May 2013

BuccaneerBulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Listen to the Music Page 13

Volume 1 Number 6 May 2013

www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com PHOTO BY JORDAN OATMAN

Editorial

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Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Chloe Martin & Taylor Falls Managing Editor Gabrielle Sacco Business Manager Patrick Baer Senior Writer Madison Rhoades Chief Photographer Jordan Oatman Art Director Catherine Wells Ad Representatives Morgan Cook Sports Editor Kellie Gorman Sports Writers Nick Czerow Layout Editor Tara Stacy Entertainment Editor Sage Dudley Clublicity Editor Rachael Purtell Advisers Bill Reeser Heidi Conland Sheffield The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200.

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

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

On the Cover: Acoustic Surrender (Zemiah Phrance, Joe Ruggio, Josh Gillard, and Cameron Caruso) performing at the 2013 OHS Junior Variety Show.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Drawing Board

CARTOON BY FRANCIS DAHAR

. . . to all those involved in making the Junior Variety Show a success. The emcees were hilarious and the performers excellent. . . . to the new bathrooms. OHS porcelain thrones have never been classier. . . . to five weeks left until summer vacation. Time to get your tan on. . . . to Chrissy Abare for receiving national recogintion from Columbia University for her photography and artwork. . . . to the extra day off on Friday, May 24 in honor of Memorial Day. We appreciate the day in the sun instead of the snow. . . . to the alcohol awareness assembly on April 30. This serious issue needed to be discussed. . . . to Student Council’s blood drive. A vampire would be jealous of how much blood was collected. (see page 3 for exact numbers) . . . to the Mock DWI for once again educating students about the dangers of drinking and driving.

. . . to boys’ and girls’ varsity lacrosse games being scheduled at the same time. The teams should be able to support each other and root for their fellow laxers. . . . to the constant repairs on the roof. When will the leaking stop? . . . to senioritis. The epidemic is sweeping the school, and the only medication is summer vacation. www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com

May 2013

Editorial In Our View . . .

Oswego County health statistics shown to be the worst in the state According to a University of Wisconsin study recently reported by Your News Now (YNN), Oswego County was deemed the unhealthiest county in New York.

YNN stated, “When it comes to healthy living, Oswego County is the worst area in New York State.”

As fellow students of OHS, here at the Buccaneer Bulletin, we are appalled after hearing this news and are determined to make a change in our community.

As a school, OHS is the foundation for how students develop their health behaviors. Whether it be what they are served at lunch to watching fellow classmates puff their cigarettes at smoker’s corner, everything that happens at OHS has an impact on its students. The horrible health habits that are formed either from school or family life certainly reflect on our health statistics as YNN pointed out.

Many theories could be debated on how exactly our county got to be this unhealthy. The one reason that seems plausible is that the poverty levels in the county are so low that it inhibits people to make a choice between healthy and unhealthy eating.

This means that instead of a family deciding to go to the grocery store to pick up ingredients to have a nice quality made meal, they resort to the easy McDonald’s drive thru. Not only does it save time in the fast paced world we live in, it also saves a great deal of money, which is why people seem to opt for this alternative.

At 34%, the obesity rate in Oswego County is easily the highest in all of New York State. Also, the excessive drinking and smoking percentages are well over double that of the national percentage, and once again the highest in New York State.

OHS has done many things to try to reverse these statistics and make our school and community a healthier, better place. The school lunch director took the initiative and completely renovated the school’s lunch menu with healthier choices and made the portions smaller. Smoking, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited on all school grounds and will result in suspension or expulsion if found on a student.

The poverty in Oswego also accounts for the hundreds of people in the county who do not have health insurance. This is a problem for a county such as Oswego because of the terrifying percentages of bad health habits. Those habits most always result in serious disease and illness. Without health insurance, sick people are not getting the necessary help they need, which brings us to the conclusion that Oswego is the unhealthiest county in New York State.

Making small changes in our community such as eating a salad at lunch or persuading a friend or parent to give up smoking can make a big difference and help the overall health of our county. So, next time you are about to do something unhealthy, think about how you could be reversing the statistics to make Oswego a better place.

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What’s Your Opinion?

“What is your unhealthiest habit?”

Samantha O’Neil Freshman

“Biting my nails.”

Brie McIntosh Sophomore

“Sitting around and sleeping all day.”

By the Numbers

Jeff Brown Junior

“Smoking cigarettes.”

Student Council Blood Drive Donations

Derek Syrell Senior

“Playing video games for hours on end.”

Mr. Warren Shaw Teacher

“I like pizza way too much and going to Rudy’s does not help much either.”

GRAPHIC BY CATHERINE WELLS

Buccaneer Bulletin

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May 2013

4

Features

A child in Ecuador benefits from Bishop’s generosity

by Tara Stacy Layout Editor

“...If you could change the course of this child’s life for $22.00 a month, wouldn’t you? Call the number on your screen to help a child like Alejandra...”

Everyone has seen these commercials.

But have you ever wondered if donating really would make a difference?

The organization responsible for these ads is Children’s International.

The charity has been in operation for 77 years and has community centers in 11 countries, including Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, the Philippines, the United States, and Zambia.

Timothy Bishop, a Spanish teacher at Oswego High School has sponsored three children in the program. Once a child turns 18, they are considered an adult and can no longer partake in the program.

When asked why he decided to sponsor a child through Children’s International, Bishop replied, “I saw the commercial on TV, and I knew that PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM BISHOP if I sponsored a child in Ecuador, where OHS Spanish teacher Timothy Bishop with his sponsor child, Jonathan, on the right during a recent visit to I did a foreign exchange program in Ecuador. Pictured with Bishop and Jonathan is Jonathan’s family. high school, I would go visit the child and see the conditions for myself. Even though I know the types of conditions to 20%. Children’s International distribution of bedding, dishes, utensils, monthly. “I would recommend that these people live in from my frequent attempts to aid in the education of these cleaning supplies and furnishings along others sponsor or at least think about visits to third world countries.” children by providing essentials such as with home repairs, emergency aid and corresponding with a child. If you The work of Children’s uniforms and shoes, books, calculators, civic involvement. know someone who sponsors a child, International includes health programs, notebooks, pencils and pens along Community centers are at the send their child a letter or a birthday education, nutrition, youth programs, with libraries, tutoring and computer heart of the children’s communities. card,” Bishop stated. family assistance and community centers. The organization will also This makes it easier to serve all the If you are interested in sponsoring support. renovate, expand or build schools, and sponsored children in one place. a child, you can log onto the Children’s No matter their environment, provide teacher training.

Bishop said that the community centers International website, www.children. children are exposed to dangers every The nutrition of children is also a are like recreational centers, “The org, or call their toll free number at day. In cities, children have to deal with concern of Children’s International. one I went to had a dentist, a doctor, a 1-800-888-3089. You can choose a broken glass and trash on roads and Children sponsored through the playroom for kids, a library, a reading country, age and gender for your child sidewalks, along with low power lines, program receive regular malnutrition room...they’re open all day, it’s like a if you would like. In order to get into traffic, and air pollution. and health screenings, and many are rec center.” the program, a child’s parents must first In rural apply. Then, the organization will visit environments, and check the living conditions.

“I saw the commercial on TV, and I knew that if I sponsored a many homes When asked his opinion of the are not built program as a whole, Bishop stated,“I’m child in Ecuador, where I did a foreign exchange program in to resist the very impressed. This is the second high school, I would go visit the child and see the conditions child I’ve visited, and both times the elements, and children are for myself. Even though I know the type of conditions these people at the foundation have been forced to climb people live in from my frequent visits to third world countries.” very happy-they were very excited to dangerous show me everything-not just money OHS Spanish Teacher, oriented.” hillsides with rocky Sponsorship is $22.00 a month.

Timothy Bishop paths. Many That money pays for the amenities villages in the company provides along with which the children reside also lack provided with meals. Parents of these Bishop is currently sponsoring whatever your child may need that sanitation services to provide them children are taught about nutrition and his third child with the program, month. Children’s International has with clean drinking water, making them are given information about where they Jonathan. Jonathan is 15, and he is in many celebrity sponsors including susceptible to many bacteria. can buy healthy food inexpensively. the equivalent of sophomore year in Neil Patrick Harris and Miranda Kerr, Children’s International provides Children’s International also public school in Ecuador. His school is who both highly praise the program. doctors and dentists to perform routine provides youth programs, family an hour and 15 minutes away from his Sponsorship could change the life of a procedures on children with no charge assistance and community support. home. He makes this journey daily on a child in a third world country forever to them. Children’s International is also The youth programs are designed to winding mountain road. There are four and all for only $22.00. able to provide medicine, anti-parasite give children positive, safe options. children in his family; he is the second Bishop stated, “It feels good to treatment, malnutrition screenings and The programs include health and safety born. His older sister is in college, help. We were poor when I grew up, I hygiene education. There is also an lessons, leadership training and even and he has two younger brothers. As a probably had only two pairs of jeans in emergency fund for critical injuries. a youth council that works to promote sponsor, Bishop is not required to write high school and six sweaters to wear.

It is estimated that for every year community projects. letters. If he did not, he would receive It’s nice now that I have my own job to a child stays in school, their future Children’s International attempts to two letters a year from Jonathan. have a bit of extra money to be able to earning potential increases by 10% provide family assistance through the However, the two correspond help someone else out.”

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May 2013

Alumni

5

Alumnus Zack Falls is a modern day “mad scientist” Former OHS student Zack Falls is on the track to success.

He graduated from Canisius College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and is now a graduate student at the University of Buffalo. Falls is currently working on obtaining his Ph.D. in chemistry.

By Chloe Martin Editor-in-Chief

Zackary Falls is not your average college student. Falls has one thing many students lack in this day and age, ambition. From the first day of freshman year in high school to his first year in graduate school, Falls has had the drive to succeed.

Falls has always set his standards higher than most. He graduated from OHS in 2008 in the top 20 students of his class. Throughout high school, he took AP classes to prepare himself for the rigors of college life.

“My favorite class was probably AP Psych with Mr. Mirabito. I thought that was one of the more engaging classes I took at Oswego,” he said.

Falls was also a member of the National Honor Society.

Aside from being super smart, Falls was a normal high school student.

He played soccer, and still does on an intramural team.

His favorite teacher was Mrs. Caroccio, his English teacher junior year. “She was a great person to talk to and to get advice from on many topics, I found her to be one of the most

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACK FALLS

Zack Falls researches information for his newest project in his office. Falls’ time is normally spent behind a computer, busy working on a chemistry project.

chemistry in 2012.

Today, Falls is a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry at the University of Buffalo. He doesn’t do any mad scientist type chemistry in a lab like we o f t e n see in movies, but he is currently working on a computational project.

He does all his research on a computer using modeling programs similar to the programs we use in the technology department here at OHS to view models of different chemical systems.

When Falls is not busy being a teacher’s assistant, working on a project, or studying for Falls has one thing many students lack in this day and his classes, age, ambition. From the first day of freshman year in he likes to just relax. He high school to his first year in graduate school, Falls likes to go for runs with his has had the drive to succeed. dog or just hang out with friends. influential teachers I had in my career Although chemistry can be quite Upon completion of graduate at Oswego High School.” difficult for some, Falls stated, “The school, Falls will apply for a post When asked what his favorite level of difficulty kept me attentive and doctoral position at another university memory of OHS was Falls said, the applications of the knowledge were or at a national government lab. He “I can’t think of any specific fond very far reaching. My idea was if I hopes to one day be a researcher for a memories, I guess just hanging out could do well and get an undergraduate private company. with my friends. Gym class was always degree or higher, I could get into “My ultimate goal is to transition fun, and of course lunch period. Some whatever work I eventually found a into the administrative or business side of my favorite times happened during strong interest in.” of a private company, at least this is lunch.”

Zackary graduated from Canisius what I want to do at this point, only After graduation, Zackary attended with a Bachelor of Science degree in time will tell.”

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Canisius College, a private college that was highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report’s 2012 rankings of America’s Best Colleges. It was at this school that Falls delved into the science field.

“I originally started my undergraduate education as a biology major with a pre-med track,” he said. Soon after, Falls found that biology was not his calling.

“I had an internship at a hospital and soon realized medicine was not necessarily for me. However, I had to take general chemistry, and I loved it.”

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Oswego High School’s Top Twenty-Five Graduating Students of June 2008 1. Katie DiVita 2. Alyssa Collins 3. Jordan Holliday 4. Sara Finn 5. Jenna Skubis 6. Hannah Kisselburgh 7. Alison Finn 8. Waruguru Gichane 9. Katlyn Smegelsky 10. Justin Pagano 11. Gabrielle Rumrill 12. Steven Kolenda 13. Monique Reeser 14. Steven Czarnecki 15. Kristina Licatese 16. Amanda Donovan 17. Zackary Falls 18. Michael Sellars 19. Christopher Sova 20. Rachel Walczak 21. Shannon Donovan 22. Ryan King 23. Elizabeth Donovan 24. Michael Ryan 25. Christopher Wallace May 2013

Features

6

America is in mourning after the tragic Boston Marathon

By Chloe Martin Editor-In-Chief

In the shadow of a senseless tragedy, humanity shone a light on Boston.

On April 15, two bombs exploded at the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon. It was a senseless act of violence, something we are, unfortunately, slowly becoming accustomed to here in America.

The truth is we have seen many acts of violence in the past couple of years. From the Aurora shootings to the Newtown massacre, these tragedies have been happening all too often. Even though they are happening more often, it does not get any easier to deal with them when they happen.

The Boston Marathon has been held since 1887 and pays tribute to different groups and causes each year. Some runners participate to raise money for cancer, Down’s syndrome, or in memory of lost friends and relatives.

This year a group called Newtown Strong was running to pay tribute to those lost in the Newtown shooting. The first twenty miles of the race were dedicated to the twenty children lost, and the last six miles were dedicated to the six educators who sacrificed their lives to protect their students. There was a moment of silence at the start of the race for these victims. No one could have imagined at that moment the horror that would unfold later that day.

Three people were killed that day. An eight year old boy, a twenty-nine year old graduate student, and a young woman from China who was studying in Boston. The day after a police officer at MIT was shot and killed by one of the bombers. Over 175 people were injured, the majority with serious to severe injuries.

An aspect of a national tragedy that can bring some sort of hope, some sort of comfort afterwards are the acts of humanity that come with it. It is extremely unfortunate that it takes something like this for the news channels to finally show that there are still good people in the world, not just bad guys.

If you watch the videos from that fateful moment when the first bomb went off, you will see something incredible. More people ran towards the explosion than ran away from it.

Mr. Rogers once said, “Look for the helpers, you will always see people helping.” This was completely evident in the footage and news coverage after the bombings.

There were policemen and women, firefighters, EMT’s, even runners and spectators who did not hesitate for one moment before running towards those who were injured.

Residents of the area opened up their homes to PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES the runners, A fireman carries a wounded victim out of the explosion site minutes after the first bomb went off at the Boston Marathon. offering them America. It was a sign that we are strong, we are jackets and united, and we do not give up. blankets, food and drinks.

There are bad people in this world and there The New York Yankees posted an especially always will be, but it is times like this, after a tragedy, moving sign, one that offered support to long time that we are reminded there are more good people rivals, the Boston Red Sox. It is small gestures like on this planet than there are bad people. They are these that restore my faith in the world. the “helpers,” the spectators at the Bruins game, the Days after the bombings, the Boston Bruins man who comforted a woman with kind words after played against the Buffalo Sabres in the first big sports game since Monday’s attacks. Spectators from shrapnel hit her in the leg.

The only way to ensure the good people will both sides wore ribbons to support Boston. Rene always outweigh the bad people is to be kind and Rancourt only belted out a few lines of the National decent to one another. If you see someone in need, Anthem before everyone in the arena joined him. help that person out.

People waved flags and cheered for Boston and for

Port City Educational Foundation seeks to help students

By Patrick Baer

Business Manager

Within Oswego’s school district, there is increasing diversity, swift social change, and high demands for accountability in the educational field. Our schools are expected to meet the needs of society but are faced with new budget cuts each year. With restricted resources, Oswego has a hard time meeting the strain of the school budget.

Recently, public school districts have been turning towards school foundations, and Oswego is no exception. The Port City Educational Foundation Inc. (PCEF) was founded in 2009 and created in 2010 under the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law. The overall goal of PCEF is to raise funds which will help with different issues such as increasing the graduation rate and anti-bullying awareness.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Over the past year, PCEF has been raising funds with the idea that they will soon help the local school district. Newspapers and fundraisers have gotten the word out in the past for them, but in the OSCD, the foundation is still not really noticed.

tasks such as letters. We believe that it is never too late to learn, and we would like to help people of all ages,” stated Samuel Tripp. PCEF and Board of Education member.

Currently, PCEF is working towards grants and other financial

Although PCEF does not have any students or programs yet, they have big hopes for helping educational needs in Oswego. The Foundation is proud of its work and its future contributions to the Oswego community.

Help and support will help promote education in the Oswego “PCEF does not just want to help students but adults community. PCEF is by a board of alike. We hope to provide tutors for students and adults managed directors and executive that would like to further their education, provide books committee from diverse for literacy, and assist elders with small writing tasks backgrounds in education, business, construction and such as letters. We believe that it is never too late to law. All of the members meet once a month to go learn, and we would like to help people of all ages.” budget, future plans, Samuel Tripp over and current events within the foundation.

For those who donate, “PCEF does not just want to help aid. Individuals have given donations PCEF is recognized as a tax deductible students but adults alike. We hope upwards of 100 dollars each, mostly contribution. The foundation is to provide tutors for students and from past educators who are still welcome to investments and hopes that adults that would like to further their located in Oswego. Before PCEF is you consider investing in the future of education, provide books for literacy, able to receive any large grants, they Oswego students. and assist elders with small writing need to have a firm savings first. www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com

May 2013

Alumni

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Oswego native becomes a shining star in the Big Apple Christie Perfetti is an award winning playwright and producer. Although she’s currently residing in New York City she is an Oswego High School alumnus of the class of ‘96.

by Taylor Falls Editor-in-Chief

Having your name written across thousands of brochures for an upcoming play, being a published writer, and the bustling excitement of the Big Apple just outside your window, you could easily say that’s the life. For Christie Perfetti, a 1996 graduate of Oswego High School, it is her life.

Attending OHS, Perfetti learned a lot about herself and who she wanted to be in the future. High school is where she discovered her love for the world of performing arts. Starring in her first role as a freshman in the OHS production of Miss Julie made a huge impact on her life. It made her realize what she wanted to do.

“I remember distinctly running up the Liberty Street hill to get home and being so excited that I got the part,” stated Perfetti. “I liked figuring out what I liked, finding out who I am, finding my strengths, and learning about myself,” Perfetti said.

Success has always been Perfetti’s way of life. While attending Wells College as an English major with a minor in theater, she landed amazing internships from working with rocker Joan Jett to hip-hop star Jay-Z. Music was a big part of her life and working in that business led her to her real talent and dream, which was writing.

Her talent has extended into all directions, and she dabbled in all

areas of writing. “I always wrote, ever since I was a little kid, so to me, I was always a writer. It was never something I considered doing, I just did it. I do it because I love it and I can’t live without it,” stated Perfetti.

She ventured into playwriting, which is now her main focus and produced over 20 successful plays.

Her first play was Carnival Girls in 2004, which led to the formation of the well-known production company with the same name.

“I officially formed Carnival Girls, the production company, as a way to better focus my energies and expand the mission of creating, presenting and promoting work by female artists of all mediums,” stated Perfetti.

The company is composed of fourteen women including Perfetti.

Although the company focuses on theatre productions, their goal is to expand their horizons and produce writing, film, dance, visual art and web-based content.

In October of 2004, she published her first book, Revolutions Per Minute, about a young man escaping his troubled life in New York City. About two years later, her second book was released called Regular Coffee. The main theme of her second book is about a woman finding her true self and spirit. “The writing of Christie Perfetti is fluid and insightful while mixed with truth and symbolism,” stated Trish Ostroski of the Tolucan Times.

One word that could completely describe this driven writer is compassionate. “I love my job more than anything because it’s my passion.

Nothing is worth doing if you don’t have the passion for it,” stated Perfetti.

The person who has been there through Perfetti’s entire journey and has influenced her to keep up with what she loves no matter what the circumstances is her mother, Holly Perfetti. “My mom was there through all the tough times where I was upset

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES

Christie Perfetti poses for a headshot on her website Christperfetti.com.

and wanted to quit, but she always reminded me to write because she knew it was the one thing I could turn to and be happy,” stated Perfetti.

Carrie Bradshaw of Sex in the City fame seems like Christie’s ideal muse because she was a well-known writer living in New York focused on the strength and soul of single women.

Bradshaw is a fictional character, but Christie’s drive to support and showcase a strong woman lead is completely real.

“I make it a priority to write roles for women that are unique and diverse with the belief that when the roles for women are strong, the roles for men are strong and strong characters make for a

great story,” stated Perfetti.

All of her success has certainly paid off due to the handful of awards for her writing masterpieces. Some of them include; Finalist Fusion Theatre 2009 Playwriting Festival, Phoenix Literary Society Prize, and Helen Gertrude Dean Award. Her writings have also appeared in Jane Magazine and Woman’s World.

Her job is nothing close to ordinary. Being a writer, producer, and the artist director of a performance company, she has fulfilled most of her wildest dreams, which started right here in the loving walls of OHS.

Reviews on Perfetti’s award winning plays “Perfetti’s writing is witty and assured, seeking to get to the heart of things in a well-worn narrative arc that could have easily veered too far into overwrought cliché… The intimate setting of Asylum Lab is an excellent venue for this type of work, helping Perfetti’s words to truly hit home.”

- SOCAL.com, Jesse Kapp “Absolutely love it! Both intriguing and highly entertaining. A great ensemble cast!”

- KPCC RADIO “In the central role of the Woman is Matilda Szydagis, who projects empathy and intelligence.....this is an enjoyable play, with engaging performances, directed with energy and verve by Bryn Boice. I’d be excited to see another work by Perfetti......”

- nytheatre.com, Martin Dento REVIEWS COURTESY OF CHRISTIE PERFETTI.COM Buccaneer Bulletin

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May 2013

Features

8

Is prom worth all the money people spend?

Prom is not worth all the money people spend. You can go to prom without breaking your bank account.

?

HOW MUCH DO TYPICAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SPEND FOR PROM? Buccaneer Bulletin

Dress: $100-$1,000 Shoes: $20$100 Jewelry: $10- $50

By Chloe Martin Editor-in-Chief

Many people describe prom as a “priceless moment,” but maybe it would be more realistic to describe it as a “pricey moment.”

According to a national survey conducted by Visa, families will spend $696 to $1,944 on their teenager’s prom costs. That amount has increased 33.6% since 2011. Is it really necessary to spend that much money on one night?

Ask yourself these simple questions. Do you really need an $800 dress to wear for just a few hours? One you will never wear again? Some women don’t even spend that much on a wedding dress!

Do you need $80 heels that no one can even see under your long gown, shoes you will most likely take off and throw to the side after ten minutes of wearing them?

Is it necessary to rent a $600 stretch limo to drive you and your friends the two and a half miles it takes to get from Breitbeck to the college?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to reevaluate your spending habits. Prom is just one night, four hours in a cramped “ballroom.”

Is all that money really worth it, especially for seniors right before we are about to shell out thousands of dollars for college?

The truth is you can spend less than $300 on prom and still look good. I did. Last year, I bought my dress at Macy’s for $100, shoes from Payless for $15, jewelry from H&M for $5, and a pre-sale prom ticket for $30. I did my hair and make-up myself which saved me over $50.

My parents cooked a fancy dinner for my friends and me which saved us all another $30 to $50. I was lucky enough that my friend’s mother paid for my nails which saved me about $30, but you could easily do your nails yourself. All together, I spent $150 on prom, and I would say I looked just as nice as a girl who spent $700.

When it comes down to it, prom is just like any other dance. It is four hours of bad music blasting in your ears and sweaty bodies bumping into you. If you think spending a lot of money at prom will insure you have a good time there or make it any more special, you are sadly mistaken. Having a good time at prom and making memories all depends on who you are with. You will not remember the color of your $50 corsage or $60 mani/pedi 20 years from now.

The friends you had, the jokes you made, those are the things you will look back on and remember.

Hair: $50$100 Makeup: $20- $100 Nails: $25$100

Dinner: $30$100 Tickets- $20$60 Limousine$75- $150

: Photography $30- $150 -

Corsage: $25 $100

Realizing the money is not worth it: priceless

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aneerbulletin.wordpress.com

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May 2013

Walking the Plank

10

The Green Myle shows us that acoustic music is in Buccaneer Bulletin: What are your names?

Matt Spaulding: My name is Matt Spaulding.

Kyle Osum: I’m Kyle Osmun.

BB: What grades are you in?

MS: I’m in tenth grade.

KO: I’m a freshman.

BB: When did you start getting into music?

MS: When I was about 8 or 9.

KO: Since about fourth grade.

BB: What are your favorite classes?

KO: Chorale is definitely up there.

MS: One of my favorites is Chamber. Anything musically oriented really.

BB: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities or sports?

MS: I play soccer in the fall and both Kyle and I are in choir.

KO: I don’t play any sports but like Matt said I’m in choir. Also, We were both in the musical, The Sound of Music, this year.

MS: The Green Myle also performed in the Battle of the Bands and the JV show.

BB: How did you come up with the name The Green Myle?

KO: We chose the name Green Myle because Green means new, and we’re a newly formed group.

MS: Myle is just a combination of Matt and Kyle.

BB: Who’s your favorite artist?

KO: Mine is definitely Mumford and Sons.

MS: Green Day! BB: What are your favorite songs?

MS: “Below My Feet.” It gives me goose bumps.

KO: “I Will Wait.” Both songs are

by Mumford and Sons.

PHOTO BY JORDAN OATMAN

Kyle Osmun and Matt Spaulding sing a song by Coldplay at this year’s Junior Variety show.

BB: What are your favorite styles of music?

KO: Any kind of acoustic song.

It really shows how powerful a song really is when it’s actual sound is heard and not hidden behind beats and auto tune.

MS: Mine is also acoustic, because it’s always so raw and pure. I love the sound of a guitar and someone’s voice without any auto tune or special effects on it. It’s what true music sounds like.

BB: Who are your role models?

MS: My role model is my grandfather. He pushes me to do my best and shows me that if I try my best, I can always get to where I want to be.

He tells me that hard work pays off.

My grandfather supports me in my

music and does whatever he can to do to help me get to my full potential.

KO: John Lennon. He’s a perfectionist and everything he did and produced was a piece of art.

BB: How did it feel winning the Battle of the Bands?

KO: It felt amazing; we literally didn’t expect it at all.

MS: We’re glad to be the ones to bring acoustic music back and to show that it’s not always about the loud, heavy, rock and screamo music.

BB: What are your musical hopes for the future?

MS: I hope that someday I’m given a shot at making it as a recording artist.

If not that, I’d love to share my love for

music by teaching it as a high school choral conductor. Anything that has to do with music really. It’ll make me the happiest.

KO: I’d really like to do any kind of recording, but I would also love to try a broadcasted singing competition like The Voice or the X Factor or something along those lines. If that doesn’t work out, I’m planning on being a music teacher.

Editor’s note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular question-and-answer feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. If you know a student or staff member who you would like to see walk the plank, contact Madison Rhoades at mrhoades@oswego. org. This edition of “Walking the Plank” was written by Sage Dudley.

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May 2013

Artist of the Month

11

Tapping his way through school is junior Evan Davis interested in dance during an elementary school play. “Someone told me I had great stage

Gabrielle Sacco Managing Editor

OHS junior Evan Davis can be found dancing his way around Oswego. He is an interesting character who people do not know much about.

He lives at home with his family who he loves very much. He has two siblings; Christian, who is a freshman, and a sister who is in seventh grade.

He enjoys spending time with them.

Davis has many hobbies that he enjoys as well. He considers school to be his biggest hobby. “I’m always working on school work or doing something for school,” Davis stated.

He is currently busy working on a volunteer project for Relay for Life. “I’m running my own team for Relay, so lately my time has been going towards that,” he stated.

Davis started dancing competitively when he was just nine years old in Liverpool at Tawn Marie’s Dance Center.

He was part of a tap group there until he got moved up to a different level that involved lyrical and tap.

Davis then moved to a well known dance studio in Oswego, Lisa’s Centre of Dance Artistry. Davis has spent four years at Lisa’s performing all types of dance such as contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and tap. Davis returned to Tawn Marie’s because of their prestigious tap program, which he is extremely interested in.

“I’ve gotten to work with five different professional choreographers, which has just been a great experience,” Davis said. Davis first became

has won many group dance titles as well. He has also won awards for fastest feet and best choreography.

Davis isn’t only a dancer but also a varsity swimmer. “I’ve always been interested in swimming, but I just haven’t had the time until this year to join the team,” he stated. Davis is naturally good at swimming, and he really enjoys the sport.

Everybody needs somebody to look up to and that person is Davis’ mother.

“She is just such a great person,” he stated. “She has always guided me to do the right things, and I always want to try my best to be like her.”

People do not know that Davis is actually a really loud, outgoing character. He comes off as shy but once you get to know him, he’s a firecracker to say the least. Davis has no future plans with dance, but

presence and my cousin Emma had already been dancing so she told me to try it, and I did, and that’s how I got into it,” he stated.

Davis has had many accomplishments throughout his “My mom has always guided me to dance career, but one sticks out to do the right things, and I always want him in particular. to try my best to be like her.”

“My first year dancing at Lisa’s, we Evan Davis went to a competition for the weekend, and at the awards ceremony, they gave the award he hopes to someday give lessons or choreograph out to who the judges thought had for a studio. Ten years from now, he hopes to have a the most potential to succeed in career, family and live in a foreign country. He wants dance, and they gave it to me,” to study chiropractics or physical therapy. said Davis. “I did not expect to get Davis is an interesting character who everyone that award.” should take the chance to get to know. He is a great Davis has been selected to asset to the OHS community. join a nationals team for dance and

Come support our thespian talent

The OHS Drama Club presents a funny comedy about a group of actors who cannot seem to get their lines down, despite opening night being in just a few days! The play starts with the director, Gerry (Erin Chetney) confessing her worries about the play with her stage manager (Gabbie Boni). The cast includes Polly (Hailey Thompson), and her husband, Henry (Mark Forger), a seemingly goody-two-shoe teenage girl, Smitty (Brie McIntosh), and the group’s jokester, Saul (Nick Cocks). Throughout the play, you will also see the funny flirtationship that plays out between Violet (LeahShay Jones) and Billy (Seamus Darrow). Causing conflict within the acts is the illustrious author (Jordan Oatman) of the play Murder Most Foul, who keeps rewriting the script days before opening and a stage hand (Laurelanne Easton) who cannot quite get the stage sounds right. The comedy is directed by Angella Natoli-Bandla and student directed by Nick Williams. Opening is Thursday, May 9th at 7:30, and the second showing is May 10th at 7:30 p.m. This hilarious show is a must see!

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May 2013

12

Columns

Take a lesson and work on getting your grammar right said the same way, but are meant to convey different things, become so mixed up with each other that people are unsure of what you are trying to say.

Take the sentence, “Let’s eat, Grandma,” for instance. Without the proper use of punctuation, the sentence becomes “Let’s eat Grandma.” The first statement is a person addressing their grandma, telling her that they should eat, while the second version of the sentence suggests that they should actually eat their grandmother. So, no one’s actually going to mix those two sentences up and end up eating their grandma because of a grammar mix up, but the message is still the same.

Grammar counts.

People become lazy and don’t bother much with grammar. They figure it’s faster to just shorten things and not bother with it without realizing some other important things that grammar conveys. A person’s lack of grammar makes them look completely unintelligent.

When scrolling through Facebook and a person posts constantly with the

I think one of the worst things is to open up a text from someone and read something along the lines of, “Hai, wat ru up 2?”

Okay, so maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but you can’t say you’ve never received a text or seen a post on Facebook that is similar to that.

What have we become in life when no one can bother to write out the simple words like you or are? The language and grammar we use today PHOTO BY JORDAN OATMAN is starting to come to a point when it stops being “text talk” or boredom, Wireless communication has led to a multitude of abbreviations for words, and just becomes laziness, horrible some of which are shown above. grammar skills, and pure idiocy.

Grammar is something that is to be your friend on Facebook. school levels, why would they give taught to everyone at a young age. I If you’re the type of person who you a second glance? You could get remember being in elementary school gets yourself into Facebook and top grades in many classes, but if and taught the difference between Twitter fights all the time, you better you can’t write a simple essay with two, too, and to. Since it is something have correct grammar and spelling. correct grammar, how smart are you that should have been You look extremely really? drilled in our heads unintelligent trying to Many people don’t think so, but People always hate against those who are since we were learning argue your point with grammar important. It comes into how to write, why is called “Grammar Nazis.” But on social the misuse of your and play manyistimes throughout your life, it becoming such a websites, there are two types of people; you’re, or their, there, so shouldn’t you just work on it now? problem now? and they’re.

Chances People always hate against those those who correct other people’s grammar The use of are other people are who are called “Grammar Nazis.” technology limits and those who need correction. going to take the side But on social websites, there are two the use of our brains of the more intellectual types of people; those who correct immensely, apparently. person probably other people’s grammar and those What’s the point of having words and grammar and spelling level of a third because their argument makes ten who need correction. Think about a language at all if we can never get grader, my immediate decision is to times more sense to the reader. which type of person you are. If you the proper message across because of delete them.

If I can’t understand To get into most colleges you find yourself complaining about the how bad our grammar has become? what you’re trying to say and you’re have to write an essay, correct?

“Grammar Nazis,” then maybe it’s The things we say get lost in the so unintelligent that you can’t say it If your essay does not hold to the time you do the world a favor and world with no meaning behind them. in the right way, I don’t exactly want standard of normal intellectual high pick up a Grammar 101 class.

Without grammar, things that are

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May 2013

Entertainment

13

Talented group Acoustic Surrender loves an audience

By Jordan Oatman Chief Photopgrapher

The acoustic music styling of four senior boys made a big hit at this year’s Junior Variety show.

Cameron Caruso, Zemiah Phrance, Joe Ruggio and Josh Gillard make up the band called Acoustic Surrender which formed in 2011.

The boys do an excellent job at taking some of today’s popular pop songs and putting their own acoustic twist to it. During the latest performance, they did a 2011-2013 medley; slowing down and beautifully adding their twist to songs such as “Gangnam Style” and “Thrift Shop.”

There is no mistaking the talent these boys have; their vocal range and harmonizing is amazing combined with Cameron’s guitar playing, Zemiah’s beat-boxing, and the fun atmosphere they have on stage makes for an entertaining performance. Some of the boys have made appearances in the past few musicals as well as regularly being part of the variety shows and our Chamber Choir.

The boys’ first performance together was in 2011 playing at a Halloween party. They said that at that point in time, they had little experience playing in front of crowds in a setting like that but believed as first performances go, they did okay. Since then, they have done many performances and covered many songs. They feel as though their confidence and stage presence has grown a great deal, which is evident as the four of them danced there way across the stage during Will Todd’s performance at the JV Show.

Joe Ruggio said, “Being with this group has just made me appreciate music so much more. I’ve been singing since elementary school but what we do when we’re together- there are no words to describe it. We sing just about anything that comes to mind when we’re together and we all go crazy over whatever it was once we sang it. We just have so much fun and enjoyment out of singing together, it’s unbelievable.”

“Due to our busy schedules, we only get the opportunity to do events such as the Junior Variety Show once in a while,” said Cameron Caruso. They hope to get in a few more performances before the

end of the 2013 school year, like the Senior Variety show. But as the school year ends, there also comes a dreadful stop to Acoustic Surrender. “Since we will be at different colleges, we won’t be able to get together,” Caruso stated.

“This group has created a forever lasting brotherly bond between all of us guys. Our voices blend so well and the way we all are so passionate about our music and how we all love it so much make it all so worthwhile. Even though we perform a couple times a year, those performances are always amazing and we always have incredible amounts of fun. The practices and performances are always PHOTO BY JORDAN OATMAN the best of times and Acoustic Surrender, consisiting of (left to right) Zemiah Phrances, Joe these guys along with Ruggio, Zach Gillard, and Cameron Caruso perform at the 2013 JV Show. music make everything Cameron Caruso said, “I’ve had a blast being worthwhile and fun. involved in this group. As I go on in the music world Also hearing the reaction from the crowds of people after high school, nothing will compare to the fun and is the best feeling in the world,” Zemiah Phrances experience I’ve had with Acoustic Surrender.” stated.

“Acoustic Surrender has really helped me find The boys definitely plan on getting together my love for music.

I really enjoy my time with such during breaks for a reunion and jamming out at each a fun and talented group of guys. I look forward other’s house. They said they would not mind being to performing with them more in the future,” Josh able to play a gig or two when home from school.

Gillard said.

Simply put, OHS looks forward to those With their incredible voices, some of them plan on performances too! following music in school and making a career out of

it.

Wallace makes her way to the Taj Mahal

by Jordan Oatman Chief Photographer

Students at OHS have always found themselves amazed with the people who come here from across the seas. We have always found it interesting to befriend the foreign exchange students to see what culture they can bring to us and what culture we can give back.

No one stops to think about the students from OHS who travel on an expedition to another country to learn about different cultures.

Most students would admit that they love to travel and would take the chance to be a foreign exchange student in a heartbeat, but no one actually believes they have that chance.

One person who did take that chance as soon as they figured out they could was sophomore Lauren Wallace.

She took the steps to be sponsored by Oswego’s local Rotary Club, fill out the many papers that were required, and, after finishing the application, she was

interviewed, selected, and placed.

“I’ve always wanted to travel the world. Whether it’s to California or to a third world country. I’ve always wanted to see what life is like in other places.”

Wallace leaves this August for India and will be there for one full year, coming back during the of summer 2014.

Wallace chose three places where she wanted to go but ended up not getting picked to go to any of them.

Instead, during her interviews, they decided they

wanted to place her in India.

Her parents did not like the idea at first, but she said they were growing used to it. “My parents were and are still very nervous.

They have accepted the fact that I am going and doing this but are very worried.

But I mean, what parents wouldn’t be?”

To help pay for the trip, which costs a total of $4,500, she had an Open Mic Night on Thursday, January 17th at the Oswego Tea Company. She has also worked a lot at her job at Ontario Orchards, and is possibly looking

for a second job.

“I think it’s more of the life changing and learning experience that I’m looking forward to the most. Sure, everything there will be amazing but I just can’t wait to see the world in a new way.” Wallace said.

Along with looking forward to things, she is also going to be missing some. “I’m definitely going to miss my family. I’m going to miss seeing my baby nieces and nephew growing up this year. And oddly enough I’m going to miss my job, and the beauty of our lake and sunset.”

To prepare herself for going to India, Wallace is using Rosetta Stone to learn Hindi and spending a great deal of her time studying the culture. She has also been spending time with some natives she knows from India.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and its going to be 100% worth it. Even though I haven’t gone yet, I know it will be amazing!”

Wallace said.

PHOTO BY JORDAN OATMAN

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May 2013

Sports

14

NFL DRAFT

By Nick Czerow Sports Writer

Players that will surprise College: Syracuse Orange NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers HT: 5’9” WT: 213 lbs.

COURTESY OF GOOGLE.COM

Shamarko Thomas SS

Think of a heat seeking missile that is locked on to the ball at all times.

“Shark” can also line up and shut down top receivers in man coverage. He did so against Robert Woods early in the 2013 season. Thomas will bring back the gritty physicality the Steelers are known for. Look for him to share equal playing time with Polamalu soon.

College: Florida Gators NFL: Baltimore Ravens HT: 5’10” WT: 208 lbs.

A relentless hitter who will be the second coming of Shawn Taylor. Elam is great at tracking down players in the open field and forcing a 4th down. His hands are good enough to swat balls down that come into the secondary and intercept a few here and there. Overall, the ravens will not notice too much of a difference without Ed Reed.

COURTESY OF GOOGLE.COM

Matt Elam FS

Ryan Nassib, Geno Smith remain on rival teams The 2013 NFL draft was considered to have a weak quarterback class. The incoming class of cadence caller will have a tough time living up to last year’s draft class. The 2012 Draft featured five quarterbacks who started immediately for their respective teams, three of whom brought their teams to the post-season.

This year, there was no clear “best” quarterback prospect, although many NFL analysts predicted West Virginia QB Geno Smith to be the first quarterback taken in the draft. There was also a sleeper QB named Ryan Nassib from Syracuse who ESPN Monday Night Football commentator John Gruden had raved about all spring.

In the end, neither of those two quarterbacks were the first of their position taken. That honor belonged to EJ Manuel from Florida State who went to the Buffalo Bills in the first round. This seemed a little disrespectful towards Nassib because the Bills new offensive coaching staff are primarily former Syracuse coaches who worked with Nassib the last four years.

Geno Smith landed with the New York Jets with the 39th pick in the second round, and Nassib went to the New York Giants with the 110th pick in round four. Why does this matter? Well, Nassib and Smith faced each other on the field the last three years.

Nassib from Syracuse and Smith from West Virginia fought each other for the (Ben) Schwartzwalder trophy twice during their time in college. West Virginia moved to the BIG12 conference in 2012 and it looked as if the heated WVU-SYR rivalry would be no more, but the two teams met again at the Pinstripe Bowl in Yankee Stadium to play one last time as seniors. West Virginia had been the better team for the last decade but the last three matchups between the Mountaineers and the Orange ended with Ryan Nassib coming away victorious.

The Giants and Jets do not play each other every year in regular season play, but when they do, it is considered a rivalry. They are the two teams that divide the New York City-New Jersey fan base.

Smith will most likely start after a few sad attempts

by Mark Sanchez to win a game. The Jets also have

ex-Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy who looked decent enough to compete when replacing Sanchez but just did not have what it takes to claim the starting spot in practice.

The New York Giants; however, do not expect their new QB prospect to start anytime soon, in fact, it seems as if they do not want him to play saying, “Yeah, if he doesn’t ever play…that would be great!”

This, of course, sounds like a slam against Nassib but what the Giants meant by this is they do not want to see their starter, Eli Manning, get injured any time soon. Their plan is to groom Nassib into a better prospect in hopes of being a great backup for Manning or to trade him for more draft picks in the upcoming drafts.

The question remaining from all this is; if Nassib ever gets an opportunity to play, will the two rivaled quarterbacks from West Virginia and Syracuse ever meet in the NFL to remain rivals as a Jet and a Giant?

If so, could this spark a fire in the two young men that could lead them to becoming some of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League?

Denard Robinson, the Jags starting quarterback?

The new ex-Michigan quarterback/ wide receiver/running back was drafted to the Jacksonville Jaguars as the 135th pick in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. The Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell is very excited about Denard “Shoelace” Robinson. Caldwell said, “Every time I go to Michigan it just amazes me about how passionate he is about football.” As Caldwell went further into detail about Robinson, one could tell that Robinson has all the tools to be a leader in the NFL. He loves football, he has fun out there on the field, and he was respected by his teammates at Michigan.

An injured elbow is what allowed Devin Gardner to come in and take away Robinson’s starting role.

Robinson was moved to running back

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once he was healthy again. There, he finished his career as a Wolverine with a pair of back to back games with over a hundred rushing yards in each. Robinson was also used as a wide receiver while at Michigan. At only five foot eleven inches, he was a little undersized as a receiver, but he made up for it with his quick decisive cuts and blazing speed. However, Jacksonville seems to have fallen in love with Robinson as a running back who can also line up as a receiver. The Jags office mentioned that Shoelace could also be a return man for them.

But, what should be so obvious is clearly transparent to the Jaguars.

Their quarterback, Blaine Gabbert, is horrible! Gabbert’s record in the NFL is 5-20. He has done nothing

to help the Jags win. Many people around the sports world have been saying “Blaime” Gabbert (for the horrendous play of the Jags). Chad Henne did post more passing yards than Gabbert last year, but he was not able to lead Jacksonville to victory either. So why not give Robinson a shot at quarterback? After all, he was an electrifying QB in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sure, he made some bad decisions with certain throws and fumbled here and there but that is going to happen when you are primarily a scrambler.

So, what is most likely going to happen is Robinson will start Jags training camp as a wide receiver because their “star” receiver from previous year’s draft, Justin

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Blackmon, is suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL drug policy.

Shoelace will get some reps as a returner for punts but not kick-offs because nobody wants to have their rookie injured before the season begins.

By the end of training camp, Robinson will probably win out the starting spot for quarterback by slowly proving how good he still is through wildcat formation drills leading him to be tested in shotgun formation. After proving himself worthy in shotgun and connecting with some receivers on deep balls, expect Denard Robinson to be taking the first snap of the 2013 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

May 2013

Sports

15

CINDERELLA TOURNAMENT 2013

By Nick Czerow Sports Writer

For some, the most exciting part of the year is March Madness when 68 NCAA Division One teams battle for the NCAA Men’s National Championship.

Each year there is a spoiler team that busts brackets all around the world. These surprise warriors are the Cinderellas of the big dance. These underdogs leave their egos at the door and come together to fight for the chance to cut the net down.

Below is a sixteen team bracket of memorable Cinderellas. The winning team was determined by who had the most heart, the most enthusiastic coach, and just plain ol’ destiny.

1 Texas Western (UTEP) 1966 16 Dayton 1984 8 Providence 1987 9 Pennsylvania 1979 5 Villanova 1985 12 George Mason 2006 4 Butler 2010 13 Loyola Marymount 1990 6 Butler 2011 11 Virginia Commonwealth 2011 3 City College of New York 1950 14 Virginia 1984 7 Wichita State 2013 10 Louisiana State 1986 2 North Carolina State 1983 15 Florida Gulf Coast 2013

It was clear that 1983’s North Carolina State Wolfpack had all three determining factors. The heart came from fireball guard Dereck Whittenburg who, after breaking bones in his foot halfway through the season, returned months later to carry the Pack to ACC and NCAA titles. Easily the most inspirational coach to ever touch a basketball, Jim Valvano installed his dream of “cutting the nets down” in his kids and made them believe it was possible too.

The destiny? Well, earning the nickname “Cardiac Pack” in the ACC tournament showed that N.C. State was always going to be there late in games, and sure enough, they won the 1983 NCAA National Championship with a buzzer beater.

1 UTEP '66 1 UTEP '66 8 PROV '87 1 UTEP '66

13 LMMT '90 13 LMMT '90 2 NCST '83 11 VCU '11

3 CCNY '50 2 NCST '83 7 WICHST '13 2 NCST '83 2 NCST '83 GRAPHIC BY NICK CZEROW

NYSPHSAA Championships Schedule

June 1-3 B Golf Cornell University, Ithaca (4) June 5 B Lacrosse East Semis Marist College, Poughkeepsie (1) June 5 B Lacrosse West Semis St. John Fisher, Pittsford (5) June 7-8 B/G Track & Field Middletown HS (9) 2013 Qualifying Standards 2013 Order of Events

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June 7-8 G Lacrosse SUNY Cortland (3) June 7-9 G Golf SUNY Delhi (4) June 8 Softball Adirondack Sport Complex, Queensbury (2) June 8 B Lacrosse Finals St. John Fisher, Pittsford (5) June 8 Baseball Binghamton area (4) June 9 TBA

5 years ago (2008)

* Scott Sugar decided to make concussion testing a requirement in the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. * The test helps determine a mental baseline in order to help decide if an athlete is healthy enough to return to a sport. * It tests memory, verbal skills, memory visual skills, visual-motor speed composite, reaction time, and impulse control. * It costs around $500 annually and Oswego Health made a donation to help cover the cost. * Students were given more options than the traditional physical education curriculum. * Students were given a survey at the beginning of the school year to see what they wanted as options for physical education classes. * The courses available included athletic training, aerobics, American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, non-competitive games, rhythm and movement, and weight training.

15 years ago (1998)

11 VCU '11

May 30-June 1 B Tennis National Tennis Center, Flushing (NYC)

1 year ago (2012)

* Girls’ varsity lacrosse loses to Vestal in the state regionals. * The score was 10-9. * The Lady Bucs’ overall record was 11-8. * They were coached by Laura Burger and the leading scorers of the season were Mikayla Place and Taylor Giglio.

10 years ago (2003)

5 NOVA '06

Spring 2013

Buc Sports Flashback

Federation Golf

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* The boys’ JV lacrosse locker room was vandalized and under investigation by both the police and the Oswego City School District. * The criminals climbed through ceiling tiles and lowered themselves into the team room. * They stole two compact disk “boom boxes,” four lacrosse sticks, and compact disks. * They also emptied unlocked lockers and peed on the contents and defecated on the floor and smeared it with towels. * Also, some of the lockers had the walls bashed in.

20 years ago (1993)

* The boys’ varsity football team was to be coached by Paul Muench in the upcoming fall season. * Muench had coached the JV and freshman teams previously and recognized the great difference in competition. * Muench believed lower level experience was critical in developing discipline and dedication to the sport.

25 years ago (1988)

* The boys’ varsity lacrosse team had a record of .500 early in the season despite two injuries to talented players. * Jason Mantaro led scoring with twelve goals and six assists. * Nick Canale played excellently in goal, Coach Doc Nelson said, “I haven’t seen anyone better,” regarding his performance.

May 2013

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 1 Number 6

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

May 2013

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH ZACK SALVADOR ALEXA HEALY

By Morgan Cook

Advertising Representative

By Rachael Purtell Clublicity Editor

Playing in Little League when he was seven years old, junior Zack Salvador Oswego High School senior Alexa Healy has been playing lacrosse since she started on varsity baseball his freshman year. He has been a catcher for as long as was in third grade and has played for the girls’ varsity team since her sophomore he can remember. He has enjoyed being a catcher because he has been involved year. This year she is a captain and plays the positions of both midfield and with every play, and it is one of the hardest positions on the field. attack. She has also played volleyball since she was in seventh grade, but she says “Zack plays a demanding position as a catcher and part of his position is to lacrosse is definitely her favorite of the two. provide leadership,” said Coach Finch.

“I think of Alexa as a natural leader because she just brings a positive attitude Luckily for Salvador, his greatest achievement on every day. She also leads by example; she puts forth one hundred percent effort in the varsity team was hitting his first home run as a all the practices so she’s someone that really sets the tone every day in practice,” sophomore. said head coach Laura Burger.

“He has played that position as a catcher Healy is a captain of the Oswego High School girls’ for me since freshman year which is a lot to ask varsity lacrosse team this year and as her coach said, she for, but he has handled it well and continues to get leads by example. Over the years, she has developed great better at that every year,” said Finch. stick skills and a strong, positive work ethic; she is also Ever since he hit his first home run, Salvador naturally very athletic. has been a very superstitious person. He hit Healy describes her team as very new and young; another home run during his first scrimmage of she just wants to lead the team as far as she can this year the year. He parked in the same parking spot because she understands that a team is only as good as for the next scrimmage for good luck. In that their weakest player. scrimmage, he hit another grand slam. It then Healy said, “I still can’t really believe I’m a senior, came time for game day and Salvador parked it’s weird, but now that it’s toward the end of the year, in his lucky spot and managed to hit three I’m starting to take leadership for it. It feels good to be home runs. For every game he tries to get his a captain, finally, after being on the lower levels for a lucky spot. while.”

“I believe if we stay in the game On the field, Healy is most effective in taking mentally and have a lot of energy we can and controlling draws and leading the team in the compete with the best teams in our offensive end of the field. Teammate Erica Atkins section,” said Salvador. He would said, “She’s a very strong presence in our attack end, like to make it to sectionals this year and she is great at scoring goals.” because it is a memorable moment Burger also said, “I think Alexa’s strength is for every high school sport and it is definitely her stick skills. She is an example of what something one will never forget. a nice, fluid lacrosse player is supposed to look like.

Hard work and determination are She has a quiet stick and soft hands; her passing and what the boys’ varsity baseball team catching is definitely her greatest strength.” needs so they can get to sectionals.

This fall, Healy suffered a slipped disk during “Zack has been playing on varsity her volleyball season in her position of setting. Every since he was a freshman, and his baseball time she set, it put more pressure on the disks in her skills have progressed significantly since lower back which caused the injury. his first year. He’s already proven in just A slipped disk presses on the nerves in one’s back the first month of the season that he has a and makes tasks such as playing sports, exercising, or leadership role on the team,” said teammate even just sitting very painful. She considers this injury and Ryan Lavner. her process of recovery her biggest weakness as an athlete.

During Salvador’s freshman year, he However, Burger said, “Even though she started preseason played basketball but then stopped because he with an injury she acted as another coach and still had a very wanted to focus on baseball. His love for the involved role in our team, and now that she’s healthy, her game of baseball is what keeps him going. experience is something she is leading the attack with.” Healy While growing up, he watched and played describes her greatest personal achievement as being successful constantly, and it is just been a part of his life in both athletics and her school work, and she describes herself ever since he was little. Since starting at such as outgoing, driven, and loyal. a young age, Salvador did not have anyone who When Healy was asked about her favorite coach, she replied, inspired him, but now he looks up to a number of “Mr. Sherman has been my coach since third grade, so he’s the players in the major league. basically the one who taught me how to play and the positions I “I’ve had Coach Finch as my coach ever since play and he’s been there the whole way. During my freshman year, I’ve been in high school. I’ve learned a lot from Burger started coaching and she’s been the one believing in me him over the last two years and continue to and pushing me from the start. They are both very important to learn more each day.” said Salvador. me.” Sherman is also part of the coaching staff for the Oswego In the future, Salvador would like to High School girls’ varsity lacrosse team. play baseball at the college level and work Healy says her favorite memory in her career as a lacrosse on earning his college degree. Since he is player is going to states her sophomore year. only a junior, he is still undecided on where When asked what will be missed most about Healy next he would like to go. In Salvador’s free time, he year, Atkins said, “I’m going to miss that she can always make likes to spend time with his friends and go fishing. anyone on the team laugh. If anyone on the team is having a bad PHOTO BY JORDAN OATMAN “Zack sets a good example for other student day she’s always the one to cheer people up.” athletes to follow. On top of his ability as a player, he Next year, Healy will attend Edinboro University in Pennslyvannia and play is also an exceptional student in the classroom which is nice to see,” said Finch.

Division II lacrosse.

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