June 2009

Buccaneer Bulletin

Volume 12 Number 7

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

June 2009

Ashley welsch Salutatorian

Elizabeth scullin Valedictorian

Photo illustration by Stephen livoti

Editorial

2 Buccaneer Bulletin

Drawing Board

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Editor-in-Chief Fred Maxon Managing Editors Emily DiFabio Catie Furletti Layout Editor Stephen LiVoti Chief Photographer Catlin Sawyer Art Director Brian Richmond Business Manager Nick Dunsmore Sports Editor Ryan Galloway Senior Writer Hazal Pacaci Entertainment Editor Blair Harvey Clublicity Editor Brittany Ross Alumni Editor Rachel Clark Photographers Monek Cullen, Kijafa-Monee Berkley Art Staff Heather Hanlon, Mary Losurdo Sports Writers Kailyn Gray, Jasmine Davis Reporters Mary Kate Torbitt, Mackenzie Oatman, Katherine Robinson, Kaitlyn Scanlon, Liz Waterbury, Kathryn Whelsky Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200.

It is intended as a vehicle to inform, educate, and entertain the student body.

Printing services are provided by The Palladium-Times.

Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.

ON THE COVER: We grew up with the works

of Dr. Seuss. One of his final books, Oh, the Places You’ll Go has become one of the most quoted books in graduation speeches from preschool to college. With apologies to the late Dr. Seuss, we have modified his book’s cover with the OHS Class of ‘09 valedictorian, Elizabeth Scullin, and salutatorian, Ashley Welsch.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Cartoon by Brian Richmond

…to Caitlin Sawyer, Fred Maxon, and Brian Richmond for picking up awards at the School Press Day, at Syracuse University. Also to the staff of The Buccaneer Bulletin which finished first place as best high school newspaper in New York State at New York Press Association competition. …to Henrik Ehrhardt, who was a National Merit Scholarship finalist. …to the fifty new members of NHS. Congratulations to all of the hard work that you have put forth in your academic careers. …to the Post Prom Party sponsored by SADD Club. Thanks for providing a safe place for the students to go after the prom, and the generous prizes that were given out. …to the National Honor Society for generating over $10,000 in its annual letter-writing campaign for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

… to the cancelation of the annual Mock DWI that usually takes place the Friday before prom. We understand that with the construction at OHS it was difficult to find room, but it is a very informative and worthwhile assembly. … to the everyday reminder to get to your first period class. We are all in high school and we shouldn’t have to be reminded to get to class on time.

June 2009

Editorial In Our View . . .

Our Goal: Make OHS a Better Place Looking back at the past year, we at The We’ll cover the story to the best of our ability.

Buccaneer Bulletin feel that the Oswego High There are some things that teachers can do School and its students are not living up to our full to make OHS more enjoyable and make it easier potential. We have advice for future generations, a to survive the day-in, day-out monotony of a “How to survive OHS and make the school more school year. Have some compassion -- we aren’t enjoyable,” if you will. suggesting bending over backwards or breaking Students, everyone really needs to quit rules for students -- no, that wouldn’t solve complaining about the high school. Honestly, this anything. Rather, if a student looks to be having a is probably the biggest problem. By complaining bad day that day, go a little easy on them. Being about things, any situation is made worse. People chastised for forgetting a writing utensil just makes often complain about there being nothing to do, but the day worse. Should the student be prepared? those complainers aren’t members of any clubs.

Yes, but if the student is usually good about being Get involved and things tend to become a whole lot prepared, let it slide a little. better -- you meet people with the same interests, Administrators, you too can make OHS a better you can help plan different social events, and the place. The fact that policies have been changed social interaction that goes on in a club, helps time or enforced without notice to the student body is pass. complete nonsense. There are ways to inform the Instead of just student body about changes classes and homework, in policy, and more than We feel that, with a few one route should be taken you have meetings, and this helps to make OHS changes on the part of the to ensure that students are not only enjoyable, but properly informed. Some students, teachers and students might not hear also easily survivable.

Also students, you administration, this could announcements over the PA have a tendency to look system, and many classes over the simple solutions. be a better place. don’t turn the TVs on If the library hallway is during homeroom. Some crowded for whatever who do have them turned reason, don’t stop and make things worse. Take the on, don’t listen or can’t hear over the conversations C hallway that connects the Buccaneer Boulevard going on. ramp with the Utica Street ramp. This detour is Try using the student council to get the word an easy solution to crowded hallways that is often out. Inform a group of students and make it their overlooked. This detour was more enjoyable before job to spread the word to other students. Utilize they painted over the murals that lined it -- student the phone system, so that students get a call at interpretations of classic works of art -- but is still home informing them of policy change. If you a nice route to go when traveling. tell us, the staff of The Buccaneer Bulletin, about Students, you also tend to under-utilize it, depending on the time frame, we may be able The Buccaneer Bulletin. Write letters to the to get something in the paper about it. Also, the editor. We are billed as “Oswego High School’s administration should work harder to quell rumors Student Voice,” but our staff, while having when they arise. Again, the student body, in some various backgrounds and viewpoints, is not a true way, should be in contact with the administration microcosm of the high school. Write to us and whenever a rumor arises. If a dialogue is started share your opinions about a problem, or anything between one student group and the administration, to do with OHS or teen life. There is a good chance in specific regards to the rumor mill that is that it’ll be put in to the next issue. When students OHS, rumors can be stopped before they wreak write to The Buccaneer Bulletin about a problem havoc. Again, this could be another charge that that persists inside OHS, change can happen. the Buccaneer Bulletin staff could be involved Earlier in the year, one of our staffers wrote a letter with. If there was a simple, monthly meeting, detailing the problem with the crowded library with an administrator, members of the student hallway in the morning, and how the multitudes council, class officers and student newspaper made it almost impossible to move through the representatives, the student body would be better hallways. Soon after that was published, people informed. who had those lockers were redistributed to empty There are problems at OHS, we know, and lockers elsewhere. If you write to us, there is a we know that this editorial doesn’t offer solutions chance that almost any problem that you see in the to all of them, but we feel that, with a few high school can be solved. If you have a story idea changes on the part of the students, teachers and that you would like to see covered, write to us! administration, this could be a better place.

Buccaneer Bulletin

3

Class of 2009 Top 25 The top twenty five graduating students from the Class of 2009 reflect a true cross-section of our senior class. In the prestigious group below are athletes, club officers, New Visions students and a National Merit finalist --true potential for future success.

1. Elizabeth Scullin 2. Ashley Welsch 3. Henrik Ehrhardt 4. Katie Flanagan 5. Meghan Nyman 6. Mariah Lalonde 7. Carolyn Clemmens 8. Sara Molinari 9. Abe McAndrew 10.Emily Fiorini 11. Eric Tyler 12. Kevin O’Connor 13. Stephanie Ciesla 14. Rebecca Battles 15. Jason Audlin 16. Matt Demm 17. Katherine VanWert 18. Travis Tesoriero 19. Carissa Reed 20. Jaimie Stiles 21. Emily Fountain 22. William Darvill 23. Anthony Sterio 24. Kelsey Scanlon 25. Alexis Ranous June 2009

Arts & Entertainment

4

One Last Review--Fred on Individuality Hollywood Fred Maxon Fred Maxon Dear Class of 2009, Over the past four years, I’ve done countless reviews of everything from books on sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, to movies about life “and the bumps along the way.” I reviewed things that I thought pointed towards a strong sense of individuality and would give advice as to what it really means to be alive and be an individual.

My freshman year, I reviewed a book called The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

Maybe the main idea behind this book, the driving force, isn’t about empathy, but one of the best quotes in the book deals with: “I walk around the school hallways and look at the people. I look at the teachers and wonder why they’re here. If they like their jobs. Or us. And I wonder how smart they were when they were fifteen. Not in a mean way. In a curious way. It’s like looking at all the students and wondering who’s had their heart broken that day, and how they are able to cope with having three quizzes and a book report due on top of that. Or wondering who did the heart breaking. And wondering why.” In high school, I know we’ve been quick to judge those, especially the younger students, who do things like yell things or walk slowly in hallways, but in college, try to understand that those who might be uncouth may have had a completely different life experience than you, and you can’t look down on that. I know this seems cliché-- essentially it’s “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” in a different light-- but it’s the truth.

This sentiment is echoed in the music of Regina Spektor, an artist I did my second music review on my sophomore year. She has a song entitled, “The Ghost of Corporate Future” in which she sings “people are just people/they shouldn’t make you nervous…/ people are just people/ people are just people like you.” Remember that and live by it.

Buccaneer Bulletin

You’ll be much better off. writing career, there was one movie counts, but rather the quotes that In the same song, Spektor that, while it was always in the back make this film a must-see. Maude deals with themes of impulse and of my mind that I should do a review teaches Harold about individuality, individuality, crooning “maybe you on this, it never came to fruition, as risk-taking, and what it means to should cut your own hair/cause I always put it off for more wellbe alive. One quote, cut from the that can be so funny/it doesn’t cost known movies. With our senior year movie, really stuck with me. “We are any money/and it always grows coming to a close, I feel it is now or alone--you and me and everybody. back,/hair grows even after you’re never.

But we can look at those stars and dead…” While I’m not suggesting Harold and Maude, a 1971 film maybe someone down the beach or that everyone should go out and directed by Harold Ashby, is one of across the sea in China is looking at cut their own hair, I would like to those films that was never a hit. It them, too... Someone we don’t know suggest that, if your struggling to be was, essentially, a box-office flop. and most likely will never see--that an individual, become one in college. It’s quirky. Twenty-something Harold someone is breathing along with In the same song, she sings that you Chasen meets Marjorie Chardin--or, us. And the star-gazers of the past should kiss someone nice, as then Maude--at a funeral one day. The - from peasant to princes - and the both of you will get practice. Let love film follows a week in their lives, and star-gazers of the future - all of us happen, in any form. Love, respect their odd--yes, odd-- relationship. breathing and looking up there. We between friends and peers, makes You see, Chasen, played by Bud are alone - but look at the stars and life more enjoyable. I’m not telling Cort, is young and death-obsessed, never feel lonely,” Chardin states. you to form impulsive relationships faking his suicide countless times, These words, cut from a less-thanwith those closest to you--we saw much to the chagrin of his uptight well-known movie, resonate with me. the repercussions of that in 2008’s socialite mother. He has no real need They speak of the fact that each of us Juno-- but don’t treat friends and for a job, as his family is well-off, is connected--our breaths may be out peers coarsely. Relationships are and so he spends his days attending of sync, but we’re still breathing and delicate things. living and experiencing the We cringed at that is what it means

I’m not telling you to form impulsive drama the vox of Kimya to be human. Everyone relationships with those closest to has experienced this, and Dawson when she sang songs like you-- we saw the repercussions of that everyone will continue to “Anyone Else But experience this until the end You,” made famous in 2008’s Juno-- but don’t treat friends of time. due to its use in The music of Harold and peers coarsely.

Juno, but her songs and Maude is supplied have beautiful solely by Cat Stevens, now messages delivered simply. In her funerals of people he doesn’t know, known as Yusuf Islam. One song, song “I Like Giants,” an acoustic watching cars get demolished, in particular, stands out. It titled “If version of which was used in the and devising elaborate, dramatic, You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out.” film’s trailer, she sings, “When I faux-suicides. His mother, seeing It’s a simple song--only guitar and go for a drive I like to pull off to his disillusionment, gives him two vocals--and its message is even the side/Of the road, turn out the options: get married or join the army. simpler. “Well, if you want to sing lights, get out and look up at the Maude is a vivacious 79-year-old out, sing out/and if you want to be sky/And I do this to remind me that with a knack for seeing the world in a free, be free/ Cause there’s a million I’m really, really tiny/In the grand different light. She offers him licorice things to be, you know that there scheme of things and sometimes this and then steals the priest’s car. Maude are/… You can do what you want/ terrifies me.” In the grand scheme lives in an abandoned train dining car The opportunities are/And if you of things, we are, as she later sings, in the middle of nowhere and spends find a new way, you can do it today/ “just a speck of dust inside a giant’s her days painting, sculpting and You can make it all true/And you eye.” We are extremely small when modeling for an ice sculptor. can make it undo…” Go out and be compared to the universe, but “We This movie deals with the what you want to be, there shouldn’t all become important when we contrast between an optimist and be anything holding you back. The realize our goal/Should be to figure a pessimist, and the love that soundtrack for Harold and Maude out our role within the context of eventually grows between the two. was released in November 2007 for the whole.” Figure out your role in This dark comedy has a lot of heart, the first time as a limited edition society, and do what you can to make mixed with fake blood for good vinyl version with only 2,500 copies your community better. In that way, measure. produced. It came with a 32-page our insignificance in regards to the By saying that love grows booklet with extensive behind-theuniverse is negligible in regards to between these two (a 79 year old scenes pictures and an oral history our society. By helping others, we lady and a 20 something guy) of the making of the movie, a vinyl become important. would probably put a lot of people record featuring the 18 songs by All throughout my high school off, it isn’t the plot that Continued on page 16

June 2009

Columns

5

Flash Forward to the Journalism Class­­Reunion Caitlin’s Craze Caitlin Sawyer As I sit through 43 minutes of Mr. Mike McCrobie talking about softball (during journalism class), I start to wonder what everyone will be like in 25 years. With graduation quickly approaching, I know that this will be the last time I see some of the seniors and I can only imagine what some of them will accomplish. So my mind whirls off to our 25th reunion.

Mr. McCrobie zooms into the reunion (June 2034) in a motorized scooter with a softball bat in hand wearing his ever-so-famous shirt, “Tradition never retires.”

As I arrive at the reunion, I’m very eager to see my all my old classmates, but then I see what has happened to some of them and I’m stunned. Some are cursed with wrinkles, children, and fashion disasters. The first person in my vision is Mr. Hollywood, Fred Maxon aka our editor-in-chief back in ‘09. As usual, Fred talks my ear off and tells me about his life and how he has successfully started his own website for people who love obscure Canadian

bands. Sadly, the web site only has five members--Fred, Miss Daley, and three guys from Saskatchewan.

Suddenly, quietness is erupted

by Kailyn Gray and her little army of ninjas (or children). They proceed to forward roll and cartwheel into the room in matching cheer uniforms. She greets me with a kind hello and then begins shouting “5-6-7-8,” at Diva, Cheery, Tameeka-sha-kwuan, and Zube (her four children) telling them to begin practicing their motions.

While finishing up my conversation with Kailyn, Ryan Galloway comes over to talk about our good ol’ journalism days. Obsessed NBA fan, R.G. married Jonny Flynn because of his intense obsession. He has miraculously, through scientific advancements around year 2028, managed to father two children, neither of whom are Flynn’s. He has high hopes that his children will be star football players, and share his love of sports.

After getting some refreshments, I accidentally run into Rachel Clark, who has since graduated from Columbia. Although she received a good education, she lacks any sense of fashion thanks to her student loans and showed up in her usual wind suit purchased at Wal-Mart. Sadly, the APUSH class taught her nothing about

economics.

As usual, Steve LiVoti has his computer and is working at a table in the corner like he used to in journalism. Steve LiVoti is now president of Geek Squad, a computer business. He is very successful multimillionaire who also breeds afghan poodles.

I couldn’t help but notice the radioactive glow from across the room, Liz Waterbury is currently treating her second case of Vitamin D overdose from excessive sun exposure and has successfully sold one bottle of the new fragrance she created, entitled “Paris please be my BFF.” When I look at Jazzy Davis, sitting alone in the corner, I saunter over to talk to her. As I predicted, Jazzy is still single and is currently the C.E.O. of the new foundation, Single for Life.

Although her business is successful, her love life is not. Not far from Davis is Britt Ross who is still running constantly in things like marathons and charity races. However, her parents fail to make any of the races because they are busy supporting her younger sister at her basketball games in the WNBA. Although I didn’t actually see Brian Richmond, I’ve heard he’s still an aspiring novelist. Though he has not yet released any of his publications, he is working on a novel in the jungle, and

sadly, he has yet to return to the United States.

As Emily DiFabio runs up to me with glee, she tells me of the hardships she has endured. After college, she became an elementary teacher, but the sight of children made her sick.

Blair Harvey graduated early from high school to begin practicing black magic full-time in her basement. She frequently performs voodoo on all of her former journalism classmates and teacher, Mr. Bill Reeser.

While talking to Emily, she fills me in on all of the gossip. Monek Cullen aspired to be a lawyer but we all knew that would never happen.

Lawyers don’t make excuses and Monek has one for every letter in the alphabet.

The reunion happened to be on the same day as Mr. Reeser’s 75th Birthday, a day he never thought he would see because shortly after retiring, he became a skydiving instructor.

As for the students I failed to mention; don’t take it to heart, it’s simply that you’re just not as easy to make fun of. Although some of this may be seen as a little harsh, it’s just a little foreshadowing ­. ­Also remember, Eleanor Roosevelt once stated, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Dual Enrollment a Great Way to Start College Liz’s Lingo

Senior year… the year full of Liz Waterbury partying and celebrating the last year of high school, typically no Regents to worry about, and a low stress year overall . . . or at least that is what some seniors make of it. “Senioritis” affects many students during their senior year, and the excitement for college strengthens as the year progresses. Although senior year is perceived to be an easy-going, lowstress year by many, colleges still take your senior course selection into consideration, as well as the performance accompanied with those classes.

There are many options for seniors to show colleges their commitment to grades and academics.

Some students take challenging courses to defy the easy-going stereotypical senior year. One option that is becoming more and more popular at Oswego High School and high schools across the United

Buccaneer Bulletin

States is officially called “Dual Enrollment.” This is when a high school student takes classes at his/her high school, as well as enrolling in courses at a local college. The trend usually begins during junior and senior years, but some students have even started as soon as they came into high school in ninth grade.

This is a great experience for students at our high school, especially having a college practically right in our own back yard--SUNY Oswego. It is a way to step out of one’s comfort zone and immerse oneself into the expectations of college coursework.

Although this means extra work, and a higher level of performance, it is a chance to leave the building for an hour or two and better prepare for college the following year. On top of those advantages, one of the biggest advantages is that these courses will fulfill some of the general education courses colleges require for freshmen such as English composition, math, history and a foreign language.

The credits will transfer as credits toward the high school transcript.

According to US News, a student named Ankit Ghandi in Tampa, Florida began college algebra in

seventh grade at the University of South Florida, and had 16 college courses completed before he even graduated from high school. He entered Penn State as a freshman this past fall as a junior, and will move on to medical school in just two years.

Acquiring college credit ahead of time will help save money while in college, and speeds up the educational process. School officials in Florida and a number of other students, according to US News, report that dual enrollment is a big motivator for students to pursue college, and work against “senioritis.”

Although this seems it is just for very gifted teens, this is definitely not the case. Beginning college during the later years of high school is the most realistic and beneficial way to go. I enrolled in SUNY Oswego this year and found this to be a great experience; I would definitely recommend it to sophomores and juniors for their next school year.

I have not only acquired many college credits, but I have gained confidence for entering college. I also have learned exactly what to expect at the next level of my education.

June 2009

Point/Counterpoint

6

Should OHS Require Summer Reading?

By Jasmine Davis

yES

Let’s be completely honest; no one wants do to school work over the summer. Summer is supposed to be for relaxing, having fun, and being stress-free. Summer is for spending time outside, hanging out with friends, and sleeping in. Summer is not about “reading, writing and ‘rithmetic” when all you want to do is go to the beach. But what’s the harm in summer reading assignments?

I’m pretty sure that Oswego High School is one of the very few schools that does not send out a required, or even a recommended summer reading list.

Most schools have such lists--at the very least for their honors classes. If you go online and Google “summer reading assignments” you get approximately 114,000,000 hits for sites with thousands of schools’ required summer reading assignments.

The purpose of this column is not to question why Oswego High doesn’t require summer reading, the purpose is to say that we definitely should.

Although it may seem like the school year is long enough, there really isn’t a lot of time to get through the required curriculum, especially when it comes to literature. The teacher must allow a reasonable amount of time to finish a book because students read at extremely varying levels. Assigning books that students must read over the summer is a good idea. It saves class time and allows for more preparation for the end-of-the-year final. It’s not an unreasonable request to read one or two books before the school year starts, and take some notes and write a paper.

Writing a paper may be the last thing you want to do before the school year has even started, but consider the phrase “I’m bored.” That is a statement that we’ve all said many times in our lives (admit it), especially during the summer. During the summer, there are always those afternoons and nights where you’re stuck at home with nothing to do. This would be a good time to work on required summer reading. Having approximately two months to read a book or two and write an essay isn’t exactly strenuous.

Buccaneer Bulletin

By MaryKate Torbitt

no

I personally love to read and will pick up any book you suggest to me, to at least test out the first few chapters. I read more during the summer than I do in the regular school year, just because there is more free time in my day. I know I am not alone and that this is a common trend with just about every student. But many may have the mindset, “It’s my summer and my time. I want to be stupid and should be allowed to be.” I believe students, and people in general should always have a book at hand to read while waiting at the dentist’s office, or to pull out when they get stuck in an elevator, or to preoccupy themselves while lying by the pool so they don’t get sunburned by falling asleep. This isn’t exactly the issue students who actually read are facing.

My opposition is not to summer reading, but to required summer reading.

Circulating a pre-selected list of books for a group for the entire summer doesn’t make sense. There are just too many diverse interests, too many books, and too many different genres to even suggest a summer reading list that’s right for one group. Everyone reads at his own rate and his own unique level. We have all seen the lists that come with our schedules at the beginning of each year. They vary between grades, but the one that stands out vividly in my mind was titled “Books you should read before high school.”

I was part of a group of students at the time that read more than anyone else in our grade. The majority had read half of the books on that list, never heard of a quarter of them and the other quarter contained titles that we purposely ignored in the library because it held absolutely zero interest for any of us. I am sure that is the list had recommended books to try if we had already read others I would have considered. We stick to certain authors, genre, and topics because they can hold our interest for an entire book. If that is what keeps students reading, then why would a list of classic books be assigned for the summer? I would assume the only result from an assignment would be a heightened use of Sparknotes.com towards the end of August.

I don’t completely oppose reading lists, but I’d prefer a recommended reading inventory, instead of a mandatory summer reading curriculum.

June 2009

Columns

7

Make the Most of Summer in Oswego theater that is decent and a drive-in in Minetto.

I know that high school students and money aren’t exactly on the same end of Kaitlyn Scanlon the spectrum, but Oswego offers free entertainment as well. Breitbeck Park and As the school days whittle away, there are two Franklin Square are just things on the minds of students: the agony they call two examples of places in Regents exams, and summer!

Oswego where you can go Summer is what keeps people going throughout with friends and play an the year; only what I have found is that when it intense game of ultimate comes around, it often goes by wasted--too much Frisbee, or just play on the sleeping until noon, too much television, too little playground. Or if you’re activity. Whatever the case, people seem to take up for a little drive, Fair summer for granted.

Haven and Sandy Island are Or maybe it’s just me. beaches in the area that are As summer goes by and the new school year worth checking out. Flat approaches, the list of “I should have done this” gets Rock is closer to home, plus longer. Then it’s back to the same old school day you haven’t had the true routine.

Oswego experience until Sure “vegging” out all summer can be fun for a you have walked the break while, and it beats school, but it gets old. wall in the harbor and get an courtesy of google images So how do you break the continuous cycle of up close view of the light Walking the break wall and getting an up close view of the lighthouse boring summers? It’s as simple as taking advantage house. is just one of the many activities Oswego has to offer. Not only is it of the activities right in our area, and having an Camping and concerts good exercise and beautiful, but it’s free. open mind. are also easy, and fairly First off, when you think about summer and inexpensive. and honoring all those who were murdered during Oswego, Harborfest should pop into your mind.

Another option for summer free time is to check the Holocaust. Also, at the H. Lee White Marine Fireworks, carnival rides, food, what more could out the history of Oswego. I know it’s summer, not Museum, you can check out naval artifacts and you ask for from a small town? Also, you are not school, but Oswego is a very historical place and it history. The Oswego Railroad Museum and the a man until you have had Hawaiian ice. The New would be a shame not to know the history behind Oswego County Historical Society are other York State Fair is another fine summer activity. your own town. possibilities for all you history buffs, too. There’s Cotton candy, farm animals, the midway. How For instance, during World War II, 982 refugees even the John D. Murray Firefighters’ Museum could you pass that up? were allowed into the United States as “guests” of located behind the Eastside Fire Headquarters.

Plus, Oswego is now officially on the map, since President Franklin D. Roosevelt. These refugees Don’t leave out volunteering and working we have a “Taste of Oswego.” were housed at Fort Ontario in Oswego, from for summertime filler. Soup kitchens and animal If you are stuck in Oswego for the majority August 1944 until February 1946. And now the shelters across the area always need help, and there’s of the summer, I feel your pain, but start with the Safe Haven Museum, located at the Fort Ontario, a sense of satisfaction in helping those in need.. classics. Nothing instills that summer feeling like is dedicated to keeping alive the stories of the Movie marathons can also provide some a trip to Rudy’s or Bev’s. We also have a movie refugees and how they were received in our city, entertainment. There is nothing like a back-to-back showing of DVDs at home, of all the “Bring it On” movies, for instance, or a horror movie night with popcorn and friends. Here’s an activity without “What’s Your Opinion” is a regular Buc Bulletin feature. In the much energy. It’s a win-win. Or if you are athletic or October 2006 issue we asked RJ Lowery, “Are there any negatives an exercise person, marathons and summer sports are an excellent way to spend summer days. about the OHS cafeteria this year? We asked him again, last week.

If you like speed, but not running, there’s also Oswego Speedway for auto racing nearly every weekend.

“Big hole in the wall, So, as the summer approaches, plan “It’s really crowded out activities and take advantage of all your tables are always around. and having all these opportunities, but if you end up in Oswego there Construction during the people around makes it are numerous things you can do for entertainment, school year is a bad idea.” hard to eat.” whether free or a bit pricey there is something for everyone.

During summer, we are school-free, so don’t waste it.

Scanlon’s Style

Buccaneer Bulletin

June 2009

8

News

OHS Bids Goodbye to 3 Familiar Faces Librarian Closes This Chapter of Her Life

By Mackenzie Oatman Reporter

“I’m not telling you when I really started,” Mrs. Janet Bernreuther stated with a laugh, referring to her career in education.

Bernreuther is retiring this month as librarian at Oswego High School, and has been a part of education for more than twenty five years.

Bernreuther began her journey as a student in Paris, France where she earned her Master’s Degree in French literature. She returned to the United States and worked in a French/Canadian bank in New York City. It wasn’t long before Bernreuther left again for France.

“It’s like my second home,” she stated. Back in France, she taught English, which marked the beginning of her teaching career.

After returning to the United States, Bernreuther taught for four and a half years at North RoseWolcott High School, Lyons High School, and Waterloo Junior High School before becoming a substitute here at Oswego High School for one semester, and then a full time French

teacher.

In 1993, while teaching French here, Bernreuther received her Master’s Degree in library science from Syracuse University. She achieved this by going to classes at night and during summer sessions.

From 1997-1998 she took a job at Riley Elementary School in the library. Soon after, she returned to OHS as a French teacher. She has been a librarian here since 2000.

“Every day is different,” Bernreuther commented about her job in the library. “I get to help all different classes and I learn something new all the time.”

Mrs. Stephanie Steiger and Mrs. Kathleen Comerford have both been working in the Oswego High School library with Bernreuther for three years. Steiger stated, “It has been great working with her.” Comerford also added, “Mrs. Bernreuther will be missed.”

Bernreuther has a son and a daughter. Her son works independently from home in Chicago and her daughter practices dentistry in Pennsylvania. After

Educator Says Farewell

Photo by Kailyn gray

Mr. Robert Zuber will retire this month. He has spent 38 years in education. We profiled Zuber in last month’s issue. For the complete story, go to http://issuu.com/buccaneerbulletin/docs/may2009/7

Buccaneer Bulletin

Photo by Monek Cullen

Mrs. Janet Bernreuther, a librarian at OHS, places a book on its shelf.

retirement, she plans on possibly moving somewhere closer to her daughter, or at least going to a warmer climate where she “won’t have to take a shovel.”

Bernreuther also plans on spending her retirement traveling.

She wants to go back to France and also visit Italy, Hawaii, and Australia, among other destinations.

She said how much she will miss some of the people here at OHS, but she stated, “I am looking forward to the next stage.”

Custodian Says ‘It’s Time’

Photo by mackenzie oatman

Mr. Dave Warrington has been a custodian at OHS for thirty years.

He plans to enjoy his retirement and increase his involvement with community organizations such as the Elk’s Club and Moose Lodge.

June 2009

Column

9

Dysfunctional Staff Produces School Newspaper Shades of Gray Kailyn Gray

In 1986, a Buccaneer Bulletin reporter, Eric Dussere, wrote a column about a typical “Day in the Life” of the school newspaper. Little did he know that his idea would become a tradition that has lasted twenty-three years. Here’s this year’s installment about what a day at the Buccaneer Bulletin is like.

You read our issues every month, but what most people aren’t aware of is what really goes on behind the scenes here at The Buc Bulletin. What follows is an exposé, a scandal of scandalous proportions. This is, ladies and gentlemen, a typical day in the life of The Buccaneer Bulletin. The names have not been changed to protect the innocent, and believe us, this is all completely true.

12:57 PM – Like any other period, almost everyone arrives by the bell. We wait for Mr. Reeser to triumphantly announces “all rise” when Mr. McCrobie walks in, even though no one ever rises.

Nick Dunsmoor inadvertently insults McCrobie while trying with all his might to pay him a compliment. What was originally meant to flatter and impress, most of the time ends up sending us all into fits of laughter (like the day that Nick told our teacher he looked “voluptuous”).

McCrobie and Reeser usually list off daily announcements, followed by sassy remarks from one of the “Peanut Gallery,” aka the front row of students in the room, consisting of Mr. Hollywood Fred Maxon, Catie Furletti, Emily DiFabio, and me. Sometimes Caitlin Sawyer joins in, whenever it is she decides to show up for class. Most of the time these remarks are something devastatingly dumb coming from Emily DiFabio, which leave Mr. McCrobie with a look of utter horror at the sheer stupidity of it all. One such utterance from DiFabio; “Yeah, they’re enemies like Superman and…that other guy. Like Batman and Robin.”

1:15 PM – No one’s doing any work. It’s a typical journalism day. Well, no one’s doing any news-related work, that is. I’m expecting a nice fat check from nationalgeographic.com sometime soon for all the business I’ve drummed up managing to get almost every single person in the class to spend their 42 minutes putting together online puzzles. Look on any computer in the room and it’s either that, or prom dress shopping or espn.com or researching obscure Canadian bands (Freddy Max).

1:23 PM – The back row of computers is manned by underclassmen (probably working, since they’re the only people who actually do work). Steve

Buccaneer Bulletin

LiVoti is designing something fabulous for the front page, Rachel Clark is doing something way too smart for any of us to understand, and Katherine Robinson… well, we never really hear much from her, but every month we see her name in the paper alongside yet another good story.

1:27 PM – Impromptu games of “bumper chairs” break out, which normally go unnoticed (if you worked under the same circumstances we do, people slamming themselves into each other and walls via rolly-chairs is merely a blip on the mad-house radar screen). Monék Cullen is yet again explaining to fellow staffers that her name has an accent in it, even though I’m pretty sure she figures that no one cares enough to get it right.

Did I mention she speaks fluent gibberish? Mary Losurdo (on the days she is actually in school) is locked in yet another desperate power-struggle with McCrobie. Who knows this conflicts origins? More importantly, who cares?

It’s fun to watch all the same-especially when Mary baffles us all with her continuing hope for our teacher to actually have a soul by telling him that he’s “probably a good person” after he cuts her down for the fifteenth time this class. Ha. I’ll pause here to let the irony sink in.

Jasmine Davis is sitting around being depressed about the lack of acceptable dates in this city, and Liz Waterbury is shopping online for tanning lotion or something, while Britt Ross yells insults over her shoulder at me; even though we both know all she needs is a hug. Sports editor Ryan Galloway is, of course, looking up the scores of every game of every sport known to man. It breaks my heart, by the way, when true love comes screeching to a halt, and the fact that Galloway has given up his mancrush on Brett Favre leaves me forlorn and at a loss for things to bust on him for.

1:30 PM – FIGHT IN THE HALLWAY! Naturally, our journalists’ instincts kick in and we all run for the door. No one needs to know that the only reason we ran to the door was because we’re a bunch of gossip-loving “rabble-rousers.” Actually, I guess that cat’s out of the bag. Never mind.

1:35 PM – I just realized that I’ve neglected to mention the other side of the room, which isn’t surprising, seeing how I never hear anyone over there talk. Ever. Except, of course, for Brian Richmond. Oh, Brian, where do I begin? Well, when he’s not busy calling Caitlin Sawyer a “heartless cur” (whatever that means), he’s usually picking the topic for his next article to get everyone in school saying, “I’m going to murder that Richmond kid!” I don’t know how he developed his affinity for ticking people off, but whatever it is, he’s good at it.

Hazal Pacaci is our very own Turkish exchange

student, and it’s almost guaranteed that she’s the closest our class will ever get to being “cultured.”

She doesn’t say a lot, I imagine because she’s horrified by what she’s seen in this class. Hazal, please, don’t go back to Turkey and tell them how we really are! Blair Harvey and Heather Hanlon, are both big staff contributors, who never speak. I’m noticing a pattern here. The ones who don’t talk, are usually the most productive of our bunch. Well, I guess there’s no hope for me.

Trying to find something clever to say about the rest of the journalists in class who don’t cause a scene every time they open their mouths would be like trying to argue with Brian Richmond.

Pointless,. The end result of trying would be a massive migraine. So, Kijafa Berkley, Mackenzie Oatman, and Kathryn Whelsky, here’s to you for being the ones who are responsible for everyone still thinking we’re a sane class of intelligent, hard-working students, instead of the more accurate representation of a group of escaped mental patients, with the mannerisms and attention-spans of wild chimpanzees.

12:43 PM - The bell hasn’t rung yet, but already there are a noticeably greater number of open computers in the room. Not surprising, our advisers just chock it up to the ringing of the “silent journalism bell”--another decades-old Buc Bulletin tradition. Those who do stay behind are already logged off of their computers and chatting about whatever kind of gossip is going on here at OHS, and the smart kids continue working. Suck-ups. Kaitlyn Scanlon, who, like every day, has had countless opportunities to talk to our teachers during the class period, yet again chooses to wait until three seconds before the bell rings to go up and ask them numerous questions about who knows what, inevitably making them late for 9th period. Maybe it’s true, the journalism motto; “sophomores should be seen and not heard.”

So there it is, a typical day in the life of a staff member of the Oswego High School Buccaneer Bulletin. We’re crazy, quirky, fun, and certifiably insane, but despite our carefree attitudes and innate ability to make outsiders scratch their heads and ask, “Who let these kids out of their cages?” we also manage to consistently produce one of the best high school newspapers in New York State.

As we end this school year, it’s easy to see that we are no longer fellow journalists, we’re like family. The big, loud, embarrassing kind of family that you pretend not to be related to and don’t invite to parties for fear that one of us will stick our head in the punch bowl. Again.

No wonder our staff t-shirt exclaims, “WE HAVE ISSUES.”

June 2009

Senior F

10 University of Albany Emily Fiorini Binghamton University Sara Mollinari University of Buffalo Susan Al-Salameh Kelsey Scanlon Ashley Welsch Cazenovia College Carley Carson Jackie Terpening Clarkson University RJ Lowery Le Moyne College Chelsea Bartlett Jessica Benjamin Alexis Ranous Mike Rottenberk Pat Shafer John Feeney Brittany Fetterley Maureen Donovan Marymount Manhattan College Liz Conway Medaille College Kris Baum Niagara University Corrine Bartlett Emily Lloyd Carly King Katie Metcalf New York Institute of Technology Ashleigh Crouch Phillips School Trisha King University of Rochester Jason Audlin Rochester Institute of Technology Matt Dehm Kali Murphy Abe McAndrew Steve Stemple Kenny Krapf Chaz Kuczawa Syracuse University Adam Johnson Shanli LaTulip Michelle Cigler

Buccaneer Bulletin

St. John Fisher College Christian Scaccia Nick Mezza

SUNY Institute of Technology Joshua Allen Mike Benzing

St. John’s University Liz Waterbury

SUNY Morrisvile Tim Schmidt Bryan Syrell Jared Syrell

St. Josephs College of Nursing David Rollin St. Bonaventure University Joe Bucher Queens College Brad McGivney CUNY John Jay College Eva Mancuso SUNY Alfred Scott Taylor SUNY Albany Jiahui Shi Emily Fiorini Meghan Nyman SUNY Brockport Caitlin Sharkey Audrey Jackson Joe Battista SUNY Buffalo Heather Hanlon SUNY Canton Amanda Bennett Skylar Miller Chris Salladin Paige Soper Andy Meaney Brandon Ewig Tom Darling Nathan Diehl SUNY Cortland Mitch Galvin Gino Ruggio John Berkley SUNY Fredonia Jeff Ford Tom Graber Rachael Himes Rebecca Battles Garrett Robinson Kevin O’Connor SUNY Geneseo Eric Tyler Miles Graham

SUNY Oswego Anthony Sterio Ted Croucher Desiree Davis Emily Damiano Amber DeMar Emma Donovan Michael Dunham Kenny Bardin Olivia Capone Valerie Miller Fred Maxon Danielle Sperino Cassandra Taylor Nikki Willaims Amy Wilcox Derek Roth Elizabeth Yablonski Brian Familo Zach Geroux Casey Gill Fred Johnson Sara Kray Tim LaMay Sean Linehan Lillian Murray Katherine Van Wert Daniel Chetney Nathan O’Brien SUNY Potsdam Miranda Sereno SUNY Stonybrook Travis Tesoriero Bryant-Stratton College Diana Acevedo-Santiago Cassidy Carr Sabrina DelPhiore Danielle Jackson Erwin Sawyer Broome Community College Haley Dexter

Finger Lakes Community College Brandy Earl Brianna Amedio Brandon Auyer Gary Carpentier Michael McLaughlin Adam McPherson Nicholas Peel Eric Pehta Kali Walker Jake Russell Heather Sharkey Ryan Burger Austin Crisafulli Kali Walker Mohawk Valley Community College David Swan Christopher Coon Samantha Holloway Monroe County Community College Ellis Singleton Allen Linn Onondaga Community College Libby Moxley Joey McGrath Carly Babcock Frankie Files Matthew Farden Michaela Frost Blair Harvey Kristen Hoefer Jenna Delaney Brooke Eason Eric White Christie Jones Tom Schraeder Anastacia Pierce Luis Rosario Alicia Saya Josh Smith Megan Kavanaugh John Aylward Stephen Chwalek Suffolk Community College Jeff Allen

Herkimer Community College Kris Darling Toni Sevison

Tompkins-Cortland Community College Carissa Benson

Pratt MWP Nicole Bivens

BOCES Shelby DeLong

What’s N OHS Se Union AJ Crisafulli Nick Crisafulli Tom Cusyck Mike Dehm Brianna Distin Keith Barnes Mindy Bort Mike Segretto Anthony Servidio Brandon Kells Brandon LeGates Bruce Leone Chris Losurdo Matt Schroeder Luis Alvarado Josh Avery

Services David Abare- Marines Jenna Bailey- Navy Cody Broekhuizen- Air Force Davis Engle- Marines Adam McClelland- Air Force Rob Odin- Army Steve Pierce- Navy Eric Rojek- Navy Alex Stein- Navy Mike ThompsonMarines Hector Cirino -United States Navy

Cayuga Community College (CCC) Alyshia Backus Victoria Barker Kiafa-Monee Berkley Adam Earl TJ Dunsmoor Alyshia Backus Victoria Barker Corey Bloss Sarah Bracy Brandon Breitbeck Sarah Bunnell Arianna Burdick Kyle Burridge Joe Buske Ben Canale Olivia Capone Cheyehhe Monteith Kyle Mclntre Allysha Olcott Cara Pluff Mariah Pritchard John Regan Elizabeth Salm Derek Schute Seth Skinner Ryan Stanka Cody Stewart Keri Ann Susino Dillion White Steve Vincent Connor VanBrocklin Desaree Bartosek

CCC Continued Karastie Pfendler Dan Mitchelson Christina Losurdo Rachel Delapp Alexander Georgeff Matt Duplessis Jaimie Stiles Katrina Fellows Jacob Ford Josh Gehan Chelsea Gentile Kristin Hadley Alex Hall Sydney Hammond Chris Haney Tom Hough Nick Jadus Zachary Johnson Katie Kern Brett Konu Kelsey Kostoroski Josh Kszytyniak Larissa Lazzaro Meagan LeCuyer Drew Lombardo Chris Lower Josh Lyons Chelsea Taylor Steve Vincent Tyler Archer Joshua Lyons Eric Schrader

Features

11

Next for eniors?

cartoon by heather hanlon

Out of state colleges Savannah Bell- Winthrop University Madison Goulet-Worcester State College Kiara Wiltsie- East Carolina University Carissa Reed- University of New Hampshire Emily Fountain-Montana State University Ryan Galloway-West Virginia University Lauren Fahey- University of Alaska

Kailyn Gray- West Virginia University Dan Howse- Mississippi State University Brittany Howard- Limestone College Lauren Hunt- Gannon University Paul Kio- Messiah College Mariah LaLondePennsylvania Nicole Lautensack- Indiana Wesleyan University Andrew Anderson-Miami University

William Darvill- McGill University Henrick Ehrhardt- Oberlin College Mikayla Winkelstine- Slippery Rock University Erin Dorsey- Iona College Danielle Pauldine- Johnson and Wales Joe Purdy-Bringham Young University Amanda Reno- Daeman College Brian Richmond- Farleigh Dickenson University

Gretchen Sackman- Paul Smith’s College Elizabeth Scullin- Princeton University Jules Sheehan- Mercyhurst Adam Sweely- Art Institute of Atlanta Jesse Lalande- University of Dayton Tiemen Godwaldt- North Western College Philip Bolen II- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Brett McClelland - Mercyhurst College

Undecided Brandon Breitbeck Glen Carey Rachel Eddy Chris Emond Kyle Lawton Nicole Mandurano Michael Erickson Christina Flynn Keith Fuller Eric Gessine Megan Goodrich Matt Gunn Mary Ann Alton Mary McCloskey

June 2009

12

Walking the Plank

Get to Know Valedictorian Elizabeth Scullin Buccaneer Bulletin: Who was your all-time favorite teacher?

Elizabeth Scullin: That’s a hard question. I don’t know, I don’t want to make anyone mad. Probably…

Mr. Bob Burt. I felt like I learned a lot in his class, but we also did stuff that was really fun, like we had a trial and stuff.

ES: I guess yeah, that was always my goal, really.

BB: What’s your favorite school subject?

ES: Probably English. I like writing.

BB: What will be going through your head as you cross the stage at graduation?

ES: Probably just, I hope I don’t trip.

BB: What is the favorite book you read in high school and why?

ES: Well, actually, we’re reading Everything is Illuminated in English right now, and that will probably be it. It makes me think a lot, and it’s also really funny.

BB: What do you think you’ll miss most about high school?

ES: I think seeing my friends and all the people that I know, every single day.

BB: What do you think you’ll miss least about OHS? ES: I guess the people who annoy me.

BB: What’s one thing you think they should bring from the elementary schools to OHS? ES: Naptime. I’m tired all the time.

BB: If you could change one thing about OHS, what would it be?

ES: I wish that everyone cared a little bit more and there weren’t so many kids who liked to cause problems instead of doing work.

BB: If you had to be a teacher or faculty member at OHS for a day, who would you be?

ES: Hmm… I guess Mr. Myles.

That would be interesting.

BB: Have you been striving to become the valedictorian since you were a freshman, or did it just happen?

Buccaneer Bulletin

BB: Are you excited to be graduating, or do you think you’ll miss high school?

ES: I am excited for everything in the future, but I definitely will miss being here.

BB: Do you have any advice for people who want to achieve what you have?

ES: Just work hard and don’t stop working hard.

BB: What do you do in your spare time?

ES: Well, until recently, I guess I mostly just did gymnastics and homework all the time, but now I just do homework and hang out with my friends.

BB: What was your favorite TV show when you were a little kid?

ES: Rocko’s Modern Life.

BB: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which one would you pick?

ES: Project Runway, if that counts as a reality show.

BB: If you had to eat the same thing for breakfast every day for the rest of your life, what would you pick?

ES: Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

BB: What’s your favorite band?

ES: My favorite artist is Matt Costa. He’s not a band, he’s just one guy.

BB: If you had a million dollars, how would you spend it?

ES: I would probably buy a bunch of clothes and share the money with my family.

BB: If you could live anywhere on earth, where would it be?

ES: I think New York City. I’ve gone there probably twenty times. I like that there’s so much happening all the time and so much to do.

BB: What do you want to be now?

ES: I think an anthropologist, maybe. I don’t know, I keep telling people that. I’m not really sure what they do.

BB: What’s your favorite movie?

ES: Pride and Prejudice.

BB: Do you know what you’re going to major in?

ES: Probably social science or English or something like that.

BB: Blue or black ink?

ES: I would say black, except I think the only pen in my locker is blue, so I end up using that more.

BB: What’s the best place to eat in Oswego?

ES: I like that Thai restaurant, House of Thai.

BB: What’s your biggest fear?

ES: Probably just being a huge failure.

BB: If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would you pick and why? What would you eat?

ES: I think I would say, my three grandparents who have died, and I think I’d probably want to eat something that my grandma made. I don’t care what.

BB: You seem to have a very defined sense of style. Would you say you’re into fashion? Do you have any specific inspirations?

ES: Yeah. I don’t know, I like vintage stuff, like ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s…

BB: What’s something most people might not know about you that you wish they did?

ES: I guess that I’m not, like, ridiculously smart, really. Half the time I’m not really thinking about anything. I don’t know. I don’t know if I’d want people to know that.

BB: What was your dream job when you were little?

ES: When I was little, I think for a while I wanted to be a dentist. I don’t know why.

BB: Was Princeton your firstchoice school?

ES: I didn’t really think about Princeton. I guess my first choices were Harvard and Yale, and I didn’t really think about Princeton as being up there. I applied because I could, and then I got in and I learned more about it and realized that it was really great.

BB: What were the top four schools that you were choosing between?

ES: Actually, I only applied to four. So Princeton, Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. But I only got into Princeton and Stanford.

BB: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

ES: I hope I have a job, and if everything goes like I think right now, maybe I’ll be an anthropologist or a writer or something, but I don’t really know what’s going to happen.

BB: What are you looking forward to most about college?

ES: I guess expanding what I know about the world, and meeting a lot of people that you don’t really get here in Oswego.

Editor’s Note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin.

This month’s installment was compiled by Rachel Clark and Mary Losurdo.

If you know of a student or staff member you’d like to see walk the plank, contact Emily DiFabio at edifabio@oswego. org June 2009

Walking the Plank

13

Salutatorian Welsch Walks the Plank For Ashley Welsch, high school has been a positive experience. She feels secure and well prepared to enter the University at Buffalo in the fall.

BB: So Ashley, salutatorian, second in your class. That’s really something. What gave you the drive to try so hard?

AW: I don’t think I ever set out to be salutatorian. When I found out I was just like, “Hey, that’s cool!” But it was never my goal.

hang out with my boyfriend because I have to study or something, but it’s the same for him.

BB: So, is everyone in your family as smart as you? Or are you the black-sheep.

AW: My sister is pretty smart. My mom was like 7th in her class. And my dad’s a musician, so I guess I get that from him.

BB: Who do you look up to, if anyone?

A: I don’t really have a role model; I just want to be successful.

BB: Favorite high school memory?

AW: I’d say all the junior and senior class activities.

BB: Does academic success come easy to you or do you feel you really have to work for it?

AW: It comes pretty easily. I just do the work, hand it in on time, and study for tests.

BB: What would you do if you won 10 million dollars?

AW: Pay for college, my car, save for an apartment or a house. I think I’d give some to my family, and maybe some to charity.

BB: Which year in high school was your favorite? Least favorite?

AW: My senior year is my favorite; 10th grade was my least favorite.

BB: What was your favorite childhood T.V. show?

AW: Kratts’ Kreatures.

BB: What is your favorite school activity?

AW: I don’t really have a favorite. I enjoy a lot of things, and I like everything I do.

BB: What kind of music do you listen to?

AW: Surprisingly, a lot of hip hop/rap, and dance.

BB: What sports do you enjoy? Do you play any?

AW: I run track and I used to play soccer. I like going to soccer games and football games.

BB: Was it ever difficult to find a healthy balance between friends and schoolwork?

A: Not really. Sometimes I won’t be able to

Buccaneer Bulletin

BB: What is your favorite book?

AW: Angels and Demons was a really great book. We read it in 9th grade Global. I’d say that’s one of my favorites.

BB: If had one day to live, in full health, what would you do?

AW: I would spend the whole day doing things I enjoy with people I like being around.

BB: So, you went on the Costa Rica trip with the Environmental Club, right? Why were you interested in going?

AW: I saw the poster and it looked fun. I thought it would be a good way to wind down my senior year. Also, I’m interested in environmental issues and I might specialize in Environmental Law. BB: If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

AW: Europe, just all around Europe.

BB: What do you think is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at Oswego High School?

AW: Life skills, being able to juggle so much at one time. And because of my education, I think I am better prepared for college.

BB: What are your plans for after high school?

AW: I’m going to the University at Buffalo and I want to major in Social Sciences with a concentration in legal studies. I eventually would like to become a lawyer.

BB: How do you feel about going three hours away for college?

AW: I feel fine. I love the school and I think I will be happy there.

BB: When you were little, what did you want be “when you grew up?”

AW: A truck driver so that I could drive to Africa.

BB: Do you have any advice for incoming freshmen to Oswego High School?

A: Try to find the fun in everything. As far as school work goes, just get it done. Challenge yourself whenever you can.

June 2009

Arts and Entertainment

14

Darvill Closes Outstanding Music Career

By Catie Furletti Managing Editor

Bill Darvill went to NYSSMA solo fest this year and did very well. From those scores, he advanced to the Conference All State, which is quite an honor.

Darvill also went to All Eastern; over nine states on the East coast participate in All Easterns. “These kids are the best musicians from the East coast. Being invited to All Eastern is an amazing accomplishment,” stated Mrs. Cheryl Rogers. It was held this year in March in Providence, Rhode Island. Darvill is playing with the orchestra on June 4 the first movement of Symphony Espagnole, a very difficult piece. Rogers is thrilled that we can showcase his talent this way. Bill Darvill and Henrik Ehrhardt performed a duet at NYSSMA, and received an outstanding award for the performance.

The piece was an extremely difficult level five. The duet was on the cello. They only had been playing the cello for as long as it took to learn the duet.

Photo by Fred Maxon

Bill Darvill practices playing the violin recently in the orchestra.

Music Department Update Bands

The two jazz ensembles performed May 21 at 7:00 pm at the OHS theatre with the middle school musicians. There was a special guest artist, trombone player, Art Baron. Baron is a professional musician in New York City, and has played with big jazz musicians, like Bruce Springsteen.

Currently, Baron is on tour with Bruce Springsteen.

On May 29 all three bands at OHS had their end-of-the-year concert. This concert is for the seniors. There will be a slide show of the seniors, and at the end of the concert , all of the bands will play a peice together.

The Jazz Ensemble A will be performing in the Syracuse Jazz Fest at OCC on June 26, at 7:30 pm.

If anyone is interested in joining the marching band for next year please see Mr. William Palange, or Mr. Steve Defren ASAP. The Central NY Percussion Ensemble is a select group of musician, comprised of the best young percussionists in the area. The group, conducted by Rob Sandrel, was featured at the Percussive Arts Society Day of

Buccaneer Bulletin

Percussion on April 25 at OCC. Two OHS students, Garrett Robinson and sophomore Tom James, were both selected as CNY “All Stars” and had the opportunity to perfom with several outstanding professional percussionists.

OHS Musical

My Fair Lady was the latest musical performed at OHS earlier this year.

The musical was agreat success, and everyone worked very hard. My Fair Lady was set in England, and had British accents, making dialouge especialy difficult.

Next year’s musical here at OHS will be Crazy for You. The musical is set in the 1930’s, in the Vaudeville days. The music and lyrics are by George Gershwin. The setting is in New York City, and the Wild West.

There will be a variety of parts, from showgirls to cowboys. Crazy for You will feature a lot of tap dancing, so anyone who can tap, please go audition.

The auditions will be held in October and November. Teachers Mrs. Laurel Artz, Ms. Veronica Shaver, and Mrs. Eve Phillips make sure the students at OHS get the full experience of acting, singing, and dancing.

June 2009

Columns

15

Graduating a Year Early is a Blessing T he Witch’s Way Blair Harvey At this time of year, it isn’t unusual to be nostalgic. I, however will not be participating in the sadness this year. I moved to this town in the first grade and have been waiting to leave ever since. As I got older, my experience in Oswego gradually got worse and worse. I got into my first fight in the sixth grade and it escalated into more and more fights ever since. I got so fed up with everyone in this town that I ended up being expelled from the eighth grade.

Things didn’t get better until tenth grade when I met my boyfriend, Derick. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have made it through this experience in one piece. He taught me everything I know and he made me realize that none of these people matter, and that it is what I do for myself that really counts.

If I still gave a rat’s behind about what other people thought of me, I wouldn’t be doing half of the things I am doing now. Derick made me want to change

Buccaneer Bulletin

and prove everyone wrong. Whether or not people on my own. I need to get away from Oswego and like me doesn’t matter, because I proved them give myself a chance to start over. I am not blaming wrong anyway. other people for my problems, I am just merely Now I am graduating a year early and I will be stating that the situation and the people I used to be attending Onondaga Community College next year. involved with were not good for me. Given this and Graduating early for me was surprisingly a breeze. my experiences, I feel I have grown up a lot and that It was the first time that I have been on the honor I learned to figure out how to make new friends and roll for the whole year and I think that is quite an good decisions. accomplishment for having a class every period. I Next year, I will not be here, and that is a like to be busy. In fact, I prefer it actually because blessing to me. I know that I will never have to go it is how I through anything like what I Usually people are sad about went through again. I can start stay out of trouble. I and be anyone I want leaving school, but I am not; it is over also like to to be. That is one of the best more like a good riddance to me. things about going to college. take classes every period Usually people are sad about because it leaving school, but I am not; it keeps me out of the hallways and away from people is more like a good riddance to me. Pardon me if I and confrontation. It makes my day go by faster. am sounding cruel, negative or ungrateful, but that I have a few select friends, but beyond that, is how I feel. I think that if people just knew how to not many. Most of my friends don’t even go to think about other people before themselves, then the this school. I have always gotten along better with world would be a better place. people who are older than me. I think this is because I regret nearly everything I did here. My advice of the lack of maturity in kids my own age. I would be for everyone to take extra care in making consider myself to be a little more grown up and that their decisions because they could lead to a life of is why I believe I am ready to start college and live misery.

June 2009

Columns

16

Like Most Americans, Hazal Makes Her Top 10 List A Foreign Perspective Hazal Pacaci Ever since I started writing columns for The Buccaneer Bulletin, I have either talked about my experiences or my country in my columns. Now that I have less than two months left in America, there is really no point in talking about those any more. I am pretty sure that you have a pretty good idea about Turkey and how it feels to be an exchange student.

Even though I really liked it here, there were some specific things that I hated or had to put up with.

It is not always the smartest move to say negative things about your host country, especially when I am surrounded by Americans (duh!), so I have to choose my words wisely.

However, in this column, I will be brave enough to talk about things that I am not going to miss about America. Here is my top 10 list: 10. School. Well, I already graduated in Turkey. I spent my entire

senior year sweating my butt off and studying for the university exam.

Not only did I wake up early every morning-even over the weekendsbut also studied pretty much 24/7.

Few Americans realize how easy the American educational system is. You guys have a way easier system than ours.

9. Swine flu. Oh my God! I came all the way to America and I am staying here when the swine flu is around. But don’t worry, I will survive. Turks are tough and Muslims don’t eat pork, just to let you know.

8.”Race Wars,” enough said.

7. The “Punch Bug” Game. I hated it because I was the one who got punched every time. And even funnier, when I wanted to play that game and punch people, I was in the car with my awesome host sisters Emily and Sam Fiorini at KFC getting food in the drive thru. Then I said with excitement, “Punch bug, no punch back ha-ha!” and I punched them, being so proud of myself since I got to punch people for the first time. Then Sam said, “But where is it?” I was puzzled. I said, “Where is what?” She said, “Where is the punch bug?” I said, “Well, I have no idea what you are talking about!”

They burst out laughing. How was I supposed to know that “punch bug” is not a random saying, but a type of car? I felt so embarrassed. Oh well, I am foreign, it happens. That’s my excuse.

6. Greek restaurants. Not that I hate Greeks, but the fact that there are more Greek restaurants than Turkish restaurants here is pretty annoying.

5. Thanksgiving. I didn’t hate the tradition of getting together as a family or having dinner; I actually loved it. But I kept asking myself, “Why Turkey?” Of all the birds on earth, “Why Turkey?” Yeah, you get what I mean.

4. Being called “Hazel” and other various versions of it. No. My name is Haz-al. How hard is it to say that? Being called “Hazel” over and over again especially after all those corrections...No, I don’t really like it, and I won’t miss that at all !

3. The Fauxhawk. Well, I know that it is some kind of a team spirit thing for sports, but come on, not every guy looks good with the fauxhawk.

2. Stupid Turkey Questions.

Those are the most overwhelming things that I had to put up with. “Do you have turkeys in Turkey?”, “What

do Turkey (not Turkish!) people eat?”, “Do you have microwaves in Turkey?”, “Do you have cell phones in Turkey?”, “Is Turkey even a country?” I don’t understand what makes some people think that America has everything, but the other countries don’t have anything. And those turkey jokes, “You know what I had for lunch today, Hazal, turkey!”

“Yay! Good for you!

And here is the last thing…

1. SHARKS. Oh I hate those. I am deathly scared of the ocean!

Besides all of that, I would like to say, please don’t take offense to this column. I just wanted to write a fun column. There are a lot of things that I am going to miss about America. I can’t believe that I have been here for almost eleven months. Time went by so fast and now it is almost time to go back. I just want to thank everybody who made my life and experience even more awesome. My host families that actually took care of me, my friends who made me laugh all the time and my teachers who always supported me… Thank you !

Thank you America, I will never forget this unique experience.

Columnist: No Denying Your Buccaneer Roots Continued from page 4

plans to go somewhere, and then lost each other, Stevens used in the film and a 7” vinyl single of a searched for each other, found each other a few demo version of the song “Don’t Be Shy” and an feet away,” F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great alternate version of “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Gatsby, and this will be the story of the rest of Out.”Even if you can’t track down this film, or this our lives. We’ll go off to college or stay here at soundtrack, find a “Best-of” Yusuf Islam/ Cat Stevens compilation album and listen

Commend or condemn OHS, to it. His music transcends genre, making it a musical treat for any fan of any type of we can not deny that we’ve music.

I know that, throughout my high school been here; that we’ve walked career, I may have reviewed things that these halls, that we’ve been a may have seemed odd, but I always tried Buccaneer. to deliver the messages of Maude through other mediums-- be an individual, but work together; understand others, be empathetic. I rarely home--a scholarly Diaspora. We’ll see each other heard of anyone actually taking my advice and over breaks, and will exchange pleasantries like checking out something I reviewed, and while I’m “How’re you doing?” and “How’s college?” After not bitter-- everyone has his/her own things to do-- college, we’ll take jobs on the east coast, the west I highly suggest that, over the summer, between coast, in the Great Plains or here in CNY. We’ll see pool parties, cookouts and farewells, you check out each other less, if at all. No matter what we go on some of the stuff I’ve reviewed. to do, where we go or what we tell ourselves, we “People disappeared, reappeared, made can’t deny that we have, at one point, been in each

Buccaneer Bulletin

other’s lives. Commend or condemn OHS, we can not deny that we’ve been here; that we’ve walked these halls, that we’ve been a Buccaneer.

I don’t know what you think of me, but I don’t think that’s all that important. I just want you to know, members of the Class of 2009, that I have nothing but respect for each of you. As for how I feel about parting, I end my reviews for the Buccaneer Bulletin with a nod to how I began. In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Chbosky writes “So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.”

Sincerely,

Fred Maxon Editor-in-Chief, 2008-2009

June 2009

Entertainment

17

Friendships Gained and Lost Over the Years Ross’ T houghts Brittany Ross “People come into your life and they go. But it’s comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart... and if you’re very lucky, a plane ride away,” said “Sex and the City” star Carrie Bradshaw.

As my third year of high school comes to an end, watching this “Sex and the City” episode made me consider the friendships I maintain, and the people who have fizzled out in my life. As these friendships have come to an end over the years, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As we change and grow, we also change and grow apart from each other.

I feel especially lucky knowing that I’ve maintained one of my most important friendships since my first day of kindergarten. Granted, we have minor disagreements with each other on occasion, I could never change a thing about her. She wouldn’t be the same person, who has been there with me from driving her golf cart around her development, to driving our mothers insane time and time again.

“The only reason God didn’t make us sisters is someone so similar to my own personality. I can because one mom couldn’t handle us both.” tell this person anything, and know and trust that Then there’s the friend whom you share all of I won’t be judged for anything I tell her. She can your childhood memories with, and this friendship somehow relate. came crashing to an end once middle school hit.

Along with these special people in my life, I Sometimes, you may be fortunate enough to regain found I can trust. As you grow and change over the this past bond in your later years of high school, years, you also discover the ones who may have so to the photos of past memories, you have newly disappointed you. Sometimes this is a whole group added photos to this collection. of friends, or maybe even a best friend who wasn’t Unfortunately, because of some events that the person you thought he or she was. I’ve learned have taken place a lot about people in the past in school this year,

As you grow and change few years, and unfortunately, a I lost a best friend close friend can betray months over t he year s you al so or years of trust you’ve built who has been with me through discover the ones who may up. Regardless, you keep the countless memories people whom you can trust and have disappointed you. since middle truly appreciate close to you, school. Obviously and can’t worry about the rest.

I don’t completely lose her just because she will be Although you may have lost touch with some attending a different school, but I’m not willing to people, you can’t dwell on the past. As I’ve said accept the fact that she won’t be walking the stage before, these people may be there for you later in with me when graduation rolls around. Frequent life when you never expected this relationship to be fajita trips and car rides with a Taylor Swift CD re-kindled. “Happiness comes in many forms -- in won’t be the same. the company of good friends, in the feeling you get Most people think you need to have had a friend when you make someone else’s dream come true, for numerous years before you’re truly best friends, or in the promise of hope renewed. It’s OK to let however a relationship with one of my closest yourself be happy because you never know how friends just began this past summer. I’ve never met fleeting that happiness might be.”

Senior Year Costs Prep us for Real-World Expenses T he Witch’s Way Blair Harvey Given the current state of our economy, many people have had to cut back on their expenses. A lot of families have faced hardships because they have lost their jobs or have been laid off and they cannot have as many luxuries as they used to. Many children are bearing the burden of our down economy because our parents are being hit the worst. This means that some of us can’t afford to “do” senior year this year.

A rough estimate puts the total cost of senior year at about two thousand dollars. That does not include your personal graduation party and college. That amount of money is about the equivalent to a first semester at a community college.

This two thousand includes the senior

Buccaneer Bulletin

trip, prom, the senior dinner dance, She will be attending Oswego State have to rely on their parents. Some the senior picnic, the yearbook, next year. The only other options for parents can’t afford some of these graduation announcements and paying for school are scholarships, and things and don’t pay for them. That any other events or necessities those are very competitive and you means some seniors have to miss out for seniors. Whether or not senior may not get them. This was almost on some fun activities. This is the year is too expensive depends on the case for OHS senior Kali Murphy case for OHS senior Chris Coon, who what you do and who you are. If who will be attending Rochester pays his own way. He said, “I couldn’t you didn’t want to go on the senior Institute of Technology next year. She afford to go on the senior trip because trip, that is $960 off the the payments were due four tab already. If you didn’t before my birthday.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to go to days want to go to prom, that For other people, however, college if it wasn’t for the grants, this isn’t a problem if they is also about $300-400 in “savings.” If you don’t want scholarships, awards and parent make enough money. Senior to get a class ring that is yet Desiree Davis makes $9.50 plus loans I received.” another less an expense of an hour as a CNA at Seneca several hundred dollars.

Kali Murphy Hill to help finance her One cutback graduates year.

Class of 2009 seniorSenior of ’09 may include is year may be college tuition. Some expensive, but it is only children are being told that they can’t stated, “I wouldn’t have been able to the beginning of all of the financial go to college because their parents go to college if it wasn’t for the grants, decisions that we will be making in can’t afford it. Financial aid may be scholarships, awards and parent plus the future. We will likely be in debt by able to help, but some people make loans I received.” the time we get out of college. Though too much money to qualify for it.

Many seniors have jobs that help it’s costly, many people don’t think Elizabeth Yablonski a senior, said, “It pay for all of these requirements, but that senior year is that expensive, was too expensive to go to college, it is especially harder for the seniors compared to what we are going to be but then I received grants and loans.” who don’t have jobs because they up against in the future.

June 2009

18

Buccaneer Bulletin

Advertisement

June 2009

Sports

l o o h sc s k a re b d d r n o a c l l e r e McCl e scoring s s o r c la

IN LL Y O N A J U ENR R ETB S A K R IO -YE AS N R ’B E S OU LS F IR G

19

Excitement is back for Oswego High sports

Tom on t Darli he D ng: iam a Le ond ader and the Ice

Galvin wraps up stellar track c areer OHS FOOTBALL BUCCANEERS RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

Buccaneer Bulletin

June 2009

Buccaneer Sports

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

2008-2009 ohs Senior athletic award nominees

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.

-Vince Lombardi

Volume 12 Number 7 June 2009 Graphic Illustration by Mike Brown Page layout by steve livoti