Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice
October 2011 Volume 15 Number 1
Happy Shaman Controversy Explored Page 3 Artist of the Month - - Megan Mahaney Page 10 Photo By Mackenzie oatman
Editorial
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Buccaneer Bulletin
Drawing Board
Oswego High School’s Student Voice
2011-12 Staff Patrick Baer Casey Caroccio Kara Collins Lauren Daniels Taylor Falls Catti-Brie Hoyt Alanna Maldonado Chloe Martin
Cartoon by keegan taylor
Adrienne McDougall Carlie Morley Mackenzie Oatman Justin Peterson Madison Rhoades Gabrielle Sacco Keegan Taylor
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.
Buccaneer Bulletin
. . . to Monica George and Stephen Hook who were named “commended students” by the National Merit Scholarship Program for their exceptional academic promise. . . . to all who showed up to support the football team during the Homecoming game despite the cold rainy weather. School spirit cannot be rained out! . . . to the custodial staff at OHS--the building was in great condition upon our return in September. . . . to the Oswego County Academic Youth participants from Oswego High School: Grant Richmond, Allie Yule, Emily Kolenda, Zemiah Phrance, John Carlos Verceles, Nicholas Cocks, Erin Chetney, Tori Jaskula,and Kennen McBrearty. . . . to the GSA and adviser Mrs. Heather Robillard for ALLY Week, October 17 - 21. The ALLY pledge and ALLY week are designed to change attitudes and behaviors.
. . . to six fire drills on one half day of school. The periods were already shortened and the fire drills left us with no time to accomplish anything. . . . to the under-used high-tech, electronic message board on Utica Street. There are often no messages on it other than the fact that it was donated by the Class of 2009 and the estate of Helen F. Stevenson. Let’s use it like other schools do for college acceptances, awards that students win, and upcoming events. It’s a classy, great looking sign. Let’s use it more!
October 2011
Editorial In Our View . . .
Happy Shaman, Unhappy Consequences
A resolution was passed by the Oswego County legislature on September 15 urging New York State and federal government to ban the manufacture, sale, and possession of unregulated, synthetic drugs. These drugs are being sold in Oswego stores such as Bodified, Xtreme Underground, and Heagerty’s Hotspot as “incense.” Often referred to as Happy Shaman or Salvia, these natural psychoactive and hallucinogenic herbs are sprayed with chemicals and artificial cannabinoids before being sold. The artificial cannabinoids produce a ‘high’ similar to that of THC, the main psychoactive substance in marijuana. Earlier this year, a similar product under the name of “bath salts,” was banned in the state. The bath salt was essentially a synthetic crack or cocaine which produced effects similar to an amphetamine. A version of synthetic “weed” was also banned in New York, but manufacturers simply changed the chemical make-ups of the main ingredients to legally put it back on the market. The product is sold in small packages and is measured in grams, “which is more typical in the drug world,” said Jeanne Unger, of Farnham Inc., a local clinic that treats individuals with drug issues. “You need to be really aware if you are choosing to use chemicals,” Unger said. She touched on one of the biggest issues with Happy Shaman. Although the product looks like marijuana, it’s sold in grams like marijuana, and has effects similar to marijuana, it just isn’t marijuana, and can’t be treated as if it is. It is being sold under disguise as incense, with packaging that claims the product is “not a cannabinoid” and “is not for consumption.” This drug can make it to the market it without being regulated, unlike other legal drugs like tobacco and alcohol. Those who chose to consume the product have no way of knowing for sure what chemicals are in that specific batch of the drug, or how it will affect them, regardless of how many times they have
used similar products in the past. This simple fact alone debunks the claims of Oswego residents whose pro-Happy Shaman views have made it into the local media. It should not be sold, even to “responsible adults” because it is unregulated. No consumer has enough knowledge about the unknown contents of the package to make a responsible choice. This leads to our fellow high school students, who often don’t make responsible choices to begin with. As teenagers, we are no different than every previous generation of teenagers. We should learn from our mistakes, which means if we want to do something, we will find a way to do it. This has little to do with the parental guidance of any individual teen, in contradiction to another pro-Shaman claim which states bad parenting is to blame for the local stories of young adults who are addicted to, or who have suffered from bad reactions to the product. Happy Shaman is being used by all different types of teens, with all different types of parents. As teens ourselves, we would say the increase in the number of stories that involve teens and synthetic drug usage is directly related to the accessibility of the drug. We’re young. We’re not watching the news; we’re not going to county legislature meetings, we’re not hearing presentations about the harmful effects of the drug, or even reading the newspaper. It may sound like a bad excuse, but it’s honest. Many of us are critically ignorant. Local store owners, in comparison, do know about these drugs, and if they cared about the community, they would make the choice to help protect Oswego’s youth from harm by discontinuing sales of the product--without legislation. Thanks to the county lawmakers for making it harder for us to buy this product. We don’t need the temptation, and frankly, the business owners probably don’t need the profit with all the other merchandise being sold in your stores.
Happy Shaman Tragedy Avoided--Barely
One Oswego High School student, who wishes to remain anonymous, described his personal experience after smoking Happy Shaman. It wasn’t his first time using the product. “It caused my muscles to inflame, which caused a lot of uncontrollable jerking and contracting muscle spasms. I had no control of my body movement and no control of what I was saying,” he stated. This all happened in a public area in downtown Oswego, not even a block from two of the stores in which Happy Shaman is sold. “I was picked up and rushed to the ER by my dad, and all I remember was sitting in a wheelchair, and bam, next thing I know I was in a hospital bed, with no clothes on, an IV hooked up to me, and family members surrounding me, crying. I didn’t know what to do or say to anyone.” Luckily, this student’s horrifying experience had an impact on many of his friends who also used the product. “So many people that did smoke it stopped because of what happened, and some that thought about doing it, won’t now,” said the student. When the student was at the hospital, medical personnel told him that they had already seen seven other cases in Oswego of people dying from heart attacks and strokes from using synthetic drugs. We at The Buccaneer Bulletin want to make sure one of our fellow students isn’t the next Oswegonian to fall victim to this unpredictable drug. There is enough first-hand evidence of the possible dangers. While we wait for the government to find a way to win the ongoing battle with manufacturers, we need to take personal action. Talk about the horror stories you’ve heard, and tell people about your own negative experiences. Support the movements to get Happy Shaman out of downtown Oswego stores. Get help if you are a person who needs it, and for those of you who continue to use this drug, it’s time to smarten up. You’re not Little Wayne; you’re a high school student smoking chemically-enhanced potpourri. Too many lives have been ruined; there are no excuses left.
Buccaneer Bulletin
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What’s Your Opinion? “Do you think the sale of incense products such as Happy Shaman should be permitted in Oswego County?” Madison Collins
Sophomore “No because it’s really dangerous and people have died from it.”
Kyle Perez
Senior “Yes, because it’s intended to be sold as incense and it’s not technically meant for consumption. It should be sold, but not consumed.”
Oliver Child-Dauphin Sophomore “No. One of my friends died from it and another friend of mine had a seizure and went into a coma and was in the hospital for two days.”
Jack Banta
Junior “Yes, but they should raise the purchase age to 21, because it’s been noted for getting people sick, so there should be a higher age of consent.”
October 2011
Features
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Oswego Welcomes the New Rock Wall Downtown By Lauren Daniels Reporter
You’re staring up a vertical plain, gripping for what seems to be your life. Your hands ache, screaming at you to let go, slipping as your palms sweat. Your teeth are gritted, your pulse pounding, and the last thing you want is to do is surrender. You gather all your strength from inside yourself and take one last breath as you let go with one hand, and reach with the other. Your eyes close for a split second, faster than a blink of the eye, and you’ve reached the next level. Everest? Kilimanjaro? The Adirondacks? No, “The Wall,” the new climbing center in downtown Oswego. People have the chance to experience the adrenaline rush of rock climbing, indoors. Oswego’s own Mike Taber, an OHS and SUNY Oswego graduate, started the business. He, along with the climbing wall operations manager, Andrew Freeman, worked to build the wall recently. Freeman also teaches classes at The Wall. “Whether you’re climbing at eight feet, or eight hundred feet, the moves are the same, the techniques Photo by Casey Caroccio are the same,” Freeman stated. There Climbers can experience the feeling of an outdoor climbing expedition indoors at The Wall. Their 14 foot wall are many classes held at the facility, includes a 75 degree negative portion, 90 degree portion, and a 65 degree negative portion. including Bouldering 101 and 201, Advanced Bouldering, as well as the Cure” climbing competition on excellent place for parties, with rates Business for the new facility seems private classes. October 22 to benefit breast cancer starting at $6 per person. If you just to be picking up as word spreads about The facility has four sections to research. Ten percent of the funds feel like free-climbing with some the new attraction. It also gives the choose from, ranging from beginner went to the Carol M. Baldwin Breast friends, you only pay $7 to climb as a people in our community, especially to an advanced negative-faced wall. A Cancer Research Fund youth, plus $2 rental for shoes. Punch teens, motivation to get out and get new wall is of CNY. cards are also a great investment for moving by doing it in a fun way. Many also being Classes are very those “climbing junkies” who can’t people, specifically students, would built which affordable at The Wall seem to climb enough--they start at much rather try something new and will require a for students. Private $30. Memberships are also available. heart-pounding like rock climbing harness. The classes are $40 and The Wall has become a muchthan go for a run-of-the-mill jog or Wall Climbing new wall will are good for those talked-about place among Oswego drag themselves to the gym. It’s also be great for Height - 14 ft. who want to climb, belay training but have little-to-noor beginning experience. Bouldering “Whether you’re climbing at eight feet, or eight Climbing Angles climbers hundred feet, the moves are the same, the 101 is perfect for who aren’t 65, 75, & 90 learning the basic techniques are the same.” necessarily techniques and Degrees comfortable Andrew Freeman movements to climb climbing Operations Manager, The Wall and costs $20 per without a Prices - Ranging person for an hourharness on the long class. The more from $6.00, up to main wall. advanced version, High School students. Many have in a convenient location (just north of At The $40.00 Bouldering 201, runs gone or are planning to make an outing downtown Oswego across the street Wall, there for $35 a person for with their friends to check it out. “I from the west side fire station). are many two classes, that are went last week and I had a blast!” Anyone can climb--it’s a fun programs one hour each, a Kelly Chetney, a junior at Oswego experience and adds something else to outside of the normal free-climb or week apart. Advanced Bouldering High School said. “I can’t wait to get do in Oswego. lessons. There was a “Climb for goes for $40. The Wall is also an back there and climb again.”
By the Numbers...
Buccaneer Bulletin
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October 2011
Columns
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Enough with the Self-Esteem, Tell It Like It Is! have received the same grade. That’s unfair. Why because this isn’t about bullying, but a girl should In would anyone work hard in school when the people be able to say she’s a size two and be proud of that, this day who never do their work to the best of their ability not have to hide it because it’ll make someone and age, get the same grades? Maybe if they saw a D at who’s a size ten feel self conscious. we feel the top of their paper and an A at the top of yours, It’s the same with boys. Some boys enjoy the need they’d work a little harder next time. working out, and from that, they gain muscles. to reward If someone gets all upset because he/she They should be able to flex their arms and show everyone, even if he or she doesn’t doesn’t get the trophy, or didn’t get first place, them off. Maybe the scrawny kid will see this deserve it. We get rewarded for things we should then he or she is just a sore loser. We always worry and decide he wants to hit the gym, and if not, be doing anyway. For example, in some classes, about everyone else’s self-esteem. Girls aren’t he should be able to just brush it off and be teachers give you candy for doing your homework allowed to be confident about their physically fit comfortable not having the biggest muscles. or parents give money for high grades. I’m not bodies because it might make some other girl feel This kind of stuff can also be experienced in P.E. opposed to getting candy or cash, but class. The not-sodo I really need to be rewarded for athletic-kids feel I’m not opposed to getting candy or cash, but do I really intimidated by the doing what’s expected of me? It’s all about self-esteem. The athletic kids because need to be rewarded for doing what’s expected of me? problem is that the adults doling out they might not be as It’s all about self-esteem. these rewards can’t just reward one coordinated. I’m not person, because that might make the most coordinated someone else feel bad. Let’s say your class is fat and self-conscious about her body. If you feel person, so if I miss the ball or get out in a game of assigned a project. You spent two weeks working out of shape, do something about it! I’m not saying kickball, I laugh it off; it’s a game for Pete’s sake! on it, making sure it looked the best that it could. go starve yourself or develop an eating disorder, Though I don’t excel in P.E. class, I do well in The procrastinating kid in your class just threw but work out and be a healthier you. If you develop English. My self-confidence may take a hit in third his together the night before, and you can tell by self-confidence, then the only things you lost were period P.E., but I quickly get over it and it’s built the poor quality. However, your teacher decides some pounds! I’m sick of being told I can’t do this, right back up in fourth period American Lit. to give everyone a 100 just for having it done on or say that because I’m going to hurt someone’s It’s a fact of life-everybody’s good at time. How do you feel about that 100 now? You feelings. Maybe they just shouldn’t be so sensitive. something. Our society just has to stop making us could have spent half time that you did and still I’m not saying that we should pick on people, believe that we’re all good at everything!
Hours . . .
CLASSES . . .
Monday-Friday 12pm-9pm Saturday 10am-9pm Sunday 10am-6pm
Learn to Climb! Classes offered include: Bouldering 101- $20 per person Bouldering 201-$35 per person Advanced Bouldering-$40 per person Private Classes-$40 per person
315-343-WALL(9255) www.TopTheWall.com
Free
Pricing . . . Youth Day Pass $7.00 Adult Day Pass $9.00 Shoe rental $2.00 Chalk Bag Rental $2.00 Visit www.topthewall.com for information about punch cards and membership pricing programs. Buccaneer Bulletin
chalk bag rental ($2.00 value)
With use of this coupon
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October 2011
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Club
OHS CLUBS CONTINUE TO TV Club (1)
Lights! Camera! Action! This classic line you’ve heard in movies and on TV could become a reality if you join TV Club. In TV Club, you can work behind-the-scenes making what we see on the morning announcements possible. Besides the morning announcements, TV Club does a lot of other cool things. They use the portable production unit, that you may have seen parked outside, to produce remote broadcasts from different sporting events and school functions. Those events are later aired locally on channel 16, via Time-Warner cable. They have also done events outside of school including the Oswego Fourth of July Parade and commencement. In the future, they hope to cover other events outside of school. Students in the club are currently doing a candy fundraiser, and may be planning a field trip in the future. If you are interested in a career in television, or just want to be part of something fun using cutting-edge technology, this club would be great for you. Mr. Steve Cass, TV Club adviser said, “My door is always open to students who want to join the WBUC team.”
2009, 2010, and 2011 yearbooks.
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Sophomore Kevin Goodale records the Powder puff game for TV Club.
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Travel Club
The Travel Club is a different kind of club. Its activities are not restricted to Oswego; they travel around the world. The advisers Mrs. Sarah Williams and Mrs. Lisa Mcpherson run the club. This year, club members will be going to England and Scotland. In the past, the students have traveled to Italy, Germany, Greece, France and Ireland. The students take every place into consideration and vote where they should go. To prepare for such a costly trip, the students raise funds, selling everything from Tastefully Simple products to lollipops. While on the trip, members visit places like museums, ruins, theaters, landmarks, factories, and so much more! The students have free time where they can pick from a list of local excursions. About 15-20 people attend the annual trip. Williams said one of her favorite things about the trip is taking students who normally don’t leave the country, into a whole new world. She said, “It’s cool to see another country and show students who live in our culture how other people live. If you are interested in seeing another country you should look into the Travel Club!
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Freshman Taylor Hamer and ju Thompson rehearse for The Ph Story.
Yearbook Club (2)
The yearbook staff meets first and second period daily to produce the 2012 OHS Paradox. In the beginning of the year, the new students learn how to make spreads and take good photos, while the returning staffers get to work on making the spreads of last year’s spring events such as spring sports and prom. Under the direction of Mr. Warren Shaw and Mr. Chris Mangano, yearbook advisers, and Sarah Gosek, editor, they recently met their first deadline. “I’m expecting great things from the yearbook staff this year,” stated Shaw. “We have a good staff led by a good editor in Sarah Gosek.” Many of the staff attended the ESSPA convention at Syracuse University, which is meant to improve the skills of yearbook and journalism students. Abby Haessig, assistant editor and sports section leader, said that there are many new members this year and she thinks the convention will benefit them because they will see what good designs and photos look like. Overall, she said they hope to learn some new techniques they can use in this year’s yearbook.
National Honor Society (3)
Seventy-three Oswego High School students participate in a service organization known as National Honor Society or NHS. OHS students work on service projects individually or with others in small groups. NHS meets the second Wednesday of every month to discuss their issues, fund raising, and service projects. The students operate a large group fundraiser in March for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. All the money raised is donated to the children battling pediatric cancer at St. Jude. In addition to the St. Jude’s fundraiser, the NHS donates $100 to a different charity of the students’ choosing every month. For example, the first month of this school year, the students voted to send the money to Broome County (Binghamton area) where all the flooding occurred from Hurricane Irene and this month, they donated to the Newman Center’s People Against Poverty mission.. Through the course of the year, students donate about $1,000 to local organizations. The goals for National Honor Society are not just to look good on a college application, but to be a viable volunteer group in Oswego. Club adviser Mr. Mike McCrobie emphasizes the academic pillar of the NHS. Applicants’ transcripts have to show unweighted averages of a 90 or above. Adviser, McCrobie stated, “My goal as an adviser is to really get the high school students to understand the importance of volunteerism. A lot of these students are getting ready for college and hopefully they will get involved in volunteer/philanthropic efforts around their campuses.” Announcements for prospective NHS students in grades 10, 11 and 12 will be made early in the second semester. The current members learn to set an example and get future members interested. They also get involved and show model like behavior towards the freshman and sophomores who are looking to be a part of this club. If you are the type of person who’s interested in helping out our school and/or community and helping charity, while maintaining good grades, then NHS is for you.
Buccaneer Bulletin
(3) Danielle Holland and Mackenzie Bisnett prep to donate at the NHS fall blood drive.
(7) GSA promoted Ally Week with signs around the school. Editor’s Note: The following staff members contributed to this page: Chloe Martin, Patrick Baer, Kara Collins, Catti Hoyt, Mackenzie Oatman, Casey Carrocio, and Carlie Morley.
Key
KEY Club? A club where you make keys? No! You may have many different thoughts when you hear KEY Club, but it actually stands for Kiwanis Educating Youth. It’s the oldest and largest volunteer service program for high school students in the world and is represented in 30 nations including the United States. The OHS version of the club is an extension of the Kiwanis service organization Our high school works with them to help the community. KEY Club at Oswego High School has been very effective in the past. They have done a lot for the adults and children of the Oswego community including Relay for Life, Toys for Tots and volunteering at soup kitchens. KEY Club is one of the only few organizations in
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
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Junior Class (4)
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Jodi Kester makes a run for it during the 2011 Powderpuff football game.
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This fall’s school spirit week was largely in the hands of the junior class that planned and ran the Homecoming parade, bonfire, dance, and pep rally. Though some of these events were cancelled due to inclement weather, the others played out very smoothly. “It’s amazing how much work goes into the pep rally,” said Ms. Taishana Jackson, who is co-advising the junior class with Dr. Heidi Sweeney. Junior class officers, chosen at the end of last school year, are Lauren Peel, president; Leah Wiess, vice president; Matt DiFabio, treasurer; and Bri Favata, secretary. The junior class’ next big event will be the Junior Variety show in April. “This year we really want to make it a ‘variety’ show again,” said Jackson, who hopes to do so by incorporating skits and comedy acts rather than just musical performances. Shortly after the variety show, the junior class will be putting on the Junior Prom. The Prom is an event that takes extensive planning, some of which has already started. Jackson hopes that the juniors will be able to undertake multiple fundraisers throughout the year. If a surplus of money can be raised, then the cost of prom tickets can be cheaper and the quality of the prom can be better. The first prom committee meeting will be when juniors return from Christmas break in January. Before then, the next officers’ meeting is November 1, and meetings for the variety show will be announced.
Senior Class (5)
The planning of this fall’s annual Powderpuff Football game began with tentative memories of last season’s game. “Last year, some of the spectators were a little too passionate,” said senior class co-adviser Mr. Mark Mirabito. The reaction to this year’s game would determine if the event would be held in future years. Thankfully, the composed and friendly demeanor of everyone participating this year proved the event was worth keeping around. With a successful Powderpuff game under their belts, the senior class now moves on to the preparation of future events. The senior trip, 100 Days Celebration, class picnic, and senior dinner dance are all among the things on this extensive list. Elected at the end of last year, the senior class officers are Sarah Gosek, president; Matt McLaughlin, vice president; Abby Haessig, secretary; and Carlie Morley, treasurer. The seniors’ biggest focus right now is the senior trip, the first payment for which was due last week. For those who have completed that initial step, additional payments will be due December 1, and January 12. Checks should be brought to Mirabito in room 215. If you have any questions about the trip, they should be brought to Mirabito in room 215 or to co-adviser Mrs. Tami Palmitesso, in room 273. Information for future activities will be released periodically throughout the year. If you are a senior and know you will be interested in participating in some of these exclusive celebrations, make sure you are aware of deadlines and meetings. Students who are late to act, may lose their chances to participate.
nior Hayley hiladelphia
Drama Club (6)
Senior Class president, Sarah Gosek.
Club
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Junior Class president, Lauren Peel.
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PHOTOS BY MACKENZIE OATMAN
OHS that work with other high schools and even colleges around Central New York to come up with new ideas for the club as a whole. This club is very well organized and runs efficiently with two co-presidents, Sarah Mancuso and Nick Bonacorsi. Vice-president is Matt Difabio; secretary is Jimmy Dillion; treasurer is Leah Weiss and the Sergeantat-Arms is Gordon Pan. In defining KEY Club, Mancuso stated, “KEY Club is an organization that provides students with opportunities to participate in activities that serve the community, build character and develop leadership skills.” One of the club’s downfalls is its low membership. This organization is open to anyone in Oswego High School who would like to volunteer. Just remember, the door is always open, and unlike the name, you don’t a key to get in.
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Drama Club president Raquelle Moreau is currently entertaining the possibility of a New York City or Syracuse field trip to see a Broadway-style play this year. Members are also anticipating the annual Shakespeare Competition in January, which features performances by actors and actresses who have memorized and rehearsed monologues written by William Shakespeare. Along with the planning of future events, the club has recently cast members for The Philadelphia Story which will be presented on November 12 and 19 in the Faust Theater. The cast meets daily to rehearse the play, which follows a selfish, wealthy young woman in the 1930s as she comes to terms with her own humanity and true love. If you are interested in helping with Drama Club’s current production, or would like more information about future events, official meetings are held every Thursday at 2:30 in the theater. New members are always welcome.
Gay-Straight Alliance (7)
GSA is a large club/organization not only across the United States, but also here at Oswego High School. GSA stands for Gay-Straight Alliance. The club really stresses gay rights and respect for gays from other gays, bi’s, trans-gender and straight people all over the country. People may erroneously believe that GSA is just a “gay club” but its organization was made by a straight man supporting his friend. The idea of a GSA club was actually brought on by students several years ago, and it has grown ever since. The club is really looking to change people’s views, attitudes, behaviors and the overall perception of what a gay person is. They also are looking to find a way to keep people from using mean, anti-gay language or slurs towards gays and trying to prevent people from being harassed over. It is a very visible club, with many plans to get involved with the community and other GSA clubs around the area. They have gone as far as doing at flash mob in the food court at Carousal Mall. The club is trying to find a way to make itself friendlier for all people in school. The name Gay-Straight Alliance scares some people off because of the stigma for the idea of what the club is about. Club adviser Ms. Heather Robillard has brought up the idea of altering the name to be more “straight-people friendly.” Robillard, along with Ms. Rosh Mishra are the advisers of the club. The club meets several times a month, have circle discussion to try and figure out what they can do to help, and what activities they can participate in.
October 2011
Teacher Feature
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OHS Welcomes New Faculty and Staff Mrs. Denise Evans Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name? Denise Evans: Denise Evans BB: What do you teach at OHS? DE: Resource. BB: Did you teach anywhere prior to OHS? DE: I worked here at OHS before, and I was over to Fitzhugh for a while.
BB: What was a job you had before working at OHS? DE: I worked at a Burger King, and at a daycare center. BB: Where did you go to school? DE: I went to SUNY Oswego. BB: When did you know you wanted to be a teacher? DE: When I was young. BB: What is a quote you like or live by? DE: “I can do all things through Christ.”
BB: What was a job you had before working at OHS? CP: I worked in a check printing factory, as a secretary, and at a rec center.
Mrs. Cindy Pauldine Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name? Cindy Pauldine: Cindy Pauldine BB: What do you teach at OHS? CP: English Lab. BB: Did you teach anywhere prior to OHS? CP: Red Creek for 13 years, Fitzhugh for 18 years, and I was at the Ed Center for 4 years.
BB: Where did you go to school? CP: I got my undergraduate at SUNY Cortland, my Master’s at SUNY Oswego, and another Master’s at Elmira College. BB: What is a quote you like or live by? CP: “Keep Calm and Carry On,” from World War II
Ms. Kimberly Nihoff
KN: I worked at the Renaissance Festival for eight years.
Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name? Kimberly Nihoff: Kimberly Nihoff.
BB: Where did you go to school? KN: I went to SUNY Geneseo.
BB: What do you teach at OHS? KN: Business Math and AIS Math.
BB: When did you know you wanted to be a teacher? KN: When I was little, because my grandmother was a teacher.
BB: Did you teach anywhere prior to OHS? KN: I worked over at OMS and at Moravia BB: What was a job you had before working at OHS?
Buccaneer Bulletin
BB: What is a quote you like or live by? KN: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that
BB: What are some of your hobbies outside of school? DE: I got to church, the YMCA. I love to shop, and spend time with my family. BB: What is your favorite book or movie? DE: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. BB: If you were stranded on a desert island what would you bring? DE: My daughter, my husband, and my shoes.
BB: What are some of your hobbies outside of school? CP: I like reading, baking, cooking, and boating with my husband. BB: What is your favorite book or movie? CP: My favorite children’s book is A Wrinkle in Time. BB: If you were stranded on a desert island what would you bring? CP: My husband, my cat, and some books.
take our breath away.”
board game, and a boat.
BB: What are some of your hobbies outside of school? KN: I like to go four-wheeling, camping, and just hanging out with my friends and family. BB: What is your favorite book or movie? KN: My favorite book is Firefly Lane and my favorite movie is My Sister’s Keeper. BB: If you were stranded on a desert island what would you bring? KN: My best friend, a
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October 2011
Teacher Feature
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Young Educators Excited to Be in Oswego Ms. Kayley Pilawa Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name? Kayley Pilawa: Kayley Pilawa BB: What do you teach at OHS? KP: Global 9 and U.S History BB: Did you teach anywhere prior OHS? KP: Fayetteville-Manlius High School BB: What was a job you had
Mr. Andrew Rozak Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name? Andrew Rozak: Andrew Rozak BB: What do you teach at OHS? AR: Physical Education, and I coach the varsity boys’ hockey team. BB: Did you teach anywhere prior OHS? AR: Fitzhugh Elementary as a physical education teacher.
Ms. Maria Vasquez BB: What is your full name? Maria Vasquez: Maria Theresa Vasquez BB: What do you teach at OHS? MV: Ninth and tenth grade global. BB: Did you teach anywhere prior OHS? MV: I taught in Massachusetts for four years. BB: What was a job you had before working at OHS?
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before working at OHS? KP: I was a camp counselor and I worked in the admissions office at Le Moyne. BB: Where did you go to school? KP: I went to high school in Cherstland, Ohio, and to Le Moyne College BB: When did you know you wanted to be a teacher? KP: Since second grade I knew I wanted to be a history teacher; I liked the stories. BB: What is your favorite book or movie?
BB: What was a job you had before working at OHS? AR: I worked as a substitute and I worked at an athletic training facility called Score Hockey in Toronto, Canada. BB: Where did you go to school? AR: I went to high school at St. Francis Xavier in Canada and I went to college at SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland. BB: When did you know you wanted to be a teacher? AR: After I graduated and was working at the athletic training
MV: Lots of jobs, the funniest one is that I used to clean a convent for nuns. BB: Where did you go to school? MV: For high school I went to Franklin Academy. I got my undergrads at Elms College in Massachusetts, and I got my masters at SUNY Oswego. BB: What are some of your hobbies outside of school? MV: I like to ride my bike and run, and I like to read a lot. BB: What is a quote
KP: I love the Wizard of Oz; it’s been my favorite since I was very little. I would watch it over and over again. My favorite book is Harry Potter, but I also love anything historical. I love biographies.
they’ve done with their lives.
BB: What is a quote you like or live by? KP: “I find that the harder I work, the luckier I get,” by Thomas Jefferson. BB: Who is your idol? KP: My parents, I get a lot of my personality from my parents and I really respect what
facility I realized I enjoyed working with kids and I enjoyed being active.
AR: I looked up to my dad growing up; he’s a hardworking person.
BB: What are some of your hobbies outside of school? AR: Playing hockey, golfing, and running. BB: What is a little known fact about you? AR: That I’m Canadian. BB: Where did you grow up? AR: I grew up just outside of Toronto, Ontario. BB: Who is your idol?
you like or live by? MV: “Treat others how you want to be treated.”
and a half hours north of here.
BB: What is a little known fact about you? MV: I’m originally from Los Angeles, I lived there until I was eleven. BB: What is your favorite book or movie? MV: My favorite movie is Fight Club, and my favorite book is One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. BB: Where did you grow up? MV: Malone, New York, about three
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October 2011
10
Artist of the Month
Megan Mahaney is Named Artist of the Month By Mackenzie Oatman Reporter
“I like the orange thing, and the donut one,” OHS senior Megan Mahaney stated, referring to her artwork nonchalantly. But one glance at any of her completed pieces ignites a more complex response. One of her multimedia paintings features a woman figure among a galaxy of stars that are actually pearls sewn into the canvas. Mahaney calls this “The Planet,” and it is among one of her most recent pieces. She is also currently working on a shockingly realistic graphite portrait of her friend. Last year she completed an oil pastel drawing of a lady with red hair and a painting of donuts, an assignment that required students to just paint without taking the time to make a sketch. Mahaney’s orange painting won an honorable mention in last year’s Scholastic Art Contest. “A lot of people apply to that, so I feel happy with an honorable mention,” said Mahaney. Additionally, her donut piece placed at the Fulton Invitational, though she couldn’t quite tell you what honor she won, she said the award is at home somewhere. Mahaney’s enthusiasm for art exceeds her enthusiasm for the awards she wins. Her schedule starts in a similar way to an average OHS student’s day. She wakes up reluctantly for school every day to eat and change her clothes, only to flop back into bed for as long as she can. At school, she spends time in the hallways, hurriedly finishing any homework she neglected to do the day before. After school, she said she returns home to do “whatever normal people do” and then falls asleep. The only difference between her schedule and yours may be that she spends every free moment throughout her day in Mrs. Melissa Martin’s art room. “I practically live here,” Mahaney said, acknowledging the room that looks more like a fort of canvases, many of which line the perimeter of the room. Mahaney’s ‘Planet’ piece currently leans up against a blackboard, awaiting a future of success as the young artist’s newest piece. Different art supplies dot the room. Mahaney stated paint is her favorite medium. “It’s looser and more colorful and I like it,” but she also
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uses pencils, colored pencils, and oil pastels. Aside from using several different mediums, Mahaney is often
working on several different projects simultaneously. “I work on a lot more than one thing at once,” she stated, “I
Megan Mahaney won Honorable Mention at the Oswego County Student Show for the apples piece (top, above). In the middle picture above, she won first prize for painting at the Fulton Invitational. Mahaney won honorable mention at the prestigious Scholastic Art Show for the Orange Painting (bottom, above).
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was working on my orange painting while I was supposed to be doing a self-portrait, so I only had two days to make the portrait, instead of two weeks. I’m usually overlapping at the beginning and end of things.” Her ‘planet’ piece took her a long time. Starting it at the end of last year, she didn’t fully complete it until this school year. Over the summer, Mahaney regularly goes to Pat Carson, an Oswego resident who gives art lessons to students. Carson provides her students with painting supplies and access to things such as projectors to transfer sketches to canvas. Though the majority of her free time is devoted to art, it’ still a passion and not a chore. “It’s fun, I like spending the majority of my free time doing it,” she said. Mahaney also revealed that some of her other hobbies are reading, watching and “criticizing” TV shows, and eating. Mahaney’s friends and family have an influence of sorts on her artwork. Her mom is a seamstress, but Mahaney said, “She used to draw fruits and things on metal pots and pans using a painstaking way of blending oils and paints.” Mahaney joked about her father’s artistic abilities. She said, “My dad thinks that when you draw a stick figure you also have to draw a belly.” A few of Mahaney’s friends also frequent Mrs. Martin’s room throughout the day. The portrait she’s currently working on is of her friend Emily Fleishman, who is also a senior at OHS. Aside from friends and family, Mahaney can’t comment on any specific source of inspiration for her work. “I’d like to say cats inspire me, but I don’t actually ever … draw cats,” she stated. Rather, Mahaney said her ideas “just happen.” As far as college goes, she is still waiting on an idea. She doesn’t plan to continue with art as a career. She said she is afraid “it is not very pragmatic,” as a basis for her future. She is interested in criminal justice, English, and history, but is currently walking the line when it comes to deciding a path. One could feel safe in assuming though, that it will “just happen” for her, and that it will be as impressive as her artwork.
October 2011
Point/Counterpoint
11
Who Should’ve Been the VMAs Best New Artist? Tyler, The Creator
By Justin Peterson Reporter
On the edge of their seats, the audience awaited the announcement of the winner of the prestigious Best New Artist of the Year award at MTV’s VMAs. Then, a name that most of America had never heard before was uttered. That name was Tyler, The Creator. Dismayed, many fans took to their Facebooks and Twitters exclaiming; “Who is this Tyler, The Creator guy?” or “Why didn’t Wiz Khalifa win?!” However, Tyler, The Creator deserved that award for many reasons, whether critics like it or not. Wiz Khalifa is not a bad artist by any means, though there are redundancies in his work that some may be turned off by. Khalifa can, at times, be too generic, always rapping about partying and drugs and never treading on any new ground, instead using similar lyrics in different ways. He doesn’t break any rules; he just sticks to a sound he knows will work and one that people will enjoy--never venturing outside the box. Tyler, The Creator on the other hand, goes for a deep, dark sound as opposed to Wiz’s upbeat and happy tunes. While Khalifa will have a few raps with a repeating chorus, Tyler’s deep voice provides line after line and he never stops. He just keeps going and going, weaving an intriguing tale that gives the listener a glimpse into this man’s dark mind. His mystique feeds the listeners’ curiosity, and as he spews line after line they are left thinking, making his music all the better. Tyler spits rhymes about anything his black heart possesses him to say. Sometimes to achieve greatness, you can’t succumb to what listeners pertain to be normal. This is one reason why Tyler was voted Best New Artist of the Year; he’s outside the norm. One of the best qualities of Tyler, The Creator’s music is how twisted his lyrics are. He raps about things not appropriate to even ponder. In doing so, he hooks the listeners by making them wonder if anything this crazy man says is true. The man is clearly not scared of controversy; his music video for “Yonkers” is one of the strangest out there. Donning black contacts to make the artist look possessed, The Creator
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Wiz Khalifa
sits and raps, eating a cockroach, and in the climax, ends his own life. I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried. Visceral images and profane lyrics fuel the listener’s imagination, only adding to his already-mysterious personality. Sometimes people like the bad guy, the one who isn’t afraid to speak his mind or do what he wants. But beneath all the hype and the darkness enveloping this man, you can tell that he is deeply troubled. He doesn’t rap because he thinks it’s fun, or because he wants the money, but because it’s all he has. Tyler needs his music; it makes him who he is. You never hear Tyler rapping about simply having fun or being rich, but about his friends and family. As dark as the lyrics may be, people can relate to Tyler’s lifestyle.
He is a troubled guy who releases his thoughts and feelings into his music, which makes him a true artist. Listeners have been spoon fed music that always stays the same, but when one artist or band changes that trend, people react positively. While Khalifa’s songs are made for the masses, Tyler’s music is made for those who want change. When people went to vote for Best New Artist, they picked him because he stood out; he was different. This is all why Tyler, The Creator deserved to win that coveted award. The voters saw “Yonkers” and thought about how incredibly bold it was for an artist to do something that drastic, and gave the man a chance to prove his worth in a world full of criticism and hate. Knowing this man’s dark, almost evil, mind, he won’t let those voters down.
By Gabrielle Sacco
Reporter
Who the heck is Tyler, The Creator? He literally just appeared out of nowhere to win the Best New Artist award at the MTV 2011 Video Music Awards. I’m sure it’s safe to say that most teens were expecting Wiz Khalifa to come out on top with a win for the best new artist! We music fans were sadly let down when they announced somebody that most of us had never even heard of in the entertainment industry before. Wiz Khalifa most definitely deserved to win best new artist over Tyler, The Creator. “I’m trying to crush everybody,” said Khalifa before the awards show started, “No disrespect, just crush them and do what I do.” It’s
clearly seen that Wiz had an immense amount of confidence going into the awards show. So why didn’t he win? Wiz is a more developed artist with more experience and is better known than the upset Tyler. He has been around long enough to create a name for himself and a large fan base, yet a short enough amount of time to still be considered ‘new.’ Tyler, The Creator, on the other hand, has sort of been able to fly under the radar, not making himself too well known until the VMAs. Wiz has actually released songs that have received radio airplay, unlike Tyler. His single “Black and Yellow” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Tyler has only released two albums and one of those was selfreleased. The only signed deal he’s actually made was a one-album deal with XL Recordings. Yet, Wiz has signed with a large well-known record
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label, Atlantic Records and released three albums to date. Two weeks after Khalifa’s album Rolling Papers was released into stores, Tyler’s Goblin album was released as well. First week sales of Goblin only reached a measly 45,000 sales, while Rolling Papers sold about double that number in its first week out. To this day, Tyler’s most well-known single “Yonkers” has only 26 million hits on YouTube, whereas Wiz’s hit “Black and Yellow” comes out on top with an astonishing 102 million views. It could also be said that the voting was slanted. The VMAs were held in Los Angeles, the same city that Tyler, The Creator is from. That’s not to say he had some help from his hometown, but the album sales and video views do most of the talking. After Tyler, The Creator received his award as 2011’s best new artist, he went on to make an extremely explicit speech on live television and in front of the live audience at the show. This just goes to show Tyler’s lack of experience in the entertainment industry and why the award should have gone to someone with more knowledge of the industry and professional qualities. If you actually take some time to listen thoroughly to both artists’ lyrics, you’ll notice a great diversity between them. Wiz Khalifa tends to rap more about smoking weed, getting drunk, and partying--some things that teens and people our age can actually relate too. When Tyler, The Creator raps, it seems that he puts down other artists and negates the gay and lesbian community. When the news came out that Tyler won best new artist, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) spoke out loudly. “Rather than providing simply a larger platform, MTV and other networks should educate viewers about why anti-gay and misogynistic language has no place in the music industry today,” said Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs at GLAAD. It was wrong for MTV to honor Tyler, The Creator’s behavior that negated a certain group of people in the community and look a more deserving artist in the future.
October 2011
Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 15 Number 1
Oswego High School’s Student Voice
October 2011
AthleteS of the Month Matt skinner By Madison Rhoades
Senior Matt Skinner will be stepping onto the field for the last time as an Oswego soccer Buccaneer this month. Skinner has been playing the sport for five years. He plays all year-round, constantly practicing and improving himself. As a goalkeeper, Skinner is always ready to face his opponent and do everything he can to make sure that no one scores on him. He thrives on the competition, and loves the thrill of winning a game. No matter what it takes, he’s going to win. Skinner has a never-give-up attitude, just like his idol, Muhammed Ali. It’s that attitude that drives him on the field. “It truly has been a pleasure watching Matt grow as a player and young man,” said Coach Don Fronk, who has been coaching Skinner since he first made varsity as freshman. He only played a few games his freshman year, but then became starting goalie his sophomore season. Skinner has grown greatly as a player, becoming one of the top goalkeepers in the league and a leader on and off the field. Although Skinner loves the game, and it’s been good to him over the years, he will not be playing in college. He’ll miss the game, along with his teammates. “I will miss playing for the Oswego High School Buccaneers, dearly. There’s nothing more I loved than playing a game under the lights on Turrill Street field,” said Skinner. Next year, he plans to go to Syracuse University. “I’m going to study pre-med and do ROTC training for the US Army, with hopes of being a diagnostic radiologist for the US Army Medical Corps,” he said. He also hopes to pick up some gloves, step into the ring and start boxing. Due to soccer, Skinner has suffered countless injuries. Over the years, he has injured his nose, ribs, thumbs, back, and wrist, damaged cartilage, suffered a couple concussions, and more. Earlier this year, he had wrist surgery because of torn cartilage, which landed him in a cast for six weeks. He started this year getting injured just a few games into the season, breaking his nose. The injury sidelined him for a couple games. Skinner’s future will be full of goals, but instead of stopping them, he’ll be attaining them. photo by Mackenzie Oatman
Tayler bowman By Mackenzie Oatman
Though she’s wrapping up a successful season as a senior player on the varsity tennis team, Tayler Bowman claimed, “I’m a mad laxer.” Bowman had her athletic beginnings as a goalie on the OHS lacrosse team, but has proven herself as an all-around athlete through her success as a tennis player as well. A novice on the tennis team in the fall of her junior year, Tayler worked her way up from playing doubles during her first season to playing singles halfway through her senior season. “I like singles more than doubles because I’m the only person responsible. I don’t have anyone to blame but myself and I don’t have to rely on anyone else,” stated Bowman. Over the past two years, her consistency and overall knowledge of the game has drastically improved. She has even been exposed to the subtleties of the sport. She stated that while playing singles, “I try to intimidate (my opponent), stay focused, and be confident. If you play against someone confident, it intimidates you.” Bowman secured a spot playing singles at sectionals. “That was my personal goal in the beginning of the year,” stated Bowman. Varsity tennis coach, Daniel Cunningham said, “Tayler is very hard on herself,” explaining one of the reasons Bowman was able to accomplish such a feat. “It feels good because you know you accomplished it all by yourself,” Bowman said, but also emphasized how much she will miss the presence of the team as her last tennis season comes to a close. Elaborately decorated posters hung from the tennis court fence during the team’s senior night match. Each one bore the name of a senior player. The girls all sported special senior night t-shirts as they hung streamers and waited for the opposing team to arrive. “Since the tennis team is a lot smaller, you can feel more together,” stated Bowman, but she still emphasized her appreciation for the team as one that highlights the individual aspect of playing a sport within a team concept. Bowman backs up her image as a determined individual in academics as well as athletics. She is a member of National Honor Society and one of the Top 25 students in her graduating class. She was also a student ambassador for People to People, an organization that gave her an opportunity to travel to Australia with a group of other student ambassadors during the summer of her eighth grade year. She plans to continue her education in Baltimore, Maryland at Towson University, where she will play Division I lacrosse and possibly study sports medicine. She envisions tennis as a recreational activity in her future. Her time and success on the OHS varsity tennis team reflects the success waiting for her right around the corner. As Coach Cunningham stated, “Her best quality is her ability to adapt.”