hesitant to admit it, Burt will be remembered by his students and coworkers for more than just his devotion to history. His modesty and humble nature only work to make him more of an unforgettable OHS icon.

So, unfortunately, Mr. Burt, there is no way that you will be able to merely “fade away” like General MacArthur that you’ve taught about. With everything you’ve done for OHS, you’ve made that impossible.

Dixon’s Recipe for Success:

A spoonful of caring about her students, a dash of humor, and a pinch of enthusiasm.

By Morgan McNamara Entertainment Editor

A beloved teacher, friend and coworker will be leaving Oswego High School this year. Mrs. Margaret Dixon has been teaching English at OHS for 25 years and in her words, “will finally graduate from high school” in June.

Although she plans to retire, for the Mrs. Dixon we know and love, this will most likely only be a career change, for something in the private sector. Until then, she is hoping to travel to Italy and Jupiter (for people who know her, this isn’t very surprising). For the students who were fortunate enough to have her as a teacher, the mere mention of her name embodies the feelings of love, warmth, humor and genuine kindness towards others.

“Throughout all my years of education, only a few teachers come to mind that have had a big impact on me, one being Mrs. Dixon. With her enthusiastic personality and her great sense of humor, it’s hard not to love her. She shows that school can be fun and that

Buccaneer Bulletin

there are teachers out there who truly care about their students as if they are their own. Mrs. Dixon has always been a teacher I can relate with, laugh with, and talk with. “Mrs. Dixon was an amazing teacher, she always made class enjoyable, and she was always someone you could go and talk to,” said Josh Darling.

For the past two decades, one of Mrs. Dixon’s colleagues in the English Department, was one of her former students--Mr. Mike McCrobie.

“She was my eleventh grade English teacher,” McCrobie said. “Though now, our teaching styles are different from one another’s, she is one of the main reasons I chose a career in education.”

No matter what mood you’re in, Dixon always knows how to put a smile on your face. “She always puts me in a good mood, and I’m going to miss her great sense of humor,” said Heather Sharkey.

Not only will our school be missing out on a great teacher, but they will also be missing a wonderful person who is always there for her students. In a seri-

ous moment, Dixon said, “I hope to be rememb e r e d as the teacher w h o cared

a b o u t h e r s t u d e n t s .”

Mrs. Dixon has had an astounding impact on all of her students throughout the years. Thank

you Mrs. Dixon, for making my OHS career memorable.

I will always remember you for your crazy, fun personality, your love for your job and your students, and of course, your great advice on nail polish. People like you are hard to find and teachers like you are even harder to find. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to meet someone like you. I will miss you tremendously next year and I hope nothing but the best for you.

Editor’s Note: All designs and photos are accredited to Fred Maxon for both retirement pages.

June 2008

Feature

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Say Hello to Frawley as He Says Goodbye

By Sophia Rosenbaum Managing Editor

Throughout his 33 years of teaching at OHS, Mr. Thomas Frawley has affected thousands of students’ lives with his brilliant insight and words of wisdom. His knowledge of the world has caused students and faculty alike to look at him with respect and take his advice and opinions as their own. Although his modesty would not allow him to believe this – Mr. Frawley is “the man.”

Many are saddened to hear of Frawley’s retirement, but rest assured: he will not be leaving Oswego anytime soon. Frawley has taken a full-time job at the Oswego Teachers’ Federal Credit Union.

There are over three decades of memories that Frawley has made with his students and co-workers. To name one specific memory that truly stands out is an impossible task, and one that gets harder with age, as Frawley pointed out. With his usual wit, Frawley stated, “I could say I’ll miss my office and my classroom, but they’ve been missing for 33 years,” he remarked in reference to the fact that he’s never had an office or a classroom to call his own. “Honestly, I will miss the energy and joy that come from working with young people and the camaraderie that exists among the staff members here. Those holes in my life will be difficult to fill.”

Teachers and students alike agree that there will be a void in their lives without Frawley there to ask for advice, insight, or a laugh to make their day better.

Being a teacher comes with numerous challenges, but it also brings about intrinsic rewards. Frawley stated, “Selfishly, it has become the times when I hear or read about the successes of former students and players, when they take the time to introduce their spouses and children to me, t hei r c om i ng over to shake my hand and say “hello” when they happen to see me somewhere or dropping me a note or an email to fill me in on what’s going on in their lives at the moment. I have become increasingly aware of the bond that can exist between teacher and student and especially between player and coach. I’m thankful for those moments.”

Frawley is one of those teachers who will never be forgotten at OHS. Yet, his memories of his past years are well, as he boldly stated, “…at my age, there is no memory. That’s part of why you have to retire. You keep embarrassing yourself in front of classes because of all the things you’ve forgotten. Seriously, there are a lot of memories, and they are populated by a tremendous cast of former students, players and colleagues, but I hope to keep them for a long time right where they are – fondly, in my memory, what’s left of it.”

Frawley originally studied for the clergy, then entered the teaching world. When asked whether or not he made the right career choice, he answered, “I’m not necessarily a big Robert Frost fan, but his stanza from the “Road Not Taken” probably says it better than I can: ‘A n d b o t h t h a t m o r n i n g e q u a l l y l a y In leaves no step had trodden black .

O h , I k e p t t h e f i r s t f o r a n o t h e r d a y!

Ye t k n o w i n g h o w w a y l e a d s o n t o w a y, I d o u bte d if I sh o uld e ve r c o me b a c k .’”

He continued with, “I made a choice a long time ago— way led on to way. No regrets, I’m not looking back. I’m better than ok with where this path has brought me.”

And an entire generation of OHS students are happy about the choice he made. Thank you Mr. Frawley, for giving us the opportunity to take in everything you have to offer – whether it is camaraderie, knowledge, humor, or all of the above. Remember, if you see him around town after he retires, make sure to say “hello!” and tell him how you’re doing–-he likes that.

Guido Set to Retire into ‘Grandmotherhood’

By Jack Carmody Reporter

With Mrs. Paula Guido retiring this year, we asked of her to share some information and reflections on this special occasion. Mrs. Guido has been working in education for eleven years, eight of them here at OHS. Before becoming a teacher, she had planned to be a statistician, but found the job too void of human interaction. She feels that the most rewarding aspect of being a teacher is when students come back and thank her for helping them learn important matters of everyday life, or meeting them outside of school and being able to see how well they have done in the real world.

If she had to pick something about OHS that she’d miss the most, it is sharing her knowledge and prowess in business and personal math applications.

She is always glad to pass on business experience to others. What she’ll miss the least, of course, is the number of

Buccaneer Bulletin

papers teachers have to correct overnight. She often corrects every night from 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., instead of relaxing with her family.

Luckily with retirement, she intends to spend much more time with her family. She says she looks forward to spending more quality time with her twin one-year old grandkids, Mischa and Tanner. She will also enjoy spending more time with her mother at Seneca Nursing Home. She will also continue to help run her family business, Guido Vending Co. With the luxury of spare time, she spoke of how she’s always up for traveling and would love to go to Italy, take in the atmosphere, and find her family’s heritage.

Her favorite memories of OHS are of her first year chaperoning the junior prom, and seeing her students dressed up and not in the same student learning environment. She mentioned how nice it is to see her students outside of

school at a sporting event or a concert, or even at their part-time job. Mrs. Guido loves seeing her students in the real world and loves to see that what she teaches them has an impact.

How could Oswego High School be i mproved?

She said, “More life skills, business classes, and practical courses that h el p p r e pare young people for real issues outside the school environment.”

This is the time of year

when everyone is givi ng a dv ice, so we asked Mrs. Guido t o g ive s o m e word s of wisdom to the students a nd facult y of OHS upon her leaving. She said, “Never let a day go by where you don’t try something new or challenging, and never let a day go by that you don’t do something you don’t want to do--just for the discipline.”

We will all miss her practical lessons.

June 2008

Entertainment

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10 Things to Do Before Leaving for College King of Da’ Hill Chrissy King The city “where the water never ends,” Oswego, is home to us. Some of us are guilty of calling our beautiful city “boring,” however, that probably is just because we have always lived here. Oswego really does have a lot of attractions and fun things to do; you simply have to open your eyes to them.

With the seniors leaving for college very soon, there are some “token” Oswego things that you have to experience at least one more time before you leave.

10.) Go to the races. Oswego is very fortunate to have the Oswego Speedway.

The speedway brings in many tourists and fun things to do over the summer.

Throughout the summer the speedway hosts different events like car shows, fireworks, and obviously, races. Even if you don’t have much interest in racing, attending a race is still an interesting thing to do and offers a good way to spend time with friends and family. If you really have no interest in watching a race, the least that you should do is attend the famous International Classic. Classic Weekend marks the end of summer and is one of the biggest races held at The Oswego Speedway. Classic Weekend is a six-day long event that includes races, music, “the party in the pits,” lots of food, and an all-around good time. People come from all over to attend these races, so as residents of Oswego, we should all enjoy it too.

9.) Go fishing in the Oswego River. The Oswego River is formed by the Oneida and Seneca rivers and is second only to the Niagara River in size in New York State. Fishing in the river is great all year round, but during the summer it holds great opportunities to fish for bass and walleye. Fisherman can be seen along the river from early morning until nightfall. However, if you aren’t interested in fishing, the river still is a resource to be grateful for. Instead, you can take advantage of the river by walking along it through Linear Park, which is beautiful at sunset, or you could also sit and watch boats go through the locks, which is a very cool thing to witness.

8.) Fourth of July Festivities.

July 4 is obviously celebrated all over

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the US, not only in Oswego, but the festivities that come with the 4th of July here can rival anywhere. Independence Day always brings people out to the parade. The parade is full of bands, color guards, different floats, and of course, the vendors selling snow cones, fried dough, and balloons. After the parade, everyone should either throw or attend a Fourth of July picnic. Lots of fun “summer” foods that are perfect for the holiday are hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, macaroni or potato salad (or both!) and tossed salad. Then, to bring the celebration to an end, we have the fireworks. The fireworks put a perfect finishing touch to the day; they can be seen from Fort Ontario, Breitbeck Park, and anywhere else along the lake.

7.) Go to Fort Ontario. You get to Fort Ontario by East Seventh Street (tunnel), or East Ninth Street. It is an historic landmark where people dress up and give tours of the old buildings while telling stories about the people who lived there. The Fort is a great way to learn about the history of Oswego as well as just have fun being outside in the nice Oswego summer weather.

6.) Go for a Swim at Flat Rock.

Flat Rock is located near SUNY Oswego behind the Lakeside dorms. If you have never been to Flat Rock, it is like a little beach right in Oswego. There is a large rock and a sand bar that extend into the water that you can jump from and swim out farther. Flat Rock is also a good place to visit because you can lay out on the rock and tan while listening to the waves of the lake and enjoying the view. However, if you do decide to go to Flat Rock, be sure to be very careful, because sometimes the rocks become slippery from the water and the seaweed.

5.) Go to the “signature” Oswego restaurants. Most cities have restaurants that all the locals know to go to; Oswego is no different. There are some staples in Oswego that everyone should enjoy, especially if you’re leaving for college and won’t be home to enjoy them all year. First, the Oswego Sub Shop.

The Sub Shop makes the best subs in Oswego. They have even been visited by famous people like Al Roker and Erik Cole. Second, Rudy’s. Everyone gets more and more excited the closer the spring opening of Rudy’s gets. Everyone should at least make one trip to Rudy’s this summer; Rudy’s is truly a tradition in Oswego. Finally, The Ritz, this restau-

Photo By Morganne Atutis

Seniors should enjoy a sub from the Sub Shop before going off to school.

rant is a classic diner where the people know the regulars’ names and the locals who go, don’t need menus. The Ritz has a variety of all-day breakfast foods, as well as lunch and dinner. No matter what time you go, The Ritz is a great choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

4.) Walk the breakwall. The breakwall is getting old and is uneven, but as long as you wear appropriate shoes, go on a clear day, and are very aware and careful, walking the breakwall is really fun. You can walk the break wall from one end to another all the way to the light house; you can see a lot of different spots in the lake and enjoy the sound and smell of the lake crashing against the sides of the break wall. It is a really peaceful place to take a walk. Just remember, while walking the breakwall, do not goof around and be really aware of what you’re doing.

3.) Enjoy Breitbeck Park. Breitbeck Park has a lot of fun things to do. There are trails throughout it that you can ride bikes, go rollerblading, running, or walking on. There is also the playground with swings, slides, and monkey bars, as well as the basketball courts and the pavilion where you can have a picnic. Breitbeck is also another place where you can enjoy the lake because there are hills that go down to the water. To go to Breitbeck is to simply enjoy the summer weather

and the natural beauty of Oswego.

2.) The Bev’s vs. PJ’s Challenge.

These are two local ice cream shops in Oswego, both are delicious and both have different things to offer. Bev’s is out

by Rudy’s, so you could “kill two birds with one stone” (no, this is not in reference to the seagulls) and go to Rudy’s for dinner and then Bev’s for dessert.

PJ’s however, is in the city (on the West Second Street side of the Big M building), therefore for some people it would be easier to walk to. So, over the summer, everyone should go to Bev’s and PJ’s at least once and decide which one is better. It’s the Bev’s vs. PJ’s challenge.

1.) Watch a sunset. The sunsets in Oswego are some of the most beautiful in the world. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never actually sat and watched a sunset, even though I have lived here my whole life. If I’ve never seen one, I bet that there are others who haven’t taken the time to enjoy one either.

Everyone should try one day to go out to the lake and watch the sunset over the lake. I’m not speaking from experience, but I have seen pictures and from that, I can say that some of the sunsets here are breathtaking.

So, this summer when you find yourself saying “I’m bored” or “Oswego sucks!” just remember these ideas of fun things that Oswego has to offer.

June 2008

Sports

15

Looking Back at the OHS Year in Sports Kat’s Got Your Tounge Kat Lazarzki This year, there have been many astonishing moments in the sports world. In the NFL, there was the “spygate” operation of the Patriots. The MLB world was rocked by the release of the Mitchell Report.

Kobe Bryant was finally named the MVP of the NBA. Moments like these were not solely unique to professional sports; memories and milestones were also occurring right here, within the sports program of Oswego High School. Here are just a few “thumbs” for the teams and athletes of Oswego athletics.

Thumbs up to Mr. Sugar. This year there were some changes in the athletic department. As most know, Mr. Brad Dates left and Mr. Scott Sugar was named as the new athletic director. Sugar was faced with many challenges that a new job in a new school can bring. However, from the moment his tenure started, it was clear that Sugar took the challenge head on. The things that he has done for this school and for the sports teams have helped to improve the overall morale of Oswego athletics. He started a Varsity Club for athletes to join in order to get their thoughts and ideas heard. The “Bucs Supporting Bucs” program that he initiated gave athletes t-shirts to wear to games to try to improve the number of spectators at games. Overall, I believe the things that Sugar has done have made OHS a better place.

If he was able to make these improvements in only his first few months here, then there must be more to come. After only one year of getting to know him, I know that I will miss Mr. Sugar and the things that he has done for this school. He is constantly trying to better all athletic teams here, and I truly admire that.

Thumbs down to the apathy among Oswego students. After everything that Mr. Sugar has done for this school, people should embrace the changes.

The “Bucs Supporting Bucs” program was created so people would go and cheer on their fellow athletes.

Now I’m not saying that I go to every single game here, but I do go to most of them. It’s a great to be out on a field or a court playing, and seeing all of your friends there, cheering you on. Going to games is a lot of fun and people should take advantage of it more.

The sense of unity and community throughout the school and the athletic teams is almost nonexistent.

This needs to be changed. If more people went to more games to support our classmates, then maybe

Photo Illustration By Kat Lazarski

A year of sports memories at OHS blend together, from season to season, like the photos above.

this school as a whole could change for the better too.

Thumbs down to the jokes about OHS sports.

It seems as though I’m hearing more and more of them each day. It used to be little snide comments about the football team, but now, it seems as though all teams are the punch lines of jokes. If you want to make jokes about how bad the sports are here, fine, it’s freedom of speech. If anyone wants to improve the athletic teams here, people have to support them or better yet, lace up your sneakers and try out!

Don’t make fun of the sports here. The people out there playing are trying as hard as they can to win and do well, for themselves, the team, and the school. If you are making jokes about how terrible a team is, maybe you should be the one out there, doing what they do everyday. It’s not as easy as it soundsor looks on TV, and you don’t have the right to judge them for not doing well.

This is just a glimpse of Oswego athletics, the year gone by. Every year the athletic program here grows, and hopefully that will continue.

OHS has some outstanding athletes, coaches, and fans. It seems as long as we continue to compete, there will be success here at Oswego High School.

Congratulations to the graduating members of The Buc Bulletin Staff!

Morganne Atutis, Jack Carmody, Dillon Coates, Danielle D’Amico, Kristen Diment, Katie DiVita, Pat Dougherty, Kristen Hadley, Kevin Kearns, Chrissy King, Kat Lazarski, Morgan McNamara, Sophie Rosenbaum, Michelle Stepien Buccaneer Bulletin

1st Team All-League Honors for Fall and Winter Sports Seasons Fall Mike Sellars, Boys’ Soccer Nikki Carroll, Girls’ Soccer Liz Donovan, Girls’ Soccer Chris Sova, Boys’ Golf Jessica Mazur, Girls’ Volleyball Vanessa Sheffield, Girls’ Volleyball Katie Falagan, Girls’ Volleyball Audrey Jackson, Girls’ Gymnastics Emma Donovam, Girls’ Gymnastics Hillary Callen, Girls’ Swimming Winter Nikki Carroll, Girls’ Basketball Cari Reed, Girls’ Basketball Drake Becksted, Boys’ Swimming Chris Sova, Boys’ Hockey Monique Reeser, Girls’ Indoor Track Sydney Miller, Girls’ Hockey Ryan Blauvelt, Boys’ Wrestling

June 2008

Graphic Illustration by Mike Brown

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

June 2008

Volume 11 Number 7

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