Sparta Seniors Host 9th Annual SafeStock

Written by: Elise Kerim 

   In an effort to promote positive school culture, Sparta High School hosted SafeStock, an annual outdoor event to allow for students to unwind and relax. SafeStock took place just as Advanced Placement exams were completed on the Friday before Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer.

   Seniors from the extracurricular club Find The Courage host SafeStock each year, with the assistance of advisor Ms. Lynn D'Amelio. Find The Courage is an anti-bullying club for seniors who have proven themselves as leaders in the school community. Students attended SafeStock during their gym periods.

   There were events for every type of student, ranging from sole relaxation to competitive events. Evan Roque, Alex Hofgesang, and Thomas Blake played music outdoors all day, showcasting their musical talent with Roque on vocals, Hofgesang and Blake playing guitar.

   Students were able to play volleyball, spike ball, Bean Bag Buckets, parachute, and tennis. There was a station set up with tents and yoga mats for students who wanted to simply relax. Additionally, there was a dunk tank and a makeshift slip and slide set up to combat the heat. Members of both the Sparta and NJ State Police Department donated their time and set up fatal vision goggles. At one station, students sixteen and older could attempt to drive a golf cart with the goggles on, and another trying to walk in a straight line and perform a variety of field tests.

   There was a friendly competition to see who could hit the longest drive in golf. Senior James Lynch swung the furthest and as a result received a Dunkin' Donuts gift card.

   Sparta High School's SRO and SAC coordinated for bagels to be offered to students during the morning periods and burgers and hot dogs were grilled by generous members of the Sparta VFW in the afternoon.

Special thanks to:
- Volunteers from the Sparta VFW for giving their time and providing food
- Stop and Shop for their donation of $1,000 worth of water
- Adam's Bagels (Jefferson, NJ)
- La Vanta Bagel
- Sparta Fraternal Order of Police for their time
- Members of NJ State Police for their time and assistance in setup

Please click here to view photos from SafeStock.