October 2009

BuccaneerBulletin

Volume 13 Number 1

Meet Our New Teachers Pages 4 & 5

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

October 2009

Sweeping Changes at OHS

Fall Spirit Pages 8 & 9

Cover photo explanation Page 2

New Principal Walks the Plank Page 13

Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Page 2

Photo Illustration by Caitlin Sawyer

What’s Your Opinion?

Page 3

Point Counterpoint Page 11

Editorial

2

Buccaneer Bulletin

Drawing Board

Oswego High School’s Student Voice Staff Kimberlyn Bailey Christina Buckingham Aaron Callahan Rachel Clark Monek Cullen Shaughnessy Darrow Jasmine Davis Emily DiFabio Ashley Fidler Emily Fultz Catherine Furletti Rachel Healy Dacota Kazyaka Michaela Kearns Mary Losurdo Hilary MacDonald Mackenzie Oatman Brittany Ross Caitlin Sawyer Kaitlyn Scanlon Maria Sheffield Mary Torbitt Edward Wallace Faith Whitely Kylie Wyman Advisers Bill Reeser Mike McCrobie The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200.

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

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

On the cover... Pictured from left to right are Assistant Principal Wheeler, Principal Oughterson, and Assistant Principal Piasecki striking a satirical pose to bring attention to OHS’ new “sweep” policy. The policy has been an effective technique for getting students to their classes on time.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Cartoon by Ashley Fidler

… to substitute teacher Mr. John Canale, who was elected into the SUNY Oswego Athletic Hall of Fame, for his participation in soccer, basketball, and baseball. … to Mr. James Huckabee, who successfully aided the Oswego High School student body in our first few weeks of school. … to Rachel Clark, who was Oswego High School’s lone National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. … to the OHS Marching Buccaneers for hosting the annual Pageant of Champions that took place on September 26. It was a great way to show school spirit, and showcase their talents. … to the blue and white flags on Route 104 West showing support for OHS. It is a great way to convey a positive sense of the high school to the community.

… to the students of OHS not getting to see all of President Barack Obama’s speech on education. He sent a very positive message to students all across the nation, and while the reason that it was interrupted was understandable (a fire alarm), it would have been nice to hear the words that were directed toward us. … to the new computers in the library. While they are a nice addition to the school’s resources, it seems that we are sacrificing speed and efficiency. … to the new order of the spirit week activities. While it is great to show school spirit, not having the homecoming game and the dance on the same night seems a little odd. .. to the bar soap that is in the bathrooms by the cafeteria. While it is good to have soap available, bar soap is a breeding ground for bacteria, and soap dispensers would be a nice addition.

October 2009

Editorial In Our View . . .

3 “

Now’s the Time to be Part of the Solution, Instead of the Problem With the start of the 2009-2010 school year, came many changes that the student body had to face. Many of these new rules were much needed and considered necessary by the administration. The rules we have here are to aid us, the students. Incidents over the past few years had made students uncomfortable or unsafe in this school. With the administration tightening its belt, we should welcome these rules and look past the minor inconveniences, and view the changes as a positive addition to our school.

It is safe to say that in the past several years, the administration did not expect a whole lot out of the student body. Therefore, in return, many students did not set any goals for themselves or our school. This is our school, and it is something that we should take pride in, instead of causing vandalism and disruptions that dominated last year. We should be able to stand up and say that we are Buccaneers and proud of it.

The community wants to see something positive out of us. So we at The Buccaneer Bulletin want to accentuate the positive. We should show them our full potential and set the bar as high as possible. We now

have expectations that should and could be reached by all of us.

The faculty and staff of OHS are now setting goals to be reached and we should look at them positively, instead of negatively. While some of these may seem harsh, they were put here in our best interests, and allow us to be the most successful that we can be.

We should also set our own goals and strive to reach our full potential. Instead of picking petty fights and mouthing off to our faculty and staff, let’s turn the negative energy and attitude that has covered the school like a heavy fog, and make it positive. Let’s show some respect and realize that these new rules really aren’t that bad.

Instead of complaining to our friends in the halls about the “sweep,” the detentions, or the construction, why don’t we try to help the administration improve on these rules? We can join proactive clubs, write an e-mail to our guidance counselors, or talk to our class advisers. Let’s use these new rules to our advantage.

Let’s become part of the solution instead part of the problem.

Do you feel that hallway “sweeping” has a negative or positive effect on your learning environment?

Alex Baer

“I think it’s a good system for the students who make this school worse for the other kids who actually want to learn. This isn’t a day care center; it’s a school.”

Sarah Swan

“Extremely negative. I’m trying to hurry, so I forget things and get lost and confused, then I have a bad class because I’m mad.”

Letter to the Editor

Is This the Way HS is Supposed to Play Out?

Dear Editor: Senior year, my last year of Oswego High School before moving on to bigger and better things. Because I worked hard my three previous years, I thought that I would be awarded a little bit more freedom.

However, the only advantage that we seniors have, is the choice to have a morning or afternoon short day.

Everything else seems to have disappeared. What has disappeared you ask? Plenty.

Looking back to my sophomore year, I was always envious of all of the seniors who were able to finally leave OHS after they “served their time.” Being able to sit in the library with all of their friends was such a nice privilege to have. As I look around the library writing this, the only people in here are one class, and four other younger boys. The library seems to now be deserted. I miss being able to come in here during a free period, and being able to find at least a few people in my math class to help me figure out a problem I didn’t know how to complete. I especially miss the opportunity to color and play Scrabble. Because games of scrabble and coloring aren’t considered academic activities, we have now lost these options as well.

Walking down the hallway a few weeks ago, everyone was surprised to see a red line near the cafeteria hallway. This line divides the hallway in half, and is there to remind students that they’re to walk on the right side. Are you kidding me? When did I go back to kindergarten? I swear I can remember Riley Elementary School having something like this.

What irritates me the most is not being able to visit teachers I’ve become close with over the past few years. If I have a free period in the middle of the day before leaving for short day, it would be nice to see some of my former teachers. Volunteer service was a way to help out our favorite teachers but now we don’t even get the opportunity to see them.

As a senior, I’m truly disappointed in how this year has begun. Out of all of my high school experiences, I enjoyed my freshman year the most. This is the complete opposite of how high school is supposed to play out. I know that overall, change is usually good, and many times it’s needed. But hey, OHS needs to loosen up a little.

Brittany Ross Class of 2010

Buccaneer Bulletin

Class of 2011

Class of 2013

Mr. Bernard Galka Sweeping has really helped “encourage” my students to get to class on time. I am glad that students are more interested in getting to class on time.

Faculty

Jeremy Gosek

Class of 2010

In terms of learning, I don’t think the sweeps have really affected that.

However, I do believe that the sweeps lead to more stressful atmosphere in the hallways and school as a whole.

October 2009

Teacher Feature

4

OHS Welcomes New Faculty and Staff Ms. Sarah Brigandi Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Sarah Brigandi: Sarah Anne Brigandi.

BB: Where did you attend school?

SB: I went to college at SUNY Oswego, and high school in Liverpool.

BB: What was a previous job that you had before coming to OHS? SB: I worked at AC Moore when I was in high school, and Oswego

Mr. Robert Talamo

is my first teaching job.

BB: Is there a quote that you like?

SB: “There is always room for improvement.”

BB: What are some of your hobbies?

SB: Bowling (highest score of 189) and playing the piano.

BB: What is your favorite food?

SB: Pizza BB: What courses do you teach?

SB: I teach French 9, French 2 and French 3.

you like/live by?

RT: “I strive to be the type of person that my dog thinks I am.”

BB: What is a little known fact about you?

SB: That I finished college in three years.

BB: What is your all-time favorite Disney movie?

SB: I like all of them, but my all-time favorite would have to be Sleeping Beauty.

BB: If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you bring?

SB: Probably my cell phone, some food, and my cat.

fact about yourself?

KT: I make my own cheese (for homemade pizza above).

Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Robert Talamo: Robert Talamo Jr.

BB: Where did you go to school?

RT: Oswego High School and Oswego State.

BB: What are some hobbies?

RT: I like running, kayaking, and riding my motorcycle.

BB: What is your favorite Disney movie?

KT: Fantasia.

BB: What is your favorite food?

KT: Homemade pizza. I make my own with homemade cheese too.

BB: Where did you teach before this?

RT: I substituted at Mexico High School and middle school.

BB: What course do you teach?

KT: Regents Chemistry and Consumer Chemistry.

BB: If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you bring?

KT: I would bring a good book, my trombone, and a dog.

BB: What is a quote

Ms. Sarah Scouten Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Sarah Scouten: Sarah Lynn Scouten BB: Where did you go to school?

SS: SUNY Oswego.

BB: Where did you teach before this?

SS: Fulton Junior High, and Henninger High School in Syracuse.

BB: What is a quote you

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BB: What is a little known

like or live by?

SS: “One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.” –Lucille Ball BB: What are some hobbies?

SS: I like being outdoors, I like to read when I have a free minute, and I’m a TV junkie.

BB: What is your favorite food?

SS: Italian, and potatoes. I just like to eat in general.

BB: Who is your idol?

SB: I’d have to say my mom.

BB: Who is your idol?

KT: Einstein

BB: Where did you grow up/ hometown?

KT: Oswego.

BB: What courses do you teach?

SS: Regents Living Environment.

BB: Where did you grow up?

SS: Baldwinsville.

BB: What is a little known fact about yourself?

SS: I’m a perfectionist.

BB: What is your favorite Disney movie?

SS: I collect Disney movies.

I like the classics, like the Lion King, and Pixar.

BB: If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you bring?

SS: Food, a book, and an umbrella.

October 2009

Teacher Feature

5

Young Educators Excited to Be in Oswego Ms. Kelly Howard Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Kelly Howard: Kelly McCarthy Howard.

BB: Where did you go to school?

KH: Oswego High School and Le Moyne.

BB:Where did you teach before this?

KH: Little Luke’s Child Care.

Ms. Gina Iorio Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Gina Iorio: Gina Iorio.

BB: Where did you go to School?

GI: I went to Phoenix High School, Le Moyne and SU.

BB: Where did you teach before you got to OHS? GI: I taught at Arch Bishop Spaulding, which is a private school in Maryland in Ostelic Valley.

BB: What is a quote you like/live by?

BB: What are some of your hobbies?

KH : I like snowmobiling and traveling. Especially to Disney World and the Caribbean. I also enjoy reading.

BB: What is your favorite food?

KH: Spaghetti.

BB: What course do you teach?

KH: Structured Study.

BB: What is a little known fact about yourself?

KH: I was originally going to be an adoption lawyer.

GI: “Beware of karma.”

BB: What are some of your hobbies?

GI: I like writing, reading (obviously), walking and visiting cemeteries, I just like to look at the tombstones. Also, I like hockey.

BB:What is your favorite food?

GI: Probably Italian, but I also like sushi.

BB: What courses do you teach?

GI: I am a librarian, so I basically teach all the students.

BB:What is a fact about yourself that people might not know?

GI: I grew up on a farm and

Ms. Joanne Chesbro BB: What is your full name?

JC: Joanne Marie Chesbro.

BB: Where did you go to school?

JC: G. Ray Bodley in Fulton, and SUNY Oswego.

BB: Where did you teach before this?

JC: I subbed in the Fulton school district, and I did a maternity

Buccaneer Bulletin

replacement at Minetto.

BB: What is a quote you like or live by?

JC: “Carpe diem.”

BB: What are some hobbies?

JC: I like coaching for my kids.

I’ve coached soccer and softball.

BB: What is your favorite food?

JC: I love pasta.

BB: What courses do you teach?

JC: I’m a special ed teacher, so I travel between classes.

BB: What is your favorite Disney movie?

KH: I would have to say Aladdin and the King of Thieves.

strong and fighting through all sorts of life’s battles.

BB: If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you bring?

KH: Well, a towel, a toothbrush, and my teddy bear from my husband .

BB:Where did you grow up?

KH: Oswego.

BB: Who is your idol?

KH: My mom because she is

I am bad at spelling.

BB: What is your favorite Disney movie?

GI: I’m not a big Disney fan, but if I had to choose I would say Pocahontas, because Nico reminded me of my cat. He ate a lot.

BB: If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you bring?

GI: Food, water and some famous person who’s cool to hang out with. I don’t know who, though.

BB: Where did you grow up/hometown?

GI: Phoenix.

BB: Who is your idol?

GI: Louisa May Alcott (she was an American novelist, best known for writing Little Women).

BB: What is a little known fact about yourself?

JC: I used to race cars.

BB: What is your favorite Disney movie?

JC: I love The Little Mermaid.

BB: If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you bring?

JC: Food, music, and my kids.

BB: Where did you grow up?

JC: Fulton.

October 2009

Features

6

OHS Saturday Detention Like ‘80s Film

By Kaitlyn Scanlon Reporter

It all started with a jock, a princess, a basket case, a nerd and a criminal at Shermer High School, on a Saturday, or should I say the Breakfast Club.

Well, it may not be the ‘80s and Molly Ringwald isn’t a student at OHS, however there is a common thread between Shermer High School and Oswego High School: Saturday detention.

This is a new and somewhat foreign idea to our school, but let’s just say you won’t have to bring a flare gun to school or tape Larry Lester’s butt cheeks together to end up in Saturday detention at OHS. You’ll get pegged for much lighter offenses.

Due to proposed new policies at Oswego High School, there are three kinds of detentions (not including inschool suspension or out-of-school suspension) depending on the seriousness of the offense. The first and most common detention our school has to offer is right after school for thirty minutes.

A student can end up in this detention for minor issues. For instance, if you get swept, this is where you will end up serving time, or if you are rude to your teacher, disrupt your class, come in late without a letter from your parent/ doctor that states a legal excuse, you get this type of detention. A teacher can also give it to you for not handing in assignments.

Next there is the detention after school Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m., or Early Evening In School Suspension (EE-

ISS). This late night detention is for an accumulation of tardies, repetitive dress code violations, or a teacher could ask for it, for a student who never does homework and is constantly disruptive to the learning environment.

You can get Saturday detention by skipping or refusing to go to an afterschool detention or late night detention, or refusing to give up your cell phone.

Basically, Saturday detention is for defiance, or for use when other methods of discipline don’t work.

“Saturday detention is a consequence for inappropriate behavior of some sort, or insubordination, habitual misbehavior or habitual tardiness. I hope that Saturday detention will be a way for students to learn to make better choices and what we do at Saturday detention will be focused on helping kids be more successful. I know it seems like a big punishment for kids, but underneath everything, there is a reason and it has to do with something that is good for you. Also, I find Saturday detention to be successful because once a student gives up free time on a Saturday (whatever they got in trouble for) usually it doesn’t happen again,” said OHS Principal Patricia Oughterson.

The idea of Saturday detention was implemented by the Board of Education, because the school is trying to use Saturday detention as a way to decrease the amount of instructional time students lose when they are punished. This means fewer in-school suspensions, fewer out-of- school suspensions, and more Saturday detentions.

Photo by Caitlin Sawyer

OHS students pictured above Evelyn Horan, Miguel Vasquez, Andrew Pascuzzi, Katherine Robinson, and Shane Bartrum pose as the characters in the movie The Breakfast Club.

Our school continues to have a zero tolerance policy for fighting, weapons, drugs, sexual harassment or any other high-violation activity. For cases like this, students will automatically get out-of-school suspension and in some extreme cases expelled.

“There needs to be a consequence for certain actions and this is why the building is starting off so much better this year than it was last year,” said technology teacher Chris Mangano.

Saturday detention is from 7 a.m to 11:00 a.m., for everyone who receives

it. There is no leaving early because you did something that was not as bad as another student. If a student skips Saturday detention, or their parent refuses to take them, the student receives out-of-school suspension for two to five days, depending on the infraction.

“I think that Saturday detention kind of sucks, but I bet that fewer kids will skip after-school detention or be insubordinate, if they know that they will get Saturday detention,” said OHS senior John Tyrie.

Seniors Sound Off About Lack of Parking

By Catie Furletti Reporter

As all students know, there will be no student parking in the school parking lots this year. Students who have a valid driver’s license can park on school grounds, not parking lots; however the school can run routine patrols and inspections of vehicles. During this school year, students cannot park in the Leighton parking lot, Liberty Street parking lot, Utica Street parking lot, or Buccaneer Boulevard. If you park in these spots, you are taking a risk that your car will be towed.

What do the students think?

Sarah Hill: “ Everyone knows that this year practically all the rules have changed, and we’re dealing with it just fine, but the fact that due to construction

Buccaneer Bulletin

seniors lose their parking spot upsets me quite a bit.

We aren’t even going to get the benefits of a new science wing because we’ll be gone by the time it’s completed. It’s really unfortunate that’s something we’ve looked forward to for three years is suddenly taken away from us. Now I have to get to school by seven to have any chance of getting a spot close to school. This is supposed to be the best year of our lives; instead we get punished with new rules. It’s all awful!”

Richard Mandanas: “It is unfair that all other senior classes get senior parking, but all we get is swept.

Dylan Kazyaka: “Senior parking... Or lack of the parking this year is very upsetting. I didn’t like racing to get to school in the morning when I was a

junior to get a spot. I expected to get a spot this year, so I wouldn’t have any stress getting to school. The rules are a joke; we don’t need to be treated like children. They took away our privileges before we even had them. I’m offended by the decisions of the people who came up with the no senior parking, and all the other rules. We are leaving soon; throw us a bone once in a while. If there was a good excuse why there isn’t senior parking I wouldn’t mind, but I haven’t heard any. Give the senior class a break. We have done our time at OHS, let us have senior benefits.”

Chelsee Brockwell: “I think that student parking is really difficult this year since they got rid of the senior parking. It became so hard for me to get a spot that I have to get to school at 6:45 a.m. just to get a good parking spot. “

October 2009

Features

7

No More Volunteer Service for Study Hall Students

By Jasmine Davis

Reporter

There are a lot of changes here at OHS this year.

From the planners, and the red tape hallways, to the dreaded “sweeping,” things around the school are very different from a year ago. For the most part, the student body knows that these changes are to better the school.

Everyone has noticed that the school atmosphere has taken a positive change forward, but there’s one thing that no one seems to understand. Why is there no volunteer service?

For years, volunteer service has been a great way for students to escape their crowded study halls or the noisy cafeteria and earn meaningful credit towards graduation. It’s not just for the benefit of the student either; teachers benefit greatly from student helpers. I have been doing volunteer service since my freshman year, and I absolutely love it. From putting away books, doing the window displays, and stamping passes in the library, to making answer keys for homework assignments and retyping worksheets in the classroom, I usually get lost in it. Call me a geek if you want, but I really do like it.

When I received my schedule over the summer, I was ecstatic to see that I had a study hall ninth period, because it meant that I could do volunteer service in the library again. A few days before school started, the rumors began flying about all the new rules and regulations… . Of all the rumors, the one that upset me the most was when my friend said, “Oh, and there’s no volunteer service.” The first day of school I found out that this wasn’t just a rumor, it was the truth. But why?

I don’t understand why the administration would decide to take away volunteer service. Some students have more than two study halls a day and everyone

Photo by Emily Difabio

The elimination of volunteer service has led to more sections of study halls--many of which are crowded.

knows that crowded study halls are a problem at OHS. Volunteer service is great experience for future employment also, learning the ability to follow directions, having responsibility, using time management skills, and having a good work ethic. When I’m involved with volunteer service, I take my responsibilities very seriously. I work to impress whomever I’m doing work for, because I want to be able to come back for future semesters, and because one day I might need a job or

college reference, and who better to ask than an adult who knows how hard I work as a volunteer.

Fortunately, I am a member of the National Honor Society so I found a way to use volunteer service, towards NHS service, instead of school credit. But all students do not have this option. Everyone should have the opportunity to do volunteer service, and it should be the teacher’s discretion to decide which students are worthy of the responsibility.

Electronics Out

Paper & Pen In

Using electronic devices during lunch is no longer allowed in the OHS cafeteria.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Photos by Monek Cullen

“Planners” are required everywhere at OHS.

October 2009

8

Buccaneer spi 2

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10 Photos by Caitlin Sawyer and Monek cullen Buccaneer Bulletin

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irit

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5 Key to Photos

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1) OHS students cheer at the annual Powderpuff game on October 4.

2) Senior Powderpuff players launch a surprise flour attack on the juniors.

3) Members of the varsity football team give Board of Education member Sean Madden a mohawk at the pep rally on October 8.

4) Senior Damien Williams carries the ball in the first home football game on September 18.

5) New executive principal Mrs. Patricia Oughterson kisses a pig at the October 8 pep rally.

6) Members of the OHS varsity cheerleading squad support the Bucs at the first football game of the season.

7) Juniors and seniors face off at Powderpuff.

8) Sophomores Taylor Giglio and Mikayla Place carry the BucFest banner in the homecoming parade on October 4.

9) The varsity football team played hard against New Hartford at the Carrier Dome in their first game of the season on September 5.

10) The Marching Bucs take the field at the September 18 home football game.

October 2009

10

News

Dangerous Websites Help Teens Drop Pounds

By Rachel Clark

Reporter

On September 30, a blogger writing as “xtinydollx” posted an entry on her Xanga page. “Well, it’s the last day of September. Today is definitely going to be a breakfast-only day,” she wrote.

“I think I’m having a piece of chicken and an ice cream bar for breakfast... kind of weird. But oh well. I’ll have my balance of salty and sweet and I won’t be craving anything else later. Plus my energy shot for lunch, I’ll be at 340 (calories) for the day. Good enough.”

Posts such as this are becoming increasingly common online in a trend which worries many experts. In an age where just about everyone has access to television, magazines, or the Internet, pop culture has infiltrated people’s lives at an unprecedented level. This reality can impact people in harmless ways, but it also may have very real negative side-effects on the body images of teen girls, causing eating disorders to come into prominence in society at a level previously unseen in history.

This has created an environment in which so-called “pro-anorexia” or, less commonly, “pro-bulimia” websites can thrive. These pages, generally referred to as “pro-ana” or “pro-mia,” and usually created by a person suffering from an eating disorder, claim that these diseases are, in reality, lifestyle choices, similar to a person’s choice to exercise frequently or to refrain from consuming animal products. The sites may offer ‘tips and tricks’ to help anorexics or bulimics hide their habits, forums or other settings in which members may interact and support each other in their quest to lose weight, and other techniques members may use to drop pounds.

One study, published in a 2006 issue of The International Journal of Eating Disorders, showed that twothirds of sites provided low-calorie recipes and crash dieting techniques.

Most of these recipes and diets promote a dangerously low caloric intake. One site offers recipes for an imitation pizza with only 74 calories as well as a “spicy omelette” with a meager 49 calories.

Another page promotes a “negative calorie diet,” in which participants only consume foods considered to have negative calories, or that supposedly require more calories to digest than they actually contain, resulting in a

Buccaneer Bulletin

net loss in calories when these foods are consumed.

Many sites also publish ‘thinspiration,’ material intended to inspire viewers to continue striving to lose weight, which commonly manifests itself in images of excessively thin women, often celebrities or models. However, some sites use images of ‘real girls,’ lifted from social networking profiles.

Thinspiration, often abbreviated as ‘thinspo,’ can also take the form of song lyrics or other quotes. A 2003 survey in the Journal of Adolescent Health revealed that 94 percent of proanorexia sites include thinspiration.

The proliferation of pro-ana sites is not necessarily a fringe movement.

The 2008 International Internet Trends Study by IT security company Optenet displayed a 470 percent increase in these websites from 2006 to 2007. On the blog host site Xanga, some proana groups have reached as many as 15,000 to 20,000 members since forming in 2005 and 2006. On LiveJournal, another blogging site, a search for “communities interested in ‘pro-ana’” yields 317 results. Recent studies have shown that as many as one third of girls between the ages of 11 and 15 have searched online for diet tips, and one quarter of girls in the same age group have talked about losing weight with people they met on the Internet.

The consensus among professionals is that these constantly multiplying pro-ana sites are nothing but harmful to users. According to the website of the National Eating Disorders Association, “These sites provide no useful information on treatment, but instead encourage and falsely support those who, sadly, are ill but do not seek help.

These sites could have a severe negative impact on the health of those who consult them and encourage a ‘cult’ type destructive support system that discourages people from the treatment they so desperately need.”

The Academy for Eating Disorders agrees, stating on its website, “The [proana] websites pose a danger in that they promote anorexia nervosa as a lifestyle, provide support and encouragement to engage in health threatening behaviors, and neglect the serious consequences of starvation. The Academy for Eating Disorders is committed to using our resources and collective influence to

photo courtesy of thinspiration-pictures.blogspot.com

Many pro-anorexia sites use images of excessively thin women to inspire viewers to lose weight.

communicate that eating disorders are serious illnesses that can have devastating consequences for those who suffer from them.”

Despite these positions by experts, some social networking sites refuse to remove pro-ana content, justifying their policies with the principle of free speech. “Suspending pro-anorexia communities will not make anyone suffering from the disorder become healthy again. Allowing them to exist, however, has several benefits,” a representative of LiveJournal stated in response to a complaint requesting the removal of a pro-ana group. The response continued, “Ultimately, these communities are, much like other communities within LiveJournal, protected by the ideal of freedom of expression, something we here at LiveJournal are reluctant to interfere with.”

OHS senior Marian Hill opposes the idea of pro-ana websites, but agrees with LiveJournal’s platform. “If the government shut them down, the people who run them would say that goes against free speech.”

U.S. History teacher Mr. Joshua DeLorenzo agrees. “Thought we may find hate speech, Holocaust denial, pro-anorexia or other such ‘fringe’ views distasteful and perhaps harmful to society, censorship is a slippery slope and as history has many times shown,

power given over censorship rarely ends at the extremes it was intended to silence.”

Libby Vickery, another senior, disagrees. “First of all, who in their right mind is going to make a website that’s pro-anorexia? They must be crazy to be like, ‘here’s how to be anorexic.’ I think that if it’s the government controlling speech by shutting down sites that are pro-anorexic, it’s okay.”

“That’s messed up,” freshman Brooke Thomas said of the sites’ concept. “They shouldn’t have websites on how to be anorexic.”

Senior Danielle Posillipo thinks the media is to blame for this trend.

“Now more than ever, people pay way too much attention to the media. I think it’ll just keep being a problem. I don’t know what to do about it, but I think the media controls people right now.”

“I think that those sites are kind of ridiculous,” Kristen Bartholomew, another senior, said. “I mean, I can’t stop anyone from being anorexic, but I don’t see why you would want to glorify anorexia.”

“I think it’s rather ridiculous,” senior Karly Babcock agreed, “because people are basically helping other people damage their bodies. And they probably don’t realize how destructive it is because they’re probably suffering from the disease too.”

October 2009

Point/Counterpoint

11

Do Cell Phones Belong in School?

By Caitlin Sawyer Reporter

Yes!

With restrictions, they are not a problem.

As technology has shaped the world we live in, we have learned to rely on the convenience these advances have brought to us in our everyday lives. Although to most, these advances are helpful, the Oswego High School administration has banned the use of electronic devices during the school. In other words, as the signs read, “Off and away or taken away.”

Although some feel cell phones only bring distraction, there are some advantages to the use of cell phones in school. When teens bring their cell phones to school, their parents may contact them in case of an emergency, and vice versa. Also, if there’s any danger in the school, children can reach authorities or medical providers. Cell phones create a convenience that was previously unavailable. With cell phones, you can easily reach your kids for any reason: to ask them questions, change plans, or to simply say hello.

In this day in age, it may seem like it is the end of the world to teens if we don’t have cell phones with us at all times, but in reality it could be. Some students use their phones as calendars, calculators, notes, PDA’s and the obvious use of calling and texting people. The district should realize it is understandable to have to contact your parents for a ride home.

Cell phones, like many other electronic devices, can be a distraction. Students need to learn when and where a cell phone can be appropriate. It is rude to the teacher when some person is texting or receiving texts during class. Students are often easily distracted as it is, and a cell phone going off in a classroom can end the learning process as quickly as any fire drill. Technology is a useful tool only when used properly.

However, it is perfectly reasonable to allow the use of cell phones in the cafeteria, library, and study halls. While many seniors at OHS are scheduled in senior study hall, there is often nothing to do. “We take turns bringing in games and think of creative things to do because we never have anything to do,” stated senior Nicole Sivers. If they allowed the use of cell phones and other electronic devices, students could listen to music and even take advantage of the free wireless internet in the cafeteria that was advertised numerous times to the student body.

The new rule implemented at OHS about cells phones may be a good idea in some cases, but students should be able to do with their free time as they wish. If all of these rules are really supposed to help us transition to college, then why can’t the students choose what to do during their available periods?

Although the administration is only trying to better our school, they should reconsider use of phones in the cafeteria.

Editor’s Note: Point/Counterpoint is a monthly feature in The Buccaneer Bulletin. Staff members will debate controversial topics sure to get people talking. If you have an idea for a future installment of Point/Counterpoint, contact Emily DiFabio at edifabio@oswego.org.

Buccaneer Bulletin

No!

By Emily DiFabio Reporter

Cell use in school is not life-and-death.

Everyday since we were in kindergarten, we’ve come to school, where we’ve been expected to be attentive and ready to learn. So where does the need to bring our cell phones to school come from? We are here to learn, not to socialize. It is one thing to bring your phone with you to school, but there is no need to use it during school hours. There is a time and a place for everything, and cell phones and schools just don’t mix.

Each year, when teachers send out the needed school supplies, there is a reason why cell phones are not on that list. In this day and age, it may seem like it is the end of the world if we don’t have our cells with us at all times, to answer some ridiculous text message that a friend had sent. Cooper Levine, a freshman at OHS agreed. He stated “I don’t think that they (cell phones) should be in school and I don’t think that they are an essential school supply; you don’t need them to get through the day.”

Students here at OHS feel entitled to have their cell phones with them, but why? We come here to learn what the state deems appropriate. Cell Phone 101 is not on the curriculum. While it is understandable to have to call for a ride home or let parents know that practice was cancelled, there is absolutely no need to text them in the middle of math class. Our school makes the use of the its land line phones extremely easy; all you need is a pass to the office to use their phones.

While all the blame should not lie on the shoulders of the students, it’s amazing that parents text their kids in the middle of the school day. The parents know that their students are in the middle of their school day, when they should be learning. Constantly texting or calling your parents makes one wonder what kind of job they have. I’m sure their bosses are no happier about them wasting company time on their cell phones than principals are about us using school time for the same purpose. Then, these same parents are the ones who end up coming into school, upset because their child got his phone taken away.

There have been no cell phone rules in schools all over the state and the country for years. So why are OHS students so surprised about this rule? We have had it easy for many years, and with a new principal, it was no surprise that there were to be rule. The teachers here are trying to “take back the school from the hands of the students,” and getting rid of cell phones in our school is one thing that can allow the administration to get control back.

In an emergency, students’ parents can contact the school, and if you are where you are supposed to be, then there should be no delay in contacting you.

It is truly ridiculous that students think that it is fine to bring their cell phones to class, and leave them on, knowing perfectly well that they could go off at any moment. Hiding your cell phone under your desk, and sending text messages, is totally obvious to your teachers, and you’re just asking to have it taken away. What kind of signals are you sending to your teachers? Do you want your teachers to think that you care more about talking to your friends than their classes? Trust me, whatever you are saying to your friends about the recent drama and gossip can wait until you get to lunch.

In our teenage years certain things that seem like life-or-death situations really are nothing more than our petty ideas and power trips. Using your cell phone in school is one of those things.

October 2009

Features

12

Experts Recommend Accepting Responsibility

By Brittany Ross Reporter

A stereotypical teenager in society is perceived to be moody and rebellious. Hopefully, these attributes will disappear as we grow and mature. According to older research, the average teenager becomes fully mature by the ages of 18 or 20. However, in today’s world, many of these young adults don’t start thinking and behaving like adults until 24 or 25. “The prefrontal cortex is the part in your brain that says ‘don’t do that, be careful.’ Car insurance goes down at age 25 because accidents go down, and hotel chains won’t rent to people younger than 25,”explained Mr. Mark Mirabito, psychology teacher at Oswego High.

Naturally, some people mature at faster rates than others, and gender is also taken into account.

“On average, females mature faster physically and psychologically,” said Mirabito. Little things such as keeping a room clean and cleaning up messes around the house can display a sense of maturity. Students will be much better off in high school and college if they start accepting some responsibility early on.

Being civil around people who may not be your favorite will help students down the road to adulthood as well. All throughout life, adults will be working in the same atmosphere as people who aren’t going to be their best friends. Learning to have respect for these people now, will help students in the long run.

The more risky teenagers might have a longer journey towards maturity, especially if they are prone to thrill-seeking behavior. “Thrill-seeking behavior is a personality trait associated with a brain chemical

called dopamine. This is more common in younger people,” stated Mirabito. Taking chances to do something risky to result in a type of rush becomes addictive. Naturally, as you become older, the probability of behaving like this decreases. “When they get to 24, 25 they still might enjoy that, but the frontal lobe will kind of put the brakes on it and convince the person to participate in less risky behavior than they have earlier in their life,” said Mirabito.

Between the ages of 13 and 23, it is expected that you will battle mood swings from time to time.

In our society today, we produce any new kind of device or technology to eliminate waiting. “In society now, it’s instant gratification,” explained Mirabito.

From microwaves to laptops and cellular devices, the biggest inconvenience is not having something the second you need it. In the 21st century, you will come across thousands of infomercials displaying the newest appealing products to eliminate the need to wait. “People are not used to being patient for things.

Teens aren’t used to feeling frustrated, being told ‘no,’ or having to wait for anything. Modern conveniences are a mixed blessing. The faster a computer is, the faster you want it to be,” stated Mirabito.

Although parents and other adults such as coaches and dance teachers have always had a huge impact on their teenagers’ lives in other decades, think about the many things these adults do for you today. Whether it’s picking you up from practice, or assisting you in your school projects, these adults are helping you do just about everything. How many things do you actually take on by yourself? “I’m quoting Mr. Tom

Frawley when I say this, but adults have done too much for students,” Mirabito said. Parents and teachers and coaches do too much of kids’ work for them; they take care of too many needs. The definition of a good parent has changed in the United States,” stated Mirabito. In order to better prepare our students/children/athletes in the future, this definition may need to be altered. “A psych. professor in grad school told us that doing too much for your kids is really doing too little for them. It doesn’t teach them scheduling and self-reliance, or to help them prioritize,” said Mirabito. As you get used to these adults contributing to your work and daily responsibilities, you won’t have attained any sense of responsibility for when you go to college. This is where it becomes absolutely crucial that you’re able to manage your time and wake yourself up for classes. Once you hit this chapter in your life, there won’t be anyone to babysit you. If you sleep through a class, it’s completely your fault, and you’re the one wasting your parents’ money and your own education. “Most adults want to be helpful, but you can’t cross the line to the, ‘I’ll do everything for you stage.’ Then, you’re robbing them of the experience of learning it themselves and developing a work ethic,” said Mirabito.

As human beings, it’s only natural that sometimes we will slip up and let people do things for us. However, you also need to step up and become aware of the fact that we need to do more for ourselves. You’ll be surprised at the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel from doing something on your own even if it’s something small.

OHS Drama Club Presents Annual Fall Production

By Rachel Clark Reporter

photo courtesy of OHS drama club

The OHS Drama Club has been preparing for its upcoming fall play, The Phantom Tollbooth.

Buccaneer Bulletin

Thirty-four Oswego High School students will take the stage at Faust Theatre on November 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. to present the OHS Drama Club production of The Phantom Tollbooth. The play, based on the 1961 children’s fantasy novel by Norton Juster, follows a boy named Milo on a fantastical journey, beginning when he finds a package in his room containing a phantom tollbooth and a map to a strange world in which he meets many magical characters.

Milo will be portrayed by freshman Erin Chetney. Other leads include Kayla Van San-

ford as The Clock/Tock, Aaron Callahan as Azaz, King of Dictionopolis, Raquelle Mareau as Mathemagician, King of Digitopolis, Sarai Godwaldt as Princess Sweet Rhyme, Camille Graham as Princess Pure Reason, and Kylie Wyman as The Humbug.

The cast and crew of the production have been rehearsing for two months and strongly encourage all students and community members to attend the play. It is appropriate for all ages. Admission is $5, and there is no charge for children under the age of seven.

For more information, contact the OHS Drama Club at 342-2265.

October 2009

Walking the Plank

13

Oughterson Feels ‘Back at Home’ at OHS Editor’s Note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular feature of The Buccaneer Bulletin. In this month’s installment, Emily DiFabio sat down with new OHS principal Mrs. Oughterson.

Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name?

Patricia Oughterson: Patricia Lynn Oughterson.

BB: Where did you grow up?

PO: Ontario, New York.

BB: What was your previous job before coming to OHS? PO: I was an assistant principal in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I was responsible for special education, the junior and senior classes, state testing, security, and the guidance counselors.

BB: What are your goals for OHS? PO: Probably my number one goal would be to continue the work Mr. Huckabee, the staff, and the students have started. I want to change the culture and the climate of the school. I want the students to feel safe and I want us to continue to be a school that competes with other high schools across the nation academically. I want kids to want to be here.

BB: What does the job of principal entail?

PO: I’m like the captain of a ship. I have to know a lot about every part of the school. I need to know what teachers are supposed to do, and how to help them. I need to know what students need to be doing, and how to help them. I’m in charge of the organization of the school, and the public perception of the school. Basically, my job is to be a role model to everyone here, in terms of leadership. My favorite thing is following the golden rule.

BB: If you were stranded on an island, and you could only bring three things, what would they be?

PO: I would bring water, my teddy bear (which I have had since I was born.), and bag of fire balls.

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

PO: My father, my grandmother, and John F. Kennedy.

BB: What were you like in high school?

PO: I was athletic. I was a good student, but I think that I was lazy, I had the potential to get straight A’s, but I knew I could get by without doing a whole lot. I was very popular. I was a cheerleader, and I had a lot of fun in high school.

BB: What types of clubs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities were you involved in?

Buccaneer Bulletin

PO: Ski Club. I was the manager of the soccer team one year. I played a lot of intramural sports, because back in my day girls didn’t play high school sports. And I was a cheerleader.

BB: What are three words that best describe you?

PO: Just (or fair), kind, and funny.

BB: What was the best book that you have ever read?

PO: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum.

BB: Where did you go to school?

PO: Wayne Central High School. For college I went to Auburn Community College and then SUNY Oswego. I got my Masters’ Degree at the University of New Mexico.

BB: What is your biggest pet peeve?

PO: Gossip.

BB: If you could make all our students read one book and see just one film, what would they be?

PO: The book would be Oh, the Places You’ll Go, by Dr. Seuss and the movie would be Wuthering Heights.

BB: Who is your favorite singer or band?

PO: Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.

BB: What do you think of the new rules here at OHS? PO: I was pleasantly surprised that more structure has taken place here.

BB: What do you like to do in your spare time?

PO: I like to read, ride bikes, and research things on the computer. Most recently, I have been researching current events and our new president.

BB: Who do you think most influenced your life?

PO: My father.

BB: What is the best advice that you could give to the student body?

PO: Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything, except what you are going to do now, and do it.

BB: What is one thing that you wish to accomplish in the next ten years?

PO: I would like to bring OHS to a place where it is a community that celebrates diversity, strives for academic excellence and know that ten years from now, the adults I see are better people because I was a part of their lives.

BB: What is the best part about being at OHS? PO: I feel like I am at home again. I have wonderful students, wonderful staff, and wonderful faculty.

The best thing is being back with the kids.

BB: What do you think your biggest challenge will be?

PO: Continuing to reform and restructure the school so that high standards and accomplishments are not a lofty goal, but a standard expectation. That we become more of a community.

BB: Is there any particular quote that you live your life by?

PO: The golden rule: treat other people the way you want to be treated.

BB: What is your favorite food?

PO: Green chili from New Mexico.

BB: How do you think teenagers have changed since you were in school?

PO: Teenagers know a lot more; they are more street wise than when I was in school. Kids have changed a lot because of broken families, you didn’t see a lot of that 30 to 40 years ago. Kids are more assertive and independent, especially girls.

BB: What is a little known fact about you?

PO: That when I was in high school, I wanted to join a convent and become a nun.

BB: Dunkin Donuts or Tim Horton’s?

If Neither, you knowI of a student or staff member you PO: like Starbucks.

would like to see walk the plank, contact Emily DiFabio at edifabio@oswego.org.

October 2009

Entertainment

14

Online Video Criticizes American Culture

By Mackenzie Oatman Reporter

“You cannot run a linear system on a finite planet indefinitely,” states Annie Leonard, the writer and narrator of a short online documentary about environmental and social issues involving all of our “stuff.”

The shocking video focuses on where products come from, how they are produced, why we keep buying them, and where they go when we can no longer find use for them. Leonard spent years researching, traveling the earth, and collecting statistics to answer questions and fill us in on the pieces of this system that are kept hidden.

After World War II, the United States’ economy boomed. People reverted back to their regular lifestyles.

Men and some women returned to work, and the population was increasing. In order to boost the economy, the government devised a plan to convince citizens to buy more stuff, more often. Victor Lebow, a 20th century economist, said, referring to the United States, “Our enormously productive economy…demands that we make consumption our way of life.

That we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our ego satisfaction, in consumption…we need things consumed, burned up, replaced and discarded and an ever accelerating rate.”

storyofstuff.com

In her online documentary The Story of Stuff, writer/producer Annie Leonard explains Americans’ obsession with material possessions.

According to Leonard, we trash all but 1% of the things we buy over the period of six months. Things are made to break as quickly as possible so that consumers will have to go out and buy more. Economists speak openly about these concepts. Constant redesigning of products and the alternating of trends make it obvious when people haven’t contributed to the economy recently.

This is one of the most valued things i the United States presently. What

you have, can ultimately define who you are.

Due to constant stressing over material possessions, Americans have less time to enjoy things that truly matter like family and friends. According to surveys, the overall happiness of the citizens in America has decreased in the past decade. People are working longer hours so that they can make more money so that they can shop more. Our lives literally revolve around

consumption.

The things we consume are ruining our health along with our happiness. Toxins are mixed in with natural resources to create all the products we purchase. Many toxins have not been tested for effects on health. For example neurotoxins, can be found in many of our ordinary household objects. Neurotoxins affect your brain.

How can we continue to bring things as dangerous as this into our homes?

Not only are our bodies in jeopardy, but the environment. The earth, our home, is quickly being torn apart for resources, and polluted by the extreme over abundance of garbage. One third of the planets resource space has been consumed.

It is important for everyone become aware of the terrors our race is inflicting upon ourselves. Though it may not seem like there is much you can do, there is. A huge number of organizations are uniting an ever-increasing number of people towards the renewal of the environment. Get involved. We have all been hearing that for a while now, but few of us know how deep these problems really run.

For more information, watch Leonard’s video at StoryofStuff.com and browse the sight for inspiration to begin a different kind everyday living that won’t be toxic to our bodies, happiness, or planet.

Celebrity Look-a-Like

Romano or DiVita?

DiVita or Romano?

If you know anyone at OHS who has a celebrity look-a-like, contact Emily DiFabio at edifabio@oswego.org. Above, junior Andy DiVita (left) bears a remarkable resemblance to a young, Ray Romano (right).

Buccaneer Bulletin

October 2009

Alumni

15

Former Student Reflects on OHS Experiences AP psychology, Mr. Mark Mirabito. Throughout high school, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to pursue in There is no vaccination, no prescription, and no the future. Having a mother who is the President of old-time remedy for the bite of a “the journalism bug.” SUNY Oswego and dad who is a prominent attorney When it infects people, like it did Jackie Stanley, Class affected her career choice in the sense that she was of 2005, it will have an impact on them for the rest of very interested in higher education. Often Stanley felt his or her life. as thought she had to act in accordance to what people As a reporter for The Buccaneer Bulletin during expected of her because of her mother. her junior year, Stanley had a lot of freedom to write Luckily, at Georgetown University where she enabout what she wanted, furthering her interests, getting rolled as an undergraduate, they do not make students her feet wet, and testing the waters. “I love learning; select a major until the end of their sophomore year.

I’m a nerd,” joked Stanley.

This is when she chose an English major with a minor She had a knack for writing, and loved the fun in Justice and Peace studies. At Georgetown, Stanley and relaxed environment in the journalism class. “It has had the freedom of taking a variety of courses such bothered me that I didn’t have enough time to spend as theology, journalism, creative writing, and philosoin journalism because I started my junior year.” phy. College has given her many great opportunities stated Stanley. She had to experience, like her a few good friends in “In high school, I learned about high school journaljournalism along with ism days, a sense of many different stu- communication skills, not to be freedom. dents she would have shy, and to back up my arguments During her freshnever become friends man year, Stanley with if she hadn’t taken in editorials.” wrote for the Georgethe elective. Her jour- Jackie Stanley town University panalism class of 2005 per, The Hoya. As a OHS Class of 2005 senior, she wrote for still remains in touch today. the online publication, At the beginning of Stanley’s senior year, she was Georgetownpress.com. Stanley believes that basic selected as Editor-in-Chief. “I loved being Editor-in- journalism skills can help anyone, not just an English Chief. I don’t have any regrets,” stated Stanley. What major. Journalism skills are also life skills. “In high she liked most about being in that position was writing school, I learned about communication skills, not to editorials. “In some ways, it was less daunting than be shy, and to back up my arguments in editorials. writing a column, because your name isn’t attached The writing itself was very helpful, to edit, to write to an editorial,” she said, “although in some ways it’s editorials, to back up arguments with solid support. I more daunting, because an editorial is supposed to am currently in law school, and knowing how to ask argue on behalf of the entire paper.” Stanley also loved good questions and to back up my statements is really bossing around a couple of her best friends who were important,” said Stanley.

Buccaneer Bulletin “staffers.”

Journalism was Stanley’s favorite class taught by Stanley was an excellent student in high school. Mr. Michael McCrobie her favorite teacher. McCrobie “She would sit in class with a look of ‘I-dare-you-to-try and Stanley had a love-hate relationship. The student and-teach-me-something attitude,’ ” stated health and and teacher would battle everyday, in good fun about Katherine Robinson Contributing Writer

Buccaneer Bulletin

courtesy of ohs athletic department

OHS alumnus Jackie Stanley is currently a law student at George Washington University.

softball vs. lacrosse. Stanley played lacrosse, but McCrobie, the Oswego High School softball coach jokingly wanted her to quit and join the softball team.

Stanley’s favorite memory of high school journalism was “The time I was overworked and fell asleep and Mr. McCrobie and Mr. Reeser turned off the lights and made everyone leave the room,” said Stanley.

The most challenging thing about journalism was writing editorials. Her advice to student writers is that there is always a chance that you may offend someone, but you can’t help that. Use the editorials and columns as a voice to state what you truly believe in.

October 2009

Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 13 Number 1

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

October 2009

Oswego High School Athlete of the Month AMANDA D’AMICO

By Jasmine Davis Sports Writer

S

Photo Courtesy of Mike Leboeuf Photo Illustration by Jasmine Davis

enior, girls’ varsity soccer captain, Amanda D’Amico has been playing soccer for thirteen years. Ever since D’Amico was in kindergarten, she’s been on the field, and as a result of playing for numerous coaches and with a variety of different teammates, she has become a very experienced player.

D’Amico is a forward for the team; it’s the position she has played since she was just a beginner to the sport. According to Coach Brian Greene, “Amanda has a great motor, she never stops going, which is such an important aspect of soccer.” Greene also commented on what a good leader D’Amico is for the team both on and off the field.

D’Amico plays soccer in the summer and indoor leagues in Oswego. With thirteen years of soccer behind her, D’Amico has many good memories both on and off the field.

“Going to Oswegatchie every year for team bonding creates a lot of memories. We do many activities including a zip line.

Beating FM last year and being undefeated on Turrill Street was exciting,” said D’Amico. As far as her favorite past coach, she said it had to be Coach Mark Fiorini, “We went undefeated one summer with him as our coach. His coaching made me a better player. He has a good sense of humor.”

This will be Coach Greene’s seventh year coaching soccer, and he says although the team has gotten off to a rough start this season with an already-small roster that was hit with injuries and illness, he knows that with the long season, the team will be able to turn the tables. D’Amico commented, “We have a lot of seniors so we’re experienced.” The team’s current record around .500, with many key games ahead of them prior to the sectional tournament. D’Amico hopes for the players to pull together into a team that will be strong for a sectional run.