Buccaneer Bulletin June 2006 Volume 9 Number 7
Oswego High School’s Student Voice
cONGRATUL ATIONS!
Photo Courtesy of On Location Photography
To All of Oswego High School’s Graduates and The Top Twenty-Five Allen Irwin Meghan Doty Amy Brownell Jacob McAndrew Jillian Pritchard
Sarah Mather Erin Flood Roopa Bhopale Christine Clemmens Patrick Nyman
Top Twenty-Five Seniors: ordered top to bottom, left to right.
Vanessa Schrader Cynthia Sideris Teresa Korbesmeyer Erica Ehrhardt Kayla Nelson
Christopher Battles Jacob Pagano Laura Shaddak Meaghan Whitfield Michaela Petrie
Nicole Jackson Kathleen Gill Laura Taverni Caroline Chatterton Carolyn Chwalek
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Walking the Plank
Allen Irwin at the Head of the Class of 2006 Editor’s Note: Each issue, we ask a notable OHS personality to “Walk the Plank” in a question-and-answer format. This month, Editor-in-Chief JoBeth Dunsmoor sat down with senior class valedictorian Allen Irwin. Photos by JoBeth Dunsmoor
Buccaneer Bulletin: What college will you be attending this fall? How did you choose this college? Allen Irwin: I will be attending Tufts University this fall. I chose this college because when I visited, I got a good “vibe” from the college. Tufts also blends strong academics with what seemed to me to be a more laid-back attitude. The close proximity to Boston was also a big factor in my decision. BB: What is your intended major? AI: As of right now, I am undecided as to what I will major in. I know that I will minor in film studies due to my love of movies, but my major is still up in the air. BB: What other colleges did you apply to? AI: I applied to: Oswego, Geneseo, University of Rochester, LeMoyne, Nazareth, Colgate, Harvard, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Ithaca and Tufts. BB: What advice can you give to students who also strive for academic achievement? AI: Students striving for academic achievement should try hard, but don’t become completely obsessed with your schoolwork. Look for interesting things to learn about or do outside of school, it will help the rest of your studies. BB: Which teachers, do you feel, had the greatest impact on your success?
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AI: I don’t know if there has been one specific teacher that has greatly influenced my success. All of my English teachers through my four years here stand out because they each had their own unique teaching technique (hey I rhymed) that helped me learn in a new and interesting way. My English teachers have been: Mr. Runeari, Mrs. Peer, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Phaneuf and Mrs. Fronk. BB: What is the favorite class you’ve taken in high school? AI: I guess my favorite class would have to be Psychology just because the subject is interesting to me and Mr. Mirabito blends the material with his own (sometimes humorous) views on the material which make the class that much more interesting. BB: Where do you see yourself in ten years? AI: Well, since I don’t have a planned major, I guess I hope to be in whatever field I choose to work in, making a decent amount of money so I can buy as many movies and guitar equipment as I want. BB: How would you describe yourself? AI: I would describe myself as driven (but not all the time), opinionated, a big procrastinator and probably a little too cynical. BB: What one person inspired you the most to be successful academically? AI: I would have to say I inspired myself to be successful academically because my parents never really pushed me to do well; I just did the work and it turned out I was good at it. BB: Were your schedules throughout your high school years
overly demanding? AI: For the most part my schedules weren’t overly demanding. I suppose it seemed like they were at times, but that was only because I have stayed up all night doing papers too many times because I waited until the day before they were due to do them. BB: What will you take away from OHS? AI: I will take some very good memories away from OHS, along with a good education (I hope). BB: What has been the highlight of your senior year? AI: I don’t know if it counts as senior year, but probably forking Mr. Burt’s lawn over the summer with about twenty other people. BB: Did your high school career ever reach a low point? AI: I don’t think my high school career ever reached a low point, it’s been pretty much the same average high school career all the way through, in my opinion. BB: If you could change something about OHS, what would it be? AI: If I could change something about OHS, I would set a minimum speed limit for people walking in the halls. Sometimes I just want to run people over for walking too slow. BB: What is your worst fear? AI: My worst fear is being miserable for the rest of my life. BB: What is your favorite OHS memory? AI: My favorite OHS memory would have to be either the above mentioned forking of Mr. Burt’s lawn or maybe senior trip, which was really fun.
BB: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? AI: I think I would live on my own tropical island that was close enough to land that I could invite people over for parties all the time. BB: What are your thoughts waking up? AI: My thoughts waking up are, “Why do I have to get up this early for school?” BB: What would you choose for your last meal, who would you eat it with, and why? AI: My last meal would have to be pizza, because I love pizza. I guess I would eat it with my soul mate, whoever she is. BB: What is your favorite breakfast food? AI:My favorite breakfast food is cereal of all kinds.
BB: What is in your CD player right now? AI: Right now I am listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ new album Stadium Arcadium and Matisyahu’s new album Youth. BB: What, other than people, was your motivation to do well in school? AI: I guess my motivation to do well in school was that I wanted to be successful in life and it seemed that doing well in school was the first step towards that. BB: Is there anyone in particular you would like to thank for getting you to graduation day? AI: I’d like to thank my parents for putting up with me complaining about school all the time as well as my teachers for putting up with me in class (since I am a huge troublemaker).
June 2006
Walking the Plank
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Salutatorian Meghan Doty On the Plank Editor’s Note: Each issue, we ask a notable OHS personality to “Walk the Plank” in a question-and-answer format. This month, Editor-in-Chief JoBeth Dunsmoor sat down with senior class salutatorian Meghan Doty. Photos by JoBeth Dunsmoor.
Buccaneer Bulletin: What college will you be attending this fall? How did you choose this college? Meghan Doty: I’m going to Northeastern University because it has a great co-op program and the option to study abroad. Plus, it’s in Boston...how could I resist? BB: What is your intended major? MD: I am going to study speech pathology. BB: What other colleges did you apply to? MD: Ithaca College, SUNY Geneseo, University of Buffalo, and Nazareth College. BB: What advice can you give to students who also strive for academic achievement? MD: Don’t get too wrapped up in school. It’s important to do well, but you need a balance. Do the things you enjoy doing with your friends. BB: Which teachers do you feel had the most direct impact on your success? MD: Senora Button (a.k.a. DeFo) and Mr. Burt because they both made school more enjoyable and had unique, supportive personalities. BB: What is the favorite class you’ve taken in high school? MD: Spanish. It was always fun and it is something I can use. I guess it’s just a subject that comes naturally, so it makes it much more enjoyable. BB: Where do you see yourself in ten years? MD: I hope to be helping kids as a speech pathologist in schools. Maybe by that point I’ll have opened up my own practice. BB: How would you describe yourself? MD: Optimistic, trustworthy, and fun to be around. BB: What one person inspired you the most to be successful academically? MD: Myself. My parents let me make my
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own decisions and never really pushed me to do well in school. BB: Were your schedules throughout your high school years overly demanding? MD: Every year, except my freshman year, has been all honors, AP, and college courses. You decide.... BB: What will you take away from OHS? MD: Friendships and memories that will last forever. BB: What has been the highlight of your senior year? MD: The senior trip, by far. It was awesome to be in Florida while everyone else was in school and getting to hang out with different groups of people. BB: Did your high school career ever reach a low point? MD: Nope. BB: If you could change something about OHS, what would it be? MD: I’d probably start making gross PDA in the hallway illegal... BB: What is your worst fear? MD: I don’t really have one. BB: What is your favorite OHS memory? MD: Without a doubt, my trip to Mexico in my junior year. I was able to travel with my favorite teachers and most of my close friends to a Spanish-speaking country. We did so many fun things; it really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. BB: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? MD: I haven’t been enough places to make that decision. I’d like to start by traveling to Spain and Europe, then I’ll get back to you... BB: What are your thoughts waking up? MD: Do I have to get up yet? BB: What would you choose for your last meal, who would you eat it with, and why?
MD: My mom’s famous spaghetti and meatball dinner! I’d eat it with Christine Clemmens because even though it was my last meal, she’d make me laugh. We never have a dull moment. BB: What is your favorite breakfast food? MD: Egg and cheese sandwich on a bagel. BB: What is in your CD player right now? MD: Jack’s Mannequin. BB: What, other than people, was your motivation to do well in school? MD: To get into a good college! BB: Is there anyone in particular you would like to thank for getting you to graduation day? MD: All of my friends--I never have a dull moment in and out of school. When things get tough, I can always count on them to make me laugh. My parents are also a huge part of my success. They really support everything I do.
The Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Senior Staff:
JoBeth Dunsmoor, Editor-in-Chief Allan Brown, Editor-in-Chief Christopher Battles, Layout Editor Mura Gichane, Senior Writer Michael Tyo, Sportswriter Kris Dewine, Managing Editor 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. Printing services provided by The PalladiumTimes. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers. June 2006
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Features
Here’s to the Leader of the Gang Mr. Runeari Guest Column
Reflects on His Career, Life at OHS
Allan Brown Editor-in-Chief
Senior trips taken: 32. Powder Puff games assembled: 25. Dinner dances chaperoned: 31. Proms organized: 10. Variety shows advised: 10. Retiring after 33 years of loyal service to Oswego High School: priceless. Graduating with his final senior class this year, Mr. William Runeari has certainly been one of the busiest teachers at OHS during his tenure. Advising the senior class (as well as the junior class during his earlier years), he was the father to several events that seniors look forward to every year, including the senior dinner dance, the senior trip, the powder puff game, and the senior picnic. “I’ve always felt that what goes on outside of the classroom can be just as important as what goes on inside the classroom. Everything that goes on in a high school can, and should, be a learning experience and a way for students to develop other interests and talents-that’s what I’ve tried to help others to do for all these years,” Runeari stated. “Early in my career, I wouldn’t say I was clueless, but I was close.” Runeari credits his success to Mrs. Murial Cole and other veteran teachers who helped him along during his overwhelming first year. “I was going to be a dentist, but I couldn’t see into a microscope. Something with my eyes, I couldn’t focus it, and that’s a true story. What really got me interested in teaching was a math teacher I had for three years during high school, and since at the time they didn’t offer a math education class at Lemoyne, I stuck to English.” If he wasn’t a math teacher or an English teacher, Runeari said he would be “organizing something somewhere.” As senior class adviser for 33 years, Mr. Runeari has had a chance to interact with two generations of
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William Runeari Faculty
Photo by Chrissy King
Mr. Bill Runeari, the “father” of many of the senior class activities including Sr. Trip, Hundred Days, Powder Puff, and Sr. Class Night, will be retiring this month, leaving each of those events as his legacy.
students; something he says is his favorite thing about teaching. “This year I got to actually coach the girls’ Powder Puff team, and it was just a lot of fun; they were a great group of girls. I’ll definitely miss the interaction with students the most.” When asked what he’ll miss the least, he said he won’t miss grading papers. “I still love everything about teaching, but I definitely won’t miss grading papers at all.” With all of the extracurricular activities Runeari organized and took part in, many of his favorite memories took place outside of the classroom. “The first powder puff game sticks out in my mind, because it was snowing, and we didn’t know better at the time to not play touch-tackle, and the game ended with the seniors winning 6-0. Also, the last prom I organized was with my wife. We went with an Aladdin theme (“A Whole New World”), and just went all out. We even had flying carpets.” While some of Mr. Runeari’s ideas have certainly taken off since they were initiated (senior trip), he admits some of his plans didn’t work so well. “Interest has really died in Teacher Turnabout Day, a day where we had seniors teach classes instead of teachers.”
“Early in my career I sang in a few of my variety shows (Mr. Frawley did too, but he might deny it), but being a part of this year’s musical, Grease, was an amazing way to top off my career. I never did anything like that before, nor will I again. But watching the cast grow into their roles and then absolutely nail their performances for two SRO crowds is something I will always cherish and never forget. I was just happy to be along for the ride.” When asked about people saying he will never be replaced, Mr. Runeari said it’s simply not true. “I think by November everyone will be like ‘Runeari, who?’ It’s more about the kids than the adviser,” he said. In his retirement, Mr. Runeari hopes to continue teaching a class at SUNY Oswego, as well as finding more time to see his family. “I hope to see my daughters more, and have dinner waiting on the table for my wife every night,” he said. Runeari will certainly be missed around here next year and for many years to come, but his legacy will live for a long time through the activities that he initiated at OHS.
Just before The Buc Bulletin asked me to write this letter, editor Allan Brown asked me if I thought my shoes would be hard to fill. I told him I don’t think they will be. I wasn’t trying to be humble; I’m pretty proud of a lot of the things I’ve done during my career, but I believe each person has to make his own path. I’d like to think I was a fairly successful junior class adviser--some of our proms actually won national awards for our decorations--but there have been at least six junior advisers since I gave it up, and they’ve all been successful. So I don’t think it’ll be that hard for the new senior class adviser to take my place. But, as far as filling my shoes, which shoes are we talking about? I don’t have nearly as many shoes as my wife, although her many pairs are all the same--just different colors. But I’ve had different shoes for the many different roles I’ve filled while I’ve been here. I vividly remember the saddle shoes I wore, probably with a bow tie, on the first day of school thirty-three years ago. As I walked up the Utica St. ramp that day I met biology teacher, Connie Cosemento, who said, “I think you’d make a great junior class adviser.” And so it all began. Of course, I’d like to think my teaching and 25 years as the head of the English Department also have some significance, but we all know Allan’s question was about my adviser shoes. Sometimes those shoes were boots. In 1975 we had an indoor winter carnival to help pay for the first-ever senior trip. We had a blizzard and we had to shovel to get into school. I don’t know how, but we turned a pretty good profit in spite of the fact that we were our only customers. And that first trip to continued on page
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June 2006
Features
He’s Taking His Shoes with Him
continued from page 4 so much and not just because I got to coach some Montreal, we went by school bus and didn’t even of the nicest and most pleasant young women have any rules. What on earth was I thinking? I’ve ever been around. The game is supposed to My father always told me, “You have to have be about school spirit and class pride, but for me, a good pair of black dress shoes.” He probably it was more about working together as a team. bought them for me and my mother probably I really don’t know much about football but I insisted on checking to see where my toe was figured out that if you focus a group of athletes before I bought them. (That actually happened, but on a common goal it’s tough to fail--even when not until I was about 40 years old.) In any case, the score doesn’t go your way. It was like being that’s what I would have worn to my first prom in prom adviser for all those years. I have absolutely 1974. The theme was “We May Never Pass This no artistic ability whatsoever, but I had so many Way Again” but, thanks to some incredibly talented incredibly talented juniors that all I had to do was and artistic juniors, I passed that way through nine get out of their way. more proms. There were some times when I didn’t Not many people know that I wore coaching wear shoes at all. Before we started taking the shoes as the freshmen baseball coach my first year senior picnics to Thunder Island, we had Sunday at OHS. We had a pretty good team, but it had afternoon outings to Mr. Mike’s Clam Grove very little to do with me. Even with all the baseball where we always had picnic games and a marathon I’d played, I was pretty clueless when it came to softball game. I’d pitch for both teams and run helping one of my players get better. But I vividly around barefoot. That was probably my way of remember showing up one Saturday morning preparing for the inevitable, the annual throw-thearound 9 for an 11 o’clock game to discover the adviser-in-the-river contest. athletic director, Mr. Wilber, I have ugly feet, maybe raking the field. When I asked because of all those barefoot him what he was doing he said, softball games, but I love to “Somebody’s got to do it, and break out my sandals for the first the kids deserve the best we can time each year to wear on the give them.” Those words weren’t annual senior trip to Florida. I the best gift Mr. Wilber ever was reluctant for many years to gave me; years later he allowed make the switch from NYC to me to marry his daughter, but Orlando but, for reasons I never the idea that “the kids deserve expected, it’s turned out to be the best we can give them” has one of the best decisions I ever stayed with me through all these made as adviser. Every year years. I’ve had parents tell me that they In February of 1976 I couldn’t afford to take a trip to wore those same dress shoes to Orlando as a family, but that our first Senior Dinner Dance they were thrilled to be able to at the old Pontiac Hotel. It was send their children with me, one the beginning of a tradition, at a time. For many it’s the first but what kind of moron holds a time south of Syracuse and first dinner dance in February? Now time on a plane. Many reflect Courtesy of 1975 OHs paradox we hold the dance just two days that it was “the most fun they Mr. Bill Runeari, has been at before graduation each year and ever had.” A few years ago a the heart of student life at OHS it’s always an emotional mix of senior boy sold over 1200 candy for thirty-three years. sweat, laughs and tears. I don’t bars, mostly to the fishermen on know what shoes I’ll be wearing (I’ll have to ask the river, to fund raise for what he called the “time my father), but I suspect that they won’t be just of his life.” It doesn’t get any better than that. seniors’ tears this year. A recent shoe change had me donning white One of my fondest memories came with bucks and white tails for my role in Grease. I the burglar’s shoes I wore in 1983. That year, a never attempted anything like that before, and I group, later to be known as “The Usual Suspects,” probably won’t ever again, but just being a part of broke into OHS for the principal’s 50th birthday it was an amazing experience. Our students are and replaced all of his furniture with Fisher-Price talented in so many ways and I was honored just to and the entire telephone system with Dixie cups be a small part of their success. and string. But no more on that until I enter the So can anyone fill my shoes? I apologize if Witness Protection Program. I got carried away, but for anyone still reading I’ll I wore my coaching shoes again in 1981 finally answer the question with a resounding NO. for the first Powderpuff game and I got to wear The next adviser will do as well, if not better, than them again this year in the 25th game. This year I did, but I’m taking my shoes with me. They’re I remembered why I like the Powderpuff tradition too full of wonderful memories to leave behind.
Buccaneer Bulletin
Teachers, Students Enjoy Participating in Commencement
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Abby Martin
Chief Photographer
Graduation is a time of celebration and new beginnings. It is a special time, not only for the students and their parents, but for the teachers who have helped them create chapters of their lives. This year, OHS will carry on the tradition of giving Oswego City School District teachers the opportunity of participating in the commencement ceremony, as they say goodbye to the class of 2006. This notion has most recently been organized by Mrs. Cheryl Rogers of the Music Department and Mr. Mike McCrobie, OHS English teacher. They have helped organize what has become known as the Faculty Honor Guard for over a decade. It starts out with a simple invitation, via e-mail, that informs all teachers throughout the district of the plans are for this event. It is opened up to all teachers from kindergarten through high school. “It’s just so they (the teachers) can honor the students for all of their hard work, as well as to wish them the best of luck with everything,” stated Rogers. “Also, it may be their last chance to say goodbye.” Many of the teachers who are notified are all for it and feel obligated to be there. However, some of the teachers do not wish to participate. According to Rogers, “Some teachers think it takes away the spotlight that is supposed to be on the kids, but kids seem to enjoy the faculty participation.” “It was nice seeing all of your former teachers dressed up with you, because they were the ones who helped you out for so many years and got you to that point in your life,” stated Jamie Kapuscinski, OHS Class of ‘05. “Commencement is about tradition, from the music to the speeches. Most academic institutions involve the faculty in some capacity, and we in the Oswego City Schools are proud to participate,” McCrobie said. Not only does it give the students the opportunity to honor their former teachers for inspiring them, but it honors the students in a way too. “It’s nice to see their teachers from elementary on up. They want to come back and have a final chance to speak with the students. It’s nice for the parents too,” said Rogers. During the ceremony, students are likely to be anxious until it’s all over, anticipating the time when they never have to return to OHS. But when they look at the line of teachers, they remember a few things they learned from them and how they have inspired them for the amount of time they had with them. Teachers have a lot to say as well, giving final words of advice and encouragement to kids they may not see for a very long time. “Many teachers go to graduation, but participating is the formal way of doing things,” Rogers stated. “We’d love to have more of our colleagues join us on the 24th,” McCrobie stated. “It’s not too late for faculty to get a cap and gown.”
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Feature
A Day in the Life of the Buccaneer Bulletin 1:00 PM - As the late bell rings, several key people are missing from the room, including the senior writer himself, Mura Gichane, and professional slacker Michael Tyo. Journalism adviser of the year Mr. Michael McCrobie stands behind future editor-in-chief-if-he-has-a-goodwoman-beside-him Kevin Kearns and complains loudly about how lazy Tyo is, although just last year he was one of his “buddies.” 1:05 PM - Mura comes strolling in, sits down next to Journalism Adviser of the Year Mr. Michael McCrobie, and begins the six minute process it takes to log on to the computers. Mr. Bill Reeser asks loudly “Is today Monday?” When the room gives him a resounding yes, he says to himself “Well, Tyo definitely isn’t here today” and marks him absent. But to everybody’s surprise, he actually shows up, but he’s only awake for a couple of minutes before he is sound asleep on his keyboard. 1:07 PM - From the corner of softball girls (AKA Journalism Adviser of the Year Mr. Michael McCrobie suck-ups) comes a loud noise that sounds like a dying chipmunk. Then I realize it’s just Abby Martin, Journalism advisor of the year Mr. Michael McCrobie’s favorite person ever, try-
Illustration by Mura Gichane
From left to right - The Senior Staff of the Buc Bulletin: Chris Battles, Slacker Michael Tyo, Mura Gichane, JoBeth Dunsmoor, Kris Dewine, Allan Brown.
ing to sing a JoJo song to Editor-inChief JoBeth Dunsmoor. She should definitely stick to softball. 1:10 PM - Journalism adviser of the year Mr. Michael McCrobie once again begins to complain loudly, this time about how no one in the class ever gets any work done. Then, out of no where, Journalism over-achiever of the year Jordan Brancato (known from here on out as “J-Dawg”) informs everyone that he is already working on his fifteenth story of the period. 1:14 PM - Sports writer and chicken wing eating co-champion (with Allan-Michael Brown) David Winklebleck furiously looks over Penn State football stats, while making sure the whole class knows how much he hates baseball. Next to him, Kevin Kearns, not only our future Editor-
in-Chief (with a good woman by his side mind you), but our resident baby of the class, starts to get cranky, so Dave has to put him on his lap and burp him. 1:19 PM - In the other corner, better known as the “loner” corner, Chris Battles gets the paper layout done. Chris reacts angrily as he catches baby Kearns checking out his girl. “Go to lunch Kearns,” he shouts. 1:25 PM - Allan-Michael Brown is busy writing e-mails to his love interests (who are only freshmen) when he realizes that his beloved Red Sox are down to the New York Yankees. “Darn it, David Ortiz,” he bellows out before cursing out the entire Red Sox lineup that he’s memorized since opening day. Sensing Journalism Adviser of the Year Mr. Michael McCrobie’s disapproving stare, he jumps out of his chair and moves quickly from computer to computer, pretending to make sure everybody’s on task. “You working? Good!” 1:27 PM - Ashley Johnston begins to talk about the ongoing conflict that has engulfed the entire Middle East, before she’s interrupted by Chrissy King who has noticed a dime halfway across the room. “It’s so shiny and round,” she exclaims before disrupting all conversations by lunging after it. “Maybe it’s lucky! I’ll show all the girls at dance.” 1:30 PM - Tyo falls asleep, briefly causing Mr. Reeser to approach him with a small nudge. “You know Mike, last night at my Old Man Fulton basketball league, I had an incredible game winning shot. We were up 15-14 with four of our top players on the bench with back injuries. With three seconds left I dribble right, then
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quickly left to lose my defender. Then I swished it through the basket to win the game just like I was Kobe Bryant.” Hearing the mention of Kobe, Tyo jolts out of his daydream of going one-on-one with his idol. “That was a good dream,” he yawns wiping the drool off his keyboard. “Did someone say Kobe?” 1:35 PM - It’s almost the end of the period, and Mura is browsing the “Donkey”, a hip-hop online forum, and posting about his pathetic life. “Yeah, Boheim wants me to take over G-Mac’s spot next year,” he explains to freshmen phenoms Fred Maxon and Savannah Bell who are getting sick of his ‘I got into Syracuse” rants. “I mean, they should feel lucky to have such a gifted athlete.” Overhearing the conversation, journalism adviser of the year Mr. Michael McCrobie muffles a laugh before bellowing out, “that’s haaaaalarious.” 1:40 PM - “Is that the bell?” JoBeth asks as her, Chris, and the two quiet softball girls Alyssa Holland and Kaitlyn Anderson leave five minutes before the bell rings. Mura, Tyo, Kevin, and Dave are trying to talk “J-Dawg” into rapping for the class, as they are desperately trying to fill the void created when Bill Haresign or “Will-Donz” dropped the course. When he refuses, the crowd disperses and everyone goes back to discussing our class felon Scott W. Anderson’s latest court appearance. 1:43 PM - The period ends, and nobody really got any work done except for Jordan and Chris, yet the Buc Bulletin staff still manages to win Paper of the Year honors. How can a staff like this create an award winning publication?
June 2006
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June 2006
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Column
Next up for Class of ‘07: Senior Year! Chrissy King & Ashley Johnston Reporters
High school is a like a neverending cycle. With the end of the year creeping in and the Class of 2006 graduating soon, OHS will have a new class of seniors, the Class of 2007 to take its place. The Class of 2007 is already thinking about what its senior
year will be like.... They will have the opportunity to go through similar rites of passage and do all the fun activities seniors have earned-- the100 days to graduation celebration, the senior dinner-dance, senior night, senior short day, and of course the long-awaited graduation are just a few of the Class of ‘07 activities in the next thirteen months.
“I’m definitely excited to graduate,” chosen a career already. “I want to go stated junior Dave Fultz. Next year the University at Albany and major will also be a chance for this year’s in Psychology and Criminal Justice. juniors to make their last year of high I really want to be a criminal profiler school an amazing one. with the FBI,” stated Danielle Broker. Though some seniors will Senioritis is an extremely probably get senioritis the day school common disease nowadays. When starts, others are exited for the many asked if they would be more mature academic opportunities that will be next year, most juniors laughed it off available for them next year, such and said, “probably not.” Bernie Race as many college courses offered at Jr. said, “I think the theme song for OHS. Junior Danielle Broker said, my senior year might be the Batman “I’m excited to start the New Visions Theme song, wait no, COPS.” That Program.” doesn’t sound like a serious senior The junior class has spent the year. He also said, “ I hope next year past three years at OHS studying, will be easier.” doing homework, and of course, Of course you will always find having fun. “I hope that it is just a lot slackers in your typical senior class, of fun,” said Carolyn Scanlon. The but you also find some who are class has many hopes for its last year academically dedicated. “I just hope at OHS. Next year’s senior class will my senior year is successful in sports be busy, just as this year was for the Class Next year’s senior class will be of ‘06. Their next, busy, just as this year was for and last, school year holds many important the Class of ‘06. Their next, and decisions that need last, school year holds many to be made. College plans will be mapped important decisions that need out for many. The to be made. members of the Class of 2007 will be able to visit and narrow down their college and academically,” Broker stated. choices; some people will pick out Most people enter high school majors, while others will decide later. looking forward to the benefits of Maggie Donovan stated, “I want to being a senior. “I can’t wait to go go to Cornell because I think I want home early, even though I don’t have to do something in a medical field.” short day.” Race said. Fultz said, “I hope next year is “I am looking forward to the better than my sophomore year.” Also senior trip, definitely,” said Crystal there is the hope that senior year will Motyka. be as easy as everyone says it is. “I Even though many are looking hope it’s smooth and relaxing,” stated forward to graduation, there are Brian Graves. Most of the juniors are things that the class doesn’t want looking to their graduation, “I can’t to leave behind. “I think that after wait to start my life,” stated Crystal graduation, I’ll miss the comfort Motyka. of the TV studio. It’s been like my As of now most juniors were home,” stated Hinkley. undecided about college, and some “I’ll miss seeing my friends hadn’t even started to think about everyday, with everyone going off to it yet. “ I want to go to Liberty different colleges,” said Donovan. University in Virginia,” Kristen But, like all other senior year stated. things, the loss of the security of high Beth Hinkley is one of the few school is a part of the rites of passage. who decided already where she wants to go. “My dream would be to somewhere out of the country, Romney Field House but I really have decided on SUNY Purchase or UCLA,” she said. June 24, 2006 Some of the juniors have even
Graduation 10:00 a.m.
Buccaneer Bulletin
June 2006
Columns
Tough to be an ‘Oreo’ in Today’s World In the African-American community, image is everything as almost everybody engulfed into the culture follows the hip hop lifestyle consisting of self-expressive haircuts all the way down to overpriced shoes. It’s a lifestyle most can’t afford, and even fewer can pull off without looking odd or out of place. Those who choose to abstain from the “bling” and the oversized clothes are considered “white” and labeled mura gichane Oreos; black on the outside, white on the inside. The term was developed as a metaphor for a new generation of educated African-Americans starting back in the ‘60s. It was used by lower-class blacks against professional and educated blacks and directed at those who work for whites or who work in industries that they feel exploit AfricanAmericans. The term today is used much more loosely and without the social statements attached. As an African-American growing up in a city with only a 2 percent black population, I’ve grown accustomed to being surrounded by CaucasianAmericans. Therefore it’s no mystery that my mannerisms, speech patterns, style, and walk, mimic the average Caucasian. When venturing to other cities where there are more minorities, I’ve felt out of place and even labeled an “Oreo.” I’ve been told to stop acting like Bryant Gumble and Wayne Brady. This causes me to shake my head at my critics’ ignorance, for I would do anything to be a top-flight journalist or have my own talk show. A couple boys have called me an Uncle Tom after hearing about my habit of doing homework, going to school and pursuing a college education, yet they fail to realize that they probably picked up the phrase in history class. Most don’t even try with the metaphors, simply shouting “white boy” to get my attention. The constant attention to how I acted and spoke, instead of to who I was as a person, caused me to be extremely self-conscious. That only intensified as I entered high school. As I left the middle school, I approached the high school with the same mindset of school, school, video games, and school. It ruled my world, evident from the countless education awards I won at the end-of-year middle school assembly. Yea, I was a nerd. I rarely spoke, mostly studied and my sense of style was a slight upgrade from Erkel (the uber-nerd from TV’s “Family Matters”). I was so short I used to live on my tiptoes to compete with my taller sister who was two years younger then me. I remember asking my mom to open the strawberry jar after dislocating my arm trying to get some jelly. That same year, I also got glasses and started rocking the braces, years before Paul Wall made having a grill, cool. To say the least, I was a geek, and I finally came to grips with
Buccaneer Bulletin
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my fate after my sister had to console me when I Blacks in more segregated schools “incur less of lost my stamp collection. By the time I realized the a trade off between popularity and achievement.” extent of my loser tendencies, my freshman year Unfortunately, a stigma attached to “acting white” was long over and I was enjoying the long bike does exist. According to the Harvard Gazette, rides, roller skating, and skateboarding that my black students at integrated schools saw their summer had to offer. popularity rise with their grade point averages, Sophomore and junior year I vowed to myself but declined when their GPAs rose above 3.5. that I would be “cool” and being the nerd I was, I The disconnect between popularity and academic began to carefully research how to attain the trait success was even more dramatic for Hispanics, by gluing myself to BET. I still have the notes whose popularity took a sharp dive once grade in my journal: wear FUBU, big jewelry (can be point averages reached 2.5. fake), walk slower and to a beat, learn how to Here in Oswego, the same stereotypes apply dance, and use excessive slang. Homework and with the few minorities present in the population. school were still to remain top priority though. Luis Alvarado (Puerto Rican) and Roy Miller I was determined, almost desperate, to become (African-American) take up a great percentage of cool, but I was not going to risk becoming under the dwindling minority presence. “Acting white educated in order to do so. That year I became is wearing shirts that fit you perfect, you know, obsessed with fashion, braided my hair (still with sleeves that don’t reach your elbows,” Miller ashamed of that), started attending parties, and commented wearing an oversized t-shirt that overused any slang word until people would converts into a night gown. “(Oreos) eat salad, give grow sick of it (aaachyeaa). There’s not too many hi and low fives and always say ‘dude.’” The Oreo words people can claim to be sick of, but who bashing didn’t cease as Alvarado cracked up about doesn’t cringe when they’re greeted with a loud my shirt. “The shirt looks way too small for you,” “wazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzuuuuuuup” with the he noted before I explained to him that it was going tongue hanging out to be 80 degrees in and the face looking merely two hours. I still have the notes in my journal: “Don’t matter constipated. The response from my wear FUBU, big jewelry (can be fake), homie. We always friends was shock to stay fly even walk slower and to a beat, learn got and even laughter, if we sweating our how to dance, and use excessive (butts) off,” he hoping that I was only going through answered. slang. a phase, but the Yet, in the same phase went on for school there are two years, finally wearing out when I spent my minorities who fit these descriptions, but are true paycheck to buy pink Nike sneakers and a pink to themselves and proud of their cultures. Rene outfit to match. I’d seen rapper Cam’ron wear the Ferris, a senior at the high school is a Mexicanensemble and my imitation was greeted by muffled American who sociologically is considered a laughs and rumors that I was gay. Imagine that, a “coconut”; brown on the outside, white on the gay gangster. To add insult to injury, I saw a steady inside. “I don’t feel pressure to act like anything or decline in my school GPA even as my social GPA anyone I’m not. Being a coconut is not a big deal (Gain Popularity Ability) steadily rose. as long as I’m being myself.” In my final year of high school, I decided that Another minority at the high school is senior I was tired of trying to be something I was not. Bob Mandanas who is a Filipino-American, or a It wasn’t the stares, laughs, or rumors that made banana; yellow on the outside, white on the inside. me change, but it was the realization that I didn’t He also reiterates Ferris’s feelings of no pressure need to “act” like something when I could easily to act like anything he’s not. “I act the way I do be myself. I can’t help that I act too “white” to because of the people I’m surrounded by and the some people and too “black” to others. I’m only a fact I’ve lived in Oswego my whole life.” product of my environment. Regardless of where I To most, the jokes and labels are harmless and am or who I’m with, I’ve learned to be myself and in good fun, but for many young teens, they are to take pride in what I believe in and who I am. triggers for a race identity crisis. There’s nothing According to Dr. Edward Rhymes, a consultant in wrong with being different; imagine how boring the areas of racism, equity & diversity, education the world would be if everyone tried to be alike. and adolescent development, students, by and Everyone is unique and being an individual is large, try to distance themselves from any behavior a great, but overlooked, personality trait. Being (i.e. overachieving academically) that would different, unique and independent of pressures to cause them to be tagged with the “nerd” or “geek” act a certain way due to religion, sex, or race only label. “The burden imposed for “acting white” is adds flavor to the rather bland recipe that is popular greater for students with more interracial contact. culture.
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Retirees
What’s Your Opinion? Mr. Mangano “All the snow days that we had… Oh, and good luck seniors!”
Buccaneer Bulletin
What are your favorite memories of the Class of 2006?
Mrs. Fierro “ T h i s y e a r ’s NHS picnic, the 3 legged race, and the balloon toss.”
June 2006
Retirees
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“Hey, Drop us a Postcard Sometime..”
What’s Your Opinion? Jon Mears Senior “I would make the double doors to the library go in instead of out.”
Buccaneer Bulletin
What would you change about OHS for future students?
Sara Clark
Senior
“I would enforce the no making out rule so they can successfully get to their lockers.”
June 2006
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Retirees
What’s Your Opinion? Bryan Kern Senior “Playing in jazz band concerts, because music is a part of me.”
Buccaneer Bulletin
What was the highlight of your high school career?
Lauren Deming Senior “Playing on the Rolling Nuggets dodgeball team.”
June 2006
Retirees
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“Don’t Forget to Write....”
What’s Your Opinion? Kelsey Maxon Senior “My advice would be to go big or go home.”
Buccaneer Bulletin
What advice could you give underclassmen?
Jillian Pritchard Senior “Take advantage of the activities offered.”
June 2006
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Retirees
What’s Your Opinion? Caroline Buckingham Senior “My favorite high school memory was the senior trip.”
Buccaneer Bulletin
What is your favorite OHS memory?
Patrick Meagher Senior “My favorite high school memory was the hundred days celebration.”
June 2006
The OHS Sports Year in Review
Sports
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Looking Back at a Roller-Coaster Sports Year
16 The volleyball team finished up the roller coaster Mike McCrobie decided to pull Martin and save the headlines had the name Jake McAndrew in ride of a winter sports season with a 6-6 record. her arm. I realize Martin is very important to the them. Enough said. When the team’s season for next year got switched team, but come on, you have to let her finish the On the girls side of fall sports, they had their to the fall, it created a large conflict which included game coach! This was as hard for me to understand own ups and downs. The girls’ varsity soccer team Coach Ahart’s difficult decision of volleyball or as the football team losing a game 2-0. Overall, finished with a record of 5-11-3. The team finished soccer. This switch also made many players angry the team ended up finishing at .500 but 7-4 in the right around where they were expected to, and because of the conflict it created with the sports league, good enough for the Colonial American with most of the team title! The girls’ lacrosse team returning in ’06 they decently, just a little The surprising part of the girls’ winter was definitely the finished should be competitive. under .500 but like many of basketball team’s quest for the section title. A team made up the teams, they’re young and The girls’ tennis team finished under .500. improve drastically of mainly sophomores and freshmen destroyed everyone’s should The cross country next year. The girls’ track team expectations while taking heavily-favored Rome down to the did a fine job this year, led by girls finished 4-3, but Coach Jim McCaul senior Caitlin Pike. It’ll be wire in the Section III championship game. was satisfied with the interesting to see how they season because of the fare next year without her, and improvement the girls see who stops in to fill her big made from the beginning. Finally, the last girls’ they played in the fall. track shoes. sport was swimming, which was a winning team! The spring was nothing like the winter or the That’s was our 2005-2006 school year on the The team finished a couple victories over .500 and fall. The baseball team was so-so and finished a fields, courts, ice, pool, mats and all other venues. qualified 15 swimmers for the sectional meet. couple games below .500, which was expected. Next year, I think we will have a lot of winning As winter rolled around, nobody expected too Zach Eason who is renouned for his power records based on how young many of our teams much from our basketball team, but their season numbers hit more for average most of the season, are. Hey, as long as we don’t have any more 2-0 was very surprising. The part which wasn’t very which put him atop the league in hitting. The football games or people pulled from perfect surprising was that the ‘ballers only managed to lacrosse team’s season went much like baseball’s, games next year, I’ll be happy. win four games, but what was surprising is that finishing under .500. I they failed to make sectionals (in a league which think they’re a team to takes all teams to sectionals) due to a technicality watch out for next year with the schedule. The wrestling team provided a because the many juniors very surprising lift to the winter sports program on the team. The tennis when they pulled off a 19-win season. Led by team finished its season senior Mike Howard, the Bucs dominated, going at 6-6 and qualified three from a record of 2-24 the previous year, to 19-15. for sectionals. Among After an undefeated season the previous year, the the three was sophomore boys’ swimming Bucs had a .500 record this year. Tom Dufore who should The team is losing only two swimmers, so most contend in states next would say it should be a good year next year. One year. The track team was of the losses to graduation will be Jake Pagano. like the cross country Who knows what next year will turn out to be. The team, being led by hockey team, which has definitely taken over the McAndrew, but he had spot as our top team, finished well over .500, going junior sprinter Charles 16-8-3 on the year. If it wasn’t for a skid at the Kangah to help him pull end of the season, in which they lost four of their the load. last six games, who knows if the state tournament The sport which would have turned out differently. Overall, the stands out to me for winter sports season was decent for the Oswego the girls spring sports guys. has to be softball. The surprising part of the girls’ winter Perfect games rarely was definitely the basketball team’s quest for happen, and when they the section title. A team made up of mainly do, they shouldn’t be sophomores and freshman destroyed everyone’s messed with. Against expectations while taking-heavily favored Rome Corcoran, junior Abby down to the wire in the Section III championship Martin was flirting game. The team’s run was amazing, but talking to with perfection through the players, it should have been better. Next year five innings. Because should be a test when the Bucs come in favored to of an 11-0 lead and an win the Section and make a run at the state title. upcoming showdown The hockey team was OK and came in at 10-8-1. with Henninger, Coach continued from page
Buccaneer Bulletin
June 2006
BuccaNeer Athletics Volume 9 Number 6
June 2006
Buc Sports 2005-06: The Year In Review Kevin Kearns Columnist
There goes another year of our sometimes decent and sometimes disappointing teams. We had many teams which played much better than expected, but a few who never lived up to what they could have been. I think it’s time, though, to go back and revisit all of the highlights and lackluster moments of another year of Oswego sports. Whenever someone talks about fall sports, the first thing that comes to mind normally is football. It’s the high-profile, “fill-the-stadium-Friday night-fall-social event.” There were some personnel changes in the staff of the Oswego football team and the squad looked as though 2005 could be different from the previous seasons. Straight from the season opener, it was obvious that nothing had really changed. I still can’t get it through my mind how a FOOTBALL team could lose a game 2-0. Boys’ soccer finished above .500 and with a young team, things look very good for next year. Because of a season change for girls’ volleyball, veteran head coach Ron Ahart decided to give up coaching the Bucs’ soccer team and stick with volleyball. This should really affect the team because of the experience they will be losing from the sideline. The Buc golfers came off an undefeated ‘04 season, but they lost top golfer Patrick Donovan. Chris Sova stepped up and filled the role as the star of the team. Despite Sova’s efforts, the Bucs finished .500 for the first time in several years. The final fall guys’ sport was cross country. The team had a successful season, but after checking archives on the team, I realized why. Nearly 90 percent of continued on page
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