Stay Strong

By Isabella Sofia As humans, we often deal with hard times and have many struggles in our lives. These struggles can leave us feeling as if the world is about to end and there is nothing that we can do. For this reason, a new WHS club, Stay Strong was created. This club hopes to let students know that even in the worst of times, there is someone who cares and perhaps, even someone who is going through the same situation. Anyone, who needs to talk, can come and open up to the group. Members will give the best advice that they have. And for those who are not comfortable sharing, they can feel free to Isabella Sofia just sit and listen and offer advice to others if they want to do so. Bobbi Fleming, a WHS parent who helps run the club, says that Students gain insight by helping others in the community and by fundraising for causes. They gain from team work with others, who help them feel that they belong. By helping othersthey help themselves. This club was created for two reasons: to help others and to make a difference. Thus far, the group has participated in the Out of Darkness Walk and the To Write Love on Her Arms Event at Jefferson Community College. The group plans on participating in other events and will hold fundraisers, such as a school dance, bake sales, and the Childrens Miracle Network Dance Marathon. This year, all of the money that we make goes to the To Write Love on Her Arms Foundation. This foundation is an interfaith, nonprofit organization that was created by Jamie Tworkowski to help his friend, Renee Yohe. Renee was dealing with depression and drug abuse, and had attempted suicide. She, however, had to wait to get into a rehabilitation center and relied on her friends to help support her during this period. And thus, the idea for To Write Love on Her Arms was born. Once she entered treatment, Renees friends were shocked at how expensive the treatment was so Renee agreed to share her story online and the group began selling t-shirts to help with her expenses. Soon bands, such as Switchfoot, began wearing their shirts, which caused a huge reactionthe bands fans started wearing the shirts as well. Our Stay Strong group will donate all of the money that we raise this year to this foundation because it is about help, love, and hope. Before the To Write Love on Her Arms Event at Jefferson Community College, our group had the opportunity to interview Jamie Tworkowski. He told us that Everyone copes with pain in different ways. There are many places in the community that you can turn to for help. Dont be afraid to talk with a counselor. Renee Yohe also sang her original songs during the event. Throughout her performance, she stopped and talked to the audience. The most inspiring thing that I heard her say was, We are not defined by our scars or the things we have been through. We can move and get past it. Youre only stuck if you think you are. Renee reminded us that even when we are struggling, we still have the opportunity to make a change. If we dont like the situation that we are in, we can do something about itthe first step is to talk to someone. Participating in this event had a very positive effect on our members. One of them made a comment on Facebook after the event, which said that she realized that what she says to others can change their whole day. She also acknowledged that she knows that she should treat other people better and think more positively. This club is intended to help others and to make a difference. With that said, it is important to acknowledge that our club members are not counselors. We are a peer support group that wants to help others. If we cannot provide what an individual needs, we can and will encourage them to seek assistance from other sources. We also

Volume 6, Issue 1

Friday, December 7, 2012

The Members of the WHS Stay Strong Club with Jamie Tworkowski and Renee Yohe

Jamie Tworkowski speaks to the crowd at JCC.

Renee Yohe performs her original pieces.

believe that adolescents are more likely to turn to their peers than adults when they are in crisis. We want to train students to be able to recognize the signs of depression, self-injury, and so on. But first, we have to publicize our club. We want our students to join our club, and hope that other schools will start their own chapters. Our members have already heard from students from IHC, South Jefferson, and Case Middle School. Now is a great time for others to join

because we have fundraisers and events planned for the immediate future. All that we ask of our members is that they be compassionate people, who are willing to make a change. Our long term goal is to change the way people think and act toward one another. We want to teach people how to be kind, tolerant, and empathetic. We expect our members to be open to learning a new way of acting and to be willing to become better people.

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Psychology Class Review

By Julia Fox Many seniors get to their last year of high school and find that they have completed all of their required classes. If you find yourself in this position, you should definitely enroll in Mr. Jeffrey Gingers psychology class. This class is like no other that I have ever taken: it is funny and entertaining; and yet, our Julia Fox class is definitely learning a great deal. The obvious reason that this class is such an overwhelming success is the teacher. Although Mr. Ginger usubrittany kaler

ally teaches U.S. History, his clever and intellectual lectures are not just for those interested in the history of our nation. His fifth and ninth period psychology classes are filled with the facts about the human mind and with funny anecdotes about his family and former crushes (all of which are used to clarify important concepts in psychology.) This elective class is a great way to improve your grade point average and will definitely give you some important insights into the ways that humans think. Anyone who has an interest in psychology (or in writing a biography about Mr. Gingers life) should see his or her guidance counselor to enroll for the spring semester.

Mr. Jeff Ginger, Psychology Teacher at WHS.

The Catcher in the Rye: A must-read for young adults

By Matt Bradley The Catcher in the Rye was written by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951, and originally intended for adults. The novel features protagonist, narrator, and antihero Holden Caulfield, who wanders the streets of New York City after being expelled from several schools. He searches for companionship and meaning, but only finds Matthew disappointment and phoBradley niness. The novel is dominated by themes of loneliness, depression, and the search for personal identity. Because of this, Holden Caulfield has become an iconic symbol for teenage rebellion and angst. Salingers novel has become immensely popular with young adults because it compellingly relates to the lives and frustrations of teenagers today. It has been criticized for its themes and references to drugs and sexuality, but has been praised for its relevance and creative literary style. The novel, which is a required novel in the AP English 12 curriculum, is popular among high school readers, and I would recommend this book for other students who are not planning to take AP English 12. The book has received high praise: in 2005 Time magazine included The Catcher in the Rye on its list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923, and it was also named by Modern Library and its readers as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. The issues of self-identity, alienation from others, and depression make this book a must-read for young adult readers.

Michael briggs

Employees waiting to serve customers at Chipolte Mexican Grill.

Restaurant Review: Chipotle Mexican Grill

By Michael Briggs The new Chipotle restaurant is located at 1290 Arsenal, and is easily With the opening of the new accessible from Stateway Plaza. OrChipotle Restaurant, many famidering is easy, fast and efficient: one lies will be curious to try this can order by fax, phone, Internet, or healthy alternative to fast food. in person. The restaurant is handiThis restaurant has high qualcapped accessible and also has a nice ity meals that are well prepared. outdoor patio for those sunny days Chipotle offers a brand new and when you dont want to eat inside. inviting look, a clean atmosphere All in all, this restaurant is a and friendly service. The servers were very generous to their cus- Michael Briggs great place to have a nice meal, without breaking the bank. For tomers, including providing some discounts. Chipotles prices are affordable, more information, see the restaurants website at www.chipotle.com. which is a positive for families.

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To Enlist or Not to Enlist?

By Rocco Ferguson If you are currently a senior in high school, it is time for you to consider what your plans for next year will be. Many students think that college is their only option; however, enlisting in the armed forces is a viable option and one that should be considered. Many young adults do not want to enter the military Rocco Ferguson because they are afraid of death or serious injury; although, the truth is that many military jobs do not involve combat and may still offer the advantage of a free college education or job training. I wanted to find out what the military had to offer for a high school graduate so I recently spoke with Sergeant Terrance Ryan, a United States Marine Corps recruiter, who is stationed in Watertown. I asked him what the advantages might be for a student who choses to join the military right out of high school. He quickly responded with The military offers free college to almost any college and if youre NCAA sports bound, we have football and basketball teams through the U.S. Navy. Sergeant Ryan also commented that The Marine Corps will pay for about ninety-five percent of a persons college tuition, and there is an allowance for individuals who change their minds: they can serve two years and then request a discharge. Recruiter Ryan and I then talked about the values of the Marine Corps, which include honor, courage, and commitment. He, then, continued to describe the benefits of the military. We have the Tri-Care plan, which is very similar to the civilian Medicare, but it literally covers everything involved with medical treatment said Ryan. Sergeant Ryan also advised students not to worry about the horror stories of boot camp. He told me that about ninety percent of the recruits that he has sent to Parris Island actually passed. When these recruits pass, Sgt. Ryan hangs a picture of them in their dress blues in his office to remind him of the fact that he is helping to prepare Americas finest on a daily basis. He also told me, The ones that didnt make it quit due to issues at home, but unfortunately even if you quit you can never come back. Sergeant Ryan encourages students who might be interested to stop by and advises them not to be afraid to enlist. For more information, visit the Armed Forces Recruiting Center at 1222 Arsenal Street or call (315) 782-5462.

One Direction Today Show Concert Review

By Erin Pacifici Three oclock in the morning and it was time to get ready to go. I was on my way into Manhattan from my cousins house in Queens to see One Direction, a British/Irish boy band, in concert. My family and I made our way to 51st street, three blocks away from the stage, to join the enormous crowd of fans waiting for the concert. The time we arrived at the venue was four a.m. Now all that was left was a four and a half hour wait. This, however, was very miniscule compared Erin Pacifici to the wait for those who had camped out on the streets of New York City for four days in hopes of getting much closer to the band in concert. By the time six a.m. rolled around, the band, which consists of Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Zayn Malik, finally came out on stage to warm up and to give the crowd a preview of the songs that they planned to sing in the live concert that would be on television. This experience was definitely a crowd pleaser. Many of the dedicated fans were overjoyed to hear the band interact with and sing to us, myself included. Once the time for the actual concert, which would be shown on television, came about, the crowd was more than ready to hear it. The anticipation for this concert had been building for days and finally, the time had arrived. There was a count down from twenty to one, and then the first song, What Makes You Beautiful was performed. One Direction went on to sing their new single from their brand new album, which was released that day, Live While Were Young and Little Things. The band sang three more songs. Moments, Kiss You, and One Thing that were recorded to be shown on the next days telecast. Overall, the waiting, the far distance from the stage, and the early preparation was well worth it. Although the best viewing would have been on T.V., being at the actual concert and experiencing everything first-hand as it was occurring was something I will never get just from watching television. The concert was a complete success and the Today Show informed the audience that it was the biggest crowd they have ever had on the Plaza. The experience was unlike any other and has prepared me for the next One Direction concert I will attend on December 3rd, 2012, at Madison Square Garden.

Under the Influence

By Cristalle Kao-Johnson During this past summer, Watertown police were busy clearing drug stores of a synthetic drug commonly known as Bath Salts. Bath Salts are sold under different names that may sound innocent, such as, Tranquility and Vanilla Sky, but the idea is the same. Bath Salts are drugs that can be very dangerous. To get information about these drugs and the problems that they cause, I interviewed Officer Scott McIntyre, who is the WHS Cristalle KaoJohnson Resource Officer. Bath Salts cause hallucinations, extreme acts of violence, extreme rise in body temperature, paranoia, and even, sadly, death. Because everybody is different, the effects could vary, but they tend to remain serious. Some past cases this summer, according to Officer McIntyre, involved some people (who had used these drugs) experiencing a coma-like trance, where they were trapped in a state of depression, and no amount of therapy could get them out. Some other cases however were completely different. These addicts seemed to gain a temporary strength that was more than double the average human and which encouraged them to wreck havoc in the area in which they were because of the hallucinations. A result of this effect was a police push for tasers, which they now have, in order to control these outbreaks. The concern over these drugs and their negative effect caused for our Governor, Andrew Cuomo to call for a complete ban on the retail sales of these drugs and of synthetic marijuana, as well. Governor Cuomo based his decision on the fact that the number of calls to our poison control centers tripled in the past year. He indicated, Bath salts are a danger to this society, and pose a serious threat to public health and safety said McIntyre. Officer McIntyre also added, The strain on these addicts bodies is really tough. They really collapse into exhaustion when their high is over. Officer McIntyre was involved with several Bath Salt incidences this past summer, and he has seen first hand what these drugs can do. Hopefully, all students will heed his warnings and avoid their dangers.

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Fall Sports Round-Up

By: Mason Phillips The Fall Sports Season has come to an end. Here is a summary: The Watertown Cyclones football team had a disappointing season. This year they went (3-4) in the regular season, and lost in their first round of sectionals to an undefeated Jamesville Dewitt team. The Mens Cyclones soccer players had a fantastic regular season going (12-0-1). Unfortunately, their season ended earlier than expected when they were forced out of sectionals with a rough loss to the Whitesboro Warriors. The Lady Cyclones soccer team had a record of 9-3-3. After a good regular season, they continued on and won their first sectional game in a hard fought match against Homer. Then soon after, the ladies season ended with a dramatic loss to Camden with a final score of (7-1). The womens tennis team also had a respectable regular season with a final record of (9-4). They finished the season in 3rd place in the Frontier League. After the regular season, three players advanced to sectionals: Alex Smith, Taylor McKinney, and Michaela Castillo. The mens and womens cross country team had a decent season placing 7th in the league. However, they had many runners advance to sectional competition. To be specific, there were seven boys and three girls. The boys group included: Haidon Moss, Harry Bass-Terpstra, Jake Catalina, Austin Myers, James Lamson, Sam Maphey, and Josh Shannon. The girls who participated in sectionals included Kayla Blair, Olivia Reff, and Lydia Fillhart And finally, the womens swim team

Lady Cyclones swim team had a fantastic season.

once again finished with an undefeated regular season in the Frontier League. They also placed fourth in the class B championship and ninth in sectionals. Individually, the Cyclones had a total of eighteen girls advance to sectionals. This group of girls includes; Maria Bufalini, Kaylee Cook, Samantha Favret, Sydney Finster, Alicia Gayken, Meredith Griffin, Bree Jef-

ferds, Paxton Lawlee, Julia Marilley, Hannah Martini, Allison Medley, Emily Medley, Kate Moore, Victoria Olsen, Brooke Peters, Allia Ruparelia, Brittany Thesier, and Maggie Valentine. Samantha Favret also participated in the New York State Finals in the 100 yard freestyle and the 100 yard backstroke, placing 23rd in that event with a time of 54:23.

By Mason Phillips Recently, the fall football season ended, and I found myself realizing that I had played my last football game. The season was disappointing to me, and I must admit that it did not end the way in which I wanted it to end. I asked my fellow football players how they felt about our season and got a variety of answers, I left with no regrets.; Better than I expected. and It ended sooner than we thought it would, but it was fun. I, like most high school students, didnt real- Mason Phillips ize how quickly the time would pass. It seems that only yesterday, I was trying out as a sophomore, and now I know that I will never play football as a student athlete again. The truth is, however, that even though I do not plan to continue to play football in college, the games that I played this year are still important. These

Masons Corner: Senior Year Dealing with Stress

games, and this team, will always be an important part of my life. When I am sixtyyears-old, I think that I will remember my Senior Night; I will never forget listening as the names of my friends were called: Diamond Williams, Shyheim Gadson, and Willie Scott. I have played on teams with these guys since I was very young, but that will soon change as none of us are going to the same college. I will also remember the tough games against Carthage and Indian River, and the game against JamesvilleDewitt in which we played as hard as we could, but still found ourselves walking off the field with a loss. Now, I must concentrate on preparing for the upcoming basketball season, and cannot dwell on things that we did or did not do as a team. Junior and sophomore athletes, use this season as a lesson. Do not leave high school with regrets about any game that you play. High school is short: do your best; make a name for yourself as a fair and hardworking player, and set a good example for other Watertown Cyclones. By Chloe Vecchio Its not uncommon for a high school student to feel stressed; however, there are also several ways to take care of those feelings. Stress is a combination of biological and physiological process, but stress is not necessarily a bad thing. Some stress is useful. For example, stress can help you reach your goals and may also force you to prepare yourself for a big race or for a test. Stress can also help you to learn to be organized when the lack of organization makes you feel uncomfortable. When stress becomes too much, we need to try to alleviate that stress. To do that, we could try relaxation methods, such as taking deep breathes, Chloe Vecchio meditating, or slowly counting to ten. We can also take good care of ourselves because we often feel more stress when we are not feeling well. Sometimes, people try to avoid the source of the stress in an attempt to get away from those feelings. For example, avoidance might be ignoring your Global Studies homework. The truth is the homework is still there and it is still an issue with which we must deal. I recently talked with Dr. Daniel Mitchell of the North Country Childrens Clinic about the problems that teens experience with stress. Dr. Mitchell explained that the idea of avoiding our stressors doesnt really work, avoidance patterns are a short term fix, while stress is a long term problem. Another thing of avoidance is substance abuse that might involve alcohol, drug abuse, or self harm. People might do those things to get away from the emotion that the stress is causing them. Although people might use these forms of avoidance, they need to remember that these attempts to fix the problem really dont fix anything. They, in fact, simply bring on other problems. No one should have to do those things to get away from stress, (or any problem that he or she is having). Making a choice to drink, to take drugs, or to self harm is not a wise one, and not worth the pain that such a choice will cause. Instead, if an individual is feeling stressed, he or she needs to spend some time talking to someone about the problem. Talking about something that is bothering us can help a great deal. So, if one feels stressed he or she should talk to a friend, a responsible teacher, a parent, a family member, or guidance counselor. A student could also talk to a psychologist or doctor. Another way of dealing with stress is journaling: putting something down on paper might make your thoughts clearer. It isnt even necessary to save what you write. Write what is on your mind on a piece of paper. Then, look closely at what you have written. When you are finished and feel better, you can throw the paper away if you choose to do so or you can keep for a time when you feel those feelings again. If you are not a big writer, you can draw what you are feeling. This may actually make you feel better. Last of all, it is important to remember that it is normal to feel some stress in high school. Students need to try to find an outlet: something that they can do to calm themselves. Students need to follow their passions: they can draw, act, sing, play a sport, or take a walk. These outlets will help to diffuse a stressful situation and make it easier to overcome anything that life (and school) brings.

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Lady Cyclones: A Successful Season and an Olympic Coach

By Emily Leopard and Tia Malai Mathison At the time of this interview, Watertown Varsity Swim team had ended the season undefeated. In the swimming portion of their competition, the Lady Cyclones had achieved victory at the 2012 Frontier League Meet for A schools. These victories were achieved by the hard work of the Varsity swimmers, divers, and coaches. This year, was honored by the addition of Coach Cassandra Metzler as our diving coach. Coach Metzler was the 2008 United States Div- Emily Leopard ing Champion in the Davis 10 meter platform. She was a collegiate diver at Indiana University, and was the 2005 Big Ten and NCAA champion in the 10 meter platform dive. Coach Metzler represented the United States in the XXVIII Olympiad that was held in Athens in 2004 and placed 7th in Synchronized Platform Diving. She is currently employed as a personal trainer. We met up with Coach Metzler to ask her about her experience with diving in the Olympics and also about the diving program at Watertown High School. Emily and Tia: Why did you choose to coach at Watertown instead of another school? Coach Metzler: Thats a good question. Well, I chose Watertown High for a couple of reasons. Watertown High School is a bigger school for this area so I thought that with more students, thered be a better opportunity for me to help out. Also, Im new to the area, (just moved here this past winter) and I had heard that Watertown had a pretty strong swim team. I wanted to be a part of a team that was doing pretty well and see if I could help on the diving side. Emily and Tia: How did you get involved in diving? Coach Metzler: Thats a really good question. When I was growing up, I did gymnastics as long Tia Mathison as I can remember (since I was a little, tiny kid). I did it for a long time growing up, but around the age of 12 or 13, I started to realize that I didnt enjoy gymnastics as much as I used to, and it was taking up a lot of time. I remember this one summer when I wanted to play with my friends, and I had to go to gymnastics practice. So my mom said, If you really dont want to do it, I wont force you, but youre going to have to do some other sport. She found this local diving camp, just a day camp, for five days and asked me to try it. I tried it and that was what started my diving career. I fell in love with diving from there. I eventually dropped gymnastics and took on diving full-time. Emily and Tia: How did you get involved in the Olympics? Coach Metzler: Well, I went to college

Brittany Kaler

Divers at practice with former Olympian, Cassandra Metzler.

The Dos and Donts of High School Fashion

By Erin Pacifici Have you ever looked at a student in this building and wondered, What was that person thinking when they got dressed this morning? Numerous high school students dont put much thought into what they will wear to school; and thus, we find kids who are halfdressed for class. The truth is that a few simple changes to what a person is already wearing could change his or her whole appearance and make him or her feel good about the way he or she Erin Pacifici looks. In fact, if some students took the following tips into consideration, they could update their over-all look and make themselves more appropriately dressed for school. Donts: Please dont (and guys this is for you) wear your pants so low that everyone can see your boxers. They make belts and pants in your size so finding a pair of pants that fit isnt that daunting of a task. A general tip, which applies to everyone, is simple:

erin Pacifici

A jacket makes a dont, a do.

dont wear clothes that do not fit you.Manufacturers make clothes in all sizes, and everyone can find something that is flattering and fits. Finally, please do not wear your pajamas to school. Sure, theyre comfy, but they really do not make you look your best. Dos: Please do keep yourself covered. Feel free to wear whatever you want outside of school, but while you are in this building, dont show everyone your business. Remember that just because something looks good does not mean that it will be uncomfortable. Try to look your best every day. The better you feel about what you are wearing, the more confident you will feel. Confidence is key!

at Indiana University; they have a wellknown diving program. So the coach there was known for producing very good, very successful divers. And when I went there my freshman year, he told me, Youre going to the Olympics. I really thought to myself that nothing was really going to happen, but he put me on track to be able to accomplish that goal. With his training, his practices (in and out of the pool), strength training, and a lot of mental preparation, I was able to be a part of an Olympic team. Most of all, I think I achieved this goal because of the direction of my coach, who really believed in me. Eventually, I started to believe in myself, and I could see that I was getting better and better. Emily and Tia: What was your coachs name? Coach Metzler: Jeff Huber. Emily and Tia: How was your experience at the Olympics? Coach Metzler: Oh, my gosh. Its hard to compare. I try to think of something in the world that I can kind of compare to the Olympic experience, and I could never find anything. I mean there are so many aspects of it that are just made for an unbelievable experience. First of all, there is the competition itself: just being able to dive in front of a huge Emily and Tiaowd of people, the largest Emily and Tiaowd Ive ever drove in front of, and knowing its going to be broadcasted all over the world. Thats another wow reality check. The other great thing is being in the athletes village. The village really is its own little city. There are stores, there are laundry mats, a huge cafeteria to eat, and theres even a little transportation system that goes around the whole village. So it really is like a little city with all of these different cultures mixed together; its a really a unique experience. Its not like anything else I could ever think of

in this world. Where else do you have people from all over the world coming together in this couple mile square radius? Its really cool. It was also exciting to be to go around to all of the different Olympic events Ive never seen before in real life, like badminton. You know here in the U.S., you dont really see professional badminton that often. Trampolines, gymnastics, volleyball, and beach volleyball are all at your fingertips. Its one of those experiences where you want to do as much as you can and soak it in as much as you can because you know its a one in a lifetime opportunity. Emily and Tia: What do you think about the diving talent of the Frontier League? Coach Metzler: I think there is some amazing talent in this area: at the meets we have been to, there is definitely some strong talent. The sad part though is that the divers really dont have direction. The area has a program to help develop young swimmers (the Blue Sharks), but it doesnt really have a similar program for divers. So, it is a little bit of a shame, but there is definitely talent. I wish they had a little more guidance at an earlier age involving proper techniques and skills and things like that. But, it has been a great experience for me and its great to see, even though a lot of these schools dont have dedicated diving coaches, what the kids have been able to teach themselves. I think its very impressive; it speaks volumes about, not only the physical ability of the divers, but also about their mental strength. Diving is very mentally challenging; so to mentally be able to teach yourself how to do this stuff is very, very impressive. A Final Note: The Watertown team together was undefeated in Frontier League Competition and went on to place fourth in the Class B Championships and ninth in sectionals.

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Alumni News: Where are They Now?

By Nick Cavaliere
(Nick is a 2012 graduate of Watertown High School and was the assistant editor of the Cychronicle for the 2011-2012 school year)

Mrs. Shear told me that she always had complete faith in me. Taking that extra leap makes you think about how far you can go. I came to the University of Plattsburgh with a small amount of optimism about the journalP. Towne ism field and how it benefits the world or how it Nick Cavaliere could help me benefit the world. Being here for only a couple months, I am able to see the true importance of the media world and the opportunities college gives me, in general. College introduced itself to me with exciting new friends, wild parties, and a sense of freedom. At first, you take advantage of that freedom but then you begin to use your time wisely. Your courses become more important and interesting which almost takes over your entire focus. Being a Journalism Major makes you realize what is important to the general public. It helps by determining what appeals to certain audiences and what appeals to you as well. My first news reporting

assignment led me to contact a musician whom invited me to watch his set. After, he agreed to be interviewed by yours truly. In that moment, at the bar and grill where he performed, I realized the significance that writing and journalism has had in my life. Then and there I wanted the people to see, feel and take-in the experience for themselves that I also was experiencing.

Life after high school has allowed students the chance to evolve. These professors want us to not just sit in class with a test or quiz in front of our faces, but to also take a physical approachto get our hands dirty and get the full effect of what the industry has in store for us. The University of Plattsburgh, like most colleges, dives deep into what the students really want. I came

here to write about music and thats what I have done, with the support of my professors and the lessons I have already learned. I thank Mrs. Shear and all others for their strong encouragement because I, too, believe in myself. Whatever road there is to take, Ill take it-- thats the enjoyment of it all. I was given freedom and I am using it to my advantage.

Service Dogs Help Students Learn Valuable Lessons

By Brendan Cooley During the past summer, the tenth grade students of Ms. Joanne Witt read a novel called Until Tuesday by former Army Captain, Luis Montalvan. The novel teaches its readers about the struggles a soldier might face during and after war, and how service dogs can be of assistance to these soldiers. Luis Montalvan and his Brendan Cooley service dog, Tuesday, show the type of emotional bond that can be shared between humans and dogs. Ms. Witt chose this book because . . . by teaching this story to my students, I feel it will help them break away from traditional ways of learning. Along with helping my students and I connect with the military community, the book will help us understand what our soldiers go through every day. To help her class get a better understanding of ways to reach out to help veterans, two members of the Wounded Warriors Program (AW2) came to speak to the class. These Until Tuesday individuals, Michael Lopez and John Hunter, shared information about the Wounded Warriors Program. John Hunter told the class that there are over 10,000 soldiers enrolled in the AW2 program. Each AW2 counselor works with about sixty wounded soldiers, and helps ensure that these soldiers get their benefits. Currently, there is much more support available for soldiers than there was during the Vietnam War because society appreciates the individual soldier rather than concentrating on the war itself said Hunter. Lopez added, The current war in America is very popular, mainly because of the outpouring of support after 9/11. Hunter also wanted to mention that more programs are out there to help veterans now, such as Operation Home Front, the food pantries of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties, Fort Drum medical Centers, and the VA Center in Watertown. He also suggested that veterans could receive assistance from local churches and businesses.

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Social Life vs. Social Networking

By Alyssa Heath What do you get when you log off Facebook and shut your beak (stop tweeting) for five minutes? All joking aside, the answer is peace of mind. Our generation is highly dependent on social networking: According to Kristen Purcell, Assistant Director of Research for Pew Research Centers Internet & American Life Project, seventysix percent of all teens have an account on at least one social media site. The idea of being connected 24/7 gives the user a sense of security, a safety net of his or her contacts, The truth is, however, that this increased availAlyssa Heath ability has led to an increase in stress and in social anxiety. Increased stress and social anxiety are factors associated with the frequent use of social networking as a means of communication. Waiting for a reply to a Facebook message or wall post stirs up more anxiety than talking to someone face-to-face, or even over the phone. Constantly checking to see if anyone liked your most recent status or commented on that picture in which you look so bad (but ironically posted) creates unnecessary social anxiety that may damage communication skills. Online communication is far less efficient in both speed and clarity. Many teenagers- and even grown adults break all the rules of grammar online; and therefore, messages may be misinterpreted. This can be very stressful, especially when someone is trying to share important information. Punctuation is often obsolete in online

survey by cheyenne hutchinson

messaging. There is a definite difference between Lets eat, Grandma and Lets eat Grandma. In order to gain a full understanding of what someone means online, you first have to be able to understand their personality and humor. If you are a part of the twelve percent of teenage social networking users with Twitter accounts and tweet everything that happens to you as it happens, you may find that you have no fresh stories left to tell in person. If you wait to verbally tell your friends a funny story or exciting news, their reactions may be worth the wait. The only responses you will get from an online post is a retweet or a few likes, or if you are lucky, a lol that you do not get to hear. Although used with the best intentions of keeping in touch, social networking has a negative effect on personal relationships. Purcells study shows that twenty-two percent of teenage social networking users reported

the loss of a friendship over something posted online. If you have low selfesteem, social websites may seem to be low-pressure alternatives to faceto-face communication. If you get to know someone online, you may feel comfortable sharing personal information with them, but find that spending time together (or just passing them in the hall at school) can be awkward. You may also create misconceptions about a person by observing his or her posts and pictures but never actually making conversation. Additionally, teens are more likely to lie and keep secrets over a typed message than when speaking out loud. Lying is made easier online, as your tone and body language cannot be detected. When you post online, your words are no longer between you and your four hundred closest friends or followers. Anyone can use your posts against you; these posts can even prevent you from getting into a college or being employed.

This publicity accounts for social networkings characteristic of lowering the quality and intimacy of personal relationships. Social networking serves as an invisible chain, tying down users and keeping them glued to their computers and phones. Although the sites make sharing your life with friends and relatives easier than ever, they are often abused. The obsessive use of social networking has created a generation where teens voluntarily subject themselves to unnecessary stressful behavior, in addition to the expected stresses of teenage life. Many teens feel pressured to keep their online peers updated with every aspect of their lives because everyone else is doing it. My advice, as one of the only seven percent of teenage social networking users who does not have a Facebook account, if you want to reduce drama, improve relationships, and have a social life outside of your news feed, log off and shut your beak.

Getting to Know our Foreign Exchange Student

By Michaela Castillo Watertown High School is home to a diverse population of musically, artistically, academically, and athletically gifted students. It is also the temporary home to a number of foreign exchange students. I interviewed one of these students, Vivian Chen, who comes from Zhuzhou, Michaela Hunan Province, China Castillo to learn a little more about her life in China and about her first impressions of the United States and WHS. Michaela: How are old are you? And when is your birthday? Vivian: Seventeen and July 16, 1995. Michaela: Why did you decide to come to America? Vivian: To experience a different life. Michaela: Whats your favorite thing about being here? Vivian: People here are friendly. Michaela: Have you joined any clubs or sports teams? Vivian: I have joined the tennis team. Michaela: What are some of your favorite hobbies? Vivian: Painting, tennis, and playing ping pong. Michaela: What do you hope to gain by coming to America? Vivian: Expand my knowledge and make more friends. Michaela: Whats your least favorite thing about being here? Vivian: School. Michaela: Whats your favorite class? Vivian: Gourmet Food. Michaela: Do you miss your home? Vivian: Yes, I miss my friends. Michaela: What type of music do you like? What is your favorite band? Vivian: Pop music, country music. One Direction. Michaela: What is different about being here in America than China? Vivian: School is totally different. In China we dont have to move classrooms and the teachers come to every class. We have a 10 minute break and 40 minutes per class. School starts at about 7:30 am and ends at about 6:05 pm. We have a 2 hour break during our lunch period. Michaela: Are you excited about winter and the snow? Vivian: Yes, I never experienced heavy snow in China because the weather in my city is warm.

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Ninth Grade Teaming: Is It Working?

By Brittany Kaler During the 2011-2012 school year, Watertown High School instituted a change in the way in which ninth graders received instruction. For the first time, the ninth grade was divided into teams. Each student in a team shared a common English, social studies, and math teacher. The purpose of these teams was to assist students in making social and academic advancements by providing them with support. The main goal of each team was to remove obstacles that might prevent ninth Brittany Kaler graders from earning necessary credit. (When a ninth grader fails to do this, he or she often has to take an additional course in a later year of high school or enroll in credit recovery.) The motivation behind this change and one of its biggest proponents was Superintendent Terry Fralick. Mr. Fralick commented that it was the team teachers who made this transition a successful one. He explained that the teachers involved in this program were volunteers, and that these teachers worked hard to ensure the success of this program. Each team was provided with a team planning period, which provided them with the opportunity to meet and to discuss the progress of their common students. Teachers were able to track progress for all team students and were able to plan interventions or extra assistance for students, who were struggling. During the past school year, many students showed individual improvements and the ninth grade teams, as a whole, showed a drastic change. Attendance, grades, and cooperation improved; and Mr. Fralick expressed his satisfaction with Brendan Cooley these words, It (teaming) was very suc- Brittany Kaler interviews Superintendent Terry Fralick. cessful and will be beneficial in years to come. The use of ninth grade teaming will success. As for changes, Mr. Fralick in- expectations that the district has estabbe extended into future school years, as dicated that no major changes should be lished and is expected to do so in the years long as we can demonstrate a continued made. Ninth grade teaming has met the to come.

Instagram and the iPhone Killed the True Photographer

By Maggie Ackerman When digital cameras and Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras, otherwise known as DSLRs, first came on the scene, photographers using film shunned these devices. The new wave of technology brought a sense of fear of the unknown. The negative sentiment attached to these cameras was because they were mysterious; did not use film; and were composed of different elements. But, as times goes on, generations adjust to technology, and technology continues to change. Polaroids evolved into cameras that used film, and Maggie Digital Single Lens Reflex Ackerman Cameras were replaced by Point and Shoot Cameras. Now, it seems that all other cameras have been replaced by the iPhone. It seems as though cameras that use film will soon be the equivalent of vinyl records and only familiar to the serious photographer. Personally, I find myself involved in a love-hate relationship with technology. Technology is overwhelming and almost impossible to escape. Now, more than ever, it seems that almost everyone is turning to the Internet for answers, and almost everyone seems to have a Smartphone. The iPhone is a high tech, high functioning, and possibly addicting device that has instigated a worldwide change. The question is, are these devices making our lives easier or controlling them? Instagram is another advancement that irritates the true photographer. Instragram is a Smartphone app that allows any individual to use special filters to alter photos that they have taken and then, to post these photos online. Many amateur photographers believe that by using multiple filters, they are producing professional photographs. The very idea makes any hardworking photographer cringe. Using a Smartphone to take pictures may be an enjoyable pastime and may provide an easy way to share photos; however, there is nothing professional about the photographs that come from these phones. Professional photographers spend years learning the true art of photography: the rule of thirds, the skill of focusing properly, the art of correct lighting, the process of developing, and the painstaking process of finishing the final products and making them as perfect as possible. There is little comparison between the photos taken with a five megapixel Smartphone and those taken by a professional photogralyn ann luCe pher, using a twelve to twenty megapixel Maggie Ackerman prepares to take a picture with her camera. camera. Smartphones are not, however, all neg- the true world of photography: a world that of these special days (graduation, wedative. There is little doubt that the use of requires training, hard work, and a great dings, baptisms, etc) to truly reflect their significance, we need to allow professional Smartphones has encouraged some indi- deal of thought. Applications (or apps) on Smartphones photographers to use their knowledge and viduals to discover the art of photography. These phones persuade people to take may fool the average person into believing skills. The truth is, no matter how many photographs and to record and share im- that they are professional photographers filters we apply, when we use our Smartportant moments in their lives. And the and capable of taking photographs that phones, we are altering the integrity and use of these phones may encourage some will reflect the important events in their beauty of the photographs that must serve individuals to explore and to venture into lives. However, if we want those reflections as memories for a lifetime.