May 2005

Volume 8 Number 7

May 13, 2005

Safety First

Bulletins Sites Announced for School Budget Vote The 2005-06 OCSD budget, along with two other propositions, will be on the ballot during the Tuesday, May 17 vote. Polling places are assigned by ward as follows and will be open from Noon to 9:00 p.m.

1st McCrobie Building 2nd Fitzhugh Park School 3rd Leighton School 4th Education Center 5th Kingsford Park School 6th Riley School 7th Oswego Middle School 8th Minetto School 9th Oswego Town Hall 10th Scriba Justice Center Remember, if you are a registered voter, your trip to the polls will affect our schools. Please vote.

Students Weigh In On Drunk Driving Question With Prom season approaching, many parents are beginning to lecture their children as to the risks of driving drunk, or riding with a drunk driver.

Student Chris Battles asked 200 Oswego High School students the delicate question “Have you ever ridden with a drunk driver?” The graph below outlines their responses.

The Student Voice

The Post-Standard photograph/Mike Greenlar The remains of Skaneateles high school student Steve Corsello’s Ferrari serve as a constant reminder of the effects of drunk driving.

Post-prom party one step towards a safe prom, graduation season Amanda Sawyer Reporter The Oswego High School S.A.D.D. Club is sponsoring a postprom party at Laker Hall from midnight until 5:00 am. According to organizers, it will be both a fun and free event for students who go to the prom and for all active members of S.A.D.D. Club.

The party is intended to give students somewhere to go after prom that is a safe and controlled atmosphere with many entertaining activities planned throughout the night. The members of the club hope to cut down on the amount of drinking and driving done by students after they go to other post-prom parties thrown by students.

“We want to reward students for

making the right choices on prom night,” said Mrs. Catherine Celeste, adviser of S.A.D.D. Club.

S.A.D.D. Club also sponsored an awareness assembly on April 11, which warned students about the dangers of drunk driving. Three guest speakers, including Mrs. Shelly Locklin, Mrs. Joanne Hutchinson, and Mrs. Deborah Deeb, one of our own teachers. They told their personal stories of drunk-driving tragedies that have affected their families, and gave us facts about drunk driving.

“Drunk driving killed more than 17,000 people in 2003. One in every three people has been affected by drunk driving,” stated Deeb at the assembly. continued on page 2

OCSD Budget Proposed Jackie Stanley Editor-in-Chief The proposed plan for filling the record $6 million budget gap facing the Oswego City School District originally included a significant number of cuts to programs and employees of the district.

But thanks to community lobbying efforts and reorganization by the school board and district administrators, that number has been considerably reduced.

From the time that the original school board budget plan was unveiled, and since its presentation in final form after a public hearing to discuss the matter, nearly seven percent was put back into the budget, increasing the total proposed spending to $56,166,053 next school year. This reinstatement of many programs and positions was largely a reflection of the will of the community, and its eagerness to voice opinions on how to cope with the financial problems facing the district. Even students appeared more interested than ever in the shaping of the budget, showing up in numbers at board meetings to witness the drama unfold firsthand. According to Superintendent David Fischer, he and the Board were grateful for the presence of the public and for their contributions at these meetings, and they did their best to incorporate their ideas into the final budget.

“There was a great deal of input and we carefully considered that information,” said Fischer, who also added that he was grateful to students for getting involved in the extensive process of developing a budget that was financially appropriate, while at the same continued on page 2

Recent grad running for school board

Star Wars: Episode III opens May 19

Eason named May Athlete of the Month

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The Buccaneer Bulletin The OHS Students’ Voice Editor-in-Chief Jackie Stanley Managing Editors Chris Battles Mary Hoefer Business Manager Ali Canale Entertainment Editor Kevin Kern Layout Editor Jake Rotunno Sports Editor Mike Tyo Alumni Editor Brian Balduzzi Clublicity Editor Joan E. Bristol Chief Photographer Devin Flynn Art Director Tanya Swartz Webmaster JoBeth Dunsmoor Ad Reps/Designers Tom Holland Sara Pritchard Photographer Morgan Arnold Sportswriters Matt Reitz Allan Brown Reporters/Columnists Amanda Sawyer Emily Draper Erin Reff Katie Flynn Kristen Kaplewicz Mariah Taylor Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200. Printing services provided by The Palladium-Times. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.

News

Buccaneer Bulletin

Tuesday’s budget vote will directly impact OHS continued from page 1 time retained as many programs and personnel as possible.

“On behalf of our students, I want to thank you for your genuine concern, for your patience, and for your cooperation as we worked to develop a responsible budget,” Fischer said. He also spoke of his confidence in the budget plan at its final unveiling, calling it a balance between quality education and fiscal responsibility.

This new budget still incorporates many cuts, but it restores $652,000 in positions and programs to OCSD. Most of that capital is going to prevent layoffs. Some positions that were restored include the district literacy director, an entire middle school teaching team, a social worker, and a theater technician.

Also, the athletic trainer position was returned to full time. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning mechanic, a

tool and parts clerk, a computer network technician, and a middle school clerk, were also retained. The retirement of a senior custodian will ensure that six custodial jobs, that were originally to be cut to part-time, will remain as full-time positions. Regarding the district resource officer, he will retain his position, but the city will be responsible for a portion of his salary. Also, instead of reducing all teacher-aide positions to part-time, the board has decided to keep fifteen on as full-time and cut eighteen.

It is unclear at this point what will occur with the proposed cuts to clubs and other extracurricular activities at OHS, and whether they’ll be able to fundraise to keep their programs running. The issue facing the district and these clubs is that the school is mandated, as part of teacher contracts, to pay all club advisers, who must be teachers. Right now, it appears there

is nothing that can be legally done to save the clubs planned to be cut, but that may change.

As a result of these reinstatements into the budget, the overall tax rate in Oswego would increase by an estimated 7.16 percent. This tax hike ends up translating into about a $62 increase (over the course of a year) for homes of a $70,000 value, and about a $109 increase for homes of $100,000.

As for programs, the final budget has put back $55,750 to fund them since the original plan; $20,000 will go to fund the BOCES Arts in Education program, and $21,000 will pay for the retaining of the district caseworker.

Overall, despite its additions, the final budget will still include cutting 57.3 positions within the district to cope with the deficit. The public will vote on whether or not to accept this new version of the budget on Tuesday, May 17.

S.A.D.D. Club makes a push to increase awareness continued from page 1 Hutchinson spoke about her daughter Amanda, who was killed by a drunk driver, one month after her senior prom, and only one week from graduation.

The driver of the car was a five-time repeat offender and had no license at the time of the accident.

S.A.D.D. Club member and public relations officer Molly Cichy said that she thought the students respected the guest speakers and listened to what they had to say. “Their reaction was better than I had expected. I think that the assembly was worth it,” stated Cichy.

S.A.D.D. Club members hope that this assembly will help their peers make right choice on prom night.

In previous years, the club has sponsored other post-prom parties which have all been successful and were attended by hundreds of students.

Earlier post-prom parties have taken place at the college, where they had tethered hot air balloon lifts, and at Pinarama Bowl, where cars have been given away.

The members of the S.A.D.D. Club have been working hard to fund raise for this occasion. Earlier this year, they sold coupons to Burger King and have sold Krispy Kreme doughnuts during lunch periods. Celeste has also organized 50/50 raffles and e-mail silent auctions for teachers as fundraisers. Members have been actively seeking donations from businesses and the community, and need as much support as possible for this party

to be successful.

Both the members of S.A.D.D. Club and their adviser have been extremely busy these past couple of months to come up with prizes for the raffle. During each hour of the event, there will be prizes raffled off. These hourly prizes will be increasing in value until the party ends at 5:00 a.m., when a car will be raffled off to one of the attendees still at the party. Other raffle prizes will include gift certificates, tshirts, and more. Some prize donations include a $150 sailing lesson from the Oswego Maritime Foundation and $200 from the Lake City Police Club.

“It will be a lot of fun. There are going to be a lot of activities going on, and it’s free,” said S.A.D.D. Club president, Sarah Botting.

Attendees of the party will have access to the Laker Hall pool and the gyms, where there will be an inflatable jumping pit and inflatable twister along with various other games all night. Many activates have been planned for the pool in Laker Hall, including t-shirt races, a greased watermelon contest, and a “Free For All” where hundreds of coins of various denominations will be dropped into the pool for students to gather. Food will be served all night including pizza, soda, cake, as well as breakfast food as morning draws nearer. Movies will be playing for people who wish to just lounge around, maybe catch some sleep, and just hang out. Music will be provided by a DJ and both Karaoke and DDR (Dance Dance

Revolution) contests will be taking place throughout the duration of the party.

Celeste also has talked to some student bands to come and perform at the party. Mind Over Matter, a student band which was also seen performing at the OHS first annual battle of the bands in April has agreed to perform at the party, playing at about 2:30 am.

Nationally-known Twin Magicians will be making an appearance around 3:00 a.m. They have performed in many colleges around the area including Ithaca College and Cazenovia.

“We anticipate hundreds of students to attend. Nobody walks away from the party empty handed,” stated Celeste. The members of the club hope that many students who go to prom will be attending the party to complete the evening. “It’s the best place to be after prom,” she stated.

“I think that many people underestimate S.A.D.D. Club, but after they see what we can do, and the amount of organization that went into it (postprom party), more people will be interested in joining,” said Cichy.

Students will have to provide themselves with transportation from prom to the post-prom party, but there will be plenty of time to go home and change and get swimsuits to participate in pool games. No one will be admitted inside after 1:30 a.m. and there will be no readmittance to students who wish to leave. If you do stay until 5 a.m., you just might be the person who wins that car.

May 13, 2005

Columns

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Take away skippers’ car keys There’s no need to ‘get the red out’ Every school district, I’m sure, has most part, kids will stay in school some trouble with students skipping where it’s warm if their only other school. All kids have to go to school for option is to head out into the cold.

This may not be a popular besuch a great portion of their lives that skipping lief among my peers, but the punishcomes to most as a very ments typically used in this school are tempting alternative to not enough in the way of scaring kids. class. The nature of hu- Suspension, in our out of school, is mans is such that when just not that intimidating, because we are instructed though in-school is awful, suspension against doing some- out of school is more of a privilege Devin thing, we merely want than a penalty.

Flynn But what if OHS or NY State it more. A combination of the two, equates to a tied school attendance to driving privistrong likelihood that kids are going to leges? Such a system would unquesleave school when they are supposed not tionably inhibit licensed drivers from leaving school, but it would change to.

The issue at hand is not whether nothing for younger unlicensed stukids are or aren’t skipping, though, but dents. The plan is meant to affect primarily how to juniors curtail it. and seThe Osniors, but w e g o younger H i g h “This may not be a popular School belief among my peers, but the students w h o evidently leave relies on punishments typically used in w i t h detentions this school are not enough in older and infriends s c h o o l the way of scaring kids.” may still suspenlearn a sions for punishing skippers. What if the school lesson.

Having a license is a big deal, had the right to take away your driving privileges? That might be an effective no teenager wants it revoked because deterrent. For those who drive, relin- they’ve done something wrong in quishing their right to do so would make school. Many would argue that a it difficult for them to leave school at school simply has no right to take their leisure. This is especially true dur- something earned outside its walls. ing the winter months. Sure, there are But if the state backs this policy, who those who would leave by foot and tread knows? Maybe this is just the slap on through blizzards to escape, but for the the hand some skippers deserve.

Back when an answer was either right or wrong, and a simple strike-through was used to signify the latter, the color of the ink used in correction was not a factor in our minds. As with everything else, times are changing.

Many schools across America are Erin joining the trend of Reff banning red-colored ink in the papergrading process. Due to students’ and parents’ complaints of “stressful hues,” some teachers have been forced to switch to more tranquil tones.

While today’s teachers may be more constructive with their corrections, writing down the procedure of how to acquire the correct answer, or jotting down a quicker method in the margin, parents are concerned that papers are just appearing “too red,” giving the entire document a negative aura.

What the real concern should be is how absolutely ridiculous today’s society is becoming. In our dog-eatdog culture, parents are taking the steps to prepare their children for the real world by protesting negative ink hues? Are they aware of the cruel awakening that their child will receive when one of their college professors not only uses red ink in grading but attaches blunt criticism with no regard of the student’s feelings? Or when their first reprimand from an

employer isn’t all flowery and polite?

Considering all of the stressful situations this world has to offer, parental objections to “traumatic” ink colors should not even be taken seriously.

This new movement also suggests that the worst thing a teacher can do to a student is correct his/her paper in red ink. What about the verbal mistreatment and disparaging comments that occur in many schools today? There are so many greater issues to resolve without wasting time and energy on the new anti-red ink craze.

When it all comes down to it, no matter what color ink is used in grading, it will always be somewhat dreaded by the student. “WRONG WRONG WRONG!!” written in green, pink, or purple will still cause a negative reaction. Perhaps in ten years, society will find more constructive things to critique. Then again, we may be worried whether the new shades of grading have harmful vibes connected with them.

Silver could mean “old.” As in this material is so old. Or blue could signify “sad.” As in this is one sad piece of work. Pink or yellow may indicate “hot,” and not as in “this paper is so hot,” but rather, “this essay should be burned.”

Any way you look at it, criticism is criticism. Constructive or not, it will always have a gloomy impression, leaving us with one thing to do: suck it up and leave the red alone.

Could gender differences explain academic strengths, success?

Girls read better than boys. That’s not a sexist remark, that’s just the way it is. For the most part, anyway. Studies show that the average female student in high school is generally two years ahead of her male peers in the areas of reading and writing. That’s not to say that girls are altogether better.

Although girls are well advanced in the language arts, they are also Emily woefully behind in math and the Draper sciences, the areas that boys generally excel in.

But why does this happen? It’s because (according to experts) the male and female brains are different. They are wired to allow the person, whether it be male or female, to accomplish different tasks at different paces. A study done with children in elementary schools shows that the boys are starting to pull ahead in math, but are

surpassed by the girls when it comes to putting their feelings into words. When children become adolescents, they only slightly fill the gap between the skills of the sexes. For instance, females have been just about able to catch up with their male peers in math and science, but for the most part, the males are still slightly ahead. The same thing is true with females in the language arts. Not only are girls able to speak more fluently and express their emotions in a more communicative manner in English, but they foreign languages as well. Writing essays also seems to come easier to females.

I’m not saying that there aren’t any exceptions. I know there are boys that can converse very well in other languages, and enjoy picking up a book now and then. On the other side of the spectrum, there are girls who excel in math and science. Mrs. Michelle Lloyd, a math teacher here at OHS stated, “Math was always easy for me... I really think some people have math brains

and some don’t.”

Most studies show that the people that work the hardest have a better grasp of the material they are learning, whether they are male or female. The basic skills we learn at the high school level can become programmed into our brains, it just takes training and hard work. Students who do their school assignments, naturally do better and achieve higher grades. When interviewed, Mrs. Carrie Patane of the English Department stated, “I think girls enjoy English class more, and I do think they tend to be more serious. When you enjoy something you tend to work harder. It depends on work ethic and not gender.”

This column isn’t an excuse for men to slack off in literary skills or for women to shirk math and science. With work, either gender can become accomplished in any field, but for those of you who struggle according to these gender differences, at least now you have another excuse.

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Feature

Buccaneer Bulletin

That Special Night: Some Prom Fact and Fiction Emily Draper Reporter “When you wish upon a star, it makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you. When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.”

This could never be more true than at this year’s prom. The theme is “A Night Under the Stars,” and it is being held at the Hewitt Union ballroom located on the SUNY Oswego campus on May 21. The event is happening from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m., but pictures can be taken starting as early as 7:30 p.m.

So is prom really all that it’s cracked up to be? This reporter hit the halls to find out the truth behind prom.

Fact or Fiction #1: Prom is the single biggest highlight of a teenager’s junior or senior year.

Fact. To some extent, anyway.

Junior Melissa Evanchik stated, “I think it’s one of the highlights...like the JV show for the juniors, or graduation for the seniors.” Most people feel that, cliché as it might sound, prom is one of the good parts of being in high school. “I like getting dressed up and going out to dinner and being able to be with all my friends,” Evanchik said.

Fact or Fiction #2: This year’s theme, “A Night Under the Stars,” is a good one.

Fact. There is a general consensus that everybody likes the theme this year. Junior Bri Ranous stated plainly, “I like the theme this year.”

Katelynn Chwalek, another junior, stated, “It’s better than last year.” The theme ensures that prom night will look as special as it is supposed to feel.

Fact or Fiction #3: Prom is

supposed to be expensive.

Not exactly fact, and not exactly fiction. Prom is as expensive as you make it. Some people opt to go all out, and some get the most out of minimal spending. Junior Laura Familo stated that she spent about $350 combined last year, while Bri Ranous estimated her costs a year ago at about $500.

Between the dress, shoes, hair, nails, and jewelry, the money sure did add up. Many girls admitted to buying dresses for $300 and up.

But prom doesn’t have to be expensive. Boys’ expenses are generally less than those of a girl, with many spending from $100 to $200. Junior Tim O’Connor stated that he spent “About $200.” Senior Jake Rotunno admitted he was a cheap date. “I’d say I spent about 100 bucks flat.”

Fact or Fiction #4: It’s taboo

for girls to ask guys to Prom.

Fiction. Most people said that it was ok for girls to ask guys. According to O’Connor, “It’s totally cool.”

Both Chwalek and Ranous agree that they don’t see anything wrong with a girl asking a guy to prom.

Evanchik responded, “It’s definitely ok. I think guys only being able to ask girls is old-fashioned.” So, it’s not taboo, but nobody seemed to have done it. There are girls that ask guys, but generally speaking, it’s the guys that do the asking.

So there you have it. The real responses directly from your school to you. No matter how much you spend, or who you go with, this year’s prom promises to be a memorable event.

Just have fun, and enjoy it while you can.

Remember, just wish upon that star, and your dreams will come true.

Clubs head into busy final month of the 2004-05 academic year Sailing Club It is hard to imagine that the Sailing Club has been operating for the past 25 years. Mr. Joe Rotolo, the club’s founder, is still operating the club in this his third year away from the daily classroom routine.

On Sunday, April 24 the club members prepared the center board boats belonging to the club and the Oswego Maritime Foundation for summer sailing service. The club maintains many of the boats for the OMF in return for use of the waterfront facilities. This is a great time to start with the club because you are able to bond with the other students and to meet Rotolo and Mr. VanWert, the adult safety boat volunteer, and a source of inspiration to everyone to keep the club operating.

Anyone in the high school or middle school may join the club. You do not have to know how to sail to join the club. “We will teach you how to have safe fun on the water,” stated Rotolo. “You will learn at a pace that is comfortable for you. Just show up at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays at the OMF Waterfront Center. You will experience many wonderful moments that you will remember forever.”

Rotolo also recommends that you sign up with some others so that traveling to the waterfront center is easier, while individual members are

always welcome. “Just bring some enthusiasm!” Rotolo said.

For more information you may email Rotolo at jrotolo@oswego.org.

He will be glad to answer any question about the 25th anniversay edition of the OHS Sailing Club.

Spanish Club is in the works for next year. The members have plans to form a duo club with another language--Italian--to explore customs, sample ethnic cuisine, or just have fun with friends who enjoy different cultures!

Spanish Club Although faced with some unexpected disappointments in the beginning of the year, the Spanish Club is compensating with new ideas and future plans for the 2005-2006 school year.

The Spanish Club, which continues to meet on Wednesdays, recently had to postpone its intention of an after-school elementary Spanish Club which was scheduled to begin in January. “We had some trouble with the funding for buses,” stated Bree Tunaley, the president of the club.

“We are still raising money for our future trips, though.”

These trips include an excursion to Mexico next year, as well as a trip to Spain in the following year. With the help of adviser Mrs. Gloria Canale-Giberson, the Spanish Club is raising money by raffling tickets for beauty products from the Body Shop.

“Whoever is interested can purchase a raffle ticket from any Spanish Club member,” said Tunaley.

Another exciting aspect of the

Yearbook Club Filming everyday life at OHS and shooting footage of activities that spark interest among our students for this year’s DVD has kept those involved with this year’s Paradox very busy. With the end of the year approaching, a few after-school sessions every week are being added in order to meet final deadlines.

Some students have already begun sketching out ideas for next year’s yearbook, but for now check the morning announcements to see when the ’05 yearbook will be distributed.

Class of 2005 Tryouts for Senior Class Night are on May 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the OHS theatre. The actual event is taking place on June 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the theatre with a $3.00 admission.

Senior Class Night is a variety show that will include a slide show, the senior superlatives, and a fourpart video. All seniors are encouraged to be there to share memories of their four-year experience at OHS.

Art Club This month, the Art Club is preparing for its annual trip. This year, they’ll be visiting New York City.

They will be doing a number of different activities while visiting New York City including visiting the Guggenheim Museum, The Empire State Building, and The Hard Rock Café, among other places. They will be leaving for their trip today and will be returning on May 15.

Mary KAy!

May 13, 2005

Alumni

Page 5

Board candidate was student only four years ago Brian Balduzzi Alumni Editor Vincent van Gogh once stated, “It is a pity that, as one gradually gains experience, one loses one’s youth.” For the Oswego School District Board of Education, there is a candidate running who combines the distinct attributes of youth and experience. Sean Madden, a 2001 alumnus of Oswego High School, submitted his application to run for Oswego City School Board in next Tuesday’s election.

Sean Madden, a junior at SUNY Oswego majoring in broadcast journalism, has always seemed to have an interest in making a difference and giving back to the Oswego School District. Now, he believes he can, by running for the board and helping to make serious decisions impacting future generations that come through the OCSD. During his junior and senior years of high school (19992001), budget crises began to appear as topics of discussion in our school district. He realized that students would be greatly impacted by a budget deficit and action needed to be taken.

Madden hopes by running that he can bring new ideas with a fresh outlook. He has a unique perspective as both a recent OHS graduate

Photo by Devin Flynn

Sean Madden, a 2001 OHS grad, hopes to be elected to the OCSD Board of Education.

and as a local college student.

He stated, “I really want to try and make a difference. I want to see these kids have the same great education I had.”

He believes his youth can work to his advantage in many cases, and that he can learn just about anything. Madden wants to personally relate to the students and hear their problems and suggestions. On the topic of extra-curricular activities, a heated topic among students and parents, Madden was adamant that they are a positive

thing, and help kids learn to be a part of a team, a skill he says, “…they’ll need for the rest of their lives.” Still, he supports looking into club enrollments and asking the students what they think and discover what is important to them.

Madden realizes that cuts need to be made, though, and encourages responsible and realistic decision-making regarding future budget. “I’ll be the first to say that I hate to see anyone lose their job, or see any program cut, but we have

to be responsible and realistic.

In some ways, we won’t be able to have some of the things we’ve had over the years.

Declining enrollments are projected for next year; when we talk about being fiscally responsible, it’s not fiscally responsible to keep the same number of teaching staff on with projected declining enrollment. I think there has to be give-and-take with everyone involved,” said Madden.

These ideas Madden hopes to bring to the board, if

he is elected. He is still looking for ways to avoid future cuts, though. He agrees with current board members that holistically, we, as a district, need to prioritize our programs. He also intends to look into how a six million dollar deficit was accumulated without notice, and what went wrong, and why.

Right now, Madden plans on staying in Oswego to finish out his last year at SUNY Oswego to get his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then is considering graduate school here, prolonging his stay in the area.

A typical school board term is three years, creating an optimum duration of time to coincide with his continuing education. “I have to believe that if an opportunity comes along for me to better myself at a career, I would have the support to do that,” he said.

Sean Madden commented, “We have a terrific school system and a great community. Communities come together in tough times, and this is a tough time, but I’m confident that we’ll pull together and put priority number one first…and that’s the kids.”

Madden is running for the school board as a candidate who’s young at heart, but one who has a lot of heart for the students and community.

OHS alumni stand out in many different communities Lyndsie Mosher ( ’98) is currently helping to develop a theater education curriculum at SUNY Potsdam. She is assistant director of a student-run musical company on campus.

By January of 2005, she had directed four shows and been an actress in two since the start of the fall term.

Amanda Blum (’03) is a sophomore at SUNY Buffalo with junior status and is pledging to the Kappa Kappa Psi music society. She is also section leader for clarinets and piccolos for her school’s march-

ing band, which travels across the Northeast for the Vikings football games.

Dr. Michael Crist (‘75) was once principal trombone player in OHS’s Wind Ensemble. He graduated in the class of 1975 and has gone on to receive his doctorate in music education. After college, he became the dean of the Dana School of Music at Youngstown University in Ohio.

Michael Dunsmoor (’77) was only a freshman at OHS when he was given the

seat as principal trumpet player in the Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Edward Lisk. He went on to Eastman School of Music following his graduation in 1977, and then continued his education by receiving his Masters of Music diploma at Ithaca College. He is now an instrumental music teacher at OMS. While in college Larry Battles (’68) interned with various law enforcement agencies as a student supervisor and was employed by a private security company conducting

armed patrols in high-crime areas of Buffalo, NY. He is a career public servant with degrees in Police Science and Criminal Justice, presently working as a County Probation Officer investigating and supervising those involved in the justice system.

Battles became the 5,256th person to climb all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks and was inducted into the Adirondack 46’ers organization at ceremonies held in Lake Placid, NY, last May. He had also previously completed a 133 mile hike of the Northville-

Lake Placid.

Currently Battles serves on the Planning Board in the Town of Minetto. Here he lives with his wife and two youngest children. He can be reached at Battles@twcny.rr.com.

Editor’s Note: These alumni notes were written and provided by Brian Balduzzi, JoBeth Dunsmoor, and Christopher Battles. If you have an alumnus who deserves recognition or have a notice for an upcoming class reunion, e-mail Alumni Editor Brian Balduzzi at: bbalduzz@oswego.org.

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Buccaneer Bulletin

Feature

Canale marks 40+ years of service to school, community Kristen Kaplewicz Reporter For the last forty plus years, Mr. John Canale has been a jack-ofall trades for the Oswego City School District. “I know what it is to be a teacher, an athletic coach, and an administrator; and I also know what it is to be a WWII veteran,” he stated.

Influenced by his father, Canale chose to become a teacher.

His teaching career lasted twenty years until he retired in 1986.

During this time, he taught all grades from kindergarten to twelfth in Kingsford Park School, the Oswego Middle School, the Phelps Central School District, and Seneca Falls.

After his retirement, he continued substitute teaching, and still currently does this along with tutoring of students, now young enough to be his grandchildren. His love for teaching was inspired mostly by his father, who came from Italy with no education. “He vowed when he came to America that each of the five children would get an education,” Canale recalled.

From the time Canale started teaching until now, he has noticed some changes in the school district.

In the academic sense, he says there is more audio and visual aids, as well as more variety in programs and electives available in the schools of

today. He thinks these are positive changes in what he calls the “information age.”

As far as socially, Canale has noticed a change in respect for teachers. Canale recalled, “When I

This was important as it added to the average daily attendance, which ensured that the school was eligible for state aid.

As well as teaching and being an administrator, Canale was also an

“No one should think that they are the best, but there’s no reason why you should not practice what I call ‘braggadocio.’ ” Mr. John Canale

started teaching, as I walked into the classroom, believe it or not, the students stood as I walked in. Then I would have to tell them, ‘Please be seated.’”

Canale served for twenty-one years in the central administration for the City School District of Oswego.

During that time, he set up the first double-bussing system and established the first in-city district census.

He also served as the school district’s “truant officer or bounty hunter,” as he phased it. He was in charge of all attendance reports and spent mornings scouring the countryside, the City of Oswego, and surrounding areas to find kids that were skipping school.

athletic coach. He coached freshman, JV, and varsity baseball, as well as JV and varsity basketball. During those years he could often be found with his son at his side while he coached. Much like his philosophy on life, he coached with the belief, “A quitter never wins and a winner never quits.”

“I fought the greatest land battle ever fought in any war, the Battle of the Bulge,” Canale commented about serving our country in WWII. He enlisted in 1942 and was called to service from April 1943 to October 3, 1945 when he was wounded in the left wrist in a battle along the Seine

River. He stated, “The war did one thing for me: To appreciate the life God gave us.”

In addition to these school achievements, John had many other public accomplishments. He served as alderman for the city of Oswego for twenty-one years from 1970 to 1991. He also ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1995, but he didn’t lose because of a lack of hard work and dedication. He has been politically active since 1958. His campaign creed was a quote by The Christopher Credo stating, “It is better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness.”

Canale named several individuals who were important in his life.

These people include Mr. Melvin McFee, his JV basketball coach, Mr. Max G. Ziel, his college coach and a renowned figure from SUNY Oswego, Mr. James H. Lally, his mentor in life, and Mr. William Noun, his good friend.

“No one should think that they are the best, but there’s no reason why you should not practice what I call ‘braggadocio.’ If you don’t brag, toot your own horn, your wife isn’t going to do it, your friends are not going to do it, you’ve got to do it.”

From humble beginnings, to war-hero status, and to a lifelong commitment to public service, John Canale’s life is worth bragging about.

May 13, 2005

Columns

Page 7

Remember when reading was cool? Bookmark www.snopes.com A few months ago, I walked into my English class holding the novel Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. A boy in my class said to me, “My God, Katie, East of Eden wasn’t long enough for you?!” The group he was sitting with laughed hysterically.

After this incident, there were a few more.

Katie They were harmless comFlynn ments, really. Knowing the boy as I did, I knew he was merely joking with me. However, the emphasis of the joke was on the way he said it; not on the context of it. As far as the context goes, he was being entirely serious.

But this problem goes far beyond jokes about reading. In recent years, a trend has started among students: “Being smart is not cool; reading is for geeks.”

I can remember in grade school, my teacher would have reading contests.

There would be a fishbowl on the board, and your name would go in the fishbowl, (on a fish, of course) along with the number of books you had read all year. The kid who read the most books got some kind of prize at the end of the year. All the kids in my class loved this contest. It was a huge deal for us. But ever-so-slowly, as we moved up in grades, we seemed to misplace our love for learning and reading.

I grew up loving to read, as did my brother. My parents have always been avid readers and taught my brother and me to read at a very early age. I always looked forward to English class and couldn’t wait to read. My friends also loved to read. It wasn’t until about seventh grade that I can remember my peers moaning and groaning every time they were assigned a book.

I couldn’t believe it; reading was so easy!

But suddenly, I was the oddball, and they were the majority. When and how did this happen? When did I become the only one of my friends who loved to read?

The trend only seemed to get worse with every passing year. Each time I’m assigned a book, my classmates complain and beg the teacher to do anything but make them read! However, this past couple of years has finalized my conclusion; the dumbing-down of America is not only inevitable, but welcomed by teens.

Just look at the blossoming obsession with Blue Collar TV. Okay, even I’ll admit that “You Might Be a Redneck If…”

by Jeff Foxworthy was funny, but only to a point. Blue Collar TV puts emphasis on incorrect grammar and usage, crude jokes, and everything else that our teachers spent years trying to correct in us, as children.

Phrases like “Giterdone” are now part of every-day student vernacular.

What is the deal? Why is stupidity suddenly cool?

I can’t figure it out.

Fast gaining fame among OHS students is a site called snopes.com, which is devoted to divulging truths and non-truths of urban legends. The site busts up myths and exposes truths such as TV/Radio, politics, food, crime, risqué business, old wives tales, embarrassing stories, and supMariah posed deaths of celebTaylor rities.

A first stop should be Disney. Remember all those rumors about Disney films containing content that wasn’t all light-hearted and enchanting? Snopes can tell you their status! But, I’m sorry to say, a few of them are true…sorry to cloud your perfect image of Disney.

Another favorite is the photo gallery, which shows famous politicians looking through binoculars with the end caps on, the world’s tallest woman, and various rodents and reptiles caught in printers and computer towers. Also, even though snopes is the gospel, has the final say, and should not be questioned, it claims that TV’s Mr. Ed was a zebra, not a horse…my mother has convinced me otherwise.

I know you’ve always wondered

Look at the bright side of the budget cuts One of our popular events in Oswego this year, is talking negatively about the proposed 2005 school budget. Well, being the optimist that I am, I have decided to show everyone that the glass is half-full, not halfKristen empty, and how Kaplewicz to take advantage of this situation.

After looking over the proposed extra-curricular activity cuts, I have found that apparently, someone has either a phobia or an unresolved dispute against clubs. Honestly, the list looks like someone sorted the list between “keep” and “cut” depending on whether the organization had the word “club” in its title. The bright side of this: many students who are involved in a variety of these clubs will now have every day

after school free to do whatever they want.

I also noticed some sports teams, mostly freshmen and JV, were on the cutting board.

Teams such as the girls’ varsity soccer team can kiss their sectionals goodbye now that there will be no freshman team for the girls to build up their skills on. As far as other sports such as varsity football, who were not sectional qualifiers to begin with (insert the obvious end-of-sentence here). On the personal level, being the varsity cheerleader that I am, JV cheerleading was also on the cut list. HALLELUIAH! I no longer have to share a bus seat. And as for the pros about the other sports being cut, the would-be participants will have plenty of time to do whatever they want without having to sign the Code of Conduct.

To keep these former athletes busy after school, there is always the club option. Oops,

never mind (see above).

A mixture of the next two cuts was the smartest idea yet.

The kids from the Academy (yes, the ones that probably go to there because they have been kicked out of a regular school or a judge makes them go to school) are to be moved to OHS. Ah ha! This must be why our school is allowing drug dogs when we have to make budget cuts.

Also, the hall monitors in our school are poised for a cut.

Therefore, when we need more security next year with all the new “students” coming to our school, we may have none to stop the chaos in the halls. A bright side?

When you see all the kids crowding in the hall and you run to see what all the fuss is about, at least you’ll have a reason for being late to class, and also a good story to tell your friends for the rest of the day.

I hope they’re not cutting the nurses--in case we need first aid.

about the many Wizard of Oz rumors, like the munchkin who hung himself.

Dying to find out? Rest easy, help is on the way!

Ever pondered the reasoning behind the male species wearing their pants down around their thighs?

Mmmmhmmm, snopes has the answer.

Lastly, you need to check out the food section, which contains such subtopics as contmination, “culture clash,” odd ingredients, origins, preparation, and warnings. So, do McDonald’s hamburgers contain worm meat? Is gelatin made from bones and hides?Does eating tourkey really make you sleep? Does Bubble Yum bubble gum contain spider eggs? Oh the lenghts people will go to simply to amuse themselves.

So, why work on your thesis paper, desktop publishing projects, or your column for journalism, when you could be reading about the dangers of disposable chopsticks, the shelf life of Twinkies, a five-year-old who gave birth, and many mishaps of couples (oh human folly)!

If you should develop any level of dependency, yes it’s possible, I checked the site, snopes has a “What’s New” feature, mailing list, chat forum, and a message board so you can seek out the support from other users.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Editorial

Page 8

What’s Your Opinion?

Drawing Board

Do you think there’s an underage drinking problem in Oswego?

What can the community do to address this issue?

Ms. Alie Cordary Faculty “Yes, it’s all over the news. The community could hold conferences or seminars for teens to attend, and they should apply to teens’ lives.”

Frank Schalar Freshman “Yes, I know people who drive drunk. There should be stricter selling policies.”

Shawn Regan Senior “No, I haven’t noticed this to be a problem in Oswego.”

Jarett Wheeler Senior “Of course, I know a lot of people who do it. Stores should stop selling alcohol to minors or people with minors.”

Liam Shaugnessy Senior “Yes, I know people who do it.

The community should provide a free taxi service for drunk kids.”

Travis Quonce Senior “Yes, people have driven to my house drunk before. I just think kids should have a designated driver.”

Cartoon by Tanya Swartz

THUMBS UP … to the Oswego High School Chamber Singers. No April fools here. Led by Director Mrs. Veronica Shaver, the elite group of singers were named Best Choir and given a Gold Rating at the Washington D.C. Heritage Festival on April 1. They also earned the Spirit of Washington D.C. Award; an honor recognizing the choir as the group that best represented their state and school over the course of the two-day festival. … to all participants of the recent student stage shows. From the Junior Variety Show to Aces High winning the Battle of the Bands--way to go. Also, thumbs way up to the tech crews in the theatre – they couldn’t have done it without you. … to Mrs. Meg Schneider for receiving the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award. It is great to see OHS teachers getting the recognition they deserve. Despite what the critics say, we appreciate all of you and your efforts. … to senior saxophonist Ryan Tonkin and the Oswego High School Wind Ensemble for their performance on WCNY Classic FM 91.3 in Syracuse in April. Tonkin was highlighted on a segment of the program called “Bravo to Youth,” which recognizes outstanding students for their musical excellence. Way to go Ryan! … to the cookies in the cafeteria. They’ve been especially good lately and we think they would rank up there with any bakery for their gourmet-quality.

THUMBS DOWN … to those responsible for the Oswego High School club massacre. Extracurricular is only a spelling word now, after the recent cuts have decimated the OHS club offerings. … to the cost of prom tickets. The extra expense of purchasing cost of a “bonus DVD” and a lack of class fundraising has left the junior class with a financial burden. … to any registered voter who doesn’t get out to vote Tuesday in the school elections. Whether it’s voicing your opinions on the budget, or choosing board members who will dictate policies for years, you can’t complain if you didn’t make the effort to vote. ... to the lockdown drill. It’s a good precaution but how about a little warning and explanation in the future.

May 13, 2005

Editorial

In our view

Tuesday is decision day for the OCSD budget vote May 17, 2005. While many administrators, faculty, and various citizens of Oswego dread this date, others, such as many oblivious OCSD students, disregard it with a closed mind.

Although they may have heard various rumors in the halls of their favorite club being cut, or the loss of a mentor they have always admired, they may not know that this is the date budget decisions become final.

Next Tuesday is the voting day for the proposed 2005-06 OCSD budget. What many students in the district may not recognize is that they can influence the vote. Yes, you can make a difference.

Many students may have ignored the budget “rumblings,” and seem indifferent about whether it passes or fails. Seniors may look at it as, “I’m outa’ here next year, why should it concern me?”

Well, it may not concern you, but it may affect a younger sibling or friend who won’t be “outa’ here.” Wouldn’t you want them to experience all that they can in their school years at Oswego--or at least just as much as you have enjoyed?

Let’s break down the factors of this budget to see what is really at stake here, and what we, as a student body, can do.

As stated in the 2005-2006 budget proposal, Oswego High School has many areas in which students invest their pride.

Project Lead the Way, WBUC Television, The Buc Bulletin, a nationally-recognized marching band, a wide range of athletic activities, musical organizations, and various clubs are only the beginning of all the opportunities students presently enjoy here.

There is something to appeal every diverse personality and passion of each of our 1,650 students. Because of decreasing revenues and increasing expenditures this year, the school district

was faced with a severe budget deficit. The school board was left with the options to either create a budget that the community would be willing to support with increased taxation, or cut many of the activities and organizations listed previously, as well as personnel cuts.

The Budget Review Committee created a revised budget proposal which will compensate for these missing funds--as well as increase taxes by 7.16 percent. This new budget, among other things, will increase support for the BOCES Arts in Education Program, restore music equipment repair by 100%, restore interscholastic athletic rentals (allowing boys’ hockey team to continue games at Romney), and also add $5,000 to bring back some of the clubs, paying the fees for advisers.

What we can do to make a difference? Talk to your parents, your grandparents, and your neighbors. Let them know how important it is to you, as well as your fellow students that they vote to pass the budget. Isn’t a miniscule increase in taxes worth students getting the most out of their high school careers and the best education possible? Also, if you are a registered voter who is over the age of eighteen, go out and vote for yourself! Make a difference in the lives of the underclassmen, as well as some of the faculty and support staff you are leaving behind. A “yes” vote by a graduating senior could serve as a thank-you to that teacher who took you on a field trip as a freshman; the hall monitor who helped you on the elevator when you were on crutches; the lunch lady who let you charge a lunch when you forgot your ID, or the custodian who always gave you a friendly smile and hello every morning. If the situation was reversed, you would want the same done for you.

Page 9

What’s Your Opinion?

Do you think there’s an underage drinking problem in Oswego?

What can the community do to address this issue?

Emily Moreau Junior “Yes, kids drive drunk; they think they’re invincible.

The community could set up public assemblies on the risks of driving drunk.”

Josh Ketter Freshman “Yes, kids shouldn’t be drinking in the first place.

Maybe we could increase the driving age.”

Abby Dixon Junior “No, I think that kids have learned from stories of others dying in drunk driving accidents to not drive drunk.”

Drinking vs. drinking and driving--two separate issues Research continues to show that young drivers between 15 and 20 years old are more often involved in alcohol-related crashes than any other comparable age group.

For years, many organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (M.A.D.D.), as well as parents and teachers, have used this statistic as proof that people under the age of 21, specifically those between the ages of 18 and 21, are significantly more irresponsible than the rest of the driving population and that they truly do not deserve the privilege to drink legally. (Recently the president of M.A.D.D. was on television arguing that very point.)

No one questions that these organizations and authority figures mean well and want what is best for young people; that is evident. However, with more and more teens dying every year in alcohol-related crashes, is it finally time for adults to accept that what they viewed as a partial solution to the problem, (raising the drinking age,) may have actually made things worse?

For some opposed to it, the argument against the current drinking-age law is purely about constitutional rights; “If 18 year-olds have the right to vote and the right to enlist and risk sacrificing themselves for their country, why are they not given the right to purchase alcohol?” Though that question is important and valid, even if the current law does violate the rights of young people, that effect of the law alone is not affecting whether teens live or die. What is much more important than whether it’s constitutional or not, is whether the law is accomplishing what it was designed to accomplish; is it saving lives? Are young people (18-21) less inclined to drink and drive, and less likely to die in alcohol-related deaths because it is illegal for them to drink? The answer to that question is no.

To understand the 18-21 year-old rationale that too often sees drinking and driving as “no big deal,” adults must first recognize that the playing field is not level for this age-group when it comes to their decision to drink and drive. Because the law makes them criminals for consuming alcohol under the age of 21, this age group is in a predicament totally unlike that of “legal” drinkers. An 18 year-old who goes to a party and consumes alcohol (even though he’s legally considered an adult) is already labeled a “bad kid,” before he is even faced with the separate decision of how he’ll get home from that party. It is not extremely significant to him whether he breaks the law and drinks and drives, because technically, he’s already broken the law, and even if he chooses not to drive, he’s already been irresponsible and criminal in choosing to drink at all, (at least in the eyes of the law and the members of society who believe in it). This “bad kid” has no possibility of choosing to be a “responsible adult” at this point because he is not considered an adult in this sense, and he’s already made a crucial error by drinking at all (again, according to the law.)

High schools and parents are by no means at fault for the many alcohol-related road accidents and deaths of their students.

They are in a debilitating bind when it comes to approaching the issue because even if they choose to admit the fact that many high school seniors drink (77% have at one point or another according to M.A.A.D. statistics), the most they can do is strongly urge them not to, and any statement they make about drinking and driving becomes secondary because the student “should not be drinking in the first place,” and “should not put themselves in any situation involving alcohol.” No matter how often they see students continually putting themselves in that very situation, the message stays the same and it stays ignored. It seems that to be law-abiding, teachers and parents must simultaneously advocate that students not drink, while they advocate that they not drink and drive, as if the two actions were one in the same.

The conclusion that the law should be reversed, to reset the legal drinking-age at 18, is not an easy one to come by for any person who recognizes the potential danger of alcohol, no matter what that person’s age. Still, if the issue is really about saving lives, we need to start addressing it from a new angle. By allowing people 18 and over to drink alcohol legally, that also allows schools and parents to educate them on how to do so responsibly, and allows them to legally offer rides that truly are “no questions asked”.

There is no miracle cure to the epidemic of drinking and driving amongst older teens, and this is only one possible step toward bettering it, but if anything is clear, it is that the current plan (of talking at students and hoping they listen) is just not working, no matter how much people want to believe that sooner or later it will.

Tina Hausworth Senior “There’s no problem that I know of. Kids are responsible enough to designate a driver.”

Sarah Peddle Senior “No. None of my friends even drink.”

Ryan Coleman Senior “I’ve seen names of teens in the paper for DWI. The town should create some type of awareness program. ”

Buccaneer Bulletin

Entertainment: Focus on the Arts

Page 10

Chamber Singers win honors in Washington, DC The sports teams aren’t the only winning groups here at OHS. Recently, the Oswego High School Chamber Singers received first place honors for a choral group at the Heritage Festivals International Competition in Washington,D.C. They were awarded a “Gold Kevin Award” for receiving a Kern score higher than 90, on a 100 point scale. In addition,they were voted on by adjudicators as being the Outstanding Choral Group for the festival. The Chamber singers also were honored with the prestigious Spirit of Washington D.C. Award. This honor was bestowed upon the group that best represented its school, city, and state. Hearing that another of our school groups received accolades in the

Photo courtesy of Happel Photography.com

The award-winning Oswego High School Chamber Singers represented their school and their community recently in the nation’s capital.

field of music, is yet another reason to be proud of our school.

The achievements of this high school’s music programs over the years is amazing. They are unparalleled by any other school in the area. Art, Music, and Drama are the foundations of our American culture. It’s nice to see a good representation of Oswego High School gain even more national recognition. We can now add an award-winning chorus to our list of award-winning sports teams, technology department, and marching band. The music department, in general, has pumped out some good groups over the years, and this year is no exception.

With exceptional drama, bands, orchestras, and other performing ensembles, our high school has a lot to be proud of. So, next time you see a chamber singer, say good job, because quite frankly, the music they make is amazing.

Prioritizing is difficult, but we’re all affected by the arts Tanya Swartz Art Director With budget cuts looming, many people are trying to distinguish between what needs to be cut and what needs to be kept. With state requirements having to be considered, the question arises: what is more valuable; the arts or the “required classes.”

We are all affected by the arts. We all hear music everyday and art is everywhere around us. What is particularly unique about these classes is that kids are taking them because they want to, not because they have to.

This is the greatest thing about these classes; students are motivating themselves to do the ‘work’ because they truly enjoy it.

Beyond enjoyment, there is much to say about the accomplishments in the arts at the Oswego High School.

With five different bands, (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and two Jazz bands), two orchestras (Concert and Symphonic), and three choruses (Concert Choir, Chorale and Chamber Singers) there is bound to be

success. After participating in music for years, many seniors this year are planning to pursue music after high school. For chorus, these members include Ron Miller, Nicole Weigelt, Carly Scranton, Chris Bucher (all four are also in band) and Joe Corradino. For orchestra and band these members are Brandon Gianetto, Ryan Tonkin, Kyle Potter, Matt Gentile and tentatively Meera Bhardwaj.

Many alumni have pursued music and the arts in, and beyond, college. One standout alumnus of the Oswego High School music program is John McCullough.

He says the Oswego kids have an incredible opportunity for music education. He has been particularly successful as a freelance music supervisor in Los Angeles. Although his list of achievements is very long, some of them include TV projects such as “Joan of Arcadia,” “That ‘70s Show” (where he was Executive Producer of the soundtrack), “Strong Medicine,” “Party of Five,” “The Wonder Years,” “Third Rock from the Sun,” and “Dawson’s Creek”

(where he was also Executive Producer of the soundtrack.

Music members, even if they are not pursuing it as a possible career, are benefited by it. Senior Wind Ensemble member Ryan Tonkin stated, “Music is important because it will always be with people, even after high school.

Sports are cool and all, I play them, but not too many people will ever play their favorite sports again in college…and even fewer after college, but people can always play music.” Jeff Blum, a sophomore Symphonic Band member said, “I do it because it gives me something to vent into.”

Band instructor, Mr. William Palange, says that music puts a different perspective on things because in band, you work as a whole, unlike many other classes.

Choral director Mrs. Veronica Shaver says, “I think too often music is seen as a non essential frill.”

This problem is not just a local or state dilemma; it is a national problem. This crisis has led Vh1 to start a “Save the Music Foundation,” which is based upon the fact that

“Music education programs have eroded in many cities and communities across the country over the past thirty years.” Vh1 says its program is dedicated to turning back this trend by purchasing new instruments for at-risk programs that are facing cuts.

“Save the Music Foundation” also conducts awareness campaigns to ensure all children have access to a quality education that includes music.

Art is also an important part of school, with many student accomplishments.

Winners in the 2005 Oswego County Art Show include; Maggie Henry (with five pieces), Casey Collins, Anthony Fragile, Brittany Graham, Jennifer Harbottle, Sadarat Kuakrathok, Tanya Swartz, Melissa Woodward, Joni Bristol, Derek Harrington, Maggie Henry, Kamila Bakowicz, Morgan Goodwin and Jes Munk.

Art and music are important to many students, not only just at OHS, but all over the country. But other things are considered important as well, so prioritizing isn’t up to the students.

May 13, 2005

Entertainment

Page 11

Music player evolution from phonographs to Mp3’s Mp3? Or CD? Or how about cassette? Usually when you get in your car this is the problem that you are faced with. But what about before? Before your precious ipod? Before your superhuman walkman? What pioneered the very music players of our generation? Well lisKevin ten up, because you Kern all are about to get a crash course in music player history 101.

First off, we have the phonograph. Tom Edison was the man when it came to inventing things, so music was no different. Ok, should you have one of thes? Unrealistic I know. The sound is ok, but not ipod quality. Seriously, if you have really old phono-graph

records, hold on to them--they are worth mucho dinero.

To follow this up were the classic 78’s or 45’s of the Hi-Fi players of the 1960’s. You would know them simply as records. Odds are your parents have a ton of these lying around in a basement or attic. Little do most people know that these are making a huge comeback now, in the 21st century.

There is a growing percentage of “young-uns” from our generation that collect their parents’ records, and even “record hunt” at local thrift stores and church book sales. Nothing sounds as good as vinyl. Sorry, but when you’re looking for quality, that can’t crash due a “glitch” or some techno mumbo jumbo, records are there for your simple listening pleasure. And no, if you play Beatles records backwards, you cannot hear the voice of Satan. (But Zep-

archaic do-dads began to rise in popupelin is a different story.)

Next up, we come to the retro larity, until it was crushed by our next eight track players. Having gotten my player. Mini-Discs: 1. CD’s: 5.

Finally down to the people’s hands on one to mess with, these things are terrible. Some like them for nostal- choice. The amazing iPod. This brand gia, others actually like the chicken new piece of technological mastery has scratch they produce. They can only been intercepted by millions. Not only have eight tracks, thus the name “ eight is it a reliable piece of technology, but track players.” It’s a waste of plastic it’s compact, and cost-effective. College kids and sound listen up. equipment.

This is This mavery good chine no- The eight-track machine, no graduadoubt should tion gift. be forgot- doubt, should be forgotten, in ten, in the the same way our parents have T h i n k about it; same way forgotten the leisure suit and y o u our parents wouldn’t have “for- the entire decade of the ‘70s. have to gotten” the take all of leisure suit your CD and the entire decade of the ‘70s. So if you find collection to college. Before you go, simone, buy it, and burn it; simply so that ply upload all of your data to your home another can “bite the dust.”I give it only computer, and transfer it to your iPod. a one out of five stars, just for creativ- This will save a ton of space. Not to mention you’ll be styling around camity.

After eight tracks, cassettes made pus with a hip piece of modern era techtheir way into our market. Cool fact nology ( to go along with your cell phone, about cassettes, they were the first non- laptop, palm pilot, etc.) If you’re still not U.S. born piece of technology to play sold on the current iPods, Apple will be music that was sold in the U.S. The releasing an Eric Clapton Edition, and Japanese introduced us to the media a “Bubblegum Pop” edition. This is due player that would revolutionize an era. to recent success of the U2 iPod. So, You hear cassette you think finally out of five stars, the iPod garautomatically’80s. The ‘80s were a ners a whopping five out of five.

Music players and their respecgood time for music. With hundreds of rock groups introduced, cassettes were tive software are not only fun, but they cheap, and expendable. The ‘80s were are self-expressionary. The world is full a time period of exceedingly high mu- of musical choices. You never truly sic sales, due to the availability of cas- know what you will find on eBay, or at settes. Now the deal with cassettes, a garage sale. So keep an open eye, they sound decent, and if you collect and listen well. Whether you want to them nowadays, you can find just about admit it or not, we are one of the many anything for dirt cheap. On a five star musical generations, so express yourself the way you want to. scale, cassette players are a 2.5.

Now we come to laser discs. You know, those things you watch in Earth Science and Bio? They look like huge CD’s? Yea, that technology never really got off the ground as far as music, and all media in general. So, generously, it gets a zero out of five.

Ah, CD’s. The immortal compact disc. The walkman CD player, the boom box. Every teen’s friend, and psychologist for those “growing years.”

Introduced in the late 1980’s CD’s are the now most readable from of media and music. This is the standard for what most music players and game systems are based on. CD’s are cheap, small, and travel well. On the disc topic again, The “Dynamite 8” portable 8-track there are things called mini-discs. These player was a ‘70’s icon.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Entertainment

Page 12

May the hype be with you: Star Wars Episode III opens Thursday Kevin Kern Entertainment Editor “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away………” Almost thirty years ago, those very words rang through the ears of movie-goers nationwide. That very opening would come to grip American pop culture like nothing else before it. Star Wars was born in 1977, straight into the hearts of millions of people, that would not soon forget it. Twenty years later, the second trilogy started, and on May 19, 2005, at 12:00 a.m. the end of another era, will be just that, the end.

The next installment of Star Wars looks to be a real killer, with mind-melding special effects, The Revenge of the Sith might just turn some heads for Star Wars again. Now, I know a lot of you little Jedi out there were disappointed with episode one and two. Don’t get me wrong, but they were decent movies. Yes, they both were a little on the skimpy end of the fast-paced action that is Star Wars, but you have to look at them like a timeline—you need all the pieces to make the puzzle look right. The prequels were necessary to create and expand the immense Star Wars universe. Looking at the previews so far, Episode III might just put the Oscar-worthy buzz back into this franchise.

The same cast of characters will be back for the next and final installment. The somewhat placid actor Haydn Christensen will be back as Anakin Skywalker, the soon-to-be Darth Vader. Granted, Episode II was not his best acting job, some even called it a joke, but when looking in retrospect— Darth Vader never really had a personality anyway.

The lovely Natalie Portman will be returning as the mother of Luke and Leia, Queen Amidala. Ewan

MacGreggor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Frank Oz (Yoda), and British actor Christopher Lee (Darth Tyrannus-Count Dooku) round out the ever popular force-filled cast of this movie.

Undoubtedly the best thing about this next movie will be the visual or special effects.

Sorry to burst you bubble people, but if you’re looking for mushy gushy love, and Academy Award winning-acting, Star Wars isn’t the place.

This movie looks to be the most anticipated sequel ever. The hype behind this movie is large, grande, HUGE. Yes, Fucillio huge. This movie has some 30,000+ visual effects shots, and ninety minutes of C.G.I. animation. Did you know that Yoda is no longer a Muppet? Nope, he is a completely, 100 percent digitally-created entity. That’s just the start. Lucasfilm (in conjunction with Industrial Light and Magic) created most of the computer programs that motion picture companies use to create this kind of stuff, so odds are, fruits from the creator will be great, and plentiful. The draw of this movie will be the visuals.

Photo illustration courtesy of LucasFilm Ltd.

May 19, at midnight, the Oswego Cinema will be offering a special “premier” showing of Episode III. Tickets are currently on sale. This looks to be a great science fiction movie. Perhaps it should be called Star Wars: We’re Sorry for the other Two, because the way the trailer looks, and the hype behind it, I doubt that Lucas would dupe millions of fans with a bad movie that was five years in the making. You can bet your bottom dollar, that I will be there opening night, dressed as a Jedi.

May the force be with you, and see you there!

Jane Monheit: A refreshing alternative to today’s popular music Chris Battles Managing Editor Jane Monheit is certified gold.

On this jazz vocalist’s fourth album, Taking a Chance on Love, listeners are brought youth, talent, and originality.

Jane Monheit shines a light onto the darkness of aging classics. Her youth revitalizes songs like “Honeysuckle Rose” and “Over the Rainbow”; songs which she has been singing since she could speak. Now, at twenty-seven, Monheit is proving herself to be the grandchild of Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald’s masterpieces. Her amorous “Bill” and “Embraceable You” will melt hearts.

A new take on “Dancing in the Dark” is a spine-chilling experience. There are also new sounds on “Do I Love You” and “In the Still of the Night.”

Monheit is making clear that she is for real, and ready to make history.

A duet with Michael Buble on “I Won’t Dance” is the showstopper.

It features Buble’s young, yet timeless voice, with the sexy edge of

The musical interpretation of the Monheit’s vocal nuances. At the head album is a sound second-to-none. of a big band, this duet swings like no Unique twists on old other; it’s a historimelodies, the angelic sin in cal collaboration.

Monheit’s voice, and a Monheit’s driving backbeat, mount to quartet that leave a lasting image. Old performs on the or young, each song is album and on tour original. The buzz among is just as talented the jazz community has as their front man. rippled out to a broader Fiancée and Rome, audience. Talent and New York native quality has reached a Rick Montalbano, broader audience for the on drums has just first time since …. Umm? the right touch.

(Kenny G and Chris Botti.)

Arranger and Today’s pop music is pianist Michael a dizzy fuzz of metal Kanan fills the (named for the eardrummusic with color shattering sound proand shows us his Photo courtesy of Sony duced, similar to that of a masterful skills and trash compactor), [c]rap, creative touch in and upset middle-class white boys his cocktail duet on “Bill.” On bass, Orlando Fleming combines his efforts singing about their darkest hours. So common today is the overnight with Montalbano to lay a groove sensationalized “talented” artist. down that rivals the late Ray Brown, Talent defined by the recording just listen to “Why Can’t You Beindustry and teen magazines is have?”

along the lines of attractive individuals who have the ability to dance and lip synch. What happened to learning to read music, how to keep time, rhythm, intonation, and technique?

Monheit’s hard work earned her a spot in the limelight; a welcome contrast in the commercialized world. Monheit played the lead in all the theatre performances, in high school as well as performing in clubs on the South Shore of Long Island. Formal vocal training began at age seventeen at New York City’s prestigious Manhattan School of Music where she studied with Peter Eldrige. At twenty, she won the first runner-up prize at the 1998 Thelonius Monk Institute Vocal Competition, second only to legendary Teri Thornton.

The best is yet to come from Monheit. Her onstage presence is mesmerizing, and voice rings with passion on every soulful note. This dazzling vocalist deserves to be on every American’s play list.

May 13, 2005

Columns

Page 13

Oswego slugger is athlete of the month Allan-Michael Brown Sportswriter Arguably one of the best baseball players in the school, outfielder Zach Eason almost seems destined for success on the diamond.

He has been playing baseball for practically twelve years. He started playing Tball at the age of five, but even before that, he was running around the house playing with a wiffle ball bat and pitching balls to his couch and other furniture. Eason has wanted to play baseball since his dad bought him that ball and started playing catch with him when he was only two.

Although Eason didn’t play football in 2004, he is also

looking forward to suiting up for the gridiron Bucs in 2005.

But baseball remains his passion, and his favorite sport.

Next year, he will be one of the few athletes to play a sport every season; football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring.

When baseball season rolls around, the game becomes his priority. He looks up to Barry Bonds, who is perhaps the best baseball player around right now, but he won’t admit to it because Barry isn’t a Yankee. Eason is even comparable to Bonds. Bonds is the best home run hitter around right now, and Eason led the OHSL Colonial Division in home runs last season, and

Photo By Devin Flynn

Eason prepares for a pitch in a recent home game.

Photo By Matt Gianetto

Three-sport athlete Zach Eason leads the Buc Baseball team.

ranked eighth in hitting. The most amazing part about those accomplishments is that Eason was only a sophomore last season.

His favorite part about baseball is hitting, and like most everyone else, Eason’s least favorite part of the game is losing.

Eason reflected on the 2005 edition of the Buccaneer baseball squad.Eason said “We’re pretty solid, we should do pretty good in sectionals, we’re definitely going to make is as far as we can.”

If Eason’s stellar play continues, he should have colleges showing interest in him by the end of the season. He says he’ll definitely be playing in college, and hopes a school with a great

Tae kwon do

team recruits him. Eason dreams of someday playing in the major leagues, preferably for the Yankees.

Outside of sports, Eason enjoys hunting and fishing. He has competed in many fishing events, and he is very good at it. To him, it’s relaxing, and helps him get his mind off of his busy sports schedule. He likes watching sports, and he has interest in practically every big sport you can think of.

Besides the Yankees, his favorite sports teams include the New York Jets (football).

This month’s featured athlete, baseball player Zach Eason, could be next year’s Most Outstanding 3-sport star.

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Page 14

Track & field, tennis, girls’ lax winding up seasons Girls’ Track & Field Oswego girls’ varsity track coach Jim McCaul has many goals for this year’s Bucs. Number one on his list is the development of an appreciation for the sport of track and field. He’s also looking for individual improvement, team improvement, and the development of a team concept in a mainly individual sport.

The team will have to cope with a few key losses due to graduation. Jessica Ziegler was a state meet finalist indoors in the pole vault and advanced to the state meet qualifier last spring. Ziegler received a scholarship to SUNY Buffalo for track and field. Caitlin Donovan also will be missed.

She was a sprinter and an “outstanding leader” according to Coach McCaul. She is currently competing at Nazareth

College.

The Bucs have an abundance of returning contributors from last year’s squad. High jumper Emily Kaier (state meet finalist in high jump), sprinter Amber Bishop, sprinter Ruth Canales, middle distance runner Liz Chorley, sprinter Christine Clemmens, sprinter Sara Dehm, sprinter Megan Donovan, middle distance runner Audra Gehan, sprinter Katie Jones, thrower Sally Kelleher, thrower Rebecca Lautensack, sprinter Shena Lee, sprinter Melanie Mitchell, distance runner Emily Monette, middle distance runner, Nikki Perrine, distance runner Meg Perry, middle distance runner Caitlin Pike, sprinter Jessica Tondeur, and hurdler Brooke Sterio make up most of the team.

Along with the returning

players, the team also is welcoming some key newcomers.

Heather Buske, Nikki Carroll, Emily Crist, Rebecca Delaney, Katie Divita, Liz Donovan, Shannon Donovan, Waragura Gichane, Julia Lamanna, Shelby Persons, Kelsey Porter, Monique Reeser, Whitney Vrooman, and Regina Wilson are all new to the team.

The varsity Lady Bucs are being assisted by veteran coaches Ron Ahart and Mark Mirabito.

Coach McCaul is enthusiastic about the season. “I feel that we will be very competitive in a tough division and improve as we gain experience throughout the season,” he said.

Boys’ Varsity Tennis The varsity boys’ tennis team kicked off its season this spring in spite of some key

losses due to graduation. Ryan Mott, Tim Dufore, Chris Snell, and Adam Korbesmeyer all were major contributors to last year’s team as seniors.

To continue last year’s success, the returning players are making a major impact.

Zach Smith, Dan Morey, Josh Dufore, Matt Rinaldo, Tyler Fernayys, and Mark Chipman are some of last year’s players who are leading the Bucs in ’05.

The squad is also relying heavily on the team’s newcomers. “Freshman Tom Dufore is actually the number one player on the team,” Coach Morey said.” Senior Dave Wild is another first-year player that should make an impact.

“I think we’ll be competitive,” stated Coach Morey, who is taking over the boys’ program from Mr. Paul Deritter.

Girls’ Lacrosse The girls’ lacrosse team, coming off of a heartbreaking season where they finished one win short of a sectional berth has a goal; to make it to sectionals and continue to build on previous seasons’ successes. The team, with new head coach Mr. Chuck Rowlee, is working very hard on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, Jackie Stanley and Shannon Farden are strong scorers, while defensively Alyssa VanDurme is playing well.

Goalie Alex Kesselring is playing hard in the net, and should add to the team’s playoffs hopes. The squad’s next game is tonight at Central Square, and tomorrow the Lady Bucs play Mercy High School of Rochester, at home at noon.

Buccaneer Sports Flashback Five Years Ago May 2000 The girls’ and boys’ varsity track teams won their first meets of the 2000 season, the Phoenix Relay Invitational. Both teams won events in the 4x200, the 4x100, and were aided by a strong victory in the 110 hurdles by Jon Frechette. The boys coach, Erwin Dewey, and the girls coach, Jim McCaul both have traditional success in the Phoenix Invitational.

Ten Years Ago May 1995 The OHS Lady Buccaneer softball team defeated Rome 4-3, behind the four-hit pitching of Vicki Smallidge to win its third consecutive Section III Class A softball title. Mary Kay Bateman, Missy Verdoliva, Tysha Martin, Meghan Schneible, and Suzie Branshaw were all key contributors as the Lady Bucs went 18-9 on the season for Coach Mike McCrobie, before losing in the state regionals to Columbia of Section II. The OHS track was shut down for safety reasons as a group of concerned parents cited metal railings and the cinder surface as a danger to runners. Renovations on the track have forced the OHS teams to compete at the SUNY Oswego facilities.

Twenty Years Ago May 1985 Coach Jim McCaul and the girls’ track and field team picked up a pivotal win during a meet against its rival Jamesville-Dewitt, and had a strong finish in the Newark Girls Invitational in the beginning of the season. The roster was stacked with strong competitors, from distance running to sprinters. Senior Traci Purtell led the distance runners, while Mary Ann Coughlin and Sandy Wanek were top competitors in hurdles. The sprinters include Laurie Campbell, Joanne Davis, Pam Fontana, Michelle Herrera, and Ann Marie Taylor. Finishing out the team were newcomers Karen Hanley and Kim Harrington.

Twenty-Five Years Ago May 1980 The boys’ golf team started out its season strong with a big win over Mexico Academy and Central School. Buccaneer captain Rich Godden led the team with a 41. Other Buc golfers rounding out the roster included Tom Iorizzo, Mike Joyce, Steve Bullard, Paul Hurlbutt, J.B. Brown, Matt Davis, and Dave Pospesel.

Photo courtesy of Mike Leboeuf, The Palladium-Times

Junior sprinter Caitlin Pike competes in a relay recently.

May 13, 2005

Sports

Page 15

Off-season debate for Buccaneer football program Mike Tyo Sprortswriter This off-season was a crucial one for the OHS varsity football team. In addition to Coach Matt Bianchi stepping down, it was discussed, and ultimately voted upon, whether the squad would remain in the AA division that they currently are in, or if a move to a lower division would benefit the program.

After a meeting consisting of parents, administrators, and faculty, it was decided to stay put in the AA division of the Onondaga High School League.

Mr. Brad Dates, the Athletic Director, presided at this meeting. During the fall, a group of parents contacted Dates inquiring about the present state

of the football program. This resulted in a meeting last January where Dates presented options to the parents, some coaches, and Principal Fran Murphy--all who were concerned with where the program was heading. There were three alternatives: the first was to stay in our current format, the AA division; the second was to move down to the A division and play a schedule featuring smaller schools; and the third option was to play an independent schedule versus other non-league affiliated schools.

Each option had its pros and cons.

“By staying in the current division, you know who you’re playing with, you know what the schedule is, and you know who your opponents are. There’s a familiarity

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there,” Dates said.

Dates made it clear that the option to move down wasn’t motivated by wins and losses. “It wasn’t about improving the football team’s record. We just wanted to discuss every option to move the football program forward,” he said. There was one major downfall to utilizing this option, though. “Dropping down a division excludes all post-season play. No matter how well you do, there’s no potential chance to play any postseason games,” Dates said.

Mr. Jason Primrose, teacher and defensive coordinator for the varsity Bucs last season, also discussed some of the downfalls of moving down a division. “I know a lot of people would expect the Bucs to do a lot better. The problem is, if we did move down, I’m sure they would have put us against the division A powerhouses,” Primrose said. “They’re just as good, if not better, than the AA teams.

We’re talking about schools such as New Hartford and Whitesboro . . . perennial playoff teams that are no joke. We were also worried about the morale of the kids.

We didn’t want them to think we were playing down because we didn’t think they could handle it.”

Mr. Rich Burger, one of the parents present at the meeting, had an entirely different outlook on the situation. He was the lone vote in favor of moving down a division out of more than twelve parties present. “I think at this time and place that we need to drop down a division, build our team back up again, which will take a few years, and then move on from there,” Burger stated. “I don’t think there are any benefits to staying put where we are. First of all you have to think of the kids. And I think you need to start building the morale back up and build the football team back. Staying in the division we’re in with the numbers that we have just is not going to work. I wasn’t very pleased with the whole outcome of the situation,” he said.

When Burger mentioned that we have to think of the kids, he seemed to know what he was talking about. Jeff Wallace, a junior on last season’s squad, agreed with Burger. “I think we should go down (a league). Even though our team is under new management, I think it would be useful to build morale for the team. If we went down to division A, if it is that much easier, then next year we will be more successful and will draw more kids out for the team. If our program does improve, then we may be able to move back to AA and compete at a higher level,” Wallace said.

J.P Scullin, another junior on the ’04

squad had a similar outlook. “We should move down a league so that we can compete with teams at a lower skill level.”

The final option discussed was playing an independent schedule. If this option had been implemented, Dates and all the other athletic directors would have to discuss and agree upon a schedule that works for all the parties involved. This only included those schools that had also agreed on playing an independent schedule, which was limited. This would not have guaranteed a friendlier schedule.

Programs such as Cortland and Homer for boys’ varsity hockey, Henninger and Nottingham for girls’ varsity swim, and FM and JD for boys’ varsity swim have combined programs to field a more competitive squad. An option that apparently was never considered at the meeting in January was combining teams with schools with low participation numbers. “I wasn’t even aware of that,” Primrose commented. “I think anything should be considered if it will help two schools. I’m not sure who we would have combined with, though,” he added.

At the time of the meeting, the question of who was going to be the team’s next head football coach was still up in the air. That issue is still unresolved. Dates said that there were coaches present at the meeting, so the amount of impact that uncertainty had on the final decision to stay in the AA division was minimal. Primrose is a candidate to take over as the next head football coach. He said that he has submitted an application for the job, and is just waiting to see what happens.

This topic, though settled for ‘05, isn’t a dead issue. “I’m sure it will be revisited,” Primrose commented. “If things don’t work out you always have to look for a way to make things better. I think that’s part of the problem. A lot of kids don’t want to go out because the football team doesn’t do well. But on the other hand, the football team doesn’t do well because we don’t get a lot of kids out.

Looking at it like that there’s a cycle there.

If we could get a lot more kids out, it’d be a huge asset, and a big step forward.”

Burger definitely feels that after next season, if things don’t improve, that this issue should be looked over again. “I think they probably would, and most certainly should. I think they should start looking out for the interest of the players,” Burger commented.

This is a heated topic and there’s no clear-cut solution. Everyone involved with the football program wants the team to be successful and there are measures being taken that are trying to ensure that this becomes a reality.

Page 16

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