Photos and illustration by patrick baer
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Volume 15 Number 5
Oswego High School’s Student Voice March 2012
Editorial
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Drawing Board
Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Mackenzie Oatman Managing Editor/Webmaster Madison Rhoades Layout Editor Chloe Martin Chief Photographer Patrick Baer Art Staff Alexis Daniels Paige Daniels Business Manager Taylor Falls Senior Writer Justin Peterson Ad Representative Casey Caroccio Sports Editor Carlie Morley Reporters Kara Collins Lauren Daniels Alanna Maldonado Adrienne McDougal Gabrielle Sacco Alumni Editor Kaleigh Fitzsimmons Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200. It is intended as a vehicle to inform, educate, and entertain the student body. Printing services are provided by The PalladiumTimes. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.
On the Cover: Chief Photographer Patrick Baer’s rendition of a Wheaties cereal box featuring OHS senior swimmer, Drake Becksted holding his gold medal for winning the NYS 50 and 100 freestyle and OHS junior track star, Corey Keefe, with his gold medal for winning the NYS 55 meter dash.
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cartoon by Alexis and paige daniels
. . . to bus driver, Christine Marsh who helped a 2-year-old boy that she found wandering the streets. She pulled her bus over, called the police and kept the child safe until they arrived. . . . to the Auer family for donating a new record board for the swimming program in Robert Auer and Francis Schrader’s memory. It looks great hanging in the pool area. . . . to David Garibaldi for painting the new Buccaneer in the main office. It’s a great display of school pride. . . . to Geoffrey Taylor, Mackenzie Palmer, Emilie Benigno and Gordon Pan who participated in the Zone 3 New York State School Music Association Area All State Music Festival. . . . to John “Jack” Rucynski, a veteran of the Vietnam War who received his high school diploma during a special Board of Education ceremony on February 28 as a part of the OCSD’s Operation Recognition for veterans who left school to serve their country.
. . . to the low enrollment in advanced courses such as SUPA and AP courses. It is a great opportunity that students should be taking advantage of, but we’re not accepting the challenge. . . . to Citrix not working on our computers at home. It’s hard to begin projects or papers at school when we can’t access them at home. The problem was made worse with the recent e-mail problems, making it even harder to transfer work. . . . to Battle of the Bands being cancelled due to low enrollment. It’s an event many students look forward to that gives students a chance to showcase their talent. Where’s the talent? www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com
March 2012
Editorial In Our View . . .
Ad Income Could Help School Budgets Product placement and advertising are nearly a quarter million dollars that could supplement everywhere from TV commercials to billboards from our budget and give us more opportunities for a better magazines to Facebook. They’re so common in our education. everyday life that many of us hardly notice them In the last editorial in The Buccaneer Bulletin, anymore. What if our high school was plastered with we dreamt about what extracurricular activities and advertisements as well? Would you still be able to courses we would love to see reinstated at OHS if we ignore the distraction? Should school become one had the extra money. What if paid advertisements in more place to become persuaded by a sales pitch? school could help us realize some of those far-fetched Public schools throughout the U.S. are dreams? If we were benefiting from the ads, maybe implementing contracts with special advertising we wouldn’t even mind having them there. companies that allow lockers, busses, and other Pennsbury School District in Bucks’ County, school property to be plastered with vinyl decals Pennsylvania is working with School Media, an that stretch several feet tall and wide. The concept organization that connects schools with advertisers. of advertising in schools could strike you as pretty Pennsbury does not allow the direct endorsement of a invasive. So product in the many ads they only It’s scary to think that the commercial world ads, are already display ads aimed towards is trying to franchise its youth, and scarier that are about young, to think the commercial world could try and “education, vulnerable health, franchise its youth while we are at school. nutrition, and minds. Do you prefer student safety,” Coke or Pepsi? You probably have “a brand” by now, according to an article in the National Education but you wouldn’t if it weren’t for advertising. We’re Association magazine. already aware that fashion ads are inevitably a part of We’re sure the students of OHS would be cool our obsession with being skinny or muscular or pretty with ads that represent organizations like Above the or whatever. We buy merchandise that has a certain Influence, or the local Wear It Oswego campaign that image associated with it. We go see the movies that endorses life jackets, or DWI awareness near prom are being advertised all over popular websites like season. YouTube. None of that is any different from an ad you It’s scary to think that the commercial world is would see right here in The Buccaneer Bulletin. The trying to franchise its youth, and scarier to think the Oswego School District should explore this new commercial world could try and franchise its youth source of revenue. We wouldn’t mind seeing a few while we are at school. more ads throughout our day in exchange for better But what if the commercial world paid our school learning resources. $200,000 a year to advertise on its property? That’s
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What’s Your Opinion? “Do you think the OCSD should accept advertising on lockers/busses/etc. to help ease budget shortfalls?” Meredith Chesare Freshman
“Yes, we could use the extra money to benefit our education. As long as they’re not inappropriate advertisements.”
Matthew Warren
Sophomore “Yes, I think it would be beneficial because we could always use the money towards various school events. Who pays attention to the front of the lockers anyway?”
Brooke Broadwell Sophomore
“No, I wouldn’t want anything on my locker, but if it wasn’t on mine I wouldn’t care.”
Kony Can, and Should, be Stopped KONY 2012--you’re starting to see it everywhere, but what exactly does it mean? It’s to publicize Joseph Kony, the rebel army leader in Central Africa and the fact that he’s up to no good. KONY 2012 is a film and campaign by Invisible Children not to celebrate or congratulate Kony for his acts, but to raise awareness about what is going on and possibly lead to his arrest for his deeds. Kony abducts children right from their homes. For the past twenty-six years, Kony has been kidnapping kids for his rebel group the LRA. He turns the girls into sex slaves and the boys into soldiers. He forces them to disfigure and mutilate people’s faces and to kill their own parents. This is more than just a few children. Kony has claimed an estimated 30,000 victims and the numbers are rising. Kony
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isn’t even fighting for a cause; he’s doing this only to maintain his power. Kony should be stopped. The problem being faced is that most of the world doesn’t know who he is or what he’s doing. The Invisible Children Inc. stated, “We feel obligated to tell the world Kony is out there and must be stopped. We build a community around the idea that where you live, shouldn’t determine whether you live.” Let’s support the Invisible Children Inc. Share the KONY 2012 video with all your friends or log onto the website at KONY2012.com and sign a pledge to help bring Kony to justice. You can also donate money to the campaign as well as purchase a Kony 2012 Action Kit to help raise awareness. Together, Kony can be stopped. It’s up to us to help make a difference. Nothing is holding us back. www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com
Thomas Dillon Junior
“No, because it would be annoying to have stuff on my locker.”
Mrs. Favata
Teaching Assistant “Advertising within the school is the answer to our budget. There are different points of view as to what is positive or negative forms of advertisements and what our students should be exposed to at school.”
March 2012
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Features
Your Headphones May Be Hazardous to Your Hearing By Madison Rhoades Managing Editor
Headphones are a must-have accessory for most teens. Just walking down a hallway before school, you can see hundreds of kids with headphones on, with their iPods blasting music at high volumes. Little do they know, they’re doing serious damage to their ears. When listening to music, many people have it so loud that others around them can hear it playing out of their headphones. Not only do teens listen to music very loudly, but for long periods of time. Exposure to high noise levels, which are measured in decibels (dB) that are over 85 dB, are an early cause of hearing loss. Though many normal, everyday sounds such as a garbage truck, cement mixer, jack hammer, or power saw can be damaging, loud music can be among the most detrimental. For the average person, it is safe to listen to music for 4.6 hours at 70 percent volume. However, it doesn’t hurt to listen to it at an even lower volume than 70 percent. One of the newest accessories that can contribute to hearing loss is earbuds. Instead of being outside of the ear, they are in the ear canal. They also do not fit perfectly into everyone’s ears, allowing outside noise to still be heard, causing a person to turn the music up louder. According to the performance and safety tips for Beats by Dre, it is better to use large headphones because they allow you to hear more details at a lower volume. They help
block out other noises, making it easier to hear your music even at a low volume. Basic anatomy tells us that to hear things, sound travels down the ear canal to the ear drum and causes it to vibrate. Tiny hairs inside of our ears transform the sound vibrations into nerve impulses and these impulses are then sent to the brain. Loud noises can damage these tiny hairs, also damaging one’s hearing. “It depends on the sound, but it can damage different parts of your ear,” said Jennifer Putrelo, teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing at Oswego High School. Sometimes the damage can be temporary; this is known as Temporary Threshold Shift. For example, if you go to a concert, that’s a very loud environment, you will probably suffer from ringing in your ears for a while after the event. Though you will have difficulty hearing, eventually the ringing photo courtesy of NICHCY.org with subside. However, it can Shown above is a diagram of the ear that shows how sound travels from the become permanent if you expose outside to the inner ear. your ears to this kind of abuse on stated. She went on to state that if The simplest things like hearing a regular basis. If you frequently go teenagers have to turn the TV up your baby’s first laugh, the wind to concerts, to help preserve your really loud to hear it, have a hard rustling through the leaves in the fall, hearing, auditory experts suggest time understanding people when in and the rain hitting the window pane wearing ear plugs when you go to a conversation, or often hear ringing are what you could be missing out show. Though you might think this or buzzing in your ears it’s not on if you lose your hearing. You may will inhibit hearing the music, the because someone is talking about think those things are stupid now, earplugs will actually make it easier you, it’s because you have some but once your hearing is gone, you’ll to hear the music. More information hearing problems. The ringing is miss them. on this can be found at abelard.org. most likely, Tinnitus, which means So, if you want to be able to hear Some teens already suffer from your ears perceive sound when no when you’re older, turn down the hearing loss, but aren’t aware of it. environmental or external sounds are music and protect your ears. It’s a “You don’t notice it until someone present. If you have these symptoms, small sacrifice that will pay off in the points it out to you,” Putrelo you should talk to your doctor. long run.
Sea Scouts a Great Organization for Port City Teens By Chloe Martin
necessary skills to maintain a boat, its engine, and marine electronics found on the boat. Through If you have an interest in learning about boats the Sea Scouts, participants are also able to earn and how to operate them, are thinking about a certifications such as scuba diving, boating safety, future in the Navy, or maybe you just marine radio, life saving, and CPR. want to spend some time out on Lake Reynolds joined the Sea Scouts Through the Sea Scouts, participants are also several years ago. “It seemed Ontario, you should consider joining the Sea Scouts. able to earn certifications such as scuba diving, like fun, but (I knew it) would The Sea Scouts is a branch be challenging,” she stated. boating safety, marine radio, life saving, and CPR. also of the Boy Scouts, for males and The Sea Scouts program teaches females ages 14-21. They meet at leadership, the value of community, the McCrobie Building the fourth volunteering, seamanship, and weekend of every month. According to Sea According to seascout.org, members learn scouting. For more information or details about Scout and Oswego High School senior Caroline how to properly handle a powerboat, and sailboat. joining the local chapter of the Sea Scouts, contact Students learn piloting, navigation, and how Reynolds, “The Sea Scouts do things such as help LT. Fred Crisafulli at 315-342-7245. the H. Lee White Marine Museum and the tugboat, to read the weather. Sea Scouts also learn the
Layout Editor
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Lt-5. We also do physical training, naval classroom studies, ceremony and drill, and water safety. We have also visited the coast guard station and the naval park in Buffalo.”
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March 2012
Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren
Advertisement Calvin Klein Calvin Klein
5 Stephen Geoffrey Stephen Geoffrey
Tiffany Tiffany
Terani Terani Xtreme Xtreme
Jovani Jovani
Xcite Xcite
Joli Prom Joli Prom
Party Time Party Time
Paparazzi by Mori Lee Paparazzi by Mori Lee
Nightwave Nightwave
Nightmoves Nightmoves
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Riva Riva
Mystique Mystique
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Night Wave Night Wave
March 2012
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Beautiful day
News
OHS Bioethics Elective To Begin in September
non-fiction books dealing with topics like stem cell research, end of life deciStarting in the 2012-2013 school sions, babies born at risk, organ transyear, a new science elective, Bioethics/ plantation, and genetic engineering and Socio-Scientific Issues, will be offered many other controversial topics. One of at OHS. the books Bonacorsi will teach during The study of bioeththe course is the Immortal ics, is the field of study Life of Henrietta Lacks, by concerned with the ethics Rebecca Skloot, which is and philosophical imactually required reading at plications of biological many colleges for incoming and medical procedures, freshmen. technologies and treatWhile teaching genetic ments, including care of engineering in her Regents the terminally ill, genetic Living Environment class, engineering and organ Bonacorsi came up with transplants. the idea to have this new This new course, course because she wanted Photo by pat baer to be taught by Mrs. to be able to go more inSharon Bonacorsi, will One text Boncorsi depth into these topics with be offered for juniors would teach in the new her students. She admitted and seniors who have bioethics course is that she can’t really do that completed Living En- Double Helix by Nancy in a regular Regents course vironment and who en- Werlin. It can currently because of all of the other joy reading, researching be found in the Oswego material that needs to be High School library. and participating in class covered. discussions. Students interested in the Bonacorsi hopes to provide students medical field who have strong opinions with an engaging and motivating enrichabout these topics would most likely ment curriculum. The course will feature enjoy this class. a student-driven learning environment The course will not be based on a where controversial topics can be retextbook, rather a series of fiction and searched and discussed in-depth. By Carlie Morley Sports Editor
Photo Courtesy of Google Images
Four Mexico High School students hold signs that say “Fearless,” “I am happy to be myself,” “Confidence,” and “Truthful.”
‘True Beauty Day’ a Hit at Mexico High School
By Kaleigh Fitzsimmons Reporter
How is beauty defined? According to Dictionary.com, beauty is considered a quality that delights the senses or mind. This word can be interpreted in several different ways, and depending on age groups, there are varying opinions. Nowadays, our generation focuses on looks. How couldn’t we? All day, pictures and videos of flawless human beings are being flashed into our minds. These images force us to raise our standards beyond reality. One thing missing from the fine print is the fact that almost every pretty face on a billboard and every gorgeous guy that ladies drool over is enhanced by the technology of Photo Shop. If flawlessness doesn’t define beauty, what does? Nearby Mexico High School decided to change the perspective of students last month by having a “True Beauty Day.” Students strived to get their point across that beauty is more than makeup and more than what meets the eye. During this event, girls wore black T-shirts with the words, “Beauty is More than What I Look Like” and were encouraged to get ready for school without opening their makeup bags. The shirts that guys wore were printed with the words “I’m with Beautiful,”
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complemented with arrows pointing both to the left and right. These mimicked the “I’m with Stupid” t-shirts. Students focused on the concept of inner beauty, rather than outer beauty. Throughout the day, the students printed a positive trait on a white board and got their pictures taken. Many positive and encouraging quotes were also written. Student Shannon Bigelow organized these photos and put them together to produce a video which includes all the students who participated in this event. In the video, Principal Donald Root states, “This is a great cause for a lot of our students to see that having makeup and things like that are all superficial things. Beauty is what’s inside us and that’s what counts. I am honored to be a principal of students who have those kinds of feelings.” This school-wide event was intended to boost girls’ self esteem. Many girls would agree that the pressure from guys to always look their best is a standard which is constantly moving upward. Mexico High School students were determined to prove this theory wrong. This project spread to Mexico Middle School and the elementary schools, and they hope that this self-esteem-boosting event will spread throughout Oswego County next year.
State Legislators Considering Minimum Wage Increases
By Mackenzie Oatman Editor-in-Chief
There are several active proposals in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to increase the minimum wage. In New York, the minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour, but the Democrats want to increase it to $8.50, according to an article published in The Palladium Times on March 6. Census data shows that almost half of the United States population has “fallen into poverty or joined the ranks of the working poor,” according to The Post Standard. The article also stated that New York’s minimum wage is lower than 18 other states. Governor Andrew Cuomo has supported proposals in the past to raise the minimum wage, and his office is reviewing the latest proposals. Consumer costs have gone too high
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in the past few years for workers with minimum wage jobs to keep up with inflation. This is one reason many support the minimum wage increase. However, higher salaries could cause small businesses to struggle. Diane Vickery, store manager of Paul’s Big M in Oswego, a business which employs dozens of minimumwage high school-age students, said that her market would have to cut back on employees if the minimum wage were to rise. “If the minimum wage goes up, our minimum wage workers would be paid as much as our employees who have been here longer, and then they would want raises too,” Vickery stated. She added that an increase would “definitely cause obstacles, and I assume other places that pay workers minimum wage, like McDonald’s, would have similar problems.”
March 2012
Features
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Gap Year Trend Gaining Popularity Among Students It was such a stress reliever,” Jewell said. “Sometimes I From the moment students feel like I missed out, but then enter the building on their I realize that everyone takes first day of freshman year, different steps to achieve his they are barraged with advice goal, and I feel like my college and information about what experience could be better than is going to come after high others since I can fully focus school. Attending college for on school and getting the best further education, enlisting education I can get.” in the military, or entering Though neither of his collegedirectly into the work force are age sons took a gap year before all options for graduates. their college experiences, Baer The latest trend in postsupports the concept. “I think secondary studies is called a it’s an amazingly good idea,” he “gap year,” which is presenting stated. an alternative the traditional “Students who took a gap sequence which calls for four year and then choose to apply to years of high school followed SUNY Oswego apply the same by college, a military career, or way as a regular freshman,” said a job in the working world. Brenna Smith an admissions Someone who may not be representative at SUNY Oswego. ready to attend college or may “As long as you prove you are be unsure of the career path doing something productive, it they want to take may decide will be looked at in a positive Photo courtesy of google images to take a semester (a gap +light. For some students this For some students, a gap year after high scool means traveling the world and gaining semester) or a whole year (a is very beneficial, for others it life experiences that cannot be learned in a classroom. gap year) off after high school. makes more sense to continue on gap year to be a good thing, others may not support Jordan Jewell, a Mexico right into college while you are in the concept. There is always the chance of deciding High School graduate of the class of 2011, made the educational mindset.” not to attend college after taking a gap year, and this the decision to take a semester off after high school Gap years are turning into a hot trend, which can shake some parents, pitting them against the before entering college. “Since I am going to college have both positives and downsides. While the gap idea. “When it came to my decision, it was more of to get a medical degree, I decided that maybe it year may not be suited for some, other students me just deciding that I wanted to do this, because my do find the extra time advantageous. Like all other would be good to take a semester off to mature and parents were not very supportive. They thought that get my priorities straight,” Jewell said. “Very few senior-year decisions, it’s what best for the individual I would end up not going to college (at all) and not people are actually mature coming straight out of student that matters. making anything of myself,” Jewell stated. “Those high school, and I didn’t want my lack of maturity to disagreeing with me just have an effect on my grades.” gave me more motivation The idea of a gap year has been popular in to prove them wrong.” Australia and the United Kingdom in the past “I haven’t really decades, and the fad has made its way to the United talked to my friends about States, quickly becoming another option for many it. Most of them thought graduating high school students. I should have joined Highly respected universities such as Princeton the military, so I don’t and Harvard encourage students to take some time think they’re happy with off before furthering their education. “Colleges the choices I’ve made value it immensely as long as student really does regarding college,” Jewell something good with the year like volunteering, said. traveling abroad, or anything that can bring good After his gap year, life experience,” said Mr. Geoffrey Baer, a guidance Jewell enrolled at Cayuga counselor at Oswego High School. Community College, From pre-school through the end of high school, until next fall, when he our teachers act as an assembly line, trying to put plans to attend Jefferson together successful students who can thrive in the Community college for real world. This doesn’t assure that the student will two years. “I am hoping know what he/she wants to do after high school. In to eventually transfer to Jewell’s case, a six-year education after thirteen Cornell.” years of public schooling seemed tedious. “Going to “Honestly, the gap school for thirteen years, plus another six, seems like year was an amazing an extremely long time. I wanted a break.” idea. It’s kind of like an While colleges may find the idea of a productive extended summer break.
By Lauren Daniels Reporter
Buccaneer Bulletin
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March 2012
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Feat
2011-2012 OHS WINTER SPORTS SE
Many Oswego High School students have witnessed some of the successes of this winter sports season. We have seen some remarkable accomplishments with multiple teams bringing home league, sectional and state titles. The teams wrapping up their seasons with these achievements were boys’ bowling, league champions and Section III champions; Cory Keefe from boys’ indoor track, winning the state title for 55 meter hurdles; Drake Becksted from boys’ swimming and diving team, winning the state title for the 50 yard and 100 yard freestyle; and boys’ hockey, winning the league and sectional titles and placing second in the Division II state tournament. In addition to the sectional and state titles earned by the hockey, bowling, indoor track and swimming teams, recognition is due to other outstanding teams as well. Boys’ basketball ended the season with a 14-5 record, winning the league and coming in fourth place in the Section III class AA tournament. Mike Ruggio from the wrestling team earned Most Outstanding Wrestler Honors with his 30 plus wins this season. Be proud to call yourself a Buccaneer. These teams and athletes have represented our school during their outstanding seasons, and have unified this school’s spirit into a screaming, cheering, Buccaneer Nation.
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA ABARE
“We kicked butt.” This quote by Zach Gerber, senior on the varsity boys’ swimming team sums up the season in three simple words. With 13 sectional qualifiers, Gerber’s statement seems perfect. In sectionals, Drake Becksted won the 50 and 100 freestyle events, while also participating on the winning relay team with, Gerber, Reeve Callen, and Alex Kemper. This relay team was third in state, while the 400 free relay team came in sixth, with Callen, Becksted, Gerber, and Jimmy Dillon. “We’ve been training all year and it paid off,” said a satisfied Gerber about the boys’ successful season.
The indoor track team had an a three first team all-league participa and Xander Lara. Ben Harrington received hono Keefe took the 55 meter hurdle with state title and a new indoor re
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tures
EASON--WINNERS’ WONDERLAND
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PHOTO BY PATRICK BAER
The boys’ hockey team made its way through the 2011-2012 season with a record of 18-5-1, winning the league and Section III titles. Throughout a series of four post-season games, the team advanced through the state tournament to finish as the runner-up in the state for Division II, losing to Kenmore East from Section VI. Leading the team through these games, and the rest of the season were senior captains Cody Mariano, John Phillips and Josh Sova. Recognized with first team all-league awards were Phillips; Mariano, league goal-scoring leader; Sova, league points leader and co-player of the year; and Trent Yule.
PHOTO COURTSEY OF WHITNEY FORD
amazing season as well, having ants in Cory Keefe, Whitney Ford
orable mention. es in the state finals and came home ecord.
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The boys’ bowling team had a very successful season this year, winning all 16 matches played. Recognized with first team all-league awards were Cameron Byrne, Gavin Gilbert and Matt Clemmons. Zachary Delbrocco and Joe Clavelli were awarded second team all-leauge awards. Leading the team in scores at the state tournament were Byrne and Delbrocco. Winning the Section III title and placing fourth overall in the state tournament has been a big accomplishment for the boys’ bowling team. “It was a great season with lots of wins, but it’s too bad we didn’t win states,” commented Delbrocco.
Editor’s note: Stories by Kaleigh Fitzsimmons, Justin Peterson, and Carlie Morley. Snowflake graphic by Mackenzie Oatman.
PHOTO BY BILL TAYLOR
March 2012
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Point/Counterpoint
Does Family Income Determine Friendships? YES: Like it or not, income does matter. By Lauren Daniels
Reporter
Take a magnifying glass to your closest friends. Look at the way they dress, the way they live, and the hobbies they have in their free time. What about their financial situation at home? Now take a step back and look at yourself, under the same power of magnification. You probably shop at similar stores and wear similar clothes, live in similar ways, and have similar hobbies. Are your families in similar financial situations? Chances are that’s the case, because whether we admit it or not friendships often form by socioeconomic class. In today’s world, family income seems to have an effect on the friends kids choose. While you may see someone who would be considered to come from a family that is struggling financially who is friends with someone who is well-off, you rarely see these two labeled “best friends.” Not to say that it doesn’t happen, but you can scarcely find a lower-income teenage girl shopping at a Coach outlet and gossiping about which Starbuck’s frappe has the least amount of calories with the richest girl in school. This can all be traced back to family income. As high school students, many of us are getting jobs or finding some other source of income, like baby sitting or raking leaves. We are learning how to manage money— that is part of growing up. You may be beginning to buy your own clothes and spending your own money on gas, but your family provided for you not too long ago. Let’s face it, your family’s income determined what they could provide for you. Think back to second or third grade, when no one seemed to care what brand your jeans were. Now think of that one best friend who you don’t speak to now. What happened? The two of you are probably pretty different, right? You probably dress differently, travel in different circles of friends. What has changed? Maybe social status. Brand names and trademarks started to label the shirts of the kids that came from wealthier families in third grade. Aéropostale and Hollister graphic
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tees flooded the hallways as we grew into middle school, and those (mostly the girls) who could afford them, flocked together. This was responsible for splitting up many elementary school friendships as we grew more materialistic and judgmental. Now, it’s all about brand names and “girly clique problems.” Here’s something everyone can relate to: hobbies. Chances are, if you’re a snowboarding expert, you have close friends who share the interest to “shred the gnar.” You discuss boards and boots and goggles, but they all come with a price. While you may be the exception, but most people associate with those who have similar family incomes.
People from different economic situations have interests that differ and where you shop and how you shop may be opposite. Your friends are reflections of your family’s financial status whether you want to admit it or not!
NO: Income doesn’t affect ‘true’ friends.
By Kaleigh Fitzsimmons
Alumni Editor
Most would agree that everything from where you shop and what you wear revolves around money, but does friendship? When it comes
down to it, real friendships should not be determined by income. The saying goes; you can know who a true friend is by the size of their heart, not their wallet. What ignites the flame of friendship? Similar interests are the most common thread in which people become acquainted, not similar incomes! Common interests are what bring people together and spark the flames of friendship. Whether you’re involved in clubs, sports, or media classes, you will be interacting with people who share a familiar hobby. During these activities one will most likely not be thinking about which social class a classmate comes from. I hope that when you are introduced to someone, the first question you ask is not, “How much money does your dad make?” I’m not saying you won’t pass
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judgment as you begin to get to know someone, but there is more than what meets the eye. Conversation will flow and you will begin to share stories, and then a friendship will develop. Eventually, you may formulate an idea of where their family is located on the socio-economic scale, but what does that scale really represent? Money is a tangible object that controls almost everything surrounding us, but friendship is one thing that it does not determine. True friends don’t care whether your bank account is dwindling or if it’s overflowing. There are activities that can be performed by spending little or no money. As friendships evolve, there may be some events that will bring forward a financial issue, such as going out to eat, or going to the mall. Money may have an effect on some minor aspects of the friendship, but family income should not determine the friendship. Friends can make the most out of any situation just from the bond they have. In a real friendship, it’s the quality time spent together that really matters, not what they’re doing. Keeping an open mind and staying judgment-free is the best mindset to have when meeting new people. If someone is particularly worried about becoming associated with a person from a lower social class, then they probably aren’t worth getting to know anyway. If you have common interests with another, you look past what is on the outside and dig deeply to get to know that person on a more compassionate level. Some may become associated through their opinions on the new spring collection of Vera Bradley bags, or the hottest upcoming fashions, but when it comes down to it, that “friendship” is based on tangible objects, which is all money can buy. Money cannot buy friendship, and whether or not a person can afford the newest things, should not determine the status of their relationship. Editor’s note: “Point/Counterpoint” is a regular debate feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. If you have a topic worth debating here, contact Mackenzie Oatman at moatman@student.oswego. org.
March 2012
Feature
11
Sweet Sixteen Celebrations Not Always Like We See on TV By Taylor Falls
beyond a reasonable party. “Growing up, I always watched ‘My Sweet Sixteen’ and I always wanted a big party. I wanted to celebrate my birthday with everyone so it was a memory for everyone to share,” stated Hayley Adams, a junior at OHS, who recently had a sweet sixteen birthday party. There are positive sides to MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16,” as those teens will have that memory for the rest of their
century was because the sixteenth year was the age when a girl could go off and I want a Mercedes, a diamond marry. In today’s society, this seems necklace and a pink pony! The like a ridiculously young age, but the unrealistic screeching requests are what celebration has remained throughout entertain many minds in the MTV reality history, though often on a smaller scale. series “My Super Sweet 16.” These “The importance of turning 16 to types of shows are what the young me was being able to develop adult population sees as normal behavior skills,” commented Adams. This is when regarding the milestone sixteenth true for some people. Some brains birthday. start to rationalize decisions better, and “It gives a false both body and brain sense of reality, and a to mature rapidly. The sweet 16 extravaganza all becomes start mistaken impression,” But is there an exact stated Mrs. Stacey a competition of social ranking. Whoever time when we are no Seubert, an English children and we has the best party and most expensive is longer teacher at OHS. transform into an adult? most popular girl. Once upon a time, Looking around high a Sweet 16 was a school it’s sometimes classic rite of passage hard to view anyone as signifying when a child blossoms into a lives, and will think of their teen years as an “adult.” young adult. The whole idea of Sweet a wonderful time. Money issues also come into 16s has changed significantly since that Others have opposing viewpoints play with situations like the degree of the classic traditions. They have on big 16th birthday bashes. “They of the celebration. The sweet 16 developed into extravagant, expensive, glamorize what turning sixteen means,” extravaganza sometimes becomes and unnecessary parties. Traditions such Seubert stated. a competition of social ranking. as the father/daughter dance, the candle The real question is, what exactly Whoever has the best party and most lighting ceremony, and the exchanging are we celebrating? Other than the fact expensive is the most popular girl, of the flat to a heel at the end of the night that it’s a birthday, there really is no clear though, in reality, we can’t always buy have all but disappeared. Traditions fade answer. Sure, most everyone celebrates our way to the top. as we practice and teach them less, which a birthday by having a small get together Music producer L.A. Reid’s son, seemed to have happened with sweet 16s. with family or going out with friends, so Aaron, was featured on “My Super If you ask people all around the what makes turning 16 different from any Sweet 16” with his party totaling up to world, there are various answers as to other age? Nothing spectacular happens. about $1,400,000! But what about that what makes a 16th birthday better than You’re still in high school, still live at poor 15-year-old middle-class girl who any other birthday? home, still have to listen to your parents; works hard to get good grades to become MTV has made expectations for a it’ll be the same way until you turn 18. something of herself, yet her parents simple 16th birthday to be above and The idea of celebrating back in the 16th can’t afford a million-dollar party?
Business Manager
Related Milestones Quinceanera
Celebrated among Hispanic girls at the coming-of-age fifteenth birthday.
Bat/Bar Mitzvah
A Jewish comingof-age party. A bar mitzvah is when boys turn 13, and when girls turn 12.
“Swag 16”
A modern-day ‘Sweet 16’ celebration for boys.
Film Reveals the Cruel World Seniors are About to Enter
By Justin Peterson Senior Writer
Economics isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Learning it in school can be a bore, but being taught this important subject is a good idea. Recently, my SUPA Econ teacher, Mr. Edward Stacy, told my class about a free movie viewing at the College Campus Center here in SUNY Oswego for extra credit. Being both a movie connoisseur and one in need of extra credit, I naturally attended the viewing. The movie was called Margin Call, and what it made me feel was not boredom, or thrill, but a fear that has been building up inside of me since I first became a senior in high school. The movie takes place in 2008, just before the stock market crash affected the entire country. As the movie opens, you see men and women walking around the floor of a business building, telling certain staff members that they need to
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see them. Eric Dale is one of these men. When he arrives in the office, he is told to pack his belongings, and that he is being let go. Dale then gives his junior, Peter Sullivan, his undone work, something he warns Sullivan to “be careful” with. Sullivan immediately gets to work, finishing Dale’s work and uncovering something that threatens to demolish the entire company. That is Margin Call in a nutshell, and these beginning events rattle the chains up corporate, all the way to CEO. As I watched the faces of men and women, who knew they were losing their jobs, grown men crying in bathroom stalls, and an established woman high in the chain even lose her job, I couldn’t help but become nervous. It’s no secret, even to people not currently in economics, that our economy is not exactly doing well these days. Unemployment is high, and finding a job isn’t an easy task. We are entering that world sooner than we think. It may not matter www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com
to freshmen, sophomores, or juniors, but it sure scares me. College will go by quickly, and when that’s done, I will be swept into an unknown world, with nobody to help me get by. When I saw that man crying in a bathroom stall, I couldn’t help but put myself in his shoes four years from now. Morals are questioned in Margin Call as well. As boss, Sam, is asked to tell his employees what to do the day their careers end. Doing these questionable things just to keep a job is a great question within itself, and it can drive a man crazy to figure them out. Margin Call is is a wakeup call for the naive. But it also shows how to move on from life-changing events, how to cope with the unexpected, how to dodge bullets, and how to try to survive. That glimmer of hope is what I look forward to. I hope that world I enter, in my near future, isn’t the harsh and cruel one I saw in the film.
March 2012
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Still Looking for the Best Action/Adventure Film of the Year
Contraband (2 ½ stars) Contraband is the type of movie Mark Wahlberg should have grown out of years ago. The picture succeeds in what it tries to be, and that is an engaging heist thriller, but unfortunately, everything else about the movie is lacking. But hopefully, people will go in knowing what it’s about, and Contraband offers enough exciting shoot outs and flashy explosions to keep your ears ringing
the next day. Where the movie fails, however, is in its all-too-predictable plot and mostly forgettable characters that make the movie at times hard to become engaged in. Viewers cannot relate to Mark Wahlberg’s stereotypical action movie hero and his rag-tag heist team. Performance wise, Contraband is hindered by Wahlberg’s sleepwalking performance, but in an almost saving grace, Ben Foster’s shady character Sebastian is fun to watch, because he is the only unpredictable element the movie has to offer. Contraband succeeds in action, but not in character or plot, which is why I give this movie only two and a half stars.
The Grey (4 stars) The surprise movie to enter the theater this winter was hands-down The Grey. This new survival/thriller centering on Liam Neeson and a group of survivors in a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness has action, thrills, and heart enough for the viewer to feel the cold of the woods and the bite of the wolves that were stalking the protagonists. Director Joe Carnahan doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to the wolf attacks. The wolves are fast and dangerous, with each attack scene different, and more vicious than the last. The wolves, unfortunately, are also the movie’s only downfall. The effects of the wolves are sometimes poor, losing some of the realistic quality that the movie tries
The Grey
Chronicle (3 ½ stars) The found-footage genre has long been in horror movies, action movies, even sci-fi movies, but Chronicle marks the first time this genre has been put into the super hero movies that have been so popular in pop culture today. The movie takes place with main characters Andrew (Dane DeHaan), Steve (Michael B. Jordan), and Matt (Alex Russell) stumbling across a fallen meteor, and subsequently gaining telekinetic powers. The movie has a dark tone, and retains this with scenes of Andrew being beaten by his dad, school bullying, and friendships falling apart piece by
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Contraband
piece. Dane DeHaan is great as the troubled Andrew. As he quickly loses control of his life and sanity, the viewer can feel the pain that he brings to those around him, all the way to the powerful and surprisingly brutal climax. Chronicle succeeds in many ways-- special effects, interesting characters, and fast-paced action. In all, it is a great superhero movie, hindered only by the occasional cheesy line or awkward scene. But what Chronicle tries most to be, is fun, and fun is definitely what it is.
so hard to retain. Liam Neeson is intense as Ottway, the mysterious marksman who knows all there is to know about the wolves and their habits. What makes the movie so good is the intensity that the viewer constantly feels when watching. Even in the happier moments, when the group is laughing, there is a kind of sadness behind it all, because in the back of every man’s mind is the fear that the group will not survive.Carnahan does a great job keeping this ‘til the end. The Grey is an incredible thriller that needs to be seen. If you want fastpaced action, gruesome deaths, and an incredible ending, watch The Grey. You’ll even want to sit through the credits to get the full effect of this four-star movie.
Chronicle
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March 2012
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Scholastic Winner’s Work Reflects Her Personality express her unique taste aids her personality as an artist. “Not being confined in yourself allows your personality to shine through, and that can definitely have an impression on somebody. I think these opportunities I have, like Scholastic, give me a chance to show people what I do, and my photography gives them a good picture of who I am,” said Fleishman. Though the Japanese pop culture has her heart,
mom if she knew a KT Auleta and she said ‘Yeah, her locker was next to mine in high school, why?’” Consisting of 86 school districts, 4,500 entries, Emily stated, giggling. and 200 Gold Keys to be awarded, the Scholastic Auleta has had work published in Vogue, Art Awards are a big deal for art students in Central Italian Vogue, and magazines like Self Service. New York each year. This year, OHS senior Emily She is a role model and idol for Fleischman whose Fleischman found success at Scholastic through her goal is to be a successful fashion photographer. photography pieces. “She proves that even if you come from a small Fleischman received honorable mention for town like Oswego, you can definitely still make her photography portfolio, a name for yourself,” said and for an independent Fleischman. photograph. Fleischman also Fleishman plans to take received a Gold Key, the the first step in making a highest honor awarded, for a name for herself this fall by self-portrait photograph. going to college to study The self-portrait is a photography, having already close-up of Fleischman’s face been accepted to Pratt that incorporates an array Munson-Williams-Procter, of pink colors and lighting. Parsons, and the School of “Earlier that day, I had been Visual Arts. Fleischman mixing paint and it had a awaits an acceptance to really cool look so I just the Fashion Institute of stuck it on my face and went Technology, her top choice in front of a window which before making her final added a really cool lighting decision. effect. It ended up having “Of course, I’ve visited this really angelic look,” said Parsons and SVA, so my Fleischman. top choice may change,” Playing with color is Fleischman said. Three out nothing new to Fleischman, of four of the schools she either as an artist or as an applied to go to are right in individual. “I’ve always the heart of New York City. liked dying my hair,” said “Some people say they Fleischman, who currently couldn’t handle the fastsports hot pink and purple paced life, but just being locks, but was rocking bright there was so…cool, and orange and light pink only a I think I could handle it,” couple weeks ago. “Everyone said Fleischman, whose Photo By Emily Fleischman said I had sherbet hair,” said confidence and aspiration Fleishman’s Scholastic Gold Key Award winning photo is pictured above. Fleishman’s Fleischman, laughing. “I just is off the charts as she photography process is creative. On the day this photo was taken, the process began like to be fun and out of the completes her final year of with Fleischman mixing paint randomly, and ended with an award winning self portrait of box,” she added. high school. “I went through Fleishman with paint on her face. This philosophy is a phase where I felt evident in Fleischman’s should hide my “I went through a phase where I felt I should hide my interests,” she Iinterests,” photography. “Most she said, said, but added “it helps liking something that’s not so popular. Art but added “it helps photographers would look for things that something opens people’s minds to accepting something like that which helps liking people don’t usually that’s not so popular. an artist get a message across.” see,” said Fleischman, Art opens people’s who often takes Emily Fleischman minds to accepting photographs that OHS Class of 2012 something like that represent her interest which helps an in a type of Japanese artist get a message street fashion called “Lolita.” The pastel colored fashion, in general, is something that has caught across.” wigs, cupcake patterned dresses, and eccentric, cutesy her interest. “I’m really big on fashion; I like Fleischman gives advice to any other “geeky” accessories that are associated with this fashion style buying the magazines and I actually look into the artists who may be hiding at OHS. She said, “Go are definitely something Oswegonians don’t usually spreads for inspiration,” she said. for your dreams, don’t be afraid of who you are. see. Every artist has something different that inspires One day, while flipping through Elle magazine, Embrace yourself. Don’t let anyone get in your them. “I’m just a geek! And that’s what it comes Fleischman stumbled across a contributor from way, if you have a dream, at least try to achieve it. down to,” she said. Oswego, New York named KT Auleta. “I flipped to If you don’t succeed, at least, in the end, you love Fleischman thinks her ability to embrace and her pictures and they were so good, so I asked my what you’re doing.”
By Mackenzie Oatman Editor-In-Chief
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March 2012
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Features
It’s Not all Positive When it Comes to Supplements certified dietician nutritionist Bernice Strother, “non-athletic teen girls If you’ve taken a look at require about 46 grams of protein per Facebook lately (and who hasn’t!) day and non-athletic teen boys need it’s very evident that the fitness craze about 52 grams per day. Teens who has swept the teen population. Every are athletic require about twice that other status says something along the amount.” lines of “GTL-minus the T and the Strother also stated, “Too much L” or “Destroying my body at the protein can cause heart disease, gym.” osteoporosis and ketosis which It’s no surprise. Guys feel as affects the liver and causes the though they need to out-do each destruction of muscle.” She went on other and compete for the biggest to say, “Protein shakes are okay for muscles, and the girls just want to people who are not getting enough have a “Victoria Secret bikini-ready protein if they are used in a safe way, body” for the summer. Working out but teens can get plenty of protein is certainly healthy and essential from fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and for teens, but what happens when veggies.” teens mix workout sessions with OHS school nurse Christina Photo By CHLoe martin potentially unhealthy supplements Chamberlin does not recommend Protein powders used to make protein shakes have become popular among such as protein shakes. extra supplements for teens without a teenagers, but health experts warn of the consequences of their use. Protein shakes are nutritional doctor’s consent either. supplements, usually made with according to OHS junior Kris Barden, supplements is actually immediately Barden said that he would continue whey, casein, or soy protein. “protein is an essential supplement in before or after your workout. to use protein shakes as a supplement They can give serious athletes weight lifting and athletics. It helps Overusing protein shakes as to his diet, despite knowing the and other people who may need with muscle growth and recovery.” a substitute for a balanced diet, risks. He stated, “I’ve heard people an extra amount of protein, such They do this by restoring however, can produce side effects say the use of such supplements can as vegetarians, a cause damage to valuable protein kidneys and “Too much protein can cause heart disease, osteoporosis and ketosis your boost. For others, sometimes your liver. which affects the liver and causes the destruction of muscle.” these drinks can However, protein do more harm than is among the top of good. the most common Contrary to what many people glycogen, a source of fuel for that are harmful to your body. supplements used by athletes today. believe (especially teens), adding exercise that the body uses up Protein shakes should be used as a Taken safely and in moderation, most significant amounts of protein to your during workouts. Trainers advise supplement to a healthy balanced diet supplements, including protein, will not diet does not add muscle mass, but that the best time to consume protein instead. According to Oswego Health harm your body.”
By Chloe Martin Layout Editor
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March 2012
Walking the Plank
The OHS Weight Room ‘Just Got Better’ Buccaneer Bulletin: What’s your full name? Frank Bahamonde II: Frank Bahamonde II or “Coach B” BB: Where did you grow up? FB: Queens, NYC BB: Where did you go to school? FB: John Adams High School in Queens, NYC, Cayuga Community College, where I got my Associates, SUNY Cortland where I got my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in coaching and P.E. I also got a Strength and Conditioning certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). BB: Where did you work prior to OHS? FB: I was a fulltime substitute teacher, football coach, and track coach at Baldwinsville High School. BB: What does your new job at OHS entail? FB: My title is the Weight Room Supervisor, but I’m more of a strength and conditioning coach. I develop programs, assess athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, and help them achieve their goals.
BB: What is your favorite workout? FB: Any Olympic lifts. A power clean and snatch. Explosive movement type exercises that bring more energy, power, and aggression to the gains they strive to make. The more feeling you can get out of somebody while they’re doing an exercise, the more they are going to improve and grow. BB: If the OHS weight room had an upgrade, what would you like to change? FB: The whole weight room!! I saw that our weight room is not up-to-date, some of the equipment is not safe, and the layout is not efficient. Mr. Sugar and I called G&G Fitness to draw a whole new floor plan. As of right now, we
BB: What is your favorite thing about the job so far? FB: Everyday is something different and new. I love being at a new school; it’s like a blank canvas. I get to draw up the details of a picture of greatness. BB: What goals do you have for weight training at OHS? FB: I want to change the school culture. I don’t want other athletic programs to see us as pushovers. As far as wins and losses, that will come, but you want these individuals to come here and get mentally and physically prepared for what they’re going to go through in their sport and in their lives. BB: What is a little known fact about you? FB: I’m Puerto Rican. BB: Is there a quote you like or live by? FB: “You Just Got Better.” I want to hang it right above the weight room door.
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BB: Do you feel like there are enough students exercising and working out? FB: When I came for a job interview, I looked around and there were just kids hanging out. So on my first day on the job, I just stood back and observed, but the next day I came in and I established some rules and regulations and explained how we are going to utilize the weight room and the equipment. I also went over the logistics and courtesies of being here and using the facility. We actually went down in number the next day. There were only five kids in the weight room compared to the twenty five I saw on the first day, but all five of those kids were buying in and working hard. One month later, there have been 900 visitors to the weight room, trying to get better. BB: Who would you say has influenced your life the most? FB: My dad. My father left when I was two and growing up without him being there… when I did see him all he talked about was playing sports and physical fitness because he was very athletic. Once he did come back into my life, I hardly saw him because he was always working, he was a corrections officer. I thought about being a corrections officer but decided to finish school in physical education. I would rather help a kid make better choices and stay out of jail than be at the jail watching over them. BB: How do you envision your future? Where would you like to go from here? FB: I would love to stay here forever if the position doesn’t dissolve. Or I could upgrade and become a teacher. I will stay here as long as they want me to. BB: What are some of your hobbies? FB: My family is everything, hanging out with them, doing as much as I can with them because when it’s football season, it’s football season. It’s very consuming. BB: Where do you live now? FB: I live in Baldwinsville with my wife, Erin, and two children Elijah, who’s eight and Leah, who’s four.
PHOTO BY PATRICK BAER
don’t know when it will happen. We just submitted all our plans to the superintendent and school board. They have to see if it is fiscally possible. I’m sure they’ll make the right decision because this could benefit the entire student body and staff.
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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 Mackenzie Oatman at moatman@student.oswego.org This edition of “Walking the Plank” was written by Mackenzie Oatman. March 2012
Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Athlete of the Month Cameron byrne By Patrick Baer
Chief Photographer
Cameron Byrne knew from the time he started bowling at age six that it was right up his alley. Now, he is 18, and it’s his time to shine. Byrne, a senior on the boys’ varsity bowling team, started out in a boys’ league at a place called Pinarama, Oswego’s old bowling alley. He continued to bowl in a league at Lighthouse Lanes, which opened in 2003, when he was in third grade. Actually, Byrne was the one to help restart the bowling team at OHS. “It was pretty cool. My dad and I helped push it to the athletic director, Mr. Scott Sugar. We kept pushing it, and eventually it stuck,” stated Byrne. OHS had previously had a bowling team, and in 1991 the Bucs won the state championship. The team was disbanded after that season. When Byrne helped resurrect the bowling team in his sophomore year, the team was first in its division and went to sectionals, where it placed seventh. “I was the captain my junior year, and we won our division and made it to sectionals, where we placed fourth,” stated Byrne. This season, Byrne’s senior year, the Buccaneers were division champs, and sectional champs. There was early notice of the “Cam is a great team leader, team’s talent when they placed first out of 28 teams at the “Festival of Lights” and he’s very dedicated to his tournament in Buffalo. team. He really is a role model Byrne has had some outstanding achievements for the younger players on during his years of bowling. This season, Byrne and teammates were 15-0, and earned the Section III the team.” championship. Byrne usually bowls in the 200s, and Bob Hoefer knocks down an average of 662 pins per three-game OHS Bowling Coach set. In the past, Byrne has rolled several perfect 300 games and an 800 series. With these achievements, Byrne hopes to continue bowling and winning some big tournaments in the upper leagues in his future. Byrne does not play any other sports, so he can devote all his time to bowling. “Cam is a great team leader, and he’s very dedicated to his team. He really is a role model for the younger players on the team,” stated Coach Bob Hoefer a Hall of Fame bowler himself. Byrne has a good relationship with his coach, “He’s fun and gets you motivated,” Byrne said. Byrne looks for inspiration from anyone around him, especially those bowlers he considers to be more talented. Byrne mainly looks to go out and do the best he can when competing. Although Byrne is a senior, he wants the team to continue its success without him. “I hope it sticks around for a couple more years; it depends on the kids coming up and their interests and talent,” Byrne said. He will be attending Cayuga Community College, to major in Accounting in the fall. It is said that bowling is a lifelong sport, and there’s no doubt that it will be for Cameron Byrne who plans to bowl for years to come.
Oswego High School’s Student Voice Volume 15 Number 5
March 2012