BuccaneerBulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice
FALL INTO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR AND GET INVOLVED
October 2014 Volume 3 Number 1
2014 Homecoming Festivities Page 8 & 9 Clubs at OHS Page 6 & 7
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PHOTO BY ELIZABETH SINCAVAGE
Editorial
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Drawing Board
Buccaneer Bulletin Oswego High School’s Student Voice Editor-in-Chief Rachael Purtell Managing Editor Hannah Griffin Business Manager Courtney Osmun Webmaster Lisa Kanbur Chief Photographer Elizabeth Sincavage Art Director Nathan Greene Alumni Editor Amber Canek Sports Editor Chase Pelton Clublicity Editor Morgan Haynes Layout Editor Mariya Hirna Entertainment Editor Taylor Montgomery Reporters Hannah Cali Victoria Armet Advisers Bill Reeser Heidi Conland Sheffield
The Buccaneer Bulletin, a member of the Empire State School Press Association, and The Quill and Scroll, is published periodically by the students of the Oswego High School, 2 Buccaneer Blvd.; Oswego, New York 13126; (315) 341-2200. It is intended as a vehicle to inform, educate, and entertain the student body. Opinions expressed are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration or the advisers.
On the Cover: Believe it or not many tourists flock to our little town during the Fall season because of the foliage that surrounds. Chief Photographer Elizabeth Sincavage captures this beauty on this month’s cover.
Buccaneer Bulletin
CARTOON BY NATHAN GREENE
. . . to the Class of 2016 and their extremely creative Spirit Week! It was a refreshing, fun change from the typical Spirit Weeks in the past consisting of themes like Wacky Wednesday and Tie Dye Tuesday. More students participated than ever before and the spirit shown by OHS as a whole was awesome! . . . to Nik Whiteside, Katherine Knopp, and Marguerite Dillon being proactive and getting a good jump on the senior section of the 2015 edition of the OHS Paradox! Senior Quote and Baby Picture forms are available outside Room 127 and are due no later than October 31. . . . to our Marching Band being the only school in the country to have a member selected for the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band each year since the start of the program in 2008. Congratulations to color guard member, Kylie Pelkey, for earning the honor this year!
. . . to the Class of 2015 being forbidden to create their own Senior Spirit Week. Senior Spirit Week has been a tradition at OHS that the seniors built up anticipation for since they walked into the building for the first time in Fall of 2011. The actions of previously graduated students do not reflect on the attitudes or actions of current students and the seniors believe that they could have handled the privilege of their own Spirit Week. . . . to this year’s powderpuff shirts being dri fit material instead of cotton like previous years. Dri fit did not fit the girls the same way the cotton shirts did soit was difficult to select the correct size. Many students also had to change their nickname because of the 12 character limit and did not like the big company logo on the sleeve. Also, the seniors were disappointed to lose the sparkle typically found on the front of the seniors’ powderpuff shirts! www.buccaneerbulletin.com
October 2014
Editorial In Our View . . .
Disturbing actions taken by ISIS threaten freedom of the press According to CNN, “the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has emerged as the most terrifying and brutal of the extreme jihadist groups.” ISIS is a revolutionary movement that seeks to overthrow what it considers to be corrupt systems of government and create a new regime which it calls the Islamic Caliphate. They view their system as much more socially just than the dictators they are fighting. These groups emerge not because of the appeal of extreme Islam itself, but because of problems of finances, elite divisions, and popular unrest do to actions committed by the state considered to be oppressive or arbitrary during times of social breakdown. During such times, collapsed government institutions do not have the resources nor the drive to rebuild themselves from scratch because they are often more interested in maintaining their positions of wealth and are distrustful of others competing for power. Fighters usually join ISIS and similar groups because they do start fresh unlike regimes such as that under Bashar al-Assad and this is what gives extremist groups major advantages. Typically, radicals are very willing to make sacrifices for their ideological cause and embrace any and all supporters. Islamist extremist groups are also said to take the best care of their fighters and are driven to build a new community in order to pursue their goals. People want and need local order, discipline, a supportive community, and success in attacking perceived enemies and ISIS offers all of these things.
Clearly America’s hasty retreat from Iraq after the death of Osama bin Laden left much unfinished business resulting in this threat from ISIS which has now escalated to the taped execution of two American journalists with the most recent video threatening the life of another man. The two American freelance journalists who were beheaded by a masked figure representing ISIS include 31-year-old Steven Sotloff and 40-year-old James Foley. Foley was executed two weeks prior to Sotloff who addressed the camera saying that he was “paying the price” for US military intervention in this ever-growing movement. Foley was the first American citizen to be killed by ISIS and Sotloff is their “second message to America” to halt airstrikes in the Middle East. Intelligence agencies have analyzed the videos and consider them to be authentic. The masked figure in the video said, “Just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.” Many students, including some of us at The Buccaneer Bulletin, partake in high school journalism because we see it as a possible career field. It can be daunting to hear of an individual in our desired profession dying in such a gruesome way. On the other hand, some budding journalists are fueled by the risks of the job and use horrific acts to drive them in their pursuit of truth and knowledge. We may not be fighting on the front lines, but at the end of the day we are all Americans fighting for freedom and there are casualties in every unit.
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What’s Your Opinion? “How much do you know about ISIS?”
Paul Oleyourryk Senior
“They have beheaded three journalists and they’re bad.”
Kyra O’Gorman Junior
“They are a terrorist group, attacking western countries. They are executing and beheading Americans.”
Jordan Runner Sophomore
“They are a terrorist organization. Recently, they have been executing many Americans and British people as part of their terror.”
Penelope Davis Freshman
“They’re scary and a terrorist group”
Patrick Donovan Substitute Teacher
“They’re a radical Islamic group. From a foreign policy stand point, they’re a threat but its difficult to fight an idea.”
Mr. Bock Staff
“Probably not as much as I should, but they pose a threat to the world.” GRAPHIC BY RACHAEL PURTELL
Buccaneer Bulletin
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October 2014
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Features
Chill out and get the facts about Lou Gehrig’s Disease By Rachael Purtell Editor-in-Chief
Many people are aware of the Ice Bucket Challenge that went completely viral this past summer through social media. Although the underlying premise to spread awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease is great, many people in our own community have misunderstood and abused the challenge. Slacktivism is a term to describe actions performed via the Internet in support of a political or social cause but regarded as requiring little time or involvement. This is exactly what many people have exhibited by doing this challenge. People think they contribute by spreading the word about this truly debilitating disease but do not consider donating their time or money to the cause because they contributed through their participation. A classic example of slacktivism is the Kony video of 2012. Millions of people shared the video on social media but very few knew how to donate or get involved; the same thing is happening now with ALS and the Ice Bucket Challenge. For those that are not aware of this viral trend, if one is challenged by a friend who has previously participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge, they have 24 hours to record themselves dumping a bucket of ice water on themselves, post it on social media and challenge others to do the same or else they must donate $100.00 to an ALS charity of their choice. The Ice Bucket Challenge was initiated by Beverly, Massachusetts resident Pete Frates and his family. Frates is a former Division I baseball player for Boston College and has lived with ALS since 2012. He started the challenge to raise awareness for the disease and has worked with the ALS Association’s Massachusetts chapter. President and CEO of the ALS Association, Barbara Newhouse, said, “This is a creative way to spread ALS awareness via social media and in communities nationwide. We thank Pete Frates and his family for getting so many people involved in spreading the word about ALS.” Celebrities have participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge in order raise awareness for ALS including Boston Bruins stars Brad Marchand and Torey Krug. The NFL commissioner also participated in honor of former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason who currently battles ALS. When people are challenged, they go out and buy a few bags of ice, maybe a bucket, and then post a video of themselves dumping water on themselves to avoid actually donating money to a charity for ALS. Spreading awareness for the disease is great, but simply talking about the disease has little long term effect.
Buccaneer Bulletin
OHS alumnus Kelly Chetney said, “The challenge should be to donate a few bucks to the ALS Association within 24 hours or else dump ice on yourself.” Although it is true that donations to the ALS Association have risen considerably in the wake of the Ice Bucket Challenge, imagine how much more money could be raised if each person challenged simply donated the cost of purchasing a few bags of ice? Unfortunately, people are social creatures and do not think this way. People may not realize it, PHOTO COURTESY OF MADISON RAHN but ultimately the Ice We, at The Buccaneer Bulletin, asked OHS junior Madison Rahn why she participated in Bucket Challenge the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and she said, “I was spreading awareness for ALS. Also it promotes oneself. seemed fun to do and I wanted to see if it was as cold as everyone was making it out ot be.” Maybe one is using movements and muscle power. Onset to an extremely high incidence of ALS it to show off their summer bodies and symptoms include muscle weakness in Guam and the trust territories of the freshly tanned skin. Maybe they are in the hands, arms, legs, or muscles Pacific in the 1950’s. using it to tag old friends and connect of speech, swallowing, and breathing. ALS is an extremely variable disease themselves to other people. Maybe they Fasciculation (twitching) and cramping and no two patients who suffer with it are even doing it simply to show people of muscles especially of the hands and travel the same journey. The average life that they care and feel as if they are a part feet is another common early symptom. expectancy from the time of diagnosis of something bigger than themselves. Later symptoms include impairment is two to five years and over half of After seeing a link via Facebook of the use of the arms and legs, “thick patients diagnosed survive longer than exposing the possibilities of the Ice speech’ and difficulty projecting the three years. 20 percent of patients live Bucket Challenge, OHS alumnus voice, shortness of breath, and difficulty longer than five years, Ten percent live Elizabeth Scott said, “I have been breathing or swallowing. Although longer than ten years, and five percent nominated and have decided that I will breathing can seem as involuntary as of patients live longer than twenty years. share information about ALS instead of the heart beat, humans have the ability There are even medically documented posting a video of me pouring water on to hold their breath and have no control cases of people in whom ALS “burns myself.” over their heart rate so it is natural to out” and stops progressing or progresses Scott pointed out that many people expect that breathing would eventually be at an extremely slow rate. who post these videos know very little affected by ALS. Although some people in the about the disease and even fewer people When muscles no longer receive community fail to realize the true purpose observing the trend are informed. For messages to function, they eventually of the Ice Bucket Challenge, there are example, former OHS student Taylor become smaller and limbs look “thinner.” many who are knowledgeable about the Walpole recently tweeted, “To be As the motor neurons die, the ability disease and have made donations. completely honest I still don’t know what to control all muscle movement is lost For example, OHS alumnus Devin ALS is. I just know people are dumping and patients in later stages of ALS may Whalen recently posted a photo on ice on themselves for it so it must be even become paralyzed. This progressive Instagram of his receipt from when he pretty important!’ degeneration of motor neurons in patients made a donation to the ALS Association. ALS is a progressive with ALS is what eventually causes their Below the photo he wrote, “There’s my neurodegenerative disease that affects death. According to the ALS Association, #ALSicebucketchallenge courtesy of Eric nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. it is estimated that ALS is responsible for Phillips. I now nominate @bdoder15, @ The name of the disease originates two out of every 100,000 deaths in the adam_regano, and @andresx_ to match from Greek; “A’ means no or negative, United States annually. my donation of $10 to ALSA.org or “myo” refers to muscle, “trophic” means There are three different forms dump some water on your head.” nourishment: “no muscle nourishment.” of ALS including Sporadic, Familial, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is Furthermore, “lateral” identifies the area and Guamanian. Sporadic is the most much more serious than our fifteen of the spinal cord in which the nerve common form in the United States and second videos on Instagram give credit cells that signal and control muscles is responsible for 90-95% of all cases for. Although the Ice Bucket Challenge are located and “sclerosis” is when an and can affect anyone one anywhere. was started by someone with a personal area that degenerates begins scarring Familial is when ALS occurs more connection to the cause, it has been and hardening. When a muscle has no than once in a family lineage and it reduced to nothing more than a hash tag nourishment it begins to “atrophy” or has a genetic dominant inheritance. It for many of those in our community. waste away. accounts for about 5-10% of all cases in For those interested in donating to the The body has many kinds of nerves the United States and in these families ALS Association there is a link available playing roles in the processes and there is a 50% chance that each offspring at www.ALSA.org and you can even functions of thinking, memory, sensation, will inherit the gene mutation and may indicate if you participated in the Ice vision, and hearing. ALS affects develop the disease. Guamanian refers Bucket Challenge. motor neurons that provide voluntary www.buccaneerbulletin.com
October 2014
Features
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iPhone 6 finally satisfies anxiously awaiting customers By Lisa Kanbur Webmaster
At last, the highly anticipated release of the Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus has arrived and everyone is raving about its latest features that have completely outdone the iPhone 5s. The iPhone 6 is already super sophisticated with new characteristics such as a high definition retina display, a screen size of 4.7 inches, a total height of 5.44 inches and a width of 2.64 inches. This new gadget also boasts a battery life of up to 14 hours and a weight of 4.55 ounces. Overall, this iPhone is much more appealing than the iPhone 5s. Technolog critics are talking about the bigger, sharper display, improved LTE and Wi-Fi, and storage capacities of up to 128 GB at the top end. As if this was not enough, Apple also released a bigger and better iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 6 Plus supposedly has a battery life of up to 24 hours, a screen size of 5.5 inches, a total height of 6.22 inches, a width of 3.06 inches and a weight of 6.07 ounces. The 6 Plus also shares the HD retina display the iPhone 6 has. Some people were shocked at the large size of these new phones, the 6 Plus being the biggest of the two, and they’re significantly bigger than past iPhones, even the 5s, and even that was thought by many to be too big. Apple is known for producing small, compact
phones that are easy to hold and operate with one hand. However, with these new phones, they have stepped up their game. For years, Android phones were known to be broad, and now they are not the only ones who have proven themselves capable of manufacturing good quality phones that are not tiny. Accompanying these fresh, new features is Apples new software update, iOS8. One of the new features iOS8 has that teenagers seems to be enjoying is the predictive typing and third party keyboard apps, such as CooolKey, just to name one. This type of technology is old news to Android users but critics agree that the predictive typing is a huge time saver. The third party keyboard apps appear to be popular among teens because they can customize their iPhone to however they like it instead of having the standard, old keyboard that everyone used.
Some other new features that come with iOS8 is interactive notifications, meaning in the Notification Center you call slide items to the left and act upon them without going to the specific app they come from, and batter monitoring technology, which allows users to see which apps are using the most battery life. Access to this is under general settings. Other assorted new and improved designs include the control center and new free apps, like Tips, iBooks and Health. The new Apple iPhones have taken the world by storm and are quickly becoming popular among people. The new features are better than ever and make things easier for users everywhere.
Beloved actor, comedian, and inspiration remembered not enough, he also had developed Parkinson’s disease. Robin Williams, stand up comedian Upon his death his wife, Susan and actor, recently died on August 11 Schneider said, “This morning, I lost of this year at the age of 63. Williams my husband and my best friend, while died from a suicide attempt in which the world lost one of its most beloved he hanged himself with a belt due to artists and beautiful human beings. his severe depression. Voted funniest I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf man alive in 1997, Williams’ life of Robin’s family, we are asking for was full of both accomplishment and privacy during our time of profound sadness, which he ultimately could not grief. As he is remembered, it is our overcome. hope the focus will not be on Robin’s Born in Chicago, Illinois on July death, but on the countless moments of 21, 1951, Williams spent most of his joy and laughter he gave to millions.” childhood overweight and often could To those who find suicide selfish, not find anyone to play with. Much of please keep in mind that depression his time was spent entertaining himself hurts and can be difficult to deal with different voice with. Why impersonations, living if For a man who did everything from play Mrs. Doubtfire, Peter Pan in “Hook” keep something tomorrow can Williams was quite to the genie in “Aladdin” and a psychologist in “Good Will Hunting” and be just as bad as, skilled at. worse was even asked to be the American Flag once; which he did spectacularly, possibly At Redwood than, today? As it seems surprising Williams had suffered with depression. High School talented, as in Larkspur, humorous, and California, as loved as Williams was Robin Williams voted most humorous and least likely Although he was very good at 2000’s for excessive use of alcohol. He was, he just could not see the lives he to succeed. For the former, they were comedy, Williams still decided to also had commitment issues, which is touched. definitely correct. As for the latter, act. He got his big break when he what caused his first wife to leave. Williams once said, “I don’t know Williams managed to prove them auditioned for the role of Mork from For a man who did everything how much value I have in this universe, wrong by building a successful career Ork in “Happy Days”. The producer, from play Mrs. Doubtfire, Peter Pan in but I do know that I’ve made a few while also proving them to be correct Garry Marshall, told him to sit down “Hook” to the genie in “Aladdin” and people happier than they would have given that he failed to succeed in his and Williams proceeded to sit with his a psychologist in “Good Will Hunting” been without me, and as long as I know own life. head on the chair. Marshall gave him and was even asked to be the American that, I’m as rich as I ever need to”. Before he considered acting or the role because he said that Williams Flag once; which he did spectacularly, We may have lost a legend, but stand up comedy, Williams went to was the only alien that auditioned. it seems surprising Williams had maybe now would be a good time to college for political science. However, Williams was also very talented suffered with depression. remember everything he has already he soon switched over to Juilliard to at ad libbing his lines. In “Mork On top of the depression, Williams’ done and cherish the laughs he left for study theater. & Mindy”, the spin off of “Happy wife talked about how he also us instead of dwelling on the tragic While at Juilliard his teacher, Days”, Williams had a habit of ad struggled with anxiety. As if that was ending.
By Victoria Armet Reporter
Buccaneer Bulletin
John Houseman, told him that he was wasting his talent and encouraged Williams to try stand up comedy. John Houseman was an accomplished actor and film maker in his own right. Houseman was in many movies, such as “Citizen Kane”, “Rollarball”, and “Three Days of the Condor”. Williams was very impressive with his stand up comedy. His idols were Jonathan Winters and Richard Pryor. Winters was a comedian and actor who also appeared on “Mork and Mindy”. Williams said, “Jonathan taught me that the world is open for play, that everything and everybody is mockable, in a wonderful way”.
libbing all the time. Producers eventually got used to it and gave him holes in the script with “Mork can go off here”. Actually, in most productions Williams was in, he often ad libbed the lines. During his career, Williams acted in 104 productions, wrote 11, produced three, and directed two of his own productions. He was also considered to be one of the top 25 actors in 1997 by Entertainment Weekly. Even with his career going well, his personal life was suffering. During the 1980’s, Williams struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction. He was readmitted into rehab again in the
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October 2014
Clublicity
6
Want your high school experience to be memorable? Acceptance Coalition Club
National Honor Society
National Honor Society (NHS) is a volunteer organization advised by Edward Stacy. Officers for the 2014-2015 school year include CoPresidents Lainey Celeste and Kara Weiss, Co- Vice Presidents Reilly Patrick and Allison Smith, Secretary Brenna Sherman, and Treasurer Sage Dudley. The organization holds meetings in the cafeteria on the second Wednesday of each month. Fundraisers for NHS include No shave November where people do not shave for the whole month. All the proceeds will go to help find research for Prostate Cancer; and a fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in April. For those interested to sign up, applications will be available later in the spring. Each application consists of an essay to explain why one wants and deserves to join NHS. An average of 90 or higher must be maintained in order to be a part of the club. Each applicant must also complete twenty hours of community service. Once accepted into the club one must take an oath based on four pillars; scholarship where one must maintain of 90 or higher; leadership where one could be president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer; character where one must behave because you are a role model for rest of the school; and service where one must complete and have community service hours.
TV Club
Oswego High School is very unique because it has its own television channel WBUC. It is overseen by Jamie Sykut and offers a variety of opportunities in the field of communications ranging from creating graphics and animations to commentating a varsity sporting event. Over the course of the school year students will be given the responsibility to create, edit and manage the content that goes onto the schools television station. Most of the work is done in class, however if students are interested in filming school sports or making more elaborate videos time will have to be spent outside of class to in order complete the project. Another aspect of the program is the film festivals that students help compete in by sending in student created content. While most of the content created every year changes, the major event that remains filmed year in and year out is the graduation ceremony in June. The filming of graduation is not mandatory however, the WBUC leaves the amount of work done outside of the class up to the students to decide. If anyone is interested in joining WBUC speak with your counselor about signing up for any of the TV classes, or talk to Sykut directly in room 140.
Buccaneer Bulletin
PHOTO BY RACHAEL PURTELL
Every year the SADD Club puts on the Mock DWI to show students the frightening reality of making destructive decisions.
Key Club
Do you like to volunteer and make the world around you better? Do you want to meet new friends and just have fun? If so, KEY club is right for you! The club did things for community, including helping with bingo at St. Frances, a local adult houses and cleaned up a beach around the lake for the Earth Day. There are a lot of upcoming events the club will need some help with, including Pumpkin Fest and selling ornaments by the hospice. To join KEY club one simply needs to come to a meeting, which are every 2nd and 4th Monday each month, at 2:35 in room 104 starting on September 29. To become a true member of the National KEY club, you need to pay a fee of $13, but if one does not want to pay but still participate they are welcomed! The club is advised by Rachel Henderson and she said: “This is club for people, who like to be involved and help the community”.
Ski Club
Ski Club, advised by Mr. Rowlee, will have its first meeting sometime in the first week of October, although an official date has not been set yet. Ski club meets in the high school cafeteria after school on Fridays because last year a makeup meeting was held on a Friday instead of during the week and it turned out to be more convenient for its members. After that, members board a bus to go to Labrador Mountain where they can ski or snowboard down its 22 slopes. As a kind of last hurrah for its members, Mr. Rowlee hopes to take everyone to Song Mountain for a change of scenery. Ski club will begin after Christmas break and is hoping to obtain at least 60 members but has been known to exceed 100 members in the past. If you are considering joining, there is plenty of room for you and your friends.
Interact Club
Trying to gather community service hours for graduation? In room 129 and advised by Mr. Shaw, the Interact Club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month after school to discuss various community service opportunities. Plans for this year include the project Blankets for Babies in which students make and deliver baby blankets to the hospital, having a school wide warm clothing drive, spaghetti dinner fundraisers, and city clean up days. To remain in the club, students must have at least eight hours of community service completed. Helping manage and put together these events this year are President Rebecca Victory, Vice President Meredith Chesare, Secretary Katie Knopp, and Treasurer Kiernan Proud. Those interested in helping the community and having fun should definitely look into the Interact Club!
Travel Club
Travel Club is all about international travel encouraging students to see what the world outside of Oswego has to offer. If you are interested in joining Travel Club all you have to do is go to one of their meetings on the first Wednesday of the month. You can also email Lisa McPherson or Sara Williams at lmcpher@oswego.org and swillia2@oswego.org. The meetings are held in room 174. In October they will begin to brainstorm destinations for their 2016 trip and in November they will PICK a trip. Throughout the year they will be fundraising for the trip also a final destination as well as researching their destination. The fundraisers that they will be doing this year include: Tastefully Simple, Lollipop, Gertrude Hawk, and some restaurant fundraiser nights.
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Have you ever wanted a safe, fun, accepting environment to be yourself in? The Acceptance Coalition is just the place for that. This club’s goal is to support gender and sex minorities, but has expanded to advocate tolerance and acceptance for all high school students. It is a nondiscriminatory, anti-harassment group that aims to create a more welcoming atmosphere for all types of people. Along with Ms. Favata, the club is advised by Ms. Reilly, but this club is mainly student-driven. They are open to discuss any topic the members are interested in and the activities members participate in depend on what the students themselves would like to do. The Acceptance Coalition meets the first and third Wednesday of every month in room 228 and new students are always welcome. Each meeting consists of snacks and games and is overall a very laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Sometimes, teachers will even pop in to join in on the fun! The club officers (a president, treasurer, secretary, and Director of Communications) partake in the “heavy work” through one-on-one meetings with the advisors. The club will be voting on this year’s officers October 1st. Former Director of Communications and unopposed candidate for president Ryan Smith says, “Acceptance Coalition is a place to celebrate the diversity of our school, and raise awareness for bullying and LGBT issues.”
SADD Club
SADD Club stands for Students against Destructive Decisions and the purpose of the club is not just staying safe and making thoughtful decisions on prom night, it is concerned with student safety through making thoughtful decisions all year round. If you are interested in SADD Club and would like to join all you have to do is attend one of their meetings. They usually meet twice a month or every other week. To find out when their meetings are during the month you can email Mrs. Kimak and Mrs. Szatanek, their email addresses are skimak@ oswego.org. This year will focus on the Mock DWI and the Post Prom Party, the Post Prom Party being their biggest event. They are unsure of any other activities they will do and are waiting until officers are elected to make those decisions. In the past they have done the Boot Drive and the Parents Night Out as some additional activities. Once the Prom comes closer they will be meeting every week in order to plan the event.
October 2014
Clublicity
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Stay classy, get involved and enjoy your school year Senior Class
Don’t let senioritis catch you yet! There is a lot in store for the class of 2015. With graduation in sight, there are many events underway for the senior class. The class of 2015 kicked off Spirit Week with the annual Powderpuff Game. The senior class is also in charge of the Winter Semi-Formal Dance which is expected to be held January 12 at the Elks’ Club. All seniors interested in attending senior trip should pay attention to the morning announcements for upcoming payment deadlines and important information for fundraisers being held, such as the BBQ Dinner. You can tune into WBUC in the morning, like the Oswego High School Class of 2015 Facebook page, or follow @OHSSEN1OR5 on twitter to obtain information. The Senior Class Trip to Orlando is scheduled for Sunday, March 1 through March 5. Other fun class activities ahead include, the Countdown to Graduation Breakfast, Senior Class Night, and the Graduation Dinner Dance. Also, keep in mind your grades and attendance need to be up to par to participate in these activities. Following all these events, will be the Graduation Ceremony held June 27, at the SUNY Campus Center. Senior class officers, Allison Smith, Angie Rookey, Victoria Fix, and Meghan Hourigan can answer any questions about upcoming events. You can also stop by and ask for information from your senior class advisors Mr. Mirabito and Mrs. Palmitesso. Some final words of encouragement from the class advisor Mrs. Palmitesso, “Take advantage of what the school has to offer for activities.” Most importantly seniors, remember to have fun, do not let the stress get to you, and enjoy your final year!
Junior Class
The junior class, advised by Ms. Jackson and Mrs. Smith, aims to raise money for their prom in May and senior year events. The class officers Clare Donovan as President, Ayla Busch as Vice President, Mariah Metcalf as treasurer and Kyra O’Gorman as Secretary, work to organize fundraisers throughout the year. There are five fundraisers planned out for the juniors so far in addition to the possibility of a chicken barbecue in early 2015. The first was the Powder Puff game during spirit week with the ticket sales going towards the class. The next fundraiser will be a pancake breakfast held in November followed closely by the selling of candy grams before Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The final fundraiser will be the Junior Variety show, held during the spring to help support the junior class. All of these together will help pay for the junior prom and any extra money will go towards the class’ senior year events. For more information about these events the junior class meetings are typically held every other Friday in room 163 or the class advisors can answer any questions directly.
Sophomore Class
The sophomore class advised by Kim Nelson and Darlene Favata is getting ready for another year of endless fundraising. The officers for the 2014-2015 school year include President Derek Caramella, Vice President Celia Fitzgerald, Secretary Brianna Batchelor, and Treasurer Mikayla Trapasso and they are anxious to get started! Upcoming fundraisers include Canales night on October 21, selling chocolate bars for Gertrude Hawk beginning October 26 until November 7, Mark’s Pizzeria night in December, and Yoberry night in May. The money raised goes towards the sophomore class for future activities such as the 2015 Homecoming Dance, and the 2016 Junior Prom. Class meetings are held at least once a month and the officers are also obligated to meet independently as well. All sophomores are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Buccaneer Bulletin
OHS Inc.
PHOTO BY AMBER CANBEK
Varsity cheerleaders Taylor Green, Meghan Hourigan, Samantha Lee and Michelle Hudson perform during the annual pep rally organized by the Junior Class in order to boost school spirit and get ready for their long year of fundraising for prom.
Freshman Class
The Freshman Class will hold many fundraisers throughout the next few months. The class officers are eager to start raising money for future events, including their junior prom. On Monday, October 20, the class will hold a fundraiser at Fajita Grill from 5-9 pm. The next fundraiser will take place at Yoberry on Friday, November 7, which will be a half day of school. Also, on December 23, the Freshman Class will hold the annual Ugly Christmas Sweater contest. During this fundraiser, students are invited to wear an ugly Christmas sweater and have their picture taken during a lunch period along with a one dollar donation. The contest is to be judged by the class officers and prizes will be awarded to the winners. The class also hopes to hold a can and bottle drive within the next few months. Freshman Class meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month in room 151. All freshmen are encouraged to attend these meetings. For more information about the Freshman Class, please contact Mrs. Richardson.
Weight Lifting Club
The Weight Lifting Club is run by Frank “Coach B” Bahamonde. The club is designed for goal oriented individuals who are looking to meet new people with similar goals. The Weight Lifting Club was established for students to gain interest in the weight room. Coach B hopes that the club will become like a family for everyone that participates. The Weight Lifting Club will meet once a month and meetings will be announced ahead of time. The club is always looking for new people and anyone can join. Last year, the club hosted two events, including “BucFit Games” and the Power Lifting meet. Coach B hopes to host more events this year and also hopes the club will attend other events outside of OHS if they work hard. See Coach B in the weight room if you have any questions. www.buccaneerbulletin.com
Interested in a career in business? Sign up for OHS Inc for your senior year! In OHS Inc, students are taught important business skills and have the opportunity to manage the school store. The skills learned in OHS Inc prepare students for any career and are applicable to any work environment. This class combines economics and government and is one of the three courses seniors can choose from to fill their final government requirement to graduate. This course uses project based learning and students can experience what it’s like to run their own business. OHS Inc provides leadership opportunities students can’t find anywhere else and it prepares students for life in the real world and sets a foundation for any career they are interested in. One of the most exclusive aspects of OHS Inc is the opportunity to take part in running the school store. The school store always opens in the beginning of October and is open every period of the school day. This teaches students important retail skills that can be used throughout life. OHS Inc students also get to participate in the competitive bake sales that take place in November during open house. Overall, this course teaches business management, leadership skills, marketing, negotiations, and teamwork. According to the OHS Inc advisor Mr. Richardson, this course is, “a heck of a lot of fun!” Current OHS Inc student Meghan Hourigan said, “So far, OHS Inc has taught me about the basics of economics. We work together in teams often, so you have to get to know people and get along with them.” Anyone interested in taking this course should sign up with their counselor in course selections this spring. Embrace one of the many great opportunities we have to offer at OHS!
Sailing Club
Each summer the Oswego High School Sailing Club sets sail on the beautiful waters of Lake Ontario. The OHS Sailing Club works in part with the Oswego Yacht club, teaching students to both sail and race sailboats. For students that are first time sailors, they will be teamed up with a mentor sailor who will instruct them on the basics of sailing. As student sailors become more experienced and knowledgeable they are able to apply their skills independently in smaller boats. Alison Anderson, an avid sailor, has led the club for the past three years. Anderson’s goal as club advisor is for each person on the boat to be fully capable of sailing independently and as part of a team. Starting with only two members the club has quickly increased its membership to twelve sailors this previous summer. If you are interested in sailing, this is the perfect opportunity to learn the basics of sailing and to become an experienced sailor. The OHS Sailing Club will hold their first meeting on October 1st at 2:30pm in room 215. They typically sail from June to September on Tuesday nights at 5:00pm. While they enjoy their time on the water over the summer, the club also has monthly meetings over the winter to plan events and fundraising. The sailors have not yet elected their officers and hope to see many new faces at their first meeting.
Editor’s Note: The following students contributed to the Clublicity stories: Morgan Haynes, Chase Pelton, Courtney Osmun, Taylor Montgomery, Hannah Cali, Nathan Greene, Amber Canbek, Hannah Griffin, Maroya Hirna, and Elizabeth Sincavage. October 2014
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WE’VE GOT SPIRIT YES WE DO! Buccaneer Bulletin
2014 Homecom
The Pep Ra
Faculty and students from all classes gathered excitedly on Leighton gym for this year’s pep rally, where everyone could s and get amped up for Homecoming weekend. The fun began as the fall sports teams ripped through their performed skits and dances to popular music that the crowd of students enjoyed. Following the entrance of the sports teams, students and fa thrill-driven games, such as Limbo, Homecoming Court Neck P Legged Carpet Race. The seniors won a total of five games, wh the total of all of the other classes and the faculty combined. So including the highly anticipated Tug-of-War match beating the faculty! The class of 2017 was ecstatic as they won Tug-of-Wa a row. The Faculty, Freshmen, and Juniors all won one game, a they will win plenty more in the upcoming years. The cheer team brought up the morale as they performed r games and cheered for the sports teams. Our school mascot, th an appearance in this year’s pep rally and was welcomed with a applause as he paraded around the gym, giving high-fives to so front rows. Announcing both the teams and the events in the pep rally officers, Clare Donovan, Ayla Busch, Mariah Metcalf, and Kyr Afterwards, students and faculty left the gym energized an weekend, making the 2014 pep rally a major success.
Homecoming weekend features many exciting events and the dance is no exception. Like last year, the homecoming dance took place at the Elks Club from 7:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday, October 3, the day before the football game against East Syracuse Minoa. The dance is a great way to kick start the weekend and rally up some school spirit for the next day’s football game. Many people were in attendance from all grade levels and cast their votes for
homecoming roy Ed Sheridan for k queen, Christian Emily Lagoe for The music w dance to, even th little warm at the students still cont have a great time successful way o excited for not on other various hom
Seniors W Powderpu
Oswego High Schools annual Powder Puff game was a clo only winning 14-12 over the class of 2016. The game was held 29 at the high school at 7:00pm. The seniors got the first touchd quickly tied it all in the first quarter. The next touchdown was the seniors in the fourth quarter w successful two point conversion. The juniors were able to make touchdown but failed their two point conversion. Taylor Montgomrey scored both touchdowns for the senio Dillon scored their two point conversion. Ciara Talamo and Ela touchdowns for the juniors.
Bucfest!
On Saturday, October 4, Buc Fest took place from 10:30am until 1:30pm in the Oswego High Schools gyms due to rain. Many people attended to support the Buccaneers and to enjoy all the fun activities. The activities ranged from bouncy houses, face paint, hair
paint, a dunk boo hold various repti a place for childre could build differ Everyone that atte food such as fruit dough, and fried O
PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH SINCAVAGE
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9
Football Team Defeats ESM
The Oswego Football team defeated East Syracuse Minoa (ESM) 28 - 20 at this year’s Homecoming game on Saturday, October 4. Quarterback Eddie Sheridan, well protected by offensive line, threw two touchdowns; both of them were caught by senior receiver Tyree Varner.” I was energized the whole game. Our quarterback Ed Sheridan had his best game of the season by far. I feel it was a great team win really, we were coming off of a bad loss to Fulton the week before and everybody knew how important this game was to us because now we have a chance to get into sectionals if we win our next game against JD,” said Varner, “It was a tight game all throughout the matchup and everyone stepped
up and contributed. And it was a great win for our football team and we hope to keep our spirits going.” Wyatt Lipinski played great defense and had a lot of tackles in cooperation with AJ c, who played fantastic at safety: Vooris had two interceptions, which really defined the outcome of the game. Aziret Nazaraliev contributed by kicking 4 extra points after the touchdowns. Connor Dryden forced a fumble and Eric Doviak sacked ESM quarterback at the end of the game and that really put the icing on the cake. Overall the offensive and defensive lines really dominated the other teams’ lines. Jake Lofthouse also ran the ball very well and made a couple big
plays. “Our team works very hard and the level of intensity is always high. We want to win and we are willing to put in the work,” said senior left offensive tackle Ben Davis, “I feel like we played a great game and so did they, we just out hit them.” Weather significantly impacted the game with cold and rain, but it could not stop the enthusiastic support of viewers and our team, that came for victory. Head coach Mike Conners said, “The defense came up big. The offense kept the ball out of their hands. We pounded it in a few times. We had some great passes, great catches. Our kickoff guys did a great job. Every single person in the program was part of victory today.”
y were Junior class ra O’Gorman. nd ready for Homecoming
yalty. The royalty included king, Reilly Patrick for Davis for prince, and princess. was upbeat and fun to hough it tends to get a e Elks Club. Nevertheless, tinued to dance and e. The dance is a pretty of getting the student body nly the football game, but mecoming festivities.
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oth, and being able to iles. There was even en to play where they rent things out of shapes. ended enjoyed all the t smoothies, pizza, fried Oreos.
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OHS kicked off this year’s spirit week with “‘Merica Monday”. All throughout the halls students could be seen showing off their school spirit donned in red, white, and blue. Even Captain America was spotted, complete with shield! Red and blue bandanas, painted faces, American flag TOMS, and even jumpsuits were just a few of the essentials students wore. Day two of spirit week was celebrated by “Tropical Tuesday.” Leis, hula skirts, Hawaiian shirts,
floral-print dresses, you name it, OHS was booming with spirit all around! Even teachers sported tropical apparel. Although shockingly not everybody had a “Where’s Waldo?” costume lying around to wear on Wednesday, (with the exception of a select few), school spirit was still shown through striped sweaters and hats. Teachers and students alike wore whatever striped sweater they could find, but bonus points if yours was white and red!
For the second year in a row, as a part of Spirit Week, OHS raised awareness for Pediatric Cancer with Gold and Yellow Day. Students and staff were encouraged to wear any gold or yellow they could, and also to buy yellow ribbons during their lunch period in support for the cause. Over $2,000 in donations were raised last year, marking it as a great success. The hallways were a sea of Buc Blue Friday as teams, students and teachers geared up for the pep rally by showing their true Buc spirit.
Hair dye and face paint were a must among students. Anything that could be painted blue was, and any clothing that could possibly be Buc Blue, even socks and headbands, were. The school was bursting with Buc Pride not only from the teams but also from students who do not participate in school sports, showing their support. OHS was unified wholly and entirely, a feat that rarely happens, due to the school spirit everyone possessed during Spirit Week 2014.
A lot of Oswego High School students showed off their school spirit by participating in Spirit Week during Homecoming. You could see them all throughout the hall wearing a different style of clothing for each day of the week. For example, on “Merica Monday” Shyanna Rivera wore huge red, white, and blue bow on top of her head and Phillip Cummings looked as real Waldo in his red and white striped costume on “Where’s Waldo Wednesday.” This year’s Junior Class clearly outshined those in the past with all their creative ideas to bring our school together! Go Bucs!
Editor ’s Note: Students contributing to this month’s center spread include Amber Canbek, Lisa Kanbur, Nathan Greene, Morgan Haynes, Mariya Hirna, and Hannah Griffin.
October 2014
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Artist of the Month/Features
Freshman musician marches her way to success By Lisa Kanbur
The Amelia Earhart show that the marching band performed during Marching band is one of the the 2013-2014 school year is Swan’s schools programs that is not always favorite show she has been a part of. recognized as much as others, but this Swan has been in marching band freshman student loves it regardless. for a while now, so she knows pretty Maddie Swan is a talented band student well how a competition day is going who plays the baritone, French horn, to be and what she needs to bring. A mellophone, trumpet, and piano. normal competition day is quite hectic. Swan has not only been in “I have to do my hair in a high tight marching band for two years, but is bun and be down at the school by noon. also a member of the school’s wind Then we practice from 12-2 and eat ensemble and symphonic band. She from 2-3. We then need to get dressed started playing the baritone in fourth in our uniforms and be ready to load grade and continued to do so until the bus by around 3:30. We arrive at sixth grade our competition when she picked between For a practice day, Swan spot up the French 5 and 5:30 and horn instead. In arrives at the high school warm up with middle school, and music around 5:45 to be ready drill she participated and compete at for music rehearsal to the scheduled in jazz band and played start at 6:00, which the time. After the the trumpet show, we eat brass instruments do for something and and started the mellophone watch the awards an hour. upon joining ceremony. After marching awards, we get band, and still back on the bus currently plays, and stated that it is her and head back to Oswego. When we favorite out of all the instruments she get back we take care of our uniforms plays. and instruments and put them away and One of her favorite things about then it’s time to go home,” Swan said. playing instruments is the music and A normal practice is also fast-paced, she gets to perform. Swan said that her much like a competition day. favorite things about marching band For a practice day, Swan arrives at are, “learning the whole show and the high school around 5:45 to be ready doing a run through of it. I also like for music rehearsal to start at 6:00, having my friends there to support me which the brass instruments do for an and supporting them too.” hour. After music, Swan goes outside Her inspirations include her friends with the rest of the brass section for in band, middle school band director drill practice for another hour and after Jim Peer and Scott Ciesla. Swan also that the whole band rehearses together looks up to the upperclassmen that until 9:00. have been in marching band for a long When she was in middle school, time. Swan was on the swim team, but she Webmaster
PHOTO COURTESTY OF OSWEGO BANDS
Pictured above is freshman Maddie Swan along with her fellow mellophone player and first year marching band freshman, Penelope Davis, during band camp, which was held in August. Both of the girls play the French horn in the schools’ Symphonic band as well.
no longer does it because of marching band this year. Swan mentioned that she will most likely be participating in golf in the spring. When she’s not
off competing somewhere or at band practice, Swan likes to bake, babysit and hang out with her friends and family.
Alumnus serves as a model for self reinvention By Rachael Purtell Editor-in-Chief
Performing around the country in areas from Binghamton, Tampa, and the Thousand Islands 1976 OHS alumnus John “The Valcher” Bletch has spent 27 years drumming for his band Frostbit Blue. Surprisingly, Bletch did not spend as much time in the music department during his time at the high school as one would think. Bletch thought that his future laid on the dust and freshly cut grasses of various baseball stadiums as a Major League baseball player. In high school he was a typical jock and did not invest time in his drumming much outside of his home. Bletch said, “My dream was that I wanted to be a Major League baseball player, I played baseball all the way through high school.” Bletch did not start seriously drumming until he was 21 years old and he was cut from his college baseball team at Gulf Coast Community College located in Panama City, Florida. After his dream of playing baseball professionally had come to halt he decided that music was what he was going to do.
Buccaneer Bulletin
Bletch said, “I played three years of varsity baseball, played allstars, did all of that, then I got down in Florida and I got cut. Just like that, never got cut before. I tried out again, I got cut again. So I came home and I just said, ‘I wanna play drums.’” Bletch says the best performances that he has ever been a part of include a gig in Binghamton because there were a lot of really big names in the show and the Thousand Island Music Festival. Bletch is often seen playing locally in his hometown of Oswego, NY in venues such the popular bowling alley Lighthouse Lanes Albert Einstein once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Bletch uses his passion for drumming in order to inspire passion in others for drumming by pursuing a day career as a private music instructor. He describes his teaching methods as serious and claims that he absolutely loves what he does and sees up to 70 students a week! When asked if he had taught any students that particularly stuck out to him as being exceptionally talented or passionate he mentioned the names Bob www.buccaneerbulletin.com
O’Neil, Kaylee Moyer, and Seamus Daryl. Bletch instructed O’Neil from the time he was four years old until he was a sophomore in college. Moyer he says is very talented and become quite popular youtube. Finally, Daryl has even had the opportunity to play with Frostbit blue during one of their performances. Despite his regret that he does not spend as much time with his children as he would like to he has already begun to inspire dreams of music within his two children. Bletch said, “I have a three year old daughter and an eight year old and yeah they dabble! I get my eight year old up in for a lesson every now and then. She could be good but she’s got a million things going.” Many adults tell teenagers that even high school is too late to begin thinking about what one wants to do with the rest of their life but John Bletch is a perfect example of why this is not always true. Although it is often easier to have a solid plan when one is young, reinvention is not impossible. Bletch teaches more than music; he teaches his students that it is never too late to chase, or even change, one’s dreams.
October 2014
Walking the Plank
11
Cheerleader flips, tucks, and twirls off the plank
By Elizabeth Sincavage Chief Photographer
Buccaneer Bulletin: What is your full name? Meghan Hourigan: Meghan Catherine Marie Hourigan BB: What grade are you in? MH: I’m a senior! BB: How is your senior year so far and what are you looking forward to the most this year? MH: I have short day, so that’s good. I’m looking forward to just being a senior in general and getting to participate in senior activities. BB: What is a little known fact about you? MH: When I was four I peed on the stage during my dance recital. No shame. BB: Do you play any sports? MH: I’m a cheerleader. BB: How long have you been a cheerleader? MH: Three years, my friend told me I should try out, so I did. BB: What do you do in cheer? MH: I’m a back spot. My job is to keep the flyer safe and bring the stunt lots of power. BB: What do you think you bring to the team as a varsity captain? MH: I’m a gett-er-done kind of person. I also bring organization and some humor, too. BB: What is your favorite part about cheer? MH: Competitions and football games. BB: Do you participate in anything else outside of school? MH: Crossfit at CrossFit Shockwave North. BB: How did you get started with crossfit? MH: My mother saw a sign for it so I figured I’d try it and ended up really liking it.
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH SINCAVAGE
Varsity Cheerleading captain Meghan Hourigan has cheered on the sidelines during football and basketball games throughout her high school career. In her roll as captain, Meghan tries to lead both vocally and by setting a positive example for her younger teammates to follow.
meet him and I think it’d be cool to meet him, too. BB: What is your favorite color? MH: Red. BB: What are three things that you couldn’t live without? MH: Crossfit, my family (friends included), and social media. BB: What is your biggest pet peeve? MH: Anyone being late to anywhere.
BB: Who inspires you the most? MH: Mindy Kaling, she’s funny, a minority actress, and I just want to be her. Dr. Sweeney, she’s my go to teacher. She’s just awesome. Also, my mom, everyone says we are alike and seeing her now gives me a person to strive to be in the future.
BB: What do you hope to do in college? MH: Learn, but still have fun and of course, survive.
BB: What are three words you can use to describe yourself? MH: Hilarious, strong, and happy.
BB: If you could have one super power what would it be? MH: Invisibility, for obvious reasons.
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH SINCAVAGE
BB: Would you say crossfit is hard? MH: YES! BB: If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be? MH: Frankie Valli because my grandparents got to
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BB: What is your biggest accomplishment? MH: I got a merit award for Living Environment two years ago, and a lot of Irish step dancing awards, too.
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH SINCAVAGE
BB: What is your favorite childhood memory? MH: Baking birthday cakes with my brother, Bryce. Our birthdays are only a day apart. BB: Who are your favorite bands? MH: I like a lot of different music. I really like Mariana’s Trench, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Hoodie Allen, Billy Joel, ACDC, Joan Jett and Christina Aguilera. BB: What is your favorite food? MH: Anything with sugar in it. www.buccaneerbulletin.com
BB: What is your biggest fear? MH: Scary movies. I’ll watch them but I don’t like them. BB: What is your advice to underclassmen? MH: Try your hardest; you can only go up. Editor’s note: “Walking the Plank” is a regular question-and-answer feauture of the Buccaneer Bulletin. If you know a student or staff member who you would like to see walk the plank, contact Rachael Purtell at rpurtell@oswego.org. This edition of “Walking the Plank” was written by Rachael Purtell.
October 2014
Entertainment
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Latest Neon Trees album gets fans in the mood
Once again Neon Trees threw one finger in the air towards the typical trends of today’s popular music and found much success with the release of their third album Pop Psychology this past summer. This new album has been more successful than their other two albums Habits and Picture Show released in 2010 and 2012 respectively and after listening to the entire album it is easy to understand why. Neon Trees got fans in the mood for their album first by releasing their single “Sleeping With a Friend” on January 11, 2014. This song has a fun beat while describing the danger and electric nature of sleeping with friends. Tyler Glenn uses his vocal talents well and explores his range, especially in the bridge when he belts out the lyrics, “We are both young, hot-blooded people, we don’t wanna die alone. Two become one it could be lethal: sleeping with a friend.” The rest of the album with the exception of “I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends)” and “First Things First” was released on April 22 and rose to popularity just in time for the poolside days of summer. The first song on the album is “Love In the 21st Century” and it is all about poking fun at the “tough broken heart technology” of love. Glenn makes fun of all of us for our one night stands and our lies about wanting something more in the song, “I don’t believe a single word you said… I guess it’s love in the twenty-first century.” The next song on the album “Text Me In the Morning” rose to popularity toward the end of the summer as another
fun song all about our spontaneous hookups. In this song Glenn begs his latest lover, “Text me in the morning! Tell me you still love me!” and lets her know that, “When all the other boys just want your sex, I just want your text in the morning.” Everyone that has “woke up smelling like cigarettes and broken promises” can certainly relate to this catchy tune. Neon Trees now turns to make fun of our generation with the next song on the album “Teenager In Love” mocking those of us that think we know anything about love at such a young age. Glenn sings about our ideas of love describing it as “a tragic attraction” and asking, “What’s the point of romance?” However, he knows very well we won’t heed his warning while captivated by our “magic distraction.” “I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends)” is by far the weirdest song right from the beginning all the way to the end and the meaning is not quite clear despite listening to it repeatedly. The first lines of song are “I drew my name in lipstick on a mirror at your sister’s house. She told me I was strange, I told her thanks and kissed her on the mouth.” Glenn goes on to tell the object of his affection that he loves her but hates her friends because “They never like our music, they (expletive) about how cool they used to be,” and how “they’re all always onto the next big thing,” and “they wanna bite but they can barely sting.” Although strange, something about the song is addicting and begs the listener to try to understand what it is all about. The next song on the album is “Unavoidable” and it is one of the rare songs where we are privileged to experience the vocal talents of Elaine Bradley who spends most of her time on the drums. Bradley is often described as edgy and it is surprising to hear how pure her vocals are. Glenn and Bradley alternate lines throughout the song acting as two lovers who are drawn to each other because “It’s unavoidable. You are
a magnet. Unavoidable. I am metallic.” It is the perfect song for anyone who has someone in their life who is not really good for them, but they keep going back anyway as they sing, “Do what you do, do what you do to me.” Anyone that listens to this song will instantly have one person who is on their mind for the entire three minutes and 57 seconds that it plays. “Voices In the Halls” is an eerie song about losing someone while still feeling their presence. Glenn sings, “No you’re never really dead to me, maybe that’s the mystery of us. I used to think when you were gone I would still hear voices in the halls.” The instrumentals are not anything too exciting but this is another song where Glenn is able to show off his vocal talents. Next “Foolish Behavior” reminds one of a more retro style of music while describing the ritual where people “Started out a stranger,” and “foolish behavior brought us together” with someone one was not necessarily expecting to meet. This song embodies the “you only live once” attitude most people experience when they do something new and reckless saying, “Somewhere out there foolish behavior felt right.” “Living In Another World” is a fun song with a catchy chorus. Glenn sings, “They’ve been telling me to come of age. I’ve been going through an awkward phase. They’ve been trying hard to wake me up saying stuff that never gets me off. Don’t mind me I’m living in another world.” The meaning is not totally clear but enjoyable nonetheless. The penultimate song on the album is
“First Things First” and it tells the story of how Glenn and lead guitarist Chris Allen began their music journey. Glenn sings, “It wasn’t about a girl or even California bleeding, it was all about me choosing where to go.” Glenn explains his passion for music singing, “I don’t wanna be so famous, I just wanna sing until I die.” Although mostly fun, this song also contains a few messages about taking advantage of the life we have and not dwelling on our failures; Glenn sings, “It began when I learned how to face myself and I’m still deciding if I’m something else. I’m a million different people all the time, but there’s only one of me to get it right.” Finally, another favorite is “American Zero” in which Allen and Bradley really get to show off their instruments and Glenn explores the higher notes in his range. This song is probably the most offensive in the way it pokes fun at American society, especially the way people handle love. Glenn sings, “I won’t be somebody’s hero. Don’t count me out… We’re all American zeroes. I’m your zero, I’ve got nothing but I love you isn’t that enough to fill you up?” Glenn tells the men and women of America not to expect their lover to be their knight in shining armor because we’re all too busy being “scared of pills and guns and cheap fast food.” Neon Trees has written some great songs that cleverly insult mostly everyone at one point or another. The thing so unique about this band is that each of their songs is written with a purpose and usually conveys a social message. It would be hard for someone not to find at least one song they can relate to, especially on their latest album Pop Psychology.
New album causes Sheerio fan base to multiply “The A Team” artist, Ed Sheeran, released X his second and latest album on June 23 and topped the
charts in 65 different countries. Throughout the album, it becomes clear that Sheeran is very talented. Effortlessly, he is able to change music styles between several of his tracks, something very few artists can successfully pull off. Sheeran starts his album with “One.” This track is one of the more soft and quiet songs. In this song, Sheeran sings about realizing how much someone means to him after it is too late. His song “Sing” was his first single released from
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his new album. This song is upbeat and is unique to the rest of the songs on the album. The song has been listed on nearly 20 different charts around the world since it was first released. Next up, “Photograph” has an acoustic sound to it. “We keep this love in a photograph/ we made these memories for ourselves/ where our eyes are never closing/hearts are never broken /and time’s forever frozen still.” The song is about being away from someone you love and is written from the perspective of a soldier who is away from his or her loved ones. “Tenerife Sea” is another one of this slow and soothing masterpieces. “Should this be the last thing I see/ I want you to know it’s enough for me.” This song is about being perfectly content with everything at a specific moment in time. It was written at the 2013 Grammy Awards while Sheeran was with his parents and it was inspired by a travel brochure. Sheeran’s favorite song on the album, “Thinking Out Loud,” has also become very popular among his www.buccaneerbulletin.com
fans or “Sheerios.” He explains how many things change throughout life, but even when hair turns gray and it is impossible to sweep someone off their feet anymore, “I know you will still love me the same.” “Afire Love” is a song that many people can relate to. It was written about Sheeran’s grandfather, who passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease. He sings, “And my father told me, son/ It’s not his fault he doesn’t know your face.” The song shows how much the disease affects the families impacted by the suffering of a loved one. Sheeran is one of the only artists who can pull off rapping in even the slowest and softest of songs. It comes about unexpectedly and the listener almost does not notice that Sheeran has even begun the rap. X is a perfect example of how truly talented Sheeran is. It shows off his voice in many different ways with the use of several different styles of songs. It will not only leave you amazed but will keep you wanting more.
October 2014
Columns
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Kampai tosses Japanese cuisine into Oswego For those of you who don’t know, there is a new hibachi style Japanese restaurant in town by the name of Kampai. They serve Asian style food and are quickly becoming popular among Oswegonians. It is located on West Seneca Street, right near the Knights’ Inn Hotel. The Kampai owners have taken their time renovating and transformed it completely into a clean and nicely decorated place to eat. The atmosphere is very friendly and the wait staff is very polite and well mannered. Of course, the most popular aspect of Kampai is the hibachi seating and watching the chefs prepare the meal right before your eyes. The menu is highly detailed and has many vegetarian options as well as meat-based ones. The chefs are very skilled at what they do and care about keeping their customers entertained. While preparing your meal, they amaze you with various tricks and little ways of making the experience fun as well as interesting. It is quite apparent that the chefs have practiced this for countless hours and are trying their best
to make your time there worthwhile and memorable. As for the food, it is definitely different from what people are used to getting at Azteca or other popular places in town. The appetizers include miso soup, a traditional Japanese delicacy, and a salad served with a tangy, ginger-infused house dressing. Of course there are a variety of other delicious things to try. The main course does not disappoint either, with other flavorful, oriental dishes. The hibachi menu is quite detailed with many combinations of food to PHOTO BY ELIZABETH SINCAVAGE choose from, such as the Shown above is the new Japanese restaurant Kampai which offers new surf and turf option which international cuisine to Oswego by showcasing Habachi style meals. includes one seafood dish and one meat dish, or just Kampai serves both dinner and lunch food, so filet mignon, steak, or chicken. Seafood options either time of day is excellent for trying the hibachi include shrimp and scallops. Included in the meal menu or the regular one. are fried vegetables and rice seasoned with sesame Because this is a small town, there aren’t a lot seeds and drizzled with soy sauce. The chef also of diverse and new places to eat. Many people have provides dishes of the house salad dressing and a traditions, like going to a certain restaurant on a mustard seed dressing for those who want that with certain night, or ordering take out on Fridays but their main course. Kampai presents an opportunity to try new things
The terrors of physical eduation shame students the individual that made the mistake. Most of the time, what is said isn’t exactly respectful or nice, and the person that said it doesn’t even recognize the harshness of their words. From someone that doesn’t do the greatest Not everyone has the ability to when it comes to athletics excel in athletics. For some people, the PE has always been a art or music rooms are a much more struggle. One of the comfortable atmosphere. For someone worst is playing what was who has my athletic ability (which is formerly known as “dodge not very much), Physical Education ball,” which is now referred is always my least favorite part of the to as “Okie” or “Barrier” day. ball. More than likely, Don’t get me wrong, I definitely I’ll spend the entire class think that learning how to keep your running from balls that are body strong and healthy is important. being thrown at speeds of However, I also think that there should one hundred miles per hour be another way to learn that besides in across the gym. PE. A lot of bullying begins PE is too often dominated by the in PE. It is too often that PHOTO BY ELIZABETH SINCAVAGE competitive and athletic people. The the more athletic people During the soccer unit, students who are members of the boys’ and girls’ varsity last time I checked, PE was not a will exclude or make fun of soccer teams run circles around students who do not participate in athletics. sports team that I had to try out for; it’s of PE. participation in activities would most the people who are seen as supposed to be fun. No one signed up Many schools offer an alternative likely increase. More students would less athletic. This can actually cause the for getting laughed at or criticized just course for PE such as recreational feel more comfortable and happy in an less athletic people to be less likely to because they messed up. alternative class, and probably Most out of it as well. competitive It is too often that the more athletic people with exclude or make get more PE is an important part people don’t of education. However, most fun of the people who are seen as less athletic. realize that it’s PE classes are dictated by just a game. the athletes. PE should not When someone games, yoga, aerobics and physical be eliminated; there should simply be get everything they can out of PE and drops or misses the ball, it is more conditioning. If OHS were to offer an alternative option available for all decreases the likelihood that they will than likely something will be said to alternatives for the typical PE class, students. participate in physical activity outside
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October 2014
14
Sports
Syracuse University’s soccer camp makes memories By Rachael Purtell Editor-in-Chief
While exploring my passion for goalkeeping, I have experienced moments of success and failure that I will never forget. I have experienced the high of making acrobatic saves that sent crowds into excited cheers and the humiliation of letting shots roll right between my legs. However, the most memorable experience I’ve had the privilege to enjoy through playing soccer is my opportunity to train with former and current US Women’s National team coaches Phil Wheddon and Paul Rogers this past summer. I was only lucky enough to come across this opportunity because my friend and teammate, Claudia Chetney, brought Syracuse University’s college-bound soccer camp to my attention. Since playing soccer in college is an opportunity I am extremely interested in pursuing, I decided to check it out online and was able to find a different camp Syracuse University was holding specifically for goalkeepers. Performance Goalkeeping and GKONE are two programs both designed to educate goalkeepers and they worked together to put this camp on for serious athletes. Performance Goalkeeping was founded by Rogers and GKONE by Wheddon and they both have courses designed for all levels of goalkeeping from youth to professional and even international. They focus mostly on fundamental techniques while layering on the physical, tactical, and psychological demands of the position. Growing up a huge Hope Solo fan, I had already heard and was a fan of Wheddon from reading her memoir Solo and, embarrassingly, was very nervous and star struck within the first few hours of meeting him. Wheddon is the only staff member who has been an assistant and goalkeeping coach for both the women’s and men’s national teams. Some of the extraordinary soccer successes he has been present to enjoy include the women’s third place finish in the World Cup in 2003, their gold medal in the Athens Olympics in 2004, another third place finish in the 2007 World Cup, and a gold medal in Beijing in 2008. Wheddon has trained some of the best goalkeepers in the world including Solo, Brianna Scurry, Tim Howard, and Kasey Keller. Rogers joined the coaching staff of the US Women’s National team in 2009 and continues to hold the position. The soccer successes he has enjoyed include a second place finish in the 2011 World Cup, the gold medal win at the London Olympics in 2012, and two Algarve Cups. The other coaches at the camp
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The GKONE and Performance Goalkeeping coaches, Matt, Phil Wheddon, Paul Rogers and Neel Bhattacharjee stand with Rachael Purtell at the Syracuse University’s college-bound soccer camp.
included Neel Bhattacharjee who has been an assistant coach at Syracuse University since January of 2012 and another goalkeeping specialist whom we knew only as Matt. All of the coaches were very well educated about goalkeeping and I learned more than I ever thought I could learn in just three days time. Wheddon and Rogers did the majority of the instruction while Bhattacharjee and Matt helped us more one on one. I found Bhattacharjee and Matt to be more approachable and easier to ask questions to, especially at first, but that was mostly because I was so star struck from being in the presence of such soccer super stars! Within the first hour of being at the camp I was “volunteered” to demonstrate a drill. I spare those of you who are not goalkeepers the explanation of the drill because, long story short, Paul Rogers was shooting at me and I was a nervous wreck. We only did a few reps and I managed to save the majority of them but I still felt my nerves were holding me back from doing the best job possible. While Rogers was instructing the group between reps, Wheddon knew how nervous I was, approached me and said, “This is still soccer, this is still goalkeeping and you know how to do it. It doesn’t matter who it is kicking the ball.”
I pretty much melted over the fact that THE Phil Wheddon was talking to me, but his words made a lot of sense and really helped me to calm down and focus. To this day I hear these words playing over in my head every time I feel unsure of myself or intimidated by anyone I am training with or playing against. Speaking of intimidation, I was without a doubt scared to death of Paul Rogers when I first met him. It also didn’t help that my lack of training in the past had caused me to bring a few bad habits to the camp that he had to practically beat out of me over the course of three days. However, as the camp progressed I became less and less intimidated by him and really enjoyed working with him. All the nerves and humiliation were worth it by the end of the camp when Rogers let me know he was happy with my performance for the week and that, in his view, I had fixed the technical things he had asked me to fix. Also, the fact that he had an English accent made his compliments seem so much more legitimate. I remember saying this to another goalkeeper at the camp and she said, “Yeah! It’s like, ‘He’s from Europe, he knows what he’s talking about!’” As much as I grew to love Rogers, Wheddon was my favorite
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coach to work with and just a little bit easier to warm up to than Rogers. Throughout the camp he encouraged me when I did well and explained what I was doing wrong and how to fix it when I didn’t. He made the experience so enjoyable and I understand why so many professional goalkeepers have enjoyed working with him so much. The best moment of the entire camp came for me on the last day in a drill when we were working on techniques used to stop breakaways. A breakaway is when a forward of the opposing team has the ball and is able to beat the defense down the field so that the only thing standing between them and the goal is the goalkeeper. In the drill Wheddon set up two poles a distance from us and we had to run out and save a ball he was serving to us before it rolled past the pole. The speeds and angles of his serves varied so that we were always on our toes. I almost failed the drill on one of his faster serves but managed to somehow arch my body around the pole and make a save that wasn’t quite technically sound but the best I could do in the situation. When I made the save, Wheddon got excited and said, “That was a phenomenal save! It was ugly and it probably didn’t feel that good, but that was EXCELLENT effort to get there before the pole! Well done!” I have always been proud of my work ethic but to have someone like Phil Wheddon compliment it felt absolutely incredible I will never forget it. When the last day was over, I was exhausted and happy to go home to relax but mostly just sad that the incredible experience had come to a close. Seeing this on my face, Matt approached me and told me that he thought I had done well throughout the week and asked me how I thought I did. I replied that I learned a lot and I had felt solid but I didn’t feel I had done as well as I had wanted to. Responding with words that I will replay in my head throughout my goalkeeping career he said, “That’s pretty typical goalkeeper attitude which means you’re on the right track so keep it up, but just don’t forget to recognize when you do well.” Going to this camp was the best experience I could have asked for in my soccer career. I learned so much in such a short time and was able to fix a few of the bad habits I have picked up along the way. I sincerely thank all the coaches at the camp for everything they taught me and the excellent job they each did. They made me smile, laugh, feel confident, and, most of all, a better goalkeeper than I had been at the beginning of the first day.
October 2014
Sports
Guidance counselors paddle their way to victory in annual YMCA fundraiser raised over $60,000 in total. When expenses for the event are taken out, the YMCA should have at least Editor in Chief Through rain, wind, and bitter cold, Barbara $30,000 to put towards the Strong Kids Campaign.” Carroll and Lisa Roman, two guidance counselors Rock ‘n Row’s team was sponsored by NBT here at OHS, prevailed with the rest of their team Bank, Furdi’s, Premiere Living Suites, Building Rock ‘n Row to win the Sports Division of the third Trades, StepOne Creative, Shanley Law Offices, annual Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, September and Wayne’s Drug Store. These sponsors covered 6. the $2,000 fee to compete in the event and the team This year’s Dragon Boat Festival was different independently raised another $1,000. than years past because the times from each of The team received a trophy and each member the first races were used to divide the teams into of the team received a medal for winning the event. Community and Sports Divisions. Carroll and Roman Carroll said, “We have a competitive team and love were on a corporate boat but they successfully competition. We have had a team all three years of qualified for the the festival. I enjoy Sports Division in the community events first round. “The event is always filled with and getting together Unfortunately friends for a tons of positive energy. I always with the races had to good cause. I also feel a huge sense of community. love competition and be stopped due to inclement weather so Everyone is supportive of one participating in any the first race was the sporting event.” another. It is upbeat and overall only race they were Meredith able to participate in Furlong was the team great time!” and since their time captain. She was vital - Barbara Carroll in her role as she kept was the best in the OHS Guidance Counselor everyone informed, round, they were awarded first place. organized fundraising The event benefits events, delegated who the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign which is an annual was bringing food and decorations, and kept track of fundraising campaign focused on raising resources both the practice and race day schedules. Some other to support YMCA programs that give kids the members of the team also arrived early to help her opportunities they need to live healthier, happier lives decorate the day of the festival. now and grow into productive adults. The YMCA Carroll said her favorite part of the day was teaches children how to swim, enables them to the race itself and her least favorite was the participate in recreation or physical activity, teaches uncooperative weather typical of the Dragon Boat teenagers to lead and feel success, and enables Festival for each year it has taken place. She said, families to have trusted, quality child care. “The event is always filled with tons of positive Carroll said, “It is a great way to help support the energy. I always feel a huge sense of community. YMCA. Knowing we were helping to raise money Everyone is supportive of one another. It is upbeat for the YMCA is always a great feeling. The event and an overall great time!” By Rachael Purtell
15
Buc Sports Flashback 1 year ago. . .(2013)
* Varsity Swimmers Brenna Riley, Brooke Morrisseau, Mariah Metcalf and Caitlin Gorton broke five records. * They shattered the record for the 200 yard medley not only at OHS but at West Genesee and Hilton. * The girls’ fastest recording breaking time in this event was 1:54:41 at the Hilton pool.
5 years ago. . .(2009)
* Junior Eliza Parker tore her hip labrum and after three month of recovery, broke the schools record for the 55 meter hurdles. * She then competed in the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships. * Parker placed fourth in her heat at the championships and 23rd overall.
10 years ago. . .(2004)
* The Oswego-Fulton rivalry was rekindled by a football game on September 24, 2004. * Coach Matthew Bianchi led the Bucs into this much anticipated game. * During this time, Oswego and Fulton hadn’t played each other in four or five years, due to differences in leagues, so many people were excited to see the rivalry reborn.
15 years ago. . .(1999)
* Freshman Jenn Earl broke the gender barrier and joined the boys’ wrestling team. * In order to compete for the team, Earl had to run a mile and a half in under 11 minutes, bar hang for 30 seconds, shuttle run for 9.5 seconds and do 45 sit ups in one minute. * Earl encouraged other prospective female wrestlers saying, “If they’re really serious about it, then they should definitely go for it.”
20 years ago. . .(1994)
* The boys’ hockey team had a successful season with four year goalie Jeff DeSantis. * DeSantis led the league in goals against average, and started the team on a double digit win streak. * They boys were defeated in the Section Final, but were led by DeSantis, Jason Bauer, Tom Master and Mike Ascenzi.
25 years ago. . .(1989)
* Two sport athlete Barbie Verdoliva participated in a three country American Ambassador soccer tour throughout Europe. * 1,000 girls were selected to form five teams to travel across Europe and represent the United States, * Verdoliva also competed with the New York State Select Squad, the Empire State Games team and in the AAU Junior Olympics.
PHOTO BY MARIYA HIRNA
Dragon boats are believed to have originated over 2,500 years ago in the Pearl Delta region of the Guangdong Province of Southern China and are one of a family of traditional paddled long boats found throughout the world. Dragon Boat racing emerged as an international sport in Hong Kong in 1976.
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Editor’s Note: Buc Sports Flashback is a monthly feature of the Buccaneer Bulletin. If you have any events that you would like to see included in future Buc Sports Flashbacks please contact Rachael Purtell at rpurtell@ oswego.org. This month’s Buc Sports Flashback was done by Lisa Kanbur.
October 2014
Buccaneer Bulletin Sports Volume 3 Number 1
Oswego High School’s Student Voice
October 2014
ATHLETES OF THE MONTH SAM OLEYOURRYK ELLIE LISEC By Rachael Purtell Editor-in-Chief
From beginning the sport in sixth grade to earning a spot on the varsity team his Ellie Lisec began playing soccer in second grade and her hard work earned her a freshman year, Sam Oleyourryk has constantly strived to improve his golf game. Now spot on the girls’ varsity soccer team upon entering her freshman year in high school. entering his third year on the team, Oleyourryk has, “played an instrumental role in Despite her young age Head Coach Kyle Boeckmann said, “She fit right in, she didn’t the varsity golf team’s success this season,” stated Head Coach Dan Rose. “Sam is have too many questions or areas we had to work on. Coming from modified to giving us exactly the kind of production it needs day in and day out.” varsity is a pretty big jump and she’s done a pretty good job.” Captain Alec Kunzwiler describes Oleyourryk as a great person and teammate Lisec plays outside defense for the Bucs and Captain Nora Culeton said, “Ellie who is always cheering on everyone around him. He also says that Oleyourryk has is definitely the speed in the back four. She gets any breakaway the other team has. really improved since he began playing at the varsity level two years ago. She’s always on it because she sprints back and works her hardest.” Kunzwiler said, “Sam’s role is to shoot the most consistent score every single Coach Boeckmann said, “She fits into our defense, we needed an outside fullback time and be the guy that comes in at the end for us.” and she’s kind of been plugged in there. She does a very good job.” In addition to his contributions on the course, both Oleyourryk’s captain and In addition to her contributions on the field, Culeton and Boeckmann both coach describe him as a great teammate. Coach Rose said, “I can pair Sam with describe Lisec as a supportive teammate with a strong work ethic. Culeton said, anyone on the team and know that during the round he will be “She’s always got your back out on the field, but off the field she’s always encouraging and respectful to his competitors and teammates, encouraging and supportive.” but also focused and driven to succeed.” Boeckmann also said, “Ellie’s a really good teammate. Being a freshman Oleyourryk’s “team first” attitude was evident during I think she might be a little timid to say things, or push others, or question an interview with him. Regarding Kunzwiler as his captain, certain things, but she’s always there and supportive of the other he said, “He’s a great kid to look at and be your role model players.” because he does a lot of good things and knows what he’s Culeton added that Lisec is a very adaptive player who is talking about for the sport. I’d like to thank Sean Dain and willing to learn and improve her game. She said, “She listens to Noah Lee, the other two juniors, who play a big part on the what the older and experienced players and what they have to team. They’ve also helped me tremendously with my game.” say. She tries to take criticism and uses the advice that the older Oleyourryk is also very appreciative of the impact Rose players give.” has made on his experience as an athlete. He said, “He’s Regarding her captains, Lisec said, “They’ve really helped really toned down my game and made me a person who me to adjust going from modified to varsity and learning can go to a younger player and help them with their things really quickly.” Lisec also said that Boeckmann has game.” helped her with learning the game and making the right Rose helped Oleyourryk most this year decisions in order to be a smarter player. with his short game. Oleyourryk said, “At the Lisec’s goal for her team as a whole this year is to beginning of the season I was really struggling qualify for sectionals and she said, “My personal goal is with my putting. It only took him (Rose) to be the best that I can be and be an asset to the team.” a couple of practices and now I’m a key According to Culeton, Lisec is well on her way to player for the team.” fulfilling her personal goal. She said, “She’s confident Oswego High School alumnus even though she’s a younger player. Although she’s a Caleb Roy is a former teammate who freshman and has never played at this level she still has Oleyourryk claims has impacted his confidence on the field and works her hardest.” golfing experience the most. Roy Boeckmann agreed and stated, “She always does what was a senior at the time Oleyourryk she’s asked, she always works hard. She’s just a great joined as a freshman and really teammate and someone that any coach would like to encouraged Oleyourryk to join the have on their team.” team. Roy and Oleyourryk also golfed together during the Lisec was inspired by her older brother offseason on many occasions. Tyler Lisec, a former two sport varsity athlete At the beginning of the season, Oleyourryk’s goal graduating from OHS in 2011. She said, “My was to qualify for sectionals and he conquered this brother played when he was younger and I’ve goal very early on in the season. For the remainder of pretty much played all the sports he’s played the season, his goal is to continue to develop his game because he’s my role model.” and hopefully improve enough to compete at state level Soccer entails a great deal of teamwork competition. and this is what Lisec said is her favorite aspect Oleyourryk also has played a little basketball as a of the sport. “You really have to work together and guard in his career as an athlete but claims that golf is communicate. You have to be one person,” she said. his favorite of the two sports. He said, “It’s a mental Lisec also plays basketball and track and field. She is game, really. If you keep yourself relaxed and not a shooting guard for her basketball team and competes thinking about anything except swinging the golf in hurdles, relays, and long jump for track. Lisec club, it’s a pretty peaceful sport.” easily forms bonds with her teammates in both sports. In addition to being a varsity athlete, She said, “I think all of my teammates have equally Oleyourryk takes his academics very seriously impacted me and we’ve just been a really good family saying that his parents are always enforcing the importance on all the teams that I’ve ever been on.” of maintaining high marks. His older brother Jacob Basketball is the favorite sport of Lisec and she said, “I Oleyourryk, OHS graduating class of 2014, was also a very like to set other people up to score. I like to step back and let successful student-athlete in his time here and went on to them have their moment.” pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Rochester Institute Lisec also appreciates the wisdom of her travel basketball PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RACHAEL PURTELL of Technology beginning this fall. coach Jim Muckey; she said, “He teaches life lessons along Oleyourryk said, “My brother’s a role model for me, with the sport. The life lessons he teaches are very good and he he’s very smart so I try to follow in his footsteps.” Oleyourryk is also interested in likes to make his players better people.” pursuing the engineering field upon graduation. Lisec also uses her strong work ethic academically as she is taking all honors Oleyourryk was selected to be male Athlete of the Month due to his passion for courses this year, has been in the top 25 academically ranked students for the past two the sport, immense improvement since he began, and his ability to put the team’s years and has also been a member of National Junior Honor Society. Culeton said, “I success ahead of his own. just want to emphasize how hard of a worker she is and how she tries.” Oleyourryk said, “My family wasn’t really big on golf, it was all about hockey. Lisec’s work ethic and support of her teammates is exactly why she is a deserving My grandfather is the only one who played and he inspired me. I’ve really liked the Athlete of the Month. sport and ever since I picked up a golf club I’ve really enjoyed it.”