May 2007

BuccaneerBulletin Volume 10 Number 6 May 2007

Bulletins Binge Drinking a Danger at Prom and Graduation Time

Pregame tailgating parties,

post-exam celebrations and Friday happy hours -- not to mention fraternity and sorority mixers - have long been a cornerstone of the collegiate experience. But on campuses across America, these indulgences have a more alarming side. For some of today’s college students, binge drinking has become the norm.

Underage drinking is always a cause of stress for parents, especially around Prom season. Dangers of binge drinking are huge, but most teens don’t think about them. Alcohol can be especially dangerous when paired with impulsive teens and the excitement of Prom night. Prom is a big night, but if you or someone you know has been drinking, do not get into a car with them; call a sober parent, friend, relative, or take a taxi.

2007-08 Leadership Applications Due

Applications for students who

wish to apply for Leadership Oswego County Youth (LOCY) for the 200708 school year are due on May 25 to Mrs. Michelle Lloyd.

LOCY is open to all high school students, but preference is given to those entering their freshman or sophomore years. They are looking for youth who have not already established themselves as leaders. High academic, athletic, or musical achievement is not necessary.

They are looking for the young person ready to learn, grow and work with others.

It is a program that meets once a month where youth can learn skills that will enable them to make a difference in their school and community.

McCrobie Walks the Plank Page 7

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Enrollment

College Prep Class Studied

By Waruguru Gichane Alumni Editor

Graphic by Fred maxon & Sophie rosenbaum

OCSD enrollment statistics have shown a steady decline since 2002 leading to the projection of future decline from now through 2011.

OCSD Building Closure Options Under Review

By Sophie Rosenbaum Clublicity Editor

Recently, the Board of Education and two other committees (Reconfiguration Committee and the Capital Project Committee), have brought up a possibility of reconfiguring and redistricting the Oswego City Schools due to the exponential decrease in enrollment. The plans are causing anxiety and controversy for parents, taxpayers, students, and teachers, yet the exploration of the plans has just begun and the options are endless.

Each plan outlined by the district calls for different changes made to the building configuration of the Oswego City School District, yet all three plans and even “option four” have left OHS unchanged, calls for-

Prom Trends Page 13

relocating the Education Center for $3 million, and providing safer schools.

Plan One, the second most expensive of the plans, lobbies for several changes. It calls for three buildings (Minetto, Riley, and Leighton) to all remain open, but house children from pre-kindergarten through the fourth grade. The OMS would host children from grades five to eight. Plan One also calls for the two oldest elementary schools, Kingsford and Fitzhugh, to be closed. Redistricting would occur with this particular plan. The total proposed cost of Plan One is $15 million.

Plan Two, the cheapest of the actual plans presented by the Reconfiguration Committee (not including Mr. Ben Richardson’s Option Four), has one

For most students, the dawn of junior year is overwhelming. Teachers and counselors have warned students about the importance of this time since they entered high school. It’s the year to take the SATs, ACTs and for the particularly ambitious, the SAT IIs. It is also the year to join clubs, engage in volunteer work and join a sports team.

However, informing students about all these things is a large task that cannot be conquered in a single “Applying to College Night” or “Junior Presentation.”

Choosing a college is one of the biggest choices a student must make during high school. There are a lot of components that go into picking the right school. Size, location, academics, cost, sports teams and diversity are all aspects that must be considered. It’s a decision that determines the rest of one’s future. Making this choice alone is not fair. Oswego High School has six counselors to aid students in the college application process, but they are not able to meet with all students and take them step by step through the process. Many students are left to their own devices.

Carolyn Chwalek, a freshman at SUNY Stonybrook stated, “I feel like that high school doesn’t really do much to help.” She ended up applying to schools that were not suitable to her abilities, and she is now transferring to another university next semester. She feels that if she had received more preparation, this situation could have been avoided.

Chwalek was initially interested in a school both strong in the sciences and music. Unfortunately, Stonybrook does not have both, and she is now seeking a school with a good music program.

Many students enter the college process solely looking at the names of schools. NCAA athletic teams, Ivy

See “reconfiguration” page 2

See “Preparing” page 2

Also Inside ...

Tanning . . .Clublicity Point/ . . .Prom Traditions Counterpoint . . .SAT Controversy Page 14

News

2

Reconfiguration of Schools Hotly Debated continued from page

1

elementary school closing, but it does not currently specify which one. The other four elementary schools would remain open and would educate children from pre-kindergarten through the fifth grade. The sixth grade would move to the current OMS and an addition to the building would be needed to accommodate the new grade. Redistricting would occur in this plan as well. This plan consolidates resources which provide an “economy of scale.” The total proposed cost of Plan Two is $8 million.

Plan Three calls for the most changes and is also the most expensive, for obvious reasons. The current OMS would be split into two elementary schools to house approximately 1,050 students from kindergarten to sixth grade. Both the seventh and eighth grade (middle school) would be moved to Leighton.

Minetto and Riley would remain open, yet Fitzhugh and Kingsford would be closed. Redistricting would occur. The

total estimated cost is $21.6 million.

Mr. Ben Richardson, a teacher at the OHS and parent of two elementaryaged children in the OSCD, presented an “Option Four” to the Board of Education. Contrary to the other three plans presented by the Reconfiguration Committee, Richardson’s plan has all five elementary schools remaining open.

Not only that, Richardson’s option meets district goals including improved achievement, higher graduation rates, and increased extra-curricular participation. Richardson said that the option is advantageous for numerous reasons. No redistricting whatsoever would be necessary and reconfiguration costs would be eliminated. Parent involvement and an ongoing “sense of community” could continue to flourish. According to Richardson, having smaller class sizes is not by any means a bad thing and academic achievement would be boosted for everyone including low income students.

Scheduling for families with multiple

children would be less of a hassle. On Tuesday, March 27, Richardson told The Pallidium-Times’ Colin Kennedy that without Option Four, “…the board and the public (have) no basis for comparison. It’s like listening to a mechanic offering to fix a car that is not broken.”

Mr. Richardson stated that the figures provided by Superintendent Fischer are not as drastic as the Reconfiguration Committee claims. Richardson put his economics skills to test and after analyzing the committee’s numbers, concluded that by 2010, each elementary school would lose approximately thirtyone students. Richardson called the committee’s recommendations or plans “out of proportion with the problems they are meant to solve.” An argument he brought to the table was the number of teachers should be reduced rather than eliminating one or two schools.

Mrs. Nancy Richarson, a global studies teacher at OHS, has two children who attend Kingsford Park Elementary

(KPS) and said that if reconfiguration occurs, it will affect her children.

Richard thinks there is “a lot of value to having neighborhood schools. My kids feel a tremendous sense of community; they would be heartbroken (if KPS closed).” The connection with lower and upper grades (i.e. reading buddies) shows this sense of community as well as connection with older kids, according to Richardson. Recently, at the Kingsford carnival, Richardson saw a strong sense of community with the turnout of both parents and students of KPS. Richardson believes that if the district is concerned with helping lower socio-economic groups and improving test scores, schools need to stay small and kept under 350 students. “The bottom line is that there is no problem with 15-18 kids per class,” said Mrs. Richardson. She continued on questioning why there were class sizes of 26-27 students at the OHS? “Oswego used to See “Reconfiguration” page 3

Preparing for College Could be a Class continued from page

1

status, and party demographics often outweigh academics. Students apply to schools confidently, yet receive rejection letters, not because they were not worthy of the school, but instead because of the fact they were not what the school was looking for.

An OHS graduate who wished to remain anonymous stated, “No one seems to be familiar with them (private schools) or their standards, so people assume that if you have straight A’s you can get into Harvard, which is painfully untrue.” A common misconception that students have is that schools are only looking for high GPAs and impressive SAT scores. Mr. Thomas Frawley, an English teacher at OHS, said, “They (colleges) look to fill slots with different personality types and ethnic backgrounds.”

Students overlook important parts of the application such as community service and extracurricular activities. James Bates, a senior who recently completed the process, feels that that is where his application was lacking. The importance of after-school activities has been heavily ignored. Ms. Kate Wells a former admissions director at SUNY Potsdam stated, “We look for interesting volunteer work, internships, athletic achievement and other good extracurricular activities when we evaluate a student.” A student who might not yield the highest test scores, can still impress schools with involvement in their high school and community. Colleges are looking for well-rounded students.

Due to Chwalek’s experience, creating a course

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that would aid students with the application process starting in their junior year is a possible solution to helping students choose the right college. That way students would have a year and half before applications were due to set themselves apart from other applicants.

The course could include how to write an application essay, fill out financial aid forms, and choose a school that will harvest all the student’s strengths.

Very few high schools in Oswego County offer such a course. Of the high schools in the area, G. Ray Bodley High School seems to have the most comprehensive program. Counselors go to all the senior English classes and spend twelve sessions giving out transcripts, asking students to fill out activity sheets, and seniors are advised on applications to SUNY and private colleges.

OHS offers a junior presentation, and counselors attend several senior English classes to discuss colleges and how to go about choosing and applying. Frawely stated “I don’t think we do enough in terms of the breadth of schools out there.” A few in-class sessions may not be enough for the average student. Bates feels like this is one of things he missed out on. “I applied to private schools, that are top ten schools nationally, and that’s not really opening it up, and now I am stuck picking from schools I don’t really want to attend.”

Financing college is one of the biggest problems students face. The Free Application for Federal based aid (FAFSA), is a long and exhausting process. Because of high costs, the majority of students do not apply to private universities due to the fear

of paying off loans for eternity. Collgeboard.com, a website devoted to preparing students for college says, “Private colleges often offer more financial aid to attract students from every income level.” Price should be considered, but should not be the final deciding factor. Websites like fastweb.com offer lists of scholarships available. The website has scholarships for every imaginable talent, and background.

Although OHS is offering some assistance, it may not be enough. OHS junior Maureen McManus stated, “I’ve gone through school with really no thought about college or my future. Now, being a junior in the fourth quarter, I’m feeling rushed, like I need to decide right away about how I want my life outside of high school to proceed.”

OHS has a career center, but McManus states that she really doesn’t know much about what it can offer her. Students who have packed schedules are not able to make their way to the Career Center, or even if they are able to, they do not have a clue where to start once they are there. The process needs to begin earlier, so that students can ease into it slowly, so they will not be stressed by upcoming deadlines. Mrs. Lisa Roman, a House 1 guidance counselor, stated, “Some students feel intimidated by the process, and therefore avoid it.” Putting together all the pieces gradually will ward off any unwarranted anxiety.

However, a course to address these issues would still have its flaws. Colin Lea, a senior who recently finished the See “College” page 3

May 2007

News

3

Reconfiguring Schools: A Huge Challenge Continued from page 2

have great schools. I came here to teach twenty years ago because in many ways, it was known as a better school district than the others.” Richardson thinks that the schools should be left the way that they are and that brash, rushed decisions are being made too fast. She stated that “it took Albany four years to make a reconfiguration decision,” and “Albany is much larger than Oswego.”

Mrs. Richardson was dismayed that high school students were surveyed, but parents were not. Also, there aren’t any individuals chosen to be on the Reconfiguration Committee who have children that would be directly affected by the changes (of reconfiguration) except one untenured principal.

Mrs. Richardson explained, “Times are tough, but if you want a good quality education, money can’t be the first thing you look at.” She would be “very dismayed if closing a school was based on money, only.”

About a year after Stantec Architecture Inc. finished a replacement window project, a multi-million dollar project, on two Oswego elementary schools that are in jeopardy of closing (Kingsford Park and Fitzhugh Park Elementary). Fischer emphasized that “There’s absolutely no assurance that we’re going to close any school,” yet, the Reconfiguration Committee had no plan suggesting that, rather Mr. Richardson brought up the issue. Fischer agreed that the window replacement project should have no affect on the upcoming reconfiguration decision; rather enrollment numbers should be the main focus. Since the 2000/2001 school year, enrollment numbers have been on a downward slope of approximately five-hundred students, district wide.

Mr. Peter Myles, Executive Principal at OHS, understands both the school district’s perspective as well as the parents’ perspectives. “People with small chidren like to be able to send their children to a community school; something close to home, they have a tie to – all the reasons make sense,” from the perspective of a parent or a member of the community.

It is the school district’s duty to be “economically responsible” and make adjustments if adjustments need to be made. Because data has proven that enrollment numbers are decreasing, the district has to do some-

thing about it. After thinking about it, Myles said, “It’s not simply moving x to y nor is it an easy topic of discussion or an easy sell; it’s actually very difficult.”

Myles also made it clear that closing a school is not going to decrease the quality of education that students will receive at those schools. “If there wasn’t a problem, there probably wouldn’t be any decision.” Myles hopes that class sizes would not be affected by the changes; rather class sizes would decrease in size. He realizes that the district is just “trying to be responsible.”

The only negative thing that Myles had to say about these plans was about moving the middle school to the OHS campus. “I would have the most difficulty with having the middle school moved to this campus. There are disadvantages and advantages but I think the disadvantages outweigh the advantages,” he said. Building a wing that is solely for sixth graders at the middle school didn’t seem “economically sound.” Yet, he made it clear that the Reconfiguration Committee is an information-gathering body, not a decision-making body and a lot of details will go into any decision the board makes.

Mrs. Maggie Tiballi is a member of the school board and a member of the Reconfiguration Committee. She wanted to make it clear that each plan was the Reconfiguration Committee’s idea that they threw on the table for discussion; they are not necessarily what is going to occur. Enrollment in our elementary schools is less than 500, which basically translates to an elementary school closing, according to Tiballi. Tiballi explained that the district became concerned with enrollment last year due to a fifth grade class at Leighton that had about twenty students. A few more children moved into the school and made it a class of 25-26 students.

The district had to hire an extra teacher, who was not a part of the projected budget, during the middle of a semester just to take care of the overcrowding. If there were fewer schools, more sections would be created at each school. More sections would improve teacher collaboration numbers. Tiballi made it clear that the board and Reconfiguration Committee will look at all the schools fairly and objectively. The Reconfiguration Committee will be working through the summer months to collect data and present their findings to the board

in October. The board will then have time to think about its final decision. Whatever decision is made will not be acted upon until the 2010/2011 school year.

It is known that “every time a student makes a transition from one school to another, there’s a bit of lag time. The students don’t lose ground, but it sllows down so they’re not able to learn at the level they were before.” Although reducing the number of transitions is impractical, the district could give students a little more time at the middle school level. Tiballi believes that it would be practical to have sixth and possibly even fifth graders attending the middle school to mend this problem.

Tiballi wanted to emphasize a several points.

First, public input is appreciated and the committee is currently drafting a poll to find out what the public cares about most; class size or time spent on the bus, etc.? Secondly, the Committee is just in the research stage of the project. Thirdly, when the board makes a decision, they have to be fair to all of the students.

Tiballi posed a question for people who do not want a particular school closed…”Do you want your child to be in a classroom with 26 people?” Also, the committee realizes the attraction of a neighborhood school, but “We are the Board of Education. Our job is to make sure that we deliver the best possible education to all of the students in our district, regardless of the neighborhood that they happen to live in. Our job is not to see that property values go up. If we have good schools, all of the property values will go up,” stated Tiballi. “We want to make Oswego an attractive city to move to and that can only be done if our school system is the best it can possibly be,” she concluded. Tiballi stressed that this is just “the nuts and bolts part,” the “What if this happened?” “What kind of affect would it have on the district, the community, and the students, primarily?”

Plans for reconfiguration continue to be discussed with an impending vote on May 11. There are a lot of aspects to making this decision and hopefully voters are doing their homework. Ultimately, the board will make their final decision based on the opinions of the voters. “We (Board of Education) make hard but unpopular decisions” said Tiballi to the PalladiumTimes. The future of our schools stand at a crossroads.

Class at OHS Would Help the College-Bound Continued from page 2

search procedure feels like such a course wouldn’t necessarily be helpful to all students. He stated, “I think most kids would get too bored.”

Students who have parents who have already gone through the process may not want to sit through hours of information they already know. Frawley’s children, for example, were able to apply and get accepted to all their top schools on their own. Another issue with the course would be when to offer

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it. Roman said, “The problem with the course would be timing. People need the information when they need it.

They have to see the applications first.”

OHS is not completely at fault for the lack of such services. Very few public schools across the nation offer complete guidance, due to lack of time and funding. Most college prep courses are offered either in private schools that yield tuitions about as costly as universities, or community colleges.

Orange County Community College

in Orange County, California offers a course that aids students throughout the college selection process. The curriculum at private prep schools is more difficult, and serves as better preparation for college. But unfortunately, not all families can afford such options. There are even students who turn to the internet for help. Ms. Bari Norman, Ph.D, a college counselor, runs a website that offers application help, but it comes with a large fee. Her website boasts of helping

students get into Ivy League schools.

Applying to college is obviously a daunting process that should begin earlier. Roman encourages students to visit their counselors at the beginning of their junior year so that everything will go smoothly. There are many schools out there and choosing the right one is key. Out of thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, there is one suited perfectly for you, you just have to find it.

May 2007

Clublicity

4

Clubs Begin to Wrap Up Year’s Activities Editor’s Note: May Clublicity was compiled by Sophie Rosenbaum

Class of 2008

The Junior Prom is scheduled for May 12 from 8-12 pm. (note the time change from previous years) in the Hewitt Union Ballroom. The theme this year is “Above the City Lights” and is expected to be an exciting experience for all who attend.

Tickets are $24.00 each, with checks made payable to the Class of 2008.

The Post Prom Party will be hosted at Laker Hall this year after the Prom.

There will be plenty of free food, prize give-aways, music, movies, and entertainment, including a laser light show. The SADD Club is exploring the possibility of giving away a free car!

SADD

SADD Club held a car wash on Saturday, April 21. Mr. Robert Burt, the adviser of SADD Club, said that they raised five-hundred dollars, which will go towards the Post Prom Party.

The Post Prom Party will begin immediately following the prom and go until 6 am. The party will provide a safe, fun experience that gives students the opportunity to have an alternative after-prom experience.

There will be music, food, valuable prizes, entertainment, and much more for the students to have a great time

Buccaneer Bulletin

and make the best of their prom night.

The SADD Club is asking for a $2 donation from any faculty and/or staff member from the OSCD to help pay for all the activities offered at the Post prom Party. The donations can be dropped off in the main office. Anyone who donates at least $2 will have his/her name displayed on the public forum for the OHS student body to see and will encourage more people to donate. If you have any questions about the Post Prom Party, you can see Burt (room 137), Kristen Rinoldo (SADD President), or Bethany Hinckley (SADD Vice President).

Class of 2007

The Senior Class recently experienced one of Oswego High School’s greatest traditions, the One Hundred Days Celebration. Seniors were nicely dressed and enjoyed breakfast with invited guests. It was a time for bonding, where students who may have once been strangers were able to share a laugh and reminisce about the past four years.

Students were entertained by a hypnotist who brought together students from various cliques. Senior Class Adviser Mr. Robert Burt noted, “The combinations of people that reacted together would never occur in a normal day at OHS.” Hypnotized seniors were using their shoes as telephones, removing money from imaginary ATM machines and enjoying varying degrees of weather.

Photo by Abby Martin

Students like Angelina Mekeel (above) and staff showed their generosity by donating blood recently at the Red Cross blood drive held at OHS.

National Honor Society

National Honor Society selected 32 new members based on scholarship, character, leadership, and service. These new members were inducted into NHS on May 6. The new members include Susan Al-Salameh, Jason Audlin, Rebecca Battles, Jessica Benjamin, Joe Bucher, Taylor Castaldo, Carolyn Clemmons, Emma Donovan, Maureen Donovan, Katie Flanigan, Emily Fountain, Thomas Graber, Jordan Holliday, Carly King, Shanli LaTulip, Nicole Lautensack, Emily Lloyd, Katie Met-

calf, Sara Molinari, Meghan Nyman, Nikki Pritchard, Cari Reed, Gretchan Sackman, Christian Scaccia, Elizabeth Scullin, Mallorie Shannon, Chris Sova, Eric Tyler, Katherine Van Wert, Ashley Rene Welsch, and Gina Wyatt.

NHS will be having a car wash on June 2. The money will go towards the purchase of the chords and hoods that will be worn by the members and officers at graduation.

The annual picnic for all new and old members of NHS will be on May 18 at Breitbeck Park.

May 2007

Features

5

Easy Credit Leading Many Teens into Debt

By Chrissy King Managing Editor

College students- every time a purchase to do is go to the nearest In past years, things like credit cards and perto-be and even high is made using the card.

ATM to get some cash. sonal bank accounts were viewed as privileges, and schoolers want to have The email includes the Although it is not many teens did not have them unless the were “the their very own credit product’s name, how the most private “credit rich kids.” However, many teens these days have cards, yet they do not much it cost, when and card,” it’s a great way their own bank accounts, credit cards, debit cards want to deal with the where it was purchased. to start off if you have or other varieties of credit cards like Visa Buxx. debt, payments, and If the card is ever never had a credit card These cards are convenient, but they can also be stress that it brings into stolen or lost, it is or want to stay out of dangerous and lure teens down the path to debt. their lives. Within the replaced as soon debt. It’s perfect for Credit is a tool that can be helpful when the bills are past few years, Visa has as possible and any kids who want to be paid off immediately, but credit can be dangerous if it produced a credit card unauthorized purchases more independent and is not used correctly and bills are ignored. According to that suits the needs of are voided. This makes responsible, while giving Mr. Robert Burt, a US History and Economics teacher teenagers as well as Visa Buxx safer than parents the opportunity at OHS, the average American is $6,000 in debt from their parents. cash. to stay informed and credit cards. Also, in all of US history there have only Visa Buxx is not a One word describes involved in their child’s been two times when people were spending more moncredit card; rather it Visa Buxx; easy. Not financial life. If you are ey than they saved; 1933 (during the Great Depression) is a prepaid card that only is it a credit card, interested in getting a and 2006. Burt’s observation is a pretty scary thought parents can put money but it can be used as Visa Buxx card, visit to ponder considering all the hardships that were on either online or over a debit card as well. http://usa.visa.com/ experienced by people during the Great Depression. the phone. It monitors Therefore, if Visa is not personal/cards/prepaid/ Teen credit cards are meant to be used to buy spending by sending accepted at the store visa_buxx.html. things only during an emergency, according to an email to the parents you are at, all you have most parents. For example, if a family member is sick and you need to pick up their medicine or you need to buy groceries. But honestly, how many grahic by Fred maxon teens truly have emergencies they absolutely need a credit card for? Not many. Though teens would company or the bank will contact him to see what the trends like Visa Buxx and ATM cards. (see sidebar).

Visa Buxx is like a credit card, but the money never admit it, they tend to do things impulsively problem is. The person is usually given six months and spending impulsively can lead to debt dangers. to a year to pay back their bills before the bank will comes out of an account. This is the same thing with “At Harborfest once, I spent more money than I put a legal hold on their account and things that the an ATM card, The Students can use the card to take had and had to borrow money from my friends,” person owns,” commented a teller at Chase Bank. money out of their accounts and sometimes they A person can easily lose track of how much they’ve can even be used in stores similar to debit cards. “I commented Carley Carson, a sophomore at OHS. Teens tend to use credit cards for things other spent on their card and then when the bill comes, they would recommend that parents, if they’re going to than emergencies like an amazing pair of shoes or a don’t know how they will pay the bill. Although most give their children anything, have it be a debit card so sweet new video game. This is a bad habit to get into, stores have a rule that you have to be eighteen to sign the money comes out of their own accounts. If credit especially since there are really no school classes to get up for a credit card, many teens younger than this have cards are given, they should have a preset limit so that teens ready for the responsibility of handling a credit debit cards that can be used exactly like a credit card. the teen doesn’t spend too much money,” stated Burt.

An associate of Chase However, some parents still rely on the good old card. Burt commented, “In my Economics class “At Harborfest once, I spent more Bank in Oswego com- allowance to give their children money. Mrs. Cathmented, “The only erine Celeste, a biology teacher at OHS commented, we don’t really look at budgeting, except money than I had and had to difference between a “I’ve never just given my children money. I also don’t in the local classes. borrow money from my friends.” credit card and a debit give them whatever they want when they want it. We card is that a credit always talk about money and if they want something We play games with Carley Carson card has to be paid they can ask for it and maybe do something around the stock market and look at interest rates.”

OHS Sophomore back and a debit card the house to earn it. Nothing is ever just given.” has money taken diCarson also commented “I baby-sit and do things Stores and banks rectly out of a checking around my house to earn money. If I want something, I make it very easy for people to dig themselves into a financial hole they account.” Although debit cards may seem to be a safer can always just ask my parents to buy it for me as well.”

Most people have seen the commercials on televican’t get out of. For example many department stores alternative to a credit card, they’re really not. It is still offer credit cards that people can use to buy things possible to go into a negative balance in your account, sion about people avoiding calls from creditors and now and then pay later. The risky thing about this which, like a credit card bill, will need to be paid back. dodging pushy bank officials. It looks stressful and The idea of sliding into debt is scary to most scary on TV and is even more so in real life. Debt is is that if you spend a bunch of money using a credit card, it is easier not to think about it, because you’re people, so some parents opt not to give their children a terrible thing to have to go through and is mainly not actually handing over cash. “When you have a credit and debit cards. This is a good precautionary caused by overspending. Like most things, overcredit card, a bill is sent to you and it is expected to step, but for parents who wish to help their children spending is a habit that is learned early, so it is up to be paid back. If it is not, then you are sent an overdue learn more about the dangers of credit cards, there are teens, their parents, and their teachers to start good notice and a late charge is implemented. If the person other options than just handing over a real credit card. habits early and try to avoid dangerous debt traps. still does not pay his bill, then either the credit card There are many new things that are geared towards

Buccaneer Bulletin

May 2007

News/Columns

6

Internet Predators Pose Threat to Students

By Greg Lyons Reporter

FBI agent Emily Vacher told the news cameramen at her presentation in Faust Theatre last month that they were forbidden to take her picture.

That’s because Vacher is an undercover operative for the Innocent Images National Initiative, the special branch of the FBI that works to find and arrest online predators, and she needs to maintain a relatively secret identity to arrest the predators she goes after.

During her recent presentation at the Faust Theatre, Vacher explained to a group of over 100 parents and children of online dangers and experiences of the people who had been affected by it.

Kacie Woody was a thirteen year old honor student who had been published by the Society for Young Poets.

After her mother died in 1997, she lived with her father and brother in their small Arkansas home. On December 3, 2002, Kacie was abducted from her home by a 47 year old man who had traveled from the San Diego area all the way to Kacie’s home in Arkansas after they had met online. By the time the police tracked down the predator, Kacie was found dead.

At the launch of the federal program Project Safe Childhood last year,

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to meet kids and teens through social cited that at any given time, there are an networking sites like Myspace and estimated 50,000 predators using the in- Facebook. While profiles are able to be ternet to find children. But these preda- set to a private mode, most users choose tors include people not to use this that you might not feature. Even Steps to Protect Yourself expect. Vacher when profiles from Internet Predators showed pictures were blocked, several people she Vacher had an * Set all profiles to private, and helped arrest while easy time getonly allow friends that you have posing as a thirteen ting added to met in real life on to your friends year old, includthe friends list list. ing a ninth grade of c o m p l e t e * Replace the public picture teacher, a navy st rangers. I n on Myspace to something that commander, a man nine out of ten doesn’t show a face to avoid with a PhD in detot rials, users identification. nation physics and added her with* Don’t use too many specifics even a father who out question. about where you live, go to had t wo you ng The one holdout school, etc. children himself. added her when * If you have a webcam, use it Posi ng as Vacher made up only in the living room. young adults, these a story about be* Sweep your computer regularly predators can stalk ing an old childfor viruses. children and teens. hood f r ie nd.

They were often The probwilling to travel lem with this is across many states just to meet young that predators can have an easy time girls. While posing as a child, Vacher finding whoever they want with sites was told by one of these men “I won’t like these. In one example, a public hurt you, please trust me” after he in- user was selected. She did not give her sisted on meeting “somewhere private”. hometown or full name, so it seemed Today predators have found an easy way relatively safe. But she mentioned that

she “hated swimming” and had a meet later the following Thursday. Vacher found the teen’s school name on one of the pictures, and was able to pinpoint exactly when and where the girl would be.

Occasionally, offenders make an account themselves, in an attempt to become personally acquainted with their targets. One account presented seemed to show a fairly normal user.

He claimed that he was seeking love in his life, and hoped to find it through Myspace. But when his name was cross-referenced with a public sex offender registry, he popped up as a level three high-risk sex offender.

Offenders also use webcams as a tool to connect with their unsuspecting victims. Several different viruses allow predators to turn the webcam on and off, and transmit the footage directly to their computer.

Vacher says that you should not panic: don’t throw away your computers or webcams. Several simple steps can help protect against most predators on the internet (see inset “Steps..” graphic).

There will always be people on the internet who use it for less-than-admirable purposes, but a little more care can give you all the protection you need.

Alcohol & Driving Biggest Teen Death Threat

Did you know that alcoholrelated crashes kill more people from the ages of 16 to 20 than any other age group?

According to the National Highway Safety Act, nearly half of all fatal car accidents involve alcohol.

With prom right around the corner, School districts all over the country are working together to help drive home the idea that alcohol and driving don’t mix.

Lots of people feel pressure from their friends to drink or do drugs on prom night. Oswego High School holds a mock car accident ever year. All junior and senior classes are shown a drunk driving accident reenactment. This gives the teenagers a realistic view of the results of drinking and driving.

The students witness a simulated automobile accident caused by drinking and driving that results in fatalities and serious injuries. The students may

Buccaneer Bulletin

also hear the story of actual victims who survived a drunk driving accident. The Oswego City Fire Department arrives to the scene along with the Oswego’s Police Department.

OHS also has the SADD Club, which meets frequently to attempt to reduce the student drinking

and supervised at all times. The kids who attend alcohol-serving parties also have to deal with the consequences of getting caught by the police or parents. Another thought to keep in mind is for students playing in a sport need to be extra careful if they plan to go to an after party. Coaches are going to have a close look to try and make sure that none of their team members will be involved in According to the National Highway such behavior.

It’s not easy going against the crowd when Safety Act, nearly half of all fatal you are a teenager. You want to fit in and be car accidents involve alcohol. respected by the other kids. But when the other kids are making bad choices that involve drinking and driving, then it’s time to take a step population through education of the hazards of this back and make a decision that is right for you. Using dangerous addiction. Although our high school alcohol impairs your vision as well as your ability has all these solutions, will they really make a to think clearly. It causes you to act strangely, and to difference? possibly say yes to sex and drugs when you would Adults try to help teenagers fight the problems have said no if you were sober. of the outside world. They provide teens with Most teens are well aware of these facts because alternative opportunities to the risks of some peer they have gone through anti-drug and alcohol pressures. One such example in our area is called programs like D.A.R.E. Most kids think they are the post prom party. This program is designed okay to drive when they are not. Putting yourself in to keep teenagers in a non-alcohol environment, harm’s way is not worth the consequences.

May 2007

Walking the Plank

7

Senior Class President Walks the Plank OHS senior Eric McCrobie also co-captains Buccaneer baseball team this spring.

BB: What’s your full name?

EM: Eric Jeffrey McCrobie BB: Class President for four Years, captain of the baseball team, that’s quite a resume of leadership, what do you think makes people look towards you for leadership?

EM: The fact that I’m outgoing, not afraid to make a mistake and if I do, I can correct myself.

BB: If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?

EM: Funny, Hardworking-when-motivated, and outgoing.

BB: If you could have dinner with any three people, living or deceased, who would they be?

EM: Mr. William Bellow, Mr. Johnny Cash, and my late grandfather Roy C. McCrobie.

BB: Who do you consider your role model?

EM: My grandfather, because he grew up loving baseball and that’s the way I grew up.

BB: Better Leader…you or Nate Pensero (other baseball captain)?

EM: We both have different qualities, Nate is quieter and doesn’t like to really coach people, but if he sees a major problem he’ll step up, but he’s definitely more quiet than I am.

BB: What’s your favorite food?

EM: The whole Subway menu.

BB: What music gets you pumped up before a game?

EM: I like country music and I can get going to the beat of it, but techno I guess because it can get pretty much anyone pumped up.

BB: Any predictions you want to make for the varsity baseball team?

EM: I’m hoping that we will make sectionals, and from there it depends what kind of team we bring, I mean if we come together as a team before that, then we should be all set, but you never know how the team is going to mesh together.

BB: When you were younger what did you want to be?

EM: I wanted to be an orthodontist.

BB: What is your biggest fear?

EM: Snakes on a plane.

BB: Any little perks to being class president that you like?

EM: Not really, if anything it has worked against me in terms of skipping classes or whatever because I can’t do it, because of the disciplinary aspect. But it’s fun at the same time.

Buccaneer Bulletin

BB: What are your first thoughts waking up in the morning?

EM: Did I shower?

BB: Next year if a former teacher is talking about you, what would you want them to say?

EM: That I was kind of a clown in class, but I still managed to get my work done.

BB: Last time you made a play which would make the SportsCenter highlight reel?

EM: In Little League I made a diving catch on a line drive, I was pretty much horizontal to the ground and it was my best play ever.

BB: Your dad has been a very successful softball coach, ever plan on coaching yourself?

EM: I’ve thought about it. I think it could definitely be fun when I get older though, because I don’t plan on doing anything too soon. But, yes I think I could be a good coach.

BB: Is there a particular quote or line that you live by?

EM: “Once you settle for second, that’s the best you can do.”

BB: What are your plans for after high school?

EM: I’ll most likely for the next three or four years be attending Lemoyne College, then I might go on to take a management position in the business world, or maybe a communications job.

BB: What positions do you play on the baseball team?

EM: 1st base and occasionally pitcher.

BB: Your dad teaches here at the high school.

Does it ever get annoying always having him around?

EM: Not really. It’s actually more helpful because if I am sick he can get all my work for me, and he’s always on my tail about scholarships. I if he needs to, he’ll grab paperwork for me, so I guess it works out well.

BB: Best sports movie of all-time?

EM: The Rookie

Photo By Lexi Deming

BB: Favorite T.V. Show?

EM: I’d have to say Family Guy. BB: If you were on a deserted island and could have only three things with you what would they be?

EM: A fishing pole, a PlayStation Portable, and a hammock.

BB: Who is your dream date?

EM: Demi Moore BB: Any movies bring tears to your eyes?

EM: No, not really, just sometimes with laughter.

BB: What would you say the most interesting thing about you is?

EM: I don’t know, there isn’t too much interesting, other than that I am a gym all-star deep down inside.

BB: Do you have any siblings?

EM: Yes, two older brothers and an older sister.

BB: What’s your most prized possession?

EM: Probably my first baseball glove.

BB: Boxers or briefs?

EM: Boxers Editor’s note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. This month’s installment was compiled by Kevin Kearns. If you know an OHS personality who you would like to see “walk the plank,”, contact Kevin at kkearns@oswego.org

May 2007

Editorial

8 Buccaneer Bulletin

Drawing Board

Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Kevin Kearns Managing Editors Ashley Johnston Chrissy King Entertainment Editor Katie DiVita Alumni Editor M.Waruguru Gichane Layout Editor Mallory Kelly Clublicity Editor Sophie Rosenbaum Desktop Publishers Sarah Dehm Web Team Pat Dougherty Greg Lyons Lindsay Marsh Lindsay Usherwood Sports Editor Zach Grulich Sportswriters Kailyn Gray Kathryn Lazarski Art Director Fred Maxon Art Staff Morgan Goodwin Chief Photographer Abby Martin Photographers Alyscia Clohecy Alyssa Holland Ad Representatives Samuel-Graeme Austin Reporters Morgan McNamara, Lauren Dimarco Genevieve Hall Chelsea Waters Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie

The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200.

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

Printing services are provided by The PalladiumTimes. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.

Buccaneer Bulletin

cartoon by Morgan Goodwin

…To Mary Jean Walker, Gabby Rumrill, Christie Batchelor, Beth Hinckley, and Kristin Rinoldo, all of whom contributed to this years very successful Prom Project. The project is an excellent idea because it gives less fortunate students the chance to be able to go to their Junior/ Senior prom without having to worry about the huge expense associated with the event.

…To the teachers here at OHS who had their students write Letters to the Editor in response to our recently-published twenty-four page March publication of the Buc Bulletin. It is a great help to get criticism from outside our own staff when we look to improve on our work.

…To Athletic Director Brad Dates and Secretary Bev Delong for getting all of our spring sports contests rescheduled after a month of dreadful weather. It is very difficult to make up so many games, because of how hard it is to find days which work well for both teams at both schools as well as obtaining busses and officials.

…To the change in the graduation ceremony this year which is having girls wear white robes while boys wear the traditional blue. It is always a good idea to make changes to keep the ceremony from getting to traditional. …To Alexandra Culeton for taking second place in Sports Reporting at the recent Columbia Scholastic Press Association. This is the first time any of our students has won an award from the CSPA. After hundreds of entries were sent in it is a very great accomplishment to win such an award. …To Morgan Goodwin, Katherine Horan, Ian MacDonald, Andrew Marshall, and Mathew Pehta, for competing in the Oswego County Envirothon recently. The Envirothon is a competition held annually at Camp Hollis.

…To the hallway by the language classes, which had a stairway with no lighting. How hard can it be to keep our lights in working condition? It is unacceptable for students to be walking in the dark up and down stairs.

May 2007

Editorial

9

In Our View . . .

Teen Debt: Let the Buyer Beware

In today’s world, debt has become a huge prob- they become older, their debt problem becomes even lem. Some people accumulate so much debt that there bigger. For most teens, the latter will likely happen. is almost no other choice but to declare bankruptcy.

We believe that parents’ giving their children The reason for all this debt? Americans love to spend, credit cards is a very bad idea because of how and credit cards are an easy way to do it, even if harmful the consequences can be. A much better you don’t have the money. idea is to make the teens This bad spending habit has Many teens don’t realize how buy whatever they need been growing worse every with cash. This makes it year. But we’re not talking serious a large amount of easier to comprehend the about the national debt or debt can be. money they are spending your parents’ finances; we’re and it will make sure their talking about teen debt. bank account never turns Many teens don’t realize how serious a large into a negative. An even better way for a teen to amount of debt can be. When parents just give comprehend the money he is spending and stay out teenagers a card and suddenly they can purchase of debt is if he has to earn whatever he spends from whatever they want, debt can pile up rapidly with a job or doing work for their parents or neighbors. serious consequences. These consequences may have With how impulsive many teens can be, it is many effects on the teen’s life, such as keeping them completely irresponsible of their elders to give out of certain colleges because of money restraints. them the chance to empty their bank accounts Two things could possibly result from teen debt. with a piece of plastic. As our older generation First, the teens might learn their lessons and attempt continues to slip into more and more debt, there to stay out of debt the rest of their lives. That would be is no reason to allow this to happen to our genideal. But on the other hand, a teen could just learn to eration, without making a serious attempt to stop it. accommodate debt into their lives, and suddenly, when

If OHS was to offer a course to educate students on the college search process, what do you think the course should teach?

Charles Kangah “They could tell you how you can get involved in sports teams and oneon-one tutoring.”

Class of 2007

Why Not Offer a College Prep Class?

College, a place so many of the seniors here at OHS are planning to go to this fall. Despite the fact that many people say “college is the best four years of your life,” it can become one of the most stressful periods straight from the time you begin visiting campuses to surviving your freshman year. Stress and hardship aren’t completely inevitable, but there are some things that high schools could do to make the college transition so much smoother. One of these ways would be through a college prep class.

Preparation courses are not at all uncommon in today’s world. For example, before many high school students take the SAT’s, they take a prep course. In the real world before some people take a job they are not completely familiar with, they will take some type of prep class. So, when it comes to a complete lifestyle change by going to college, wouldn’t it make sense to find some way to prepare a 17 year-old for that? There is no way that anyone can be familiar with all aspects of college since it is a completely new lifestyle, so wouldn’t it only be common sense to have a high school class which teaches you how to cope with everything new?

Here is just a sampling of what th is credit-bearing course could look like.

Prerequisites: College-bound juniors or seniors.

Topics: •What to look for in a college

Buccaneer Bulletin

•The college visit •The college application •Essays that impress admission offices •Scholarships •Dorm Life •How to avoid the “Freshman 15” •Inevitable homesickness •Time management This course would undoubtedly be helpful because students would know what to expect in advance. The course here at OHS, could even be more impressive because of the fact that we live in a college town in which SUNY Oswego could be used as a valuable resource. Also, the instructor of the class could arrange for guest speakers to explain some things about what they went through, so a student is more likely to believe what they are hearing.

We believe every high school in the country, should incorporate some type of college prep course into its curriculum. Twenty-five percent of college students will drop out before their sophomore year and 50 percent of freshmen will, at some point, drop out and obtain their education somewhere else according to American College Testing, so obviously, college orientations aren’t doing nearly enough to help students survive. When students are spending their entire high school careers earning grades which will hopefully get them into their “dream school,” isn’t it only fair for a high school to help them enhance their chance of having a positive college experience.

Lisa Davis

“It could provide different brochures from colleges and teach a lot about financial aid.”

Class of 2008

Griffin Mervine “It could teach about college classes and the application process.”

Class of 2010

Nicole McGrath “They could give you ideas about financial aid, and college choices.”

Class of 2007

May 2007

10

Letters to the Editor

Teacher, Students Offer Opinions in Letters Student Involvement Disappoints Teacher

What did you do when you were in high school? Today, this may not seem like an important question, but in a few years when you are applying for jobs, colleges, or even meeting the person of your dreams, your answer to this question may make all the difference.

The Oswego High School is host to numerous after school activities that make this learning environment come alive. These events are hosted in order to give you opportunities to grow and display your talents. Sadly, the lack of involvement at events which have brought us together as a community are in jeopardy of disappearing for future generations who will pass through our halls. Unfortunately, I’m afraid that there is so much apathy in our school that many students won’t even open up this edition of the highly acclaimed – award winning student newspaper to read my letter. We are fortunate to have so many opportunities, but if these opportunities are not taken advantage of, they may be gone forever.

Recently, I had to decide whether or not to run the “Slightly” Open Mic and Slam Night. This event was created only three years ago at the request of students who were interested in the opportunity to share their poetic talents with their peers and with the rest of the community. I needed to be convinced that a number of students would participate before I put together such a program. That year we had approximately fifty contestants. This year, I had only twelve contestants meet the deadline. As “The show must go on…”, I did not cancel because I did not intend to punish those students who did opt to take advantage of the opportunity. I will need to have some serious conversations with the members of the Poetry Club next year in order to decide whether or not this event will still be in existence. In general, I am greatly disappointed in the decrease of student involvement in a large number of activities that are designed for your enjoyment. This decrease in student involvement has caused events like Teacher Turnabout Day and Rent A Person Day to become extinct. Don’t allow

Buccaneer Bulletin

your inaction to eliminate what we have left.

Events like the variety show, winter fest, and many other student involved programs are events that make your high school and middle school experiences memorable. Without these events, every day is “just another day”. Take the time to get involved and make lasting memories with your peers. Meet new people; try something new! Challenge yourself to get involved. Don’t let your years slip by without making your mark. This is YOUR school. These are YOUR events and will become YOUR past.

Mrs. Carrie Patane

English Department

Opt-Out Program Should Continue in PE

There have been many rumors that the opt-out program will not be in effect the following school year. I really hope that they decide to maintain this program. I personally have been running everyday and taking dance classes twice a week since September. As a result, my body is very much in shape. I really don’t think I need to take forty minutes out of my day to participate in a physical education class. I have been told that the reason for having physical education as a class in school is to learn about fitness and help you stay in shape.

However, many students don’t come prepared and sit out daily. In addition, I don’t understand how taking part in tag games helps you to learn about fitness. I also think that the opt-out program should include physical activities outside of school. There are many students involved in many unique sports. People really need to consider these issues and that the opt-out program should continue.

Brittany Ross

Class of 2010

Whatever Happened to Driver Courtesy?

Imagine you are driving down the street and there is an impatient creep behind you alternating between honking his horn and trying to see exactly how close he can get to your bumper without touching it.

It is both infuriating and hilarious at the same time. The honking and closeness is likely to ignite the temper in any person. However, watching the person in your rear view mirror frantically gesturing in their own annoyed impatience is highly amusing, at least to me. I bask in their continued aggravation since I know there is no place for the ill-tempered person to drive around me, and there is no chance that I’m going to speed up just to let my own personal bumper sticker get to the red light up ahead any faster.

Why do people feel the irresistible urge to cling to bumpers and deafen other drivers with their horns? What can be so important that they need to take the paint off someone else’s car, just to reach a red light first? For new, inexperienced drivers, situations like these can be extremely stressful.

“The first time I experienced such a driver I had only been on the road for two months,” said my friend Ashley, a driver of three years, “I was almost at a stop sign when some guy blared his horn. Apparently, I wasn’t moving to the stop sign fast enough. He almost rear-ended me because the horn scared me and I stomped the brake pedal.”

What happened to driver’s courtesy? How are these crazy people getting their licenses? Someone should invent car seat stress and anger detectors that shut down the car based on the tone and volume of a driver’s tone and blood pressure. Then, when someone decides to become rude their car will automatically pull itself over and force the temperamental driver to take a much needed break. Maybe even when the engine shuts off their favorite candy bar will drop out of the glove box. Wouldn’t that be sweet?

Angelina Mekeel

Class of 2007

May 2007

Feature

11

Colleges Placing Less Importance on SAT this insured a tidy “non-profit” of $30 million for the the SAT. While SAT fees can be waived by the ColCollege Board, owner of the SAT. While the increase lege Board for certain students who qualify, those The Scholastic Achievement Test. The Scholastic was justified by the need to pay essay scorers, high students who are financially underprivileged are Assessment Test. The Scholastic Aptitude Test. It school and college teachers are paid a modest sum of undoubtedly disadvantaged. Students who can afgoes by many names, but all it takes is the three let- $22 per hour and are expected to score at least 220 ford tutors and SAT-prep classes are certainly able ters S-A-T to send the average stressed and sleepless papers in each eight to ten hour shift. The money also to score higher. However, this factor is not averaged high school student into a panic. Constantly loom- did not appear in the paychecks of the proctors and into their score, nor is it considered by colleges.

The intention of the SAT is to predict college ing in the back of students’ minds is the inevitable supervisors of the SAT, who only saw only a 10 percent “deal-breaker” of college admissions. Like it or not, increase in their compensation. Following investiga- success and make up part of the criteria admission directors use in almost every college-bound student will probably tion by the IRS, it was have to spend a Saturday morning channeling all of found that most of the “One test can’t accurately demonstrate accepting students to their universithe knowledge they’ve learned in their high school money showed up in experience into this arduous, five-hour long test. the salary and ben- the knowledge one student has ties. However, reHowever, there has been a recent backlash against efits of the College learned in their four years of high cent studies have found that the test the most widely-used college entrance exam. Several Board officials. This colleges are reconsidering their evaluation of the SAT information made school. The best predictor of college has strayed from this ultimate purand some have even gone so far as to consider the some colleges wonder success is high school success.” pose. According SAT an optional element of their admissions pro- whether the new writMrs. Lisa Roman to Roman, one test cess. Hundreds of colleges have already dropped ing section was truly the SAT requirement, notably Hobart and William for the benefit of colOHS Counselor can’t possibly accurately demonSmith Colleges, Hamilton, Providence College, and lege-bound students.

Another common strate the knowlBowdoin, one of the top ten liberal arts schools in the United States. The University of California is criticism of the SAT is that it is biased towards certain edge one student has learned in four years of high even considering abandoning the test, including its ethnic groups. According to the National Center for school. She said, “The best predictor of college two campuses Berkeley and UCLA, which are con- Fair and Open Testing, the ways certain questions success is high school success. How a student persidered by many to be close to Ivy League-caliber. are set up have been proven to favor white male high forms on a daily basis and his/her work ethic can’t The SAT has always been accompanied by con- school students and disadvantage other groups. A clas- be displayed with the SAT, so it isn’t something I’d troversy and criticism. Ever since its introduction in sic example of alleged SAT bias towards certain eth- look at strongly.” According to Wylie L. Mitchell, nic groups is the famous dean of admissions at Bates College, there is no 1901, the test has been the oarsman-regatta analogy correlation between the students who graduated subject of heated debates question. Students were with the highest averages and their SAT scores. He among college admissions asked to find a pair of does not regret making Bates College SAT-optional directors. Being subject to terms that correspond with and notes that it has not lowered academic output. such scrutiny, the SAT has “runner” and “marathon” Many colleges and universities are now weighing been revised and rehabiliand the answer was “oars- other aspects of applications more heavily in place of tated throughout the years. man” and “regatta.” Fifty- SAT scores. According to Roman, admission direcThe newest amendment is three percent of white tors are considering students’ transcripts, interviews, the lengthened writing secstudents answered the extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation of the test, introduced question correctly, and tions more intently. Some colleges are even adopting in March 2005, which has only twenty-two percent a system in which students can opt to submit various brought the issue of the of African-American stu- samples of graded work from their junior and senior SAT back into the spotdents did. Critics cite that years as opposed to their SAT scores. This is to ensure light for college hopefuls. white middle class stu- that applicants are judged on their own merit and not Mrs. Lisa Roman, an OHS dents were more likely to some three or four digit number pending a test. Mike guidance counselor, said, know the word “regatta.” Sexton, dean of admissions at Lewis & Clark College “The new writing portion Other vocabulary choices which has adopted the system, said, “The students of the SAT has been a reawhich seem to favor cer- who submit portfolios of their graded work tend to son many colleges give for tain ethnic groups have be more motivated, and that’s a great quality to have.” taking a step away from it.”

Buccaneer Bulletin illustration surged controversy in the Whether colleges are weighing the SAT heavily There has been inpast. Studies also found or not, OHS counselors still urge all college-bound creased skepticism and There are many books on the market to that the SAT is a disad- students to take the test just in case. They believe distrust directed towards help students prepare for the SAT such as vantage to students whose just because some colleges are abandoning the SAT, standardized test compaSAT for Dummies. first language is not Eng- doesn’t mean students should. If the necessary changes nies by many colleges concerning the change. The revamped writing section lish, especially with the addition of the longer writ- are made concerning the SAT, a more beneficial has intensified their suspicion that the SAT and other ing section. Students who take longer than others admissions policy to the students can be developed standardized tests are solely for the profit of the edu- to read and write English because of their ethnic and the SAT-optional trend in colleges may stabilize.

So much to the dismay of already-stressed cational testing companies that administer them. The background are hindered by the pressing time limit.

Studies conducted by the National Center for Fair high school students, it looks like the SAT won’t “new” SAT caused an inflation in the basic registration fee from $12.00 to $41.50, excluding late fees. Accord- and Open Testing have also shown that students who be crossed off the junior checklist just yet. ing to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, come from wealthy families tend to score higher on

By Katie DiVita

Entertainment Editor

Buccaneer Bulletin

May 2007

12

Entertainment

Aqua Teen Hunger Force--Stupid, but Funny

By Pat Dougherty Web Team

The City of Boston got a bit of a scare in February when several 911 calls were made reporting the sightings of several possible bombs throughout the city. What these “bombs” turned out to be were devices which flashed the image of an 8-bit style videogame character giving the finger. This, however, was discovered after several highways were shut down and thousands of people fled from areas where the devices were found.

The media fiasco that followed the incident centered on Turner Broadcasting and Interference, Inc., the company Turner hired to create a viral marketing campaign for an upcoming movie called Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters. All the insanity that came of the legal battle between the City of Boston and two employees of Interference, Inc., which included a heated discussion on hairstyles of the ‘70s with news reporters, served as a perfect prelude to the film.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters is, in a few words, completely and utterly stupid. That, however, isn’t a bad thing. As fans of the cartoon series the film is based on, (Aqua Teen Hunger Force) will tell you, the show prides itself on its random, immature humor. The series follows the adventures of Meatwad, Frylock, and Master Shake, three human-sized food items who find

Buccaneer Bulletin

themselves in ridiculous condos. All this feels situations, and their fealikes a regular old ture-length debut finds episode of the carthem doing exactly that. toon, and that’s basiThe target audience cally what the film for Aqua Teen Hunger is, just twelve times Force Colon Movie Film longer. The Aqua For Theaters is the inTeens encounter, stalled base of fans of and trade hilarious the cartoon series, and insults with fan-fait shows. The humor is vorite characters on standard Aqua Teens their adventure such in-jokes, and the ranas the Mooninites, dom appearances of the Plutonians, and celebrities such as Neil the Cybernetic Ghost Peart from the band of Christmas Past Rush are a staple of both courtesy of www.google.com images f rom the Fut ure. the movie and series. Not only is the title of the movie ridiculous, but most W hile Aqua After an amazing of the humor in Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Teen Hunger Force opening scene of snack Film For Theaters is off-the-wall too.

Colon Movie Film foods telling you how to Fo r T h e a te r s i s behave in a theater to the tune of some heavy metal, the aimed at fans of the cartoon series, those who have origin of the Aqua Teens is revealed to viewers. From yet to be initiated can enjoy the film as well. Anythere, we flash back to the present for an action-filled one who is a fan of the style of random humor of adventure as our heroes try to fight the Insane-O-Flex, Monty Python or Family Guy can get into Aqua a monstrous piece of exercise equipment created by Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For TheDr. Weird to save his home from being turned into aters. Enjoy all the stupid, stupid fun. I know I did.

May 2007

Prom ‘07

13

Today’s Proms are Lavish Extravaganzas

By Morgan McNamara Reporter

It’s that time of year again. Crash diets, spray tans and pretty dresses. Many girls go to the extreme to look their best on prom night. This may not sound like a big deal, but to many girls, prom is like being princess for a night. Like every other event in history, throughout the decades, the idea and significance of the prom has changed.

The prom, in this day and age, is a lavish event, which could include stretch limousines, glamorous clothing and decked-out ballrooms. Prom is one of the first fancy affairs in a teenager’s life, though proms haven’t always been glamorous and expensive. At one point during history, proms were actually quite simple affairs. The formal dance we call prom was first named “the prom” in the 1890s.

The word prom is a shortened version of the word promenade, meaning a march of the guests at the beginning of a ball or other formal event.

When high school proms began in the early 1900s, they were relatively simple. Students would come in their best Sunday outfits, but would not purchase new clothes for the event. During the 1920s and 1930s the country was going through a time with more freedom and the invention of the car and other luxury items. The high school prom

expanded into a yearly banquet at which seniors arrived in party clothes and danced. In the 1950s,

to their prom dresses and took many shopping trips to make sure they had the perfect dress.

In the 1980s, due to the teen movies, the prom started to become an important comingof-age event in a teenager’s life, which came to symbolize a competition with a “larger-thanlife” stature. The competition for prom court intensified and became more like teen royalty than ever before. The prom had become a climactic point in a teenager’s life.

Today’s proms are now expensive, all-night affairs that include parties till dawn, stretch Hummers and glamorous clothing and ballrooms. The prom has begun to relax a little Photo courtesy of OHS paradox in its dating requirements, Graduated seniors Bri Ranous and JT Thompson were last though. In tradition, the boys year’s winners of prom king and prom queen respectively. always ask the girls to prom, the country was going through post-war economy but you are now starting to see the girls initiate the and proms became more elaborate and expensive process. The prom has evolved from the elegant, events. It became more important to be named into strictly-chaperoned events to the now-glamorous, prom court and the girls began to pay more attention extravaganza where almost anything goes.

Prom Trends Vary from Year-to-Year the options of limousines, tuxedos, and dinner. Girls, however, seem to have a lot more issues to deal with.

The big night is finally here.

Of course, everyone wants to look You and all of your friends meet their best for prom. Already you can somewhere to take pictures and hand see that many girls around our high out corsages. After all of this, the school are choosing to go tanning limo will pick you up and bring you to look good for their pictures. This out to a fancy dinner. The girls are trend is not just in Oswego. wearing long “I think it’s just as much fun to go with The Academy of Dermatology evening gowns that more than one and the boys are a group of friends than with a date. One reported million people use tanning wearing their of my aunts said that she wouldn’t have salons on an average day and tuxedos. This is the stereotypical even considered prom unless she had a more than 25 percent of teenage girls have used tanning salons prom night. Here date. I don’t think that’s true now.” three or more times in their at OHS, it looks as if some of the Junior Nikki Carroll lives. Also popular now, selftanning lotions and creams are prom trends are being used by girls as a safer changing. also being avoided by many people alternative for looking tan.

The largest trend this year seems because of the high costs and short Many girls spend hours upon to be the theme of saving money. time riding. Also, a unique-to-OHS hours, searching different stores to Many couples and groups of friends prom problem, is that there is no drive find the perfect dress. Prom dress have dodged typical prom events for up to the Hewitt Union Ballroom, so fashion is probably the most important the sake of saving money. Barbeques no one will see you and your friends decision for the girls, besides who and homemade dinners are popular rolling up in a nice limousine or their prom date will be. Many people among many groups because the in the Oswego High School are stretch Hummer. cost of dining is very high. Also, it Prom trends with boys end with choosing not to go with dates, but with is hard to fit a large group of friends

By Lindsay Usherwood Web Team

Buccaneer Bulletin

in a nice restaurant and receive exceptional service. “I am not taking a limo because I don’t have that kind of money to spend since it is so expensive for the service,” says sophomore Brett McClelland, who is going with senior date Nicole Hoefer.

It seems that the use of limousines is

a group of friends or couples instead.

Junior Nikki Carroll said, “I think it’s just as much fun to go with a group of friends as with a date. One of my aunts said that she wouldn’t have even considered prom unless she had a date. I don’t think that’s true now.”

Then there’s the prom trend parents fear the most, their child making bad decisions after the prom.

Whether it’s peer pressure about drugs, alcohol, or sex, parents hope that the values they’ve tried to teach go into their child’s decision-making on prom night. One junior Dave Pauldine said, “I don’t think that the pressure to make these decisions is there anymore because the people who want to are already doing it.”

Prom trends change from year to year. Some trends change with society and some change with changes in generations such as prom starting at eight instead of nine. Many people are still going with the traditional prom ideas but there are still some frequent changes that are noticeable around the Oswego High School.

May 2007

14

Point/Counterpoint

To Tan or Not to Tan?--That is the Question Lately there has been a lot of news about what is dangerous for people and what isn’t. Practically every day there is another news article warning against the dangers of beef, coffee, milk, and a number of other things. With all these “dangers” it’s hard to distinguish between what is really bad for you and what isn’t.

One thing that is highly debated are the health risks of tanning. There has been a lot of research done on the dangers of tanning because the bulbs in tanning beds contain UVA and UVB radiation, the same radiation that comes from the sun. Tanning has been said to be a cause of increased skin aging and skin cancer. Even if you don’t get burned when you go tanning, you are at risk for these dangers.

True, these things all sound gruesome, but they’re not going to happen right after you go tanning; they’ll happen later in life when you’re getting old anyway. So really, what’s the harm?

Maybe I’m being a typical teenage girl who is overly concerned with her looks, but I would rather have a nice, tanned, healthy-looking glow than look pasty white. After all, no on ever got anywhere in life being afraid all the time.

People who say that they are against tanning as far as I’m concerned are often hypocrites who go tanning outside themselves. The harmful effects of the sun are the same as the harmful effects of a tanning bed, so many of these critics obviously aren’t taking their “principles” too seriously. Besides, if you think about it, lying outside in the sun for hours during the summer working on your tan is probably more harmful than lying in a tanning bed for fifteen minutes.

When people say bad things about tanning, all I can hear is the sound that the adults on Charlie Brown make when they’re talking, “WA WA WA WA WAAAAA!” Please give me a break! Likewise, people shouldn’t be against something that they’ve never tried. I bet that a lot of people who haven’t ever gone tanning would love it if they tried it. It truly isn’t as scary as some people make it out to be. It’s not like you’re lying in a death bed of UVA radiation. It’s more just a calming warm bed where you can imagine you’re on the beach in Hawaii, instead of cold, snowy Oswego. That feeling alone helps your mental health in a calming, tranquil way.

So really, all you tanning haters out there, I’m not trying to pick a fight, I’m just saying don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Buccaneer Bulletin

The counterpoint has only one defense. When you tan go tanning, you’re exposed to ultraviolet radiation which can cause skin cancer. Cancer!!

Tanning beds can cause cancer, as in ultimately ending in death. I don’t know what the avid tanners at OHS have heard, but I have been told cancer is no walk in the park.

Now I know that you’ve probably heard this before and you don’t care. You like to live on the wild side, you laugh in the face of danger. You are a teenager.

You are immortal. You are indestructible. Death doesn’t scare you.

When you can walk into school after spending a mere twenty minutes in the tanning bed with a golden glow and be the envy of all your friends, tanning is great. But will you still love it in twenty years when the tanning beds have caused your skin to look like you’re seventy-seven instead of thirty-seven and give it that wrinkled leathery appearance like the lady in There’s Something About Mary?

It’s prom season.

Tanning is the thing to do; no one wants to look like a ghost, right? Wrong. Not only are tanning beds more harmful than the sun, the UV rays are so Photo by abby martin close to your body that rashes, burns, wrinkles, and age spots can be created faster than lying outdoors by your pool. Tanning beds can suppress the immune system and damage the corneas of your eyes as well.

While you’re reading this you probably are thinking that you are exposed to the dangerous ultraviolet rays from the sun everyday, so why should tanning be such a big deal. Well, for one, when you are in the sun, you can protect yourself with sun block, clothes, hats, sunglasses, and cloud cover. Secondly, you are not as close to the sun. At last estimation the sun is four hundred and forty-eight hundred million miles form the earth, as opposed to the mere twelve inches in the tanning bed! Finally, you are subjected to as much radiation in the sun as you are in a tanning bed. You deal with the radiation from the sun, it’s already enough harm to your skin. You don’t need to increase your risk by going tanning.

I’m not looking for revenge for the girls who have a nice golden-brown even tan; I’m just trying to inform you about what is best for you. Maybe I am just paranoid, but at least I know that I am not at a high risk to get skin cancer. Do yourself a favor, stay above the influence. Don’t go tanning.

May 2007

Sports

15

Conroy our Athlete of the Month

Buccaneer Flashback

Three-season star will be attending University of Albany next fall on a golf scholarship.

just seemed like the best choice. It’s a great overall college, the golf program is great, and the girls on the team are all really nice. There is actually a girl from Rochester who is playing golf there that I know through basketball, so I should be able to fit in well.” Although Albany is in the middle of rebuilding their girls’ golf team, Conroy hopes to help raise the team’s record next Kathryn Lazarski year. “I think that I’m a good competitor because I am Sportswriter able to keep a cool head and finish strong…I just want Corrin Conroy, while at OHS a triple threat to be able to contribute to the team’s agenda for next in golf, basketball, and ye a r,” tennis, will be attending “My mind was almost made up for me… she said. the University of Albany Be next fall on a scholarship Last year I was second in the state for fore she for her outstanding ef- golf and medalist of, I would say, ninety- c o u l d forts on the golf course. get to Conroy admitted that percent of my matches so that pretty the Dithe choice of playing bas- much made the decision for me to pursue vision I ketball or golf in college schools, was difficult, but after a it (golf) in college.” howevlot of thought, she realCorrin Conroy er, Conized that golf gave her has OHS Senior roy the best chance of suchad to ceeding. “My mind was make a almost made up for me…Last year I was second in name for herself within Section III. She has been playthe state for golf and medalist of, I would say, ninety- ing for the varsity squad since seventh grade, and has percent of my matches, so that pretty much made been able to contribute to all teams positively, being the decision for me to pursue it (golf) in college.” able to end every season with a winning record. This While at the Division 1 school, Conroy hopes to year, however, Conroy is setting high goals for herself. become a better golfer as well as a student. “I had other “I want to have another undefeated year…We lost Sam offers to play (golf) at Siena and Hofstra, but Albany Schuffenecker, and that’ll be hard to adjust to, but as long as everyone plays her best, I’m sure we can go undefeated.”

Conroy also has many personal goals for herself that will help her compete at the next level. “I’d like to be medalist in every match this season, but with the weather, I don’t even know if I’ll get to practice! I just want to carry the momentum from my last year here at OHS over when I go to Albany. I’m not going to say that I can beat all of the girls on that team, but I think I could if I practiced enough,” she said. Conroy certainly does have the ability to impact the team at Albany, being in the top four of Section III since her seventh grade debut on varsity.

Although Conroy is excited about playing at the college level, she still wants to extend all the time she has at OHS and finish out with a strong senior golf season. “I’ve known the entire team for a long time now, and it’s going to be hard Photo by ABby martin to leave, but I know that everyone Corrin Conroy lines up a putt on the practice green recently. will do just fine without me…I really Conroy will trade in her Buccaneer blue and white next year for am going to miss everyone, though.” the purple and gold of the University at Albany.

Buccaneer Bulletin

20 Years Ago (1987)

Out of the numerous athletes at OHS, nine student-athletes were given the chance to take part in the Empire State Games, held in Buffalo. Bucs who attended the games included hockey players Jason Mantaro, Bill Synder, and Dick Owens. Gymnast Kathy Pullen, track starts Greg Cole and Wendy Seaton, and swimmers Shelly McDonough, Monica Zukovsky, and Larry Spring also participated in the ESG. The Empire State Games allowed all the athletes to make new friends and also taught them how to vie at a high level of competition.

15 Years Ago (1992) After an entire year of a PE class being primarily focused on lacrosse, a proposal was sent out to add girls’ lacrosse as a new spring sport. PE teacher Helen Jermyn decided to open such opportunity to the entire school after several girls in her gym class showed so much interest in the sport.

Even though only a JV team was formed due to the lack of experience in team competition, the program figured to grow quickly.

10 Years Ago (1997)

Mollie Schneible and Susan Sugar, two outstanding junior pitchers, were able to lead the Lady Buc softball team into sectionals. Schneible and Sugar were able to propel the Bucs momentum into the first round of sectionals. The aces of the staff were able to not only compete well in the sectional games, but also return to the team the next season to deliver the heat once again.

Editor’s Note: Flashback, compiled by Kathryn Lazarski and Zach Grulich, is a monthly feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin.

May 2007