Mr. Robert D.

Gorman: Editor, and Educator

By Brendan Cooley educator to our club members and was always there to congratSometimes, the hardest ulate us when we succeeded. thing in life is figuring out how Over the past year, I have to thank someone who has unique experience with the Wahelped you grow. This is the tertown Daily Times and Mr. problem that we are now faced Gorman. In June of 2012, I was with as Mr. Robert D. Gorman given the opportunity to become retires from his position at the the first high school summer Watertown Daily Times to beintern at the Watertown Daily come the new CEO of the UnitTimes. My job was to conduct ed Way of Northern New York. interviews with community In January of 2007, the Watertown Daily Times entered into Kathy Garry members that highlighted the a partnership with the WHS Mr. Gorman, in Malawi, beneficial relationship between student newspaper and from with his golf club and a the North Country and Fort Drum. My experiences helped the beginning stages, Mr. Gor- friend. me improve my writing skills, man was involved. It was his intention that students learn every aspect of become more responsible, and better underthe newspaper, including advertising, pagi- stand my role as the editor of our school paper. We will miss Mr. Gorman and will never nation, editing and interviewing. To be honest, our first endeavors left much forget the lessons he taught us. We wish to be desired; nevertheless, Mr. Gorman nev- him well and promise that a member of er gave up. He offered advice and encourage- The Cychronicle staff will be calling him in ment after each issue, and encouraged us to the fall to schedule an interview with the raise the bar. He was an editor, advisor, and new CEO of the United Way.

Volume 6, Issue 3

Friday, June 7, 2013

Kathy Garry

Mr. Gorman talks to children in Malawi.

Every Student Has a Story: Phillip Doldo

By Michaela Castillo With the school year coming to an end and classes starting to review, it feels like life at Watertown High School is coming to a halt. However, the spirit of most students is far from dead, and I was still lucky enough to find the time to ask one of Watertown High Schools junior class members, Philip Doldo, a few questions about his life. C: What is your favorite and least favorite class and why? PD: Math class because the mathematical system is organized in accordance with logic and can be dealt with in a rational manner. English is my least favorite class because I am bad at it. C: What are your plans for the future? PD: Given my ardent desire to utilize my life for the benefit of the masses , my intention is to continue thorough studies of various topics relating to mathematics and technology, and upon the completion of said studies to pursue a career in which I can make optimal use of these skills. C: Are you involved in any clubs or community activities? PD: I have participated in Model UN, Math League and the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation. I have also volunteered as a math tutor with the Literacy Volunteers of Northern New York. C: What do you like to do in your free time? PD: In my free time I enjoy reading and learning topics pertaining to mathematics. C: Have you gone anywhere or done anything interesting this year? PD: I have only had the opportunity to make a few college visits. C: If you could pick any place to go where would you go? PD: I would consider traveling to Somalia. I dont really have a reason why, I would just like to go there. C: What did you want to be when you were little? And what do you want to be now? PD: Ive always wanted to do something that involves math and problem solving. I am currently considering a future in computer science or engineering. C: Do you play any sports? Are there any sports you like? PD: No, but I enjoy ping-pong. C: Who is your role model and why? PD: My brother because he has used his studies to help other people, such as by teaching English in Vietnam. C: What is your favorite food? PD: My favorite food is pizza or pasta. C: What is your favorite novel or book series? PD: I enjoyed reading Harry Potter when I was little, but now I read more nonfiction. C: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from high school so far? PD: Grades are not as important as knowledge.

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Fight for Gender Rights

By Christy Hance As an American citizen, people are supposed to be safe. For transgender people, this safety is not always enforced. If the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) is passed, transgender people will have equal rights in school, work and stores. On April 30, 2013, teens and transgender people gathered in Albany, New York to argue the relevance and importance of the GENDA bill for Justice and Equality Day. The day consisted of presentations, a rally and of course, the actual conversations with the senators. There are many reasons why GENDA should be passed. No one deserves to be discriminated against but discrimination is an everyday occurrence for transgender people. Currently, they are denied the right to obtain their permit/license, go to college under their preferred name, or use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender they identify with. At Justice and Equality Day, many people spoke of their struggles. One woman was denied service at a gas station just because she was born male. Another man was stalked for years just because of the way he looked. These individuals live in fear because of how they identify and dress and the prejudice against them is brushed off by many people. If a person is denied his rights because of his race, everyone attacks the perpetrators. So why does it get brushed under the carpet if it is because of someones gender? Although they face adversity, many transgender people continue to thrive despite the criticism and come out on top. Janet Mock was one of the speakers at the Justice and Equality Day rally and no one could tell at first that she was born male until she said it. She is the former staff editor of People magazines website and a transgender rights advocate. She created a campaign to empower transgender women of color and has also submitted to the It Gets Better project. Of all the speakers, she was one of the most powerful. She was strong and confident and many people found hope in her pride and ability to overcome prejudice. The day itself came with fun, anger, new friends and understandings. Watertown High School Teen AIDS Task Force traveled with similar groups from Potsdam, Canton and Indian River to participate in the day. These groups were only a small portion of all the people there. WHS senior, Makayla Huddleston, spoke about how when she saw the amount of people there to support the bill, she knew it would make a big impact. The Northern New York groups were supposed to meet with Senator Patty Ritchie, but to no avail. Her secretary was sent instead and the woman had never even heard of the bill. She listened to the groups heart wrenching stories about attempted

Muranda Marie Johnson

Students from Northern New York schools protesting the inequality of their transgender friends

suicide, prejudice and terror and could only manage an awh. As if on cue, she was pulled away from the meeting and the groups in the meeting were left with feelings of confusion and anger. In the end, the bill did not pass for the sixth year in a row, much to the distaste of the hundreds of people who traveled to Albany for the day. It can almost be guaranteed that next year the group of people lobbying for the bill to be passed will grow and become angrier. This bill is important for the rights and safety of American citizens. If the GEN-

DA bill is not passed, more and more transgender Americans will be faced with hate and prejudice. Clara Moskowitz found, thanks to the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, that 41 percent of transgender Americans have attempted suicide and about 19 percent have been refused medical care due to their gender identity. Since gay marriage has been legalized in New York State, the next step should be passing GENDA and giving transgender people their rights and protection.

The 54th Oswego State Drama Festival

By Jon Ehlinger April 26, 2013 must have been a very quiet day at Watertown High School. Students probably roamed the hall and wondered where all the Drama Geeks were. To answer is simple: we were visiting SUNY Oswego for the 54th Annual Drama Festival, an exhilarating and exhausting experience. Mr. Planes 10th period Acting Class and the Drama Club were lucky to be able to participate of this wonderful event. Thirty-four students went to Oswego State not only to be with their fellow actors, but also to represent Watertown High School by performing I Hate Shakespeare. Several other New York schools presented their drama productions, including Jamesville-Dewitt High School, Nottingham High School, Auburn High School and Hannibal High School. All in all, there was a lot of.DRAMA! Lets review what we did throughout the day. First off, we had an hour and a half bus ride. Next, we sat in a very nice looking auditorium with ten different schools and around eight hundred of our peers; it was pretty packed. Our group then watched as each high school went up and performed; we were 5th in line to perform. When we performedit went phenomenally! Let me tell you, it was hard to say our lines audibly because the audience was laughing so loud. Mr. Planes told us that nothing beats the euphoric sound of an audience genuinely clapping because they liked a play, and he was right. Three more schools acted and we stopped for lunch. After lunch, the rest of the schools performed and we finished our plays. Preceding the plays, there were many workshops we could have attended. The available workshops were everything from Improvisation ,Stand Up Comedy, Lighting and Sound System Basics, Story Telling, Making Costumes and Singing for Musicals. I went to both Improvisation and the Singing workshops. I thought the Improvisation class was informative on why actors should learn improvisation and how it can be used correctly. However, lets just say that the singing class didnt evoke much enthusiasm. The teaching style was not very encouraging. Moving on, my fellow actors and I actually had to spend our second workshop getting a critique of our performance of I Hate Shakespeare. The overall consensus is that the play was humorous and that people could relate to being frustrated over the famous works of Shakespeare. We then had dinner, which was good. Now for the finale, SUNY Oswegos production of Once Upon a Mattress. All I really have to say is Wow! (It was really amazing and my hands hurt from clapping so much.) So the two big questions are, what did we gain from going to Oswego Fest and why did we go? The why part is easy to answer: it was our reward for doing a good job this year and it was part of our grade. However, the what part makes me think. I personally feel that it was just a day to be free, to be wild with our fellow actors and to not be judged for our actions and personalities. For some people, this is what Oswego Fest means to them, and thats not bad. In fact, its a pretty remarkable feeling to know that you can be who you are.

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Choosing A College
By Alphonse Renzi As June approaches, another school year is coming to an inevitable end. For many students, it means the beginning of another summer vacation, but for the senior class of 2013, its the end of an era. Every student should be aware that the last two years of high school are when students really start to determine what they are going to do after they leave school. These plans vary depending on what a student wants to do. They can involve joining the military or just going straight to work. But for many graduates, attending a college or university is a very common choice, and deciding which one to attend is definitely not a walk in the park. There are multiple factors that need to be take into consideration. Before this goes any further, the first thing a person needs before even applying to a college are good SAT scores and a good college essay. So be sure to keep that in mind. Now of course, academics are the first major priority to focus on when choosing, because after all, you are there to learn. Some other factors include geographical locations, the size of the school, the surrounding areas, the features of the campus and whether or not you can see yourself living there as a student. It is important to remember that the school you decide on will be your home for the next four years of your life. In all honesty, it is not a decision that can be made easily as one, two, three. In reality, college is different for everyone. Emilia Stojanovski, a representative from Bryant & Stratton College, states that when looking for and deciding on a college, It is a good idea to make a list of what you may desire from a school. In other words, know your needs. For starters, do you want a campus that is small, medium sized or huge? The same goes for classes. Depending on the school, the number of students in a class can range from fourteen to one hundred or more, with just one professor. Some colleges/universities also specialize in certain academic fields like music (although, it is okay to go to college with an undecided major). For people who are very athletic, sports can also be contributing factor. Every year during the fall, Jefferson Community College (JCC) holds a college fair that displays multiple different schools with kinds of features. This event is great opportunity for underclass men to check out so they can start to get an idea what life after high school may be like. Keep in mind, colleges and universities love to advertise themselves to students, so it is not good idea to choose a school based on advertisements, like websites or brochure pictures. You have to actually visit the college itself and see if there will be some gut feeling telling you this is where you belong.

Picking your college roommate

By Tori Butler The school year is coming to a close and everyone is excited to be done with another year of high school. Most students are one year closer to high school graduation however for seniors, college is just around the corner. By this time, many things have fallen into place: you have completed the credits needed for a diploma, been accepted into a school and begun shopping for the things you will need to make you dorm room feel like home. The one thing you may have overlooked however is finding the perfect roommate. Finding the right roommate is very important as you will be living with this person throughout your first year of college. Youll want to aim for someone who you will relate to and get along with and not want to strangle in the middle of the night. Hopefully youll find someone youll want to room with again in your second, third and maybe fourth year. Some people may think they should room with their best friend from high school; this may be a terrible idea. Rooming with your friend sounds like a great plan, but the two of you will be together in a tiny dorm room for the entire year. Youll see all of their annoying little quirks and find out things about them that you hate. The reason youre best friends is that you can spend time apart, sleep at your own houses and do things separately. The two of you may be thick as thieves, two peas in a pod, partners in crime or attached at the hip,but if you would like to maintain that friendship, you may want to room with someone you do not know previously. True, rooming with your friend is a bad idea, but dont room with a complete stranger. Dont just find someone on the street and say Hey want to be my roommate? If you find someone at orientation get to know them before you request to room together. Make sure the two of you mesh well together, try sleeping at each others houses for a couple days as a trial run before you jump the gun and move in together. If you cant handle a couple days with this person then he/she is not the person you should be with in college. Finding a roommate may not seem like an important thing, but you dont want to be stuck with someone who is going to ruin college for you. Going away to college should be a growing up experience: you are finally out of your parents house and free to do whatever you want and you do not want someone bringing you down. You also do not want to move in with someone only to find out theyre certifiably insane. If youre having trouble finding a roommate on your own try roomsurf.com. This site gives you a personality test to best match you with someone who is your ideal roommate. You answer questions about yourself and you answer how you would like your ideal roommate to answer them. Also some colleges have ways to talk to other accepted students and find the roommate with whom you will connect.

Alternate Choices
By Brittany MacMillan A recent article in the Cychronicle reminded students that choosing not to go to college is acceptable. Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to a few June graduates who have made the decision not to continue their educations. Each of these students has a goal and a plan to help ensure that he/she is successful. Derek Schuster is completing an automotive technology class at the vocational center. When he graduates he plans to go right to work. He told me, My cousin owns a mechanic shop. I am going to work with him. I asked Derek if he felt comfortable going right into the work force immediately after graduation. He told me, Many people do this; they make their own decisions about what is right for them. Haidan Moss is planning to go into the army reserves. I asked him the same question about how he felt about high school graduates not going to college. His answer was, Many people do this but they each will make their own decisions on what they feel is right to do. As the year ends, graduating seniors

Something that needs to be Enforced: The Dress Code

By Jessica Shipley On May 7th, Watertown High School Interim Principal Joseph McGrath opened the announcements by reminding students that school is a place for learning and not a beach. Although they have been warned, many students still insist on purposely breaking the rules. Because I have always felt that the dress code was not enforced, I surveyed a number of students to see how they felt about the enforcement of our schools dress code. Of the students surveyed, only seven percent of those polled felt the dress code was properly enforced. Twenty-six percent felt the dress code was sometimes enforced while sixty-seven percent felt there had been little to no effort to enforce the dress code at all. I also asked students to explain what types of clothing were not appropriate for school. Common answers included spaghetti strap tops, see-through blouses, short shorts, miniskirts, low cut shirts and clothing that is too small. When I asked students if the dress code needed to be expanded, most students answered that the dress code was appropriate but needed to be enforced. One student suggested that students should not wear clothing they would not want your mother to see. Another cleverly suggested that while it is okay to express ones self using clothing, it is never okay to express all of yourself! High school is designed to prepare young adults to be successful in the adult world. It should also teach us how to dress appropriately. When we arrive at high school we should also be prepared to follow rules, because the real world has rules. We go to the beach for recreation. We go to school for education. Each requires a different attitude and a different style of dress. Successful individuals understand this! Successful schools help reinforce this understanding.

Derek Schuster works in the Automotive Program at the Vocational Center.

need to remember that it is okay to do whatever they want after high school. The key is to make a wise decision and to do the best they can at whatever they choose.

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Emily Sprague

Emergency personnel arrive at the scene of the Mock DWI

The Power to Avoid D.W.I.

By Brendan Cooley Friday, May 10th was a very different day for the juniors and seniors of Watertown High School. For three periods, students participated in a MOCK DWI event, which was designed to show them the horrible repercussions of making bad choices. Interim Principal Joseph McGrath opened the days events with a slideshow presentation. The slideshow presented the three parts of making a correct decision: choosing, validating, and acting. During this presentation, Mr. McGrath shared a very personal experience from his teenage years that dealt with a choice. It was a very emotional and moving part of the day. Mr. McGrath reminded students that the choices that we make as individuals, tell others who we are and what is important to us. He also told us, No one can make you do anything; you make your own choices. This concept is important, especially during prom and graduation season when peer pressure can influence young adults to make the wrong choices. We then proceeded outside where we were introduced to an accident in which an intoxicated driver had blindsided another vehicle. Officer Scott McIntyre, the WHS Resource Officer, was the first on the scene, accompanied by a Jefferson County Sheriffs Deputy. The officers began to investigate the scene and soon discovered that the driver of the van was intoxicated. While that driver was being given a sobriety test, a group of other emergency workers arrived, including policemen, emergency medical technicians and firefighters. This group quickly assessed the scene and then began the arduous process of using the Jaws of Life to dismantle the vehicle and free its inhabitants. Even before the victims were freed from the vehicle, the EMTs helped to stabilize them and began the process of checking the vital signs of both the intoxicated driver and the victims. Injured passengers were taken to the hospital however the victim (who was portrayed by Jayden Feisthamal, a Drama Club member) was placed into a body bag and removed from the scene of the accident by an undertaker. Although it was a simulation, it seemed real and the hearse really left an impression on staff and students alike. After the actual crash scene ended, there was a simulated funeral for the victim. Several students (again played by Drama Club members) spoke in honor of the deceased and the mood was somber. Some of the statements were especially poignant, including Things that have been said can never be taken back, and It is so hard losing someone who helped to make life so comfortable. This experience was intended to remind us that everyone suffers when someone dies because of a DWI accident: parents struggle to understand how they can go on without their child, teachers and friends struggle to make sense of the loss of someone far too early, firemen, policemen, and emergency technicians struggle with the difficult memories of often gruesome accidents. Everyone loses because someone made the choice to drink and drive.

Emily Sprague

Officer Scott McIntyre arrests an intoxicated driver, played by Nate Haga.

Emily Sprague

Firemen work to free victims of DWI Crash.

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Brittany Kaler

Erin Pacific interviews Mr. Terry Fralick, Superintendent of Schools.

Changes Coming for the Watertown City School District

By Erin Pacifici Changes are coming in the Watertown City School District in the upcoming year. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with the Superintendent of the Watertown City School District, Mr. Terry Fralick, about changes that will take place in the 2013-2014 school year. The Common Core Curriculum will continue to be introduced at all levels of instruction. The purpose of this curriculum is to keep schools across the nation in sync and to provide a very structured learning program. This will make it easier for students moving to different schools, and to different states, as all classes should be at the same point in the subject. As the curriculum changes, there will also be a change in the format of tests and other evaluations. The new curriculum is intended to prepare students to be successful with these assessments. Unfortunately, due to the diminishing amount of state aid, no new educational or athletic programs will be introduced into the school district. Actually, because of decreased funding, some programs may be removed, such as elective classes at Watertown High School. In addition to limited programs, there will be some job cuts within schools throughout the district. Hopefully, some of these positions can be eliminated as a result of retirements or resignations. A final result of the limited budget will be larger class sizes, especially in kindergarten through sixth grade. A positive new change within the district for the upcoming year will be the introduction of a new anti-bullying program along with the continued use of another anti-bullying program. The newest program to be introduced will be the OLWEUS program. This will focus on bullying prevention, especially in high school. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports system (PBIS) will be continued. This program promotes the prevention of bullying among younger children. These programs will help to improve the behavior of students within the district. In short, it is important to remember that although some aspects of the district for the upcoming year may seem unfortunate, there will be positive changes to come.

Former WHS Student Makes His Homecoming

By Erin Pacific The Live Out Loud Homecoming Project is an endeavor sponsored by HBO, which encourages adults who have struggled to find a way to help their friends and families understand and accept their sexuality, to return to their high schools to speak to young adults, who might be struggling with their own sexual identities. On May 1st, Watertown High School students were privileged to have Mr. Scott Williamson, a former WHS student, as a guest speaker. Mr. Williamson shared his lifes journey and the hardships he endured while in the process of discovering who he truly was and how he thought people dear to him would react. Scott spoke of his high school years up until his present life. He had known since high school what his sexuality was, yet was afraid to express himself due to what others might have thought. Being gay during the 90s was not as easily accepted as it is today and having your father as a principal, which Scott did at the time, made it even harder to want to make it known to others that he was gay. Williamson Scott never wanted to disappoint anyone, especially his family, and was afraid that telling people he was gay would do so. As Scott continued his life after his high school years, his fear continued and he decided to keep his true sexuality to himself. After many years of moving to different areas in the country and finding out whom he could truly trust, he decided to tell one very close friend. This friend reacted in a kind and supportive manner, contradicting how Williamson had thought those close to him would react. Later on in life, having kept the fact that he was gay a secret from his entire family and group of friends, his secret was finally revealed. Scott then explained to his parents his true sexuality and though it was difficult at first, Scott was accepted by his entire family with love and support. The same thing happened when Scott proceeded to tell the rest of his friends and family. Presently, Scott is married and has a happy relationship with his husband. The two actively worked to help the gay community earn the right to be married through meetings with senators. Once gay marriage was legalized in New York State, the two were very pleased to know they had the option to marry if they chose. The two made that decision and have now been happily married for just over one year. Through Live Out Louds Homecoming Project, Scott Williamson shared his success story and what his life has been like up to the present. Despite the challenges he had to overcome, Scott found that everything finally fit into place and found his way with love and support from his friends and family. Hopefully, his positive message will encourage others to tell their families and friends the truth and be proud of who they are.

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Farewell to a Talented Senior

By Michael Briggs This year, Watertown High Schools music department will say goodbye to a talented vocalist named Maria Bufalini. Maria will be attending Syracuse University to work towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre Performance, which includes classes in dancing, acting, singing and other aspects of the theatre world. Maria has been singing since kindergarten; however, she started taking music seriously during the sixth grade when Mrs. Laurie Faunce was her teacher. She now takes private voice lessons with Mr. Craig Sirianni. He has performed at La Scala in Italy and is a classically trained world renowned artist from New York Citys Metropolitan Opera. Maria says that in talent shows has helped her become more comfortable at performing in public. Maria adds that one of her biggest challenges has been doing NYSSMA solos. Because of her high scores, Maria was fortunate enough to be able to attend AllState Jazz two years in a row. She was also chosen to be a part of the All East Choir and All National Choir. Maria offers one piece of advice for finding success with Mr. Faunce. it is best achieved by learning your music, doing what youre told, and doing your best. After high school, she plans to move to New York City to perform on Broadway. With all of her hard work, talent, and enthusiasm, there is no doubt that Maria Bufalini will be a grand success

WHS senior Maria Bufalini performing at a recent concert.

Stage Notes: Performance and Community Service

By Chloe Vecchio Are you interested in singing or making a difference in your community? If so then you should join Stage Notes, a theater group in Watertown. You, along with other people who have the same interest as you, could take part in musical productions and other performances that can make a difference and help the community. You should consider joining Stage Notes, a theater group in Watertown. Once you join you will find yourself in a group of people who have the same interest that you do. You will also have the opportunity to take part in musical productions and other performances that help raise money to help members of our community. The motto of the group is performance with a purpose. The group is led by Ticia Marra, a voice instructor, who decided about five years ago that she wanted to show her students that they could perform and give back to the community. Here is some facts and what you need to know about Stage Notes. What is Stage Notes? -Stage Notes is a theater group in Watertown that shows that performing can make a difference in a community. The motto is, Performance with a purpose. How did it start? -Five years ago Ticia Marra wanted to show her students that performing can make a difference in the community, also by performing we can give back to the community as well. How do you get into Stage Notes? -You can call Ticia Marra and set up an audition. Do you have to pay to get in? Yes. How many times a year do they perform? -They do some recitals in the begging of the year, then they put on some recitals that led up to the big musical that comes in the summer. What are some of the past shows? -Past shows done are, Once on this island, Grease, Bye. Bye, Birdie, Godspell, and this years show is The Mystery of Edwin Drood. How long has it been going on? -Stage Notes has been in progress for five years. Where do they practice for the musicals? -They practice at the place where the summer musical will be held. What age do you have to be to be in it? -Anyone who is of middle school and high school age. But if you have a sibling or child that is pre-school or kindergarten and up then they could join Stage Notes Jr. What has Stage Notes done for the community? -Stage Notes has also raised over $14,000 for local organizations, including The Heather A. Freeman Foundation and The Delaney Bay Fund. Interested students should contact Ticia Marra at (315) 804-7236 or email her at Marra241@gmail.com to set up an audition. Also you can visit their Facebook page for more information.

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The Quiet One Silences the Crowd

By Jake Buckley Bullying is affecting children of all ages worldwide. We all know a bully and we all at one point have been a victim of and/ or taken part in bullying. Sixteen year old Sunny A., who lives in Nevada but was once a WHS student, has been a victim of bullying all of her life. From school playgrounds to riding the school bus, Sunny has had to deal with bullying all her life. She has been pushed into lockers, beaten up, called vulgar names, and was left out and judged by some of her peers because she was always the shy quiet one that couldnt defend herself. Sunny was very emotional about how she was bullied. She was angry over the fact that she couldnt do anything about being bullied at first, but slowly learned how to cope with the anger and realized that anything they said didnt matter. She was also depressed for a great while because all of her life she has been bullied and never really had a popular life. While she was going through all of this drama, she thankfully had supportive friends to listen to her concerns and help her out. Sunny didnt have much family support except for two sisters who would help her with advice. She learned to just ignore the bullying and to move on with her life. During periods of time when Sunny was bullied in high school, she told school personnel and some peers and these people did nothing to help stop the bullying. Sunny even tried night school and she still was bullied. Eventually, she withdrew from school and began taking on-line high school classes. She recently turned sixteen years old and will now be able to take her GED (General Education Diploma). Her goal is to attend college and major in Hospitality and Tourism. Being bullied can make or break a person; however an individual does have a choice: he or she can give up and give the bully the power to hurt, or he or she can rise up and take a stand for what they believe in. If a person is bullied, he or she doesnt have to act like a victim. He or she can graduate from high school, attend college or join the military. He or she can still have a great life and not be discouraged or have doubts about the person he or she truly is. Due to recent school incidents across the country, bullying has become a topic of great interest. Subsequently, people are becoming more educated about the consequences of bullying in a harsh and unjust way. They are learning how to help victims like Sunny. In the meantime, we have to use our voices to stop bullies from controlling our school.

Jacob and Sunny

Club Hunting: Thoughts for a New School Year

By: Cristalle Kao-Johnson High school is different for every teenager. Some hate it, some love it and some just couldnt care, either way. However, contrary to most ideas, high school is more than trying to learn material that many of us may never use. High school is about experiencing different things. Enjoying the complete high school experience, isnt however, achieved through staying in the shadows. It is about proms, yearbooks, dances, graduation and other school activities. Getting involved in school activities is a good way to meet other people and to let off steam in a positive way. Clubs are an excellent way to express who you are in a comfortable environment with people who share similar ideas and interests. Finding that certain club to join isnt always easy, especially when there are so many. You may ask yourself, What will I do if I dont like everyone in the group? The answer is sometimes simple: dont worry about it. Clubs are not only a way to express yourself, they are also a place to relax and have fun. Undoubtedly you will also find someone who will become your friend. Think of finding your club as a matching game. You cant just join a club at random, hoping that it will interest you. The two key factors in finding a club are: knowing what the focus of the club is and having an interest in it. For instance, if youre a student who doesnt like math, then you probably shouldnt join a math based club. You should also understand the qualities needed to have a good time in that club. If you are serious student who doesnt like taking risks, then maybe Adventure Club isnt for you. An example of a club would be Model U.N. Model U.N is a club based on history and world news. Members have to be very aware of the world news, and should be mature, and willing to defend their opinions. Model U.N is smaller and simulated version of the actual U.N. Students represent a country and debate over real issues present today around the world. This club helps students learn to present and defend their opinions in a very structured format. Mrs. Shear and Mr. Bedard advise the club. Diversity Club is well known for its annual talent show here in WHS, however, members also volunteer around town, help other students find jobs, and assist foreign exchange students in acclimating to their new environment. Ideally, members are welcoming, social and kind. The club is supervised by Mrs. Chatterton. As you can see, you have to choose the right club in order to really have a good time and relax. Clubs help us in many ways. We realize who we are through the support of the friends in the club. Our character is built; a membership is a way to keep us out of trouble; and clubs give us friends whom we can rely on. Joining a club also makes school a lot more enjoyable. It gives even those teens who hate school something to look forward to. School is not here to destroy our happiness; instead its role is to educate and prepare us for the real world. If school is getting dreary, then join a club; it will make things so much easier.

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Project Prom
By Brittany Kaler The idea of prom is a fairytale that most girls dream about from the first days of high school. They imagine the beautiful dress, the prettiest corsage and the most handsome of dates. It is an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The dream, however, becomes a reality weeks or even months before the event as she struggles to find that perfect dress, the perfect shoes and the perfect accessories. The need to achieve perfection demands imagination and determination: this is a one night event and most girls want to make themselves feel and look like royalty. They definitely want to make a lasting impression. Being asked to prom when youre not a senior is a very special experience. This means that you will have the opportunity to experience prom from two different perspectives, and this idea was exciting to me. Because this year is only my junior year, my next prom will be the real deal and I will be able to have that fairytale experience not once, but twice. I was nervous because I worried that something bad would happen this year that might affect my decision about attending prom next year. With that thought in mind, I wanted everything to go perfectly for not only me, but for my date. Although in reality, it was just another Saturday night, I wanted to make it as perfect as possible for both of us. For me, finding the perfect dress (the one) was almost as exciting as being asked to prom. I will never forget the feeling I had when I saw my dress for the first time. I actually had butterflies in my stomach. The process, however, was not perfect. I thought that ordering my dress online was a good idea at first, but I soon discovered that this can be a very disappointing experience. After waiting thirty long days, I received a dress that was the wrong color. At first, I told my parents that I still loved the dress and would keep it because it wasnt my senior prom, however, I soon had a change of thought. I spent more hours searching various sites until I came across a dress that sent sparks flying through me. I ran to show my mother and with her approval, I clicked place my order with a smile from ear to ear. Once again, I had to wait for my dress to arrive, but I was sure I had found the most stunning dress ever and that I would be the only one at prom wearing that dress. I could not have been happier. The anticipation leading up to the big day became extreme after I received my dress. Choosing a hairstyle and getting my dress altered were fairly simple experiences and after checking to make sure we had done everything, including making dinner reservations, we had nothing to do but wait. I was already bursting with excitement and I couldnt wait any longer for the big night. The day finally came after waiting for what seemed like years. I was more than ready for the prom festivities to begin. Getting my hair done has always been one of my favorite things to do so this part of my day was definitely one of my favorites. After getting all dolled up in a perfect dress and having my makeup done, I was ready to go. I absolutely loved the experience of taking pictures with my friends and my very handsome date, and this only added to a night that I will never forget. After we finished taking pictures, we all loaded up and headed to Tin Pan Galley in
Ashley Kaler

Justin Edgar, Sierra Hutchinson, Brandon Seaman, Kristin Warren, Brendan Cooley, Brittany Kaler.

Sackets Harbor where we enjoyed a very nice dinner. With still time left to kill, we decided on taking even more pictures, although most of us were full and ready to go home for a nap. Much to our surprise, a woman, , who was a professional photographer, approached us and offered to take our pictures. This was great! Once all of the pre-prom activities were done, we headed to The Black River Valley Club where our prom was taking place. The theme this year was A Night under the Stars and the room was very elegant and beautiful. As everyone began to arrive, it was obvious how much care each couple had taken in preparing for this special night. Truly, every girl looked beautiful and every boy was equally handsome. Everyone was happy and excited and seemed to be having a great time. As the night quickly passed, the Prom Queen and Prom King were announced. The Prom Queen was Bree Jefferds and her King was Josh Belch. Our fairytale night was coming to an end. We realized that all of the stress and expense of preparing for this night was definitely worth it. My experience of prom was one that I will never forget and I must admit that it

Brittany Kaler

Prom King Josh Belch and Prom Queen Bree Jefferds.

will be hard to top next year. Everyone deserves to have a night like this, with a perfect date and a group of close friends with whomto share the perfect evening. So, if you are already thinking about next year and are not decided, consider this: prom can be wonderful, even if you are just going with a group of friends. And prom is really about creating a memory that you will never forget- - one that will last a lifetime.

A Note of Gratitude
By Julia Fox During my years at Watertown High I have been labeled as a resource student. Have you ever observed students leaving a classroom at the beginning of a test? Did you ever wonder where these students were going? These students are going to the Resource Room. Students who go to the resource room are not stupid. Their brains work differently. Some students need to have material presented in another way. Other students need to have a quiet place to work. Some need to have tests read to them while others need help studying for tests. With these accommodations, resource students can be very successful. The people who are most proud of the success of these students are often the resource teacher. The resource teachers play an important role in the education of the special education student (a student with a disability). The resource teachers help resource students figure out their learning styles ( visual, auditory and kinesthetic); guide them by helping them map out their goals; assist them in completing homework and projects; and providing them with testing modifications. These individuals also persuade young adults to remain serious and work hard, even if they do not want to do so. Mr. Jones once told me that he would rather have a kid who hated his guts and succeeded, than a kid who really liked him and failed. Resource teachers do not simply collect a check: they care about their students and they make a difference.

Mr. Dan Jones, Resource Teacher at WHS

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photo credit Coach Boomhower

Isabella Sofia

The 2013 girls varsity track team gathers for a team photograph.

Coach Boomhower strikes a playful pose.

2013 Girls Varsity Track Recap

By Emily Leopard-Davis Three teams, one family. This is the motto of the Girls Varsity Track and Field Team. Our team is made up of girls from WHS, Lyme Central School, and IHC. Many people have the misconception that Track and Field is all about running. Running is a big part of the sport, but the sport also includes field events, such as the shot-put, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, and discus. There are several different distance events. WHS distance runners do the 800m Run(two laps around the track), The 1500 m Run(about three and three-fourth laps), the 4 x800 m Relay (four people running an eight hundred), and the 3000 m Run(seven and one-half laps). Gabriel Thompson from IHC does the 2000 m steeple chase. She explains her role on the team in this way, I run distance. I run the1500, along with the 3000m and 2000m steeple chase. The 2000 m is a five lap race, where there are five barriers every lap and the barriers are the size of a hurdle and the width of a balance beam. For added excitement, there is a water jump every lap. Sprints are shorter than distance events. They are also quicker races because they are more of a test of speed, rather than endurance. Our team does the 100 m dash (one straight), the 200 m dash (one curve, one straight), the four hundred dash (one lap), and the 4x100 m relay (four people doing a 100). There are also the 100 m high hurdles and the 400 m low hurdles. Track meets also include field events. Two of these events are considered throwing events: the shot-put and the discus. It sounds simple enough, but the shot put is 8.8 pounds, and each object must be thrown using a particular motion. There are also jumps in field events. The triple jump is actually a hop, skip, and a jump. The long jump is very similar, except there is no hop or skip. In both jumps, the distance that you jumped is measured from the board where you began to the point at which you landed in the sand pit. The high jump is very different from the triple or long jumps. In the high jump, you have to propel yourself over a bar that is several feet above the ground onto a mat, without knocking the bar down. If you knock the bar down, the jump does not

Coach Boomhower

Senior Night Jessica Shipley, Makayla Huddleston, Kelly Johnson, Isabella Sofia.

count and is a fault. As a whole, this season has been a good one. Many of our team members have recorded personal bests and some of our girls (including Gabby Thompson, Kimberly Collins, and Hope Bryant) have made sectionals.

Isabella Sofia

Jessica Shipley

Jada Goodman throws the shotput.

Hope Bryant competes in 100 m hurdles.

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Friday, June 7, 2013

Caleb Whiting: Up and Coming Artist

By Isabella Sofia It seems that public impression of the students at Watertown High School is somewhat negative however; Watertown High School has many talented students. One up and coming artist from WHS happens to be a seventeen-year-old junior, Caleb Whiting. How did you become interested in music? My mother was a singer and she toured with her brothers. Growing up, my house was filled with music. My mom taught me how to sing. I was learning how to use my diaphragm at 5 years old. Who are your inspirations? My family is definitely the biggest inspiration. Kanye West is also great. His inspiration has taught me how to be different. For writing, I love Frank Ocean. What has been your favorite performance so far? Besides Kendrick Lamar, the first talent show that Phillip Armas (DJ Philosophy) and I ever did. That was what got us to start making music and performing. Thats when we realized that we could do it. How did you get the opportunity to open for Kendrick Lamar? JCC called me and said that they were trying to make it possible for me to open for him. JCC received an e-mail from Kendrick Lamars management saying that I have the opportunity to open for him. My family and some representatives of JCC came to my science class and announced the big news. They gave me posters with my name on it and a couple of free tickets to give out. How did you get your idea for Dream Chasers? The song has actually been recorded for over a year. I was having a hard time finding a beat for it, but one day we were going through music and it just sounded right. It felt natural. We wanted something that sounded like the current up and coming artists. David Zabriskie came up with the idea for the video and shot it. My favorite part of it was the train scene. What was the feedback? The feedback was mostly positive, everyone is glad to see something positive coming from Watertown. Are you currently working on any projects? We are trying to get ready to release a free LP (full length album) that you will be able to download. What are your plans after high school and what would you like to do? When the time comes, I am going to JCC to study business. Its always good to have business in mind when youre in the music business. Caleb would like to thank Phillip Armas (DJ Philosophy), M.O.D.E. music, family, and David Zabriskie for all of their help throughout this process.

Melissa Aulet

Caleb Whiting

Masons Corner: To Athletes, What is More Important?

By Mason Phillips Most fans judge the best athletes on their talent or athletic ability. Even for coaches, the favorite players seem to be the ones with exceptional athletic ability. Those players, however, may not be the most valuable players on the team. Many fans and some coaches take a long time to realize that the most accommodating and useful player is not always the most athletic or the one with the best statistics. A great player is a player that has leadership ability, an ability that is very rare in high school athletes. This ability enables the individual to pick the whole team up when times get rough. This ability makes it possible for one player to convince an entire team, during the final minutes of a close game, that nothing can possibly go wrong. This is the kind of player that more athletes should strive to be. These leaders are also rewarded more than others see. These players are often chosen to be the captains on their sports teams. These athletes are given the responsibility of making important decisions at key times in a game. These players are usually the most dedicated and the most mentally ready. In some ways, the difficult situations in a game are a lot like real life; players who can respond under pressure in a game are the same individuals who can respond to real-life situations. Therefore, perhaps more players should try to become good leaders and role models,, and worry less about being stars. What is more important: the statistics for self-satisfaction or the leadership qualities that can lead a team and help a player in life after sports? High school sports can possibly be the most influential time of an athletes life. Therefore, each high school athlete should try to get the most out of the opportunities that are offered to him or her. He or she shouldnt worry about being the most athletic, the other lessons that sports provide are far more useful in the long run. The athletes who show true leadership abilities and who remain calm under pressure are the ones who will be the most successful. So athletes, ask yourselves: what really is most important?

Outstanding Athletes
Congratulations to the following athletes who have remained dedicated to their sports and who have worked extremely hard. These athletes are among the very few who are able to advance to the next level of play. Diamond Williams Bri Arthur Josh Belch Shyheim Gadson Mason Phillips Scott Kelly Ryan Bajjaly Kendall Vecchio Trae Brooks Morgan Cadwell University of Buffalo (DI) Binghamton University (DI) New Mexico State University (DI) SUNY Brockport (DIII) Johnson State College (DIII) Alfred University (DIII) Cushing Academy (Prep School) Johns Hopkins University (DI) Mount Saint Vincent (DIII) Ithaca College (DIII) Football Lacrosse Baseball Football Basketball Football Football Lacrosse Wrestling Lacrosse

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Media Inspirations of the Wrong Kind

By Destiny Byrd This school year has brought crushing news of events that seem too horrible to be true, especially those in Newtown, Connecticut and Boston, Massachusetts. As experts struggle to determine motives for these horrific crimes, many of us cant help but wonder if these crimes have, in some way, been influenced by the movies, television shows and news coverage with which we are constantly bombarded. Are the perpetrators of these crimes individuals who simply want publicity? Are these crimes simply the expression of the copycat syndrome? The truth is, in the past, movies have inspired copycat killers to commit crimes. Wes Cravens realistic horror movies inspired a sixteen-year-old boy to murder his mother (with the help of his cousin.) The movie Natural Born Killers has been linked to several crimes, including those committed by a couple, who watched the movie and then went on a drug-fueled crime spree of robbing and shooting. And the horror series Saw is linked to a crime involving two teenagers, who used inspiration from the movie to call a woman and explain that one of her friends was being held in her house and the house was being filled with toxic gas. The recipient of the call was so upset that she suffered a stroke. Sadly, each of the participants in these crimes was looking for his or her fifteen minutes of fame. Other experts, including West Point Psychologist Lt. Col. David Grossman, believe that violent video games play a role in inspiring young people to commit violent crimes. Grossman believes that Children are taught the motor skills of killing in a process that makes killing a reflexive response. Parents need to consider this when allowing their children to spend hours at a time playing these games. Perhaps, it is time that we reevaluated what entertainment truly is. Is it entertaining to watch people being tortured and killed? Do we need to see this day after day? As Mark Twain once said, The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. Perhaps, we should consider this when we choose our entertainment.

Iron Man 3: Truly a Marvel to See

By Leslie Perrin As yet another film has been added to the billion dollar Iron Man franchise, director Shane Black and original Marvel comic book writer, Stan Lee, have managed to keep fans on the edge of their seats as they eagerly await Tony Starks next plot of vengeance. The latest addition to the trilogy focuses on the troubled Tony Stark, who continues to have nightmares about the past events in New York City (from the Avengers). Suffering from anxiety issues, Tony excessively builds new Mark models of the suits, including the latest Mark 42 model, which Tony wears throughout the film, and can be controlled with his mind. The CEO of Stark Industries and Starks long-time girlfriend, Pepper Pots, fears their relationship may be in danger because of Tonys mental health. For this reason, Pepper tries to pry Tony away from worrying. However, much of Tonys worrying is based on the attacks that have taken place in several important American cities. These attacks were plotted by The Mandarin, a destructive and elusive terrorist and one of Tonys greatest threats. Tony is triggered to defeat the Mandarin after his head of security and long-time friend, Happy Hogan, is seriously injured during one of the Mandarins attacks. When an old friend from Tonys past arrives at the Stark Mansion, chaos rules. The Mandarin sends men to destroy almost all of Starks suits, his mansion, and everything he has worked so hard to achieve. After the attack, Tony manages to be sent off to rural Tennessee where he meets an extremely intelligent and persistent boy names Harvey, who assists him in solving the mystery behind the Mandarin and in saving Pepper from another threat, Aldrich Killian. However, The Mandarin isnt all Stark has to be worried about, as he encounters somewhat super humans, who have been introduced to a serum known as Extremis. As the Mandarin keeps targeting crucial political figures to get to the President, Tony teams up with War Machine turned Iron Patriot, and long-time friend, James Rhodey Rhodes to defeat these super humans and find the Mandarin. But will Tony Stark be ready to face the unexpected, save Pepper and their relationship, avenge Happy and all the people who have been subjugated to the Mandarins wrath and be faced with drastic decisions? Thats for you to figure out. I found this to be one of the most thrilling, unexpected, and marvelous cinematic achievements for the Marvel studios next to the Avengers. However, this may not be the last of Tony Stark, for there may be an Iron Man 4 in the future and Stark will appear in the Avengers II. And one final thought: do not leave the theater before the credits end.

Something for Everyone

By Alyssa Heath As the school year draws to a close, the buzz is building about which colleges seniors will be attending in the fall. Particular interest is taken in those students committing to schools based on athletic interests. Fortunately, for the rest of us, you do not have to be a star athlete in order to stay fit and athletically involved after high school. Although the spotlight is reserved for varsity athletes, most colleges offer intramural and club sports. These low-pressure programs allow students to train for and compete against each other in particular sports, without having to meet the demands of recruitment or a varsity practice schedule. Intramurals also give students an opportunity to participate in non-traditional sports and activities, such as flag football, floor hockey, badminton, ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, or kickball. Always wanted to try a new sport? No problem. Intramural and club sports are open to students of all abilities. Bring a friend and try something new while learning from more experienced peers. Athletic programs are a great way to meet new people with similar interests. Check with your colleges athletic department to get deadlines for forming teams. If, after exploring intramural opportunities, you decide that team sports are still not for you, have no fear! Many college fitness centers offer group instruction classes such as Cardio-Sculpt, Step Aerobics, Kickboxing, Zumba, Yoga, and Pilates. A benefit to group fitness is that classes require no commitment. In other words, you can drop in on a class when you have time, and are not under pressure to show up next week. Although group fitness classes are accessible to students of all fitness levels, different classes focus on different parts of the body and yield different results, so you may have to try a few before you find one you like. A combination of classes throughout the week can result in a balanced workout. If you prefer to work out on your own schedule, check with your school for fitness center hours. Some schools offer fitness center orientation to incoming students, or those who wish to learn more about the equipment available for use. Whether you prefer friendly competition, working out alongside others, or pumping iron to your own music, most college athletic departments provide something for everyone, even those of us who are ineligible for the major leagues. Check with your school for specific programs offered.

Summer vacation tips

By- Tylisha Gourdine As soon as the spring season hits, talk of summer fills the air. While lots of people have exciting plans, there are always people who just dont, and all summer means to them is late nights, late mornings and a lot of extra computer time they dont get while in school. While this may seem entertaining for a little bit, after a while it gets pretty monotonous. If this sounds familiar to you, please consider the following alternatives. Maybe you just need some new surroundings. If so, a summer camp may be to your liking. There are day camps and camps that last for extended time. There are also camps for every interest: science, sports, writing and even weight loss. Another activity that is fun and closer to home is swimming. You can chill at a public pool or plan a family trip to the beach or lake (Since it will undoubtedly be hot, dont forget your sunscreen. Tanned skin is damaged skin and sunburns can lead to skin cancer.) Dont forget your friends. Not everyone has plans for summer vacation. Call them up and make some plans: Go to the mall, walk around or go to the movies. On another day have a sleepover, go skating or go bowling. You can do almost anything and have fun if the company that you have is good. You can also use summer to get ahead in school. I know you just finished the school year but the more work you do in the summer, the easier itll be in the fall when you return to school. Another thing you can do is volunteer work. Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who give back to their communities. There are always plenty of summer jobs available so why not use the summer to earn some cash. Who wouldnt want that? So maybe your plans for summer arent the most fun, but there is always something to do to make your summer into a great one, all you have to do I turn that computer/TV/radio off and go find it.