March & April 2014

Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice March 2014

Volume 2 Number 5

UP IN SMOKE

VIDEO GAMERS PAGE 8 PHOTO BY JORDAN OATMAN

Editorial

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Drawing Board

Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Tara Stacy Managing Editor Patrick Baer Business Manager Drazen Schrecengost Webmaster Rachael Purtell Chief Photographer Jordan Oatman Art Director Laurelann Easton Alumni Editor Victoria Armet Sports Editor Isabella Winklestine Editorial Editor Elizabeth Sincavage Layout Editor Alex Borland Entertainment Editor Lisa Kanbur Graphic Designer Dylan Kimball Reporters Katelyn Clary Emily Hurlbutt Jon Parker Advisers Bill Reeser Heidi Conland Sheffield

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.

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

On the Cover: Four unidentified OHS students prepare to light up at Smoker’s Corner, This Oswego hotspot has existed for years with generations of OHS students flocking to satisfy their tobacco cravings.

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CARTOON BY LAURELANN EASTON

. . . to the snowed out chorus concert being rescheduled. Students put a lot of time and effort into preparing for it. . . . to a successful senior trip. Everyone had a lot of fun escaping the snow and there were no major incidents. . . . to the Buccaneer Bulletin for winning top honor in the New York Press Association Better High School Newspaper Contest for 2013. . . . to the OHS Drama Club raising almost $500 at their open mic night at Canal Commons. . . . to all the Battle of the Bands participants. Congratulations to The Green Myle for winning for the second year in a row.

. . . to using all of the allotted snow days. This is Oswego after all, we should budget for more during the year. . . . to the petition to provide an alternative to swimming in gym classes. We live next to a lake, we need to know how to swim. . . . to the Bowdin College bus that damaged the front entrance of Canale’s during the blizzard. . . . to the very poor turnout at winter formal due to its rescheduling and people’s pre-existing conflicts.

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March 2014

Editorial In Our View . . .

The jury is still out on these vapor trails Many people at Oswego High School do not seem to have much knowledge about e-cigarettes. We think these devices are safe for the smoker and for those around them. But those assumptions are wrong.

We, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, do not blame anyone for believing this because the manufacturers and sellers of these devices advertise them as perfectly safe. However, experts are not sure of this because too little is known about the product and its effects on people.

Another common misconception is that e-cigarettes are a new product, when in fact the product was introduced in 2007. They are battery operated devices designed to look like regular cigarettes, and they turn nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals into vapor which is inhaled.

The devices have become inviting to teens and adults because of the seemingly unlimited number of flavors to choose from, including fruit and chocolate flavors. However, they still contain nicotine, so even though the nicotine count varies in different types, the devices are still addictive just as regular cigarettes are. This is what people are not aware of.

Though advertisers state that most e-cigarette users are former smokers who have made the switch to their product, it has been found that most users either use both products or that e-cigarettes actually act as a gateway to regular cigarettes.

The American Lung Association says too little is known about the effects of e-cigarettes on people and about the chemicals they contain.

However, preliminary studies have shown potential carcinogenic chemicals in the vapor.

There are more than 250 different types of e-cigarettes available, and they all have different components. All of these products are unregulated because the Federal Drug Administration has yet to make a determination about them.

The FDA has not made a decision because it feels that the studies that have already been performed on the products are inaccurate. The

FDA felt those who conducted the studies either did not follow the general rules of accurate experimentation, such as having an appropriate sample size, or they felt that some organizations who conducted the study may have had political or financial gain. They are also worried about the quality control of the products because the manufacturers or the sellers could lie about the make-up of the chemicals in the cartridges. Most e-cigarettes are produced in China, making their quality difficult to regulate.

There are several side effects of e-cigarettes that have been reported. Non-smokers have reported that the vapor has irritated their eyes, noses and throats and that it also affects their breathing and makes them nauseous. Those opposed to e-cigarettes feel that people should not be exposed to the “second hand smoke” from e-cigarettes until testing has been completed and the FDA has publicized a decision.

Another misconception is that teens do not use e-cigarettes. In New York State, it is illegal to purchase e-cigarettes if you are under the age of 18; however, the Center for Disease Control found that the amount of teenagers who have tried e-cigarettes has more than doubled in middle school and high school students from 2011 to 2012.

This year, sales are expected to double and bring in $1.7 billion in the US, but it is predicted that sales could reach $10 billion by 2017.

Several stores in Central New York sell e-cigarettes, and there are even shops in Syracuse that specialize in the product and its components.

Although e-cigarettes are advertised as a safe alternative to regular cigarettes, the truth is that experts do not know if they are truly safe to use or if they will lead to life-altering side effects. They do know that e-cigarettes are just as addictive as regular cigarettes. We at The Buccaneer Bulletin feel that the risks associated with the products far outweigh the benefits.

Off campus location serves the needs of smokers in all seasons The street corner now referred to as Smoker’s Corner is an Oswego landmark for Oswego High School students and alumni. At the end of each school day and even before, the street located at the corner of Buc Boulevard and Liberty Street is occupied with OHS’s group of students who smoke.

It has been stereotyped that the type of students who hang out at Smoker’s Corner are not the ones to mess with. After numerous fights and police cars parking up the street for days in a row in the past, it is not the most luxurious place to visit. Although there is a stigma associated with Smoker’s Corner, the population of the corner only increases year by year.

We, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, feel that the image of “smoking is cool” ended awhile ago. We all know how bad it is for you, and yet people in high school still continue to partake in the deadly habit.

What makes a student want to hang out there and join the negative stereotypes that comes from all that tobacco smoke? There must be some sort of influence from parents or peers who also smoke themselves.

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This lifestyle is not for most people but Smoker’s Corner is a popular after school destination even in the cold winter months.

The cancer causing hobby must have an underlying meaning for teens. Could it be that they all just want to be with friends and take years off their lives? Even during school hours there are select students who cut class and run up to Smoker’s Corner for a quick smoke.

Most students who are looking for a parking spot each morning refrain from a spot near Smoker’s Corner. The fear of having a car damaged or tampered with while in school makes students pick a parking spot farther away from “the corner.”

We, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, will never understand the significance of Smoker’s Corner but understand it is a highly populated place that has been around long before any current student can remember.

We feel that smoking is neither an attractive nor healthy habit and hope to see an end to Smoker’s Corner at some point in the near future. www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com

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What’s Your Opinion?

“Should electronic cigarettes be banned from public places?”

Ian Vivlemore Senior

“E-cigs only give off water vapor and shouldn’t be a problem in public places and are cheaper than regular cigarettes.”

Allison Smith Junior

“I don’t know how I feel about it. People should be up front about it other than hiding it.”

Maddison Rahn Freshman

“I think they shouldn’t be banned because it’s only water vapor and not as bad for you.”

Sarah Delbrocco Sophomore

“I think it’s better than regular cigarettes because they don’t smell and the smoke wouldn’t annoy people.”

Mr. Partridge Staff

“If it doesn’t leave nicotine in the air then they shouldn’t be banned. No one else should be someone else’s nicotine.”

March 2014

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Features

Seasonal fast food treat leads to cult-like followers

By Elizabeth Sincavage Editorial Editor

Every March everyone anxiously waits for McDonald’s to start serving their favorite seasonal drink; the Shamrock Shake.

Shamrock Shakes have been served at McDonald’s since 1970, but they were not always called Shamrock Shakes. They were given the unoriginal name “St. Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake” before their name was officially changed.

In 1978, McDonald’s tried to promote Shamrock Shakes using Uncle O’Grimacey in television commercials and putting him on some of the Shamrock Shake cups. Uncle O’Grimacey probably scared away

more customers than he attracted with his rather strange and green appearance. In the early 1980’s he was phased out due to the lack of interest customers had in him.

Along with the Shamrock Shake, McDonald’s also tried to introduce a Shamrock Sundae in 1980, which was a failure and taken off the menu after that year.

In the early 1990’s, McDonald’s discontinued the Shamrock Shake, which caused an uproar within its rather cult-like fan base.

Shamrock Shakes could not be found in every McDonald’s location nationally

until 2008.

It is actually thanks to the Shamrock Shake that the Ronald McDonald Houses even exist. In 1974, the tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, Fred Hill, had a daughter who was going through treatment for leukemia. It made him upset to see families going through similar things and unable to afford hotel rooms near the hospitals where their children were receiving treatment.

The Hills wanted to do something to help these families, so they turned to the Philadelphia Eagles, who created Eagles Fly High For Leukemia. Together, Eagles Fly High For Leukemia and their local McDonald’s advertising agency created a promotion which helped raise money towards the very first Ronald McDonald House. The promotion was Shamrock Shakes, which are green

just like the Eagle’s color. After just a week long promotion with the shakes, enough money was raised to found the first Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place for families to stay when their child is receiving medical care in a hospital or treatment center far from home. The homes are little to no cost for the families.

Ronald McDonald helps to keep families together and strong while their children or siblings are receiving treatment. The homes can now be found in 58 different countries around the world, and it is all thanks to the Shamrock Shake.

Shamrock Shakes have become a staple for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Not only are they really tasty, they helped to create an organization that allows families to stay together during stressful times.

The love of reading is shared through book giveaway nominate books for the panel to consider, there are several criteria for a book to be chosen.

“Spreading the love of reading, person to This criteria is described on the association’s person.” This is the slogan of the 2014 World Book website as accessible books of quality, recently Night. published books as well as established classics, WBN began in London in 2011 and was books available in paperback, any genre of book, the introduced in the United States and Germany in overall list must have a gender, ethnic, and 2012. It was suggested by Jamie Byng, WBN founder geographical balance. The 2014 list of and chair, during a conference of the London Book books includes 35 titles.

Industry in 2010 as a way to encourage more adults “This year’s book selection to read. is the most diverse ever, and Each year 30 to 35 books are chosen by we’ve increased the total librarians and booksellers to be distributed by book number of picks this year givers on April 23. The authors of the books waive to 35 in order to welcome their royalties and the publishers agree to produce in more authors and the specially printed WBN U.S. editions of the publishers,” said Carl books. Local bookstores and libraries sign up to be Lennertz, WBN U.S. community hosts for the volunteer book givers.

Executive Director. “We After the book titles are announced, members of have our first graphic the public can apply to directly hand out 20 copies of novel, our first University a particular title in their community. The World Book Press pick, and the first Night Association evaluates the applications and the Asian-American authors. givers are chosen based on their ability to reach light As before, we have a book readers and non-readers. The selected givers choose a in English and Spanish, and local participating bookstore or library from which to two of the picks will also be pick up the 20 copies of their book. available in large print editions.

In early 2014, we will announce a proprietary “This year’s book selection is the most e-book in partnership with e-book diverse ever, and we’ve increased the technology company Livrada, with original content that all givers can offer total number of picks this year to 35 in to everyone. We are in talks about a order to welcome in more authors and digital audio download, as well.”

The organization does not include publishers.” children’s books because, “Many, --Carl Lennertz many other wonderful programs WBN U.S. Executive Director already exist to get books to young children. But WBN U.S. fills another important need: Encouraging reading The association chose to name April 23 as in the teen and adult population, especially those who book giveaway day for several reasons. It is the may not have access to printed books for reasons of UNESCO International Day of the Book as well as means or geography,” as explained on their website.

Shakespeare’s birthday. The day was also chosen to Lennertz is the executive director of WBN in honor Miguel de Cervantes, a Spanish novelist, poet the United States. Lennertz worked in bookstores for and playwright who died on April 23, 1616. five years after college, and then went on to work at Each year a panel selects the books to be given Random House Publishing as a sales representative. away. Although the previous year’s givers may During the 16 years he was at Random House,

By Tara Stacy Editor-in-Chief

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Lennertz served mostly as a marketing director before going to Little, Brown to work as associate publisher, and then HarperCollins as Vice President of Retail Marketing. He also spent 4 years as Director of Book Sense, a national marketing campaign for the independent bookstores.

WBN came to the United States in 2012, and when interviewed about the venture, Lennertz stated to the American Booksellers Association, “I hope every independent bookseller embraces this chance to increase reading, the giving and sharing of good books, and continuing to champion the importance of community, as you have been already. Lastly, the indies will have a large role in selecting the list of 25 World Book Night books, as will librarians, so stay tuned on that front also!

Here we go!!”

The River’s End Bookstore took part in World Book Night in 2013 and is doing the same in 2014. Those in the Oswego community who were selected as book givers will be able to pick up the boxes of the books of their choosing in the week leading up to April 23rd.

Although the deadline to apply to be a book giver has already passed, those who are interested in giving will be able to apply for next year’s giveaway and can be updated as to when the applications will open by signing up for the WBN Newsletter on the organization’s website.

The givers who have been selected for the 2014 WBN will be given a box of 20 copies of one of the selected books that they chose when applying. The organization does not put assortments of the books in the boxes because they wish to emphasize the idea that the giver will be passionate about the particular book they are giving out. The organization suggests places like hospitals and soup kitchens to give the books away, not malls or retail stores.

March 2014

Features

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Sochi: where the unfinished is the hottest trend

By Patrick Baer Managing Editor

The winter Olympics come once every four years and are a huge event for people around the world to watch. They are a time for our citizens to come together and cheer on our competitors as they compete for medals in numerous winter sports.

The US has never gotten along well with mother Russia, and Russia may not have the best reputation of all the countries in the world, but the Russian reputation added to the problems associated with 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Although Russia knew the Olympics would be held in Sochi for the past seven years and claimed 50 billion dollars was spent in preparation for the games, disaster was the theme. Athletes felt unsafe and considered not even competing in the winter

games due to conditions in Sochi.

The world has made leaps and bounds accepting an individual’s sexual orientation and personal choices, but Russia was making threats prior to the Olympics about those who are gay or lesbian. Russia is a communist country and has not been as open and accepting as many other countries, so safety turned into a huge issue for athletes, families and any others traveling to Sochi.

Along with homophobic issues, there were many technical issues with the Olympic Games themselves as well as the Olympic Village, and hotels in the area. Upon arrival, Sochi was still hard at work trying to finish roads, sidewalks and hotel rooms. The supposed 50 billion dollars spent on the Olympics was not noticeable anywhere.

For those who have Twitter or Instagram, #SochiProblems was trending for three weeks with

many athletes sharing the problems via tweets and photos.

In many photographs, one could see athletes bonding in the bathroom with two toilets instead of the usual one, a sink whose faucets dispensed yellow water, and stray dogs running all over.

Russia heard these complaints and decided to kill all the stray dogs in the streets but that was it. It was clear that Sochi is not the five star location many thought it would be like past Olympic Game locations.

After the opening ceremony the talk about problems was diminished and the actual games began, even though only four out of the five Olympic rings lit up. The Sochi games themselves turned out to be like any other Winter Olympics, so we now must wait and see if PyeongChang, South Korea will be able to top the 2014 Sochi games.

Beloved childhood actress is Now and Forever missed

By Emily Hurlbutt Reporter

Shirley Temple Black, child star and United States diplomat, passed away on February 10 at the age of 85.

Temple Black was most famous for her acting career as a child star in the 1930’s and public servant in her adult years.

Shirley Temple was born in Santa Monica, California on April 23, 1928.

Her parents encouraged her to develop her singing and dancing skills. She was discovered at a dance studio in 1932 and received a contract from Educational Pictures in the same year.

The Great Depression brought hardship for many people in America as the unemployment rate rose and homelessness increased. It was during this time, however, that Shirley Temple began her career in show business.

In 1934, the movie Bright Eyes was written with Temple’s talents in mind and was the beginning of Temple’s child stardom. Little Miss Marker, also starring Temple, received widespread

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praise. Temple won a juvenile Oscar for her film contributions in 1935.

Other well known films that Temple starred in were Dimples, Curly Top, Wee Willy Winky, and Heidi.

Most of the movies Temple starred in as a child were musical comedies.

Temple was in over forty movies by 1940. She became a national celebrity and was a symbol of happiness and youth in a dark time for the United States.

In an interview with NPR in 1985, Temple disclosed that she always loved to learn the songs and dances for movie roles. She was dedicated to her craft and enjoyed the roles she played.

H o w e v e r, Te m p l e ’s f i l m c a reer lost momentum. She received fewerstarring roles in adolescence and lost her standing as highest ranked box office favorite.

After Temple’s career as an entertainer ended, her focus shifted to family life and a career in public service. This career move was the best option in Temple’s eyes as she

said in an interview that she did not regret leaving show business.

Temple married John Agar in 1945. She was seventeen years old at the time. She gave birth to her daughter, Linda three years later. The marriage ended in divorce in 1950.

Temple married her second husband, Charles Alden Black, eleven days after her divorce with Agar was finalized. Alden was a Navy i n t e l l i g e n c e o ff i c e r. T h e c o u p l e had two children and were together until Alden passed away in 2005.

Temple ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for Congress in 1967. In the following year, President Nixon appointed Temple as United States representative to the United Nations.

After serving in that position, Temple was appointed ambassador to Ghana. She also served as Chief of Protocol of the United States during 1976 and 1977. Temple was driven to serve as ambassador while keeping the country’s best

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interests in mind, according to a 1988 interview with Diane Rehm.

In the midst of Temple’s pol i t i c a l c a r e e r, s h e f a c e d t h e d i agnosis of breast cancer. Temple was diagnosed in 1972, and the malignant tumor was removed through a mastectomy that year.

Temple made several public announcements about her experience with breast cancer both in print and on television. Her openness about her mastectomy was uncommon at the time, but Temple received significant public support through letters from women who admired her bravery in publicly discussing a topic that, while taboo, was a reality for many American women.

Temple is survived by her three children. She said that she strived to find humor even in dark situations and that good things can come from the problems one faces. Temple’s brightmovie persona and important social contributions live on as her legacy.

March 2014

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March 2014

Columns

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Girls willing to pay for more than just shoes and dresses

Call me a feminist, but nothing gets on my nerves more than the general assumption that when it comes to dating, the guy pays for everything. It’s become a customary thing that when a guy and girl go out on a date, whether it’s for the first time or hundredth time, that he pays.

It has especially become that way for events like prom. While not everyone believes this, the overwhelming majority of girls do expect the guy to pay, and the majority of guys believe that they have to and are expected to pay.

The way I look at things, I am a big girl and I have my own job. I make my own money and am more than capable to pay for my own things, which includes my meal at dinner, a movie ticket, or my own prom ticket. I’m not alone on this. Many girls have jobs and money of their own, yet still reap the benefits of having the guy take care of them financially.

This outdated custom comes from the time period when women didn’t generally have their own money.

They went straight from the hands of their fathers to the hands of their husbands. They didn’t have the money to pay for themselves. As the years went by

and women’s rights strengthened, so did our ability to hold our own independence.

It astonishes me how while some women will lobby for equal rights and equal pay, they will also still insist to be treated special and with a higher value than men because they “are a lady” and they’re “delicate.” What women need to realize is that they can’t have it both ways. If women want to be equal to men, that means in all ways.

In my opinion, when a girl willingly lets a guy pay for everything, she is just demeaning herself.

She is silently telling the guy that she is incapable of doing things for herself and that she is totally dependent on him. Now don’t get me wrong, but that doesn’t sound like a step up for women.

Prom can add up to being an expensive night.

Tickets can add up, along with dresses and tuxedo rentals, going out to dinner, and limos if you want one. I know when it comes down to it, many girls shrug their shoulder at the price and just go by the assumption that their boyfriend or date will pay for their ticket, the dinner, and even the limo too. That kind of strikes me as wrong. While it’s a cute gesture for boys to offer to pay for things, there’s something not right with a generation of teenage girls who just expect things to get handed to them by their significant others.

I’ve been told multiple times when I went on dates with my boyfriend that he should be the one paying for our meal instead of hoe we normally do it.

When we go out, we usually split the bill in half, pay for ourselves, or do the whole “I’ll get it this time,

you’ll get it next time,” sort of thing.

It’s important for the girls at a young age to be taught how to handle themselves and that boys aren’t going to hand things over to them later on in life. If girls expect a guy to cover the expense of everything, what do they think life is going to be like when they’re in their twenties and have an apartment with their boyfriend? The rent is going to be split. There’s nothing wrong with people working hard to pay their own way in life.

I’ve been told by some boys that sometimes they feel a bit awkward when the girl pays for things or for themselves even. It’s bad when not only are girls expecting to be taken care of, but boys are also taught to be the ones to do the taking care of.

Dating is something that seems to be happening at younger and younger ages, and because of this people need to be taught that relationships and dates are two way streets, which means that both parties have to give. When girls are taught to pay for themselves during dates, it also saves them from the general stigma that comes later in life that usually goes something like, “Well, he paid for dinner, so now I owe him something.” That is 100 percent not true. If the guy still insists on paying, she does not owe him anything.

While it’s nice for a man to be a “gentleman” and pull out his wallet to pay, it’s also nice for a woman to be a “lady” and do the same. There’s nothing wrong with a guy who likes to pay for a girl on a date, but there’s also nothing wrong with a girl covering the charges the next time.

Look to local shops to make prom dreams come true think shopping locally is a great option if you can find what you like at a price that’s right for you. I completely support local businesses and helping them out so definitely check there first, plus you might find the perfect fit.”

There are two shops right in the heart of downtown Oswego that offer a great prom dress selection and several local establishments that can do the altering.

The first of the two locations is in Canal Commons on West First Street. Sensibility Outfitters is a small consignment shop with a great deal to offer for prom. They have many cute

30 to be part of The Prom Project. It is two dollars at the door to get in and it runs from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This new project is to showcase Oswego’s local vendors and what they can offer to the public. There will also be some steals and deals on everything you could want for prom. In addition it is a great way to help boost the local economy.

The event’s other co-sponsor is The Darling Elves who is a local business that offer fabulous decorating.

The Prom Project will also feature a dazzling hour long runway show!

You can also find live music by

As prom season rapidly approaches, the hunt for the perfect prom dress begins. Many girls at Oswego High School are anxiously waiting to seek out the perfect prom dress that they have painted flawlessly in their minds.

Some people prefer to begin the dress search online. Senior Courtney Johnson said, “I would recommend “I think shopping locally is a great option if you online dress shopping because it helps you to find a very unique can find what you like at a price that’s right for dress and you can usually find you. I completely support local businesses and them fairly cheap. The only thing is that you pretty much have to helping them out so definitely check there first, expect to get alterations done and you’re never really sure how it’ll fit plus you might find the perfect fit.” on your body. You may love it on the screen and not really like it in Senior, Courtney Johnson person.”

The pros and cons of online consigned dresses, beautiful jewelry, Sean Languein and Gary Carpentier, dress buying vary depending on the and sophisticated accessories.

Not refreshments, and raffles for a chance website and your tastes. There are only are they selling prom dresses, to win expensive products or services several sites that sell fake or cheaply they are also a co-sponsor of a new from local businesses of Oswego. made knock off dresses at the retail event in Oswego called The Prom Sensibility Outfitters is not the price of the real deal.

Project.

only local place to look for your To avoid some of the nonsense that Sensibility Outfitters, along with dream dress. A popular place for can occur from online shopping, try other local businesses, will be at The many schools to look for prom dresses buying local! Courtney also stated, “I American Foundry on Sunday, March and local brides to look for wedding

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dresses is Golden Gate Bridal.

Located on East First Street by the former railroad bridge, this little treasure is full of dozens of dresses for your choosing. Golden Gate’s selection varies widely. They have all the latest styles and colors, as well as coordinating accessories.

Golden Gate also offers tuxedos for men. This makes getting a coordinating color to match your dress a breeze when they sell the vest and ties all in one shop.

The staff of Golden Gate is very friendly and will accommodate to your tastes the dresses they pull for you to look at. Whether you prefer sparkles and glitter or you prefer short and plain, Golden Gate is worth a good look before trekking to other stores over an hour away.

Oswego is also home to several shops that can make your prom dreams come true. A popular alteration shop is Mary Jean’s Alterations on West Second Street near La Parilla restaurant. The eclectic shop also offers tuxedo rentals, in house shoe dying, and more. For gorgeous flowers and corsages, Maida’s Floral Shop located on West First Street is a great place to go. Another local florist that deserves a good look is Cali’s Carriage House Florist which can be found at 116 West Bridge Street. Almost anything you could want for prom can be found locally.

March 2014

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Features

We are the controllers of the games we play Video games can be adventurous, exhilarating, family friendly, horrifying as well as puzzling. Many OHS students actively play video games on various gaming platforms. As many gamers can attest, gaming is known to eat up the clock. Players soon become enveloped in a digital world that causes them to shut out the real world and enter a realm of pure imagination where many rules and laws do not apply. Video games are fun to play alone or with a group of friends and technology helps friends to connect over the Internet and play without actually being together physically. While having fun and socializing is a good thing for everyone, too much of anything can cause problems in other parts of your life. So, please, game responsibly.

Senior Trevor Boni considers himself a gamer. Heowns a GameCube, Xbox, Xbox 360,Wii, a laptop and a gaming computer. Trevor plays at least 25 hours a week, mostly on his computer because he finds it more exciting. He started when he was little with his dad playing the Nintendo Entertainment System. His favorite game to play is League of Legends because it’s part of a series that he grew up with. He enjoys playing older games instead of the new ones that are coming out. He loves gaming because he is very competitive but likes to have fun with friends while doing it.

Gaming with friends is enjoyable because it can make memories to keep for life.

Senior Morgan Mulkerin got started playing video games when she was little. Her dad bought her a Playstation and got the updated systems as they came out. Morgan plays Xbox 360 when she can due to having a busy life.

She averages 20 plus hours a week gaming. She plays all the newer games out on Xbox such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Grand Theft Auto V, NHL, Madden and Battlefield 4. Her favorite game overall is Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. She games with friends and loves gaming with them. She enjoys the fact that she can get away and talk to friends while playing Xbox.

Senior Colton Brown is not just a movie guy; he is also a fellow gamer.

He games about 15 hours a week but it used to be 40 hours a week, between a Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox and a Nintendo 3DS. His favorite game of all time is Final Fantasy 7 which is a Playstation One platform game. His love for gaming came not from gaming itself but the history behind gaming which turned his attention to general history. He started gaming in 2005 due to a game called God of War. He uses gaming to calm himself down due to having anger issues and to explore the world that does not exist.

Freshman Will Bandla devotes some of his life to gaming. He averages about 17 hours a week or more depending on his availability. He games on many consoles. These include Playstation 1, Playstation 2, Xbox 360, a Nintendo 64, a Sega Genesis, Nintendo DS Lite, Nintendo 3DS XL and his own computer is used for gaming. He typically spends most of the his time on his PC and Xbox 360 due to the advanced age of all other systems.

His favorite thing to play is many variations of Minecraft on his PC. He loves Minecraft because it lets his mind fly off into the sky and he can build whatever it may be comes to his mind. Something that is cool about this kid is he records himself and his friends doing different things such as tutorials on how to make certain creations on minecraft on his PC and then he uploads them to his channel on Youtube called TheMCBros13426.

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March 2014

9

Feature

Spring break to be replaced with new testing

By Laurelann Easton Art Director

OCSD Revised April 2014 School Calendar

As of Thursday, March 27 the spring break scheduled from April 14 to April 18 is cancelled. Due to a miscalculation by Bill Christ, former Superintendent of Schools, of the snow days allotted in the school calendar, Oswego schools will now have school that week, and the break is to be replaced with further testing.

The testing will judge the change in students’ abilities since the beginning of the school year similar to the STAR tests. There will be listening, reading and writing comprehension parts for all courses including foreign language, music and physical education classes. The tests will count toward a student’s overall course grade and are to create a better analysis of the progression of learning in the high school.

The new tests are also meant to increase students’ understanding of the work they are given throughout the year and encourage them to learn the material in their classes. The tests are required for all students and will only reflect a student’s grade if they choose not to take the test or attend school PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LAURELANN EASTON those days.

For music classes such as band Displayed is the revised calendar for April 2014. The amendment made by Ben Halsey is for the scheduled spring and chorus the tests will focus on break, April 14 to April 18, to be taken off the schedule and for school to be in session. All students are required techniques and musical terms the to attend school these days for the new scheduled testing to take place that week, and will be subject to attending students should know at this point in school through the month of July if absent from the testing. the year. Other elective courses will follow suit in testing students for assessment.” if it affects my grade. My parents are we should start rigorous examinations what skills they should have acquired Though he is in favor of the not happy about the waste of money.” in Pre-K. I have been advocating for throughout the year or semester. testing, students aren’t as interested Other students have complained of extended testing periods for some time Physical education classes will base in the change of plans. Sophomore similar circumstances. Though it may now.” their tests around seeing if students Julie Towers said, “My family and I benefit the minds of students, it’s The new testing will continue for understand the rules to the games subsequent years by being taught and how to worked into the usual properly use the “The testing will judge the change in students’ abilities since the school year schedule and equipment in the not replacing seasonal weight room safely. beginning on the school year similar to the STAR tests. There will be Certain days will Former listening, reading and writing comprehension parts for all courses breaks. be set aside strictly for the Superintendent Bill testing which is planned Christ was replaced including foreign language, music and physical education classes.” take place over three Laurelann Easton to

by Mr. Ben Halsey, or four days so students who found the Art Director finish the testing during error in allowing their respective periods. the schools to The tests will be given have spring break. He said, “For all had plans of going on vacation that certainly hurting their families’ wallets. at a similar time each spring without the days they have already been given week. What are we supposed to do Mr. Benjamin Richardson also interfering with spring break as well off for snow days and previous breaks, now that there’s school? It’s stupid! We supports the new testing, “There towards the beginning of every new it would be appalling to give them can’t get our tickets refunded but my is always room for more testing. school year starting in September. more time away from learning and parents won’t let me miss this testing Students are not tested enough. I think

SPRING BREAK CANCELLED

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April 2014

10

News

Chaotic classroom changes coming up next year

Teachers will have a new parking As a way to save money, the Oswego lot built that takes City School District has decided to over part of the remove the middle school and spread its practice fields. students out into different areas of the Boys’ varsity district. soccer coach, Tom Superintendent Ben Halley needed Bengerman said, to find a way to depend less on the “We are willing to tax-payers and save some money for lose some space to use on the common core. The Board of new parking spots Education voted to remove the middle rather than have school altogether instead of relocating the entire field be hundreds of kids after cutting an taken over by an elementary school. Vice President of expansion. You the Board of Education, Samuel Tropp can’t play soccer in said, “Many people would have to be a classroom.” moved around if we were to remove an These changes elementary school, but this way only the will not be put seventh grade and eighth grade would into place until the be moved and they can all be moved 2015-2016 school together.” year because the The eighth graders will be joining the wing has not yet high school at the start of the 2014-2015 been built. Work school year. During that year, classes crews will start in PHOTO BY MADELINE ARMET will be twice the normal size to make June of 2014 when room for the added students. school is out. They Due to the shrinking enrollment of students in the Oswego City School District The Plans to add on more classrooms are expected to be Oswego Middle School will be closing next year as a cost cutting measure. are being considered but the high school finished in time will not be moving to a larger building. for the 2015-2016 rooms into a small space in which we Any seventh grader interested in The most likely options are the removal school year but the will be working closely together. It will joining a modified team will be bussed of either the parking lot or the soccer/ district is not promising anything. be a challenge but we can make it work.” over to the high school to play. Modified lacrosse and softball fields. Athletic Seventh graders will stay at the All seventh graders will stay at the sports will practice first then all J.V. Director Mike Connors and coaches elementary schools and the libraries will same elementary school they originally and varsity sports will follow. This is refuse to allow the removal of their be removed. Students will be allowed went to. They will not be switching to guarantee that all teams will have a practice fields, so the school district is to borrow books from the public library, classes but the teachers will move around chance to practice every day. leaning towards the parking lot. where all of the books from the schools As for Mrs. Pharaoh, the middle When the parking lot is taken over will be sent. Each library will be divided to them. Classes such as health and home and careers will be taught once a school principal, she has not yet decided by the added classrooms, no student will into four different classrooms for the week when the teachers come to each where she will go. She has been offered be able to drive to school. Due to the four core area teachers. In buildings lack of parking space, all students will where the libraries do not provide enough building. These special area teachers will a few limited options but has not travel around on a rotating basis as a way informed anyone on whether or not she have to take the bus. Thomas Gone, space, other rooms will be taken over as to visit every student. Technology will be has chosen one. transportation supervisor, created a plan necessary. cut due to lack of equipment.

The bus garage will stay in its current in which there will be enough buses and The seventh and eighth grade The middle position and possibly even expand into enough time to pick up and drop “There will be two shifts at the high school. One school art teachers the new space no longer needed for the welcome to students. The soccer fields will be left off everyone. will come a period earlier than students arrive now are teach at one of alone for use by the school teams when Gone said, and will leave a period earlier.” the other schools space becomes too crowded. On the “There will be but will not other hand, the track will be removed to two shifts at the Thomas Gone be guaranteed allow more room for the expansion of the high school.

Transportation Supervisor a job because bus garage.

One will come the elementary No one has decided on what to do a period earlier schools are staffed. The music teachers with the current middle school but there than students arrive now and will leave teachers are expected to be ready to will work in the orchestra/band rooms is a proposal to move the education a period earlier. The other shift would move out of the building by May when and rotate with those teachers to continue center into the building. The issue will be continue on the current schedule.” Both the custodians have been ordered to as many classes as can fit within the discussed at the next Board of Education groups will still have nine periods; one start bringing the equipment over to schedule. Music and art may become meeting. The Buccaneer Bulletin will will just have to start earlier. This was the elementary schools. Seventh grade after school options for seventh graders, keep you posted as more information is the only logical solution according to English teacher, Mr. Livingstead said, much like sports. released.

Gone.

“We will be moving from our large

By Victoria Armet Alumni Editor

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April 2014

News

11

Oswego soon to introduce “white girl” sanctuary

By Elizabeth Sincavage Editorial Edior

The City of Oswego will soon introduce the latest trend in the coffee world; Starbucs! The restaurant will be conveniently located on Bridge Street, but the exact location has not yet been disclosed.

As the majority of people at Oswego High School know, the closest Starbucs is a thirty minute drive away if you do not count the few local places that serve Starbucs coffee. Bringing Starbucs to Oswego will give the popular Dunkin’ Donuts some friendly competition.

Construction is set to begin at the end of May. If construction goes as planed, the restaurant will open in October. Construction will add more jobs for a short period of time. Applicantsmust be sixteen years old or older. Due to construction, the traffic on Bridge Street will be slower than normal.

The new Starbucs will offer a full menu and will even be complete with a drive-thru. The new location will look just like every other Starbucs from the inside to the outside. With each purchase, customers will receive a code to access the restaurant’s Wi-Fi on their receipt. The code will be changed daily.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LISA KANBUR The location will hold a grand The constrution plans for the new Starbucs location in Oswego have recently been released. The store will be opening, which is planned for Oc- located on Bridge Street in Oswego. The store will feature outdoor seating in the front and the back. tober. The opening will offer $15 ing, the restaurant will donate 10% of each purchase related jos, personal service, or working in genertal.

Starbucs gift cards to the first 50 customers and to a select charity of the customer’s choice. Starbucs For students who wish to apply, applications $5 to the next 15. The first 100 customers will believes in making a difference in the world and tries are available in the guidance office and online. receive a free Grande drink of their choice and to give back as much and as frequently as possible. All applications can be sent to Starbucs corporate a free mug of their choice. K-cups will be 50% The grand opening is expected to have a big office in Seattle, Washington before August 30. off. The grand opening will be complete with free turnout. High school student Kailea Vilkimer is very Starbucs also offers several scholarship opportusamples, games, prizes, give-aways and lots of fun. excited for the grand opening. She plans on camp- nities to all of its student employees. After six months Starbucs new manager, Kyle Latte, says that ing out for at least two days before the event. “I am to a year of working for Starbucs, the company will he plans to create a local holiday called White Girl so excited to be able to have Starbucs locally and also offer a small raise to its outstanding employees.

Day in which any girl who visits Starbucs that day not have to drive far away to get it.” Vilkimer said.

All of Oswego has been waiting for a Starbucs. wearing Victoria Secret’s yoga pants, sparkly uggs The addition of Starbucs will also offer jobs to The news has everyone very excited for October to and produces the proof of ownership of an iPhone, local high school and college students. Starbucs is roll around. No one will ever have to drive very far will be rewarded with one free coffee of their choice. currently looking to hire all positions. Applicants to experience a Starbucs pumpkin spice latte ever With each purchase within the first week of open- are required to have no past experience with coffee- again.

CUT OUT THIS AD AND GET A FREE COFFEE ANYTIME!!

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April 2014

News

12

Oswego Removal of Lighthouse and Breakwall The small city of Oswego is preparing to go under extensive renovations. Many residences are pleased and others not so much. The most memoriable landmark of Oswego will soon be gone.

Read into the background story

By Patrick Baer Managing Editor

One of Oswego’s landmarks will be removed in the spring of 2014. Due to complaint that the landmark is an eye sore and the money needed to put into renovations, the City of Oswego has voted on removing the lighthouse and breakwall all together. Word of the demolition has begun to spread

and has ignited a fire underneath In late 2013, the Port of Harborfest fireworks each year, the residents of Oswego, New York. Oswego decided on the project and the fireworks performance will In the past few years, there has planned the budget. Since the Port have to be cancelled along with been an extensive amount of talk of Oswego is in a fully function the entire event because of all the and rumors involving the future state, the entire $192,000 will be construction. It would be very of the lighthouse and breakwall used for the huge task of removing unsafe for so many visitors to in the harbor. The Port of Oswego the Breakwall and demolishing the be around the lake during these was recently awarded $192,000 Lighthouse. This project is pleasing extensive projects. grant for a redevelopment project. for most residents of Oswego since Although these projects will In this project, the not please idea was that without “The ulimate goal at Port Authority is to expand everyone, the lighthouse and the our amount of trade in and out of Oswego to removal breakwall those larger ships will be able to fit the Canada and other great lakes. With the removal of into the petite harbor Breakwall of breakwall and lighthouse, there will be a much and and eventually double the amount of shipping larger harbor for cargo ships to sail in and out. ” Lighthouse and trade with the an Daniel Scotts is Port of Oswego. “The attempt by Former Port Manager the Port of ultimate goal at Port Authority is to expand Oswego our amount of trade to create in and out of Oswego more trade to Canada and other great lakes. the harbor is just a big eye sore and and financial opportunity in the With the removal of breakwall and highly unused.

City of Oswego and surrounding lighthouse, there will be a much This plan is not without areas. The lake is one of the least larger harbor for cargo ships to controversy. It has been said used locations in all of Oswego sail in and out.” stated form port that since the Breakwall is the and will benefit largely from these manager Daniel Scotts main spot to set off the famous improvements.

BEFORE

AFTER

PHOTO ILLISTRATION BY PATRICK BAER

The photo below is an example of what the Oswego harbor will look like after the removal of the light house and breakwall. As one can see the extensive project will keep the beauty of the lake intact along with the shore line. The ultimate goal is to keep the harbor looking as natural as possible after having the breakwall and lighthouse for hundreds of years.

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April 2014

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13

THE BUC HAS WALKED THE PLANK

SUGGESTIONS WANTED TO HELP CHOOSE AND NAME THE NEW MASCOT!!!

School Mascot to be changed in Fall of 2014.

Email all suggestions to Principal Hartwell at bhartwel@oswego.org.

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April 2014

14

Feature

OHS principal wins contest to install dolphin tank ByTara Stacy Editor-in-Chief

studies both the physical and chemical properties of water, the history of ocean exploration, ocean environments, and water movements such as waves, currents, and tides. Mr. Jason Primrose, the oceanography teacher, was touched that Hartwell had decided to install the tank, “I am extremely excited about the new tank. It will give my students a great opportunity to fully and easily observe what we are learning, and I think that is very important. This is something that some kids do not get to do in college, let alone high school.”

Hartwell hopes that other science classes will take advantage of the tank as well. Biology and Bioethics classes will be able to experience and benefit from the tank and its creatures.

Biology teacher Mrs. Sarah Kimak is just as excited for the new tank as Primrose, “This tank is going to be amazing. I have been wondering what they planned to do with the empty courtyard since the new wing was built, and I cannot think of a better way to use the space. As biology is a state graduation requirement, there are several labs that we must do during class, but we also create our own to do throughout the year. I am already working on brand new labs that we can do using the new tank.”

Emily Clary is a student at OHS in the Oceanography class, and she is very excited about the new tank, “This is going to be awesome! It is a

Before this year, not many people at Oswego High School had ever heard of a TV show called Tanked. Soon it will be a name no one at the school will likely forget.

Tanked is a TV show on the Discovery Channel that centers around the business Atlantic Tank Manufacturing (ATM). It follows two brothers-in-law, Wayde King and Brett Raymer as they travel the country building custom fish tanks for homes, businesses and even celebrities.

Back in September of 2013, the show hosted a sweepstakes, and the prize was a custom tank built and installed by the company.

Brian Hartwell, principal of OHS, entered the contest on a whim, “I had been watching the show, and I thought the guys were hysterical. I saw that PHOTO BY BARACK OBAMA they were having a contest, so I just Dolphins require clean water, oxygen and food to survive. Oswego High logged onto the website and entered the School’s dolphin will eat zebraturkey fish, cheetos, nachos, spanish rice, code word.” macaroni and cheese, pineapple, pepperoni, fruit roll-ups, chicken nuggets, Hartwell only entered the contest french fries, clown fish, burritos, apples, and giant squid. The tank will will one time and was absolutely amazed to have a deck above the water for the dolphin to go up for air, as they cannot hear that he had won. “I was shocked. live constantly submerged in water.

I had only entered one time as sort of a especially now that the school will make this a complete waste of money. joke. My biggest dilemma was figuring have its very own dolphin.

There are several banners around the out somewhere to put my tank. I Hartwell decided on a dolphin district and city with buccaneers and wanted it to be spectacular because that because, “The dolphin is considered the current mascot is painted in every is what Wayde and Brett specialize in.” to be friendly toward man and to athletic arena.

He finally decided to make use represent love and tenderness.”

As the school mascot has been of the seemingly pointless empty But not everyone is happy with the buccaneer since the high school’s courtyard in the newly constructed the idea of a mascot change.

Several founding, any apparel the school has science wing. ever sold depicts the buccaneer. All Although ATM new apparel will have to be ready for “This is something that some kids do not get to do in has done a tank that purchase if the mascot is changed. size before, Hartwell college, let alone high school.”

However, Hartwell is confident that had one request that Mr. Primrose the new mascot will be accepted by the was quite out of the students especially once the new tank OHS Oceanography Teacher ordinary for the show. is completed.

He understands the cost He asked that they of the new mascot but feels that the include a bottle nose people feel that the cost of a new district will be able to cover any new dolphin in the tank. totally unique experience and I cannot mascot will be enormous.

The OHS expenses.

This means that the team will have wait to start observing all the different mascot has always been the buccaneer, “I think that a change in mascot to create a salt water tank. They will animals.” and the school has placed the buccaneer will be good for the school and our also fill it with various other exotic fish Why a dolphin? Hartwell was logo on countless banners, murals and students.

We are a school of excellence. as they do for every show. insistent that the new tank include apparel.

And I welcome this change, as I feel When asked why he chose to the mammal because with input from Any sports team whose uniforms that it will create a new sense of unity have the tank built in the school the school board, he has decided to have the word Buccaneers on them in the school, in both the students science wing, Hartwell stated that change OHS’ mascot to a dolphin. He would have to purchase all new and staff.

I want the experience of he wanted it to benefit the students has contemplated changing the mascot uniforms, which would mean that all working with this tank to be one that and their education. He felt that the for a long time due to complaints from teams would have to do so. the students will never forget, and I feel oceanography class would especially parents about the buccaneer’s violent The school recently put in a stone that the change in mascot will allow us benefit from the tank. nature. Hartwell hopes the dolphin will depiction of a Buccaneer in the floor to have a completely fresh start in the The oceanography class at OHS be a perfect solution to the problem of the main foyer; a new mascot would fall of 2014.”

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April 2014

Feature

15

A sad farewell to the junior prom for this year Due to maintenance problems at the Hewitt Union Ballroom, the junior prom will not take place in May this year. It is unclear whether the prom will happen at all.

discussing other options. One idea was to have a regular dance at the gym on the same date. This idea was eventually shut down because it would be hard to organize chaperones and would not take in nearly as much money as prom generally does. Prom tickets are sold at a considerably higher price than tickets for casual dances.

Another thought was that the prom could be held outside. This

By Emily Hurlbutt idea proved faulty as well because it Reporter was decided that few people would be The prom committee is sad to interested in such an endeavor. It could report that the 2014 prom is officially cause issues for chaperones because cancelled. The prom, which would of the possibility of students leaving, have been on May 10, was cancelled and the formal dress code is not exactly due to problems at the Hewitt Union fitting for an outdoor environment.

Ballroom, which the high school The proposal that prom could be typically rents out for the event. held over the summer was dismissed The Hewitt Union Ballroom because then only the current juniors is currently undergoing major could attend.

The current seniors repairs. A major water pipe exploded would have graduated, which could recently. This caused extensive cause enforcement issues over conduct damage to one side of the room, and during the dance.

They would not be the estimated time it will take to students at Oswego High School, and completely repair the ballroom is three so the rules would have to be specified months. for seniors prior to the event.

While there was an attempt to Many students were very find a new venue, it became clear that upset by the it would be too cancellation. Prom difficult to find a is often expensive, location that could particularly because accommodate the of the clothing estimated number purchases. Prom of people attending dresses and tuxedos on such short often cost hundreds notice. Fire codes of dollars. On prohibit the use of top of that, many other possible local students buy venues due to the accessories like new number of attendees. shoes and jewelry The issue of because it is such a funding also came special occasion. into play during the Several students scramble to find a budget their money new venue for the PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES for months so they junior prom. The can pay for tickets, The average prom dress costs money that the dinner beforehand, between $1,000 and $1,800 junior class had attire, and other for prom funding expenses.

Many were outraged that was only about three quarters of the they would be unable to use attire average amount of money spent on already purchased. prom by any given junior class each “I bought my dress at the year according to the junior class beginning of the school year,” said advisors. This was another factor that a junior OHS student who wished to led to the prom being cancelled. remain anonymous.

“I can’t believe At the last meeting, the prom I spent $600 on a dress only to have committee spent about an hour

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prom cancelled a month before it was was created to provide safe fun for supposed to happen. It is ridiculous. I students following the dance. The feel that the school should do more to party included plans for music, food, try to reschedule.” and games. This event will also be Several parents of students are cancelled because the club decided that angry there was not a good backup there would be too little interest in a plan in light of the incident at the prom after party if the prom itself did college. There have been numerous not occur. complaints that the school did not Senior Meghan LiVoti, who is do enough to find president of the alternative options club and has been to the Hewitt Union involved with the Ballroom and are SADD Club and frustrated that the post-prom party students who already in past years, said, spent hundreds of “It is disappointing dollars on attire that we spent the will not be able to year fundraising for make use of these an event that can’t purchases. happen. The prom The hasty and the post-prom cancellation is party are both also an issue for really fun events local businesses and it stinks that that benefit from OHS is missing out money spent on this year.” prom. Restaurants Another PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES like Canales and result of prom Vona’s generally being canceled The average tuxedo costs profit considerably is the loss of this between $20 and $30 from prom because many students experience for excited students. Many choose to eat at a sit down restaurant students look forward to prom as prior to the dance. a highlight of their high school Golden Gate Bridal, a local dress experience. store, may be the hardest hit local The juniors will not get to attend business. The store is one of a few the junior prom. The seniors will local businesses that offers formal most likely never attend another wear. prom. While the Senior Dinner Dance Prom season is a very profitable gives them the chance to dress up and time for the store, but with Oswego’s dance with peers one more time before cancellation they are expecting graduation, it does not make up for significantly lower profits than missing out on what many consider a usual. The owner, Joseph Barnes, said staple high school experience.

“Our prom dresses are very popular in “I looked forward to attending this area. We are sad to hear that the prom since freshman year,” an prom was cancelled, and we expect anonymous senior told the Buccaneer its cancellation to adversely affect our Bulletin. “It is depressing that I’m sales for this quarter.” missing out on prom my senior Many local salons provide year. I had a lot of fun last year, and manicure and hair services to girls I wish there was a way prom could be before prom. Appointments that rescheduled or something.” students have already made will The fact that the upperclassmen probably be cancelled. will miss out on the opportunity Another group negatively to attend prom this year is a let impacted by the cancellation was the down. The student body’s upset is SADD Club. The club spends a lot understandable. While there were of time and money on the after prom attempts to make rescheduling a party. This party, which in years possibility, it is unclear whether a date past happened after prom ended, change is possible.

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April 2014

16

Feature

New iPhone to debut this upcoming summer

By Katelyn Clary Reporter

their ingenious lightweight products; this one comes in at just 1.6 ounces, which is the equivalent of the weight of an ordinary golf ball. This iPhone is fairly durable as it can still function after being run over by a minivan if you can manage to ignore a few minor scratches and cracks. Apple does; however, highly recommend installing a protective case.

Some new features of this phone include facial recognition in the photo app which will make finding photographs a breeze. In addition, Apple has added a new voice tagging feature in which you can add names, places, or activities to your photos and the new system will group photos taken at the same time or with the same tags. This feature is one of the many new features on this iPhone and also is an iOS8 exclusive. The Apple team has several other tricks up their sleeve.

Apple is working on a new product to work with the iPhone 6 that will be able to control any device in your house that plugs into the wall. This product is rumored to be called iWork. iWork is said to be able to do simple controls on such things as microwaves, televisions, lamps, toasters, and much more. This is putting companies that invented the Clapper, the Snapper, and the Whistler at a high disadvantage. When asked about his invention, the Clapper, and how it was doing in the market, Rick Shaw

The speculation is finally over! The iPhone 6 will come out in June of this year.

Over three quarters of the students and faculty at Oswego High School have iPhones of some generation. Two percent of OHS own the dinosaur, also known as the iPhone 3Gs that debuted in 2009. Ten percent are equipped with the iPhone 4 that appeared on the market in 2010. The most common by far is the 4s that went on sale in 2011 and is owned by forty percent. Thirteen percent of the iPhone crowd own the iPhone 5 which debuted in 2012.

The latest additions to the Apple iPhone family are the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c. Released in the same year as the iPhone 5, these two phones were popular among many in the world.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES At OHS, the iPhone 5c prevails with The brand new iPhone 6 debuts in June 2014 with new features popularity at eight percent compared to including, a transparent screen, new Siri functions, super slim screen that of the iPhone 5s which is owned width, new lifestyle apps, and is now astoundingly lightweight. by six percent of students and faculty.

Consumers are looking forward to the new innovations in Apple’s The design of the iPhone 6 latest product. is very intriguing as its screen is completely transparent. Critics have outside and get some air,” if it is what phone in June. said that the design is ingenious and will save you battery.

The most anticipated app by astounding. CNN reporter Anne Teak OHS junior, Oliver Sutton, consumers is the iPet. Given the name, commented, “We have never seen commented on the features, “These you can probably guess what this app anything like this before. We here at new apps will be really handy. I look involves. This is not any ordinary pet CNN; however, find it difficult to find forward to getting the iPhone 6 when it app. A new device designed by Apple sometimes. Its’ transparency is a genius hits the stores.” can be hooked up to your pets’ collar triumph; however, with such a large Siri can also assist you with and connects wirelessly to your phone. transparent screen it is hard to see the recipes and other lifestyle choices after This app allows you to track outer edges of black.” inputting some information such as your pet’s location (not included in The screen preliminary collar set), see size exceeds the heart rate, track their “Apple has really advanced over the last few years with their their screen size of the sleeping schedules when not iPhone 5s by ten innovations. As a fan of the Android operating system I do not think at home, and much more. percent. Apple has a Some features of the collar I will be purchasing the new iPhone 6.” patent on this newly include being waterproof Mr. Bach up to twenty meters, created design of the translucent OHS Technology Teacher withstanding bites and claws, materials used to and comes in two colors. make this phone.

This is an overall safe bet for These top secret materials are a new commented, “Clap off”. height, weight, and favorite types of pet and iPhone lovers out there. combination of various plastics as well Siri will return on the scene with foods. She is good at custom alarms Allie Gador , a sophomore at as glass and a few metals. Principles the iPhone 6, but she will offer a lot with different motivational settings OHS, said, “My parents really want of Engineering teacher Matthew more insight to your life and phone. including, but not limited to: personal to invest in the new pet app. My dogs Bach commented, “Apple has really One of the most ingenious things trainer, “get out of bed, you lazy sack Sparky and Croc get out sometimes.” advanced over the last few years Apple has incorporated into Siri is of potatoes,” and “police, open up.”

The general consensus of the new with their innovations. As a fan of she can tell you how to conserve your Apple iPhone fanatics are iPhone 6 by critics is a positive one. the Android operating system I do battery life to a predetermined time, really looking forward to the Many consumers cannot wait to get not think I will be purchasing the new such as the time you get home from new Siri functions. their hands on the latest and greatest iPhone 6.” work. She will tell you to, “Lay off Apple is introducing a few new Apple iPhone 6 in June.

Apple has done it again with Facebook, whippersnapper” or, “Go apps along with the release of the new

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April 2014

Feature

17

iPads to be implemented as new learning devices

A new addition to learning methods here at Oswego High School has been announced; the distribution of iPads to every student.

These are expected to assist with studies and benefit grades.

Many have agreed with this ambitious new decision with the hope that it will have a major impact with instruction in the classroom.

policies enforced for the iPads.

The distribution date is still undecided, although it may be the end of April or the beginning of May. As that time period is near the end of the school year, questions have been raised aboutthe continuation of theis initiative into next year and years to come. Will students receive the same iPad used the previous year? The answer is they will. CerBy Lisa Kanbur tain things will be Entertainment Editor personalized and Recently, it was announced that evfitted to that parery student at Oswego High School will ticular student. receive an iPad, courtesy of the school School email district. Superintendent of Schools, Mr. will be easily acBen Halsey, feels that these new iPads cessible on the with help students with studies and iPads as well othalso cut down on the use of paper here. er programs that PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LISA KANBUR Some people may object that the assist in learning. Superintendent of School Ben Halsey believes that the iPads may be a distraction instead of Students will be introduction of these iPads will benefit students greatly, serving as a benefit to the student, but able to download and serve as important tools for studies. These new there will be no tolerance when it comes applications that learning tools are expected to boost grades and test to misusing the iPads. Any student caught serve a purpose scores. using the iPads inappropriately shall weren’t quite ready to be trusted with a in their studies. have their iPad privileges revoked until It is a known fact that there are huge responsibility, then the iPads may a teacher or other employee feels that things that can be downloaded that are be taken away from every student. If it’s time to give it back. There are very not appropriate for school, and this will students are benefiting from this new strict and clear rules regarding the use of be highly monitored. Because some final learning tool, then decisions will be made the iPads and to explore those rules will the usage of b e e n f o r c e d Giving each student an iPad will increase student engagement with text and the iPads for r e g u l a r l y . help our students become more competitive when they apply for college. I can’t next year and If students wait to be trained on some of the technology we will have to offer our students, years to come. are caught This was more than three and am eager to see the way it will impact instruction in the classrooms. an incredibly times misusing ~Mrs. Patane ambitious decian iPad, then it English Teacher sion for the disis possible that trict to make, it may not be and Halsey is returned to the student. Halsey and Prinhoping that the introduction of the decisions are still being made regardcipal Mr. Brian Hartwell have created may be stripped of certain privileges. iPads will contribute great things to If any iPad is damaged or is not ing this new addition to the school, the distinct rules regarding this topic and every student and their education, and final and revised rules will be released those rules must be followed. Students working properly, then it will be fixed as before the distribution of the iPads and provide assistance to teachers in the soon as possible so that the student can not showing respect for these rules shall will be reviewed in classes so that stu- classroom as well as serve as fundaface disciplinary actions. Rules include resume the use of it promptly. Students dents have a clear idea of the policies. mental learning tools that can be used policies like no inappropriate usage. will be observed carefully to make sure If the district feels that the students every day for important purposes. that they are not disobeying the rules and

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Students that maintain an honor, high honor or highest honor status will receive extra privileges with the iPads. Such privileges include using them for entertainment purposes, but this will be restricted to some extent along with the content stored on the iPads being monitored.

Students disagree with the distribution of iPads to every single student and feel that the privilege should be earned.

Ninth grade English teacher Mrs. Patane feels that providing iPads for students is a step in the right direction, and will be beneficial in the future.

“It is great to see our district leading the way for the implementation of technology in the classroom. The new Common Core has placed a strong emphasis on the inclusion of non-fiction text in all classes and requires students to evaluate literature using a variety of resources.

Giving each student an iPad will increase student engagement with text and help our students become more competitive when they apply for college. I can’t wait to be trained on some of the new technology we will have to offer our students, and am eager to see the way it will impact instruction in the classrooms,” stated Patane.

Many important components are still being finalized is the decision on the ability of the students to take the iPads home for help on homework or other schoolrelated assignments. This decision is very important because they may be forgotten or misused outside of school hours.

The fear of extensive property damage is influencing this decision and so it is being taken very seriously. If an iPad is misplaced, then the student responsible

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April 2014

18

Sports

Varsity coach encourages use of anabolic steroids

By Rachael Purtell Webmaster

The boys’ varsity volleyball team had a very successful season this past fall finishing with an overall record of 17-3 and earned the Section III Championship title, but could it be due to the players’ use of anabolic steroids?

Although there is no evidence that any of the players made use of these performance enhancing drugs, there is evidence that head coach Mike Shay may have been pushing his athletes to do so.

Firstly, the Buccaneer Bulletin would like to express congratulations to the volleyball team. As stated above, the boys finished with a phenomenal record of 17-3 and won the Section III championship for the second time in three years. The boys humiliated Baldwinsville by defeating three sets to zero on November 6, 2013.

After winning the Section III championship, the team advanced to the state regional game the following Friday. Unfortunately, Bethlehem, the Section II champion, put an end to the team’s successful season by defeating Oswego 3-0.

In addition to winning the sectional title, several of the players received all-league awards and Zach Gillaird even received the honor of being the Syracuse.com Post-Standard Athlete of the Week. Gillaird also led Section III in kills and was a huge asset for the Bucs throughout the season. Gillaird stated, “I owe my success to all my coaches, especially Coach Shay. He taught me everything I know and he did it the right way; using performance enhancing drugs was not part of the equation.”

On Monday, November 4, 2013, Mike Shay announced that he would be moving to Jacksonville, Florida at the end of the volleyball season with his family. He made a very emotional speech at the Fall Sports Awards ceremony and expressed his gratitude for the privilege of coaching the team over the past eight years and his overall experience living in Oswego.

During his speech he claimed that his reason for the move was because his wife wanted to be closer to her family, but speculation has arose over what could be his true reason for

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moving. Several parents have come forth to the school district due to concern for their sons and reported incidents where their child felt pressured by Shay to use performance enhancing drugs to further themselves in competition.

Athletic director Mike Konnors stands very firm in his belief that Shay did not believe in the use of anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance.

Konnors said, “Shay is a great coach and an honorable man.

In fact I have had conversations with him in which he expressed his disgust over athletes who use performance enhancing drugs.

Shay is an honest man and would not engage in such a form of cheating.”

Despite several attempts to contact Shay, he was unavailable for an interview on the subject.

Some athletes take a form of steroids known as anabolicandrogen steroids or just anabolic steroids in order to increase their muscle mass and strength. These drugs are a synthetic form of the hormone testosterone which has two main effects on the body: promoting muscle building and being responsible for male characteristics such as facial hair and a deeper voice.

Besides making muscles bigger, anabolic steroids may help athletes recover from a hard workout more quickly by reducing the muscle damage that occurs during the session.

This enables athletes to work out harder and more frequently without overtraining. In addition, some athletes may like the aggressive feelings they get when they take the drugs.

One parent who wished to remain anonymous offered a statement, “I noticed my son seemed more aggressive than usual during volleyball season, but that could just be paranoia on my part. After all he is a boy and since I am a woman there are things I will never be able to understand about the male mind. I personally was shocked when I heard this rumor. The boys all love and respect Shay and I never heard any one of them mention anything like this.”

When athletes use steroids to

PHOTO BY RACHAEL PURTELL

Senior outside hitter Drazen Schrengost claims to have increased his vertical leap by three feet thanks to “Mike’s Magical Muscle Medicine.”

enhance their performance, they often take much more than the typical doses prescribed for medical reasons. Not much is known about how large doses affect the human body because it would be unethical for researchers to design an experiment in which they administer large quantities of the drug. Therefore, scientists are limited to what they can observe in the users of anabolic steroids, and they have concluded that using them to enhance performance poses several health risks.

Anabolic steroids have many physical side effects as well. For example, men may develop prominent breasts, shrunken testicles, baldness, infertility and impotence. Women may develop a deeper voice, enlarged clitoris, baldness, increased body hair and infrequent or absent periods. Both men and women may develop severe acne, increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, liver abnormalities and tumors, increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), heart and circulatory problems, prostate gland enlargement, aggressive behaviors, rage or violence, and psychiatric disorders, such as depression, or drug

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dependence.

Athletes can contract infections or diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis if they inject the drugs. The use of anabolic steroids in teenagers has also proven to inhibit their growth and development and pose risks of future health problems.

Most sports organizations prohibit the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids and it is also illegal. Law enforcement in the United States has become more effective in the past twenty years and managed to push much of the illegal steroid industry into the black market.

This poses additional health risks because the drugs are either made in other countries and smuggled in or made in clandestine labs in the United States so they are not subject to government safety standards and could be impure or mislabeled.

As of right now, it is unclear what will become of this ongoing investigation or whether Shay will face criminal charges. There is also talk that there will be no boys’ volleyball program in the fall of 2014 and that the boys on the team will not be allowed to play any other sport at OHS during the 2014-2015 school year. However, the degree to which these rumors are true is currently unknown.

April 2014

News

19

New sport spikes interest across the world Have you been wanting to try a new sport? One that exercises your mind and body?

Underwater basket weaving could be the sport for you!

Find out why this sport has made a splash across New York.

be a relay where a group of four will make four baskets in the shortest amount of time one by one.

In the artistic category, there will be a set time and each player will be asked to create the best basket possible in that amount of time. Although the measurement and other requirements have not yet been stated, this sport will be set up similar to a swim meet.

Instead of different strokes, there will

By Isabella Winklestine

be different weaving Sports editor techniques. It has A new sport has spread through also been stated that the country and has people of all ages each athlete particihooked. Underwater basket weaving pating will be given has been a joke for some time but a a scuba tank and group of high school students from Palos must be submerged Hills High School in California has t h e w h o l e t i m e turned this joke into a competitive sport. they are weaving.

Starting in September of 2014, the Physical educamajority of schools in New York will tion teachers across PHOTO BY OPRAH WINFREY be adding underwater basket weaving New York have been into their athletic programs for grades discussing adding seven through twelve. School boards underwater basket The picture above shows OHS athlete Jimmer Swimmer trying out underwater basket are leaning towards having underwater weaving into their weaving the new sport that seems to have everyone interested. basket weaving in the winter season education program. but it is still yet to be determined. Oswego High School is excited to introduce it into their athletic year. I would have loved the chance to try The purpose of this sport is to get kids teacher Mr. Parrotte said, “I believe this program. Oswego High School like many this sport out. It seems like a great way to actively engaging their bodies and minds. would be a fun yet challenging sport schools in New York State, will be adding get your mind and body working as one!”

Rules for this sport are still in the works to add to physical education. The only it to their program in September, 2014.

Many people have applied for but so far coaches across the country have problem being is that scuba tanks are very As word gets around about this excit- the Varsity and JV coaching spot for uncome up with a basic outline for the game. expensive so we would have to find a ing new sport many high school students derwater basket weaving but it has not yet Underwater basket weaving will way around that.” Many physical educa- are getting very anxious to see how this been determined who the coaches will be. have many different events within two tion teachers agree with Parrotte and are sport plays out. Many wonder if this will OHS Athletic Trainer Michele Wink said, categories. One “I think this is a c a t e gor y will “I believe this would be a fun yet challenging sport to add to physical great sport to add focus on time to our program while the other education. The only problem being is that scuba tanks are very expensive because it is safe will focus on so we would have to find a way around that.” yet competitive.” artistic ability.

OverMr. Parrotte all, The time underwater OHS Gym Teacher basket weaving c a t e gor y will have two events; is a sport to look the first will be out for as it bean individual event to see who can trying to find out ways to cut the costs. become a sport at the collegiate levels and gins the steps necessary to become a high make one small basket in the shortest Oswego County has many advo- so on. High School student Sally Smith school and possibly a collegiate level sport. amount of time. The second event will cates for underwater basket weaving and said, “It is too bad that I am a senior this

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April 2014

20

News

New law change lowers drinking age to 18

someone they’re not too many times. I do not think kids who are This past Sunday, the New 18 years old should have the power York State Legislature gathered to possess this powerful drug.” for a special meeting that was One student who does not wish controversial to many but pleasing to be identified was asked their most high school seniors. thoughts on this new freedom given New York State Senator Chuck to 18 year-olds, they said, “It’s no Schumer sponsored a new law secret that teens already drink and enabling the sale, possession, and have access to alcohol. Whether consumption of alcohol by people they get it from their parent’s age 18 and older. “The topic has stash or an older friend, being able long been in discussion and the to drink isn’t new to most kids. It argument was raised that if these will be easier for kids to get a hold teenagers (age 18) are able to vote of alcohol with this law, but after and enlist in the military, then they awhile, I think it will die out and should, in all fairness, be permitted won’t be such a big deal.” by the law to drink,” said Schumer.

While this decision is not popular The last time New York State with everyone, it has shown to have a saw the drinking age this low was positive effect on the alcohol industry in 1982. That year, the drinking age as well as the city of Oswego. Being was raised to able to sell to 19 then to 21 more people, three years “The topic has long been in many brewing later in 1985. discussion and the argument companies are Although experiencing a w a s r a i s e d t h a t i f t h e s e great increase alcohol has teenagers (age 18) are able to in profits and now been legalized for vote and enlist in the military, sales across the 18 yearthen they should, in all fairness, the country. old public, it Oswego bars are be permitted by the law to also attracting does remain drink,” said Schumer. prohibited a larger crowd from school. since the new As stated Mr. Chuck Schumer law was passed.

by Oswego New York State Senator These teens are High School now of age to Principal drink and are Mr. Brian able to attend Hartwell the day this law was bars. Many bars across town are now passed, “It is not within my power thriving and reporting more sales to control the choices students make than ever. outside of class; however, when in While bar owners are proud of school, any student who possesses, their bar’s success, they also fear engages in the consumption of endangering these kids’ lives. “If any or has consumed any alcoholic of these teens were to get in a car substance upon arrival at or in and drive away after having a few school will be dealt with in an drinks at my bar and were to then get efficient and appropriate manner.” into an accident, the owner of the bar The subject does remain a they came from would be liable and source of controversy within school we could easily be shut down,” said and many teachers are in an uproar Water Street Café owner McGregor with Schumer’s decision to make Stevens. “We have bumped up alcohol legal to 18 year-olds. security to prevent any sort of “Alcohol has and forever will be incident like this” a substance that is notorious for Others might agree with this the negative affects that it has on student that the hype could die an individual’s life,” said science down after this new law is passed. teacher Dr. Heidi Sweeney. “I Maybe a big part of the underage have seen alcohol turn people into drinking problem is that because it’s

By Drazen Schrecengost Business Manager

Buccaneer Bulletin

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DRAZEN SCHRECENGOST

New York State Senator Chuck Schumer addresses nation about law change on New Channel 9. The discussion got heated when an angry parent behind the cameras threw a shoe at Schumer. Fortunately, that footage was cut out and not aired. Schumer dodged the shoe and is unharmed. The parent is scheduled for a court hearing and her jail sentence will then be determined.

dangerous and risky. If you tell a kid not to do something, they want to go and do it. Perhaps if you make

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alcohol legal for these kids, there won’t be a huge a problem as there is now but only time will tell.

April 2014

Teacher Feature

ELLEN DILLON:

21

MOTHER, TEACHER, COACH, AND ATHLETE

By Isabella Winklestine Sports Editor

Dillon is a popular name among the then and there that Dillon students and teachers at Oswego High School. knew she wanted to do the Many people know a Dillon whether it is the same thing and follow twins who graduated last year or the triplets in the footsteps of one who are juniors this year. of her favorite physical However, the most well known Dillon is education teachers.

Mrs. Ellen Dillon who has been a physical In order to achieve education teacher for 29 years. Every one this dream, Dillon of the Dillon children participates in a high attended Ithaca College school sport whether it is volleyball, football, where she played volleyball swim, basketball, or baseball. Thomas Dillon as a middle hitter, ran hurdles and Jimmy Dillon have both taken their talent in track and was a distance to the collegiate level. Tom Dillon plays runner at times. baseball at RIT while twin Jimmy Dillon What many people do not know swims at SUNY Oswego. is that Dillon received a full-time With all the athletic talent that runs in the scholarship to play D1 basketball family, it is not a at Villanova surprise as to where College. Her Dillon is truly a remarkable love for sports it came from. Mrs. Dillon attended high a t h l e t e a n d p h y s i c a l led to her love for school at Alfred coaching where education teacher who has she coached field Almond, where her sports involvement a great deal of experience in hockey, volleyball, began. She played and both athletics and teaching basketball, many positions in lacrosse. She a variety of sports. a n d w h o h a s w o r k e d coached sports for For the soccer years and t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r s t o seventeen team she was a often coached three at improve athletics and the one time. goalie, she played all positions in With five kids you health of many teenagers at volleyball, for the might wonder how OHS. basketball team she Dillon is able to be so switched between passionate about her guard and forward. job and put as much Her track involvement included hurdles, time as she does into OHS. quarter mile relay, shot-put, and sometimes Dillon said the best part of her job is, she ran the two mile, she was an outfielder “Watching someone accomplish something and catcher on the softball team as well. that they don’t think they are capable of With all the sports in her life you would doing. “. think that is what sparked her interest in Dillon is truly a remarkable athlete and physical education; however, this is not physical education teacher who has a great the case. When Dillon was a little girl she deal of experience in both athletics and lived in Germany. she had a great physical teaching and who has worked throughout the education teacher who was always excited years to improve athletics and the health of and passionate about her job. It was right many teenagers at OHS.

Editor’s note: “Athlete of the Month” is a regular feature of the Buccaneer Bulletin to showcase some of the top athletes here at OHS. If you know a student who you think would deserve to be an athlete of the month, contact Isabella Winklestine at IWinkles@Oswego.org.

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ISABELLA WINKLESTINE

March 2014

22

Walking the Plank

A white lab coat may be in this black belt’s future

By Drazen Schrecengost Business Manager

BB: What is your full name?

MC: Madison Ann Collins BB: How is your senior year going so far?

MC: It’s good. It’s busy and stressful, but at the same time it’s fun and going by very fast.

BB: What is your least favorite thing about high school?

MC: Homework! I’d probably say I spend more time than I should on it because I get distracted very easily and I procrastinate until the last possible second so it makes it seem worse than it really is.

BB: What is your favorite school subject?

Chemistry is my favorite. I took it my junior year and had Mr. Pappalardo as a teacher and he made it really fun and it just kind of clicked and made sense to me.

BB: What will you miss the most about OHS? I’m definitely going to miss seeing the people who have basically shaped my life for the past thirteen years every day and it’s going to seem weird not seeing the same faces day-to-day.

BB: Where do you hope to go to college? Have you been accepted yet?

MC: I want to go to either Oswego or ESF for chemistry. It’s probably going to depend on how much money in scholarships I can get from either one.

I was accepted to ESF not too long ago, but I’m still waiting to hear from Oswego because my transcripts were sent in late.

BB: Do you have any siblings?

MC: Yes, I have one older sister; Morgan. She’s nineteen and finishing her second year of nursing school at Crouse.

BB: What are you plans for after college?

MC: I definitely want to go into a job with chemistry. I think it’d be cool to work in a lab. I want to go to college to see what kind of opportunities I can have with different jobs, but if I couldn’t find anything that I really loved than I wouldn’t mind even being a chemistry teacher.

BB: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

MC: Umm… older; about ten years older than I am now. But hopefully having a successful job and a house or apartment, possibly in a relationship getting ready to start a family.

BB: What is your dream job?

MC: Well I would really love to go into chemistry; that’s the realistic goal.

Unrealistically though, I would love to be a music video producer or editor or even a band manager. I think that’d be so cool.

BB: Do you play any sports?

MC: I play volleyball and I was a setter and I do tae kwon do and golf.

BB: What do you like the most about

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living in Oswego?

MC: I like that it’s just a small college town and not a big city. And I love living right on the lake and we have Rudy’s and the sunsets are so pretty.

BB: If you had to live in a foreign country for a few years, what country would you choose and why?

Oh easy! I would live in England because my dad was born there and he is a citizen there. I just think it would be so cool to live there and visit his hometown. And One Direction is from there and their accents are really cool.

BB: What is your favorite food?

MC: Easily chicken fingers. I could probably eat chicken fingers every day for the rest of my life and never get bored of them.

BB: What is your favorite sports team?

MC: Sadly, the Buffalo Bills. They’re not the best, but my dad likes them and I grew up watching them. I was born into it so I didn’t really have much of a choice!

BB: What is your biggest pet peeve?

MC: My biggest pet peeve would probably be people complaining about stupid things that aren’t even important and when people talk about things and get you to try to empathize with them or talk about their problems for

attention.

And when people walk slowly in the hallways.

Drives me nuts.

BB: If you were the main character on a TV show, what would your catch phrase be?

MC: My catch phrase would probably be “There’s only ‘One Direction.’”

BB: What is your favorite sports team?

MC: Sadly, the Buffalo Bills. They’re not the best, but my dad likes them and I grew up watching them. I was born into it so I didn’t really have much of a choice!

BB: What’s the best advice you have ever received and from who?

MC: Dwight Schrute (from The Office) once said, “Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘Would an idiot do that?’ And if they would, I do not do that thing.” It changed my life.

BB: What is something most people don’t know about you?

I have a weird phobia called haphephobia.

It’s the fear of being touched and I cannot have people touch my face. I’m also slightly a germaphobe and I don’t like to shake people’s hands. And also probably only my closest friends know that I’m a third degree black belt in tae kwon do.

BB: How long have you been doing tae kwon do?

MC: I’ve been doing it since I was three years old, so 14 almost 15 years now.

BB: On a scale from 1-10, how dangerous would you rate yourself?

MC: Well… I’d have to say about a 7.8 on a good day.

BB: Have you ever considered working as a body guard to pay for college?

MC: Oh yes, easily. I’ve become highly requested lately, even calls from big stars to watch their backs.

My goal would be to guard Harry Styles to fight off all the girls and then eventually he’d fall in love with me.

BB: Have you ever been in a real life fight before?

MC: No, but I used to be on a demo team when I was

PHOTO COURTESY OF MADISON COLLINS

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younger and we’d do staged fights when we performed. I would pretend to attack people who were trying to hurt me and it was wicked fun.

BB: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Either being able to read people’s minds when I chose to, flying because that’d just be awesome, or telekinesis because then I could be even lazier than I am now.

BB: If you could change the world in some way, what would you do?

I would eliminate cancer because it’s definitely touched my life. My grandpa had it and we had a close family friend who had it and died from it. And my boyfriend’s little sister had it, but she’s all good now which is great, but you never want anyone you love to go through something like that.

BB: If you were trapped on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be(and you can’t have a boat)?

A light saber, snowshoes, and a sandbox.

BB: What sort of extracurricular activities do you participate in?

MC: Well, I’m the NHS president, I’m the senior class vice president, the TV club president, I work at Saint Luke’s, and do tae kwon do and sports and that’s basically it.

BB:What’s your biggest fear?

MC: I think maybe going blind just because you’d miss out on so much of life. I mean you’d learn to live with it because you’d have to, but I feel like it would just be so hard for me to deal with.

BB: Is there any advice you’d like to pass down to underclassmen?

MC: I’d just say that you don’t really have to go with the flow and try to do everything your friends are doing.

Don’t overload yourself with stuff and I know that that’s one of the things I did, but also do things that make you happy because high school is going to be one of those things that you remember for the rest of your life and you want it to be a happy experience.

And also, never forget to look both ways before crossing the street.

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 Tara Stacy a tstacy@oswego. org. This edition of “Walking the Plank” was written by Drazen Schrecengost.

March 2014

Point/Counter-Point

23

Do parents have the right to track their teenagers with a GPS? Teenagers are not mature enough to be unsupervised and unmonitored by parents.

A right to privacy and experiencing independence are necessities for teens

By Rachael Purtell

By Jordan Oatman

Webmaster

Chief Photographer

Although teenagers do not like to admit it, we are lacking in the In this current day and age, it has become a new custom for kids to ability to weigh outcomes, form judgments, and control our receive a first cell phone by the age of ten or eleven. As time goes on, impulses and emotions due to immaturity in the area of technology gets more advanced and into the hands of young people at an the brain known as the prefrontal cortex. earlier age.

In addition to an underdeveloped prefrontal Some technology that we have cortex, teenagers also have a fairly well developed today includes the ability to nucleus accumbens, which is the part of the brain track other phones. But just that seeks pleasure and reward. The pairing of because we have this type of these two problems causes teenagers to exhibit technology does not necessarily exaggerated responses to reward and inhibits their mean we should use it. ability to evaluate the risk of a particular situation.

Family Locator is an app These scientifically proven facts are the basis on Verizon that allows parents to for many parents who feel they have the right track and locate where a family to track their children’s whereabouts by using a member is at a particular time, Global Positioning System (GPS). when they got there, and when they According to family psychologist John left to go somewhere else. A parent Rosemond, “Knowledge is power, and power can request to be texted an update exercised on behalf of a child who lacks at a specified time of day and be knowledge is a very good thing.” informed as to where a teenager is Children and teenagers are apt to make each day at that time. mistakes in areas that concern their personal Similar apps can be safety including their spending habits, their added to the family whereabouts, and their driving habits. As plans at other cell phone technology has grown over the past few years, carriers such as AT&T. there are now devices that allow a parent to If they take advantage of monitor their teenagers. this, parents have the ability to know For example, studies have shown that when where their kid is based on where their teenagers drive safely, they are not doing so out of fear phone is. As much as parents and other of crashing but out of fear of getting a ticket. The fact adults do not like to think this, teenagers that they are aware they are being monitored may be do have a right to privacy as much as enough to encourage them to drive a little more safely any person does. Tracking them and than they normally would. watching their every step shows a lack It is estimated that approximately 800,000 of trust and can upset kids as well. children go missing every year; however, this could While it is important for parents mean a number of things. The child could have been to know where their teenagers are at abducted or simply gotten lost, wandered off or even this age, is it necessary to know what run away. The use of GPS tracking by parents could they are doing and where they are help the lower this staggering statistic and keep more every second? If the teen was taught children safely at home. properly during the important growing A popular parenting site, www.parents.com, is in up years, then parents should not favor of parents using technology in order to gain a little have to worry about them getting into more peace of mind concerning their child’s safety. trouble.

Brett Singer wrote an article entitled, “10 Best Apps Teenagers will make mistakes for Paranoid Parents” and described some of the best and but that is an important part of most easily accessible technology available to the worrying growing up and becoming more helicopter parent. independent and relying less on their Find My Kids – Footprints is an app that requires both parents. a download fee and a monthly fee. This app allows the If teenagers know that their GPS tracking of a child’s cell phone which allows a parents are watching their every parent to know their child’s whereabouts at all times. It move, they will not be likely to get into is very similar to Family Tracker which has a download nearly as much trouble if they were not fee of $5.99. Along with GPS, it offers a separate monitored. However, such harsh surveillance messaging system and even an option to get a child’s could lead teens to have too much dependence on attention with a loud siren emitting their device. their parents which will be hard to separate from Secura Fone is an app that can be downloaded for when these young adults go off to college. free by a parent concerned with their teenager’s newly At what point in time is a teenager considered granted ability to drive. It again utilizes GPS tracking to mature enough and able to do things on their own? monitor driving speed and if the subject being tracked The answer is possibly when they are eighteen leaves a designated geographic area. Although this and off at college, or when they receive a app has no download fee, it does require a monthly driver’s license and their first car. Many things fee of $8.95. give a teenager the independence they need to Although teenagers want their freedom and a chance grow up in life but micromanaging them does not. to exhibit their responsibility, they may just be too young When teenagers have jobs, cars, and are able to handle such freedom. At the end of the day, parents are to do the things that many other adults can do, it is still responsible for the safety of their children. If a parent feels PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY PATRICK BAER important for parents to treat them like young adults. This they need to make use of GPS tracking to ensure the safety of includes respecting their privacy and realizing that they their children, then it is probably worth a little resentment from have their own life to live. said children.

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March 2014

24

Artist of the Month

Love of music leads to a career as a film score composer

By Jordan Oatman Chief Photographer

Tyme Baez may be one of the most familiar faces representing the high school’s music department.

An actor and singer in the school’s musicals, a member of the Chamber Singers and Symphonic Band, he is an overall well rounded student.

In this year’s musical, Evita, Baez played Juan Peron, President of Argentina and the husband of Eva Peron. His favorite part about the show was the challenge it created not only for him but for everyone else. He definitely saw

the show as a high success, though, despite the challenges.

“My least favorite part,” he said, “was how draining the show could be at times. I would feel exhausted at the end of rehearsal.

But how well the show came out I would say it was well worth all the hard work by all of us.”

Baez is very music oriented and he couldn’t imagine his life without it. He focuses his energy on playing the trumpet and singing but also has invested his time in playing the piano and the trombone.

“I’ve played the trumpet and

I’ve sung since fourth grade and while it has had its moments, picking up those instruments was easily the best choice of my life,” Baez said.

Out of all of the instruments he can play, Baez admits that playing the piano is his favorite.

He said that even though its not his strongest instrument, it’s an altogether more relaxing instrument to play.

Baez stated, “I picked up the piano so that I could have some keyboard skills before I go to college. Although I love the trumpet and singing, they can both seem like a chore sometimes. On the piano I only play what I want when I want to.”

“I have applied to SUNY Fredonia and Syracuse University,” Baez said and is now in the process of working his way into getting accepted into their music programs.

To apply for these programs, he had to do trumpet auditions, take a music theory test, and show them original composition pieces.

“The Fredonia audition was one of the most fun yet challenging days of my life,” stated Baez.

This music man not only enjoys playing instruments, but he likes the composition of music too. He’s written some original works with titles such as “Into the Darkness”, “Light”, and “The Solar System”.

“The Solar System is my own version of a seven movement suite called ‘The Planets’ that Gustav Holst wrote about 100 years ago.

The Symphonic Orchestra is

playing that this year, and it is based on the astrological aspects of the planets.”

In college, Baez plans on double majoring in music education and music composition. He has high hopes of being a film score composer but like the appeal of having teaching as a backup plan.

Baez said that music began when he was in third grade, but he never had as much of a connection to it as he does now until he started participating in Marching Band.

“Even then I was more interested in the trumpet. I didn’t start getting into music as a whole until my junior year,” he stated.

Mr. Dumas, the music director, has been a big motivation in his musically inclined life.

“My favorite thing about music is that it can be used to portray anything you feel. It is something that while requiring absolute perfection, it has some of the best rewards for that kind of hard work.

It can portray feelings and emotion in a way I can’t even begin to describe.”

“Finally, one of the best things there is for me with music is the friends I’ve made along the way,” Baez shared. He has made many talented friends throughout his life. Along with his friends who motivate him to be a better musician, the music faculty has been a big influence in his life as well.

Baez stated, “I couldn’t imagine my life without music.”

My favorite thing about music is that it can be used to portray anything you feel.

It is something that while requiring absolute perfection, it has some of the best rewards for that kind of hard work. It can portray feelings and emotion in a way I can’t even begin to describe.

PHOTO BY JORDAN OATMAN

~Tyme Baez

Tyme Baez plays the piano as well as the trumpet and the trombone in the Symphonic Band, and he also a member of the Chamber Singers. He even composes his own pieces, one of which the Symphonic Orchestra is playing this year. He has been influence d by the music faculty and is currently working to be accepted into the music programs at Syracuse University and SUNY Fredonia.

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March 2014

Columns

25

Commercial laden radio becoming less and less popular that lately everyone wants everything right now and will not wait for it. Commercials are irritating to listen to for people like this, and listening to music is not meant to be irritating. For many, music can be calming or a stress reliever. Take out the waiting and commercials, like portable devices provide, and people are happier.

With this, society is starting to turn away from the use of radios causing the question of whether or not radio will survive with the use of iPods and MP3 players. Apple products have shown their force in the product industry for electronics between the iPhone, iPod and iPad, and are now common devices that make the radio start to seem like a thing out of ancient history.

Apple products and other portable devices have speakers and docking stations that they can be hooked up to which make it more likely for radios to become obsolete. These speakers make parties more enjoyable and sharing music is not a problem anymore with these devices.

Freshman Will Bandla said, “Some of the songs on pop stations such as 93.1 are getting even more dumb. I just don’t think they play much good music

there for all the genres and subgenres of music in the world. People have probably never heard or will ever hear industrial band Wumpscut or electronic duo Royksopp on the radio. They both create great music, as an opinion of some people who like this genre, but they are not what are popular to the majority.

The popular music gets played because radio stations want more listeners. More listeners are not likely to happen, though, when they have Every day people listen to music. You grab your to take money for commercials to keep the MP3 player or iPod nearby, or turn on your computer stations running. They might not be running to listen to your favorite songs. Over the course of for much longer if they lose listeners due to the history, new technologies have continued to develop inconvenience to people and the listeners’ dislike and the way we enjoy the music we like has changed. of commercials.

Live music was all you used to be able to listen It is equally convenient for people to get in to until people like Thomas Edison and Léon Scott their cars and have the radio turn on automatically de Martinville started inventing ways to record and when the car is started up. If you are in a rush, you reproduce sound signals with the gramophone and do not want to take the time to bother connecting a phonautograph in the mid to late 1800s. November portable device to the stereo.

2, 1920 marked the first radio stations, and the 1970s Senior Karina Richmond said, “People could came out with cassettes, boom boxes, and Walkmans, get sick of the radio and the advertisements, and which were discontinued from production in 2010. pay for Pandora Radio or iHeart Radio. What about 1997 was the year the first MP3 formatted music the people that don’t have all this technology? became available to be downloaded and put on the I think that’s one reason the radio could stick CDs that came out in the 1980s and 1990s. The around. Not everyone can, nor likes following year was when MP3 players rely on most technology. Some Everyone finds common interests through music, to, came out, along with the iPod coming just aren’t ready to evolve that way out in 2001, but before any of those and it can start friendships when you find someone yet.” devices were around you would be People who do still listen to using CDs for your Walkman or turning who likes your favorite artist or song. the radio might also subscribe to to the radio.

Sirius XM, a commercial free radio Nowadays, the radio seems to renewed yearly by payment. Radio only be used when people get in their car to go anymore. I do think because of new technology stations on Sirius XM still get money because somewhere. Most people pay for radio service like and all the applications available out there, getting people are willing to pay to not hear commercials.

Sirius XM to avoid the commercials regular radio songs people want is easier on devices like MP3s or Pandora is a free radio website, but only free for stations play because they want to hear music more iPods.” use on computers. If people wanted it in their car, than they want to listen to the babble of annoying People look to share their new discoveries of they would have to pay for it, which some actually advertisements. things, and this is especially true concerning music. do. If radios are to disappear from use, it might just The most common devices these days have Everyone finds common interests through music, and be the old stations that have commercials being become the MP3 player and iPod, and the use of the it can start friendships when you find someone who beaten out by stations without them. radio appears to be declining. More often than not, likes your favorite artist or song. Music is a way for With these commercial-free radios, it is people use portable devices out of convenience. The people to connect. possible for the radio to survive while Apple portable devices are easier to carry around and have Radio almost takes away that ease of connecting, products continue to exist with the company in your pocket or backpack for listening to music because the new and popular songs play on the radio, coming out with newer and better things to listen whenever you want to. which tend to be the same few songs over and over, to music. Its disappearance might not happen for The problem with radios for most people and that is not always what people like to hear. a long time, but it is possible that the radio may is the fact that a majority of the time they play Many less popular artists do not get played on become a thing of the past in the future. commercials. The problem with people, though, is the radio because there are not enough stations out

Party boy ways spell trouble for Canadian born pop star

After a series of conflicts involving the law, I am sure you have seen the punk Canadian Justin Bieber on the news or being talked about negatively on social media. Bieber’s actions of breaking the law have not been a “… one time…” thing and his image continues to decline with every mistake he makes.

Although Bieber is not from the United States, he has made himself right at home in Calabasas, California where he throws huge parties even though he is not yet 21.

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Being underage has not stopped happy with his life. get deported, some teenage girl fans him from consuming alcohol and After being busted for parties, will be screaming “…baby, baby, other drugs. Bieber was recently DUI, and many other things, how it baby, noo…” The rest of us will be arrested for a DUI, street racing, and is Bieber still living a free American cheering for the ear worm referred to having a non-valid driver’s license. life? He is from Canada after all. as a pop singer as he is sent out of the This all occurred when he was This long list of illegal actions US once and for all. renting a Lamborghini for the night. has led to petitions being signed It is known that celebrities do The moose loving Canadian is getting in order to deport Bieber from the not receive the same justice as any off with a slap on the wrist, though, US and revoke his green card. The other citizen and especially for a because he is too hooked up just like petition’s goal of 100,000 signatures repeat offender, there do need to be any other celebrity.

Once he was arrested The petition’s goal of 100,000 signatures was and brought to the police exceeded well before the final date of February 22. station, Bieber smiled with In fact, there were over 250,000 signatures, and a big grin for his mug shot as if this were all a big joke. Bieber has yet to pack his bags for Canada.

You smile I smile, I guess, right? Bieber has resembled DeGeneres in looks more than the was exceeded well before February consequences. While Bieber makes long haired skater boy he used to be.

22, 2014. In fact, there were over millions of dollars every year and Fans follow Bieber to any dark 250,000 signatures, and Bieber has gets to enjoy the party lifestyle only alley he decides to go down. “As yet to pack his bags for Canada. seen on reality TV, it is not reality for long as you love me,” Bieber will be If the day comes that Bieber does the rest of us. www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com

March 2014

26

Sports

The stresses and successes of varsity Senior Nights completely forgotten less than a week before Senior Night was that a small decoration needed to be made for each of the seniors’ lockers.

One day after practice, I grabbed Olivia Dowdle and asked her if she Senior Night is usually the last would be willing to help and most emotional home game of me make something for the regular season for any Oswego all of them. We then High School varsity sports team. ran out to Walmart to Fans, coaches, and teammates watch a get supplies and spent ceremony prior to the game in which a solid hour making an often tearful goodbye is said to the glittery soccer balls with seniors who make up a huge part of each seniors’ name and each team. jersey number to stick This year already I have been on their lockers. involved in the planning of two Senior The next day I had Nights that were very special to me to scramble to figure and everyone else on the teams. Since out each of their locker underclassmen work so hard to make it numbers and this so memorable for our seniors who we love so much, the process can be a little scrambling involved PHOTO BY RACHAEL PURTELL me pleading with Mr. stressful.

After three previous years on varsity, senior Erica Atkins ended her high school basketball Mangano to look some This fall I was one of only two career with a very successful season. She was a starting guard and one of the team’s of them up on School returning juniors on the girls’ varsity highest scorers. Above she admires her picture poster created by one of her teammates.

Tools while I was soccer team, so I was expected to lead supposed to be working nearly the entire production. I was fun (even when I dropped all my note Seeing Erica’s face when she on my yearbook spreads during first extremely eager to accept this role cards and accidentally swore into the saw her poster for the first time was period. because I was very close with all seven microphone), and the seniors were all probably the most rewarding experience Unfortunately for me, I am a of the seniors who we said goodbye to. grateful for everything and touched of the entire basketball season for me.

I actually began planning the event after perfectionist and nothing ever seems to by the memorable experience we all She seemed like she absolutely loved it, go perfectly. Another stressful thing that the first day of try-outs. worked to give them. Tears were shed and I was so thrilled that the extent of occurred just a few days before Senior Because I am true a Type A before the game, we all played our my lack of artistic ability was enough to Night was when I picked up the t-shirts, personality I needed to make lists and hearts out during the game, and we all make her that happy on Senior Night.

I realized that the color scheme did not write everything down just to keep had a great time tailgating and watching Decorating the gym before the turn out exactly how we had expected it myself sane. I had lists of the seniors’ the seniors open their gifts after the seniors arrived that night was also a to so I was really paranoid that nobody names, jersey numbers, and contacts game. great deal of fun. There were posters, was going to like the shirts and the before we had even played our first This winter I was one of eight balloons, and streamers everywhere, seniors were going to be really angry game. returning underclassmen on the girls’ and it really looked awesome. Seeing all with us.

I also made myself a to-do list in varsity basketball team so my role in the four of our beloved seniors’ faces when Also, when I presented the shirts order to make sure I would not forget planning was not as significant. they walked in and saw everything was to the seniors, I realized through the anything that needed to be taken care Fortunately, the lift of a great deal another extremely rewarding moment of magic of sight that there were two shirts of. I knew that I needed to get flowers of responsibility off my shoulders the night. with Michaela Moran’s name and jersey for both the seniors on my team and allowed me to enjoy the process of This ceremony was also filled number on it and no shirt with Morgan the other team, design t-shirts, gather getting ready for Senior Night a little bit with many tears and it was followed by Mulkerin’s name and jersey number on money from each of the underclassmen more. Because the work was divided up a really great win against Central Square it. to pay for the t-shirts, assign each so evenly between everyone, the only that enabled us to qualify for sectionals As I drove back to Valti’s the night underclassmen to create a poster and thing I really ended up having to do later that week. We also had fun taking before the game, I was kicking myself purchase a gift for each senior, get was assemble a picture poster for Erica pictures and eating an awesome cake decorations such as streamers, balloons, for not double checking to make sure Atkins. my mom was nice enough to pick up the order was correct when I picked up and cups together, and find out each of I was extremely thrilled I was able from Cakes Galore. the seniors’ college to devote my energy to I have one more Senior Night intentions and who making this poster so I to endure preparing for coming up this “Unfortunately for me, I am a perfectionist hoped she would love would be escorting spring. We will have to eventually say each of them to and nothing ever seems to go perfectly.” it enough to hang in her goodbye to what seems like half the center field during dorm room when she girls’ varsity lacrosse team. the ceremony. eventually went away to As stressful as it can be to plan for Despite my belief that I was so well the shirts. Again, Valti’s was great about college. I love working with pictures in these memorable nights and as hard the whole thing and was able to easily organized, I actually forgot a few really general and my Type A personality took as it is to say goodbye to the seniors I fix the problem so Morgan Mulkerin important things. For example, when I over again when it forced me to try to look up to and love so much, I cannot had her shirt later that night. went with Nora Culeton to Jimmy B’s cut out every single picture perfectly imagine being in their position next Even decorating the field was Valti Graphics to place the order for the and layer them in a way that allowed year. stressful; people showed up late, the t-shirts, I suddenly remembered that nearly no white space to peek through.

I am unable to imagine myself cups Maggie Archer bought to spell out I had not asked one single girl on my I even was able to write her name on leaving high school and the teams I have “Seniors 2013” on the fence were too team for her t-shirt size! I then had to the poster in a way that did not end up grown up loving so much. All I can do big so we had to go buy new ones, and delay my order a few days so I could looking completely awful! for now is hope that all my teammates some of our balloons magically flew get everyone’s size. I cannot thank all I owe junior Marguerite Dillon a and I did for the seniors was enough to away into the sky. the employees at Valti’s enough for huge thank you for helping me glue make them realize how much we are At the end of the day, despite dealing so well with my stupidity and down all the pictures because I probably going to miss them next year and how all the bumps in the road, the field still printing the shirts in time. would have been working on it for hours special we hope the ride has been for looked awesome, the ceremony was Another thing I realized I had without her help! them because it means everything to us.

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March 2014

Sports

Changes do more harm than good simple concept. Now it’s becoming a very complex system that is hard to understand and follow.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France, President Mike Helton, and Vice President for Competition Robin Pemberton are doing more harm than good with these changes. These changes probably have NASCAR’s founder “Big Bill” France turning over in his grave considering what his grandson is doing to the sport. In his announcement, France said that Recent changes in the National Association for drivers are going to race differently with the new Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) offseason are Chase format. unprecedented. The changes are most notably in How? Drivers are not going to race any qualifying and the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The differently than they did before the emphasis was put changes have many fans talking and a lot of fans on winning. Drivers come to the track each weekend completely confused over them. with the ultimate goal of winning the race. If anybody The Chase thinks that field increases drivers are not from 12 drivers going to try and to 16. The top win the race 30 in points are week in and eligible for the week out, then Chase, which they are dead is up from wrong. When the previous it comes to the number of 20. In championship addition to the hunt, consistency field expanding, helps win the lowest four championships drivers in the more compared Chase will to just wins. be eliminated It is after the third, understood that sixth, and ninth the Chase is races to set up not a perfected a four driver system yet. battle for the However, the championship at administrators of the season finale NASCAR need at Homesteadto stop changing Miami Speedway the format after in November. It every couple of PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES will be a winnerseasons. When The bracket that NASCAR Chairman Brian France unveiled take-all race in the Chase was for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Four drivers are eliminated a sense as the incepted in after every three races until four remain for the season finale at highest finisher 2004, the top ten Homestead-Miami Speedway. of the four will drivers in points be the champion. after race 26 in There is more emphasis on winning races than Richmond were the field of drivers competing for the finishing consistently throughout the entire season.

Sprint Cup. The field was expanded to 12 drivers in Just one win in the first 26 races before the Chase 2007. begins practically locks a driver into the Chase.

In 2010, the number of points awarded to a The qualifying system was changed as well. driver based on finishing position were overhauled.

Qualifying goes from single-car runs to open session They went from a system without a consistent knockout qualifying. Every car can be on the track increment that was drawn up on the napkin of a bar to at once. Qualifying will be broken into three rounds a system that has a consistent increment of one point on tracks greater than 1.25 miles in length. The between each finishing position. In 2011, the Chase first round will be 25 minutes where every driver went back to ten locked in drivers, only this time can be on the track and their fastest lap time will two wild card drivers were added to the field as well. be recorded. The 24 fastest drivers move on to the The system is being changed once again for the 2014 second round. Of those 24, the fastest 12 drivers will season. move on to the third and final round of qualifying.

The qualifying procedure was fine the way The changes to the Chase are unique. Never has it was before. One car on the track for two laps at a there been a winner-take-all season finale in any time was fair. Single-car qualifying runs were time type of motorsports. IndyCar and Formula One do consuming and relatively uneventful. However, not have anything like this. IndyCar and Formula they were effective and it was the way qualifying One don’t have anything similar to the Chase. Their was always done since NASCAR’s founding in champions are crowned based off of who has the 1948. Qualifying was not a system that needed to be most points after the final race of their respective changed in any way, shape, or form. seasons.

All in all, the changes that were made during It is an idea that may keep the newer fans around the offseason have confused and upset many fans of considering it is being set up like a bracket is for the the sport. The qualifying procedures should not have NCAA Tournament in March. It seems like a bracket been changed as tradition is being vacated and the is made for every sport’s playoff system. However, format was not flawed. The Chase for the Sprint Cup older fans are unhappy with these changes. They are is becoming overly complicated. unhappy because the Chase should be a relatively

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27

Buc Sports Flashback 5 years ago... (2009)

* The indoor track and field team four by four relay (four hundred meters run by four runners) broke the Oswego High School record with a time of 3:35.2. * The team consisted of Mitch Galvin, Eli Tyler, Eddie Wallace Jr., and Ryan Taylor. * They agreed that the reason for their succes was that they worked well together and practiced as much as they could along with the fact that they were friends outside of track. * Tyler said, “We work really well together, but we’re also very versatile in a sense that we could, and have, substituted other boys into the relay who we wknew could better fit the competition.”

10 years ago... (2004)

* Swimmer Hilary Callen won the Section III title in the 500 meter freestyle and placed second in the 200 freestyle. * Her performance earned her a spot at states in both events. * Callen was also a member of the 200 meter medley relay team that placed seventh along with Abby Martin, Dana Shannon and Laura Shaddak. *Her final event was the 200 meter freestyle relay team with Shannon, Shaddak and Stephanie Battista and they placed fifth.

15 years ago... (1999)

* Boys’ indoor track and field runners Kris Enwright and Jon Frechette were named league and Section III champions. * Both earned spots in the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championship. * At the Championship, Enwright placed 14th in the 100 meter run and Frechette took 9th in the hurdles.

20 years ago... (1994)

* Boys’ varsity hockey defeated top-seeded Rome Free Academy to defend their title as Section III champions. * Jason Bauer had three goals, Andy Grimshaw had one, and Neal Pecore racked up a goal and two assists. * The Bucs won with a final score of 5-2.

25 years ago... (1989)

* Senior Barbie Verdoliva was invited to join the American Ambassador European Soccer Tour. * Verdoliva was one of only 1,000 girls selected to compose five teams that will represent the United States on tour. * The teams travelled through England, Holland and Belgium where the teams played two games in each after an extensive training camp in England. *Verdoliva expressed excitement over the opportunity and said, “...I’m looking forward to playing on the same team as some of the best players in America.”

March 2014

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 2 Number 5

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

March 2014

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ATHLETES OF THE MONTH JESSIE MURRAY

By Elizabeth Sincavage Editorial Editor

Junior Jessie Murray is one of a small number of figure skaters in Oswego. She started skating with Learn 2 Skate when she was just five years old. After 12 years of hard work and dedication at the rink, Murray worked her way up in the levels of figure skating.

Murray likes figure skating because it is fun, difficult and she likes to try new things.

The levels in figure skating include preliminary, pre-juvenile, juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior and senior, which is the Olympic level. Murray is currently a junior figure skater.

To achieve the status of the next level, you must perform a skill of the next level in front of a panel of three judges. For Murray, these tests are more stressful than competitions.

“If you do not pass a test you cannot move on and are stuck there until you can pass it, while during a competition you could just have a bad day and do better at the next one,” stated Murray.

Murray’s skating season runs from November to March. During the season, Murray travels to Cicero a few times a week for practice.

She also competes several times throughout the season, averaging about one to two competitions every month.

The competitions Murray has competed in have led to several medals and a trophy. Her proudest moment was when she earned a gold medal in free skate.

There are three different aspects of figure skating: free skate, moves and dance. Murray is currently only one test away from earning her gold medal in both moves and dance.

Aside from figure skating, Murray also dances. She has been dancing since she was two years old.

She takes dance lessons at Natalie’s School of Dance. Dance and figure skating go hand in hand for her. Certain aspects of dance help her with skating such as grace and balance. Skating has also helped her improve her jumps and make them higher.

After Murray graduates, she hopes to keep dancing and skating for as long as she possibly can. She will teach dance and skating once she is older. She also plans on attending college to become a nurse anesthetist.

JAKE CARY

By Isabella Winklestine Sports Editor

Where can you find Oswego High School senior Jake Cary in his free time?

Most likely at Labrador Mountain either skiing or snowboarding.

Interested in snowboarding for many years, it was not until seventh grade when Cary started snowboarding thanks to Ski Club.

His love for snowboarding lead him to skiing where skiers in the X Games influenced his switch.

Skiing is Cary’s favorite because he can do more tricks on skis and enjoys skiing more than anything else.

Although Labrador Mountain is where Cary usually skies, he has also been to many other mountains such as Toggenburg, Whiteface, Mont Tremblant, and McCauley Mountain.

Cary does not ski competitively; he simply enjoys having fun with his friends.

Cary said, “I always like to ski with my friends because it makes the lift rides less lonely and makes a day on the mountain more fun.”

Perhaps the best thing about skiing is mastering tricks. It took Cary a whole season to begin tackling tricks and once he started he began to tackle more and more advanced tricks. Cary can do several impressive tricks off jumps and on rails such as spins and grabs.

Skiing is not the only thing Cary excels at; academics is another important aspect of his life. Cary plans on attending Clarkson next year to major in engineering.

To anyone who is a beginning snow boarder or skier, Cary has some great advice, “Stick with it; you’re obviously going to fall quite a few times before you get the hang of it. The OHS Ski Club is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to try out snowboarding or skiing. The Ski Club goes up to Labrador Mountain every Wednesday after holiday break and we normally get up to six trips in. At Lab you have the opportunity to take lessons if you would like to learn to either ski or snowboard.”

“The thing I enjoy most is learning new tricks and being able to spend the whole day on the mountain with some of my closest friends,” said Cary.

Editor’s note: “Athlete of the Month” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin to showcase some of the top athletes here at OHS. If you know a student who you think would deserve to be an athlete of the month, contact Isabella Winklestine at IWinkles@ oswego.org.

PHOTO BY JORDAN OATMAN