November 2014

BuccaneerBulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice

November 2014 Volume 3 Number 2

Stick it to cyber bullying

Cyberbullying Page 3

Ebola Epidemic Page 4

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Hunting and Fishing at OHS Pages 8 & 9

photo By Courtney osmun

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 Nathan Greene Alumni Editor Amber Canbek Sports Editor Chase Pelton Clublicity Editor Morgan Haynes Layout Editor Mariya Hirna Entertainment Editor Taylor Montgomery 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 Nathan Greene

. . . to all the students who took our cyberbullying survey and to Mrs. Szatanek for passing them out to her health classes; it was a huge help to our staff and we appreciate everyone’s participation! . . . to the 2013-2014 staff of The Buccaneer Bulletin for earning numerous awards at this year’s ESSPA competition at Syracuse University.

Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work! . . . to the five and a half days off we get in the month of November! High school is tough and it is good for us to have a break every once in a while. . . . to those participating in No Shave November in order to raise awareness and money for prostate cancer research.

. . . to the announcement made by our new principal Mrs. Noto during ninth period on October 30 regarding Halloween costumes. This was the first time we heard our new principal’s voice and our first impression of her was that she will say no to everything. . . . to no Halloween costume contest and the lack of communication on the subject. Many students were not even aware that we were not having one this year.

On the Cover: Junior Olivia Flint poses as a victim of cyberbullying. This month’s cover photo was taken by Courtney Osmun and edited by Mariya Hirna.

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. . . to the bipolar fall weather typical of Oswego, New York. One day it’s decent enough to walk to school without a jacket and the next day we’re bundling up for conditions dangerously close to our impending infamous winters! . . . to the stress of college applications, standardized testing, and other steps in preparation for college suffered by our upperclassmen. www.buccaneerbulletin.com

November 2014

Editorial In Our View . . .

Y r u breathing? Smh, I rlly h8 u

We, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, recently conducted a survey of 150 students here at Oswego High School to determine the prevalence of cyberbullying in our school. According to our results it is definitely a problem for a significant number of students.

Although we are aware that the survey method is not always the most accurate way to collect data due to the fact that people taking the survey are not always completely honest, we do feel that we have a better understanding of the degree to which cyberbullying is a problem as 24 percent of OHS students claim that it has affected them at school.

Cyberbullying is defined as the use of electronic communication to bully a person and it can come in many forms. These forms include sending hurtful or threatening messages or e-mails, spreading rumors online or through texts, posting hurtful or threatening messages on social media, pretending to be someone else through social media or any type of electronic messaging, circulating unflattering pictures or private information via the web or cell phones, and sexting. The most common of these include spreading rumors and sending messages.

According to our data, 65 percent of OHS students spend more than an hour a day on some type of social media making it a very prominent part of our daily lives, so it is no wonder that it has become a prime medium for bullying.

We found that Gra phi 80 percent of OHS cB yR ach students have a Facebook ael Pur account, 79 percent have an tel l Instagram account, and 52 percent have a Twitter account.

As technology grows, we spend more and more time on it because it gives us new ways to connect with others, but this concept has become a doubleedged sword because the Internet is forever. Once the mistake of posting something that could be regretted is made, it cannot be taken back.

According to our survey, 21 percent of OHS students claim they have been tagged in a hurtful post while 47 percent have seen a derogatory post and suspected it was about them even though they were not directly tagged. 82 percent of students claim to have seen a hurtful post directed toward someone else and 27 percent of students admit to posting something hurtful about someone else.

Adolescents sometimes forget that many people can see what they do on social media and very rarely realize the consequences of the things they post online. The things people post at an early age can come back to haunt them and reflect poorly on them

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when applying for college or a job later in life.

Perpetrators of cyberbullying can also lose their cell phone or social media accounts, face harassment charges, or even become a registered sex offender if the bullying was sexual in manner. Victims of cyberbullying are at an increased risk for anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

According to The Cyberbullying Research Center, over 80 percent of adolescents in the country use their cell phone regularly so it is no wonder this is a popular platform for cyberbullying. 41 percent of OHS students claim to have received a hurtful text or email and 29 percent admit to sending one.

Cyberbullying affects all races, but, according to The Cyberbullying Research Center, boys are more likely to be both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying than girls. The Center also predicts that about 50 percent of adolescents will be affected by cyberbullying in their lifetime and 10 to 20 percent will experience it regularly.

We, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, feel that cyberbullying is a problem that needs to be discussed in an academic setting as students should be educated on what is considered to be cyberbullying and ways to reduce or prevent it.

Adolescents must be encouraged to tell people if they are being affected by cyberbullying and keep messages or posts as proof if the issue needs to be taken to a disciplinary figure.

Adolescents can also do things to combat direct cyberbullying such as block the person who is harrassing them.

They also should not share their e-mail or social media passwords or share private information over any form of electronic messaging. Lastly, personal information should never be shared with someone met online.

Things that parents can do to help the problem of cyberbullying would be keeping the computer in a shared space so that adolescents are more conscious of what they are doing online and waiting until their child is mature enough to handle having a cell phone or any social media accounts.

Of course we, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, know that the problem will never be totally solved. Often taking action after cyberbullying has taken place is too late because the damage to an individual’s reputation has already been done. A great deal of cyberbullying is indirect and people do not necessarily tag the person they are victimizing when they post something hurtful so it is difficult to prove that there is a problem to a disciplinary figure in such a case.

Cyberbullying and all forms of bullying will always be a problem, but we, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, feel that through education it can be reduced if we, as a school, are willing to acknowledge that it is indeed a problem in our community.

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What’s Your Opinion?

“Do you think cyberbullying is a real issue?”

Megan Shafer Senior

“I think it is because a lot of kids go on the Internet to get away from their problems and when it’s right there in their ‘safe zone’ they can’t escape it.”

Aidan McGreevy Junior

“Yeah, it’s a problem, but it’s not a big one. People are essentially cowards; they hide behind screens.”

Tysne Ruggio Sophomore

“No, cyberbullying is not a problem because people can turn off their computers and cell phones.”

Kira Hartnett Freshman

“Yes, because even though it’s online, it still has drastic effects.

Saying things to a person online is still hurtful.”

Mr. Merry

Substitute Teacher

“It has to be a problem for some people because it’s too easy with the technology today.”

Mr. Chad Whitney Social Studies Teacher

“I think it is a problem because people consume themselves in social media and the Internet.”

November 2014

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News

Running water, is it a human right or a privilege?

By Chase Pelton

Sports Editor

Water shut offs in Detroit, Michigan continue in the face of mounting debt, prompting experts acting on behalf of the United Nations to condemn the shut offs as a violation of human rights while thousands are left without running water.

Since the beginning of 2014, roughly 27,000 residents of Detroit have had their water disconnected due to crackdowns by the city on unpaid water bills. This comes in the midst of an economic crisis as the city’s debt has grown to over $18 billion.

Over the summer, there was a break on the shut offs for a few weeks to allow as many residents as possible to complete water payment plans. These plans allow those behind to gradually pay off the bill or pay a portion of what was originally owed.

However, the city returned to the shut offs making 5,100 in September alone.

Following the aggressive shut offs, residents began protesting and arguing that they had a legal and human right to the water. Some of these residents submitted a request to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes to have a six month cease of water shut offs by the city of Detroit. Rhodes rejected the request on the grounds that nowhere is it written that citizens have a legal right to clean water.

After the request was rejected, two United Nations special representatives scheduled a visit to the city for mid October so they could investigate the situation. The evening after their arrival they held a hearing to discuss their findings and thoughts about the shut offs. Catarina de Albuquerque, one of the U.N. representatives, stated that the actions taken by Detroit are a violation of human rights. She also mentioned

that the situation disproportionately affects the poor and African-American residents of Detroit.

It is worth noting, however, that as of the 2010 census, 83 percent of the population of Detroit is African-American. The same census also shows that nearly 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty level. This data shows why the issue is mainly affecting AfricanAmericans as they are in fact the majority of the population in Detroit. Poor residents are affected as they make up a greater section of the population.

De Albuquerque would go on to say that the financial crisis in Photo by Rachael Purtell Detroit does not change While the shut offs are highly controversial, with 258,867 house holds in Detroit and about or justify what she 2,300 with out water only 0.009 percent of house holds are affected. identified as violations representatives he had to correct their government to intervene. Instead, it can of human rights. De facts multiple times and they mainly only make recommendations and work Albuquerque also stated that the shut displayed irritation being corrected. with city officials to try and reach a offs are only permissible if it can be Oswego High School junior Chris solution to end the shut offs. proven that the resident is able to pay VanGorder stated, “It is not a violation Water shut offs are only one but refuses to. of human rights.

More than half the small part of the economic crisis in Shortly after the hearing, world lives without running water; it’s Detroit.

What was once the known as officials from Detroit voiced their a privilege not a right.

If people pull the “Motor City” is now only a shell of disappointment with the U.N. their own weight then they deserve the its former self.

The Detroit population, representatives. Mayor Mike Duggan’s privilege”. which once at stood over 1.5 million top aide, Ms. Alexis Wiley, claimed However, despite all of these residents, now rests at just under that the investigators were not developments between the U.N. and 700,000 citizens.

In 2013, it became interested in any of the facts but instead Detroit, the U.N. does not have the the largest city in the world to declare took their position before seeing power to order the city to stop the bankruptcy with 18 billion dollars of the data. Duggan himself stated that shut offs and it cannot force the U.S. debt. while going over information with the

Get the facts and dispel your sickening fear of Ebola

First symptoms include fatigue, fever, muscle is no official cure, but two potential vaccines are

By Nathan Greene

pain, sore throat, and headaches. After this, undergoing testing.

Art Director Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a fatal The first major outbreak of the deadly illness that originated in Africa and is disease occurred in 1976 in two areas, currently causing an uproar among some Nzara, Sudan and Yambuku, Democratic people in the United States.

Republic of Congo. Later on, EVD Ebola is transmitted through the appeared in a village along the Ebola River blood, organs or other bodily fluids of where the disease takes its name. dead animals including but not limited to Cases of Ebola died down in the chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, seventies but a new outbreak that started forest antelope, and porcupines. Fruit bats last March has now escalated. In the are thought to be the most common carrier seventies, the death toll ranged from a of the disease.

50 percent fatality rate at the onset of the Once it has reached a human, the disease to a 20 percent fatality rate after disease is transmitted through human to better health precautions were initiated. human interactions involving blood, organs, The March outbreak has a current death toll secretions, and other bodily fluids. It is of 90 percent. photo Courtesy of google Images mainly health care workers and doctors Currently, only two cases have been Fibroblasts (a cell in conective tissue that produces collagen and working with patients thought to have EVD other fibers) are attacked most by Ebola Virus Disease followed by reported in the US. One was a man who was who have picked up the virus. traveling in West Africa where the disease dendritic cells or atigen presenting cells.

When one first contracts EVD, broke out and returned to his home in symptoms will not show the first two to 21 days; symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, rash, Texas. He died in the U.S. after suffering for 21 days this is known as the incubation period. EVD is not impaired kidney and liver function, and in some with EVD. The second case was a healthcare worker contagious at this stage. Once symptoms occur, the cases, both internal and external bleeding and who came into contact with the first patient; she was disease becomes contagious. low white blood cell count. Unfortunately, there treated and released from a Texas hospital recently.

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November 2014

Features

Harry Potter star launches HeForShe campaign

By Hannah Griffin Managing Editor

Known for her role as Hermione Granger in the popular Harry Potter movie and book franchise, Emma Watson, a recent graduate of Brown University, is moving up in the world.

The world of political issues that is.

Shortly after graduating, Watson was named a United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador. According to the official U.N. Women website, “U.N. Women is the U.N. organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, U.N. Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide.” As an ambassador, Watson has the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world of women’s rights, something she feels very passionate about.

Currently, Watson is serving as an advocate for UN Women’s HeForShe campaign which promotes gender equality. The purpose of HeForShe is to encourage males and females to work together and support each other, benefitting all of humanity as a whole.

Mr. Edward Stacy, an economics teacher at Oswego High School said, “Gender inequality is an issue because if people are doing the same job and not getting paid the same, it’s a problem. If females are not considered to be hired or promoted because of the preconceived notion that they will have kids and end up spending their time with them, that’s also a problem.”

Watson launched the campaign in a speech delivered in late September at the U.N. headquarters in New York. In her speech, Watson stressed the importance of men’s and boys’ involvement in gender equality and

feminism. In today’s society, feminism a part of the feminist movement. is often viewed as another term for When speaking about feminism, “man-hating,” Watson pointed out. the problems men face in regard to OHS junior Kyle Osmun said, gender inequality are often overlooked.

“50% of the time it’s girls who want Watson explains that many men suffer equality. The other 50% are dragons from mental illness without proper help who ravage the kingdom of manhood.” because asking for help would make Watson hopes to inform and them seem less masculine. educate people on what it truly means In the United Kingdom, where to be a feminist.

Watson is from, suicide is the number Watson stated, “Feminism by one killer of men. definition is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.

It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.”

Watson went on to connect her concern with gender equality to her childhood in the limelight.

She said at the age of 14 she became sexualized by the media, and, along with other similar incidences, she decided she was a feminist.

During her speech, Watson referenced a speech

by Hillary Clinton in 1997 on gender equality. She bluntly pointed out that the changes Clinton hoped to make never happened, and a problem with this might have been that Emma Watson promoted gender equality in less than 30 percent of the her U.N. speech for the HeForShe Campaign, audience that day was male. emphasizing that stereotypes must be Watson posed the eliminated for women to progress in society. question, “How can we affect change in the world when only half of it is invited or She stated, “When men are free feel welcomed to participate in the (from gender stereotypes), things conversation?” After an explosion of will change for women as a natural applause from the audience, Watson consequence. If men don’t have to be formally invited men to be a part aggressive in order to be accepted, of that conversation, to take a stand women won’t feel compelled to be against gender inequality, and become submissive. If men don’t have to

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control, women won’t have to be controlled.” Watson urged men to get involved so that not only their future daughters will be free of the gender inequalities that plague the world today but their sons will be free of it as well.

Watson addressed the fact that coming from her past as a Harry Potter actress, she may not be taken seriously.

She stated, “You might be thinking who is this Harry Potter girl? And what is she doing up on stage at the U.N.?

It’s a good question and trust me I have been asking myself the same thing. I don’t know if I am qualified to be here. All I know is that I care about this problem. And I want to make it better.”

Watson is one of many actors and actresses who have used their fame to spread awareness on social issues such as gender inequality.

Since her speech, celebrities such as Harry Styles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sophia Bush, and Russell Crowe along with many others have taken the HeForShe pledge.

Statistics provided by Watson stated that at the rate women’s rights is currently moving, it will not be until the year 2086 that all rural African girls obtain a secondary education. Unless people take a stand now, it will take more than 75 years for women to be paid the same as men doing the same job.

At the end of her speech, Watson challenged everyone to ask themselves, “If not me, who? If not now, when?”

The HeForShe commitment can be found at www.HeForShe.org. Watson’s speech on gender inequality is available at www.unwomen.org.

Teacher rating websites spark controversy locally

By Amber Canbek Alumni Editor

In 2001, the website RateMyTeachers.com was launched causing a great deal of controversy among educators, parents and students. Ever since the release, people have been interested in online teacher ratings where students can grade their teachers.

Those affected by the release of the sites wonder: should ratings of teachers be made public name and all?

A select few of the websites that are accessible today such as RateMyTeachers.com and MyEdu. com, have had few repercussions for the information they allow the public to view. The websites allow students to rank their teachers by categories such as helpfulness, knowledge, and exam difficulty. Students and others have free reign to comment what they want about teachers with the exception of swearing.

The majority of people who believe the websites are right for making the ratings public are parents and students. The argument is that parents and incoming students should be informed as to what teachers are like based on the opinions of other students regardless of whether the comments and reviews are biased or objective.

Oswego High School junior, Olivia Dowdle said, “I think that the websites should be made public.

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I’ve never used a website to find out information about my teachers, but I think it could be useful. The only bad thing about the use of the websites is that people could say mean or unnecessary remarks about teachers.”

In 2010, RateMyTeachers.com released the names of over 11 million teachers and that number has risen since. It is up to those affected to make the best or worst of it.

Some teachers at OHS look at the website as something encouraging.

Science teacher Mrs. Sharon Bonacorsi stated, “Due to how RateMyTeachers.com is set up with different categories, I find that it is a positive thing.

Teachers can evaluate and try to better themselves.

Constructive criticism is a key factor in the education field that teachers should take more seriously.”

Other teachers, such as science teacher Mrs. Sarah Kimak, believe that websites like RateMyTeacher.com are positive but should have their limits when dealing with biased remarks made by students. She said, “If the site holds positive reviews for the teachers and is not a rant site for students to fume their hate after a bad day at school, RateMyTeachers.com is good for incoming students to learn more about their teachers.”

Kimak also stated, “I used RateMyProfessor.com www.buccaneerbulletin.com

when I was going to college. The sites can be helpful for students who are nervous about their teachers.”

Of course, there are people against teacher evaluations online. Some have threatened to sue the websites that promote ratings and shut them down for good. They argue that the websites should not give out the full names of teachers and claim t it is a violation of privacy.

In 2003, New York State United Teachers took their opinion to court as they disputed whether or not RateMyTeachers.com, should be shut down on the basis of harassment. The appeal was denied when the freedom of speech card was played. The website claims that 65 percent of the comments and reviews are positive.

Despite whether or not people believe that public teacher ratings are an invasion of privacy, many believe that teachers should be evaluated and the results of reading the reviews students write are beneficial.

Nick Hurlbutt, a junior at OHS, stated, “The site is a good reference for arriving students who want to know what they’re getting themselves into. How a public school teacher does their job isn’t really something that’s private, anyway. It’s public.”

November 2014

Features

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Top vocalists sing their way to state competition

By Hannah Griffin Managing Editor

There is an extraordinary amount of talent that can be found in the Oswego High School Music Department.

This year four members of Chamber Singers were selected to be part of the Conference All-State Mixed Choir, and one singer was selected as a member of the Conference All-State Women’s Choir.

This is an unusual feat as in years past only one or two people were selected. Five members were chosen this year as well as one selected as an alternate. Upon selection to the Women’s Choir, OHS student Ana Alcasid said, “It was shocking and unexpected.”

In order to audition for Conference All-State, prospective members must attend the New York State School Music Association Solo Festival with a level six solo in May. There are six levels to choose with six the most difficult and one being the least difficult. In a level six solo, students find the rhythms harder, the range of notes wider, and, sometimes, the solo is in a language other than English.

NYSSMA is an assessment where you perform a solo in front of a judge who grades you based on various vocal qualities such as tone, intonation, diction, breath control and artistic interpretation.

Along with the solo, you are evaluated on sight reading skills in which you are asked to sing an eight measure phrase that you have never sung before. This is challenging because you are only given about two minutes to look over the example before you sing it. Students have to pay attention to the time signature and key signatures, as these vary among sight reading examples. The time signature informs

the singer how many beats there are per measure and what note gets the beat.

The rhythm of the example depends on this. The key signature tells the singer what musical key the example is in.

Students spend months preparing their songs and practicing sight reading.

Overall, it is a lengthy and stressful process.

To even be considered for Conference All-State one typically must receive a 100 percent on the solo and sight reading combined. Sight reading is worth ten points of that score. Even if you do receive a 100, that does not guarantee you a spot in the choir.

There are about 250 members of the Conference All-State mixed choir in total, and about 150 in Women’s Choir.

The mixed choir is split into four parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), and each of those parts are split into two other groups (soprano 1, soprano 2, alto 1, alto 2, etc.). The choir performs high difficult levels of music that require immense amounts of time and dedication to perfect.

Students from all over New York State are selected to participate and do not meet as a whole to rehearse until four days prior to the concert. Because of this, students are mailed the music months in advance so they can rehearse at their high schools under the guidance of their choir director.

At OHS, that director is Mr. Robert Dumas. He works tirelessly with students on preparing them for NYSSMA and preparing those who are chosen for Conference All-State as well.

OHS senior Matt Spaulding, accepted into Conference All-State Mixed Choir as a tenor 1 confirmed this and said, “Getting into Conference was awesome but I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the hard work and motivation of Mr. Dumas.”

Photo by Hannah Griffin

Pictured above from top left to bottom right are Chris VanGorder, Courtney Osmun, Matt Spaulding, Ryan Smith, Mark Forger, Ana Alcasid, and Taylor Hamer as they prepare for states.

In a press release regarding Conference All-State, Dumas said he is fortunate to have six out of the seven students who received 100s accepted into Conference All-State and for the seventh student to be selected as an alternate.

The students attending Conference All-State include Courtney Osmun, Ana Alcasid, Taylor Hamer, Matt Spaulding, Ryan Smith and Chris Van Gorder and Mark Forger (alternate).

Taylor Hamer, OHS senior and alto 1, said, “I’m really excited about Conference All-State because I never thought I would have ever made it in.

Getting a 94 last year and with two songs of great difficulty this year, even with a 100, I didn’t think I would make

it. Singing has never been my strongest suit but I would like it to be and being accepted into Conference All-State has reassured me that I am improving.

I am looking forward to meeting my roommates the most because I love meeting new people with common interests as me. It is such an incredible experience.”

Members of Conference AllState spend three days in Rochester rehearsing before their concerts. The Conference All-State Women’s Choir concert is on Saturday, December 6 and the Conference All-State Mixed Choir concert is on Sunday, December 7.

Both concerts will take place in Kodak Hall at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.

High kicks and high spirits happen at Hanmadang

By Hannah Cali Reporter

The first ever Tae Kwon Do Hanmadang in New York State took place on November 8 right here at Oswego High School.

Tae Kwon Do is something practiced in over 200 countries and is an Olympic sport. That aspect of Tae Kwon Do consists of only a small portion of what is most importantly a martial art.

Tae Kwon Do has a true value and that is rooted in its traditions as a martial art. Respect, Perseverance, Integrity, and Confidence that are the intangibles that every true Tae Kwon Do practitioner strives for. Only five percent of Tae Kwon Do practitioners are elite athletes with aspirations to compete at Olympic Games. The other 95 percent are families and children who train together to have regular exercise, reinforce family values and learn extremely valuable self defense skills.

Many schools want to focus on the elite and Olympic style training and miss out on all Tae Kwon Do has to offer. In effort to create more opportunities for practitioners around the U.S. and the world, Grandmaster Lee founded the U.S. Tae Kwon Do

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Hanmadang in 2009 which takes place in Colorado Springs, Colorado every year.

This event is as much as a celebration as it is a competition. Olympic Sport Tae Kwon Do there is always a winner and a loser. In the Hanmadang, participants perform at their personal best, have fun, families and children can perform together.

The U.S. Open Tae Kwon Do Hanmadang focuses on Tae Kwon Do as a Martial Art. The events are poomsae, board breaking, and creative poomsae are what each Dojang are practicing today. Grandmaster Lee created this event to maintain the Martial Art aspect of Tae Kwon Do and open opportunities for children and families to expand their skills. They based this event on these philosophies hoping that all have fun with their integration of Traditional Tae Kwon Do Tournament events along with their creative Hanmadang tournament events.

Master Pryor’s Tae Kwon Do held this event on November 8 at the Oswego High School! They had sister schools as well as Master Pryor’s school compete in this. Those other schools were: Sunset Tae Kwon Do, Grandmaster Sam Kim’s school from www.buccaneerbulletin.wordpress.com

Rochester, Greece, Master Sung C. Kim’s school from Rochester, Penfield, Master Young B. Kim’s school from Rochester, Irondequoit, TTC otherwise known as Mr. Wiests school from Watertown, and lastly Abbott’s Oh Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do. There were nine events at this tournament, these events are as follows; traditional board breaking, which is breaking two boards one with a kick and one with a hand technique, traditional poomsae which is a series of 16 or more moves that show you how to get out of a situation in just about every direction, sparring which is when two people put on protective gear and spar one another (kick and punch each other), creative board breaking which is breaking up to five demo boards with any kick or hand technique you desire, creative weapons poomsae which is using a weapon of your choice and creating a 16 or more move poomsae on getting out of a situation in just about every direction, and lastly an inner school demo team exhibition match that is when groups from other schools compete against one another based on their skills. The demo teams that came from each school consisted of students who are members of the Leadership Program.

November 2014

Point/Counter-Point

7

Veg heads versus meat heads: which one are you?

Going vegan or vegetarian is more beneficial to people’s health

Humans naturally crave better tasting carvinorous diets

By Lisa Kanbur

By Taylor Montgomery

Webmaster

Entertainment Editor

Is it better to go vegan or vegetarian than eat meat? Many people strongly Dating back to prehistoric times, humans have been meat eaters. Over the prefer the former, but a large number of people choose the latter. Research shows course of the past few centuries, however, people have chosen not to eat meat. that there are many health and other benefits to eating vegan or vegetarian over Abstaining from eating meat would qualify you as a vegetarian. Some have even eating meat. taken this a step further into veganism which is the practice of not eating meat or A vegetarian diet focuses on plants and vegetables as well as fruits, grains, any product that is derived from an animal such as eggs and dairy. seeds, and nuts and does not include anything with meat, fish, or poultry. A vegan There are several reasons people choose not to be vegetarian or vegan. One diet omits all animal products and by-products such as eggs and honey. Vegans reason is that they believe it is healthier. Environment is another reason; they do not use products like leather, fur, silk, wool, and cosmetics or soaps that believe they are protecting the environment by reducing the amount of water originate from animal products. used in raising cattle and the methane that is produced by cattle which is a Of course, a person can go vegan or vegetarian for purely their own reasons, greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. but some other popular purposes include a decrease in the risk of disease, a Despite what vegetarians or vegans may tell you, the simple fact of it is longer life span, a reduction in the consumption of toxic products and sparing humans are carnivores. We love to eat meat and our bodies crave the nutrients. animals from death.

According to authoritynutrition.com, our ancestors were eating meat dating back Vegan and vegetarian diets are healthier than the average to 1.5 million years ago.

American diet and can prevent, treat or reverse heart disease The OHS cafeteria offers more choices for meat eaters than for vegetarians and reduce the risk of cancer. as we have more carnivores at our school. Two OHS carnivores spoke about why A vegetarian diet is healthier because vegetarians consume they choose to eat meat. less animal fat and cholesterol while vegans consume none.

Jared Jaquin, senior, said he eats meat because, “It tastes Vegans and vegetarians also consume more foods rich in good and it is filling.” antioxidants, which are vital in maintaining balance within Devin Higgins, senior, also eats meat. She said, “It is the human body. According to statisticbrain.com, 53 percent a healthy protein.” of Americans have switched over to a vegan or vegetarian Unprocessed meat is one of the diet as of June 2013 to improve their overall health most nutrient filled foods in the world. conditions.

Meat is the best source of protein, Micheal F. Roizen, MD, author of The RealAge Diet: which the body needs to function Make Yourself Younger with What You Eat, said, “If you optimally. Red meat is a good source switch from the standard American diet to a vegetarian of iron, vitamin B, riboflavin, thiamin diet, you can add about thirteen healthy years to your and niacin. life.” Animal products and by-products can clog arteries Animal meat supplies all the and slow down the immune system. essential amino acids which are vital A vegan and vegetarian diet is very beneficial to our health. They are absolutely because it reduces the consumption of toxic essential for every metabolic process chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency in our bodies. Most importantly, they estimates that almost 95 percent of pesticide transport and store all nutrients such residue in the average American diet is from meat, as water, fat, carbohydrates, proteins, dairy, and fish products. Cancer causing agents minerals and vitamins. are primarily in fish.

What most people do not realize is that many Animals in the food industry are health issues can be caused by lack of protein. raised on factory farms, which specialize in These issues include obesity, high-cholesterol levels, the mistreatment of billions of animals.

More diabetes, insomnia, and arthritis. Meat eaters tend to than 99 percent of all farm animals are raised be healthier since protein from animals supplies our on factory farms. 54 percent of 7.3 million bodies with all the essential amino acids, the building Americans who are vegetarians made the blocks for protein, while most plant proteins do not switch from a meat-eating diet due to concern contain all these essential amino acids. Therefore, for the welfare of animals.

Approximately vegans often find themselves with nutritional 10 billion animals are slaughtered each year deficiencies in B12, protein, calcium, and iron. for human consumption.

Protein also plays a part in weight loss. In recent If that is not enough, the animals living years there have been many weight loss diets based on factory farms are crammed into cages on protein as the main dietary ingredient such where moving is nearly impossible and are as the Atkins diet and the Zone diet. fed a diet loaded with pesticides and antibiotics According to a recent study published in the and are often given other hormones. Injecting journal Plos One, an international, peer-reviewed, these hormones into young livestock, like online publication that reports on research from photo illustration by Elizabeth Sincavage cows, can make them gain weight faster and increase various scientific disciplines, vegetarians may the rate of milk production. actually be less healthy than meat eaters.

The percent of vegetarians from ages eight to 18 in the United States is just three Austrian researchers examined the eating habits and health of 1,320 people, percent, but there are plenty of students at Oswego High School who follow this ranging from vegetarians to meat eaters. They found that vegetarians had higher diet regimen. Freshman student Leah Mullen is a vegan and said, “I became a vegan incidences of cancer, allergies, and mental health disorders than their carnivorous because I disagree with the harsh treatment of animals in the food industry.” counterparts.

Maddy Plyler, sophomore, does not agree with the inhumane treatment of Overall, vegetarians were found to be in a poorer state of health. The researchers animals. “I thought it would be a healthier diet for me to be on,” Plyler said. stated, “Our study has shown that adults who consume a vegetarian diet are less Another benefit to going vegan or vegetarian is the reduced risk of getting a foodhealthy (in terms of cancer, allergies, and mental health disorders), have a lower borne illness. Meat, poultry, fish, and seafood are frequently the causes of food-borne quality of life, and also require more medical treatment.” illness outbreaks. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that foodWhen choosing whether or not to eat meat, keep in mind that meat refers to beef, borne illnesses infect roughly 76 million people a year as of 2013. Of these, there pork, veal, lamb and poultry. In recent years, red meat has been the scapegoat for have been 325,000 hospitalizations and about 5,000 deaths in the United States. our health issues ranging from heart disease to cancer. Many of these accusations are A vegan or vegetarian diet is much better for the human body compared to a weakly supported and misleading. Red meat is a healthy and nutrient dense food. carnivorous diet. Both animals and the environment benefit when Americans go Aside from taste, diets, culture, or any other reason to eat meat, if there were one vegan or vegetarian. reason to do so it would be for its nutrition.

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November 2014

8

Hunting and F

GONE FISHIN’

Oswego is situated on both a lake and a river, so it is not a surprise that fishing is a popular activity in this area. The city is often swarmed with tourists when the salmon begin to run between September and November. Steelhead and brown trout typically follow not long after the salmon.

In the fall, students at OHS can often be seen in their waders down at the river, fighting and pulling in fish near the Varick Street Dam. Jordan Sullivan, OHS junior, said, “I like the thrill of catching a big fish and trying to pull it out of the water.”

However, Oswego is not just known

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for the salmon rush. Lake Oswego River are full of o fishermen and women.

The more common fish lake and the river include: small and large mouth bas trout, brown trout, rainbow rock bass, and every fisher nightmare, the round goby The round goby is an in in both Lake Ontario and t River. The little fish poses of the native fish in the Gr OHS fishermen can oft near the fresh water any ti Over the summer, many en from boats, while in the w found ice fishing from a sh perch left and right.

Visit us on the web at www.b

Fishing at OHS

9

Ontario and the opportunities for

in both the walleye, perch, s, pike , lake w trout, sunfish, man’s worst . nvasive species he Oswego a threat to most eat Lakes. en be found me of the year. njoy fishing inter, many are hanty pulling up

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ANTLERED ANTICS Hunting is one of the popular ways people enjoy wildlife in New York State. NYS offers many opportunities for both big and small game, as well as game birds and furbearer hunting.

About 700,000 New York citizens and 50,000 tourists or nonresidents partake in hunting in NYS each year.

There are many students at Oswego High School who participate in hunting which is often seen as an escape from the real world. Being out in the woods away from the rest of the world has a sense of peace to it that cannot quite be explained and must be experienced to truly understand.

Hearing gun shots is exciting. It gives you hope after a long day of seeing nothing that something is headed in your direction.

Even if you do not see anything, being out in the woods with family, friends or by yourself creates memories one will never forget.

In this area of NYS, there are many different hunting seasons for the different types

of game. Deer season opens with bow hunting on October 1. Hunters are able to bow hunt throughout the entire deer season, into the late bow season, which ends on December 16.

Regular deer season begins on November 15 and ends on December 7.

Hunters are able to hunt with a crossbow for deer starting on November 1 through December 7. Muzzleloaders can be used by hunters from December 8 to December 16 for deer.

The youth hunt in New York State is a great opportunity offered to hunters aged 14 to 15 on Columbus Day weekend. The hunt has a bag limit of one. OHS sophomore, Bryce Hourigan, participated in the youth hunt this year with his uncle.

Hourigan had a successful hunt and shot his first deer, a doe.

Other hunting seasons include: coyote, weasel, opossum, raccoon, skunk and fox. All of these animals can be hunted either day or night from October 25 to February

15, and there is no bag limit.

Coyote season opens October 1 and continues until March 29.

Safety is a major part of hunting. Before anyone can obtain a hunting license, they must first take a sportsman education class. The class is required for every new hunter. During the class, hunters learn how to be safe and responsible and also learn to think about the ethics that come into play with hunting.

Classes teach hunters how to safely load, unload, and clean firearms. Hunters also learn how to cross fences safely with a firearm.

Sometimes, the classes include target practice and the chance to use a crossbow.

The course is offered free of charge because it is funded through the purchase of firearms and licenses in NYS. Hunters often look to a mentor, which is most often a dad, another family member, or a close friend. Hunting is among one of the safest of sports despite what many may think.

November 2014

10

Artist of the Month

Triple threat knows his way around the stage

By Courtney Osmun

Business Manager

He can act, sing, and dance. Artist of the Month, Ryan Smith, certainly knows his way around the stage. The spotlight has been his home for the majority of his life and he plans to keep it that way.

Smith has been acting for eight years. His interest in acting was born when a theater group came and performed for his elementary school.

He watched as the actors were fully immersed in their roles and Smith was mesmerized.

He immediately knew this was something he would love to pursue.

At the end of their performance, they handed out programs for their show with information for auditions for Once Upon A Shoe which would lead to the beginning of his theater experiences.

Smith began senior year as the president of the Drama Club, and he has been an active member since he began high school.

Smith will play the lead role, Major, in the drama club’s fall play Irena’s Vow. The show is set during the Holocaust, where a Polish woman named Irena works in a factory for Major who is a high ranked Nazi officer. Irena faints on the job and Major hires her as his housekeeper because he worries that she will not be able to handle the strenuous work in the factory. Irena meets some Jewish workers and secretly conceals them in the basement of the Nazi officer’s house saving them from liquidation of the Jewish ghetto.

Regarding Smith’s portrayal of Major, he stated, “He seems all big and tough but on the inside he has a heart and he just wants Irena to accept him for who he is and doesn’t want to look like the bad guy even though he has to be.”

Last spring, Smith participated in the Michael J. Harmes Drama Festival at SUNY-Oswego with the Drama Club. He was awarded Best Individual Performance in Drama and received an honorable mention.

One of the greatest experiences Smith had in theater was when he got a chance to work with Kevin Kenninson who was the director of The Little Mermaid on Broadway. He directed A Doll’s House in Oswego which Smith performed in.

Smith said, “It was really cool to work with him since he’s done one of the biggest shows on broadway.”

With Smith’s involvement in musical theater, his favorite musicals include Book of Mormon, Godspell, and Phantom of the Opera. His dream role to perform is Phantom from Phantom of the Opera.

Smith is also a member of three OHS music ensembles including Chamber Singers, Symphonic Orchestra, and Concert Orchestra. Of

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the ensembles, Symphonic Orchestra is his favorite.

“I just love orchestral music and sometimes when you’re singing the words get in the way and you don’t hear the true beauty of the sound you’re producing,” said Smith.

Smith has played the violin for nine years and has added a variety of instruments to his arsenal including viola, piano, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and the banjo.

Smith appreciates the teachers in the OHS Music Department and stated, “Mrs. Rogers is my favorite. I’ve known her since I was 9 or 10 because she’s a family friend of mine so she has been one of those people that I’ve really appreciated.”

He began singing in elementary school when students were recruited to join chorus and has been singing ever since. His singing has introduced him to some amazing opportunities in the past few years.

During sophomore year, Smith received a score of 99 on his NYSSMA All-State Audition. He was chosen as an

With one year of Conference AllState under his belt, he is planning on making the most of his second and final year.

“I plan on making more friends than I did last year. I definitely don’t think I took the opportunity to meet as many new people from all around.

There are people from Long Island and Buffalo, even the Adirondacks and there are so many good connections!

And these are friends that you can keep forever. Especially if they’re people you end up going to school with. Also, I think I need to take in the experience as a whole and appreciate the fact that I’m there and appreciate every minute of it.”

Smith was also selected as an alternate for the All-National Choir. “I had to submit a video of the NYSSMA solo I did last year and then I had to wait three months and then I got an email saying that I was an alternate!”

As if acting and singing were not enough, Smith dances. OHS has got a triple threat on their hands. Smith has danced since the sixth grade.

“My sister had been dancing forever and at the dance studio they had started a boys’ hip hop class and my mom just sort of signed me up and I didn’t want to do it at first, but when I got there I loved it.”

Photo by Courtney osmun

Above senior Ryan Smith is pictured with his script from Irena’s Vow and violin in hand showcasing just a few of his numerous talents and contributions to Oswego High School.

alternate for the Conference All-State Mixed Choir. A student was unable to perform in the choir, so Smith earned his spot.

The following year, Smith received a 100 on his audition. He was selected as a member of the Conference All-State Mixed Choir and will be performing with the choir in December in Rochester New York, in the Kodak Hall at the Eastman School of Music.

“I feel like my biggest accomplishment is getting into Conference All-State twice because it’s very, very competitive and I’m very lucky to have gotten in twice. And last year when I went it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in anything, music or arts.”

OHS witnessed Smith’s dancing talents in last year’s Junior Variety Show. Smith will be returning to the J.V. Show’s stage for his final year. He has sang, danced and acted with fellow drama club members in recent J.V. Shows.

Smith stated, “I feel like it’s called the Variety Show for a reason.

I definitely think people who have different talents other than singing don’t realize that they could use that talent in the show. I think there should definitely be lots of variety. Like skits, dances, even a magic show would be nice. Definitely something that’s super cool.”

How does he handle all these things at once? It has not always been

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easy. “I’ll go from school 7:30 to 2:30, rehearsal 3:00 to 5:00, then another rehearsal 6:00 to 9:00 and that’ll happen every single day and I’m barely home. It’s difficult.”

He was once in four shows at the same time and had to juggle memorizing lines and going from rehearsal to rehearsal.

Smith feels some mixed feelings about his final year at OHS. “It’s scary.

In one word scary. I definitely think there is so much responsibility. And even though you don’t necessarily have to stick with what you want to do, you have to know what you want to do, and where you want to go...early. And it’s nice with all the perks you get like, ‘Yeah, I’m a senior!’ but it’s the start of the rest of your life and it’s scary.”

Music has contributed greatly to his life thus far. “I love that it’s a great way to express yourself, you know? If you’re having a bad day you can play a happy song and feel better. Definitely the mood of the piece you’re playing affects your mood. And I like how you can just do things that aren’t what you usually do,” Smith stated.

Music and the various activities he has pursued have taught him life skills that will help him when he is exposed to the outside world.

“It’s definitely given me good leadership skills, group work skills, working as a team with other people.

Definitely good personable skills, like communication, a lot of things that can help me in the future,” Smith said.

Smith

encourages upcoming students to try everything, discover what they are good at and welcome new experiences.

“Definitely try everything, get involved in as much as you can at first just to see what you like. Don’t say, ‘Oh, I don’t think I would be good at this so I’m not going to bother trying.’

Always try a bunch of different things because then you’ll find that one thing you really love and you’ll succeed,” Smith stated.

Upon graduation, Smith plans to go to SUNY-Oswego. He hopes to major in education or science and math and would love to minor in theater and music.

Although he’s unsure of what the future entails he knows theater and music are going to play a part. He said, “I’m definitely going to do it in college and even after college.”

These experiences have been important in Smith’s life. All of his activities and talents have molded Smith into a truly unique student.

Smith stated, “They’ve shaped me into the person I am today. They’ve given me ways to express myself and be myself. And they’ve shown me what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

November 2014

Walking the Plank

11

Junior just keeps swimming after walking the plank

By Chase Pelton Sports Editor

Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

EJ: Evan Michael James.

BB: What do you think of your junior year so far?

EJ: Pretty busy.

BB: What is your favorite class this year?

EJ: AP Physics with Dr. Naron.

BB: Do you play any sports?

EJ: I do swim and cross-country.

BB: If you had to choose one which would it be?

EJ: Swim because I have a better feel with the team and being in the water, but running is a close second.

BB: Are you in any other extracurriculars?

EJ: I’m in Robotics Club, National Honor Society and OCAY league.

BB: Can you explain what OCAY is?

EJ: It’s the Oswego County Academic Youth League. It’s a competition where schools send students to complete predetermined challenges and each has their own theme.

BB: What is your favorite color?

EJ: Green.

BB: What is the best advice you have ever heard?

EJ: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t--you’re right,” from Henry Ford.

BB: Do you try to live your life by this advice?

EJ: I guess it’s my philosophy for working hard in school and sports.

BB: What is your favorite food?

EJ: Steak.

Newton. Khan because when I was in World History he seemed like one of the most interesting world leaders, Tesla was a really interesting inventor and scientists who would be cool to meet, and Newton invented calculus so he should be able to help me with my math homework right.

BB: If you could change one thing in the world what would it be and why?

EJ: Change our reliance on fossil fuels. For one they’ll run out. And second they pollute the environment.

BB: What is your favorite thing about high school?

EJ: The variety of things to do and people to meet.

Photo By Rachael Purtell

BB: What is your least Evan James was a pivotal member of the boys’ varsity swim team last favorite thing about high winter despite being only a sophomore at the time. The Buccaneers school? are definitely grateful to have this strong swimmer back in action!

EJ: Standardized testing. It feels like a lot of times standardized tests rely BB: What is one thing you could not live on multiple choice so people can’t justify their without? answers. For example a lot of the time in my English class is spent arguing for the answer that EJ: Oxygen. But I guess I couldn’t live without a daily plan. one of us gave on a multiple choice question and why we think we should have gotten some BB: What is your favorite memory? sort of credit. So standardized testing especially EJ: First time I flew in a plane. It was a small because of English. propeller plane that a family friend too us up in, it was really interesting.

BB: What is your ideal vacation?

EJ: Trip to Galapagos Islands, it’s a cool nature preserve.

BB: Do you have any advice for the underclassmen?

BB: What is your dream job?

EJ: Do something extracurricular; you’ll have a EJ: Supreme Dictator of Everything! Just a lot of fun and meet fun people. physicist actually.

BB: How do you like that cooked?

EJ: With red in the middle.

BB: If you could go back in time what time would you go to and why?

EJ: I would go back to before Apple got big and buy their stock, or maybe even before Microsoft got big and buy their stock.

BB: If you had to be trapped in a television show what would it be?

EJ: Probably Survivor Man, educational and exciting.

BB: Do you have a most embarrassing moment that sticks out?

EJ: A plethora that I’m not going to mention in this interview.

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

EJ: Laser vision, I always think that looks like the coolest.

BB: If you could meet any three people dead or alive who would they be?

EJ: I’ve actually given this one a lot of thought, so Genghis Khan, Nicholas Tesla and Isaac

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Photo by rachael purtell Photo Illustration By Chase Pelton

BB: What is your biggest fear?

EJ: Rust and seaweed.

BB: Care to explain?

EJ: Since I was little I’ve always had a fear of stepping on a rusty nail and getting tetanus and it’s just stuck with me, and seaweed has just always crept me out BB: Do you have any pet peeves?

EJ: This one is going to take up a bit of space.

The sound of chewing, heavy breathing, scraping of fingernails on a seatbelt, obscure, I know, and excessive coughing and sniffing. www.buccaneerbulletin.com

Editor’s note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular question-and-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 Chase Pelton.

November 2014

12

Entertainment

Romantic novel takes your emotions for a spin about Dawson.

After Tuck’s passing (a mutual friend between Dawson and Amanda), they are forced to see each other and reminded of all the memories they had together. When back in Oriental Dawson and Amanda meet with a lawyer to discuss the plans for his The book The Best of Me by funeral. With the help of letters written Nicholas Sparks is about two former to Dawson and Amanda by Tuck when high school sweethearts named he was in love they realize that they Dawson Cole and Amanda Collier from are each other’s true loves. They later a small town called Oriental, North realize that Tuck set up his own funeral Carolina. Dawson and Amanda were as a scheme to get them back together. separated because Dawson killed a man After all the breakfasts, by hitting him dinners, with his truck. I recommend this book to coffees, Twenty people who are interested in and late years later night talks romantic dramas, and very they both Dawson was almost killed realize descriptive books. on an oil rig what in the ocean they want by an explosion. After the explosion in life. However, with the struggle Dawson remembers all the mistakes he about leaving her children and her made such as letting Amanda go off to husband her mother’s disapproval college and killing a man. of Dawson, Amanda is trapped Amanda and her husband are and does not know what to do. dealing with family issues such as Dawson must deal with cousins her husband’s drinking problem; she Ted and Abee out to get him over a remembers all the things she loves feud that started years ago.

Wa n t i n g t o k e e p Amanda safe and sound away from the dangers in his life, and therefore also trapped unknowing what do to do.

About a week later, Amanda gets news from her

husband that he and their son have been in a car accident.

Her husband being alright but her son fighting for his life Amanda sees how ridiculous it is to

leave her family for Dawson.

On his way out of Oriental, Dawson sees a shadow familiar to someone from his past. Deciding to follow the shadow, he is led to his two cousins whom have weapons. While attempting to save a man from a bar fight, Dawson is shot in the head by Ted. When Amanda begins to lose hope of her son surviving, doctors unexpectedly find a heart that will keep him alive. The next day she learns that it was Dawson’s heart was given to her son.

Nicholas Sparks portrayed The Best of Me very well. He described the setting, the traits of the characters, and even what was going on around them very well. I recommend this book to people who are interested in romantic dramas, and very descriptive books.

Sparks’ movie fails to bring out the best of anyone

The Best of Me, a love story based on the book

by Nicolas Sparks, was released in theaters in late October. If you are looking for the classic aspects of a Nicholas Sparks film adaptation, they are all there; kissing in the rain, the disapproving rich parents, the tragedies, and the masculine hands grasping a woman’s face.

There was not a dry eye in the movie theater.

One could sense the sadness in the air as people reached for their tissues and felt a connection with the characters.

There have been many negative reviews, but if you let yourself become absorbed in the movie, it is a love story that was enjoyable to see unfold.

Oswego High School sophomore Mariah Morley said, “Well I thought it was a GREAT movie. I cried like a

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big baby, it’s my favorite movie! I’m in love with The choice of Bracey as the younger Dawson was Dawson and it broke my heart when that shocking a poor decision; he did not look, act or sound like the moment came up and I felt like I lost a part of me. older version of Dawson.

Amanda and Dawson were meant to be together. I’m Dawson is a member of the notorious Cole like jealous family, “Well I thought it was a GREAT movie. I cried who was of them, they had a perfect like a big baby, it’s my favorite movie! I’m in known relationship!” for their The movie love with Dawson and it broke my heart when violence drew you into that shocking moment came up and I felt like and trashy the characters of I lost a part of me. Amanda and Dawson were way as well as the life. The meant to be together. I’m like jealous of them, Cole book did. It was easy to family, they had a perfect relationship!” like and relate curiously ~Mariah Morley composed to both the OHS Class of 2017 of all men, young and old appeared to be from characters. This is not a perfect story, various time periods. Dawson’s father dressed in a but life is never perfect and Nicholas gothic renaissance style.

Sparks always relates this in his books.

Eventually the odd coincidences and tragic The main characters, Amanda and events started to pile up at a rate that did not allow Dawson, portray a beautiful romance. the audience to follow. The plot twists were way too Amanda, played by Liana Liberato predictable. (young Amanda) and Michelle Other flaws included the sun being strangely Monaghan (adult Amanda) golden, the accents were not appropriate for someone and Dawson, played by James in North Carolina, poor editing of the film, and Marsden (young Dawson) and cramming an eventful story into a two hour movie.

Luke Bracey (adult Dawson) are all Some parts were too long and other parts of the film very likeable as characters due to their were cut short. All of these factors did not make the universal appeal. movie very enjoyable to watch.

However, people who are typically fans of If you are looking for a heart wrenching Sparks’ movie renditions are saying this is quite story, you would be better off reading the book. possibly the worst one yet. As Amanda and Dawson Entertainment Weekly put it well when they said, fall in love as young high school students and the “The Best Of Me ends up extracting the best of movie progressed through their lives, it did not delve absolutely no one. “ into their romantic feelings as well as the book did.

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November 2014

Columns

13

Color and comfort are keys to confidence

We all have those days. You wake up ten minutes before you leave your house to your mom or dad banging on your door asking why you can’t seem to ever wake up on your own (even though this is the first time this school year you’ve overslept) and how you need to take responsibility because you’re in high school and so on and so forth.

Now you’re in a terrible mood and just don’t feel like going to school at all, but regardless, you throw on your sweats, throw your hair in a bun, and grumpily zombie-drive to school. We’ve all been there. Some people can’t even find the willpower to change out of their torn Mountain Dew pajama bottoms! And that’s okay, but I’d bet that an hour into the school day, they’re regretting that fashion choice.

When you dress lazily, you’ll feel lazy. Robert Ridge, Associate Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University told www.universe.byu. edu, “There definitely can be a connection between how people dress and how they feel.”

Fashion is all about wearing what makes you feel confident. If you’re rushing to get ready in the morning and end up throwing on something you don’t really like, chances are, you’ll feel selfconscious for the rest of the day.

Ridge said, “The more you like your appearance, the more confident you can be.”

This issue can easily be solved by picking out your outfit the night before. Even if you forget to do that, there are many other comfortable clothing options other than sweatpants.

Leggings are a great example. In the past, leggings were mostly worn under dresses or skirts.

Recently, however, it has can’t always control our become more socially moods, but, to an extent, acceptable for people to we do have control over wear them as a substitute our appearance. for pants. Leggings are a The concept of color great versatile article of affecting our perception clothing because they can of emotion leads to the be dressed up or down. The next topic. There is an same pair of leggings that entire field of medical you wore with a hoodie science dedicated to using and UGGs one day can be different color hues for worn with an oversized therapeutic purposes sweater and scarf, which is called chromotherapy. just as comfortable.

Chromotherapists use the According to www. visible spectrum to cure bodyandsoul.com, diseases. researchers from the This same concept University of Queensland can be used in regards in Brisbane, Australia have to fashion choices. The researched how people article, “Change Your use the clothes they wear Clothes and Your Mood” to improve or mask their from www.dailyworth. emotions. Personally, if I com explores how each wake up in a bad mood, I color of the rainbow emits will often wear a dress or a different vibe. Red is a skirt and spend extra time symbol for love, passion, making sure my makeup or sexiness. Cool colors and hair look good. This such as purple, blue, usually helps me feel and green are associated better. Researchers found with calmness. With this this to be a common theme information in mind, you among people. can change your entire Another result the outlook on the day simply Photo by Hannah griffin Australian researchers with the clothes you Mariah Metcalf, junior, shows off her style found was sometimes with a perfect balance of comfort and class. choose to wear. the clothes wouldn’t If you tell yourself affect peoples’ moods, but the clothing gave the you look good, you will feel good. Whether you’re impression that their emotions were different than wearing flip flops or heels, a dress, or leggings, if how the people were truly feeling. If you saw you hold your head up high, walk with confidence someone wearing a yellow dress, for example, and put a smile on your face, you will feel good you might assume they’re in a good mood because about yourself. Fashion is just one tool you can use we associate the color yellow with the emotion of to give yourself the confidence boost that we all happiness. Likewise, if someone is wearing black, need every once in a while. people can assume their mood is depressed. We

Physical education teacher doubles as loving father

To most people, he’s Brian Greene, gym teacher and coach of junior varsity soccer, modified basketball and junior varsity lacrosse, but to me he’s Dad. Throughout elementary school I knew that he was a teacher, but it never really affected me or any of my friends. It wasn’t until middle school that I started to hear about my dad’s teaching. Every day it seemed like someone would come up and ask me to recommend them to my dad for basketball. It never bothered or annoyed me, it was just something that happened.

When I came to the high school, any unfair advantages that one would think I’d receive in gym class weren’t

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given. As much as we have fatherbut it made me laugh because it’s stupid stuff or witnessing a “loving son moments where we talk about such a funny yet serious question that embrace” between a friend and me, stuff within the family, it’s mostly he posed. my dad usually has a wonderful business at school. That doesn’t really At first it was a little weird for story for my mom at home. bother me since he’s a gym teacher my friends to be over at their gym My dad’s sports life doesn’t and I participate in gym like everyone teacher’s house, but now they’re all end after practice; one step into should. It is the easiest class out there used to it describing it as amusing the Greene household will bring after all. and awkward at first. Now they find the echo of all televisions turned Although, if I’m ever feeling it kind of cool and are used to it. It’s to Sports Center. Every Sunday lazy, my dad doesn’t exactly shove it also nice to know that they like my and Thursday night my dad poses to the side. One time during a sit-up dad when I hear them say, “He’s a the traditional question, “Do you test, I wasn’t really feeling the whole wicked awesome gym teacher.” guys know that football is on sit up vibe and wasn’t tonight?” trying; after doing about My dad has always been in my personal My dad has 20 sit-ups in a minute, always had a passion life from a normal parent’s perspective, but for sports and I my dad decided to pull me to the side. Needless now he is there for my whole day. don’t think there is a to say, I’m no longer sport my dad doesn’t lazy in his or ANY of know or excel at. my classes.

It’s different to have my dad I don’t share the passion of One of my favorite conversations in both my personal and social sports with him, but we do both about my dad with my uncle is life. My dad has always been in feel at home swimming in the lake, whether or not I have the ability to my personal life from a normal hiking up the 46 high peaks of the five star my father in class (slap him parent’s perspective, but now he is Adirondacks, biking trails, and on the back and leave a hand print) . there for my whole day. Whether relaxing with friends. It’s nice to We never really came to an answer, he’s witnessing my friends do have my dad as a teacher. www.buccaneerbulletin.com

November 2014

14

Sports

Eight steps to play your way to college athletics

By Rachael Purtell Editor-in-Chief

Participating in collegiate athletics is the dream of nearly every high school athlete, but with only 10 percent of these athletes actually receiving such an incredible opportunity and only a third of those athletes receiving athletic scholarships, it is vital that aspiring athletes begin the recruiting process early if they want to become one of only about 420,000 college athletes in the country.

First of all, every student athlete needs to make sure they are taking the right classes. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is primarily concerned with acquiring student athletes who will reflect positively on their respective programs and this starts in the classroom.

From freshman year forward, it is important for each student athlete to make sure they are taking the appropriate number of core classes and will be on track to graduate in the spring of their senior year.

The guidance counselors here at Oswego High School are aware of these requirements and are very good at their jobs, so students should welcome their help with this process.

Next, if the parents of a student athlete see college athletics as even a possibility, they should register their child at NCAA.org upon their son or daughter’s entrance into high school. Registering with the NCAA Eligibility Center validates a student athlete’s status as an amateur athlete simply to ensure that they are not secretly a forward on the Boston Celtics during their years in high school.

The process is relatively painless but does require a $50 fee, the student athlete’s social security number and should be completed no later than the start of junior year. Those planning to participate in any division lower than NCAA Division II athletics are not required to register with the NCAA. Upon entering sophomore or junior year, the student athlete should make three lists of schools: a list of their dream schools, a list of the schools they could realistically get into, and a list of fallback schools in case something dramatically changes at the last minute. The lists should have some overlap and the purpose of making these lists is just to narrow one’s focus and the goal is to condense the three lists into one list of about 12 to 15 schools with the bulk of the schools being realistic options.

Creating a recruiting video is one of the most important ways to attract the attention of college coaches. For play by play sports such as volleyball, baseball, and softball,

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one should create a video of 15 to 25 highlight plays showcasing the athlete’s ability.

For continuous sports such as soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, one should create a video of 10 to 15 highlight plays and half of a regular game to show an athlete’s ability in real time.

Quality does count with these videos. It is not necessary to hire Matthew Libatique to film a video, but many student athletes find it beneficial to hire a videographer.

Photo By Rachael Purtell However, if Senior midfielder Sean Benjamin hopes to earn a spot on the men’s soccer roster at one does not have the college he attends next fall. He made an overnight visit to the Rochester Institute of the resources Technology and participated in camps at Clarkson, Oswego State, and SUNY-Brockport. available to do where to start. age range. Even if the coaches at that this, filming with a small camcorder In the e-mail, the student athlete particular college are not interested in is fine. Try to use a tripod to avoid should introduce themselves and the student athlete, they may be able shakiness and film five times as explain their reason for contacting the to point the individual toward another much footage as will actually be recipient.

They should also provide opportunity. needed in order to be certain the best information about the college and Another important way to possible footage is utilized. Lastly, the sports program that they are increase a student athlete’s exposure avoid heavy metal music and colorful interested in because college coaches is participation in club sports. Very graphics and try to make the video can tell when a student athlete few college coaches have the time as short, simple, and professional has simply filled in the blanks of or inclination to attend high school looking as possible. a template and they will be much sporting events, especially at higher Student athletes must do research more inclined to talk to someone divisions.

Club teams provide on the schools they are interested in who shows that they are genuinely athletes with opportunities to play attending and the Internet provides interested in the school and has taken in tournaments that a multitude of access to both official and unofficial the time to do the research. college coaches attend regularly. recruiting information about virtually Finally, the student athlete In addition to showcasing a any college. The official websites of should attach a link where their student athlete’s athletic ability, colleges provide information such recruiting video can be accessed, it is important for one to begin as the appropriate person interested a resume including athletic networking and creating relationships student athletes should contact and statistics, honors, academic data, with college athletes and coaches at can save an athlete time by showing extracurricular activities, community the schools they are interested in. the availability of positions. For service and work experience, and This can be accomplished through example, if one is a goalkeeper contact information for the student college visits, interviews, and in lacrosse and a team has four athlete’s school, coaches, and the overnight visits with members of the goalkeepers returning for the next student athlete themselves. college’s athletic teams. year, it is unlikely that the college Some people prefer to make the Hopefully after years of hard will be interested in recruiting first contact via the phone, which is work, a student athlete will have a another for the next season. Student fine, but it is vital that the student few different options and a difficult athletes can also collect information athlete makes this call themselves decision to make during senior year. about the program itself through the and not their parent.

Not only is it Important things to consider in school’s website and social media unprofessional, the coach has no way making this decision are the financial accounts. of knowing if the student athlete is packages colleges may or may not The next step in the process is genuinely interested or committed. offer the possibility of playing perhaps the most frightening of them It is vital that student athletes time on a college’s athletic team, all: making the first contact. Student increase their exposure and get and firsthand experience with the athletes can wait until junior year to themselves seen by college coaches university as a whole. do this but with the ever-increasing throughout their high school career.

Although college athletics is pace of youth sports, the ideal time University camps have two a great opportunity to pursue, it is to make one’s primary contact is the functions: to help an athlete improve important that student athletes keep summer prior to entering sophomore and provide the type of exposure in mind the importance of their year. described above.

If student athletes studies, the money they will spend, E-mail is one of the fastest and are interested in playing a sport at a and the experiences they will have easiest ways to make the first contact particular university, they should look during upcoming adventures at and there are templates available to see if the college has any camps or college. online if a student athlete is unsure clinics available for their sport and www.buccaneerbulletin.com

November 2014

Sports

First Team All-League duo leads their team to a successful season

obstacle rather than thinking they would go the whole season being undefeated.

The girls’ varsity tennis team served up a Broeker said, “It was actually one of our very successful season this fall consisting of longest seasons. We had the most matches many highlights. The team tied the school record compared to previous years, but I definitely wish of 12 wins, accomplished a huge upset over it had gone longer and I’ll definitely miss it.”

Cicero-North Syracuse in the first round of The team fell to Fayetteville-Manlius in sectional competition, and nine girls qualified the semi-final round of team sectionals and Alfor individual sectionals.

Salameh and Broeker fell to Baldwinsville in the Coach Casey Jones stated, “It is semi-final round of individual sectionals. really hard to describe the team’s The girls both agreed that they would never success this year as there were forget the bonds and the success they shared so many pieces. These with their teammates throughout the season. Alpieces all fell Salameh said, “That was fun because the season together was over, but then we could go to sectionals and as the be a team again. This season has been the best season season so far, especially for senior year, it was a progressed, great way to end it.” but the keys were the girls’ approach Broeker and Al-Salameh agreed that the to their team, their enthusiasm and teammate who had the most significant impact on focus during matches, taking the them was senior Carrie Kelly. Kelly played with court knowing they could win, their Al-Salameh and Broeker during their freshman work ethic which led to a lot of year, took a break to play soccer for two years, individual skill improvement, and and returned to play on the varsity tennis team team chemistry. All of these were her senior year. part of our success.”

Both Broeker and Al-Salameh described Senior captain Meredith Kelly as having a personality that brightened Chesare said, “I am so proud of my up the room. Kelly was also one of their most team this year. My team has been supportive teammates as she came to their playing together sectional match for quite some time to support them “On the first day of varsity practice, despite not being now and we knew we deserved a final I knew we had the tools to be able to participate successful season. herself that day. successful.

This year we grew Al-Salameh and so close and I am It was just a matter of the girls Broeker both agree sad to see it end.

Jones was the believing in themselves a n d that This bond between best coach they had taking it to the matches. As time during their four us, I believe, truly contributed to our went on they did just that and year tennis tenure at successful season.

OHS. what I saw the first day became a We were always Al-Salameh encouraging said, “He had fun reality.” one another and the season and ~Casey Jones with never doubtful. didn’t take it too OHS Varsity Tennis Coach seriously.”

I believe that the underclassmen will Coach Jones continue this legacy focused on the and will go on to break more school records and team’s weaker points win more sectional games.” rather than continuously Seniors Rana Al-Salameh and Krysta Broeker doing the same drills were a huge part of the team’s success this over and over in practices year at second doubles. They displayed great according to Al-Salameh chemistry on the court seeing as they have been and Broeker. friends since second grade and together they The tennis team went undefeated in the regular season, reached made quite a racket this the semi-final round of individual sectionals, year, and Coach Jones and were both awarded First Team All-League believes that the most honors. important ingredient to Broeker and Al-Salameh have been playing any successful team is tennis at OHS since their freshman year and they the ability to have fun too believe their team’s chemistry was the main with the sport and the reason for their success. success will follow.

Al-Salameh said, “We all get along very well, He said, “On the first there’s no one left out.” day of varsity practice, Broeker agreed saying, “Yeah, I think that I knew we had the tools was a major component, there were no awkward to be successful. It was cliques that I feel sometimes occur with certain just a matter of the girls teams.” believing in themselves According to Al-Salameh and Broeker, the and taking it to the success they had was not foreseen by the girls matches. As time went at the beginning of the season. They described on they did just that and what I saw the first day themselves as taking each match as its own became a reality.”

By Rachael Purtell Editor-in-Chief

Buccaneer Bulletin

www.buccaneerbulletin.com

15

Buc Sports Flashback 1 year ago (2013)

* On October 11, the Oswego Marching Buccaneers attended a competition in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. * They placed first in their division. * They placed fourth overall at the Syracuse Carrier Dome competition. * Emily King and Cassandra Hondro were accepted into the U.S Army All American Band.

5 years ago (2009)

* Girls’ varsity basketball coach Mr. Phil Reed earned his 100th victory when The Lady Buccaneers visited the Henninger Black Knights on January 9. * “ Hard work pays off,” said Coach Reed.

10 years ago (2004)

* Freshman Hilary Callen competed in swimming championships. * Placing first in 500 freestyle placing second in 200 freestyle her times being 5:20:76 and 1:57:95. * “Callen was untouchable,” Coach Cari Joyce said. *“I’ve been working really hard not just this season, but last as well,” Callen stated.

15 years ago (1999)

* Lady Bucs take to the ice. * They became one of only four high school girls hockey teams in New York State. * Friends, family, and community supported establishment of the Oswego High School girls’ hockey team.

20 years ago (1994)

* Dave Garrow finished as the best diver in New York State. * Coach Linda Beyer stated, “He really is dedicated. He dives year round, and always works hard.”

25 years ago (1989)

* The varsity boys’ cross country team earned an honor that the OHS cross country have not held in 12 years. * The varsity boys’ team qualified for sectionals and were ranked fourteenth in state. * After placing well individually and as a team in such major meets as the McQuaid and Baldwinsville invitationals, they feel that they will be competitive for the remainder of the year and beyond.

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 Hannah Cali.

November 2014

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 3 Number 2

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

November 2014

Athletes of the Month Craig lawton allie henderson

By Rachael Purtell Editor-in-Chief

By Mariya Hirna Layout Editor

Craig Lawton’s goal has always been to have fun playing the game he loves.

Senior Allie Henderson is on the girls’ varsity volleyball team as a right The senior varsity soccer wing back said, “I liked having fun as a team, I didn’t side hitter. She started playing volleyball when she was in seventh grade. She has care about winning or losing.” also participated in club league during the winter. Once she entered ninth grade, Finishing with an overall record of 4-11-1 the varsity boys’ soccer team was Henderson began assisting with modified volleyball. mathematically alive for a chance of sectional play for the first time in several Playing for the most of the year, Henderson practices every day during the years until their final game at home which also happened to be a very emotional season, except for Sundays and game days. “I love this sport, I love playing, I senior night for our November Athlete of the Month. love practicing. Practicing is fun.” said Henderson.

Lawton was a major contributor to the team’s success this season. Senior In this sport it is really important to have a close team, so working together captain Sean Benjamin said, “Craig’s role is to stop outside attackers and to get is crucial and the girls’ volleyball team is really good at that. “We are really close the ball out of the back on counter attacks. He’s a supporting player on friends and we were playing together for a long time. We all love each other, we attacking plays where he comes out of the defense to make outside are a huge family and we spend a lot of time together,” said Henderson runs in which he can accurately cross or pass the ball to attacking Obviously, the coach is a very important person. Henderson said, “Coach players. He’s one of the players that we put in our defensive line Ron Ahart is always with us. He is a good coach. He sometimes gets mad at where there is the most tension.” us, but it is always for the better and he always helps us to get better during Lawton agreed with his captain and described his role on practices. We are going to work and focus on what the team as mainly defensive and says this also parallels his role we need in our games.” on the lacrosse team. Although he plays midfield for the lacrosse Henderson is an important part of the team, Lawton still describes himself as more of a defensiveteam. “She has the hardest serve ever. When minded player. she serves it is very hard to pass the ball,” said Head coach Tom Benjamin said, “Craig exhibits quality senior volleyball player Reilly Patrick. in his defending, his skill, and his ability to mount a counter Henderson is important to the team not attack out of the backfield. He maintains a cool head in only as a player, but as a leader. “Allie is chaotic situations. Craig exhibits quiet confidence during very organized and very good in games.” planning things. She acts like Lawton enjoyed his experience playing for Coach the mom of the group, she Benjamin and said that he was a good coach who never is very responsible,” stated yelled at his players. Lawton said the coach was very Patrick. good at coming up with drills based on the team’s Libero Jessica Pfeifer performance in the previous game in order to prepare also said, “She looks after them for the next upcoming game. everyone. She is very caring.”

Captain Sean Benjamin agreed and stated, “Craig is Coach Ahart thinks a very consistent and reliable teammate who I believe has Henderson is an important player. no problem with any other player on the team. As a senior, “She loves playing volleyball and she is a sub-captain Craig is one of the most liked players on the good influence on the team. She plays very team.” good defense,” said Ahart.

Lawton said that both Benjamin and his other senior Other than volleyball, Henderson captain, Kyle Kemper, reinforced his beliefs that the has many hobbies. She likes to read and most important aspect of playing a sport is to have fun travel. “Someday I would like to see all and that Kemper has had the most significant impact of the world, or at least a lot of it,” said on his athletic experience due to his hustle to the ball Henderson. Since ninth grade she saved and solid defense. money, joined Travel Club and visited Junior varsity lacrosse coach Josh Molinari is France, Italy and Spain last year. When she the coach that Lawton claims has enhanced his was younger, she traveled to Austria as well. athletic career the most. He said, “He’s impacted Henderson is also artistic. She likes me the most because he knows how to relate to drawing with graphite, photography and his players really well. He always seems to have computer graphics and she has won multiple fun with his job and encourages us to do our best.” awards. “I’ve just always loved to draw”, said “Soccer will always be my favorite just because Henderson. it was my childhood,” said Lawton. Clearing the ball Her sister, dad and grandmother draw as well, up the field and far away from the goalie is Lawton’s so she was always encouraged to take art classes. favorite feeling he gets from playing his favorite game Many students are familiar with her drawing of of soccer. roses in black and white.

Lawton is a student in good standing and has “She is great in graphics and she is great in never had trouble of any sort with academics over the drawing and painting. She is good in both, she course of his high school career. He plans to study can do anything,” said Oswego High School art electrical engineering at either SUNY-Oswego or teacher Melissa Martin.

University at Buffalo.

After high school, Henderson wants to Although Lawton does not plan to continue playing go to the School of Environmental Science soccer in college in order to better focus on his studies and Forestry in Syracuse. For her future career, she Sean Benjamin stated, “Craig is a committed player, and wants to become an environmental engineer to help photo Illustration by Rachael Purtell I’m very glad to have played with him over the years. I solve the problems in the environment and prevent future believe that he could easily be a power player in college if he wanted to play.” environmental issues from occurring. She applied to SUNY-ESF. “They are the Lawton has had a successful athletic and academic career and has a very top school for any science or environmental related fields,” said Henderson. bright future ahead of him. Lawton has never lost sight of the important concept Although Henderson is not going to play volleyball in college, it is an of having fun while competing, which, sadly, far too many high school athletes important part of her life. She plays well, she celebrates victories with her team, forget in the midst of all the pressures that come from playing a sport. and she supports them even when they are losing or not on their A-game. For He stated, “I just think that if you’re going to play a sport, the main reason these reasons Henderson is a deserving Athlete of the Month for November. has to be having fun.”