March 2009

Editorial

2 Buccaneer Bulletin

Drawing Board

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

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

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

Printing services are provided by The Palladium-Times.

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

ON THE COVER: School safety is one of the hottest topics in America-- including Oswego. The movie Watchmen is a current box office hit. Our school security staff, our “Watchmen,” agreed to pose for our version of the Watchmen movie poster.

Pictured left to right: Michael Wilson, Daniel Chamberlain, and Anthony Allison

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Cartoon by heather hanlon

… to the dedication of the OHS media center to former principal, administrator, and Board of Education member Anthony J. Murabito. It shows respect for someone who had a tremendous influence in our school and community for decades. … to the increased presence of law enforcement in and around our school, including the addition of a school resource officer in the aftermath of February’s incidents. ...to Lindsay Johnson, Sara Hill, Abe McAndrew, Joe Purdy, and Tyler Hunt who earned the Sam Walker Memorial $1,000 scholarship for their idea in the Entergy Science Competition. …to the staff members of The Buccaneer Bulletin who won in the Newspaper In Education Week Editorial Writing and Cartoon contests. The works of our own Fred Maxon, Blair Harvey, Mackenzie Oatman, and Heather Hanlon were chosen from over 1,000 entries in the competition sponsored by The Syracuse Newspapers. … to the Festival of Winds concert. March always features concerts to celebrate Music in the Schools Month, but this assembly of our musicians was exceptional.

… to the students who wait until the last minute to do paperwork for sports physicals.

This procrastination not only affects your team, but is a hassle for the nurses and athletic department. … to the current state of the cafeteria. While having a new, more modern lunchroom is a great idea, the half-finished look complete with no flooring and dangling light fixtures is enough to make us all lose our lunch.

March 2009

Editorial

3

In Our View . . .

Media Hype & Rumors Fuel Fears

The events of the past few weeks at OHS different racial groups. have been a shame not only to our school, but to The majority of the blame should be placed on the community. Violence and disrespect towards the students. Brace yourselves, fellow classmates; I students and teachers, have never been condoned know you’re used to being told that you can do no in our community, and the fact that things have wrong. We can, however, and we have. We come escalated this far, is shameful. into school every day and treat each other, and Pointing fingers is not a solution, especially even faculty and staff, with a level of disrespect since we are all to blame. A big part of the issue, that rivals the behavior of maximum security however, is misinformation. Our administration inmates. Every day I see “friends” pushing, can send home kindly-worded letters that shoving, calling each other names, all connected downplay these events, but let me remind you that with strings of expletives grimy enough to make a denial is not just a river in Egypt. For anything to sailor blush. Back in kindergarten, we were taught truly get solved, we need to stop worrying about to listen when adults spoke, and to follow their saving face, and start dishing out the facts. directions. What’s happened in these past ten plus What was described in the letter sent home as years of education to make us think that those rules an “incident,” began, to the best of my knowledge, no longer apply? as an attack on one of our female students, by We didn’t get to this point as the result of another female student, and a few males who what many view as a lax administration, or weak accompanied teachers; we’re here the latter. There We didn’t get to this point as the because of our own was no “fight,” Every time result of what many view as a lax actions. because a fight we decided it didn’t administration, or weak teachers; we’re matter if we were would indicate that the victim five minutes late to here because of our own actions. fought back. It class, every time was a deliberate we talked back to a assault against one student, by another student. teacher, every time we skipped a class because we Rumors about guns in school, dozens of knew we wouldn’t get caught, we were stretching fights, etc., just weren’t true. Teenagers love to the rules. Now they’ve reached their breaking sensationalize an incident almost as much as the point, and something had to give. media does, but it really wasn’t all we had built I love this school, and despite the opinions it up to be. True, the events of the previous day of some of the student body, it actually is a great were not acceptable. The attack that occurred was place to learn. I like getting up every morning appalling. But total pandemonium at OHS—NO! and interacting with our staff, and enjoying the Later that day, our winter pep rally was company of my fellow classmates. To me, more cancelled. Disappointing? Absolutely. The fact is, needs to be done to remove the people who are though, that given the abnormally high tensions constantly involved with incidents like the ones in the school that day, bringing the entire student these past few weeks. These behaviors should no body to the Powers Gymnasium had potential riot longer be swept under the rug, by turning the other written all over it. If we couldn’t be trusted to walk cheek to kids who come to school simply because from class to class within the building without it’s against the law for them not to be here. a verbal altercation, how on earth could our The media can’t be excluded from its share administration allow us to walk into a gym where of the blame, either. The February 25 report by we would all sit, clique with clique, grade with WSTM Channel 3 news was sorely lacking what grade, enemy with enemy? should be considered a journalist’s number one Was it a racially motivated incident? It guideline—factual, balanced reporting. Those didn’t start out that way. The female attacker and featured in that sound bite, like the rest of the the victim in the Wednesday incident were both community, had little or no factual information to Caucasian. What we have here is not a problem base their opinions on. with racial insensitivity in this school; it’s a Right now, Oswego High School is broken. It’s problem with common sense. One faculty member our responsibility (students and members of this remarked, “This whole situation isn’t about the community), to fix it. It’s time to stop passing the color of your skin, it’s about young people being blame on to other people for our problems. Like stupid.” is printed on posters throughout our school, “the It all comes back to the idea of everyone buck stops here.” Let’s make it stop with us. Right (unconsciously) trying to sensationalize the story. now, let’s grow up, and act like the responsible, A situation involving two groups of the same race respectful young adults we’ve been encouraged to isn’t nearly as scandalous as one involving two be since nursery school.

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What do you think we can do at Oswego High School to curb the hostility?

Colin Burns “We should get metal detectors at the entrances.”

Class of 2012

Erika Lazzaro “We should permanently get rid of smokers’ corner.”

Class of 2011

Nick Souva “We should properly enforce our zero tolerance policies.”

Class of 2010

Zack Carswell “Just let them fight it out.”

Class of 2011

March 2009

News

4

Tough Economy Affects OCSD Budget

By Rachel Clark

Alumni Editor

Signs of the economic downturn have spread from Wall Street to school districts, including the Oswego City School District which is slated to lose $1.9 million in state aid along with many other New York State districts, as a measure intended by Governor David Paterson to lessen the state’s budgetary deficit.

For the 2008-09 school year, New York State allocated a total of $17,219,075 in aid to Oswego City Schools. This comprised approximately 25 percent of the district’s $66,590,2715 budget. However, the state’s 2009-10 budget will award only $15,314,880 to the district, a reduction of about 11 percent.

These cuts were counteracted, to a degree, by the federal government, with President Obama signing into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a stimulus package intended to boost the economy by injecting government money into various agencies, including public schools. The stimulus package will bring an additional $1,704,225 to Oswego schools, bringing the net loss in aid to $199,970.

“The state is in tough shape fi- developed a combined strategy of cost an anonymous community member nancially. Approximately 25 percent reductions, aid restoration, the use of posted on the controversial web site of New York State aid to education is reserves, this year’s projected surplus, InsideOswego.com. generated from the income taxes paid and a modest tax levy increase of 3% to The students of the Oswego City on Wall Street bonuses,” Assistant balance the budget,” Colucci stated.

School District have also been vocal Superintendent for Business Mr. Peter Additions proposed in the budget about their opinions as to their priorities Colucci stated. “Reductions state wide have sparked discussion by board and when it comes to the budget. throughout government and the public community members alike.

Some students are optimistic about sector are likely based on the financial “All these things would be nice the process. “I think they’re doing a climate.” under a different era, but right now with pretty good job overall; they’re lookDespite cuts at the state level, people unable to pay their taxes, unable ing to reinstate some positions and district officials have proposed a $70 to put food on the table and unable to just generally improve anything and million budget everything they can,” for the 2009-10 “They should focus on fixing problems, not stated OHS senior school year, an Chelsea Bartlett. increase of about creating more by wasting money on things OHS junior Lib$3.5 million from we don’t need.”

by Vickery expressed this year’s $66.5 she would like Chelcee Ward that million budget. to see “renovations Class of 2010 actually being done This will provide for about $1 milright and on time, lion in additions. Additions include pay their school bills, I think it would and not cutting off money to the music a weight room supervisor and a drug be fiscally imprudent for some of these department so we could get music.” and alcohol counselor, as well as the ideas,” Board of Education member Not all students have a specific reinstatement of three positions at the Sam Tripp stated in The Palladium- agenda. Many would just like to see elementary level that were eliminated Times on March 2. their school district create a better enin this year’s budget.

“Mr. Crist, please turn on the TV vironment for the city as a whole.

“Tentatively, we anticipate a resto- or pick up a newspaper to learn about “They should focus on fixing ration of $1.6 million in state aid. When what is going on in this country. Then, problems,” stated junior Chelcee Ward, presented with a combined gap in this with that new insight, go back and try “Not creating more by wasting money tentative scenario of $6,529,030, we again at putting together a budget,” on things we don’t need.”

Advocacy Group Aims to be the Community’s Voice

By Kaitlyn Scanlon Reporter

After years with ties in the Oswego City School District, a group of parents led by Kristy Davis, Kris Chalifoux and John and Molly Clark have founded the Oswego Parent/Student Advocacy group (independent of the school district) where people can voice problems and work together to find solutions.

Those involved are prepared to make their concerns and ideas heard, and are trying to maintain a positive outlook while dealing with issues in our school.

“We want it to be not just about problems; everybody kind of discusses those things and says, ‘Oh we could do this better we could do that better,’ and that is important … but we want to hear people talking about the good things, too,” said John Clark.

The group has a big to-do list, but is undaunted by the task. It is working to get more members: students and teachers especially, and its main goals are to improve communication between the different branches in the schools and with parents.

“If something happens and a letter is sent home, it needs to be a truthful letter,” said Chalifoux. “Don’t sugar coat it. Is it pretty all the time? Absolutely not, but the parents deserve the whole truth, good or bad, and that’s where the trust has been lost. They are not only

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parents, but they are the taxpayers too of this school district. ” The Oswego Parent/Student Advocacy group is open to everyone. It is a way to let thoughts be heard and impact the school you attend and the community where you live. Even if you have a pressing issue, but you don’t want your name to be tacked along with it, you can remain anonymous and still get your ideas out there. If you submit an anonymous complaint, only the four founding members will see your name on the form.

Your ideas could be shared, but not your name.

“I think that the Parent/Student Advocacy group is a good idea because, lately, our school has been getting a little out of hand, and peoples’ voices and problems need to be heard and resolved,” said OHS sophomore Chad McClelland.

The group did not just begin because of the recent incidents in the district. It has been on the horizon for quite some time according to John Clark.

The group is not only tackling safety concerns, it will deal with any issue, problem or idea that involves any school in the district, not just OHS. “We hope to address situations and inform the school district, and hopefully it will make things better.

People should come to us with any problem at all,” said Kristy Davis.

“Do we have an issue or problem? Yes,” stated OHS principal Peter Myles, “but so does the community.

The high school, for an example, is just a microcosm of our society. The issues, the problems, the concerns that exist in the City of Oswego are the same ones that we deal with here…. Whether it is talking about race, ethnic groups or theft, we deal with all the same types of problems that exist out in the community. This is like a small city here every day.”

The more members the group enlists, the more of an impact can be made, Davis said.

“I think it is a good idea because OHS has problems and they (the Oswego Parent/ Student Advocacy group) want to find solutions,” said OHS freshman Sarai Godwald.

You can contact the advocacy group at opsag2009@ gmail.com, or you can go to their Facebook page by typing in Oswego Parent/Student Advocacy group. You can send letters to P.O. Box 256, Minetto, N.Y., 13115. They have also just created a new website: OCSDHELP.COM .

The founding members emphasized that all are welcome to provide input. “Kids, parents, teachers, everybody has a story, and this way they can bring it to the front, without bringing it to the front (if they want to remain anonymous). They can come to us,” said Chalifoux.

March 2009

News

5

Explicit Text Messages Only Lead to Trouble and suddenly sending nude photos of oneself becomes acceptable in their efforts to gain male attention. “I’m really shocked people would send a photo like that to someone. I think it’s morally wrong. The forwarding of photos to the computer should be stopped--there should be some type of filter,” stated OHS teacher Mr. Chuck Rowlee.

The media is also very involved with contributing to the popularity of sexting. The teen hit Gossip Girl promotes sexting by frequently shows its main characters partaking in it, along with the constant use of acronyms that sometimes are difficult to understand.

Young teen stars are also partaking in sexting High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens’ nude photos

a recent Nielson report, the focus should be on reducing the associated risks of mobile device use. Parents Across the country, young adults and teens are should not ban the use of this technology, they should taking part in a new trend called “sexting.” This injust encourage youth to communicate in a safe and volves the sending of semi-nude or nude pictures via appropriate manner with it. text message. This new phenomenon of texting can Another thing making it difficult for parents is lead to bullying, law violations, and embarrassment. what has been titled the “Text Generation Gap.” When According to Urban Dictionary, “sexting” is described it comes to text messaging, many parents are left in as “the act of text messaging someone in the hopes of the dark because they simply do not understand the having a sexual encounter with them later; initially new language teens have developed to communicate casual, transitioning into highly suggestive and even through texting. Not understanding the different spellsexually explicit.” ings and the use of textonyms (acronyms used in text According to CBS News most teens who particimessaging) make it difficult for parents to monitor pate in sexting are usually in some type of relationnormal text messaging, let alone distinguish explicit ship. Although they may promise not to messages from appropriate texts. Just show anyone else the message, they often like online, the cell phone is one more just can’t help but show their buddies and “I wouldn’t personally partake in the sending thing that students are using to define show the sender’s photos off, literally. With or forwarding of nude photos. However, if my themselves apart from their parents. the advancements in technology constantly “I found it very odd that people were growing, the once-private photo of yourself friends were involved, it wouldn’t change my able to flirt sexually through testing. can be sent anywhere in the world in a matter friendship with them.”

I was unaware there was such a skill of minutes. until it happened. It takes practice Jessica Allen. and then comes the pictures,” stated To teens, sexting is becoming just another way of flirting with the opposite sex.

Class of 2010 senior Gino Ruggio.

Unfortunately, the line between flirtatious In order to gain control, parents and scandalous is quickly crossed. If teens thought leaked on the internet and put the mothers of HSM should set limits for its use during school and the sexting was a big deal, they probably wouldn’t take fans in a frenzy. evening hours. “Parents need to establish a solid part in it. The problem is that teenagers are attracted to Parents and teens must know that taking, sending, foundation with their children when they are young the false sense of security offered by text messaging. forwarding or having inappropriate photos can lead to and encourage open communication,” stated Shirley The average “sexter” assumes that the dirty message criminal charges, especially if they include minors. In Davis a parent of a young teenage boy. With teens or revealing photo is only going to be seen by one New York State, any image that portrays a minor in a texting during the night, it may be appropriate to take person–the recipient. However, that is not always the sexual activity or indecent manner is considered child away cell phones during these hours. Also, checking case. What many teens don’t understand is the rate at pornography. Anyone who receives or passes on such the cell phone and looking through the text messaging which that photo or message can be shared. A nude images is also likely to face criminal charges. Cell history may be helpful and is also reversible. Being photo can be forwarded to hundreds of people or even phones can do just about anything--check e-mail ac- aware that many phones can be set to delete texts or uploaded to the Internet on their peer’s Facebook or cess MySpace, play music and get you charged with picture messages as soon as they are sent is helpful.

Myspace without anyone’s permission. possession of child pornography!

However, anything they send can be accessed with a In May 2008, Jesse Logan, a teen from Ohio This behavior may reflect typical teenage hor- little of work. appeared on the Today Show to talk about her expe- mones and a lack of judgment, but it can have devastatIf set parameters are in place, students are more riences with sexting. Logan sent a nude picture of ing personal and legal consequences. In Wisconsin, a likely to follow them so their privileges are not taken herself to her boyfriend. However, after they broke 17-year-old teen was charged with child pornography, away. It’s important for teens to be safe with the up, he forwarded the pictures to other girls who at- sexual exploitation of a child and defamation for post- growing technology. tended the school. During school, she was harassed ing nude photos of his exand tormented by the girls; two months after the girlfriend on his MySpace interview, Logan hung herself in her room as a result page after she allegedly of the torment. cheated on him.

“I wouldn’t personally partake in the sending or The results of distribforwarding of nude photos. However, if my friends uting child pornography were involved, it wouldn’t change my friendship with can be very serious. After them,” stated junior Jessica Allen. being charged, you may According to The Center for Parent and Youth have to register as a sex ofUnderstanding, it is believed that girls who send racy fender for ten years. This images to their boyfriends may be doing so because may be a problem when they feel more comfortable sending photos than actu- you are trying to get a job ally being nude in person. The perceived risk and emo- and prospective employers tional attachment seems lessened. Also, some see it as do a background check. a way to keep their boyfriends interested, if they are With about 80 percent of not in a physical relationship. Impressionable young teens and nearly half of girls see their famous role models behaving in such a all kids ages 8 to 12 have way that creates a lot of interest from their male peers, a cell phone, according to

By Caitlin Sawyer Chief Photographer

Buccaneer Bulletin

March 2009

Columns

6

Istanbul Offers Tourists Many Options A Foreign Perspective Hazal Pacaci Bridges, breathtaking views, history, modernism, diversity…A unique place where you can get bits and pieces of everything, a culture that stands on its own. A great tourist attraction and a city of opportunities-Istanbul.

Few, if any, of you have experienced the beauty of this wonderful city, and some may not have even heard of it. But as a native of Turkey, I would like to present what I know about Istanbul from a different point of view.

Istanbul has been a sophisticated city since the ancient times and attracted many scholars’ attention because of its history. Like many other parts of Turkey, Istanbul witnessed many events, treaties and even wars.

Once called Constantinople, Istanbul was the capital of the Roman Empire between 330–395, the Byzantine/ Eastern Roman Empire between 395–1204 and 1261–1453. Named after the Roman Emperor Constantine, it was Europe’s largest and wealthiest city throughout the middle ages and was officially renamed to its modern Turkish name, Istanbul, in 1930 with the Turkish Postal Service Law, as part of Ataturk’s (Founder of the Turkish

Republic) national reforms.

In the 16th century, when the Ottoman Sultans assumed the office of Caliphate (chief civil and religious authority of Islam), Istanbul became the center of the Islamic world as well.

The city was totally reconstructed and acquired a magical ambiance under the sultans. Today, it is usual to see many different masterpieces such as palaces, mosques and even churches in Istanbul.

The Imperial Topkapi Palace, built on the site of the old Acropolis, commands an extraordinarily beautiful view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. As a result of closer contacts

rich social, cultural and commercial activities. While world famous pop stars fill stadiums, activities like opera, ballet and theater continue throughout the year. During seasonal festivals, world famous orchestras, chorale ensembles, concerts and jazz legends can be found often playing to a full house. The Istanbul International Film festival is one of the most important film festivals in Europe.

Istanbul holds some of the finest institutions of higher education in Turkey, including more than 20 public and private universities. Most of the reputable universities are public, but

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is the second largest metropolitan area in Europe and fourth largest city in the world with a population of 12.8 million. with the West, mosques and palaces in European style were built along the shores of the Bosphorus by the 19th century.

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is the second largest metropolitan area in Europe and fourth largest city in the world with a population of 12.8 million. Being the largest industrial spot in Turkey, it has always been the center of the country’s economic life because of its location as an international junction of land and sea trade routes. It is also becoming increasingly colorful in terms of its

in recent years, there has also been an upsurge in the number of private universities. Istanbul University (1453) is the oldest Turkish educational institution in the city, while Istanbul Technical University (1773) is the world’s second-oldest technical university dedicated entirely to engineering sciences.

Although soccer, basketball and volleyball are really popular, personal sports like golf, horse riding and tennis are gaining popularity as the city hosts international tournaments such as the WTA Istanbul Cup (a tennis

tournament). American football is not common in Turkey either, and when you say “football” people think of soccer. However, there are places where you can also practice whatever sport you want, including American football and baseball.

Since it is a crowded city and a tourist attraction, Istanbul has numerous malls and shopping centers some of which are “Akmzerkez,” “Bauhaus,” “Boyner,” “Carousel,” “Cevahir,” and “Galleria.”

Transportation and infrastructure is really improved and there are different ways to explore Istanbul such as renting cars, land or sea transportation, or railroads.

Since it was conquered by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1453, Istanbul has been Turkish territory and developed a lot. I heard people saying that they thought Istanbul was a separate country or the capital of Turkey. Although it was the capital of the Ottoman Empire, it is not the capital of Turkey. Istanbul is also slated to be a European Capital of Culture in 2010.

As a native who actually lives in Turkey, I wanted to share some information about Istanbul. I live in a different city, which is called Izmir.

However, living in Istanbul is one of my biggest dreams. Since it is a city of opportunities, it is the center of the media, industry, tourism, commerce and so on. I am sure that it would be so cool to live there. Hopefully, one day, you will get a chance to visit and see how beautiful it is.

‘Inmates’ Completely Controlled in Study Hall Mar y Says Mary Losurdo Everyday I sit in the same study hall with the same forty students. Everyday I sit and ponder for forty-two minutes about what exactly we have all done to be treated like such criminals.

Since the first day of school, I have been in a study hall where the only studying that goes on is of the clock, which only taunts back. I understand a teacher’s desire for a quiet work environment, but one teacher in particular has taken this desire to a whole new level of control.

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Upon entering the class room, there are a shouts at the accused, great number of obstacles we must face before whose only crime was breathing too loudly or not we can get to our desks. Sometimes, said teacher frowning. will be standing in the doorway holding the door Our warden sits on a desk for forty-two halfway shut, letting in only a few students at a minutes and stares at us, just waiting. It is time, all the while screaming the various criminal impossible to get anything done with so much offenses we committed hostility in the room.

I am a good student. I try the day before. Once I am a good student. I we are seated, we then try really hard every day really hard every day and I do are ordered to face and I do not appreciate not appreciate being treated being treated like some forward in an upright position and wait convict. It would be one like some convict. for roll call. For the thing if she had given us a duration of the period, chance and we blew it by we sit awkwardly with our mouths metaphorically being loud or otherwise misbehaving, but this is pinned shut. As far as the benefits of silence go, not the case. In truth, we were not even given the we don’t experience any. Silence comes in about chance to make a mistake. four-minute increments broken up by stabs and

March 2009

Features

7

Is Your Glass Half-full or Half-empty?

By Brittany Ross Clublicity Editor

Although most of our country encourages optimistic people, there is still a high percentage of people who don’t think as assuredly. These people are known as pessimists. Some of these pessimists can relate to the term “defensive pessimism.” This modernistic idea may help manage stress and anxiety to help you become more successful.

“Defensive pessimism’ is a pop-psychology principle,” stated Mr. Mark Mirabito, psychology teacher at OHS. Pop psychology refers to new ideas that the media seem to exploit, before there is enough research completed.

“Generally, there is the optimistic explanatory style, and the pessimistic explanatory style,” said Mirabito.

“Dispositional optimism refers to generalized outcome expectancies that good things, rather than bad things, will happen; pessimism refers to the tendency to expect negative outcomes in the future,” according to John D. and Caherine T. MacArthur from the Research Network on Socioeconomic

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Status and Health. For example, an optimistic person sees a glass half full, and a pessimistic person views it as half empty.

“The influence of humanism and cognitive psychology generalizes that optimism is better,” stated Mirabito. Most people obtain the thought that optimism leads to a happy healthy life, and most optimists believe that the outcome of negative events does not relate to them. In some cases, not expecting negative outcomes implies that a more optimistic person may be less prepared. As a result, optimists would have a more challenging time managing disappointment.

Pessimists automatically blame themselves for negative outcomes and events. “They pay attention to more detail to prevent failure, and expect numerous events to go wrong,” said Mirabito. As a result, defensive pessimists first set very low expectations for themselves, followed by a play-byplay of everything possible that could not go their way. They use this as a constructive way to work out all of the kinks ahead of time, and already know how to react to an unexpected event.

“Some call this the rebuttal to optimism,” explained Mirabito. For example, imagine preparing for a colossal presentation that you will be giving in front of your class. In your preparation, do you have multiple copies of your note cards, in case one set vanishes the day you present? Or do you print out your paper ahead of time, in case of technical difficulties the night before? If this is the case, you demonstrate strategies of a defensive pessimist.

“When writing a paper, I write it a couple days ahead of time and present it to the teacher so I know what I need to include and have time to fix it for a better grade,” explained junior Jennifer Strother.

Defensive pessimism can be an approach to better self-motivation, which can result in better school or job performance.

Reconsider the idea of pessimism in terms of defensive pessimism. Not all pessimistic views are entirely unhealthy, the newly-identified concept of defensive pessimism may actually help you to be more constructive and prepared in your everyday life.

March 2009

Clublicity

8

GSA to Focus on Freedom and Tolerance Kat’s Chat Kathryn Whelsky In the student handbook, under the title ‘Prohibited Conduct’ is one line that’s causing quite a stir. The line is simple, a rule that we’ve all had drilled into our heads every year of our lives, starting in Kindergarten with “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

The handbook states, “Using abusive language or gestures, including racial or ethnic remarks which are improper” will get you into trouble. Normally what would be a very well-intentioned rule, is being called into question because of one omission: what about sexual orientation? Are the homosexual and bisexual students of the school exempt from this rule? If someone spits a homosexual slur in the hallway, does that mean that they won’t be punished for their own small-mindedness?

The school handbook has gone unchanged (or at least it seems so) for years. Old-fashioned rules and guidelines have stayed behind, while times have changed. Now proof of change has finally filtered into Oswego High School with the formation of The GSA. For those of you not in the know, the Gay Straight Alliance.

The original idea for a gay/ straight type of organization was first thought up in California – by a straight student. The organization’s goals were simple: create a safer environment for gay teens in their schools and communities, give people support if, and when it was needed, and support gay rights. The original concept for a GSA was founded in 1998, to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools.

Some of you know from the Proposition 8 debacle in 2008, gay rights have long since been denied, on both a national and personal level.

While thousands of gay couples in California were denied the right to legally marry.Here at Oswego High School, anti-gay feelings have been

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showing up in day-to-day interactions be represented. We hope that the between students. More and more alliance will increase acceptance and students have been complaining to tolerance in OHS.” counselors about slurs and insults Maybe some of you are thinking cropping up in the hallways of that all of this is a bunch of mumbo OHS. The general idea of the GSA jumbo, and that you haven’t heard is to support tolerance and selfof any anti-gay remarks beyond the expression within OHS, as well as usual, obnoxiously casual use of the to end homophobia and homophobic phrase “that’s gay” echoing in our comments within the school and the halls. But when the Gay Straight community.

Alliance put up posters to advertise The relatively new GSA has for the club’s first meeting at the had only two meetings, but one of end of February, most of the posters the club’s advisers, Ms. Heather were ripped down or written on by Andrews, said that she was surprised the end of the day. It’s reactions like at what an that, tearing immediate hit it down signs and was. “Thirty eight writing insults students attended on posters, the first meeting,” that proves Andrews stated in schools are in a recent interview. need of groups “My initial reaction like the GSA, to the idea was that promote excitement, because tolerance and I really think we camaraderie, need a better school rather than climate, and a safer violence and feeling here. I also hurtful acts. felt proud that we Students should have a movement not have to feel that students are so as though they invested in and have Courtesy of Google. images aren’t given a fair so much passion chance in school.

The GSA of Federal Way High for. It’s great to The issue School in Washington, DC see all these kids of bullies and depicts its mission. joining together and discrimination fighting for something that they truly has always been a part of society, believe in, and live every day. For just at different levels and targeting these kids to advocate and speak out different groups. Being discriminated for themselves is amazing,” she said. against because of your sexual Originally, it was three students orientation should not be one of those who proposed the idea of a GSA to levels in today’s society.

Andrews, and then the school board.

Members plan to bring guest Andrew Wetter, David Simons, speakers and motivators to meetings, and Nikita Blackburn originally as well as organize special events approached Andrews on starting the and fundraisers for the school. “What club, and the idea was then handed we’re planning right now is having off to executive principal Mr. Peter professors on human sexuality and Myles, who presented it to the school homosexual rights activists. We’ve board. “We wanted to start a GSA also spoken about having people from group in Oswego to raise awareness the SUNY Oswego GSA speak to the in the high school and help gain club. We’ve talked about upping the support for gay students. People need ante for the day of silence, which is to accept others no matter their views basically a statement, recognizing or orientations,” stated Blackburn. those who don’t have voices. We Simons echoed Blackburn’s want to promote a group atmosphere comments. “We wanted to start and fun, but we also want to educate a GSA because there’s a larger those involved so that they know gay population in OHS than how to handle certain situations,” people realize, and it needs to Andrews said.

In addition to the fun activities, the Gay Straight Alliance has serious issues to tackle, like their plans to lobby to modify our stereotypical student handbook to include homosexual and transsexual rights, as well as address the school internet blocking program that’s prone to blocking pages because of ‘gay or lesbian content.’ “We have enough trouble without the internet hating us too,” Simons quipped when confronted with one of those glaring red ‘STOP’ signs, and a yellow box stating that he couldn’t enter a site because of homosexual content. “It just seems so discriminatory and selective and wrong. These are the things that we’re trying to change,” he said.

In a world where there are so many things that people should be focusing on, important things that need to be opposed, gay rights isn’t one of them. The fight to end homophobia and discrimination against homosexual and transsexual individuals is going to be long, hard, and extremely trying. But, if we have to start change somewhere, we might as well start in our own school hallways. If there’s any place where homosexual students should feel safe and welcomed, it should be in their own homes, communities, and schools. Andrews agreed. “I think it’s brought homophobia up as an issue in the community, definitely. I know it’s not going to be a quick fix, like, ‘Oh, we have a GSA, everything’s going to be better now.’ It’s more like a work in progress. There are many different people and we accept them for who they are and welcome them to meet with us. We’re working to change school climate and promote expressionism. I think that we will eventually get to that point of acceptance, in the Oswego area and the country in general, but right now, we’re just taking the first step. People can cover their ears, but they can’t take our voice away.”

The Oswego High School GSA meets every other Monday in room 237. In their last meeting, the offices of president, co-president, secretary, and treasurer were voted on by GSA members. The next Gay Straight Alliance meeting is after school on March 23.

March 2009

Clublicity

9

Clubs Preparing for Spring Activities Spanish Club

Spanish Club officers will be meeting with Mrs. Julie Burger, the principal of Leighton Elementary School, to see about offering some volunteer services.

The annual trip to the Mission Restaurant in Syracuse has been approved for Friday April 3.

Carlie Marley is being recognized with a Fajita Grill gift card for having sold the most Yankee candles.

Travel Club

The Travel Club is taking a trip to Ireland soon after graduation this summer. Members are working on finalizing payments for the trip. They are just finishing up Gertrude Hawk fundraisers and beginning to sell Tastefully Simple products. It is never too late to join the club and start fundraising for a future trip.

The next meeting is April 1, 2009 in room 104, right after school. For more information contact Mrs. Lisa McPherson, adviser of the club.

Freshman Class

The Class of 2012 recently finished selling Gertrude Hawk chocolate to raise funds for future class events. However, there are no events or fundraisers in the plans for the immediate future. According to freshman class adviser Mrs. Gloria Canale-Giberson, “Officers have been encouraged to get other class members involved in other potential fundraising and activities.”

If any freshman has an idea for a future fundraiser or activity, he or she is encouraged to contact CanaleGiberson either by visiting her in room 240 or via e-mail at gcanale@oswego.org.

Foreign Exchange

The Foreign Exchange Club will be busy in these upcoming months. They are going to be holding a social pot luck dinner on Monday March 20. They will also be playing American group games such as Twister, Pictionary and card games. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the president Amy Wilcox via email or Mrs. Janet Bernreuther in the library. New members are always welcome.

Student Council

Student Council has been busy preparing for the MORP, the dance cleverly named as “prom” spelled backwards. Traditionally for this dance, the girls ask the guys. Student Council has yet to decide on a theme for the dance, but one idea coming up frequently is “Carnival.” They continue to work with the cafeteria on Pennies for Polio. They also collect cans to raise money.

Student Council is always looking for nominees for student and teacher of the month. Students have to nominate the teachers and teachers have to nominate the students.

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Buccaneer Bulletin photo

Meghan Kelly (left) and Amber Earl write letters and stuff envelopes for the National Honor Society’s annual letter writing Rally event for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Last year, our local students raised over $7,500 during the campaign.

Interact Club

Interact Club is a club for students to get involved in school and community through volunteer service.

From sponsoring or setting up events, to fundraising for charities, and making things to donate to organizations, they’re willing to do it all!

For the next couple of months, Interact Club is planning to sell gum balls to raise money for Polio.

Polio or poliomyelitis is an infectious, virus-caused disease that causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to the victim’s inability to move parts of his or her body and a deteriorating of the muscles.

They have also set the date to make baby blankets for families who cannot afford them. As the weather continues to get nicer, they hope to set up a beach clean-up.

Becca’s Closet

Becca Kirtman was a freshman at her high school in Davie, Florida when she started a fundraiser to collect and distribute used prom dresses for girls in need, allowing those who didn’t have enough money for a new dress to still experience their proms.

Kirtman died in a car accident in 2003. After her tragic death, family and friends continued the kind charity that she set in motion. The local fundraiser

has grown into a nationally recognized organization called Becca’s Closet, in honor of Kirtman.

Last year, Jill Doty, a junior at Oswego High School, opened a chapter of Becca’s Closet in our city.

With the help of adviser Mr. Warren Shaw, a teacher at OHS, Doty involved the Oswego Rotary Interact Club that now takes care of all the monetary aspects.

This year, in association with Golden Gate Bridal, the chapter is getting started collecting any “gently” used gowns, shoes, jewelry, bags, and other accessories. Current styles and a variety of sizes are needed.

Your mom’s prom dress from the 1970s won’t quite cut it. Make sure what you’re donating is something you would actually consider wearing yourself. Along with clothing, gift certificates to florists and restaurants are extremely useful. Volunteer seamstresses and dry cleaners to help alter and wash the dresses are also needed.

All donations can be brought to Golden Gate Bridal located on 127 East First Street. Golden Gate is open Tuesday-Saturday until 6:00 pm and on Sundays from noon to 5:00 pm. If you are a member of the National Honor Society, donating to Becca’s Closet counts as one of the short term projects you need to complete in a year.

Dates will soon be set to go to Golden Gate Bridal and try on dresses. Tuxedos will also be available for rent at a discounted price for boys in need. For information, see the school nurse, Jill Doty, call Mrs. Lisa Shaw at 343-0224, or visit www.beccascloset.org.

March 2009

Walking The Plank

11

OCSD Superintendent Takes the Plunge Buccaneer Bulletin: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Mr. Bill Crist: Fishing, hiking, golfing, anything outdoors.

BB: Are you the next Tiger Woods?

BC: I’m not, although I consider myself an avid golfer. I know my limitations.

and why?

BC: Abraham Lincoln, I think he was an incredible individual. Probably Jesus Christ just to get to know him on a more personal level, and John F. Kennedy; I would like to get to know him a little bit.

BB: Do you have any pets?

BC: A dog named Henry; he’s a shi-tzu.

BB: Favorite sports team, professional or otherwise?

BC: I’m a huge SU basketball fan.

BB: If you could be on any game show on television, which one would you pick and why?

BC: Probably the Price Is Right, because I like Drew Carey, or Deal or No Deal, because I like Howie Mandel.

BB: What’s your favorite part of coming to work every day?

BC: The excitement of coming in and just not knowing what’s going to be here when I get in, and hoping that I can make some small change in a child’s life over the course of the day.

BB: What do you consider the greatest moment in SU basketball history?

BC: Winning the national championship, it was great…magical.

BB: Tim Horton’s or Dunkin’ Donuts?

BC: It’s a toss-up. I’d have to say Dunkin’ Donuts because I’ve had a lot more of that.

BB: If you could have any one super power, what would you pick?

BC: Invisibility.

BB: When you were little, what was your dream job?

BC: At one point it was to be an astronaut, or a recording producer.

BB: Favorite childhood toy?

BC: Cars, any kind of cars.

BB: What do you do on a snow day?

BC: I’m usually up by 4:50 a.m., and then I might go back to sleep for a little while, and then I come in to work. It’s nice because I don’t get a lot of phone calls, so it’s quiet.

BB: What was your favorite high school memory?

BC: I was involved in music in high school… we went to Chicago and played for the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. That was a very big highlight. I played trumpet.

BB: Do you remember your first car?

BC: I do; it was a 1969 Chevelle station wagon, with wood siding on it. It had more rust on it than paint, but it served the purpose.

BB: Favorite vacation spot?

BC: Sun and warmth, typically on the water some place.

BB: Who would win in an arm wrestling match, you, or Mr. Myles?

BC: Me, without a doubt. Hands down.

BB: If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would you choose,

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BB: What’s the most stressful part about being the superintendent?

BC: Trying to make right decisions for kids knowing that there are a lot of obstacles that don’t always allow you to do what you believe is the right answer.

BB: Who was your childhood hero?

BC: Spiderman and the Incredible Hulk.

Photo by kailyn gray

Oswego High School Class of 1976 graduate Mr. Bill Crist has risen through the ranks to become Superintendent of Schools.

BB: What’s the best Halloween costume you remember wearing as a kid?

BC: When I was in Kindergarten, I dressed up as a white rabbit. I had a full furry costume, and I won a contest.

BB: Where did you go to college?

BC: Ithaca, primarily. I also went here to SUNY Oswego.

BB: Who would you most like to be stranded on a desert island with and why?

BC: My family, because I think it would be fun.

BB: Did you play any sports in high school?

BC: I wrestled and I swam for one year. I was involved with music more than I was with sports.

BB: Where did you go to school before Oswego?

BC: All around. I’m originally from the Albany area. I also attended West Genessee.

BB: What were a few of your favorite musical artists growing up?

BC: Billy Joel; Tower of Power; Blood, Sweat, and Tears; Chicago.

BB: If you weren’t the superintendent, what would you be doing?

BC: No idea. I’d probably be in some level of education some place.

BB: Tell us about your family.

BC: I have a wife who was my childhood sweetheart; we met in high school. I have a daughter who is a freshman at LeMoyne College and I have a son who is a freshman in high school.

BB: What book are you reading right now?

BC: First to Die by James Patterson. I also do a lot of reading of professional journals.

BB: Name three artists currently on your iPod. BC: I’m kind of into a country-western mode right now. I like Kenney Chesney, Rascall Flatts, and Alan Jackson.

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

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

March 2009

12

Feature

How Does a Snow Day Become a Snow Day?

By Mackenzie Oatman Reporter

It’s now March, and the old saying states, “March—in like a lamb, out like a lion.” If by some chance, March goes out like a lion this year, it’s still not too late to get one final snow day. If we do get another blast of winter, we might find ourselves watching the scrolling words at the bottom of the TV screen until we see the message announcing a snow day.

You might wonder who is making the decision to send everyone to school, or to keep us home. That would be Mr. Bill Crist, Superintendent of Schools, and the process that has to be completed in the morning to make that decision isn’t a simple one.

The routine begins with Mr. Tom Gunn, Director of Transportation.

Gunn checks the forecast every night, and if the weather looks questionable, he gets up sometime between 3:00-3:30 a.m. to check again. If the weather is bad, he runs a route through the city in

Buccaneer Bulletin

his car, assessing the conditions first hand. This takes place between 3:304:30. He then calls Crist around 4:45 a.m. to relay the information.

After receiving the information from Gunn, Crist will contact the head of Buildings and Grounds, Mr. David Crisafulli who has surveyed the school grounds beforehand.

Next, Crist watches the weather forecast and talks to Mr. Scott Stieger, professor of meteorology at SUNY Oswego.

Not only will he close schools for bad weather, but temperature is also a factor. If the temperature is 25 degrees below zero or colder, including wind chill, schools are closed.

Another thing Crist has to do is call the superintendents of surrounding schools to see how they are reacting to the weather. If five out of the nine schools that participate in BOCES close or are delayed, then it impacts the BOCES schedule for the entire day.

After gaining all this information,

Crist has to decide whether to close school, open school, or delay it. Unless the conditions are horrible, and a snow day is the obvious answer, the schools generally go into two-hour delay mode.

A two-hour delay gives the city an opportunity to clean the roads and get the schools ready to go. The two-hours also provide a waiting period to see if the unpredictable lake effect snow subsides or worsens. Crist stated, “It’s just a prediction, not a given.”

Two-hour delays are good for those reasons, but they impact other things.

Two-hour delays automatically cancel breakfast and morning BOCES for Oswego students, and it affects activities that have been planned for the day, as well as the making of school lunches.

Crist has to let everyone who is at all involved know about the delay. He could easily do this using the messaging system that connects all administrators, but he prefers to call everyone personally.

Even on a two-hour delay, the final decision to close school or not has to be made by 8:00 AM, because all buses must begin their routes by that time.

When the decision is made, it is up to Mr. Bill Foley, Director of Public Relations, to notify the media. Foley has to call the news stations, post information to the web, and update the school messaging system.

New York State requires there to be 186 days of instruction. If Oswego uses more than the six snow days allotted, then Crist has to start taking days away from vacations.

Crist states that when he is stuck in-between the dilemma of obligated days of instruction and student safety, he will “always err on the side of student safety.”

So next winter, when you are wondering why there was or wasn’t a snow day, remember that there is a team of people behind the decisions made, and they are always working in the best interest of the students.

March 2009

Feature

13

‘With Age Comes Wisdom’-- Tooth Removal

By Katherine Robinson Reporter

By the time you turn as early as twelve years old or as late as forty or fifty, you, along with almost every other American has gone through the dreaded experience of the extraction of your wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars, located at the very back of the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because usually they come in when a person is between 17 and 21 years or older, old enough to have gained some “wisdom.” Some people describe the extraction of their wisdom teeth, as horrific, painful, and awful. For others, the removal of the third molars is a walk in the park.

Not all wisdom teeth are a pain. Wisdom teeth that are healthy and properly positioned do not cause problems. However wisdom teeth may break partway through the gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them where food can become trapped and a gum infection can develop. Wisdom teeth can also come in crooked or facing the wrong direction. Or, if the jaw is not large enough to give them room, they may become impacted and unable to break through the gums. Some people may have trouble properly cleaning around wisdom teeth because they are so far in the back in the mouth and may be crowded. If the wisdom teeth do not come in preferably, the can begin to cause decay in-between adjacent teeth that will be the cause of troubles later on.

General dentists will examine teeth and gums for signs of a wisdom tooth coming through the gum line or crowding other teeth. X-rays will determine whether the wisdom teeth are causing problems now, or are likely to cause problems in the future. Some people are lucky, and might not have any wisdom teeth at all, due to genetics. “Hundreds upon thousands of years ago, humans ate food that was very hard to chew, needing the third molars. Today, all of our food processed, Photo illustration by Katherine Robinson Photo By Caitlin Sawyer and therefore our wisdom teeth aren’t as essential as they were before. Some dentists think that in a long The only thing people may dislike more than a trip to their ‘regular’ dentist might be a trip to the time from now (not in our life time), no one will have oral surgeon for the rite of passage for removal of their wisdom teeth. wisdom teeth at all,” said Juan Lopez DMD. The procedure of getting wisdom teeth removed geon’s office. You may have the surgery in the hospital, sleep through the procedure. Today, most people have often can be done in the dentist’s or surgeon’s office. especially if you are having all your wisdom teeth option as to whether they would like to be put under a Patients may have the surgery in the hospital, espe- pulled at one time or if you are at high risk for compli- general anesthetic or not. cially if they are having all of their wisdom teeth pulled cations. If you have any infections, surgery will usually The recovery period depends on the complexity at one time or if they are at high risk for complications. be delayed until the infection has cleared up. Your of the surgery, lasting anywhere from two to seven Before removing a doctor or dentist days. “My face was swollen for about a week after wisdom tooth, the “ My face was swollen for about a may have you take I got my wisdom teeth removed,” stated senior Tom surgeon will give you antibiotics to help Graber. The symptoms also depend on the complexity a local anesthetic to week after I got my wisdom teeth heal the infection. of the surgery. Some symptoms may include, facial numb the area where taken out.”

Before removing a swelling or bruising, trismus ( the discomfort or pain the tooth will be retooth, your of opening and closing your jaw ), injury to adjacent - Tom Graber Class of 2009 wisdom moved. A general dentist will give you teeth, pain in the socket where the tooth once was, and anesthetic may be used, especially if several or all of a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth rarely nerve damage. Most dentists and oral surgeons your wisdom teeth will be removed at the same time. will be removed. A general anesthetic may be used, recommend pain reliever such as Advil or Tylenol, A general anesthetic prevents pain in the whole body especially if several or all of your wisdom teeth will both ice and heat, and lots of rest. However there is and will cause you to sleep through the procedure. he be removed at the same time. A general anesthetic one remedy that has never failed, a good book, and a procedure often can be done in the dentist’s or sur- prevents pain in the whole body and will cause you to big bowl of ice cream.

Buccaneer Bulletin

March 2009

Point/Counterpoint

14

Is Attending College for Everyone?

Yes: It’s a Must in Today’s Society

No: College is Overrated

By Katherine Robinson Your parents have threatened you before, “If you don’t go to college, you will end up working at McDonald’s.” It’s true. With the economy, it is likely that you will have a minimum wage job if you don’t go to college.

A person who goes to college earns more than a person who doesn’t. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, on average in 2007, someone with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, earns approximately $100,000—that’s 50 percent more than the $49,739 earned annually by someone with only a high school diploma. Ever since you were young, your parents have encouraged you to do well in school, so you can go to college. For however many years we have listened to this, it’s a fact. We must get a good post-high school education.

There is more to college than the stereotypical partying and laying back. Believe it or not, college is difficult; there is no doubt about it. Typical high school students know they are going to college, work, or heading off into the military. However, some students who don’t do well in high school, dread the idea of another two to four years of more academic work. Do they not have goals for themselves? Do they not want to live up to their potential? Everyone has a dream, whether it is to be a doctor, or a marine biologist, or a race car driver. With thousands of different majors to choose from, why not attend college to achieve your dreams. Do not let people limit you. There is absolutely no harm in attending college or no good reason not to attend college. College gives you the opportunity to learn more about what’s out there. You’ll be exposed to a variety of academic subjects, people, and new perspectives. There is no harm in getting an education. Furthering your education can only help you improve in life.

“No more than 20 percent of students have the level of academic ability to cope with genuine college level material,” stated Charles Murray in his controversial book Real Education: Four Simple Truths for Bringing America’s Schools Back to Reality. That statistic blows my mind. No more than twenty percent of students can cope with their material, but the question is, how many of these students actually attend college? Why would you pass up the opportunity to follow your dream, be independent, not have your parents telling you to eat your fruits and vegetables, or to brush your teeth? College will allow you to meet new people from different backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles, who could be your friends forever.

Of course, you may have a professor who is meaner than a bobcat, or possibly a roommate who is bipolar, and yes, you will miss your high school friends, but your dream starts the minute you drop your suitcases on your dorm bed. Live your dream for you, not your parents. Remember, what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger College is the experience of a lifetime. You have heard many people say “college years are the best years of your life.” I simply don’t understand why students opt not to attend. Is it that they have no work ethic? Is it simply fear? There is a college for everyone. Whether you’re a big-city person or tend to prefer life in the middle of nowhere, you have thousands of college options.

No matter what college you attend, except for specialized schools, you have to take general education classes your first two years. Community colleges offer transfer programs so you may take your general education classes in two years and transfer to the school of your dreams. On the other hand, you could hop right into the four-year college life starting at the school of your choice.

If everyone attended college, it would improve our world dramatically. People have a much higher self-esteem knowing they have a solid education under their belts and knowing they are more employable than just serving french fries or working as a cashier in a convenience store.

Educated people generally don’t live on the streets. Instead they are in office buildings presenting ideas to the big shots of their company. Better yet, they might even be the big shots!

No one can tell you that you cannot attend college, that you cannot follow your dreams. The sky is the limit, but to get off of the train and into the sky, college is the first stop.

By Mary Losurdo I can’t honestly tell you that I think it is right for everyone to go college. As high school students, it is fed to our minds all the time that college is for everyone, and the only other option is working at McDonald’s for the rest of our lives. This message is damaging, because the fact is, not every student can, should, or will go to college. To succeed in college, one needs the specific educational and personal characteristics of a student. To say college is for everyone cultivates the misconception that all students are more or less the same, which clearly is not the case.

Once high school is over, there are an infinite number of opportunities for students. You really can do anything with a high school diploma. I understand that success is always the main goal, but college is not the end-all, be-all measurement of success. Goal setting is a key; having a general direction is another.

If going to college is in your plans, then you should go for it, but if it’s not, you need to know there are other options. If you’re someone who wants to be part of the police force, but college just doesn’t fit, did you know that to be a supervisor of police and detectives does not require a college education? And the annual income for a supervisor is in the $65,000 range. How about an air-traffic controller? That’s quite an important role in the world of transportation, yet no college degree required, and the annual income can exceed $100,000. These are just two examples. These are just numbers, but don’t get the wrong impression. Numbers are not Four years; eight semesters, forty the point.

I chalcourses; and thousands of dollars lenge you to out the later, you are still going to be throw averages. I miserable. want you to remember quality, not quantity. If you think that you should go to college because you want to be happy with your career, look around you. Look at all the adults who surround you and consider the degrees they have. Now think about how truly satisfied these people are with their jobs or with their lives. Of course, some lucky individuals are actually happy, this isn’t a completely foreign concept, but just look at the majority. If you are an unhappy person who lacks fullness and purpose in your life, it is a personal problem. Four years; eight semesters, forty courses; and thousands of dollars later, you are still going to be miserable.

College has defined purposes. One is to strengthen students in liberal arts education, which is exactly the focus of most elementary, middle, and high schools. I think the other major reason why college is desirable is because it gives people a sense of security. We have been told that having a Bachelor’s Degree is our security blanket. In case you haven’t noticed, no one is secure anymore.

Many teenagers have the idea that college will prepare us for the real world, and not going to college would leave us unprepared and unprofessional. But when you look at it, what similarities do you see between college life and real life? You get to choose your own classes; you only have go to those classes three days a week; due dates are often flexible; if you don’t like your college you can quit and find another; you party every weekend. Is that the real world?

Don’t be misguided by friends, family, or teachers. For too long we have been made to think that it’s either college, or the fast food industry. This is not the way it is. Get through high school, graduate with the best dipolma you can get, then take a step back and think, “what are my options?”

High school is for everyone, college doesn’t have to be.

Buccaneer Bulletin

March 2009

Entertainment

15

Musical Diversity from Jenny Owen Youngs song can also be found on the second volume of the Weeds soundtrack.

Fred Maxon In 2007 she covered “Hot in Herre”

by Nelly, and I Fred Maxon must say, this cover made me finally realize the attraction It’s not often that a musician can do a cover of a some people have to rap and song outside of his/her genre and have it actually be hip-hop. This cover retained better than the original. Jenny Owen Youngs, indie all the lyrics (although the songstress from New Jersey, has earned herself a mentions of “Nelly” were place in the “Acoustic-artists-who-covered-rap” changed to “Jenny”) and it pantheon for her 2007 cover of the hit Nelly song was set to a great guitar riff.

“Hot in Herre.”

When put in the same league Owen Youngs, raised in Montclair, New Jersey, as Matt Weddle’s cover of began her musical career in elementary school, “Hey Ya” by Outkast and playing flute before moving on to new and exciting Jonathon Coulton’s cover of instruments--namely tuba and later guitar. In the classic “Baby Got Back,” college, she studied studio composition at SUNY Owen Youngs takes the gold.

Purchase.

However, out of those three, While she has been known to perform covers, I’m fairly certain Owen her original work is also worth listening to. Owen Youngs is the only one with Youngs self-released her debut album, Batten the an official music video for a Hatches in 2005, and re-released it in 2007 on song from that group, which the Nettwerk label. Other notable artists on the automatically gets her extra Nettwerk label include Sarah McLachlan and The points. In the video, Owen Weepies. They also manage the Barenaked Ladies Youngs sings alongside polar and Avril Lavigne. This album is this wonderful bears, penguins, and Inuit folk rock collection of 11 songs and one remix that inside an igloo. I know the is too good to pass up. This album was featured hip-hop parody genre isn’t on the list of the “Greatest Album’s You’ve Never for everyone, but this has Heard” by Guardian Unlimited, now Guardian. such a heavy folk influence, co.uk in 2006. With lyrics like “I’ve got a span it really should be heard by Photo by Shervin Lainez of attention/as long as my teeth,” in the song fans of acoustic music. Owen Indie musician Jenny Owen Youngs releases a new album, titled “Porchrail” and “I can’t make real life as good as Youngs is able to combine Transmitter Failure, May 26th. television/ one shoe on and one shoe off/ And I can’t the style of folk and hip-hop pick a position,” in the song “P.S.”, the listener is so fluidly that it becomes her she played “Hot in Herre,” while sitting on the lap shown the mindset of a twenty-something college own. of someone who had been shouting at her from the grad unsure of the future. This album also features Her style is wildly original, and, after seeing audience. She dedicated the song to her, saying that artists like Regina Spektor, Meredith Godreau and her live, in concert, her audience interaction is it was their special song, and to cherish it. With a Andrew Futral, whom we have featured in The wonderful too. There was banter with the audience concert featuring Owen Youngs, it’s more than just Buccaneer Bulletin in the past. that I had previously not experienced-- my only music and a few one-liners, it’s part comedy act and Probably the standout song is a little ode to love concert experiences being has-beens at Harborfest part concert --a great mix that made it thoroughly and mistakes called “F*** Was I.” Featuring cellos, and going to go see Brand New when they played enjoyable. a slow waltz beat and an experience that many at Laker Hall. At one point during the show she As for the future, she plans on releasing a new share, this song is a sad look into post-breakup quipped that we were actually in Canada, seeing EP, titled Led to the Sea on April 7, that will contain fallout. “Love tears me up like a demon/Opens the as how far north she had to travel to play at Hewitt four new songs. After that, a new album, titled wounds, then fills Transmitter Failure is scheduled to be released them with lead/ Owen Youngs is able to combine the style of folk May 26, 2009 and will feature 13 songs. “May no And I’m having velociraptor plagues or zombie uprisings push it and hip-hop so fluidly that it becomes her own. some trouble back any further,” she says on her blog. just breathing,” Lastly, the music magazine Spin sums Owen she croons. Yes, Youngs up perfectly, saying “Youngs’ biting wit is the title may be odd, but it comes from the phrase Union and how cold the weather was. After glossed with her tender vox and while her lyrical “What the **** was I thinking?” something that beginning one song with “This’ll hurt me more than candor stings, her ethereal vocal quality soothes. is repeated throughout the chorus. This song was it’ll hurt you…” she launched into a half-hearted Her impassioned speak-singing is reminiscent of used on the popular Showtime show “Weeds,” in attempt at “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White Ts. Alanis, but the presence of contemporary influences a scene in which the main character, a widowedI know calling it a “half-hearted attempt” probably like Cat Power, Rachael Yamagata and Beth Orton hausfrau-turned-marijuana-dealer, finds out that does not bode well, but her attempt wasn’t meant are the dominant ghosts. “ her current flame is a DEA agent. As a result, this to be serious. Finally, as the last song on her set,

Hollywood

Buccaneer Bulletin

March 2009

Arts & Entertainment

16

Music in Our Schools Month Celebrated Musician of the Month

Ashley Welsch, daughter of Dianne and David Welsch, and a senior at the Oswego High School, has been selected as the Musician of the Month for March.

Welsch is currently principal alto saxophone in the OHS Wind Ensemble and lead alto in OHS Jazz Ensemble A. She has earned positions, through competitive auditions, in the Oswego County Music Educators’ Band, earning the principal alto chair. In addition, she earned a position in the 2009 NYSSMA Area All State Band. She has performed in NYSSMA solo competitions the past two years at the Artist Level – Level 6.

She has received nearly perfect ratings both years. Welsch continues to make significant contributions as a musician and leader in both the OHS Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensembles.

Wels ch h as a mu ltitu d e o f interests in addition to her extensive achievements in music, including varsity track & field, Oswego Figure Skating Club and the Oswego Yacht Club. She is a member and officer of Key Club and National Honor Society, and she has served on the prom committee. She is a New York State scholar-athlete and is recognized in the “Top 25” currently ranked second in the Class of ‘09. She is planning to major in the social sciences with hopes of attending law school. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports and spending time with family.

March Music Madness

Music In Our Schools Month began right here in New York State as a single-day celebration in 1973. It has since grown to be adopted by our national professional music association – the Music Educators’ National Conference (MENC)--and it grew to encompass a week, and then, in 1985, to become a month- long celebration of music in schools. March is National Music in Our Schools Month, and it is the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation.

The celebration continues to grow each year, reaching more and

Buccaneer Bulletin

more students, teachers, musicians, and music supporters. Schools and communities throughout the country and overseas celebrate MIOSM with concerts and other activities based on the year’s theme. Classrooms, concert halls, civic buildings, clubs, parks, libraries, and shopping malls are just some of the arenas in which the public can observe the processes and results of music education.

The Oswego City School District has great cause to celebrate. There are more than 3,ooo students in grades 3-12 in our school district. Particiption in band, chorus and orchestra is well over 1,500 students! A world-class concert band program, a nationallyrecognized marching band, legendary jazz musicians performing at the side of our students, world-famous conductors and composers working with our bands, commissioned works for band, a complete and professional Broadway musical, and a beautiful setting where our students can be seen and heard – the Faust Theatre. This gift, The Ralph M. Faust Theatre of the Performing Arts, is yet another reason to celebrate Music in Our Schools.

The Festival of Winds

Saturday evening March 7, the Oswego High School Bands presented their “Festival of Winds.” It is an annual event that brings our students in contact with the finest conductors, composers and educators from across the nation.

The Festival dates back to the early 1980s, and has brought such musical giants as Pulitzer Prize winning composer Karel Husa, Francis McBeth, Jared Spears, and Timothy Mahr; conductors Dr. Russel Mickelson (SUNY Fredonia/Ohio State University), Eugene Migliaro Corporon (University of North Texas), Rodney Winther (Ithaca College/Cincinnati Conservatory), James Croft (Florida State), James Keene (University of Illinois), and Larry Harper (Carroll College).

Students rehearse with the guest artists during the regular school day on Friday. In addition, they come in for an extra rehearsal on Saturday morning. It is a very busy weekend of music!

photo by Photos -N- Motion

Ashley Welsch is the musician of the month for March. Welsch plays the saxophone in the wind and jazz ensemble.

The 2009 “Festival” took a slightly different “turn.” Guest artists for the evening were the members of the Oswego Middle School’s 7th and 8th grade bands and their conductor, Mr. James Peer. Peer, new to the Music Department in 2008, comes to the district with previous experience in the General Brown and Jordan-Elbridge school districts. The OMS musicians are the OHS bands of the future! The current 7th grade band members will comprise a majority of the Oswego High School Wind Ensemble’s class of

2014. They represent an essential part of the “tradition of excellence” here in the Oswego City School District.

Two middle school and three high school concert bands performed at the Festival. The evening’s activities concluded with the combined efforts of all 250+ musicians in all 5 bands in a rousing performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” At the conclusion of the combined piece, the audience spontaneously offered thunderous applause and a long – and enthusiastic standing ovation.

November 2008

Entertainment

18

Slumdog Millionaire is Cinematic Genius be forced to beg on the streets. The things that they do to some of the kids are almost head turning, Emily DiFabio but it is real life; they are dealing with real struggles. While in “ … And the Oscar goes to… the care of Javed, the Slumdog Millionaire!” This was a man that they thought very common phrase spoken during could get them out of the 2009 Academy Awards. Slumdog the slums, the chilMillionaire is a movie that depicts dren have a singing real life in the slums of India and the contest and he has struggles of orphans, with its own twist it narrowed down of comedy and romance thrown in to to two boys, one of the mix. With Slumdog being such a them being Jamal. cinematic masterpiece, it was no sur- While Jamal is pracprise that it won eight out of ten Oscars ticing for what he that it was nominated for. No one would thinks might be his have thought that an illiterate boy from big break, the first Mumbai would end up showing India singer performs for that anyone can achieve anything that Javed; in India a blind he wants. child singer can make The movie Slumdog Millionaire twice as much begwas based on the novel by Vikas ging on the streets.

Swarup, entitled Q & A. It was origi- When Jamal is up nally published in 2005, and it was the next, Salim wouldn’t photo Courtesy of AP Images author’s first novel. Set in India, it tells let them harm Jamal; A man sleeps near a poster of Slumdog Millionaire, posted on a pillar in Mumbai, India, the story of Ram Mohammad Thomas, so Jamal, Salim, and Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009. Slumdog has won four Golden Globes as well as eight Academy who was a poor young waiter and be- Latika make a run for Awards. comes the biggest quiz-show winner in it. As they go for the history, only to be sent to jail based on train, the brothers make it on but Salim by Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar. He finds out unintentionally brings Jamal back to accusations, with no evidence or proof lets go of Latika, leaving her to Javed. that she is close to becoming forced to his beloved Latika, played by Freida that he had cheated.

With the unknown of what might have be a prostitute. Jamal knows that he Pinto.

The movie starts out with a quesThis movie, directed by Danny happen to her always in the mind of has to get Latika out of there but he wasn’t ready for Salim’s violent way tion; Jamal Malik is one question away Boyle, follows the journey of Jamal Jamal, he knows that one day he must about getting Latika to safety.

After from winning 20 million rupees. How Malik. The movie starts out with find her again. several edge -of -your seat events, did he do it? A. He cheated. B. He’s Jamal, played by Ayush Mahesh After many years of Jamal and Jamal becomes separated from Latika lucky.

C. He’s a genius. D. It is destiny.

Khedekar, as a young boy in India and Salim raiding trains and selling anyand Salim.

When the movie is over the question is his older brother Salim, portrayed by thing that they can find on the trains Next we meet up with the final 18 answered.

Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail. This in India, the boys decide to go back Slumdog Millionaire is one of the movie shows the real slums in India, to Mumbai where they grew up. Ja- year old Jamal, while he is on Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Jamal is best movies of our generation. Though and the struggles of life and the hard- mal is now played by Tanay Chheda. now played by Dev Patel the movie may start out with torture it ships that they must go and he is explaining his could end up being a cinematic masthrough. When their While this movie may not be for all, it life, and how he knows terpiece.

The only slight turn off to this village is attacked by an depicts a world that is unknown to most so much, to the officer movie that some dialogue is spoken in anti-Muslim mob that because every part of his Indian, but that shouldn’t be a reason to of the American culture.

Slumdog shows burned their village and life is a clue to a questurn you away from seeing this amazing killed many including the true poverty that very few in this tion.

The Indian police film.

While this movie may not be for their mother, it leaves are trying to figure out all, it depicts a world that is unknown to country can ever experience.

Jamal and Salim alone if he is cheating on the most of the American culture.

Slumdog in the slums of India.

This is where they meet Latika, played Jamal and Salim (now portrayed by game show. What it comes down to shows the true poverty that very few

by Rubiana Ali. Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala) start to find is the final question for 20 million in this country can ever experience.

While the three are trying to sur- honest work in a kitchen and showing rupees. Jamal, many years later, meets Slumdog Millionaire is alive with vive in the slums, they come across a tourists the real Indian life. One day, up with Salim once again, now played vibrant colors and strange sights. It alman who gives them a coke and tells Jamal finds one of the boys whom he by Madhur Mittal, who has ended up lows the movie-goers to step into the them that they can have a better life. knew from Javed, and he asked what on the wrong side of the tracks and is very likeable Jamal’s life and see how Little did they know that they would happened to Latika, who is now played now working for the city’s thug. When you could adapt to life in some of the they meet, up he follows Salim, and he poorest parts of India.

Totally DiFab

Buccaneer Bulletin

March 2009

Sports

Speedsters!

19

Buc Sports Flashback 5 Years Ago (2004) Hilary Callen won the Section III title in the 500 meter freestyle. Callen also placed second in the 200 free. Her performance at sectionals earned her a bid to states. Along with her personal performances, Callen was also a member of the 200 meter medley relay team along with Abby Martin, Dana Shannon, and Laura Shaddak, that placed seventh and the 200 meter freestyle medley relay team including Shannon, Shaddak, and Stephanie Battista, that took fifth.

10 Years Ago (1999) Kris Enwright and Jon Frechette of the boys’ indoor track and field team were both named league and Section III champions. Their accomplishments led them to the New York State Indoor Track and Field championships where Enwright placed 14th in the 100 meter run, and Frechette took 9th in hurdles.

Photo by Caitlin Sawyer

(Left to right) Ryan Taylor, Mitch Galvin, Eddie Wallace, and Eli Tyler set a new Oswego High School indoor track relay record last month with a time of 3:35.2 seconds.

OHS Relay Team Clocks New Record

By Jasmine Davis Sports Writer

This year’s indoor track team reached many heights. The boys’ four by four (four hundred meters by four runners) relay team broke the record for Oswego High School setting a time of 3:35.2 seconds.

The relay team consisted of four athletes: Mitch Galvin (senior), Eli Tyler (junior), Eddie Wallace, Jr. (junior), and Ryan Taylor (sophomore). The four boys all agreed that they work very well together, and practice as much as they can. The four are friends outside of track, which makes a stronger bond for them as a team. Tyler said, “We work really well together, but

Buccaneer Bulletin

we’re also very versatile in a sense that we could, and have, substituted other boys into the relay who we knew could better fit the competition.”

The team is mainly made up of underclassmen except for Galvin who will graduate this June. They have been competing together for two years, which is four seasons of track (two indoor and two outdoors in the spring).

This spring they hope to train a younger runner for the relay team, but the four of them will stay together for this upcoming season. Since this is Galvin’s last season of high school track, he hopes to break the school record again and “beat CNS,” he said.

15 Years Ago (1994) The boys’ varsity hockey team defeated topseeded Rome Free Academy to defend its title as Section III Champions. Jason Bauer had three goals, Andy Grimshaw had one, and Neal Pecore racked up one goal and two assists leading the Bucs to victory, by a final score of 5-2.

20 Years Ago (1989) Senior Barbie Verdoliva was invited to join the American Ambassador European Soccer Tour. Only 1,000 girls were selected to compose five teams that will represent the United States in the tour. The teams traveled through England, Holland and Belgium. Two games are played in each country after an extensive training camp in England. Verdoliva expressed excitement over the opportunity. “…I’m looking forward to playing on the same team with some of the best players in America.”

March 2009

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 12 Number 5

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

March 2009

Oswego High School Athlete of the Month

Eliza Parker

By Jasmine Davis Sports Writer

Last year Eliza Parker tore her hip labrum, this September she had surgery for it. Three months of recovery and an indoor track season later, she had broken the school’s record for the 55 meter hurdles and was on her way to the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Parker, a junior, has been running for the school for three years. She runs cross- country, indoor track, and outdoor track, and runs almost every event from the 400 down. She has set numerous records with the help of her teammates including, the 4 X 100 relay with Monique Reeser, Vanessa Sheffield, and Alexis Files (spring ’08), the 2 X 100 hurdle relay with Vanessa Sheffield, the 2 X 55 hurdle relay with Alexis Files, and the 55 meter hurdles.

With Parker running all three seasons and a plethora of events during indoor and outdoor, it’s hard for her to decide which aspect of the sport is her favorite, though she says it’s indoor. “There are fewer people on the team, so you get to know each other better,” she said.

The 4 X 100 hurdles are her favorite mainly because it’s what she’s best at, but also because of the pressure of competing as a group. Parker loves running because of the competitiveness of the races, and how every second counts.

Recently Parker won the CNYCL American conference title. Coach Jim McCaul is very proud of Parker’s achievements. “Eliza is having a terrific season. She has come a long way this winter and has developed the focus and confidence to race with the leaders. She has worked very hard and is very deserving of the opportunity to advance to the state finals,” the veteran coach stated.

On March 7th, Parker attended the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships. The championships were held at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

The race did not go as well as Parker would’ve wished, she placed fourth in her heat, and twenty-third overall, with a time of 9.1 seconds. “It was my second worst time all year because of lack of warming up and hitting a hurdle during the race,” stated Parker. According to the runner, conditions were unfavorable due to the lack of space to warm-up and it was cold and rainy during the meet. “The overall experience was exciting and very nerve wracking,” said Parker. She plans on spending her outdoor season pushing herself and training harder to make the championships again.

In addition to running, Parker also rides horses. Although she excels at running, she’d rather be riding her horse. As for college, if she can get a scholarship for track, then she will proceed with her career in running, but if not, she hopes to join an equestrian program at college.