Taking a Break: Bananagrams in the MRC

Taking a Break: Bananagrams in the MRC

by Hayden Denmead

9/25/2026

School days can feel long, especially by the time eighth period comes around. After classes, assignments, tests, and everything else students have going on, sometimes you just need a break.

Lately, students have been finding that break in the MRC.

During eighth period, Bananagrams has become a pretty big thing. What started as a few people playing a quick game has turned into something students look forward to. People gather around the table, grab their letters, make words, and try to be the first to use all their tiles.

And it gets competitive pretty quickly.

Mrs. Tafuri says one of the best parts is the competition. “It’s fun to compete and argue about what is a real word,” she said. Those arguments are definitely part of the game. Someone puts down a word, someone else questions it, and suddenly everyone has an opinion.

Senior Brendan Coombs enjoys the social side of the game. “It is fun to play with friends and teachers,” he said.

That's what makes it a good break during the school day. You're still thinking, but it doesn't feel like an assignment. It's also a chance to put down the Chromebook or phone, talk to people, laugh, and take your mind off schoolwork for a little while.

Taking a break during the school day is important. Sometimes a few minutes doing something different is all you need to reset and be more focused when you get back to work.

The MRC is a place to study, research, read, and get work done, but it can also be a place to take a break.

And right now, during eighth period, that break usually involves friends, teachers, letter tiles, a few arguments over whether a word actually exists, and eventually someone yelling “Peel!”

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Sparta High School Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of September 11

9/14/2026

by The Oracle Staff

On Friday, September 11, 2026, Sparta High School came together to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks through remembrance, reflection, and a powerful firsthand account of service.

The day began at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Student Council President Valerie Kopco delivered a moving statement to the Sparta High School community, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost and recognizing the extraordinary courage of the first responders, ordinary citizens, and countless others who stepped forward to help that day. The school community then observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims and their families.

The commemoration continued during lunch in the Sparta High School Library/Media Resource Center, where the Law Enforcement Club, in partnership with the Library, hosted a special viewing of a 9/11 anniversary documentary.

Librarian Mrs. Angela DeLuccia opened the program by providing students with historical context and reminding them why, 25 years later, it remains important for a new generation to learn about September 11. For today’s high school students, 9/11 is history rather than a lived memory, making firsthand accounts especially meaningful.

Following portions of the documentary, students had the opportunity to hear one of those firsthand accounts from a familiar member of the Sparta High School community.

SHS Security Guard Kevin Radday was a member of the New York City Police Department when the attacks occurred and participated in the rescue and recovery efforts that followed. Radday shared his experiences with students, providing a personal perspective on the courage, sacrifice, devastation, and humanity he witnessed during one of the most difficult moments in American history.

He also shared artifacts connected to those experiences, including items from fellow SHS Security Guard Robert Kelly, who also served with the NYPD.

The artifacts and personal stories brought history beyond the pages of a textbook or images on a screen. Students were able to hear directly from someone who answered the call to serve and to better understand the experiences of the first responders who rushed toward danger while so many others were trying to escape it.

While the program remembered the tragedy and tremendous loss of September 11, it also focused on what happened afterward.

In the days and months following the attacks, communities came together. First responders, volunteers, neighbors, strangers, and people from across the country worked side by side to rescue, recover, comfort, and rebuild. Differences seemed smaller, and helping one another became more important.

Radday ended the program by challenging students to carry that lesson forward in a simple but meaningful way: pay forward an act of kindness.

Twenty-five years later, that message remains an important part of the legacy of September 11.

For Sparta High School, the anniversary was not only an opportunity to remember a defining moment in American history, but also to remind a new generation that even in the darkest moments, courage, service, compassion, and unity can make a difference.

We remember those we lost. We honor those who served. And we carry their legacy forward through how we treat one another.

Sparta Boys Lacrosse Makes History

Sparta Boys Lacrosse Makes History as Group 2 State Champions

June 16, 2026

by- Oracle Staff

(photos courtesy of Mr. Sean Peterson)

The Sparta High School boys lacrosse team has achieved something truly special. After a season defined by hard work, determination, and teamwork, the Spartans are officially the 2026 NJSIAA Group 2 State Champions.

The championship journey began with a dominant 12–4 victory over West Morris Central in the North Jersey, Group 2 sectional final. With that win, Sparta advanced to the Group 2 State Championship game at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), where they faced Ocean City, the South Jersey Group 2 champion.

On one of the biggest stages in New Jersey high school lacrosse, the Spartans rose to the occasion. Playing with confidence, composure, and heart, Sparta defeated Ocean City 9–5 to bring home the Group 2 State Championship trophy.

The title caps an extraordinary season for the Spartans, who finished with an impressive 16–5 overall record. Along the way, the team also captured the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex (HWS) Championship, further solidifying its place among the state's elite programs.

Head Coach Sean Peterson shared his pride in the team's remarkable accomplishments, noting that their championship season was built on hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one another. He praised the players for their dedication throughout the year and for creating a season that will be remembered as one of the finest in Sparta lacrosse history. The historic championship run not only showcased the talent and determination of the team but also brought tremendous pride to the Sparta sports community, giving students, families, alumni, and fans a season to celebrate for years to come.

Throughout the season, the Spartans demonstrated the qualities that define championship teams: selflessness, resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Whether facing tough opponents, overcoming adversity, or competing in pressure-filled moments, the team consistently rose to the challenge.

As the final whistle sounded at TCNJ, the Spartans celebrated more than just a victory; they celebrated a season that will be remembered for years to come. Their accomplishments have brought tremendous pride to Sparta High School and added another remarkable chapter to the school's athletic tradition.

Congratulations to Coach Peterson, his staff, and the entire Sparta boys lacrosse team on an unforgettable season. The Spartans are HWS Champions, Group 2 State Champions, and forever a part of Sparta history.

Sparta Celebrates Rising Stars

Sparta High School Earns Rising Star Recognition

by Emily Molbury

May 15, 2026

Two graduating seniors from Sparta High School’s musical theater program, Caiden Loyer and Emily Molbury, have each earned nominations for the prestigious Rising Star Awards presented by Paper Mill Playhouse.

The Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards is an annual statewide program in New Jersey that celebrates excellence in high school musical theater. Often considered New Jersey’s equivalent of the Tony Awards, the program recognizes outstanding artistry, dedication, and collaboration in student productions. During Sparta High School’s production of Grease, judges from the Rising Star Awards panel attended performances throughout the run to evaluate and nominate standout achievements.

In the production, Caiden Loyer took on the iconic leading role of Danny Zuko, delivering a performance that earned him a nomination for Outstanding Performance in a Male-Identified Leading Role. Expressing his gratitude, Caiden said, “I am beyond honored and excited to be nominated for a Rising Star Award for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role for playing Danny Zuko in Sparta High School’s production of Grease. I am incredibly grateful for this recognition and for everyone who helped me along the way. I could not have done it without the amazing director team, as well as the endless support from my friends and family. Theater has always been such a huge passion of mine, and I’m so excited to continue that journey in the Fall of 2026 at Rider University studying Musical Theater.” 

Emily Molbury, who portrayed Rizzo in a female supporting role, received a nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance (Digital Submission). Molbury shared her excitement about the recognition, stating, “I am so extremely grateful to be nominated for this award. I never expected it, especially since this was my first year participating in the musical, but I am beyond excited. Being recognized for Grease means so much to me because the show was incredibly special, and I truly miss performing it every day. I can’t wait to attend the awards ceremony alongside so many talented nominees.”

Sparta High School is incredibly proud of Caiden and Emily for their hard work, talent, and dedication. Their nominations are a testament to their commitment and the strength of the school’s musical theater program.

​​Hoover Named Starting Quarterback for North-South Football Classic

​​Hoover Named Starting Quarterback for North-South Football Classic

By Jenna Flake

April 23, 2026

Sparta High School senior Shane Hoover has earned one of the highest honors in New Jersey high school football: selection as the starting quarterback for the 2026 North-South Football Classic.

He was selected to play in the Phil Simms North-South All-Star Football Classic, which will take place on June 20th at TCNJ. He was one of only 90 players from across the state chosen to participate in this prestigious game. From that group, just 40 athletes were selected to receive a school visit that included interviews and special recognition. During this visit, he was honored with an award from the NJ Army National Guard, recognizing his embodiment of the core values of duty, determination, and dedication.

Hoover’s selection caps off a remarkable high school career at Sparta. By the end of this season, he will graduate as the program’s all-time leader in both passing yards and touchdown passes—an achievement that reflects years of dedication, consistency, and high-level performance.

According to Coach Marchiano, “Throughout his time at Sparta High School, Hoover has been known not just for his strong arm and football IQ, but also for his poise under pressure and ability to elevate those around him.” Coaches and teammates alike have praised his work ethic and commitment to the program. Reflecting on the people who shaped his journey, Hoover expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful for the coaches, teammates and family members who helped shape me to the man I am today. In particular, I’d like to give the biggest thank you to Coach Marchiano for trusting me each Friday Night to lead the team. Week 5 of my sophomore year (first varsity start) he didn’t just hand me the position, he gave me the responsibility and a belief that I hadn’t even seen in myself at the time. That decision pushed me to grow up fast and to lead the right way. I am forever grateful for Coach Marchiano.” 

While football has been a defining part of his high school experience, Hoover’s athletic journey is far from over. Next year, he will attend Seton Hall University, where he will continue his career as a member of the baseball team.

Hoover’s accomplishments have left a lasting mark on Sparta athletics, and his selection to the North-South Football Classic serves as a fitting tribute to his hard work and success. As he prepares to take the field one final time in a Sparta uniform, the community celebrates both his achievements and the bright future ahead.

Flag Football Kickoff

Flag Football Kickoff

April 2, 2026

by The Oracle Staff/ Alyssa Ciaburri

On Wednesday, April 1, Sparta High School made history as the varsity flag football team

played in its first ever game against Pope John, and it definitely lived up to the hype.

Senior players include Alyssa Ciaburri, Alex Maresca, Millie Dobbs, Mica Azcona,

Alyssa Wainwright, Kayla Johnson, Charlotte Codjoe, Ava Barone, Samantha Vasquez,

Brielle Norris, Tegan Sherlock, and Peyton Jarvis, Leah Guilino, and Alex Radcliffe. 

From the start, both teams came out strong, bringing energy and excitement to the field.

Sparta showed great teamwork on both offense and defense, with players stepping up

in big moments and keeping the game close the entire time. The sidelines were full of

support, and the crowd created an electric atmosphere

for such an important game.

"On offense, it is a little harder to get a pass off, but on defense - we got the quarterback

as fast as we could and pulled a lot of flags." - Alyssa Ciaburri

After a competitive back and forth battle, the game ended in a tie.

While there was no official winner, it was still a huge moment for Sparta and a great

way to kick off the program’s first season. This game was about more than the score.

It marked the beginning of something new. Sparta’s varsity flag football team is

officially here, and this is just the beginning.