May 2015

BuccaneerBulletin May 2015 Volume 3 Number 6

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Talent Takes Over

Tattoos and Piercings Page 6 High School Experiences Page 12 County Cup Page 15

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Editorial

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Drawing Board

Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Rachael Purtell Managing Editor Hannah Griffin Business Manager Courtney Osmun Webmaster Lisa Kanbur Chief Photographer Elizabeth Sincavage Art Director Olivia DeLorenzo Alumni Editor Amber Canbek Sports Editor Chase Pelton Layout Editor Mariya Hirna Reporters Hannah Cali Victoria Armet

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.

CARTOON BY KAYLA VOLKOMER

. . . to the jeans week held April 13 through April 17 to benefit the Blessings in a Backpack program in the Oswego City School District. Thank you to all who donated! . . . to the Laps for Limbs of Central New York fundraiser to support MoveAlong Incorporated on Sunday, April 19. Thank you to all the runners, walkers, and joggers! . . . to the chorus students who performed in the All-Eastern Music Festival and All-County Chorus in early April. . . . to all those who won awards in the 20th Annual Oswego County Student Art Competition at the Salmon River Fine Arts Center in Pulaski on Sunday, April 12! . . . to the 65 OHS falculty and staff members who helped us earn 40,057 Price Chopper points to be used for the purchase of school supplies. . . . to all those who performed in the Junior Variety Show!

. . . to the long stretch of full school weeks between Spring Break and June.

Students and teachers will struggle to stay motivated and focused. . . . to all the conflicts over Senior Superlatives.

On the Cover: Senior Tyler Dominick performs a rap onstage at the Junior Variety Show on April 17 and 18. This month’s cover photo was taken by Rachael Purtell.

. . . to the towing of a substitute teacher’s car when it was parked in the LIberty Street parking lot. . . . to those who leave food or wrappers on classroom floors. It is disrespectful and has led to ant problems in several classrooms. . . . to the increased price of prom tickets.

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May 2015

Editorial In Our View . . .

Student representatives struggle From the beginning of the school year, students and administration have butted heads over several issues, particularly this year’s senior class. For the past three years, students observed precedents set by other graduating classes such as Senior Spirit Week, senior parking, and Senior Superlatives. Along with the many changes in leadership throughout the building, these traditions have begun to change.

Many of these changes were unexpected and initially involved little to no student representation in the administration team’s process of decision making.

Student representatives are individuals that students choose to facilitate events in the building that pertain to the student body as a whole.

Senior Class President Allison Smith loves being behind the scenes of class events and making them seem effortless. Unfortunately, she does not believe that she and her fellow officers are always taken seriously by administration.

She stated, “I feel that class officers are viewed as event planners.”

From Superintendent Mr. Benjamin Halsey’s perspective, the responsibility of the student representatives lies solely in facilitation of events within the buildings. If necessary, these students are asked to give their opinion on issues when the Board of Education feels that student input is necessary.

Halsey stated, “As a Superintendent, my connection to the building level student representatives is almost non-existent. My role is to guide the district from the ‘big picture’ viewpoint. The student representatives’ interaction should be with their peers, the advisers, and the building principal.”

Principal Ms. Erin Noto is indeed much more open and flexible in regard to speaking with student representatives upon their request. However, according to Noto, these elected officials are not the only voices that matter.

Noto stated, “Any student has the opportunity to come and see me at any time to talk about anything that’s bothering them. It’s important to me that I know what’s going on in the school, that I know students, and that I know about their concerns, but if they don’t come and tell me and speak to me in an adult-like manner, I can’t help or make things better.”

Typically during the Spirit Week held in late September through early October, the senior class breaks away from the themes followed by the underclassmen for each day and comes up with their own. Some past examples include Toga Tuesday, Walk of Shame Wednesday, and Nerds Day Thursday. However, as a result of the inappropriate actions of last year’s graduating class in the eyes of administrators, the senior class was not allowed to participate in this time-honored tradition.

Senior Zach Smolinski stated, “I don’t recall administration saying they’ll do anything if people tried to make this tradition happen, but I do recall that at the first meeting of National Honor Society being told that if any of the members are caught participating in Senior Spirit Week, then they’ll be promptly removed from the organization and I think that was enough of an intimidation factor that the people who would have headed the tradition didn’t do anything and without leaders, it was bound to fail.”

Later this school year, many teachers complained that they were unable to find a parking spot in the Liberty Street lot and thus were unable to be on time for work. In most districts, Board of Education policies dictate student parking and currently there is no organized policy in place and parking is on a firstcome first-served basis.

Noto believes that parking is so limited in this area primarily because of the logistics of how the school is set up with proximity to Frederick Leighton Elementary School. When concerns arose over this limited parking, the administration team began to

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enforce the precedent of the three rows of student parking beginning with announcements and messages and later warning tickets threatening to tow students’ cars.

Smolinski stated, “Instead of easing into it, the whole thing came down like an iron fist and that can be very off-putting and it doesn’t make us as students want to warm up to the idea. It was also very biased towards the teachers. It’s their job as an educator to be at school before students to offer assistance or at the very least, come off as professional.”

After administration enforced the three row rule, they reassessed the situation and extended student parking an additional two rows. Noto plans to gather a committee consisting of both administration and student representatives in order to determine how parking will be handled in the following school year.

In March, rumors began to arise regarding the popular and time-honored tradition of Senior Superlatives. These rumors were all over the place as far as exactly which superlatives were being cut, how many, the reason for doing so, and who made the decision.

After persuasion from the Board of Education, Noto asked to view the list of Senior Superlatives that were awarded last year and then the team of administrators went through the list together and removed some that may be interpreted as negative or offensive.

Noto said, “Ten years down the road, you don’t want to look back and say, ‘Wow… My classmates thought that I was going to be the one on the Jerry Springer Show. Some people have the fortitude to handle that kind of review by their peers, but some people don’t. I just want the students to be seen in a positive light because so many positive students go to school here.”

Many students, however, believe that Senior Superlatives are all in good fun and a high school staple. Some have even gone as far as to email Halsey in order to express their opinion on the issue, but these individuals were generally only rewarded with a polite but generic response according to Smolinski.

According to Halsey, our high school is sitting in a critical time period with a new change in leadership in the building and with the changes in education in New York moving at the fastest pace in history. He believes that it is important to find and maintain the balance between tradition and time-honored activities, instruction, and student experience.

Noto said, “If you have concerns, come see me.

I’m not here to make your experience miserable, I’m here to make sure you get a quality education and to make sure that your high school experience is a good thing. However, at the same time, there have to be rules, there has to be structure, and there have to be consequences for negative behavior so that the students who want to be here and get a quality education have the opportunity to do so.”

Noto would also like students to know that she has taken the student petition regarding the use of cell phones in lunch and study halls seriously and plans to gather a committee including student representatives to discuss updating the current cell phone policy for the upcoming school year.

Whether or not the issues discussed above were handled appropriately or not, it is easy to see that our school is disjointed between administration and students and that rift must stop getting larger in order to maintain a happy school environment.

Smolinski stated, “I believe that the focus of administration may be misplaced just a little bit. With the constant fights breaking out in hallways, inappropriate conduct between students, and our not so impressive graduation rate, I find it surprising that they want to spend so much effort on student parking and superlatives, which, in my opinion, are petty issues in comparison.” www.buccaneerbulletin.com

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What’s Your Opinion?

“Do you think students are represented well in the school?”

Alex Johnson Senior

“Yes, because we have a student body president that talks to people enough and we have a student that goes to board meetings and voices opinions.”

Amber Cavellier Junior

“Students aren’t well represented. I mean they don’t have much say in what rules are made for the school.”

Nathaniel Ahart Sophomore

“Not really, especially with what just happened with the superlative issue.

I feel like we should have more freedom”

Emily Bradshaw Freshman

“No, I feel like people don’t listen to what we have to say.

They’re just like ‘yeah, yeah, whatever.’”

Mr. Ed Stacy

Social Studies Teacher

“The school has in place methods for you to be well represented and for any important decisions there are usually student representatives on committees.”

Ms. Julia Beaumont Substitute Teacher

“There could be more of an avenue for students to express their feelings. Students do not feel that they can talk to administration.”

May 2015

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Features

Teachers challenged by Governor Cuomo’s changes

By Elizabeth Sincavage Chief Photographer

Governor Andrew Cuomo wishes to make several changes in the field of education, which many government officials, teachers, parents, and students find unfair to all involved.

Money is one of the few things making people consider the reforms a good idea. A 1.1 billion dollar increase in aid given to New York State schools is on the line, but only if Cuomo’s ideas are accepted.

Cuomo has not released the aid for each school causing problems for districts trying to create their budgets for the 2015-2016 school year.

With these changes, it would take longer for a teacher to become tenured.

Teachers would have to show they can teach effectively for five years compared to the current three years.

It would also raise the percentage that student state test performance counts towards teacher evaluations from 20 percent to 50 percent. The other 50 percent of the evaluation would be from an in class observation.

The observations would be scored by someone outside of the school. Teacher evaluations would become harder to pass altogether.

Teachers would also be held to higher standards when it comes to their backgrounds. Any teachers that have been accused of sexual or physical abuse would have to be cleared or suspended with no pay.

Despite what the new “rules” involve, teachers who are doing a good job could possibly receive bonuses.

Another aspect Cuomo’s proposals include increasing the number of

charter schools in New York State from 460 to 560. A charter school is a school which receives funding from the government but is not affiliated with a public school district.

Students who attend a school that is considered unsuccessful or failing would be given a priority when applying to a charter school. Cuomo feels the number of charter schools either needs to rise or they must be eliminated altogether.

Many people feel charter schools are a PHOTO BY ELIZABETH SINCAVAGE waste of financial aid.

Mr. Noun gives every students who walks through the door of the Assisted Learning Center Many teachers the opportunity and skills to become a better learner in a comfortable environment. feel his new reforms considered failing in New York State. of the fear and stress about passing will hurt public rigorous examinations. schools. They find it unfair that student Of these schools, 77 of them have been on this list for ten years or more.

Teachers now have to teach to scores will have a big impact on their the test, which does not allow them employment. Students have a lot going Failing schools receive more aid from the state than other schools. much creativity when it comes to their on in their lives. Preparing for college, Many teachers who teach lessons and activities. Teachers feel family problems, poverty, motivation, at “failing” schools believe that the rushed to make sure their students stress, and fatigue can cause a huge governor has no right to list the schools were taught all of the material they difference in test scores. These issues as failing as he has had no involvement need to earn at least passing score or are not a reflection of how well the with their classrooms. Teachers at a better. teachers are teaching their material. It public school in Wayne County are In the end, the numbers do not simply shows that students have other using social media to invite Cuomo show how much a student knows or distractions in their lives. into their classrooms to see for himself how much they were taught. These At OHS, many teachers are upset that they are not actually failing. numbers do not represent how well about Cuomo’s new ideas. When Many successful teachers will a teacher has done their job. These asked, many teachers refused to lose their jobs if Cuomo’s reforms are numbers should not make a school comment as they had no words about approved. New York has the potential take on the title of “failing.” These his new ideas. to drive away future teachers because numbers are simply just numbers.

There are 178 schools that are

Student privacy invaded at Texas elementary school “I was furious...I mean, I was furious,” Medina’s mother said, “If you can’t do your job or don’t know What goes on in Texas stays in Texas or so we what you’re doing, then you need to be fired. You thought until news concerning two dozen children shouldn’t be there.” in Gustine, Texas spread across the United States.

Other parents in Gustine, Texas were furious as Principal Alan Lucker and the girls’ basketball coach well with what the administrators had the students do. had 24 students lower their pants in order to determine Ken Baugh, Superintendent of Gustine Independent who left feces on the gym floor.

School District, said that educators and the officials Many people across the country now question had taken it too far. whether or not students’ privacy is really respected or “That’s not appropriate, and we do not condone not. that,” Baugh said.

A teacher from OHS who Baugh claimed that wished to remain anonymous students told to just drop “I think student privacy is respected but not by all and not their pantswere stated, “I think student privacy a little bit and not is respected but not by all and all the time, sometimes teachers talk about their students all the way down. Medina, not all the time, sometimes in the hall or in a room where others can here. I don’t think however, claims that this is teachers talk about their true, and that she and the they mean to but sometimes they discuss things that are not students in the hall or in a others had to drop their pants room where others can hear. I confidential and others could head if they tried to listen.” almost completely. Parents don’t think they mean to but feel that the amount their sometimes they discuss things children were told to expose that are confidential and others could overhear if they told I had to because all the kids had to,” Medina said. themselves was completely unacceptable. tried to listen.”

Medina’s mother explained that administrators There were further investigations about the feces On Monday, January 28, officials at the Gustine had been finding feces on the gym floor. She could found on the gym floor, and Baugh was hoping that Independent Elementary School district gathered not imagine the frustration but firmly believed that everything cleared up quickly. Parents had a meeting up 24 students, took boys into one room and girls partially stripping a group of students to find the demanding that someone be held responsible for these into another and forced them to undergo underwear culprit was inappropriate. actions.

By Hannah Cali Reporter

Buccaneer Bulletin

inspection in order to find out who was leaving feces on the gym floor.

Officials are unsure how long the feces was left there or how often it happened before they did something about it. Jason Wheeler, a news anchorman, traveled from Fort Worth to Gustine to figure out what was going on.

According to an interview from USA Today, Wheeler spoke to 11-year-old Eliza Medina. “I felt uncomfortable, and I didn’t want to do it, I felt like it violated my privacy. I said I didn’t want to but I was

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May 2015

Features

5

Former English teacher publishes his memories

By Amber Canbek Alumni Editor

Mike McCrobie is a well-rounded Oswegonian.

He was born and raised in Oswego, taught for 30 years at OHS, currently coaches softball and JV tennis, is a chronicler of the Oswego glory days, and is now an author of a book.

Our Oswego: Memories of Growing Up and Growing Old in the Port City of Central New York is a collection of over 40 columns that McCrobie wrote for the Palladium-Times and can be bought locally at the River’s End Bookstore or through Amazon. It was published October 22nd of last year.

McCrobie’s columns are based on his nostalgia for 1960s and 70s Oswego. McCrobie grew up in a time when kids would get together and play sandlot baseball during the summer until the streetlights turned off, a time forts and race cars were built, and a time that was filled with S&H green stamps and smoking. The playgrounds were more dangerous and the snowball fights in the winter were rowdier and more frequent.

McCrobie got the idea to publish his favorite columns in a book when an anonymous reader of his columns called him and expressed appreciation for his columns. At the end of the long voicemail, the caller stated that he should write a book. And so he did.

“I walked away from the answering machine and just thought, why not?” McCrobie said.

The memories in McCrobie’s book can be relatable to not only those who grew up in Oswego during the 60s and 70s but other towns as well.

Corner stores and Charles Chips were found in almost every American small town and the connection between those small but memorable things is what makes Our Oswego popular and easy to read.

Before he began writing for the Palladium-Times, McCrobie worked at OHS as an English teacher and Buccaneer Bulletin adviser. In the classroom, McCrobie was loved by his students and those who had him knew that he really cared about teaching.

Garrett Skinner, an OHS alumnus and one of McCrobie’s former students stated, “He was a truly great English teacher who still believes in teaching grammar and spelling. He enjoyed teaching and cared about his students, who benefited greatly from his time in the classroom.”

At OHS McCrobie was known as fair and hard-working. Sophomore, Haley Baker, one of McCrobie’s former tennis players stated, “He’s dedicated and committed to everything he does, including coaching and writing. He never gives anything less than his best and expects the best from his players.”

McCrobie started coaching the girls JV tennis team in the fall of 2012. He went in not knowing much about the sport itself, but he gave it his all and it showed. Kelly Skinner, a junior, commented, “I’ve never had Mr. McCrobie as a coach personally, but from being on the varsity tennis team and being able to watch the JV team over the course of a season, I can tell he puts a lot of effort into his coaching. He takes girls who barely know how to play tennis and teaches them the fundamentals that will prove vital at the varsity level. His ability to coach a sport that

he knows little about and do it well showcases his versatility.”

His popularity as a coach was clear at a book signing that was held at River’s End Bookstore in November as both baby-boomers and his players showed up to celebrate their coach.

When he came in to OHS to talk about his writing technique with The Buccaneer Bulletin staff on November 25 he said that one of his favorite memories of Oswego was that of the old Oswego Sub Shop pay phone. It sat on the corner opposite of the Oswego Sub Shop and almost everyone at OHS knew the number to that pay phone. On Friday nights a line would form so people could pick up the phone when it rang. Those on the other end would call to see where parties were, to catch rides, or just to see what was going on. The story of the old payphone is one of the many interesting stories of old Oswego.

The stories are accompanied by “Dick and Jane” styled illustrations by Mrs. Melissa Francisco Martin, an art teacher here at OHS. “I couldn’t have asked for a better collaboration or somebody that was so easy to work with,” McCrobie stated.

The book was self-published and is currently being sold for $14.95. Any OHS student could connect to the book and have an idea of what Oswego was like in the past with McCrobie’s descriptions.

Students in Oswego can identify Breitbeck and the local ice cream shops McCrobie mentions in his book.

In the acknowledgments, McCrobie stated, “Our Oswego really has been a great place to live.” Indeed it is.

Freezing Code reigns in the world of VEX robotics

By Lisa Kanbur Webmaster

Jordan Tryon, Lydia Tryon, Jeremy Braiman, Jordan Runner, Matthew Bates, Adam Humphrey, and Mike Beckwith, otherwise known as VEX Team Freezing Code, are a robotics engineering team who compete in regional, national, and international competitions. They are coached by Daniel Tryon, a professor at SUNYOswego, and Dr. Marc Humphrey, a local physician.

The meaning behind the team name, Freezing Code, is related to Oswego.

Freezing represents what state Oswego was in at the time the team was formed and coding is a major part of robotics.

“The name Freezing Code itself is ironic because if your code freezes, well, that means it didn’t work,” said Beckwith.

To write a code for a robot means to write a series of commands in a computer language that the robot is able to process and complete. However, there are many more things that go into making the robot functional. It needs to be designed and built. The documentation needs to be maintained, and there is a great deal of fundraising that goes into the team’s ability to travel in order to compete.

Beckwith has participated in VEX since the beginning of his freshman year of high school. He has many years of

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computer programming experience and is the head programmer of the team. He types the code for the robot so it can interact with the team.

Braiman is also a second year Freezing Code member with five years of robotic experience and helps with the building and designing of the robot. Humphrey is a second year team member with quite a few years of robotic experience. Runner has been on the team for two years with a few years of robotic experience and interest.

He helps with the process of designing sketches for the robot and coming up with ideas for it through brainstorming and is also one of the robot builders.

Tryon is a second year member with six years of robotic experience. He helps in almost all areas of the team. He helps with the design process by making sketches and drawing in 3D. Lydia Tryon is also a second year member with two years of robotic experience. She keeps track of everything that happens at meetings, including dates, attendance, and pictures to document the achievements of the team. She is also one of the two drivers who control the actions of the robot on the field during competitions.

The team has received many awards throughout the 2013-2014 season and the 2014-2015 season. They include a design award, excellence awards, skills challenge winner, and various

tournament champion awards at state and regional competitions. At the world championship competition last year in Anaheim, California, the team placed 49 overall and also took home awards for their programming skills. The team participated in more competitions during the 2014-2015 season and received more tournament championships, design awards, and programming skills awards.

The VEX World Championship is a huge event each year. This year, was held in Louisville, Kentucky on April 15. The team hoped to earn awards at this competition as well.

“Last year’s world championships was an amazing experience. Over 30 different countries were represented by the teams there. Because last year was our first year, we weren’t sure if it was just luck that we got to worlds, but now that we are going again, it is nice to know we are doing something right,” said Beckwith.

To qualify for worlds, a team must win the state tournament or receive an excellence award at the state level. This year, New York State’s competition was held at Onondaga Community College where the team received a design award, a programming skills award, and the tournament champion award.

Of course, these awards do not come without practice and modification to the robot. Every time the team meets, they make changes to the bot. The

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official scheduled meetings are every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:30. Beckwith said the team usually spends longer than planned or meet on entirely different days along with the Wednesday and Sunday meetings.

As for the robot, the team started building their current robot last year in April, right after the world competition in California. It took several months to build, then the next several months were spent fine tuning and practicing with it. To program the robot, Beckwith uses a computer language called C, with special libraries made for the VEX robot microcontroller made by a company called RoboMatter.

Beckwith’s favorite memory related to VEX is the moment the team won first at their state competition in their first year. “Everyone was so happy and tears were falling. We put so much into our first bot and it paid off,” Beckwith said.

In the future, Beckwith plans to major in computer science or electrical engineering, so the experiences with VEX will help him greatly.

“This is real world experience.

This is actually how you build a robot, you have a team, each person with special skillset’s and a passion. In terms of engineering and programming, experience is key to getting a job,” Beckwith said.

May 2015

6

Features

Piercing prejudice and tattoo taboo plagues jobs

By Hannah Griffin Managing Editor

In an ever-changing society,what is considered socially acceptable is constantly changing. A “traditional” American family no longer means a mother, father and a couple of bouncing babies.

Women do not stay in the kitchen, and stay-at-home dads are more and more common. Sure, kids still play outside, but you can bet their phone is in their hand. Despite the ongoing debate about whether or not these changes are beneficial to our society, they still happen and the world accepts that.

So why, then, are people told to cover their tattoos and take out their piercings when searching for a job? In a world so progressive, so accepting, why do we still judge people based on appearances?

In a recent survey, 40 percent of people from the ages 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo, according to www. salary.com. The article stated that despite the expectation that people should be judged on their character and not their outward appearance, the struggle of getting a job while having a tattoo will not change. In fact, 76 percent of employees say having tattoos or piercings hurt chances of landing a job according to the website www.stapaw.com.

But if such a large percentage of people in that age group, an age group that includes a fresh batch of potential employees straight out of college, have tattoos, then isn’t it time that the working world’s view of what makes a “good worker” adapt to these people?

We, as humans, naturally want to be different because we are essentially the same. We all have the same basic structure and so we feel the need to customize and personalize our bodies in order to distinguish ourselves. We want to feel special, we want to feel unique. We cut and dye our hair, we choose what clothes to wear, we wear make-up, we work out. Why should a tattoo or piercing be any different?

Where is the shame in decorating your body?

Tattooing is a form of art. In fact, professionals who give tattoos are called “tattoo artists.” Just by watching any of the many tattoo reality shows such as Ink’d, Ink Master, Tattoo Nightmares, you can see just how difficult and exquisite this practice truly is. By shaming someone because of the design on their skin, you are essentially shaming the artist who created it.

People have tattoos for many reasons and it would be ridiculous to pretend they all have some deep, profound meaning. There is no doubt that some tattoos are the result of a drunken college night. There are many cases, however, where a person will get a tattoo related to a loved one

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who has passed. To tell that person that their tattoo is indecent and that they are not professional because of it is an insult to the deceased and is disrespectful.

OHS senior Jaielle Litchison recently got a tattoo with a deep, personal meaning.

She said, “My tattoo means a lot to me. My grandfather passed away this February and it was kind of a wake up call to me. He was one of the most important people in my life and one of my biggest supporters.

That may sound cliché but it’s true, he always told me how I was growing up to be such a smart young woman and that I got my brains from him. My grandpa was one of the smartest guys I knew and one of his favorite hobbies was playing music and writing. One night I was really upset and missing him so I asked my older cousin Kath if she could send me some of his poems. Of course when I read them I cried, especially the ones about his childhood at his grandparents’ farm.

But one line really stuck out to me: ‘So clear your mind, even make it your duty to seek out the many things that have beauty.’ I’ve wanted a tattoo for so long and I really fell in love with that saying so that’s why I chose it.”

Seeing a tattoo on a person is very personal because you can learn a great deal about someone based on their tattoos. It is a permanent inking on their skin so it is safe to bet that most of the time it means something to them, and whether that meaning is deep or not, it is still an important insight into who that person is. How is it anyone’s business to say this is inappropriate? Who is anyone to say they are offended by a tattoo?

Piercings are just the same. While a piercing cannot necessarily carry the emotional meaning a tattoo does, they are still a way of expressing oneself.

They are a form of creativity that can add beauty to a human being, but most of all, they can make people feel beautiful.

Just because an employer does not personally like the idea of putting holes in their body that does not give them the right to say someone else cannot. According to www.stapaw. com, the second most popular piercing for women is their nostril. A piercing of this kind is not easily covered, yet many workplaces consider it indecent.

The woman is then forced to either take out their piercing, resulting in it closing up or not take the job. If so many women in our population have their nose pierced, then shouldn’t the rules bend to accommodate the majority? Similarly, also according to www.stapaw.com, the second most popular piercing for men is the eyebrow.

STAPAW, an acronym for Support Tattoos and Piercings at Work, is an

organization whose goal is to stop discrimination against people with tattoos and piercings in the workplace.

Their slogan is “My body is not my resume.”

What a person chooses to do with their body is their own decision. They should not be pressured to take out their nose ring for fear of not being taken seriously.

Not all occupations are judgmental

themselves or what they put on or through their skin shouldn’t be seen as offensive to others.”

Success is only truly achieved when a person can be 100 percent happy. If someone is forced to change their appearance for their job, are they as happy as they could be?

Some people opt to get tattoos in places that cannot be seen while wearing work attire.

Litchison said, “In the future I hope to be working with animals and either be a wildlife rehabilitator or an animal caretaker. I don’t think my tattoo would affect my chance at getting a job because it’s hidden and any future tattoos I plan on getting are also in hidden places. I think that tattoos and piercings are becoming more and more a part of modern day culture as well as being expected. People shouldn’t judge someone’s professional level based on their tattoos and piercings. Yes, some can be a bit extreme, but honestly, if you were in a horrible, deadly accident and the doctor performing PHOTO BY HANNAH GRIFFIN surgery on you had a full Senior McKenna Bahner, pictured above, sleeve as well as pierced studies to become a cosmetologist. Bahner ears, would you tell him has her nose, septum, tragus and cartilage you’d rather die? I don’t pierced as well as plugs. think so. I personally have of piercings and tattoos. Typically, a few piercings and I wouldn’t want it is jobs that are considered more someone to assume that I didn’t have a “professional” that have a problem professional level of skill just based on with it such as teachers, secretaries, something physical.” businessmen and women, and lawyers.

One student, who will remain Jobs like cosmetologists, musicians, anonymous, experienced prejudice in artists, and laborers tend to be more the workplace not only because he had lenient toward tattoos and piercings. his ears pierced but because he was a McKenna Bahner, OHS senior male with pierced ears. said, “I would say the profession I “When I got the job at the am pursuing, which is cosmetology, restaurant I work at I was told to take is very accepting to all forms of out my earrings even though all the individuality.” female staff could wear whatever kind These jobs sometimes are looked of earrings they wanted. It made me down upon in the professional world mad because I knew my boss was perhaps because a college degree is not being sexist.” necessarily needed to obtain a job in Men are often stereotyped as being these fields. But the question remains, girly if they have their ears pierced what is more important? The fact and by prohibiting men from wearing that the group of people in the first earrings at work while allowing category are educated yet may not be women to wear them, employers are as accepting or that the second group only encouraging the stereotype that may lack a higher level education it is not acceptable for men to have but accept people regardless of their pierced ears. appearance?

Overall, people should be judged “I know that if I personally walked by their character, morals, and values. into a workplace and a worker had What is on the inside is what counts; tattoos or piercings I would not be that is something we are taught from offended or think that individual a very young age. It is time that we was unprofessional. I would simply start practicing what we preach and think they were allowed to express welcome those who are different with themselves in their line of work,” open arms. People should be proud of Bahner stated. “I personally believe their art and of their creativity for it is that the way someone likes to express an extension of who they are.

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May 2015

Point/Counter-Point

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Should parents provide their kids with alcohol?

When parents let teens drink, it leads to a loss of respect for the authority of the law.

Taking away the booze taboo can help teach teens about responsible drinking habits.

By Courtney Osmun

By Olivia DeLorenzo

Business Manager

Art Director

With prom season in the air, the issue of underage drinking is in the spotlight. Oswego In the state of New York, it is legal for minors to consume alcohol on High School’s annual Mock DWI allows students to live one of the many horrors that can “private, non-alcohol selling premises, with parental consent.” according to the be a result of underage drinking.

New York State law code. In other words, minors can drink at home with explicit The Mock DWI features a scene of the horrifying outcome of students drinking after the prom,which results in death, multiple injuries, and a trial that can ruin the lives of those permission from the minor’s parents or guardians. The practice of providing teens with alcohol in the home is becoming more and more common nowadays, and it sentenced. The scene also features the all too real circumstance of notifying the parents of the deceased and of the students convicted. can be helpful in teaching and reinforcing positive drinking habits.

OHS health teacher and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) club adviser A 2013 study by Monitoring the Future suggested that 68 percent of high Mrs. Emily Szatanek hopes kids learn from the scene presented at the Mock DWI. school seniors had consumed alcohol. Exposure to drinking in high school “I hope they realize that one decision in one split second can affect everybody, and it happens whether teens choose to give in to peer pressure or not. High school can happen to anyone,” stated Szatanek. students have plenty of opportunities to participate in underage drinking, and As OHS students watch the scene in tears, it is hard to believe the statistics of students who have partaken in underage drinking. According to the National Institute on Alcohol failing to educate them about positive drinking habits could lead to dangerous Abuse and Alcoholism, by age 15, 50 percent of teens have had at least one drink, and habits such as binge drinking and drunk driving. By teaching teens that alcohol by age 18, 70 percent of teens have had at least one drink. These statistics are frightening is the forbidden fruit, it could cause them to want it even more. They may choose since 5000 people under age 21 die each year from alcohol related car crashes, alcohol to binge drink when they finally are exposed to it at a party or in a similar social poisoning, homicides, suicides, and other injuries. In 2008, more than 190,000 people situation. under 21 visited an emergency room for alcohol related injuries.

How are so many young adults acquiring alcohol? After all, the drinking age is 21.

When parents choose to give their children alcohol and allow them to drink Many wish to believe they are getting it themselves but fake ID’s are becoming cheesier by to the point of intoxication, it encourages unhealthy habits and is considered the day. 55.3 percent of underage drinkers admitted to obtaining alcohol at someone else’s abuse. Parties where parents provide their children’s friends with drinks to the home while 29.9 percent admitted to getting alcohol from their home. One out of 13 kids point of drunkenness are highly irresponsible, and more importantly, definitely between ages 12 and 20 get alcohol from a social host according to socialhostlaw.com. illegal. Events like these give the idea of parents providing their kids with alcohol Social hosting is the act of an adult who hosts parties where alcohol is provided for minors on a property which they control. According to social host liability laws, adults a bad connotation that is not necessarily always deserved. are responsible for these parties where underage kids are served even if they were not In a positive setting and in small amounts, parents giving alcohol to their necessarily the one to provide the alcohol. Although letting a minor drink a drink or two teens yields positive results. A glass of wine at family dinner, for example, seems harmless, it can harshly affect both the minor and the social host. encourages positive habits such as drinking in moderation accompanied with food Many parents believe that supplying alcohol for their children and consumption and discourages binge drinking. Instilling these children’s friends under their supervision provides a safe environment and healthier attitude about drinking, but this could not be further from the habits and making sure they stick will enforce truth. According to drugfree.org, kids who were supplied alcohol from good habits when teens reach the legal drinking parents as a teen are at a higher risk of continuing underage drinking and age of 21. By removing the taboo of underage having drinking problems later in life. Minors who are provided alcohol drinking, it often stops teens from feeling like by adults are encouraged to partake in an illegal activity. It also leads teens they need to take every opportunity to get to believe that substance abuse is acceptable behavior.

Parents should know that the kids are not the only ones affected drunk at parties or with friends. by social hosting. Most states have enacted social host liability laws In many foreign nations, the drinking holding social hosts accountable for supplying kids with alcohol and age is significantly lower than in the the dangerous outcomes that follow. Oklahoma recently enacted United States. Most countries allow “Cody’s Law” named after Cody Greenhaw who died from teens to consume alcohol at age 18, the an alcohol and drug overdose in a social host situation. Under Cody’s Law, social hosts can be charged with a misdemeanor same age that US citizens are considered and up to $500 worth of fines. legal adults who can vote, get married, Bill Burnett, a Stanford University professor, was arrested on and join the military. In other places, the drinking 44 counts of contributing to the delinquency of minors over a party age is significantly lower; it is 16 in Italy and thrown by his teen son according to www.findlaw.com. Burnett and Belgium. Some, like Morocco and Norway, his wife claimed they were unaware of alcohol being provided at have no drinking age at all. While the drinking the party in their basement. Burnett did not supply the alcohol as age was initially raised to lower the amount of the teenagers brought it to the party hosted in his home but he was alcohol-related deaths, the US still has more still held liable under social host laws. He received a charge for deaths yearly than many countries with a lower each of the 44 minors who attended the party. Each charge included drinking age, according to the World Health a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail.

Organization. When compared to other causes of All states have a different approach to social host laws. Www. death, our alcohol-related mortality rate tops the socialhost.drugfree.org, supplies an interactive map listing the social UK/Ireland where the legal drinking age is 18, host laws in each state so parents can be aware of the consequences Italy which is 16, and Spain, also 18, to name just in their state. Studies have proven that teens are less likely to drink in a few. states with strict social host laws.

Most, if not all, high school students are An interesting statistic that many studies have proven is that parents going to be exposed to alcohol at some point. who are heavy drinkers are two times more likely to have kids who abuse Whether they choose to drink or not is irrelevant. alcohol. It is also interesting to note that more than 90 percent of people If the opportunities exist, it is incredibly important with addiction began smoking, drinking or using other drugs before age 18. for parents to teach and reinforce healthy habits. When SADD club advisor Szatanek also stated that social hosting is only left without guidance, a teen may make dangerous choices enabling kids to drink and make poor decisions and believes there is a limit with alcohol. Mixing alcohol and drugs and drunk driving for a reason. are major problems that are often caused by lack of Many believe the drinking age of 21 is unnecessary. People 18 knowledge on just exactly what the consequences of years of age are considered adults and can vote and serve for their alcohol abuse are. country but are unable to drink alcohol. However, the fact of the When teens fully understand the importance matter is since the age was raised to 21, drunk driving crashes have PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ELIZABETH SINCAVAGE of responsible drinking, it encourages positive decreased among young Americans. The percentage of health threats behavior when they finally reach legal drinking associated with heavy drinking, including unsafe sex, suicide, and age. When in a situation surrounded by peers encouraging irresponsible choices dating violence have also been reduced according to Health Day. such as binge drinking, it is easy to make poor choices. In an environment in It is important for parents to be an authoritative figure for their children and avoid trying to be their friend in issues as controversial as underage drinking. Children need to be which positive choices are reinforced by the parents, youth are able to learn the importance of good habits, which they will remember and practice when they can told that a law is written to be followed and respected, not to be changed for their benefit. legally drink.

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May 2015

Summer

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The Lake

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On those few perfect summer days that we get here in Oswego, it is a challenge to find an equally perfect way to spend the day.

Two of the most popular summer spots are the lighthouse and Flat Rock.

Many go to the lighthouse to walk the breakwall and just sit back to enjoy the breeze coming off the lake. If you are feeling a little more adventurous you could even jump into the harbor to cool off and swim around.

Either way, walking out to the lighthouse along the breakwall is something everyone from Oswego should be able to say they have done.

If going for a walk is not your ideal summer day, then checking out Flat Rock down by the college is a more relaxing activity. Flat Rock is a great place for getting together with friends and family. You can lounge around enjoying the sun or jump into the lake and enjoy the water. No matter what you choose to do Flat Rock is a great little spot in Oswego that a lot of people tend to overlook during the summer.

So remember to keep these spots in mind over the summer when boredom strikes and the weather is just too nice to stay inside.

Sunsets

Sunsets are one of the most beautiful things that appear in our everyday life. The sun goes down painting the sky into all the different colors. Oswego is famous for its sunsets and one of the best places to watch it is near Lake Ontario.

They are gorgeous in general, but Oswego has one of the best ones ever,” said sophomore Maddi Plyler. Plyler takes a lot of pictures of sunsets, as almost everyone in Oswego has at least once.

“They are the only good thing about Oswego,” said senior Allison Smith.

One of the things that makes sunsets so special here is Lake Ontario. “When I was a little girl, my father and I were skipping rocks. We were watching sunsets and I was asking him if he can skip it all the way through Ontario and hit the sun. He answered, that it was a big target,” said Oswego High School English teacher Patricia Kuhl. The waters of Lake Ontario stretch as far as you can see, and when the sunset appears you can see all the colors of the sky in the water.

“Sunsets are really pretty. It is awesome how they reflect in the lake,” said sophomore Matt Olszewski.

There is a belief that sunsets in Oswego are second most beautiful in the world, and if you have seen it at least one, you would totally believe it.

Oswego Speedway On some late and quiet summer nights, one can hear the soft roar of engines as far out as Mexico. The residents of Oswego are quite familiar with the sound of the Oswego Speedway located at 300 East Albany Street. The Speedway had humble beginnings when it first opened in August, 1951 and this summer will be celebrating its 65th anniversary.

The Speedway has contributed a lot through the years to Oswego not only economically but to the community’s culture as well. It is an active historical site that Oswego is proud of. Heading to the tracks for the different events being held is a common tradition among many in upstate NY as people come to Oswego and camp out for Classic Weekend.

The Speedway is an area of not only racing but different celebrations, specifically the activities that are held Harborfest weekend and the 4th of July. Various bands come to perform and there are spectacular firework shows.

This season’s opener will be held on May 9. The tracks open at 11:30 a.m. and the heat begins at 5:00 p.m. Tickets for admission usually cost 16 dollars and races are usually held on Saturday nights. More information can be found on the Speedway’s website, www.oswegospeedway.com.

Head down to the Speedway this summer and bring friends, family, and don’t forget a good pair of ear plugs!

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Canale’s

Are you eve in the mood for some Italian cuisine and grea music? Luckily, there’s no need to go any furthe than right here i Oswego.

Canale’s Restaurant, a family owned Italian restaurant, has a summer concert series featuring local band called the Stella Summer Concert Series. When the weather gets warmer, the courtyard portion of the restaurant will open which is where the concerts are held.

Bands typically play every Thursday and some Sundays. The courtyard, a relatively new addition to the restaurant, is decorated beautifully with twinkling lights, a waterfall, and a full bar.

Some regular performers include Double V’s featuring Paul Vandish and OHS alum John “Valcher” Bletch, The Lisa Lee Trio, Sam Domicolo, The Domicolo-Barlow Band and Cameron Caruso, another OHS alum who sometimes brings along junior Kyle Osmun and senior Matt Spaulding.

While most high schoolers claim fine dining is too expensive for their budgets you will find Canale’s to be affordable for the most part, and besides, it’s good to splurge every now and then!

Midway

At dusk, cars line up in front of the giant screen at the Midway Drive-In Theatre waiting for the triple feature to begin. The Midway has been open for 66 years and was first established in the summer of 1948 It was built by Ruben and Irving Canter and was sold to the current owner, John Nagelschmidt, in 1987.

The Midway screams nostalgia with its old fashioned speakers and advertisements. Visitors of th Midway are taken back in time when drive-ins were abundant and a common pastime. Unfortunately, drive-ins like the Midway dwindle away with every passing year and become more uncommon. Many locals feared the Midway would not reopen last summer when the screen was destroyed in a rainstorm When news of the destroyed screen spread, man locals and Midway Drive-In fans were devastated.

Many fans logged on to Facebook offering help in an way they could hoping to restore the drive-in where they had so many fond memories. With the help of donations and many fundraising efforts, a screen was restored at the Midway in the late summer of 2014.

The Midway Drive-In is a hotspot for locals and drive-in movie lovers alike. The Midway shows a triple feature each weekend and also has features on select nights of the week. Admission for adults is eigh dollars, kids ages 7-11 cost three dollars, and children six and under are free.

Visit us on the web at www.b

Activities

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Rudy’s

Every year, we look forward to Rudy’s and Bev’s opening. For many, this is one of the first signs of spring.

Rudy’s is one of the most popular places to eat over the summer judging by the crowds there every night. It is the perfect place to go sit by the beautiful lake and enjoy a meal with friends or family. After eating and dodging all of the seagulls, many people can be found down by the water throwing and skipping rocks.

After eating at Rudy’s, many head down the road to Bev’s Dairy Treat to get ice cream. Most people will sit by the water and enjoy their frozen treats. It is also a great place to watch the sunset.

At Bev’s Dairy Treat, many customers can be found on the rocks behind the building or the picnic tables located near the parking lot. Popular treats here include ice cream cones topped with sprinkles, hot fudge sundaes, chocolate milkshakes, and flurries.

Although Rudy’s and Bev’s always seem to be busy it is always worth the wait. Great food with a breathtaking view is time well spent.

Parks

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Harborfest has been a staple of summer in Oswego since the late 1980’s. Each year around the end of July, the sights and smells of vendors, amusements, performers, and thousands of people fill the air by Lake Ontario. While the festival occasionally gets a bad rap due to the behavior of drunken college students, it is overall an incredible experience.

Harborfest is amazingly diverse with something for everyone. Parents can take their children to the Novelis Family Park for a constant stream of kid-friendly events, such as a marionette theater, bouncy castles, pony rides, and the annual Harborfest Children’s Musical.

For older attendees, there are dozens of vendors offering goods of all kinds, henna tattoo artists, and a variety of performers.

The food stands at Harborfest are diverse and plentiful, with classic fair eats like gyros, bloomin’ onions, hand-squeezed lemonade, and deep-fried everything. For many, Harborfest would not be the same without a greasy meal.

This summer’s performers are still to be decided, but last year’s performers included Kat Tale, Evan Riley Band, Mitty and the Followers, and the Oswego Valley Barbershop Chorus.

Of all of the things Harborfest has to offer, many consider the trademark firework show which closes off the weekend of festivities to be the most spectacular. The fireworks never cease to amaze audiences with dazzling designs which were voted “Best Local Fireworks” by Syracuse New Times readers in 2007. The show is arranged by the Grucci family, a well known fireworks company from Long Island.

Overall, Harborfest is more than a fun festival on the lake, it is a celebration of everything that makes Oswego great.

Harborfest is the largest event, taking place from July 23-26. The event will start with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals to open the 28th annual festival. The event will take place mostly in Breitbeck park while some tents and activities will also spread to East Park and other areas throughout the city.

There are going to be movie nights at East Park which include free popcorn, activities for kids, and the Oswego Bookmobile. June 24th will feature The Lego Movie, July 15th will be Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and Big Hero 6 will be showing on August 19th.

On June 20th, there will be the Tri-Oswego, a triathlon that begins at Wright’s Landing Marina near Breitbeck Park, where the award ceremony will take place following the event. There will be challenges such as sprinting, long distance running, kids’ fun run, and a aquathlon.

Oswego Paddlefest will be held on July 11th. Participants can travel the Oswego River in kayaks, and canoes. The event starts in Fulton/Minetto and ends at Wright’s Landing Marina in Oswego. There will be food and music at the end along with a raffle for a kayak.

The Oswego Bookmobile will be traveling around the city all summer giving away free books to anyone who is interested. It can be found at places such as East and West park, Breitbeck during Harborfest, Kingsford Park School, Oswego High School, and many other locations from July 6th to August 21st. For the complete schedule visit www.oswegobookmobile.org.

Rachel: The last paragraph does not have to be included but I got a request from the Oswego Bookmobile to have information about them in the newspaper.

y Drive-In

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Harborfest

Many OHS students visit the drive-in each summer. “I enjoy being able to watch a movie in the comfort of my own car without having to deal with anyone else,” stated senior Dylan Harrington.

Jacob Sweeney stated, “The Midway is a great place to go over the summer. I enjoy the nostalgic environment and the opportunity to hang out with friends and family.”

Each night at the Midway there is a free pizza drawing. The winning number is announced during intermission and receives a large pizza with their choice of toppings. The Midway also has a wide selection of food to purchase in the concession stand every night including hot dogs, burgers, Texas hots, subs, pizza, nachos, popcorn, and other such treats.

The shows start at dusk each night and the soundtrack is broadcast through 87.9 FM. The nostalgic speakers are located in the first six rows. The Midway can hold up to 600 cars a night.

The Midway provides a fun environment and unique experience for families and movie lovers.

The opening date for spring 2015 was May 1, but the Midway can still use your help for further restoration.

Go to the Midway Drive-In website to see how you can help the drive-in. Every penny is worth the experience at the Midway Drive-In Theatre located on Route 48 between Oswego and Fulton.

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Fort Ontario

Oswego’s famous Fort Ontario has been around since the late 1750s and had a plethora of uses then. Now, the Fort is used for tours related to the historic events that happened there.

There are many summer fun activities that happen there,including their Summer Youth program for ages eight to 16.

Running from July 9 to August 24, weekly sessions are offered with no extra fee if admission is paid May 7.

The Fort Pool offers swim lessons, and opens their pool from 12:00 to 8:30. Between 6:30 and 8:30 it is reserved for family swim during the week, and the pool is open from 12:00 to 4:00 on the weekends. The Fort also holds reenactments of the French and Indian Wars and the War of 1812. Baseball fields are used for games, and are available for public use.

People can also enjoy the lake nearby and fish or just sit by the water. There is also a railroad trail that people can walk on. There is also a cemetery commemorating some of the many lost soldiers.

Editor’s Note: Students contributing to the stories on these pages include Olivia DeLorenzo, Elizabeth Sincavage, Amber Canbek, Lisa Kanbur, Hannah Griffin, Hannah Cali, Mariya Hirna, Victoria Armet, Chase Pelton, and Courtney Osmun. The graphics were done by Mariya Hirna.

Fair Haven Beach

Fair Haven Beach State Park is a popular destination among many people from around central New York for many reasons. It features one of New York’s finest public lakefronts, other natural landmarks, such as the bluffs and has many activities available to the public.

Fair Haven Beach State Park has towering shoreline bluffs, sandy beaches, and adjoining hilly woodlands.

The beach encompasses a 1500 foot area with a 600 feet guarded swimming area in the lake.

Another swimming location is Sterling Pond and Creek, which is located between the woods and the lake.

There are a variety of activities to partake in at Fair Haven Beach State Park such as fishing and boating, which is also available in the adjoining Little Sodus Bay. Swimming, diving, biking, hiking, picnicking, and camping are activities that are quite popular during the summer months. The campgrounds and cabin areas can be seen in the wooded areas of the park, with a location just minutes away from the beach.

The park facilities include two sandy beaches separated by a diving channel with two diving boards. Row boats, paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks are available to rent for use on the inland Sterling Pond waterway.

There are three separate campgrounds with a 30 unit cabin colony and a ball field, hiking trail, picnic areas, and shelters are offered as attractions to patrons. The park also offers an 18 hole golf course.

Fair Haven Beach State Park makes for a unique and accommodating destination this summer!

May 2015

10

Artist of the Month

Triple threat hopes to pursue a life of performance

By Courtney Osmun Business Manager

Oswego High School dancer Taylor Hamer hopes to take on the streets of New York City after graduation.

Hamer began dancing at a young age and has been dancing for about 14 years. Her parents enrolled her in dancing because every time music was played she would jam to it. She continued dancing as she got older because she enjoyed the way it felt, and it was a good outlet for her extra energy.

Hamer stated, “Dancing is a way for me to feel and explore music in a way that musicians and composers can’t. It’s also a way to combine art and music into one thing by painting a physical picture of what I hear.”

Hamer’s favorite part about dancing is that it is always there.

“I don’t need any materials really. Even if I have no music, I can just imagine a tune in my head and dance with it,” stated Hamer.

Hamer began dancing at Kelly’s Dance Academy in Vermont. After moving to Oswego, she began dancing at Lisa’s Center of Dance and Artistry, which is now known as The Next Jennaration. She is currently dancing at the New York Institute of Dance and Education in Auburn.

On top of being an incredible dancer, Hamer is a talented choreographer.

Hamer spoke about choreographing, “It’s like taking a deep breath. Every good and bad thing that happened to me in the recent past is just released in a few movements.”

This past October, SUNY-Oswego Theatre and Music Department presented the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The college musical was choreographed by 16-year-old Hamer.

Hamer was nervous to take on this challenge even though she had years of dance experience.

“I had done numerous works prior to the show with the director, Jonel.

It was at a debriefing dinner for a show I was in during the summer, The Great Rope, that she had mentioned Rocky Horror and she had originally asked me to audition to be in the show. Then she remembered that the student who was going to do the job of choreography may not be available due to classes and asked me if I thought I was ready to do something like that. Of course I said yes, but I was very nervous,” stated Hamer.

Hamer said it was a terrifying and amazing experience to choreograph Rocky Horror. It was also interesting to be working with kids so much older than her.

“The people were so great but for the longest time they did not know how old I was. The age gap seemed a lot larger to me than it really was and I was terrified of losing respect if anyone found out.

Toward the end when everyone learned I was 16 they couldn’t believe it but said my actions gained their respect regardless of age,” stated Hamer.

Of all the amazing experiences and shows Hamer has done, her most rewarding experience is her current project of dancing for Julian Ross.

An Oswego resident, nine-year-old Ross has been battling stage four neuroblastoma for many years and his family recently found out his illness is terminal, but that has not stopped Ross from fighting.

When Hamer was

PHOTOS BY RACHAEL PURTELL AND PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY COURTNEY OSMUN

Buccaneer Bulletin

sitting in the studio waiting to go in for her college audition at American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) she was scrolling through her phone and came across a post from Julian’s Joust. Julian’s Joust is a Facebook page where people can follow Ross’ story of battling cancer.

“I had not been keeping up with the story much so I went to check the page. My heart went out to him and I really wanted to do something to help and the idea sort of came. I can dance, so why don’t I use that to try and make him and his family know how inspirational they truly are?”said Hamer.

Hamer recently met Julian in Philadelphia where he has been residing while receiving treatment.

“It was an experience I will not soon forget. When I got there and his mother introduced me, he kicked everyone out of the room so that it was just the two of us to talk,” said Hamer.

can teach you how to do better in the future while you’re still in school.

Once you graduate, you are still given the ability to use their resources such as their library of plays and music as well as their rehearsal space,” stated Hamer.

Hamer also is a talented singer and has been selected to sing in some of the top ensembles in the country. She was selected to sing in the Conference All State Choir along with students Matt Spaulding, Ryan Smith, Chris Van Gorder, Ana Alcasid, and Courtney Osmun.

The OHS students performed in the Conference All State ensembles in December at the Kodak Theater at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester.

“All State gave me the chance to sing with a large honor ensemble and meet some amazing people who had the same interests as I did,” said Hamer.

PHOTO COURTESY COURTNEY OSMUN

Pictured above is the 2014 NYSSMA All State Mixed Choir performing in the Kodak Theater in the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. OHS students Taylor Hamer, Matt Spaulding, Chris Van Gorder, Ryan Smith, and Courtney Osmun performed in this ensemble.

Hamer decided to do Julian’s dance at the school’s Junior Variety Show. She hoped people would be inspired by the dance and Julian’s story just as she was.

“I hope people realize that it’s never impossible to help someone.

Even if you can’t take away what is physically making them suffer, you can give them something that will make them smile and create some spark of hope to keep fighting,” stated Hamer.

Hamer hopes to go to AMDA in New York City for dance theatre and then hopes to possibly re-audition to be in the performing arts program with a focus on dance.

“I like the school because it is right in the city and has great opportunities such as going to the NYC campus for two years then going to the Los Angeles campus for the second two years. They also encourage you to go out and audition so that when you make mistakes, they

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Hamer also performed in the All Eastern Mixed Choir this April with OHS students Ryan Smith, Chris Van Gorder, and Courtney Osmun.

“At All Eastern it was the same concepts as All State including the ability to create connections with people that I know will last because many of us are going to college for something in the arts, therefore, we’ll be within an hour from each other for the next four years,” stated Hamer.

Hamer is also successful academically as a member of the top twenty-five of the senior class. Hamer is a member of the Drama Club and the Tech Crew. She also enjoys art and photography in her free time.

Hamer encourages upcoming freshman to enjoy what they do and prove wrong anyone who tries to stop them. She also encourages students to always smile.

Hamer has a life of success ahead of her and will dance her way through every open door.

May 2015

Walking the Plank

11

Kindess and caring defines senior Aaron Mabb

By Mariya Hirna Layout Editor

Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Aaron Mabb: Aaron W. Mabb BB: What grade are you in?

AM: I am a senior.

BB: Do you participate in any clubs?

AM: No. BB: What is your favorite food?

AM: I would say pumpkin pie.

BB: What is your favorite restaurant?

AM: Little Caesars.

BB: Have you travelled anywhere?

AM: Yes, I went to New York City and Miami, Florida.

I really liked there beaches there. I also want to go to Hollywood, because of its’ highways.

BB: What is your favorite movie or TV show?

AM: Criminal Minds, I like how the evil characters are revealed.

BB: What is your favorite color?

AM: Blue, because I like the color of the sky.

BB: What is your favorite animal?

AM: Cats. They are really cute looking and I like to play with them.

BB: Do you like high school? What is your favorite and least favorite thing about it?

AM: It’s alright. My favorite thing about it is the ability to talk to friends. I don’t like homework.

BB: Who is your best friend?

AM: Mark.

BB: What is your favorite subject?

AM: Gym. I like to play games and sports generally.

BB: Who is your favorite teacher?

AM: Mr. Mulverhill.

BB: What is your dream job?

AM: I am going to be a security guard. I want to keep people safe.

BB: What is your favorite style of music?

AM: Country.

BB: What inspires you?

AM: Drawings. They touch me inside.

BB: Who is your favorite artist?

AM: I am my favorite artist. Nobody understands my drawings better, than I do myself.

BB: What is your favorite season?

AM: Summer. I like the feeling of fresh air and clear sky, and I can just rest.

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

AM: I would fly, so I can be in the sky, like an eagle.

BB: What is your biggest fear?

AM: I am afraid of height.

I mean, I would go really high or low, but I am afraid to be somewhere in the middle.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA PFEIFER

Senior Jessica Pfeifer stated, “Aaron is one of the strongest, kind hearted, and most caring kids I’ve ever met. He stays optimistic through any challenge that is brought upon him and he is truly an inspiration to me and should be to everyone that gets to know him.”

BB: If you could pick only one thing to eat during the month, what would it be?

AM: Chicken. I like it and it has a lot of protein in it.

BB: Do you play any musical instruments?

AM: Not now. I used to play guitar two summers in a row, but I stopped, as I felt I need to concentrate on drawing and I didn’t have enough time for both.

BB: If you would have to lose one of your senses, what would you choose?

AM: I would lose touch.

I don’t really need to touch anything.

BB: Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert?

AM: I think I am extrovert. It is pretty easy for me to communicate with people.

BB: Which style of clothes do you prefer?

AM: Casual, I like clothes to be comfortable.

BB: Do you have any siblings?

AM: Yes, I have five siblings, three sisters and two brothers. I am the oldest one in the family.

BB: How do you get along with them?

AM: We argue sometimes, I think it’s because of our age differences.

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

AM: Not a lot of people know I am an artist. But it scares to me to show my drawings to a lot of people, as it is something personal.

BB: And what was your dream job when you were six?

AM: I wanted to be a policeman.

BB: What is your favorite holiday?

AM: Christmas. I think this is the best time of the year. Everybody is singing and praying.

BB: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

AM: I would change my hair; I don’t like my hair color.

I would maybe dye it one day.

BB: What was your best Christmas present?

AM: IPod. I really like to listen to the music.

Editor’s note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular questionand-answer feauture of the Buccaneer Bulletin. If you know a student or staff member who you would like to see walk the plank, contact Rachael Purtell at rpurtell@oswego.org. This edition of “Walking the Plank” was written by Mariya Hirna.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RACHAEL PURTELL

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May 2015

Columns

12

Columbia, shopping, Broadway, and more shopping

The lights of New York City shined brightly for the Oswego High School Paradox and Buccaneer Bulletin staff from March 17 through March 21. The students who went on the much anticipated trip were able to attend the 91st Annual Spring Convention of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).

The CSPA convention invited high school students and faculty from all around the world to come and learn how to enhance their publications, such as the yearbook, school newspaper, magazines, news productions, and online media. This year’s convention held 318 sessions for students taught by professional leaders who are well versed in different aspects of media.

Junior Elaina Rando stated, “My favorite part of the trip was being

able to take classes at one of the best colleges in the country with my friends. This year I learned new organization techniques and how to create an efficient staff. I took away lots of ideas and techniques for next year’s yearbook!”

The Paradox and The Buccaneer Bulletin staff not only had the chance to take classes at one of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. but were able to walk around and experience what the city has to offer first-hand when classes weren’t going on as well.

Kiana Senke, a junior on the yearbook staff stated, “My favorite part of the trip was meeting new people and being able to see different parts of the city you wouldn’t be able to see at home.”

Students also had the chance to attend a Broadway show, two of them being Jersey Boys and the classic, Chicago.

Between the saxophonist who played in front of the Alice in Wonderland tile mural at the subway stop on 50th Street and the center of Times Square, those on the NYC trip were able to thoroughly go into

the depths of the Big Apple and have an experience many students don’t receive in their high school career.

“I think students should definitely take the opportunity,” Senke stated. “It could be a once in a lifetime chance and it’s not something you would want to just pass up. I was able to learn new things I never knew that definitely will come in handy. As long as you put forth the effort in learning and listening, I can guarantee anyone would find a lot of it very useful.”

Students went to multiple classes and some of the favorite professors at the convention included Jake Palenske who pushed journalism students to widen their scope and become “a jack of all trades and a master of two.”

Teachers such as Violet Turner and Christian McEwen were more on the creative writing side when teaching students about how dreams, long walks and song lyrics can inspire stories.

Senior Paradox member Jaielle Litchison, said, “The programs at Columbia were amazing. I learned a lot of InDesign tips and tricks to not only help our yearbook, but our new literary magazine as well! I really enjoyed the teacher, Steve Kent. He

was hilarious and very enjoyable. It was also great to look at other books and get our critiqued. It gave us a lot of great help for next year’s book!”

Steve Kent received additional praise from yearbook staff member and junior Ciara Talamo.

“He taught us that when you want something you have to work hard to get there and real life isn’t fair so you have to strive to be the best because success won’t happen on its own. And he was also what impacted me the most. I learned so much from him in just an hour long class,” she said.

Besides the courses at Columbia, attendees agree that shopping was a huge part of the trip. Between Starbucks in the morning, shopping in Times Square and SoHo, and buying a tiny four-dollar macchiato, it was hard not to go through all the money raised.

“I felt like Carrie Bradshaw!”

Litchison exclaimed.

Knowledge was gained not only from the teachings of the professors but from fellow staff members. The laughter, photos, and memories will not leave the minds of those who went on this year’s NYC trip anytime soon.

Memories passing by in the blink of an eye

Ever since my very first day of high school, my mission was to get out of here as fast as possible. As a freshman it felt like my senior year would never come, but now I can’t believe it’s already almost over.

In the grand scheme of things, four years really isn’t a lot of time. However, in just the four short years that high school lasts, it is our last and sometimes first chance to do so many different things.

For most of us, we have gone to school with our friends since kindergarten. In high school, we are given the opportunity to see them every day. After graduation, many of us will go away to college, join the workforce, and some may even choose to go into the military.

Each of us will be starting our own lives in the “real world” once we walk across the stage at graduation. We should appreciate the opportunity we have in high school to see our friends every day because after we graduate it could be weeks or maybe months before we see them again.

Football games are a staple of the high school experience. Even if you don’t like football, everyone should go to at least one game. The football team, cheerleaders, marching band, and color guard practice long hours to represent our school. Sitting in the bleachers with a bunch of classmates and watching a game is not only fun, but it is an experience you will definitely look back on long after you have left OHS. Go put on your blue and white and support your school, win or lose.

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Spirit Week and a few other events lead up to homecoming. Spirit Week is a perfect excuse to dress up, sometimes like a complete idiot, just to show your school spirit. Powderpuff is an amazing experience during homecoming week even if you’re just doing it for the shirt with a funny nickname on the back. Not only do junior and senior girls get to play football, but boys are able to cheer them on wearing the most ridiculous outfits as possible.

The pep rally is usually one of the most dreaded events in high school, but it really isn’t that bad.

One of the best ways to enjoy the pep rally is to get involved and represent a sports team or your class.

Bucfest and the homecoming dance are also great ways to show your school spirit. I know that I regret not taking full advantage of homecoming and all it had to offer each year.

My favorite experience throughout high school has to be the Junior Prom. I think everyone should go to the prom at least once. It is an unforgettable experience. With the prom coming up, I am looking forward to getting dressed up and having fun with all of my friends at a school function for one of the last times before I go off to college.

One of my favorite parts leading up to prom is getting on social media and seeing pictures of promposals. Everyone has gotten so creative it would almost be impossible to tell the person asking “no.”

Another one of my favorite parts leading up to the prom is going dress shopping. Prom is the first and one of the few times we will ever get to dress up that extravagantly. Of course, there is always the worry that someone will have the exact same dress as you but trying on dress after dress until you find the perfect one is always fun.

The day of the prom is stressful but so much fun. Most people want to make sure that their hair, makeup, and nails are perfect even making appointments months in advance. www.buccaneerbulletin.com

Almost everyone wants perfect prom pictures to look back at and remember the amazing night they had with all their friends. Most people will head down to the lake or the river to take pictures with their families, groups, friends, and dates. Oswego has the perfect scenery for great prom pictures. When it is time for the prom to start, many will take pictures with their friends outside. This year we are lucky enough to be along the river which will make for great pictures.

The prom itself is a lot of fun. For the most part, it is very similar to any other high school dance. Take a lot of pictures with your friends, dance, and just have an amazing time.

After the prom, be sure to stop by the high school for the post prom party. There are fun games in the gym, prizes to win, and is a great way to spend the rest of your night.

No matter where you end up after the prom, remember to make smart choices.

One of the things that I will miss the most about high school is being a kid for the last time. Right now, most of us are mainly supported emotionally and financially by our parents even if we have jobs.

After we leave high school, we will be adults in the real world.

We grow up a lot in high school. We get privileges that we did not have when we started like being able to drive and have jobs. While this is a great source of independence and learning responsibility, we are all not independent and responsible enough to care for ourselves. However, in just a few short months after graduation, we will have to be.

High school is the first and the last time for many things. Don’t skip out of participating in something just because it didn’t seem like the “cool” thing to do because one day you might look back and regret it. You may realize that the people you were trying to impress through high school you haven’t seen or heard from in years.

May 2015

Sports

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Eighteen years and counting for Michele Wink Athletic Trainer Michele Wink is responsible for studentathletes in terms of injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.

However, her contributions to the athletic programs in the district reach far beyond what is asked of her in her job description.

By Rachael Purtell Editor-in-Chief

You would be hard-pressed to find a studentathlete without a nickname; you would be even harderpressed to find a student-athlete who did not know our athletic trainer, Mrs. Michele Wink. As an athletic trainer, Wink’s job is to provide support to our athletes in terms of injury prevention, assessment, care, and rehabilitation, but her contributions to OHS far exceed those listed in her job description.

Athletic Director Mr. David Gryczka stated, “Michele is the heart and soul of the program. She is there for the athletes as our biggest cheerer and PHOTO BY RACHAEL PURTELL supporter.”

Michele Wink not only treats students who are dealing with sports injuries, she also helps studentWink is accessible to all student-athletes in the athletes prevent injuries by performing tasks such as stretching, icing, and wrapping ankles. Above, Oswego City School District ranging from modified Wink wraps senior Brenna Sherman’s ankle before a big game. sports to athletes competing at the varsity level. In addition to the responsibilities listed above, she is to pursue a career in pain management and she later does a great job spreading herself around trying to responsible for covering sporting contests and record pursued a degree in athletic training at Ithaca College. accommodate everyone.” keeping.

Wink’s least favorite part of her job is telling an Beyond Wink’s job performance and even Baseball and football coach Mr. John Finch athlete that they are too injured to play their sport. her support at games, many athletes at OHS have said, “She’s very good at what she does, she’s very When she communicates these often disappointing developed a more personal relationship with her than professional, very knowledgeable, and we’re very and sometimes devastating injuries, she makes a with other adults in the building. fortunate to have somebody like that in our department considerable effort to get both the athlete’s parents She stated, “I will cheer for Buccaneer blue. Other and in our programs.” and coaches involved in order to ensure that everyone than your parents, I will probably be your biggest Senior athlete Whitney Daino echoed these is on the same page. In these difficult conversations, supporter. I’ve felt such camaraderie with you studentsentiments and stated, “Obviously it’s good for the Wink believes it is important to keep it simple while athletes that sometimes I feel like I’m a part of your athletes to have someone to go to and, in my mind, she not belittling or talking down to a player or their family team. It’s amazing how time flies when you’re having could easily be at the college level or even higher than members. Wink rarely sugarcoats the seriousness of the fun, seeing you guys from seventh grade and now that so we’re lucky to have her here at the high school.” injuries she assesses as she aims to prepare the athletes you’re graduating. It’s like, ‘Where’d the time go?’ but Wink for the worst it’s been a great ride.” claims the Wink tries to give every athlete she meets a “I will cheer for Buccaneer blue. Other than your and hope for favorite the best. nickname, although she claims most do not get a parents, I will probably be your biggest supporter. part of her Wink nickname until they reach high school unless they have I’ve felt such camaraderie with you student- stated, job is the had an older sibling that she knew. In many cases, difference “When Wink’s nicknames very often stick and end up on the athletes that sometimes I feel like I’m a part of you come from day back of powderpuff shirts and in speeches made on your team. It’s amazing how time flies when you’re back from to day. senior nights.

Wink said an injury Wink said, “You guys are special people and you having fun, seeing you guys from seventh grade she enjoys and you’re should be treated as such and that’s my way of saying, and now you’re graduating. It’s like, ‘where’d the performing ‘Hey, you’re a special person to me.’” watching different at the Wink is respected among coworkers and students time go?’ but it’s been a great ride.” sporting same level alike. ~Michele Wink you were events each Finch said, “Michele’s obviously a pretty Athletic Trainer before, that day and personable person and she’s good anyway, but I think finds the absolutely what makes her so special is the personal relationships idea of a typical nine to five desk job distasteful. makes my day.” she is able to make with our student-athletes so that When Wink was in high school, she played varsity According to Wink, the biggest challenge that her there is a feeling of trust. I think that people open up soccer, basketball, and softball and was the captain of job poses is trying to be everywhere at once. She said, to her more easily than they would someone on the all three teams her senior year. She also participated “If I could have one super power it would definitely be outside looking in.” in S.A.D.D. Club, Student Council, the Girls’ Varsity cloning.”

Student-athletes at OHS share an overwhelming Sports Club, and had a part-time job at McDonald’s.

Oftentimes, there are several different sporting consensus in their love for our athletic trainer. We Unfortunately, Wink blew out her knee during events taking place at the same time at different are truly lucky to be a part of the life and career of a soccer season of her junior year and did not have an locations and Wink must do her best to be available to woman so compassionate about her student-athletes and athletic trainer at her high school to consult with. As a everyone at all times. dedicated to her job. result, she did not know the severity of her injury and Finch stated, “I wish we had two of her! With Wink said, “I am very humbled by my 18 plus later had to attend physical therapy in order to fully the way our campus is kind of split up, she kind of years here and I’m proud of what I’ve established and I recover. This experience is what motivated her decision gets stretched in a bunch of different ways but she look forward to continuing on in the future.”

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May 2015

Sports

Fulton Raiders and Oswego Bucs go head to head in recent matchup

By Chase Pelton Sports Editor

Everyone has a rival in sports whether it be the Yankees and the Red Sox in baseball, the Rangers and the Devils in hockey, or Alabama and Auburn in college football. With this in mind, it comes with no surprise that Oswego High School has a rivalry of its own against Fulton. Just four years ago the rivalry was on ice. However, with the inclusion of the County Cup event and a change in leagues for OHS, the rivalry is heating back up.

The thing that makes all rivalries possible is frequent competition between the teams, especially when the matchup means do or die for post-season plans. For years, the only matchups between Fulton and Oswego in any sport have been non-league matches and the rivalry had been more of a fun gimmick than anything else. The only thing that kept the rivalry alive was that the schools were only a short drive apart and there was a historic rivalry, one that used to be strong between the schools.

The rivalry turned around, however, starting with the introduction of the County Cup two years ago. With all the teams playing to capture the cup in one day against Fulton, the rivalry began to pick up again. To help it out even further, Oswego dropped down to the same league as Fulton this year allowing the County Cup to not only mean bragging rights but league standing and post-season hopes as well.

John Finch, the head coach of OHS varsity baseball, went to school in Hannibal and remembers knowing about the Oswego and Fulton rivalry.

When he was in school, the rivalry meant a lot and people knew it as the two teams duked it out for playoff spots and the top spots in the standings. Finch contrasted this to when he started coaching here 15 years ago and how he has seen the rivalry become something for fun with a little tension thrown in but nothing too serious. He does see the recent moves as encouraging for the rivalry.

“League implications will make the games that much more competitive and exciting for fans,” Finch said.

Finch also hopes that the combination of the County Cup and league change will bring not only the revitalization of the rivalry but added benefits to Oswego athletics overall. The hope is that what was once an encouragement for both sides will once again be an encouragement to grow and get better. Rivalry always brings out the best in the opposing sides and Finch wants to see that in Oswego.

Finch stated, “Hopefully it helps support school spirit and draw support from team to team.”

Now that the rivalry is beginning to take root again, students are getting caught up in the school spirit and getting amped for the rivalry games.

One student in particular has a special connection with the rivalry that few, if any, have.

Sophomore Jacob Caster has

the unusual circumstance of having played for both sides of the rivalry and knowing most people on both sides of the rivalry.

Caster has family in Fulton leading to him playing in many city leagues there, but he attends OHS and plays basketball in Oswego where he is pitted against his Fulton teammates. Because of this, the County Cup means something extra to him as he plays against friends and occasionally family.

Caster enjoys this aspect of it greatly as he has close friends on both sides of the rivalry and enjoys playing against them to see who comes out on top.

“The rivalry game is the best game of the year,” Caster said. “I like playing against teammates and friends.”

Being able to compete against teammates does not happen often and this gives Caster an interesting perspective on the rivalry. He noticed that the rivalry never seemed to be that great for the cities as they were mostly few and far between and never carried much weight. However, since the introduction of the County Cup and league change, he noticed a change in the basketball season already as they had a big rivalry with the Fulton team. Caster also believes that Oswego usually does better in the rivalry.

Overall, Caster hopes to see the rivalry grow and provide great games down the road.

This year marked an interesting point in the rivalry as the third annual County Cup event came and went, but what makes it unique is its the first with the league matchup dynamic. The games meant even more and the teams battled it out in a series of contested matches throughout the day with Oswego ultimately taking the cup. This makes it the second time in a row the Buccaneers have captured the cup after losing the first annual event to Fulton.

The cup started off with wins coming from the boys’ tennis team who swept Fulton 7-0, and the varsity softball team who dominated their game 7-2.

As the day went on, Fulton leveled the field after suffering losses in both girls’ and boys’ junior varsity lacrosse and junior varsity softball eventually leaving the County Cup score at 5-5. This meant the cup came down to the last game of the day, boys’ varsity lacrosse where Oswego came from an early deficit to win 16-8.

With another County Cup event under our belts and the implications of more meaningful matchups through the league change, the Oswego-Fulton rivalry is set to grow and prosper. The future is bound to hold tense matchups, close calls and above all great memories for any athlete who has the pleasure of leaving their mark on the rivalry.

Buc Sports Flashback 1 year ago… * The Oswego Speedway started its engines for an intensely competitive 64th racing season. *Freshman Camden Proud began his first year of small block supermodified racing after racing quarter midgets for several years.

5 years ago… * The girls varsity softball team started their season with a 17-0 win against Nottingham. * Austin Tracz collected hundreds of golf supplies for his NHS community service project, donating them to give2troops, a charity for troops in Afghanistan.

10 years ago… * Sharon Morey took over for Paul DeRitter as boys’ varsity tennis coach. * Emily Kaier was nominated for a record number of Senior Athletic Awards, topping at 35 nominations.

15 years ago… * Both the boys’ and girls’ track teams started the season on a high note with a victory at the annual Phoenix Invitational. * Jon Frechette contributed to this win by placing first in the 110 meter hurdles.

20 years ago… * The girls’ varsity track team had its best season ever with a record of 6-5. * OHS track is shut down due to outcry from concerned parents over a number of safety violations including metal railings and a concrete surface potentially hazardous to the feet of runners.

25 years ago… * The girls’ track team coach Jim McCaul led the teams to a close win at the Newark Girls Invitational with the ladies experiencing exceptional success in the long-distance events.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RACHAEL PURTELL

Buccaneer Bulletin

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Editor’s Note: Buc Sports Flashback is a monthly feature of the Buccaneer Bulletin.

If you have any events that you would like to see included in future Buc Sports Flashbacks please contact Rachael Purtell at rpurtell@oswego.org. This month’s Buc Sports Flashback was compiled by Olivia DeLorenzo.

May 2015

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 3 Number 6

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

May 2015

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH MACKENZIE RICE COLIN CLARK

By Rachael Purtell

By Chase Pelton

Editor-in-Chief

Sports Editor

Hard work and self-motivation are what define May’s Athlete of the Month.

Senior Colin Clark, centerfielder for the Oswego Buccaneer Baseball Team, Despite her fear that she would not be a successful lacrosse player when she has been playing baseball for more than ten years, starting with tee ball. Clark has began playing the sport in seventh grade, Mackenzie Rice earned a spot spent his life surrounded by a baseball family and was exposed to baseball at an on the varsity team as only a sophomore. early age and is now a three year varsity athlete.

Varsity captain Brenna Sherman said, “I’m mostly impressed by When it comes to athletics, Clark has always been a one sport Kenzie’s determination. I saw her in the offseason working really hard to athlete only focusing on baseball. This allows him to devote get a position on varsity. I expect her to be a successful player who will as much time and energy as possible to developing his get a lot of recognition for her aggressiveness, her field awareness, and skill in the sport. Clark chalks up a lot of his success how much she puts into what she’s doing.” and improvement to his worth ethic not only during Rice has experience playing midfield for the modified the regular season but the off-season as well, including and junior varsity teams as well as her Orange Crush club morning workouts in the winter. team but has settled into a more defensive role until she has “During the workouts I use all of my time to work and adjusted to the speed of the varsity level of play. don’t let myself get side tracked” Clark said.

As a defender, she is responsible for slowing down the Clark has a love for baseball that stretches throughout the opponent’s offensive efforts and forcing turnovers whenever different aspects of the game, however, his favorite part is possible. She also provides support to the attack when her the momentum that the game carries. Clark believes that teammates have possession of the ball by making herself keeping cool mentally during a game helps a lot with available for a back pass if any of her teammates have momentum. Not letting things get to you and get trouble pushing the ball up the field. you down allows you to take control of the game Rice’s strengths include her athleticism, work and change the momentum, and Clark does an ethic, aggressiveness, and her ability to come impressive job of controlling those emotions. up with ground balls successfully.

“Games can change so much in just one Rice also plays defense and midfield inning, and momentum plays a huge part in it.” in soccer, is an outside hitter in volleyball, Clark stated. and often participates in triathlons, but she John Finch, the head coach of the varsity claims that lacrosse is her favorite sport. baseball team, explained how Clark has been She stated, “I just love the a great role model for the younger guys on the aggressiveness of it and how the game team. Finch talked about how Clark has always can change so quickly, like you can be been one of the hardest working guys and it shows losing by a lot and get it back really on the field. Finch also mentioned that Clark quickly.” would be missed in the coming year.

Although Rice has seen limited playing time this “He’s somebody who has been with me for season thus far, she has not let it discourage her or three years,” Finch said, “It has been fun to see slow her down in any way. She claims that her coach the growth of his leadership, he has always been for triathlons has inspired her to push herself to her a lead by example player” limits and has taught her what it means to work hard.

Clark is entering his senior and final year Sherman stated, “I think she contributes to the of baseball with two goals in mind. One of his team by her hard work and dedication to the sport. goals is the goal all athletes have, to compete You can tell every day when she comes to practice well, win, and just flat out play well. Clark’s that she’s serious and ready to go and it rubs off on second goal is to pass on a little of what he her teammates.” has learned to the players coming up. Clark Head varsity coach Mrs. Laura Bateman echoed hopes he can have an impact on the freshmen these sentiments and appreciates Rice’s athleticism and players, which should not be a problem with work ethic each day in practice. the example he sets on and off the field.

Rice stated, “Both of my coaches have taught me a lot Clark said, “My goals for the season are about the game and how to be a better player.” to play really well, and get the underclassmen Although Rice is very humble and keeps her head down to where they need to be and pass on the and works hard, it has not stopped her from developing torch.” relationships with many of her older teammates.

Clark also looked back on the last few Bateman stated, “I think she’s compassionate and kind. I years of high school sports and talked about think she genuinely cares about her teammates and that’s what his experiences on the team. Since Clark does any coach wants to see.” not intend to play in college, this will be it for Rice hopes that her team qualifies for sectionals again this his baseball career. Clark’s years here will be year and continues post season play for as long as possible. something he will remember for most of his She believes that their goal is very much in reach if she and life. His best memory from his time on the her teammates continue to keep their heads up and push each team is a sectional semi-final game two other every day in practice. years ago against Cicero-North Syracuse Academically, Rice maintains a high average and where CNS was heavily favored over works hard in her classes. Although she does not know Oswego. Despite the odds against them what exactly she wants to study, she plans to attend they didn’t back down and ended up college and hopes to play lacrosse wherever she beating CNS decisively 10-4. matriculates.

“The years went by quickly, last year Rice is also an active member of National Honor Society even felt like freshmen year,” Clark said, “Don’t PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RACHAEL PURTELL and Travel Club. take high school sports for granted; they’re over too If one lesson can be learned from this Athlete of the Month, it is that hustle fast” and hard work truly pay off. Rice’s work ethic is respected by her teammates and With Clark’s work ethic and unselfish nature, he is sure to have a promising coaches and her future on the girls’ varsity lacrosse team is definitely a bright one. future beyond the walls of Oswego High School. www.buccaneerbulletin.com