March 2010

Editorial

2

Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Caitlin Sawyer Managing Editor Catie Furletti Layout Editor Rachel Clark Senior Writer Emily DiFabio Senior Columnist Mary Losurdo Chief Photographer Mackenzie Oatman Art Director Kimberlyn Bailey Business Manager Aaron Callahan Webmaster Kaitlyn Scanlon Sports Editor Christina Buckingham Entertainment Editor Faith Whitely Clublicity Editor Shaughnessy Darrow Alumni Editor Aaron Callahan Photographer Mary Kate Torbitt Ad Representative Dacota Kazyaka Ad Designer Emily Fultz Art Staff Ashley Fidler Sports Writers

Brittany Ross, Jasmine Davis, Vanessa Sheiffield Reporters Kylie Wyman 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.

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.

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Drawing Illustration by Kimberlyn Bailey

…to John Gorman, Andrew Bush, Colin Morgan, Mackenzie Dunsmoor, Haley Annal, Nikole Bonacorsi, Kaitlyn Scanlon, Andrew DiVita, and Norman Berlin who participated in the OCAY League Competition this month. …to Chelsea Sereno whose art piece “Bones” will be the featured work being exhibited from now through April 4, 2010 at the Everson Select Exhibition, that showcases work from the Central New York regional competition of high-school art students. …to the students who have stepped up and had their voices heard at the Board of Education meetings about various issues pertaining to our school and community. …to Rachel Clark for being one of 15,000 National Merit finalists. The scholarship program is from the PSAT that she took during junior year, and is one of the most prestigious in the country. …to the National Honor Society for its annual rally for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through this letter-writing campaign the students and contributors will help pay for chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants for children afflicted with cancer. …to Aaron Callahan for his selection to attend the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. This is a selective conference that will teach him valuable information about government, communication, and leadership. …to Kimberlyn Bailey to making it in to the top 64 contestants for Zinch.com “Sweet Diggity Dawg” scholarship which could give her the chance to win $20,000.

…to the students who have been stealing library books. The books can be easily checked out instead of stolen from the school. …to the supply of tissues being gone for the year. Better bring your own tissues from home during the spring allergy season. ...to the New York State budget and the chaos it has caused for school districts and cities.

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March 2010

Editorial

3

Closing Parks is Closing History From flying kites on its grounds to being enthralled by its historic cannons and weaponry on a third-grade field trip, everyone in Oswego has likely come into contact with Fort Ontario at some point. This imposing landmark on the shores of the lake whose name it bears has been, in some form, a part of Oswego’s landscape for over 250 years. Yet the existence of ‘the Fort’ is now facing a serious threat: New York State’s massive budget crisis.

Although the New York State Parks system is the oldest American system of its kind and has won awards recognizing its quality, Governor David Paterson has proposed a moneysaving scheme the likes of which have never been seen in the state – the closure of 55 parks and historic sites. The list of sites at risk most notably includes our own Fort Ontario, which Oswegonians have likely taken for granted in the 40 years since it was absorbed into the New York State Park system. The plan also proposes service reductions at numerous sites, including the closure of the beach at Selkirk Shores State Park, one of Oswego County’s few public beaches.

While it’s been made quite clear that New York is in crisis, the choice to essentially throw away these priceless preserves of history and nature is certainly not a good one. Obviously, the folks in Albany aren’t the only ones hard up for

cash – everyone in the state is dealing with the recession. This is driving residents toward any avenue through which they may save money, including cheaper entertainment and vacations, often found at state parks. Paterson has decided to eliminate these opportunities which both benefit New Yorkers and provide revenue for the state, creating a lose-lose situation.

The selection of sites to be closed also does not appear to have been considered in a logical, intelligent fashion. For example, when it comes to its former function as an emergency war refugee center for Holocaust victims, Fort Ontario is legitimately the only place of its kind not only in New York, but in the whole of the United States. Its role during wars in the early years of the nation is substantial enough that it has found its way into history books nationwide.

Allowing such a unique, irreplaceable resource to fall into the abyss of forgotten history would frankly be a crime.

The selection of recreational activities in Upstate New York is fairly small, but the abundance of opportunities to enjoy nature and our history is one of the few positive aspects of life as an Upstate New Yorker. Now, even those simple pleasures are at risk. It is our responsibility to protect these invaluable sites by taking action and sending a message to Albany that we will not stand for the closure of Fort Ontario.

We Hope to Inform, Provoke Thought, Initiate Talk In newspapers, there is a persistent dichotomy between strictly informative, unprovocative, timid writing and writing with a much stronger narrative element, be it positive or negative. It’s the difference between newspapers that you toss in the trash after one quick read through and newspapers that you repeatedly peruse with a sharpened, critical eye. The latter, of which, has been evidenced in the fierce reaction to the last issue of The Buccaneer Bulletin. Never have we seen so many of you carrying around our spectacularly colorful paper with your books for days, or discussing, amongst your friends, the hottest topics the paper a week later.

We are, in fact, delighted to have any reaction to the newspaper from within the general student body. Whether it was the slanderous debates on the “Bailey is a Barbie Girl in a Real World”

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column, your fascination for the center spread about dreams, or your appreciation for our vibrant, artistic page one art; any response is welcome. Although we call ourselves “Oswego High School’s Student Voice,” we do not aim to be an overpowering, definitive opinion, but rather one voice amongst many in a greater conversation amidst the school. Real-life issues are often ambiguous and continually shifting, thus, the conversations must shift and change with the times.

We hope to continue our stake in the conversation as both a reflection and analysis in what is turning out to be a year of landmark changes in our school.

That being said, we would like to applaud the student body as a reactionary force beyond the pages of The Buccaneer Bulletin, spreading its concern across the expanses of other important matters. The

machine-like relentlessness the students took at discussing and acting upon the possibility of an eight period day, the closing of state parks and elementary schools show a powerful awareness of important matters. Even seniors who would be left unaffected stood against the bleak option for their underclassmen counterparts. There is a growing sense of community and justice, yet not at all diluted by the overriding word of the authorities, the administration; we can only hope that these analytical reactions for the paper and school policies continue with as much vigor as they boast now.

Perhaps Thomas Jefferson said it best: “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”

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Why should Fort Ontario remain open?

Ryan Sheridan “It develops childrens’ minds, and builds stronger bonds within the community.”

Class of 2012

Kristina Stemple

“It’s an important historical place, and the one place in the U.S. that held Holocaust refugees.”

Class of 2011

Eric Witmer “It brings millions of dollars to Oswego.”

Class of 2010

Mrs. Elizabeth Richardson “Most importantly, it’s part of history; it draws people to our area, and it creates jobs.”

Faculty

March 2010

4

News

Law Attempts to Lessen Driver Distractions

By Shaughnessy Darrow Clublicity Editor

New York State is attempting to lessen distractions for teen drivers When someone is in an accident, automatically we tend to blame anyone but ourselves for the cause. How many times, though, have accidents been caused by distracted drivers?

Last month, new rules came into effect for young drivers throughout New York State. Twelve percent of New York drivers are under the age of 21, but this group makes up twenty percent of car crashes. New York State believes the reason for a lot of these crashes is that teen drivers are distracted by everything from their cell phones to their passengers. The state, in trying to cut down on these distractions, has made it illegal for someone under eighteen to drive with more than one passenger in the car, unless accompanied by a family member over twenty one.

The Graduated License Law has also increased the number of hours needed to drive before someone can obtain a license. Someone with a learner’s per-

mit must now drive fifty hours instead of twenty, including fifteen after sunset.

Drivers must also have their permits for six months before being able to take the road test to get their license.

There have been a number of mixed reviews on these new laws. Many young drivers are not in favor of having to wait six months to get their licenses after achieving their permit. Many also oppose the idea of not being allowed to have more than one friend in the car.

There are others, however, who are in favor of the rules; they agree that many young drivers are reckless and easily distracted. On October 4 Anthony Apruzzese, a 17-year-old high school senior in Connecticut who, used to joke about his history of reckless driving, clipped a boat being towed, with his car, careening into an oncoming truck and taking his life as well as that of his 14-year-old sister and a 15-year-old friend of hers.

Another instance of reckless driving involved a high school junior named Hui Wang, who was one of three killed in a two-car crash near Olive, N.Y. He was riding in a westbound Mazda, driven

Photo courtesy of google images

Distractions from applying make-up, to text messaging, from eating while driving to too many friends in the car have been the cause of traffic fatalities for teen drivers.

by a friend, when it swerved into the eastbound lane. The Mazda then collided head-on with another car.

When instances like these happen, and loved ones are lost, the rules that

seem a pain to the young drivers to whom they apply, become painfully obvious and necessary. New York State is looking out for the welfare of its people on the streets and hopes these rules will help.

State Legislature Considers Anti-Bullying Act for Schools

By Emily DiFabio

Senior Writer

Bullying. We have all been part of it in one way or another. Whether it was being the bully, being the victim, or witnessing bullying. Now, the state government is getting involved in trying to prevent bullying in our schools. While it is understandable that it will not put a total end to this horrible crime against kids, the state is doing its best to make harsher punishments and trying to make bullying obsolete.

Bullies have been a part of kids’ lives for generations, but now, the state and even the federal government are trying to get involved. With new anti-bullying legislation like The Dignity for All Students Act, (A3661-B) government is trying to eliminate bullying. “All students have a right to a safe and supportive school environment, so they can concentrate on their academic and personal growth. The Dignity for All Students Act attempts to stop the bullying and menacing that are so common in our schools,” said

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New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

The Dignity for All Students Act does not only protect students against bullying, this legislation prohibits harassment and discrimination based on race, color, weight, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex. The idea behind this bill is to provide students with a learning environment free of discrimination.

“Too many students are bullied based on real or perceived differences with their classmates. Every student deserves an environment free of harassment and discrimination--an environment that allows every child to reach his or her full potential,” said Assembly Member Daniel J. O’Donnell.

Hopefully, with this powerful act being considered as a law, it can allow for many students across the state to be able to attend school without the fear of being tormented, and stop the bullies from targeting these students.

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March 2010

News

5

Schools Disciplining Students for Facebook Activities

By Rachel Clark

for their activities on Facebook. “There have been instances where students have been doing inappropriIn the past six years, Facebook has expanded ate things at an event, and they took pictures of what from a social networking site exclusively for stu- they were doing and posted them online,” Oughterson dents at Harvard University to a global community said, although she added that she has yet to punish with over 400 million active users. The site offers a someone for targeting a fellow student in their social multitude of activities to help its target population networking activities.

Oswego High School students and faculty, many of high school and college students procrastinate, ranging from chatting with friends to cultivating of whom have Facebook accounts, have been vocal a virtual farm. However, despite its numerous about their opinions on the possible disciplinary positive attributes, Facebook has recently gained implications of online activities.

“I don’t think they should be allowed to use Faattention as students are being disciplined for cebook to punish children,” their activities on said OHS senior Khristian the site, some in districts as close “Anything we post online may Fischer.

Sophomore Emilie Beto home as North be seen by others, and we need nigno agrees. “Everyone’s Syracuse. entitled to their own opinion.

School disci- to be cognizant of that.” pline as a result Ms. Barrie Gewanter There’s nothing you can redo about it.” of actions on FaDirector, CNY chapter of the ACLU ally Junior Tina Buckingcebook is not a ham, who has been negativenew concept. In 2007, a student at Pembroke Pines Charter High ly targeted by a Facebook group, believes it depends School in Florida was suspended from school and on how serious the statements are. “Depending on removed from her Advanced Placement classes as how serious the harassment is, I’d say making a hate punishment for creating a Facebook group entitled page is more serious than commenting negatively on “Ms. Sarah Phelps is the worst teacher I’ve ever something. I have seen some things on Facebook that met.” Mr. Peter Bayer, the school principal who need to be taken care of.”

“I think they (students) should be held accountenacted the punishment, declined comment for able if what they post is this story.

More recently, a middle school student in in reference to things North Syracuse was suspended for three days in the teachers are doing in January after creating a Facebook page criticizing school, if it’s negative to her teacher. School officials described the page the teacher and it’s going as containing offensive and sexual comments. to affect what they’re doThirty-three students who joined the page were ing at work,” said OHS technology teacher Mr. also punished, each receiving detention.

Though Roxboro Road Middle School is fairly Chuck Rowlee. “Even close to home, examples of Facebook abuse have though they didn’t say occurred even closer by, with some groups created it in school, it has to do specifically for Oswego High School students. with school issues. If One recent Facebook page insinuated parallels there’s no reference to between Adolf Hitler and former interim principal school things in it, that’s Mr. Jim Huckabee. Another group characterized okay.”

“I don’t think schools former executive principal Mr. Peter Myles in a derogatory manner, though this page no longer should be able to punish exists. Some students have even used the medium students for things on to target each other, creating ‘hate’ pages for peers Facebook because they shouldn’t bring stuff they dislike.

“While at OHS, I never dealt with a situation from outside school into (like the one in North Syracuse),” stated Myles, the business of school,” who was the executive principal at OHS from stated senior Hilar y 2006 to 2009. “The most severe cases that I had MacDonald. “ T he re’s a re a lto deal with were bullying type e-mails that were typically sent from student to student via their ly troubling trend for home computer. I don’t believe I ever came across punishing students for speech outside school,” anything that could be considered libelous.”

However, times have quickly changed, with stated Ms. Barrie Genew executive principal Mrs. Patricia Oughterson wanter, director of the stating that she has already disciplined students Central New York chap-

Layout Editor

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ter of the New York branch of the American Civil Liberties Union. “The only situation in which this is appropriate is when the speech can be shown to materially and substantially disrupt school, such as when it is lewd or vulgar, or includes a threat. Otherwise, young people have just as much right to engage in satire or criticism as anyone of adult age.”

Oughterson agrees, stating that she believes in dealing with these matters on a case-by-case basis.

“Even though we have a freedom of speech law, you cannot go around saying derogatory, negative things about someone and making it public or you’ll be held accountable. You can say you don’t like someone, but if you say something vulgar, or if you make false accusations, that’s a lawsuit. There’s a fine line,” Oughterson stated. “There cannot possibly be a blanket rule for telling kids what they can and can’t do on the Internet. I think that’s a violation of the Constitution. I think adults need to be careful with that, and I think kids need to be more careful, too.”

Citing the landmark Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, Gewanter notes that although students do have rights to free speech, they also must be careful. “Students shouldn’t give up their rights to be vocal members of the community when they leave the schoolhouse gate, but anything we post online may be seen by others, and we need to be cognizant of that.”

March 2010

Column

6

Lend a Helping Nub: Acceptance is the Key

Take a walk in someone else’s shoes. That phrase is said so often, but how many of us actually practice what we preach?

For so many, high school is all about being accepted, fitting in with the majority, but we should be worrying less about being accepted, and focusing more on accepting others. Being criticized for the way you look, dress, or act differently from others is a more than being intolerant, it’s rude and can have a serious affect on people.

I won’t hesitate to use myself as an example. Growing up was tough. Sure, everything today is easier, probably because I’ve lear ned that it’s

easier to laugh at myself than be laughed at. Missing a right hand since birth has not only made me realize how judgmental people can be, but also how judgmental I will never be because of how I was born. I was made fun of since day one of pre-school, regardless of how smart I was or how friendly I tried to be. Throughout elementary and middle school, very few people ever tried to get to know me based on personality, because I was always judged by looks. Even some coaches denied me my chance to play certain sports saying it was because of my “situation.” It took me sixteen years to realize that those people who wouldn’t give friendship, or give me a chance, weren’t worth the heartbreak of not fitting in.

As much as I love living in Oswego where my friends have always been, a lot of people really have never tried to befriend me.

If my name comes up in our high school and someone says they know me, it’s most likely not true.

Just because you know I’m missing a hand and you refer to me as “the one armed girl,” doesn’t mean you know me.

Chances are, my difference is what you’ve based your opinions of me upon.

Do you ever get the feeling that someone is staring at you? I get that feeling a lot, as does every other person who looks different. I’m not saying it’s wrong to be curious, that’s just human, but whispering and pointing is not the way to make friends. As cliché as it sounds, people have feelings; whether we choose to remember that or not is up to us. We’re not looking for sympathy either.

Anyone who was born with a condition, has grown up with it and doesn’t know any different. I work in a grocery store and I won’t

photo COurtesy of google images

Disney character Quasimodo from Hunchback of Notre Dame is criticized for his appearance and wants to live a normal life.

Buccaneer Bulletin

lie, it gets quite frustrating when the customers in my

outcast. If you’ve ever been stared at like you don’t belong, or someone has said something to you that put down a physical appearance, remember t h a t their

line t r y t o do everything for me. I can bag opinions your groceries aren’t what on my own and I make you promise I won’t who you break the eggs are. Never people! I see my let someone nub as a tool, not else tell you a setback. Since photo COurtesy of google images I’ve never had two Disney character Nemo was born with a gimpy fin hands, I know no and others doubt his ability to be a normal fish. other way.

When people meet me, they soon realize that how you should look or who you I talk and make jokes about my should be. The truth is you have arm a lot. For some people, it’s just as much right as anyone to be uncomfortable I guess, but did you different. Where’s the fun in being ever think that I only make fun just another piece of hay in the of myself so I can beat you to it? haystack? Why not choose to be Sticks and stones, sure they break the needle? bones, but it would be a lie to say People often ask me, if I could words don’t hurt. somehow have two hands, would The bigger picture, in this I? Even though when I was little case, is far from just about me.

I would’ve said “yes” in a heart Think about how many people beat, I can honestly say today that are judged just based on the way I would never change something they look, and what others have about myself, just because I wasn’t said about them in response. Why like everyone else. Even though not actually try to get to know it’d be nice to have fewer people people first, instead of making say things behind my back about assumptions? I fully understand my arm or have fewer people that I could be one million times stare at me like I’m a two-headed worse off than I am now. For the purple cow, my nub is what makes people who are better off however, me who I am and I’m proud to be try to realize the gift you’ve been nicknamed T-Nubs. If Nemo can given, because those of us less swim through the ocean with a fortunate can only dream about gimpy fin, then I’m sure having having what you do. Next time a nub won’t get in the way of my you judge someone, stop and ask ambitions. The truth is, one’s yourself “What do I really know identity isn’t something that about this person?” should be tampered with, the way I’m happy to say that there are your life turns out will be based definitely people who don’t judge on the person you are. Dr. Seuss others by appearance. Families once said, “Today you are you, love each other unconditionally, that is truer than true. There is and true friends will always no one alive who is you-er than be there when you feel like the you.”

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March 2010

Columns

7

I’m Gray in a Black and White World Whether you choose to refer to us as biracial, mixed, or mulatto, the consensus is that we’re different.

Envision strolling into an allwhite affair wearing bright red.

No matter the environment that we find ourselves in, most of the time, we never quite fit in. The unique circumstances that biracial people endure are far too often overlooked by outsiders who cease to recognize the everyday struggles we endure.

Growing up being a blend of African American and Caucasian in a predominantly white community has given me an unrivaled life experience thus far.

Let’s take a step back and start from the beginning. For those of you who were unaware, I am biracial. By this, I mean that I am half Caucasian, and half African-American. I live with my white mom and biracial younger brother. Growing up in Oswego where one could kindly say “diversity is lacking,” has given me, as well as some of my biracial counterparts, quite the identity crisis.

I’m not writing to complain about what I go through, but to simply educate those who always wondered about my ethnicity, as well as the very few others in our school who are half white and half black.

Throughout my childhood, I battled with the acceptance that I was different than those who surrounded me. Starting from the very first days of kindergarten, I realized that I was invariably the only one in every class with darker skin, and possessed such thick hair that it had to be kept under a hair scarf in order to stay manageable. Self-esteem issues began to arise at a young age as I noticed vast differences between my classmates and me. I envied the way they fooled around with each other’s long flowing hair, or played with their dolls that matched their own skin color. There were no biracial Barbie dolls on the market for me to feel most comfortable with, nor

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did I have a friend who could dress my hair up to look dainty like the rest of them. Like every other little girl, I long strived to feel confident and pretty, but was often shot down by society and its norms to which I could not conform. I knew I was different than my white and black friends; I just couldn’t understand why.

As far as finding comfort in family, I never entirely fit in there either. I lived with my Caucasian mother and was surrounded by her immediate relatives. My AfricanAmerican father was no longer in the picture, which left me to only relate to my white family. They all were more loving and caring than any child could ask for, however, a part of me was still broken up over the fact that I looked nothing like them. Parents that we met during the countless youth soccer and basketball games that I participated in, more often than not asked (or pondered), if I was adopted. Even close friends who visited my house for sleep-overs would ask the same questions.

Although the questions were innocent and asked

merely out of curiosity, they dealt a low blow. I just wanted to fly under the radar and not be noticed for what I thought as my “discrepancies.”

It took me years, tears and countless heartfelt conversations with my mom to accept my uniqueness as a luxury, rather than a misfortune.

A hard hit I took in second grade fueled hatred towards my ethnicity.

My mom, with her red hair and fair skin came into school for career day. I was glowing with pride as she made her presentation to the class.

At the end, she asked if anyone had any questions, to which a fellow classmate blurted out, “Why are you guys different colors?” The statement ignited embarrassment as I imagined myself clocking the kid in the head.

My mom simply laughed it off and explained the situation, as she knew a seven year old meant no harm by it.

I took the hit hard, and it stuck with me for the rest of my childhood.

When high school rolled around is when an extensive change came in my attitude regarding my ethnicity. At last I began to embrace it for the truly beautiful gift that it is, and looked at my contrarieties as diversity, and not as a

weakness. I embodied the fact that I was unlike the rest, and had a unique mix and outlook that I could call my own. Now, when friends ask me questions about my ethnicity, it no longer upsets me, but rather ignites a happiness in me, in that I can tell others how I cherish my biracial make-up. I’ve also been able to find comfort in those who have similar situations to my own, and we’ve been able to support one another with each other’s hardships that we still face.

I look for inspiration in other lightskinned African American women like Beyonce and Tyra Banks, who have become extremely successful and used their uniqueness and talent to upend the competition.

As for the question “what race do I identify most with?” the answer is, not one. I’m vastly different from both my Caucasian and African American friends. Although my appearance looks more closely related to that of a black person, I refuse to distinguish myself as being just “black.” We still have no official race to call ourselves, even though our numbers are growing larger every day. I anticipate the day that I will no longer have to check the “other” box on applications, when having to identify my race. I do not speak exclusively for myself when I say that biracial people experience an identity crisis in their lives, because of the fact that we have no official title, and are still forced to choose one side over the other. I don’t try to act “ghetto,” because that’s not where my roots are, and yes, I still do get an awesome tan in the summer because I am half white.

My purpose for writing this column isn’t an excuse to talk about myself, but rather give others the awareness of the lives of those who are different than themselves. We all have our own unique story to tell and struggles to conquer. The more educated today’s teenagers become about the situations of others, the more accepting the adult world will eventually be.

Photograph by Mackenzie Oatman Photo Illustration by Kim Bailey

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March 2010

Clublicity

8

Clubs Engaging in Many Diverse Activities Gay Straight Alliance

It all started in 1988 in Massachusetts, the idea and feelings behind the initiation of such a program were timeless, the impact, was powerful. A straight student wanted to help educate people about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, and support her friend who just “came out.” Now, 22 years later, the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is an organization with chapters in many schools across the U.S. and nearly 20,000 students are directly involved, including several at Oswego High School.

The Oswego High School GSA meets every Monday (except the first Monday of the month), at 2:35 p.m. in room 237. Anyone is welcome. The copresidents are Nikita Blackburn and Alexander Wetter. Tyler Spicer is the secretary and Taylor Braun is treasurer. Social workers Penny Morley and Heather Ro-

Drama Club

Drama Club is currently working on its production of their spring play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written

by William Shakespeare, a drama set in ancient Greece, which tells the story of the complicated love stories of two sets of couples. The play will take place Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 7:00 pm at Ralph M. Faust Theatre of the Performing Arts at the Oswego High School.

The cost for general admission is $5.

Aside from the play, members will be performing select scenes at the SUNY Oswego Theatre Department Drama Festival with thespians from across the state on Friday, April 30.

Junior Class

The upcoming Junior Variety Show is a main focus for the Junior Class this month. Auditions were held at the beginning of the month, on March 2 and

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billard are the co-advisers.

Even though GSA is a club, the meetings are so much more than that.

They are about establishing a safe and non-judgmental environment, about support, tolerance, and educating people about the Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender (LGBT) community.

Right now, the club is working to change the language in the student handbook because, under the anti-harassment section, it lists that discrimination based on things such as race and gender are prohibited, yet it doesn’t say anything about discrimination due to sexual identity.

The biggest event coming

up for the Gay Straight Alliance club is the Fagbug documentary presentation. Erin Davies was a victim of a hate crime in Albany, NY. Someone vandalized her car, writing “fag” on the driver’s side window and “U R Gay” on the hood, due to the fact that she had a rainbow sticker in her window. Instead of having the graffiti removed, Davies left it on her car and traveled across the country to document people’s reactions and raise awareness about hate crimes and homophobia, to give a voice to those who were silenced by hate crimes and to be an example of how to overcome certain hardships.

Davies’ trip was met with mixed reactions.

S o m e

Environmental Club

4. MCs as well acts for the show have been chosen and participating Junior Class girls have begun to work on the chorus line routine for the show.

The JV show will be held on April 9 and 10 in the OHS Theater.

Art Club

Art Club has been busy planning an art show/sale scheduled for the end of March. The show will feature independent projects by all the students.

All proceeds will go to the Art Club for travel funds and supply costs.

The Art Club is also making preparations to begin painting a mural in the “C hallway” with the ramp heading towards the cafeteria. You do not have to be an art student or a member of Art Club to participate in the painting of this mural. If you are interested contact Mrs. Vanwaldick.

Environmental Club will spend much of March decorating box tops for recycle bins throughout the school.

The goal is to draw more attention to the bins as exclusively for recycling, that way everything in those bins will be recycled by the custodians instead of thrown in with the rest of the trash.

Environmental Club is also preparing for the Envirothon set for early May. They will be studying specific environmental subjects such as Aquatics and Forestry.

Environmental Club will begin fundraising for the trip to Africa set for 2011. Anyone interested in taking part in this unique experience should keep their ears open for an upcoming informational session.

Environmental Club meets every Monday in the library (excluding the first Monday of the month).

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people left her notes of encouragement and praise and were compelled to share their own stories; others were angered or left mean messages. Some people tried to remove the words with soap or razors, and some places would not allow her to park her car in their parking lot. Davies was even ticketed because the word Fag “obstructed” her view.

Because of the response and reactions of others, Davies was compelled to make a bolder impression, so now her car is rainbow (just like the sticker in her window) and says Fagbug, but her license plate reads FG BUG (DMV would not let her get Fag printed on it).

Next month, Davies is coming to OHS. On April 27, she will be presenting at the Faust Theater, from 2:35 p.m. to 4:00 and from 6:30 p.m. 8:00. The event is free and is open to all in the community. Attendees are asked to donate a non-perishable food item for a local food pantry.

Engineers of Tomorrow

The Engineers of Tomorrow Club is for students who are interested in engineering and are considering a career in that field. Under the advisory of OHS technology teacher Mr. Bill Reeser, the club’s members are currently preparing for an engineering competition sponsored by Sensis Corporation.

Members present original conceptual designs and demonstrate how their designs perform compared to their competitors. Former OHS students who participated in the Sensis competition in the past have been given internships with the company. Students interested in joining Engineers of Tomorrow need to be in Project Lead the Way, the first class in that program being Design and Drawing.

March 2010

Walking the Plank

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Richmond Golden in Regional Art Contest By: Shaughnessy Darrow Clublicity Editor

Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Emily Richmond: Emily Anne Marshall Richmond.

BB: Congratulations on winning gold in the regional scholastic art competition. Can you explain what this award is?

ER: It’s basically a really big art show for high school students. There are a bunch of judges that look at the many pieces and then they choose the best artwork.

BB: How did you enter for this award?

ER: You have to register online under a teacher’s name and fill out a form.

BB: How long have you been interested in art?

ER: Since the moment I could pick up crayons and scribble on some paper.

BB: What is your favorite part about being an artist?

ER: I like the creative process, using my right brain, and thinking outside the box.

BB: What is the favorite piece of artwork that you have done so far?

ER: It’s a collage piece: there is a dark purple background with a wolf, but the picture creates a face.

BB: As a senior, where are you planning to go to college?

ER: I plan on staying in Oswego and going to Oswego State; I would like to become an art teacher, so I will be taking classes there for that.

BB: How do you think art has helped or will help you in life?

ER: Art is a calming thing for me, it takes me out of reality and I can just relax and focus on the piece I am working on.

BB: What is your most memorable moment of high school?

ER: I have so many, but one that sticks out to me was freshman year, I was walking up the stairs with my boyfriend at the time and I fell up the stairs! This sticks out to me because that would be something that I would do. I just laughed.

BB: Has high school been a good experience for you?

ER: It has been both good and bad. A lot has gone on over the years, but I have my good moments, and without high school I would not be

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going on to be an art teacher.

BB: Do you have any goals right now?

ER: Right now its just to get through high school BB: What are three words that you would use to describe yourself?

ER: Creative, ambitious, open-minded.

BB:: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

ER: Probably somewhere in the UK, like London, because I want to have an English accent.

BB: If you could trade places with someone for a day who would you pick?

ER: Kristen Stewart, so then I could be in the Twilight saga and act with Taylor Lautner.

BB: What are three things that you cannot live without?

ER: My family, Mrs. Martin (my art teacher), and any type of musical device. I always need some sort of music playing.

BB: Is there someone you look up to? Why? ER: My mom, because she has always been more of a best friend to me than a mom. She has those moments, but she is really open and I can have discussions with her about anything.

BB: What is a hobby of yours besides art?

ER :I love to dance, not professionally, but even just around my kitchen.

BB: What is your biggest fear?

ER: I’d say it’s between being alone and letting someone in who ends up hurting me.

BB: What is a major pet peeve of yours?

ER: When I’m writing in pencil, it has to be on a hard surface, but when I’m writing with a pen I have to have pieces of paper underneath so the writing looks smooth.

BB: Have you been involved in any sports or clubs throughout high school?

ER: I’ve been involved with the Art Club, and various theater things.

BB: Who has been your favorite teacher throughout high school? Why? ER: Definitely Mrs. Melissa Martin because we just have so much fun and she has helped my creativity and my artistic abilities to grow.

BB: If you could have dinner with any three people, who would it be?

ER: Taylor Lautner, Liz from ‘My Life is

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photo by kaitlyn scanlon

Liz’ on MTV, and Victoria Frances because she is one of my favorite artists.

BB: Is there a quote you live your life by?

ER: I don’t think so, I mostly just quote movies.

BB: What three things would you bring to a desert island.

ER: My camera, food, and fun people to spend my time with.

BB: What is your favorite part of the day?

ER: Lunch because my lunch buddies and I have way too much fun.

BB: What is something that you are looking forward to?

ER: Going and living on my own and starting my own family.

BB: If you could pick one super power what would it be?

ER: I think I would want to have magical powers because that allows you to have more than one specific power.

BB: What is your favorite subject in school besides art?

ER: English, because I really like to read.

Editor’s note: “Walking The Plank” is a regular question-and-answer feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin.

If you know a student or staff member who you would like to see walk the plank, contact Shaughnessy Darrow at sdarrow@oswego.org.

March 2010

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March Madness Takes on New 1

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Travelin

Protest 4 5

Photos by Dan Rounds, Alexis Files, Bre Sharkey, and Nicole Sivers

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Key to Photos 1) Senior Eli Tyler interviews local citizens at the Save Fort Ontario rally for Oswego High’s WBUC-TV. 2-3) OHS seniors enjoy their annual five-day escape from Oswego’s winter to Florida at both Universal Studios and Disney World.

4) Local members of the community protest the closing of Fort Ontario at the rally held in early March.

5) John Fay, Matt Fay, Joel Meeks, and Paul Gamble pose back stage after the Battle of the Bands.

6) HAIR, the winners of Battle of the Bands, rock out during their performance.

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Battles

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7)One of the highlights of the 100 Days-to-Graduation Celebration for seniors is always the hypnosis show.

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March 2010

Point/Counterpoint

I’ve always found it troubling that high school students are given countless lessons on STDs and teen pregnancy, all of them ultimately promoting safe-sex. Yet, at the end of these lessons, we are not able to obtain supplies to practice safe-sex. Sure, we are given a list of places across town that can provide condoms for us, but really, it’s horribly inconvenient.

The fact of the matter is, teenagers have sex. Not every teenager, and not every day, but it does happen. Many students don’t take into account how their parents would feel about this decision.

When it comes to the “Sex Talk,” the message sent to students and parents is “talk about it.” We see this on posters in the school hallway, in the nurse’s office, and in after-school specials which, coincidentally, tend to glamorize the life of teen pregnancy. While talking about sex in the household and making it an approachable topic is a neat idea, it just doesn’t happen all the time. For example, in my household, sex has never, and will never be a comfortable topic. As far as I’m concerned, my two sisters and I were the result of immaculate conceptions. And as far as my parents are concerned… well… I actually have no idea what they think, because we never talk about it. To them, I may not even be a sexual being. Lucky for me though, I am a responsible young lady who figured out on her own what it means to have safe sex.

I understand that making condoms available for students at school does not mean the end of teen pregnancy at OHS. However, when used correctly, condoms will prevent pregnancy and the spread of STDs 98% of the time, according to www.teenhelp.com. Those statistics are looking pretty good. One will argue, “But abstinence will prevent pregnancy and the spread of STDs 100% of the time.” Very good. For the people not in an intimate high school relationship, thumbs up. But also according to www.teenhelp.com, more than one-third of high school student are having sex. Never has the old-age saying “better safe than sorry” been more true.

When in a sexual relationship, it is most sensical to have condoms always at the ready in case “the moment” strikes without warning. It is virtually impossible to have condoms when you need them if they aren’t available.

The problem arises when teenagers want to be responsible but may not have the means to obtain the necessary protection. I was walking through Wal-Mart not too long ago and I couldn’t help noticing all the empty Trojan and Durex boxes scattered all around the store. Finding empty boxes of anything around Wal-Mart is not uncommon, but usually I see things like missing eye shadow or mascara. These particular items I can look at and dismiss as something petty. I can make assumptions about the person who is responsible for stealing these items--maybe they didn’t have the money and really needed new mascara; maybe they were acting on impulse, etc.

But when the multiple empty condom boxes caught my attention, I couldn’t help but feeling overwhelmingly sad. Here was a person, or two people, who were trying to be responsible and do the right thing. They knew they were going to have sexual intercourse sometime in the near future, it was probably inevitable, and they wanted to be prepared. They probably thought, “Hey, if I get caught shoplifting, it’ll be much easier to explain to my parents why I was stealing, than trying to explain to them the fact that I/she is pregnant and/ or has an STD.” The fact of the matter is, there was probably no other way for that person to obtain condoms at that time then doing what they did. Part of me wants to say “Kudos! Anything to make sure you’re safe!” But then, a much bigger part of me wants to say, “Shame on you, the adults running Oswego, New York, for giving this person/persons no other option but to commit a crime known most commonly as “pretty theft,” a misrepresentation considering wanting to be safe is anything but petty.

I know that many of you self-proclaimed “good Samaritans” out there can probably find a common flaw in all of the points that I have made: just don’t have sex before marriage. But I, my friends, am a realist, and I know teenagers are having sex. I say, do what you’re going to do, but above all, BE SAFE.

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In a nationwide survey, one out of every eight women who give birth to a child is a teen mom. You would think this would send a message to teens to not have sex. The message seems clear to some, but to many teenagers, the message is not getting through. If schools distribute condoms to students, this issue for teens will only continue and teen pregnancies will continue to rise. In order to avoid teen pregnancy, no learning institution should be condoning the free distribution of condoms to students.

Identifying sexual responsibility with formal education can be counterproductive, as it is fashionable for teenagers to ignore what they are taught in school. The most misleading channel for sex education is the media, and particularly TV, films and magazines. Many teens have seen shows like Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant, on MTV. which bring fame to select teen parents.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when used properly and consistently, condoms are 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. This means that two couples out of every 100 who use condoms will have an unintended pregnancy. Why would a school’s administration want to risk this? Giving out condoms will only encourage students to have sex, that could lead to unplanned and unwanted pregnancies.

Condom distribution in schools is the wrong approach. An open discussion of sexual practice and relationships among younger teenagers encourages sexual activity before they are ready. This only adds to the pressure they may already be receiving from their peers, and runs the risk of classroom ridicule. It is better to discuss sexual responsibility in a one-to-one context, either with older siblings, parents, or a trusted adult.

Though according to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, the average age of first intercourse is 16.9 for boys and 17.4 for girls, abstinence is the only 100 percent birth control method to avoid pregnancy. Of course many high school students are having sex, but it is not the administration’s job at a school to give out condoms; it is the parents’ job to educate their child in safe sex. The administration should not be handing out condoms like candy or a reward for doing the right thing. Can you imagine using your ‘Buc Bucs’ to purchase condoms from a school store?

If condoms are given out at OHS I can just imagine them being used to vandalize the school. The condoms would be opened and thrown into the hallways, lockers, and even flushed down the toilet. Does the janitorial staff really need to worry about cleaning up condoms all around the school? No. With the current budget predicament that the Oswego City School District is in we certainly would not be able to have funds for this in the budget, and really, why should we? If we had to chose between condoms or sports teams, I’d rather have sports.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation Survey nearly all (98 percent) of teens 15-19 who have had sex, report using at least one method of birth control. If teens who are already having sex, are having protected sex, why do we need to hand them out in school?

In 2008, Time Magazine published an article about 17 girls from Gloucester, Massachusetts, all younger than 16, who made a “pregnancy pact.” They decided they would all get pregnant at the same time, so they could raise their children together. The same district where the “pregnancy pact” took place, gives out condoms. So much for that argument.

The promotion of condoms will only hurt today’s youth. Sex education should be taught in school with the proper information about all forms of contraception and STDs. With the distribution of condoms, schools may find a significant increase in pregnancies. According to a survey conducted

by Columbia University, schools that gave out condoms, found a significant rise (23 percent) in teen pregnancy. According to the National Campaign to prevent Teen Pregnancies, the United States still has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the Western industrialized world. Teen pregnancy costs the United States at least $7 billion annually. Distributing condoms in schools won’t change these statistics.

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March 2010

Features

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Sorority Life Not the Media Stereotype Caitlin Sawyer Editor-in-Chief

Binge drinking, late nights, and wild, non-stop parties are commonly construed as an everyday occurrence for college sororities and in fraternities. In entering college, many go strictly for the parties and keg stands, which is how the media portrays Greek life. The media has glorified, over-exaggerated, and often misrepresented sorority and fraternity life.

Many people’s perception of Greek life comes from Hollywood. The movie industry focuses primarily on the social and partying aspects of an organization, not the diverse or philanthropic activities they participate in. Through movies like Legally Blonde, House Bunny, and Animal House, we picture drunk frat boys funneling beers, taking shots, and doing keg stands. Then we see the sorority girls debating amongst themselves what they will wear to the next mixer and if they have applied the perfect amount of lip gloss. However, this is unrealistic. The films don’t show the sorority girls doing community service or working hard to fund raise for different philanthropies.

Charity work and community service are becoming a big part of Greek life.

A common misconception is that sorority girls are not intelligent and only join sororities to party.

However, in most national sororities, the girls must have an overall GPA of a 2.5 or higher. At Oswego State, there are eight different sororities for girls to join. Oswego State’s Phi Sigma Sigma sorority carries a 3.1 GPA, which is higher than the school’s average of 2.9 as of 2009. One of the most important ideals that sororities were founded on, is scholarship. Many sorority girls are members of various academic honor societies, and are recipients of numerous academic scholarships. In fact, there are many scholarships available to women in the Greek system that aren’t available to anyone else.

Phi Sigma Sigma, a sorority former in 1913, was begun based on principles that it was nonsectarian and all-inclusive, welcoming women of all faiths and social backgrounds. A chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma at Oswego State remains true with these principles. “I love Phi Sigma Sigma; I love them all like family and we do work very hard in academics,” stated Phi Sigma Sigma member Casey Rose, a former OHS student.

Another stereotype is that sorority girls are selfabsorbed, which may be true in Legally Blonde, but in reality, every sorority has specific philanthropies they fund raise and donate money to. These include, but are not limited to breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, rape victims, and others. Each semester, a certain amount of money must be contributed to these organizations.

There is a lot of hard work, time, and dedication put into raising the money for different organizations.

Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t always out partying or shopping.

The misconception that the sorority is your life, and you aren’t allowed to participate in other activities is not true! It’s quite the opposite actually.

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Sororities encourage their members to participate in a variety of on-campus and off-campus activities.

Most girls hold part-time jobs, some play on college sports teams, and others are involved in different social and academic clubs.

The goal of a sorority is to have a well-rounded group of individuals. “I would never want to be a part of a ‘cookie-cutter’ sorority,” explained Kayla Mackie, a sister of Alpha Epsilon Phi. “In movies and on television, sororities are always made up of about 50 Barbie look-alikes who dress, talk, and act all the same. I can honestly say that my sorority is made up of an eclectic group of individuals, and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Photo illustration by Kimberlyn Bailey stated Mackie.

There is an urban leg- Many former Oswego High students have joined sororities at their end about plumbers hav- colleges and describe membership as a great part of college life. ing to clean out the pipes of sorority houses each month or so because they get joining. The girls must wait for an invitation to final clogged with vomit. Disgusting? Yes. True? No. Eating teas, where they need a bid to remain eligible to join disorders act as a plague to all women; not just those the sorority. After receiving a bid, they finally begin in sororities. Society has created an unrealistic and their pledging process which will last about a month. unhealthy image of the ideal woman. Nationwide, girls “When I was pledging, my soon-to-be sisters dressed feel so much pressure to be thin that they are losing me up in a hippopotamus suit and I had to see how weight in unhealthy ways. Anorexia and bulimia are many dates I could get; it’s all about personality at Phi two disorders that hurt women of all ages, certainly not Sigma Sigma, so it was crucial that I got some dates,” stated Rose, who pledged over a year ago. just college girls who are members of a sorority.

The truth is, sororities aren’t for everyone, but for “That is the comment that makes me so mad!” many, they offer stability, comfort, and a friendly face Rose said. “I have found a group of people who have among the crowd. Sororities can introduce you to new similar interests as me and we joined an organizaexperiences, perspectives, and people. The bottom line tion. A sorority is run just like a business; we have is that YOU make your college experience. If you’re dues to pay.” The infrastructure of a sorority is set involved in activities you will probably have a better up to mirror a business. You have a president, vice time, just like in high school. Don’t judge a book by president, secretary, accountant, etc. Each position its cover, and don’t buy into stereotypes. Experience works together to keep the sorority running smoothly things for yourself and then make your own decisions and efficiently. The leadership skills and experience and decide if it’s right for you.

“People ask why I’m in gained from being in a sorority is priceless. You can a sorority and I try to explain all the things a sorority speak to a crowd, voice your opinion, take control of is that they cannot see.

A sorority is more than letters a situation, and organize events. The experience you on a sweatshirt, I say.

More than traditional songs, gold can gain in four years is helping girls gain experiences pins, rituals, obligations, or a way of life.

A sorority they’ll need when they graduate. is learning about people, a sorority is giving without When a girl is interested in joining a sorority there expecting a return.

A sorority is earning respect from are a number of steps before being inducted. First others, as well as for yourself.

A sorority will not solve there is the formal rush where you go to all the houses and interact with the girls. Then, there are the open all your problems. But I have made good friends and houses, where you go on tours of all the houses. After found confidence there to help me take life one step at viewing the different houses, girls must then attend a time,” wrote an author unknown from The Secrets interest parties for the houses they are interested in of Sorority Life Revealed.

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March 2010

14

Entertainment

Free Music Downloads Can be Costly

By Kylie Wyman Reporter

site, you have to be very careful when downloading certain files. “I have used it for four years and I like it a lot because it’s easy to use and free. However, sometimes the quality of music isn’t good and you have to be careful of what you’re downloading, you could get something unpleasant like a virus,” Brittany Sperino, a senior, commented.

The proper definition of a computer virus is “a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs on the same computer.” You may have heard of some types of viruses by the names of Malware, Adware and Spyware, but these viruses cannot copy themselves. A “real” virus can spread from one computer to another. These viruses could damage the computers performance and data contained. Not only is this dangerous to your computer, but it costs a great deal of money to fix. The real question is, would you rather pay a dollar for a song or pay over $300 to fix your computer after you download an infected file?

Not only is this dangerous, but it is also frowned upon. Surprisingly though it is, in fact, legal. The only “illegal” thing about Limewire is the downloading of copyrighted music, movies or videos without the

Have you ever had that moment when you hear a new song on the radio and instantly want it on your iPod or mp3 player? But then, once you go home and search for it on iTunes, it costs $1.99? You like the song, but you don’t want to spend two dollars on it. So, you simply open up your Limewire and download it for free?

In this day and age, it’s easy to go online and download music, whether you pay for it on iTunes or download it for free from a different server. For example, if you want to buy a song or even an entire album online, all that you have to do is open up your iTunes and click the link that says “iTunes Store.”

It’s equally easy, however, for some to just look up the songs on Photo by Mackenzie Oatman Limewire or another free downloadThe Digital Millennium Copyright Act is a United States copyright ing site, rather than buy it. It all comes law that criminalizes the act of downloading digital content from down to the age-old question; would websites like Limewire shown on the computer screen above. you rather pay money for something or get it illegally for free?

Many musical artists have filed law- ing place. When you go online and People are torn between what suits in the past dealing with piracy. download songs without permisis best and what is right. But, there Back in 2000, both rap artist Dr. Dre sion, you are stealing. The illegal are always people who say that they and heavy metal group Metallica, downloading of music is just as would rather buy the music. Of sued a common file sharing site, wrong as shoplifting from a local course, they have their own reasons Napster, for unlawful “sharing” of convenience store – and the impact why. To some, they don’t see the their music. Napster, one of many on those who create music and bring price as a big problem, and to othmusic sharing sites, was created it to fans is equally devastating. For ers, they want to buy the song for back in 1999 by then-19 year old every artist you can name at the top the improved quality. Usually when S h a w n F a n - of the Billboard music charts, there you download a ning, a student is a long line of songwriters, sound song for free off “I have used it for four years and I like it a lot at Northeastern engineers, and label employees who of the internet, the because it’s easy to use and free. However, U n i v e r s i t y i n help create those hits. They all feel quality is horrible.

B o s t o n . A f t e r the pain of music theft,” the Record“I’d rather buy a sometimes the quality of music isn’t good t h e l a w s u i t s ing Institute of America stated on its song from iTunes and you have to be careful of what you’re ended, the site website (www.riaa.com). than get it from shut down.

Whether you like Limewire or Limewire, because downloading, you could get something T h e r e a r e you don’t, that is your decision. it has better qual- unpleasant like a virus,” m a n y g r o u p s Next time you use the site, howity,” Jessika Pick Brittany Sperino and organiza- ever, just think about the possible reign, an OHS sewho act outcomes that could occur. Think

OHS Senior tions nior, stated. against piracy about how the quality of the music The up-side of on the internet. that you’re downloading might not Limewire is that One of these is be as good as the version on iTunes it is easy to use and it is helpful artist’s permission. The proper term The Recording Institute of America, and whether you are better off just when you can’t find a certain song for downloading copyrighted music that supported Metallica and Dr. buying the song. on iTunes or other music sites that without permission is piracy. There Dre during their lawsuits. The RIAA Also, think about how viruses require payment. You can even has been a law created in order to is an organization which works can infect your computer, deleting find music videos on there instead stop it. The Digital Millennium to protect the property and First all of your music, school work, and of paying $1.99. Just be careful Copyright Act, passed on October Amendment rights of artists and pictures. When it comes to this site, and make sure that is what you are 12, 1998 and signed by former music labels. “Plain and simple: the most important thing you have downloading. Although there are President Clinton, is a United States piracy is bad news. While the term to do, is just be careful. perks to using this site, it does have copyright law that criminalizes the is commonly used, “piracy” doesn’t its bad points. When you use this act of downloading digital content. even begin to describe what is tak-

Buccaneer Bulletin

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March 2010

Entertainment

15

Jerkin’ Movement More Than Just a Passing Fad

By Vanessa Sheffield Reporter

Never before has been being called a “jerk,” “reject” or “geeked up” been a bigger compliment than it is in 2010.

We aren’t using the term “jerk” as an insult anymore, instead it’s a verb. The jerkin’ scene has exploded across the U.S and been integrated into today’s teen culture. Now that we’ve all been exposed to this movement, a common question many have been asking is, “Where did this whole thing come from, and what’s it really about?” From the dance moves to the music groups and the fashion, the jerkin’ movement is like something we’ve never seen before.

Jerkin’ came on the scene in 2008, in the L.A./ Southern California area. From there, it grew and spread throughout a large portion of the West Coast.

It’s a collaboration of different aspects, that when combined, create a unique vibe. Jerkin’ consists of dancing, new slang vocabulary, fashion, and a spinoff of hip hop music. Contrary to most people’s misconception, the hip hop group the New Boyz are not the originators of “jerkin.’” They were, however, the innovators in making the movement a nationwide craze with their chart topping single and music video “You’re a Jerk.”

“It’s like when you first saw break dancing: it has so many different parts, and when you get the dance down pat, you want to do it all the time. It reminded you of how fun hip hop used to be. We wanna bring that back,” Ben J from the New Boyz said.

Other mainstream jerkin’ groups include Audio Push, with their single “Teach Me How to Jerk,”

Image courtesy of google images

Above, Legacy (left) and Ben J, (right) both members of the jerkin’ group the New Boyz.

and the girl duo Baby Dollz and their single “My Cookie.”

What most consider the catchiest aspect of the movement is the addictive dancing. The dances are a combination of moving one’s legs in and out and jumping. The most popular move, “the reject,” can be described as the ’90s dance move “the running man” performed backwards. Other moves include

“the pin drop,” “dip,” and “tippy toe.” Jerkin’ dance crews have overrun the YouTube world as well, with videos of crews dancing in the streets of L.A. and other urban areas. Action Figure$, U.C.L.A, and LOL Kid$z are among the top jerkin’ crews on the scene.

The final piece of the puzzle that completes the jerkin’ flair is the fashion that’s involved. The most distinguished fashion piece is the skinny jeans that girls AND guys wear. Skinny jeans have been a popular item for women’s fashion for years; however, the jerkin’ movement has integrated them into menswear, too. The keywords in jerkin’ fashion are “bright colors.” Whether it be the jeans, t-shirt, studded belt, high-top sneaks, or sunglasses, it always has to pop out. It’s reminiscent of skater style and punk rock with an ‘80s twist too. The whole objective of the jerkin’ movement is to have distinction for being different, and showing one’s individuality.

“We’re breaking off and doing something new, and a lot of people who are hatin’ are afraid to change,” Legacy from the New Boyz said.

The bottom line of jerkin’ is, it’s here to stay.

It’s not just a fad; that’s why everyone’s calling it a movement. The underground wave of the jerkin’ culture has made its way mainstream and whether everyone likes it or not, it’s making an impact.

We’re able to see hip hop reinvent itself and have the opportunity to be a part of it. So, get your vids on YouTube, rock your skinnies, and bump that bass to get it jerkin’ on the floor!

If You Didn’t See These in the Theater, Get the DVDs

By Aaron Callahan Alumni Editor

There is a variety of good movies to look out for when they’re released on DVD or in theaters as summer time approaches.

To some people, summer means playing sports, camping with the family, eating at Rudy’s then going for an ice cream cone at PJ’s. Well, for Hollywood summer means one thing--movie sales.

The top studios are throwing punches at each other trying to get you to sit down at the movies. As we speak, they are at the sets, sound studios and editing rooms, making trailers just for your entertainment.

So, as you plan to go to either the Oswego Cinema 7 or Minetto’s Midway Drive-In Theater, you should have an idea of what you want to see. Here is a sampling of some good possibilities to enjoy with your over-priced buttered popcorn, your large soda, fish from

Buccaneer Bulletin

Sweden, don’t forget that raspberry slushie.

Avatar Need I say more? It’s a movie twelve years in the mind of James Cameron.

Sure the plot has been used in many different films. Let’s see, there was Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves. Sure this movie is Fern Gully on steroids but it’s worth every cent of it. I consider this movie James Cameron’s masterpiece.

With today’s best technology, this movie came alive, and this movie was heard all across the country. Did anyone catch the historical parallels, like the Settlers (ex-marine commandos) kicking the Native Americans (the blue Pandora people) out of their homeland? This movie is, simply put, amazing. It’s rated PG-13 for intense battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language, and some smoking.

The Hangover I would award this movie with the

Best Screwball Comedy of the Year.

This is a must-have for all comedy lovers.

The movie follows three groomsmen who go to Las Vegas with their about-to-be married friend. Well, after they have a celebratory drink on the roof (people who saw this movie knows what I’m referring too), everything that can go wrong, does. The only thing they remember from the night before is that they went with Doug, their nowlost friend who is also supposed to be married on that same day. Not only do they have to find Doug, but they also have to remember what they did the night before.

The film is nonstop laughs, but hey, some guys can’t handle Vegas. This is rated R for pervasive language, sexual content including nudity and some drug material.

Cop Out Cop Out stars Bruce Willis, Tracy

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Morgan, and Sean William Scott. If there was a best chance of finding a good cop comedy, this would be it. Willis is good at dark comedy (just watch The Whole Nine Yards he starred in with Matthew Perry). Morgan and Scott are just plain old funny. Now put these three guys together and you have some laughs.

It’s rated R for pervasive language sexual references, and violence.

Alice in Wonderland This is what happens when director Tim Burton imagines Lewis Carrol’s famous Alice in Wonderland.

Following suit with today’s new trend in movies, it’s in 3D, which adds to the movie. With spectacular colors, Johnny Depp and amazing computer graphics, what could go wrong?

It’s rated PG for fantasy action and violence, including scary images and situations, and for a smoking caterpillar.

March 2010

Features

16

Want to Help a Country in Need: Try the U.S.

By Emily DiFabio

Senior Writer

The devastation in Haiti has been flooding all the news channels for almost two months now. The heartbreak and the loss of thousands of lives is catastrophic. This third world country has seen a lot of heartache in these past few weeks, but I think that we all should stop and think about tragedies in our own back yards.

While what happened there is truly horrible, I think that Americans should also focus on our own issues, rather than trying to save the day in Haiti, Chile, and numerous other places around the globe. Organizations are sending in millions of dollars worth of food and medical supplies to Haiti to

help with the earthquake aftermath. But what about people right here in our own country? Right now, in our own country, there are people who are homeless and starving just like in Haiti. Who’s going to help them? Even right here in Central New York, the food banks and soup kitchens are struggling to keep our own New Yorkers fed. I know it sounds cruel, but shouldn’t people prioritize when it comes to those in need?

There is nothing wrong with wanting to help Haiti, to donate money to help them right now, but what happens in a couple of months, when America is still going to want to help them? Are we going to keep pouring money into that country? Will individuals, businesses, relief organizations, or even

our government be able to help over the long-term? I think that it is truly important to help our own country.

Right now, America and Americans are in a bit of a mess. Shouldn’t we want to see our own country grow and succeed? Why is it the United States’ habit to help these impoverished nations? If we Americans wanted to help them so badly, why did we wait until they were in ruins? I’m sure that this country was in need of our help before the earthquake struck.

My point is, when we had our own devastation with such as Hurricane Katrina, what countries came to help us?

Why is it that Americans always rush to the need of other countries, when there is so much need here?

America has had the role in the world as being the one country who is always willing to come to another country’s need. There comes a point where, to the world, America must look like the over-achiever in the classroom, the one who is always going above and beyond what is really needed. Maybe it is time that other countries step up to help, and we can just sit back and focus on our own problems. In case you haven’t noticed everything is not all peachy keen in the United States right now.

This will not be a popular opinion, but I think that we need to focus on ourselves and allow America to be the one that gets its house in order before overextending itself around the world.

Spending a Day as a Lunch Lady was no Picnic!

By Catie Furletti Managing Editor

Imagine coming to work at six in the morning, making breakfast for a group of a few hundred, and then preparing lunch for ten times that many. This is the life of the food service staff.

Every day, Kim Bryant comes in and starts preparing for the day. She cuts up vegetables, accounts for the food, and serves kids breakfast. Multi-tasking is a major part of the food service industry at OHS. To say this is an easy job would be a serious understatement.

Not only do the women on the food service staff cook for us, they cook for every event in the district. If you have a party in your class, it is they who provide the food. If conferences are going on at the Education Center, they cook for them. The cafeteria staff makes everything from pizzas for parties in class to pasta salads for events at the Education Center. These things are in addition to the meals they have to make for lunches every day. The work load in the cafeteria is a heavy one, and it all gets done every day. I think you could call our food service staff a catering company also, because they have much more to their jobs than making us lunch.

In the new OHS cafeteria we have state-of-the-art photo by Monek Cullen equipment. Our school has very advanced machines, making it easier to cook our food. We are lucky to have OHS food service workers prepare and serve thousands of meals each week. a lot of new machines, like ovens and stoves, according to the staff members. The staff of the food service for. The toppings for everything have to be counted to at OHS is very proud of their clean and neat cafeteria. make sure that there is no waste. The cafeteria does Everything in their kitchen is spotless. The women not serve leftovers, or old food. In order to make this keep everything clean and organized. If you ever had happen, they have to make sure everything is exact. a doubt about the cleanliness of your food, and where This may seem like it would be easy, but think again. it is made, worry no more. These women take pride in While making all the food, you also have to make their work, and in everything they do, and they do it sure you don’t make too much, too little, and make it with smiles on their faces. correctly. Every morning, fresh vegetables are cut up Everything in the lunch area has to be accounted and prepared for the meals that day. Some things are

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made in advance in order to make sure that everything is being made on time. Things can be prepared the day before and frozen, and that doesn’t mean that the quality is diminished. They haven’t been cooked yet, so they’re fine. These things are not leftovers, they are fresh products that have been made in advance to assure that everyone gets the lunch they wanted.

Maybe you don’t think the food preparation part of the job is all that tough, but, try working in the cafeteria while a bunch of hungry teenagers complain. Every day from fifth period to eighth, kids go through many different lunch lines hungry and in a hurry to eat. Would you want to be the person on the receiving line of that? These women are always polite, and never treat kids rudely. The food in the cafeteria always comes out quickly, and everyone gets what they want. We are lucky we get so many choices for our lunches every day. Instead of just the hot lunch and alternate lunch, we have many choices. Even in the morning, when you’re hungry, you can come in and get a variety of different things. Breakfast sandwiches are available or Pop Tarts and cereals. I believe we are lucky to have the quality food that we do. I personally went into the storage room, freezer, and refrigerator and saw all of the food. Everything is being kept the way it should be, everything is sanitary, and everything has its place.

I spent a day in the life of the food service staff. It was a fun, interesting day. To say that what they do is easy would be completely wrong. I feel that these women deserve an incredible amount of credit. Next time you go through the lunch line, why don’t you think about saying “thank you” to them for providing us with food during our day, or even just tell them you appreciate what they do. They make a difficult job look easy.

March 2010

Columns

17

Calling All Students: Pull Up Your Pants!

We’ve all seen that clip from American Idol of General Larry Platt singing his famous song, “Pants on the Ground.” If not, go look it up on YouTube.

It’s highly entertaining. Believe it or not, I even saw this song on iTunes. In the song, General Platt sings about young people who wear their pants so low that they are basically, as he would say, “on the ground.”

Yes, the song pertains to “gangsters,” but as I saw the video, I instantly thought of the people, mainly guys, walking around Oswego High School with their pants halfway off of their waists.

The Dress Code that is printed in our student handbook clearly states that, and I quote, “Clothing that does not completely cover undergarments” is prohibited. Imagine going up the stairs and the person in front of you has his pants halfway down. You have a full, and unwanted, view of his underwear. Personally, I’m not a fan of that at all.

It’s happened to me before and I was disgusted.

No one wants to see what color underwear you’re wearing or if they have Superman logos on them.

Some people may not realize, or even care for

that matter, but this violates the dress code. Girls are not allowed to wear certain articles of clothing, and, though some girls do violate the dress code, that’s not what we’re talking about here. I have even seen a few girls be sent down to the main office because their outfits are deemed “inappropriate.”

But, what about the guys who violate the dress code every single day? I’m not saying you have to drag them by the ear to the office and have their parents bring in another outfit for them, but why aren’t they made to follow the dress code like everyone else?

Granted, I have heard teachers instruct students to fix their pants, but they either ignore the teacher completely or comply, and once the teacher walks away, they go back to wearing them the way they did before. I’ve even seen a hall monitor instruct a student to pull his pants up and he disrespectfully replied, “If you don’t like it, don’t look.”

Sure, to some it’s considered fashionable and fashion is a big part of some peoples’ lives.

How a person dresses can reflect on his/her personality and even how they view themselves as an individual. Some people even imitate the styles of their favorite celebrities. But, I have to ask, how is wearing your pants half off of your body like that even comfortable? How do you walk? Doesn’t the breeze bother you?

I’m not one to judge, but I do think this is a problem at our school and in our culture. In fact,

I think it’s disrespectful. Even our president, Barrack Obama, commented on the matter during an interview on MTV. “Having said that, brothers should pull up their pants. You’re walking by your mother, your grandmother, your underwear is showing. What’s wrong with that? Come on. You don’t have to pass a law, but that doesn’t mean folks can’t have some sense and respect for other people.

A lot of people may not want to see your underwear, I’m one of them,” President Obama stated.

He makes a great point. It’s about respect.

Respect for yourself and for the others around you, who do not want to view your underpants on a daily basis. If you want to wear girl jeans that are three sizes too small, or jeans that are three sizes too big, be my guest. Just make sure your boxers aren’t visible.

Here’s another fashion suggestion: wear a belt! It’s not hard to put a belt on and secure it so it keeps your pants up. No, you don’t have to hike your pants up to your belly button like Steve Urkel, but just pull them up high enough so we don’t have to see your underwear.

We do have have more important things to worry about here at OHS, but this problem needs to be fixed. So, teachers, if you see a student who violates this part of the dress code, please do your best to get them to pull them up. And students, for goodness sakes, just pull up your pants already!

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March 2010

Sports

18

OHS Athletes Have Cousins in the Pros

By MaryKate Torbitt & Christina Buckingham

Photographer & Sports Editor

It has been several years since Erik Cole attended OHS and began his career in the National Hockey League, and as an Olympian. For a trio of OHS students, the link to professional sports is right in their own families. Matt Howard, Mike Brown and Devin Whalen each have first cousins that hold their own professional careers in various national sports leagues.

Not many people can say that their first cousin is the starting goaltender for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. Senior Matt Howard defended the net for the OHS varsity hockey team this winter, much like his cousin Jimmy Howard, who is #35 of the Red Wings. Their relationship has not only been influential mentally, but has also helped Matt advance with his own hockey skills. Matt hopes to someday follow his cousin’s career path. “I would love to play in the NHL, it’s every hockey player’s dream,” said Matt Howard.

The busy schedule and high status that comes with being a professional athlete haven’t put a strain on the Howards’ relationship. “We’re very close; we talk about once a week and I get to see him every month or so. If I have certain questions on how I should do something Jimmy always has an answer for me or if he’s around, he’ll take the time to show me,” stated Matt.

The fact that both Matt and Jimmy play the same sport and position has helped them form a close bond with each

other and has increased Matt’s drive in hockey. In some cases, sharing so much common ground can cause the feeling of inferiority between two relatives. For Matt, that feeling doesn’t exist. “There is reason to feel inferior, considering he plays with all the best hockey players in the world,” commented Matt.

When Brian McCann was drafted in 2002 by the Atlanta Braves, his younger cousin, Mike Brown, decided he was no longer a New York Yankee supporter and declared his allegiance to the Atlanta Braves. Brown is now a senior and a prominent member of the OHS varsity baseball team. McCann made his MLB debut in 2005 and is now known as the all-star power-hitting catcher for the Braves. Brown and McCann share their love of baseball and prefer to discuss major league action, rather than going over game strategy. “We’ve gotten closer over the last few years. I was a catcher during middle school and there was definitely some influence from him,” said Brown.

Brown doesn’t feel any pressure from his family to follow his cousin’s path to play in the major leagues; he has other plans for his future. “There was never really any pressure on me. I’ve always been encouraged to do what I want. Every kid dreams of going pro at one point, but most of us come back to reality and pursue something more realistic,” he stated.

Even when an athlete does not share a common sport with his pro-athlete cousin, their status as a professional is still something to look up to. Sopho-

Photo courtesy Matt howard

The Howard family poses with hockey’s top prize, the Stanley Cup, after the Detroit Red Wings 2008 victory.

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Photo courtesy mike brown

OHS senior Mike Brown (second from right) enjoys a family photo with (from left to right) dad Jerry, cousin Brad McCann, and cousin Brian McCann, all-star catcher of the Atlanta Braves.

more Devin Whalen, had never played organized football, yet was a fan of the New England Patriots. That is, until his first cousin, Trevor Scott was drafted by the Oakland Raiders to play outside linebacker in the NFL. Although Whalen doesn’t play the sport, the fact that his cousin is a professional athlete is just one more reason to idolize him. “I look up to him because he is successful and he has a cool profession.

I would like to be as successful as he is in whatever I do,” Whalen stated.

There are a lot of non-athletic perks to having a pro-athlete in your family. It’s a given that the families of the athletes will have lots of team gear. “I get free hockey equipment, which is an advantage that I love. We, as family members, get discounts on Red Wing apparel when we see him play in Detroit, so that’s always great,” Matt expressed.

“I get free batting gloves and other Braves’ memorabilia. Brian signs pretty much everything I get, which is nice,” said Brown.

As family members and supporters, Matt, Mike and Devin follow team and league statistics closely during the season and wear team gear on important game days. Traveling to attend each of their cousins’ games can be a treat. “I have watched Jimmy play many times. I have been able to attend the last two Stanley Cup finals!” commented Matt.

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“Whenever the family goes to a game, if it’s home or away, we get free tickets behind home plate,” Brown explained.

“I usually watch his games on TV and I got to see Trevor’s team play against the New York Giants, and that was cool,” said Whalen.

As strenuous and time-consuming a professional athletic career can be, the players still manage to live their own lives and maintain balanced relationships with their families and friends from whatever city, or country their job takes them.

Both Howard and Whalen commented that their cousins each work with various charities when their schedules allow. McCann is involved with several charitable organizations and has baseball clinics for children ages 5-18 years old. “I look up to him in the sense that even though he is now making millions, it hasn’t changed him from being the down-to-earth guy that he has always been.” Brown disclosed about his famous cousin.

Most athletic careers begin with natural talent and improve from knowledge, experience, hard work and a little bit of luck. But the families of the professionals are the lucky ones who can watch one of their own strive for their greatest potential and share the pride in knowing when they’ve achieved their goal.

March 2010

Sports

19

Thirteen Year Old Commits to Football at USC

By Shaughnessy Darrow Clublicity Editor

On Thursday, February 4, David Sills verbally committed to play football at USC. That is no big deal for someone to commit to a major university, but Sills will not be able to play for the college until 2015 because he is only in seventh grade!

This agreement from a thirteen year old quarterback from Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Delaware caused quite a stir. Many wanted to know how this happened and questioned how young is too young to be recruited?

Sills is a quarterback on his school’s football team, coached by Eric Day and personal quarterback coach, Steve Clarkson. Clarkson has known the USC coach Lane Kiffin for some time, and often refers potential athletes to him as future players. Clarkson referred the young boy from Delaware to Kiffin and offered to have him look at some of his plays on tape. After Kiffin looked at the videos, he called Steve back and said, “'I'll offer that kid a scholarship right now.” After the coaches talked to Sill’s parents, the scholarship was offered to the boy himself.

Many disagreed with the parents’ choice to allow the boy to make a verbal agreement. They saw a seventh grader as too young to choose where he wants to go to college, and what he plans to do for his future. Others believed that the boy

might change his mind or might get an injury that would prohibit him from playing at USC. Sill’s father disagreed with these thoughts and did not see what was wrong with acknowledging a young talent, and having him set a goal for himself. "For the people who don't like kids getting recruited early, if it was their kid, what would they do?

Would they hold them back?" Sills' father asked.

"I understand people's opinions and I respect that everybody is allowed to have an opinion, but I don't really have a problem with people, young, old, or in between, getting recruited. I don't think it's a big deal. People talk about pressure and expectations but that's not who David is. He doesn't feel a lot of pressure. He loves football and he likes to have fun. I told him if it ever gets to a point where he's not having fun to stop and we'll play golf."

So, how young is too young? Is it fair to have a cut-off age when so many young athletes show potential? There are some who may not be mature enough to make that decision or to stick it out, but should it be up to the parents to make that decision on their child’s behalf? Allison Boyer, a full-time freelance writer feels that middle school age is too young. “Personally, I don’t think it’s a good idea to recruit such young players. I’m in favor of an NCAA rule that says recruiters can’t contact players until they have played at least one full season of their sport in high school or are at least high school

juniors, whichever comes first. When you were 13, did you want lot of extra pressure put on your sports talent? Did you understand what you wanted in a college? Did you make good choices? Thirteen is too young. It just is. And we need rules to prevent it.”

Others see no problem with having someone recruited at a young age and even see it as helpful in their long-term success and athletic ability. In 2008, an eighth grader named Michael Avery was offered a basketball scholarship to the University of Kentucky. Avery’s mother saw this as a great thing for her son and anyone else with extraordinary talent abilities.

"Whether they offered him something at 14, 16, 18, what is wrong with it?" Boatright said. "What if it was a scholarship for good grades? Wouldn't that be exciting?

My son makes good grades and he is good at sports. Hey, he's a good kid. He's been trained to work hard and study hard."

The bottom line is if this were a talented musician or a young educational prodigy then the views on whether they should earn a scholarship would not be so controversial. People are entitled to their opinions on this matter, however, they should keep in mind that these are kids who have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to continue in something they have a passion for.

Is it right to deny them that based on their age?

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March 2010

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 13 Number 5

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

March 2010

Oswego High School Athlete of the Month

Tessa Opet Photo by marykate torbitt Illustration by Kylie Wyman

By Christina Buckingham Sports Editor How a student-athlete is forever remembered at OHS is determined by what they accomplish right up until the end of their four-year high school career. Most would agree that leading your team to a state title is a good way to wrap up your senior year.

Senior Tessa Opet was the captain of the New York State Championship varsity girls’ hockey team here at OHS. She began playing the sport at just four years of age when she saw how much fun her older brother had playing hockey on a team. “I just love being on the ice with all that intensity,” commented Opet. As she became older, Opet continued playing in city leagues until she made her way onto the OHS girls’ varsity team in her second year of middle school. This season, her fifth year on the team, she was the lone senior. She is a defensive player, and although she did not score a goal this season, she was credited with two assists and made huge contributions to her team. Her love and dedication to the sport landed her a leadership role in becoming a captain along with co-captains Kaitlin Friel and Karissa Favata this season.

“The fact is, I have 16 teammates, all of whom feel like family to me,” Opet stated.

While her team feels like family, her actual family has been nothing but supportive in Opet’s hockey ambitions.

“They’re all very supportive. They’re always at every game and they stand by me no matter what happens,” said Opet.

With all the support of her team and family, this season turned out to be quite special to her because of all that the girls achieved. The one hockey memory that will always stay fresh in her mind is winning the state title this year.

“I’ve never really had so many emotions go through my head at one time. I cried; it was honestly the best day of my life, and it was our time to win,” said Opet.

Opet is a loyal fan of the Buffalo Sabres, and although hockey is her biggest passion, she also enjoys lacrosse and yoga. She expects to hold a career in the future involved with elementary education, while she is undecided on her final choice for a college. She doesn’t plan to make it to the big time with hockey, but she knows that she will continue with it after high school one way or another.

To all younger athletes who may play hockey in the future, “It may be tough at first, but keep trying because eventually you’ll get the hang of it, and it’s a great sport to be a part of,” said Opet.