Girls' Basketball- A Season to Remember

 A SEASON TO REMEMBER

By Molly Chapman

The girls' basketball team had an incredible season, finishing with a record of 20-8. After facing challenges in the previous year, they bounced back stronger than ever, showcasing their determination and skill on the court. The team's chemistry and hard work paid off as they navigated through a competitive schedule, earning crucial victories that built their confidence and momentum. Each player contributed to the success, with standout performances that not only thrilled the fans but also solidified their reputation as a formidable force in the league. The highlight of the season came when they clinched the county championship, a testament to their perseverance and teamwork. In a thrilling final match, the girls displayed exceptional talent and resilience, overcoming a tough opponent to secure the title. This victory was not just a win; it symbolized the culmination of their hard work and dedication throughout the season. As they celebrated their championship, the team looked ahead with excitement, eager to build on this success and continue their journey in the upcoming seasons.

KJS Secure State Championship Title

“A Season to Remember: KJS Secure State Championship Title”

 by Clara De Leon 

After the boys faced West Milford this past Thursday in Mennen Arena, they were determined to let their winning streak continue. KJS declared victory against Marlboro High School at Prudential Center’s NJSIAA Public Championship Games March 10th after a close match resulting in a score of 4 to 3. 

With goals made by Sophomore Braydon Sisco, saves by Senior Brian Sisti and assists by Sophomore Eddy Brown, KJS proved they weren’t leaving without a fight. As the game continued, tensions only advanced as the score tied periods 1 and 2. Following the third period however, the game only furthered as Marlboro HS scored a goal resulting in a score of 3 to 4. Nevertheless, KJS was able to hold their team down and achieve incredible success. Sisco, Sophomore at KHS, shared that “tensions were high” the last few minutes of the game and the sensation he experienced was “unreal”. Sisco was able to score two goals in the 3rd period ultimately resulting in KJS’ win. 

Captains, Eddy Brown and Cormac Gibbons were also able to motivate their team by simply “making sure that everyone is as excited as they can be”. Cormac Gibbons, Junior at SHS, claimed that he “always tries to keep spirits and morale up” and attributed the team’s attitude towards their success. Alongside this ultimate motivation KJS utilizes, many players on the team felt surreal after achieving such a high standing title. Patrick Donnelly, Senior at SHS, shared that knowing how much work and time he put in this season made this win truly “a perfect way to end my senior year”. However, many of the players still have the rest of their high school careers ahead of them. Sisco is excited to see what the team can accomplish and hopes to “take another one home”.

(Photos from Facebook)

DECA STATES

DECA States 2025

-Mrs. Chiappini

3/7/2025

DECA students recently competed at the State competition in Atlantic City in various categories that required them to present business plans and role play real world business scenarios. Sparta has 11 students who have qualified to attend the DECA National conference in Orlando this year and are as follows:

Financial Team Decision Making: Rutuja Kirange & Mahanth Chintha

Project Management Sales Project: Alexia Hill & Lauren Wittkowski

Start Up Business Plan: Ava Cerrito & Ava Sehring

Gold Certification for School Based Enterprise: Tara Keller & Carly List

Thrive Leadership: Ellie Fagersten, Leah Geety, Erin Duthaler

Wish us luck and thank you for your support!

Sparta High School Presents Little Shop of Horrors March 14-16

 Sparta High School Presents Little Shop of Horrors March 14-16

Sparta, NJ – Sparta High School is excited to announce its spring musical production of the classic Little Shop of Horrors, set to run from March 14th to March 16th, 2025. This darkly comedic musical will take the audience on a thrilling ride filled with catchy tunes, quirky characters, and a bit of horror that’s perfect for a night of fun.

Directed by a talented team of faculty, this production brings to life the story of Seymour Krelborn, a down-on-his-luck florist who stumbles upon a mysterious plant that promises to change his life. However, the plant, named Audrey II, has a sinister secret, and as Seymour becomes entangled in the plant's increasingly dangerous demands, chaos ensues.

The cast includes a talented group of students, led by:

• Ronnette - Lynnessa Marrow

• Chiffon - Julianne Handzus

• Crystal - Sabrina Smith

• Audrey - Jenna Flake

• Mr. Mushnik - Jake Hamilton

• Seymour Krelborn - Caiden Loyer

• Customer - Hana Kachersky

• Interviewer/Patrick Martin - Michael Iudica

• Orin Scrivello - AJ Slee

• Audrey II - Logan Scarpa

• Mr. Bernstein - Hayden Denmead

• Mrs. Luce - Kaitlyn Kayser

• Snip - Thomas Fossett

The production will take place in the Sparta High School Auditorium and will have performances at 7:00 PM on March 14th and 15th, with a 2:00 PM matinee on March 16th.

Tickets are ONLY available for purchase online at https://cur8.com/23455/project/129039. Admission is $10 for students and $15 for adults.

Don't miss this exciting and unforgettable performance- and remember…don’t feed the plants!

*This production contains scenes that have implied violence, substance use, mild- harsh language, and a giant plant that eats people.

* The SSBC Musical Theater Booster Club will be collecting monetary donations to support DASI.

SHS Graduate Publishes Book

 Jeff Kerby- SHS Class of 2003 Explores the World

February 10, 2025

-The Oracle Staff

(https://jtkerby.com/)

Jeffrey Kerby, a 2003 Sparta High School graduate has published a book highlighting his exploration, research, and adventures. Kerby is an ecologist and geographer who specializes and focuses on the polar regions and explores the implications of climate in those regions.

After he graduated from the University of Richmond in 2007- with a dual degree in biology and Russian studies, Kerby went on to serve as research manager in the Ethiopian Highlands. After many years of hard work, research , and travel, Kerby earned his PhD in Ecology through Pennsylvania State University. His thesis topic was Phenology in a changing Arctic: Linking trophic interactions across scales.

Currently, Kerby's latest adventure has led him to the Arctic. His current role is Senior Research Associate, Scott Polar Research Institute, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, UK.

Sparta High School Library/MRC was honored to accept a signed copy of Jeffrey Kerby's beautiful book, World from Above. 

Read more about the book:

https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-World-Above-Jeffrey/dp/1426223404

SHS SPRING MUSICAL

Don’t Feed the Plants!

February 10, 2025

The Oracle Staff

It is Spring Musical Season- and the SHS Theater is getting ready for another amazing production. This year the stage will transform into a Skid Row plant shop that houses a singing, man-eating alien plant. 

“The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!” (MTI)

The show stars Caiden Loyer as Seymour, Jenna Flake as Audrey, Jake Hamilton as Mushnik, A.J. Slee as “The Dentist”, Logan Scarpa as Audrey II, and Sabrina Smith, Julianne Handzus, & Lynessa Marrow as the doo-wop urchins- in addition to many other amazingly talented students on stage, back stage and in the pit. Bella Fernandez is taking on the momentous task of Stage Manager -not only will she have to build and manage the  set- she will have a giant plant to tend to!

The curtain opens on Friday 3/14 and runs through the weekend until 3/16. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

There will be a preview performance for staff and Sparta senior citizens on 3/13 at 5 pm.

SHS is BACK on the MAT

BACK ON THE MAT

December 17, 2024

By Clara De Leon

(Photo Credit- Rocco Cortese)

Sparta Wrestling is back! Returning this season are athletes Logan Hrenenko, Liam Hassloch, and Ryan Hrenenko and their early energy shows great promise for upcoming matches this season. The Sparta High School Wrestling Team also welcomed many new athletes this season. Both Praise Ojo and Hunter Chlodnicki have decided to join the team as Seniors and hope to bring successful results. Chlodnicki’s first match was this past Thursday and he displayed incredible skills for his first year coming into the role. It will be exciting to see how he does the remainder of the season.

With this new experience Praise Ojo is now taking on, when asked why she chose to join the team, Ojo shared that she always had interest in participating in contact sports and wanted to learn something new. She was also inspired to join by returning athlete, Jeisy Castro who was able to share the struggles and successes that come with competing in a typically male dominated sport. Castro shared that there is “a lot of power” that comes with taking on the role.  Alongside the mental strength and confidence that one needs to have for the image they present themselves with. With this however, Castro also shared that the team treats each other as equals regardless of gender.

Captain Logan Hrenenko emphasized that he tells the team to give it their all, win or lose, and hopes that his teammates are dedicated and determined to take home victory in the upcoming season and clearly his words are motivating the team. Both Liam Hassloch and Ryan Hrenenko were able to share that there is nothing more motivating than being able to wrestle in an environment with support from teammates.