Milestones and Momentum for Sparta Hoops

Milestones and Momentum for Sparta Hoops

by Alyssa Ciaburri

This winter has been an exciting one for Sparta basketball, with both the boys and girls teams reaching big milestones and having strong seasons on the court.

The Sparta girls basketball team, coached by Patrick McCarney, is having a great year with a 12–5 record so far. Coach McCarney recently earned his 100th career win during a game against Mount Olive, which is a huge accomplishment, especially since he is only in his second year at Sparta. His leadership has made a big difference for the team, helping players grow not just as athletes, but as teammates and leaders.

The girls will next play Kittatinny in the second round of the HWS County Tournament on Tuesday, February 3. They are currently tied with Roxbury for first place in their conference and are hoping to finish the season strong and bring home a banner.

On the boys side, senior guard Le-Shem Little also reached an impressive milestone this season. In January, he scored his 1,000th career point during a game against Chatham, hitting the mark in the second quarter. This puts him in a special group of Sparta players who have reached 1,000 points and makes his senior season even more memorable.

The boys team has faced a tough schedule but has continued to fight hard, with Little leading the way and teammates like Shane Hoover and Eric McCall stepping up in important moments. They will now face their rival, Pope John, in the first round of the HWS Tournament. The game is expected to be intense, especially after Sparta lost to Pope John by just one point last week.

With Coach McCarney’s 100th win and Le-Shem Little’s 1,000th point, this has already been a season to remember for Sparta basketball. Both teams are heading into the county tournament with confidence and the chance to make their seasons even more special. 

Sparta High Hosts NJAC Student Leadership Summit

 Sparta High Hosts NJAC Student Leadership Summit

by Grace Miller

On January 22, Sparta High School’s Student Government hosted the NJAC Student Leadership Summit, bringing together student leaders from 13 school districts in northern New Jersey for a half-day of leadership, learning and collaboration. The summit, held in the Sparta High auditorium, focused on the theme “Leaders in the Community,” offering students opportunities to develop skills they can bring back to benefit their schools and local communities.

Participating schools included Jefferson High School, Vernon High School, and others. Throughout the event, students took part in a series of interactive activities and workshops guided by Lead U, a New Jersey‑based organization dedicated to supporting student leadership through experiential learning, team‑building, and confidence‑building exercises. These sessions emphasized teamwork, inclusion, mindfulness, and effective communication which are all core components of strong community leadership.

Students were actively engaged in hands-on challenges designed to foster collaboration and personal growth, rather than passive learning. Organizers said this approach helped attendees internalize leadership principles and gain practical strategies for making a positive impact in their own school environments.

The summit was not only a platform for skill development but also a celebration of student voices and connections across districts. Leaders from Sparta High School praised the event as an empowering experience that encouraged participants to embrace leadership roles with confidence and purpose.

Culinary Club - Spreads Holiday Cheer

Culinary Cuisine Club Spreads Holiday Cheer Through Community Service

by Elizel Albuquerque

12/17/2025

This past weekend, the Sparta High School Culinary Cuisine Club put their baking skills to meaningful use by participating in a charitable collaboration with Morris County 4-H to support Nana’s Gift (NanasGiftNJ), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing holiday gifts to underserved children throughout Northern New Jersey.

Club members worked together to bake dozens of cookies, which were donated to help support Nana’s Gift and its mission of spreading joy and hope during the holiday season. The project not only showcased the students’ culinary talents, but also highlighted their commitment to service and community involvement.

The collaboration was organized by Culinary Cuisine Club members Victoria Cruz and Elizel Albuquerque, with guidance and support from advisor Jenevieve D’Amico. Their leadership helped bring together students and community partners for a cause that makes a real difference for local families.

Projects like this reflect the heart of the Culinary Cuisine Club, using food as a way to connect with others and give back. By partnering with organizations such as Morris County 4-H and Nana’s Gift, students gain valuable real-world experience while learning the importance of generosity and civic responsibility

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TRADITIONS - BEFORE THE TRADITION

 TRADITIONS BEFORE THE TRADITION

by SHS Student Council

As the holiday season approaches, Sparta High School’s Student Council is showing that leadership goes beyond the classroom. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, students joined community members at the local VFW to help with the annual holiday tree sale.

Together, volunteers unloaded hundreds of heavy, beautiful trees and created price tags to prepare for the sale. By Sunday, December 7, every tree had been sold, reflecting the hard work of the volunteers and the community’s support. After the work was done, students and community members enjoyed hot cocoa and conversation, celebrating their efforts.

In addition, Student Council members were joined by many other SHS students in supporting the Sparta Education Foundation’s Turkey Trot. Alongside the school mascot, Sparty, students helped with a variety of tasks: stuffing participant bags, assisting with the pasta dinner and providing course support. Their combined efforts demonstrate that building community relationships and serving others are essential parts of leadership.

Through these volunteer efforts, SHS students foster unity, joy, and holiday spirit that benefits the entire Sparta community.

SHS GIVES BACK

 SHS GIVES BACK

- SHS Student Council

12/8/2025

Sparta High School recently wrapped up a food drive that ran from November 10 through November 24, with donations collected in English classrooms, the MRC, and the School Store. A district-wide Jeans Day on November 12 helped raise awareness and encouraged even more participation, as students and staff united to support families in the community. Teachers promoted the effort throughout the building, and the school responded with generosity across the two-week drive.

The impact of the collection was significant: multiple carloads of food, hygiene products, and household essentials were delivered to the Sparta Food Pantry, helping to restock shelves during a time of increased need. This year, Dr. Galipeau’s classes stood out by contributing the largest number of donations overall. Their enthusiasm, along with the shared efforts of the entire student body and staff, made this year’s Food Drive an especially meaningful success.

School Leader Panel Engages Students in Meaningful Discussion

Panel Engages Students in Meaningful Discussion

by Grace Miller

11/25/2025

(Photos by Mrs. V Szabo and Dr, E Lazzara)

On Friday, November 21, during the Student Activity period, Sparta School District leaders joined students from Peer Development and Student Council for an engaging panel discussion. The panel featured Board of Education members Mr. Chad Wood, Vice President and Mrs. Kaitlin Gagnon, President; Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Beck; and Sparta Education Association President Mrs. Angela DeLuccia. They were welcomed by an audience of attentive and enthusiastic students.

After brief introductions, the discussion transitioned into a Q&A session led by the Executive Board of Peer Development—Ling Mei Chen, Haley DiFilippo, Mia O’Hare, Christian Layman, and Grace Miller. Their questions covered a range of topics, including school improvement, effective teaching practices, and the 2024 cell phone policy. Each panelist responded with thoughtful, candid insight, offering students a clearer understanding of the reasoning and collaboration behind district decision-making.

As the conversation progressed, the floor opened to audience questions. Inquiries from student Evelyn Andres and educator and advisor Caitlin Jozefcyzk broadened the discussion even further, prompting enthusiastic and meaningful responses from the panel.

The event concluded with applause, reflecting the students’ appreciation for the panelists’ time, guidance, and encouragement. The conversation not only provided a glimpse into the district’s vision for the future but also inspired students to remain engaged and active within the Spartan community. The afternoon proved both informative and energizing for all who attended.

Sparta High School Choirs Spread Holiday Cheer Across the Community

Sparta High School Choirs Spread Holiday Cheer Across the Community

by Emily Molbury

11/24/2025

*updated

The holiday season has arrived, and the Sparta High School choirs are excited to share music, joy, and community spirit throughout December. With several performances scheduled across the county, students have been working diligently to prepare a lineup of festive pieces they are eager to present.

Saturday. December 6  7:00–7:30 PM — German Christmas Market- The choirs will help kick off the holiday festivities at the German Christmas Market, held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. The annual event features local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment, making it a favorite seasonal destination. Attendees are encouraged to stop by and enjoy the music as the choirs officially welcome the start of the season.

Saturday, December 13  4:00 PM — Toys for Tots Performance- On December 14, choir members will perform at the Sparta Train Station in support of Toys for Tots. Community members are invited to enjoy classic holiday selections while contributing to a meaningful cause. Those who are able are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to help brighten the holiday season for children in need.

Wednesday, December 17 7:00 PM— Sparta High School Winter Choir Concert  -The month concludes with the annual Winter Choir Concert at Sparta High School. This year’s program features performances by all of the school’s talented ensembles: Honors Choir, Treble Choir, Men’s Choir, Sirens, Nightingales, and Shacapella. Under the guidance of choir director Mrs. Lopez, students have collaborated to prepare a diverse and inspiring collection of music.

This year, the concert will also support The Weekend Bag Program, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food and essential items to community members facing hardship.

The Sparta High School community is invited to attend, celebrate the hard work of its student musicians, and share in the spirit of giving this holiday season.