Students Perform In Sparta High School Concert

Written by: Noelle Hanek

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Sparta High School hosted a concert featuring students from all grade levels with all different talents. The majority of the proceeds went towards student Melanie DiDomizio, who is currently battling cancer. At the event the students were able to show off their incredible musical talent while expressing their support for Mel. The first performance was a freshmen band called In Step, who played “Let it Be” by the Beatles and “Summer of '69” by Bryan Adams. 

Freshmen band "In Step"

The next performance was solo singer Tessa Gori, followed by Night by the Streetlight, a band who performed a variety of songs including “Blitzkrieg Bop” and “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran. The final band consisted of Tessa Gori, Liv Winslow, and Rachel Young, who performed “Let It Be” and “Hallelujah.”

"Night by The Streetlight" shines onstage.

The final performance was by Dollerie, student Evan Muse, who performed his rap songs. He rapped a variety of his own music and did an excellent job. Towards the end of the event he hinted there might be another show in the spring, and encouraged more people to attend! 

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Get Ready for December Spirit Week!

Written by: Emma Sears

A shift to colder temperatures and the possibility of impending snow can only mean one thing: it’s time for Winterfest at Sparta High School! In order to hype the Spartans for this electrifying event, a School Spirit Week will begin on Monday, December 2. 

The first day of Spirit Week none other than Meme Monday. From the hilarious videos of former Vine stars to the current frenzy of TikTok fame, there’s no doubt that Meme Monday will be the most amusing day of the week. 

December 3 is Twin Tuesday. Choose a partner and sync up your looks in order to blow everyone else away! 

Next is Gym Warrior Day. Whether you enjoy running or lifting weights, be sure to show off your fiercest gym warrior outfit on Wednesday! 

Thursday is Ugly Sweater Day: pull out your most hideous and outrageous holiday sweater and express your excitement for the upcoming holiday season at SHS! 

The week finishes with Sparta Spirit. Wear anything Spartan-themed, supporting your favorite sports teams or clubs. The day will finish off with volleyball games, a musical performance and much more at Winterfest! We hope to see you all out there showing your spirit this week! 

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10 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving

Written by: Emily Opresnick

Millions of Americans celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 28. Here are ten interesting facts about Turkey Day that you may not have known! 

1. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days. 

2. There are about 8.1 billion calories consumed by Americans on Thanksgiving every year.

3. Around 46 million turkeys are cooked for Thanksgiving. 

4. 3 times as many cooking fires happen on Thanksgiving as on a normal day. 

5. Around 50 million pumpkin pies are eaten on Thanksgiving.

6. It is estimated that around $552 million dollars are spent on Thanksgiving turkeys each year. 

7. The most expensive Thanksgiving dinner was at the Old Homestead Steakhouse in Manhattan, New York. The dinner cost $150,000, and it fed 12 people.

8. In 2018, $3.7 billion were spent by Americans online shopping on Thanksgiving day. 

9. Around 54.3 million Americans travel on Thanksgiving.

10. The turkeys pardoned by the president in 2005 and 2009 went to Disney World to star in their Thanksgiving parades. The ones from 2010-2013 went to live at George Washington's Estate in Mount Vernon. 

The Oracle wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Facts collected from: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/608686/thanksgiving-facts-infographic https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/thanksgiving-ideas/a35457/thanksgiving-trivia/

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SHS Hosts Veteran's Panel

Written by: Emma McNamara 

Last Tuesday, a veterans panel was held in the SHS Media Center, open for staff and students to attend and ask questions. The veterans consisted of Al Boonstra, Jack Tripp, Tony Gallapo, Charlie Culver, Pete Litchfield, George Cutillo, Susan Foy, Charlie Rogoff, Ron Prout, George Cutillo, Jesse Oliver. A few names may sound familiar, being that there are connections (in friends and family) to the students and staff.

The veterans each had a chance to speak about their experiences, whether in service, in training, or life before and after their military involvement. Some stated that they were taught direction and gained a sense of duty to honor their country. Mr. Cutillo mentioned the life lesson he gained from his service, that he is not the center of the universe. He put into words that he learned to be "a team player, a team member... every spoke in the wheel makes the wheel turn properly."

 Many of the veterans emphasized how their choice to serve the country was not only a worthwhile ordeal but that they would "do it again in a second." Their inspiring words and stories taught the audience much about the armed forces. While some students may be considering joining in the future, and some may not, everyone could have walked away with some new piece of knowledge. "Being able to hear all of those incredible stories was truly surreal," Senior Zander Papandrikos exclaimed, "...It's like Ms. Deluccia said, it's living history."

The veteran's panel was a great idea for information to be exchanged from a few veterans SHS appreciates profoundly. They agree they're "a group, we bond, we have this in common." Hopefully all people who joined the panel discussion were impacted in some way or another from the vet's thoughtful and moving words.

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Class of 2023 STEM Induction

Written by: Lauren Groff

On Tuesday evening, friends, family, and administrators alike gathered in Sparta High School’s auditorium for the induction of Sparta High School’s STEM Academy Class of 2023. The STEM program (an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math,) offers a wider range of classes for students in the program including Honors Medical Interventions, Honors Human Body Systems, and Honors Computer Science, to name a few course offerings. “I think STEM Academy is a great opportunity for students with a focused interest in STEM.” said SHS Principal, Mr. Ron Spring. “These are students who I know in the next four years are going to contribute so much to Sparta High School.”

The white coat ceremony featured graduating STEM seniors Anna Tartaglia and Dave Rubin to welcome the program, with Rubin as the Keynote Speaker. “I’m really excited to see what they’re going to do not just here, but after high school and in all of their accomplishments going forward” noted Spring.

 SHS STEM Academy Class of 2023 (left) and Class of 2020 (right)

Students proceed into the auditorium and onto the stage

SHS STEM Academy Class of 2023 Inductees

Maia Albuquerque

Jonathan Byrnes

Samantha Di Santi

Elizabeth Enriquez

Shannon Furgeson

Sebastian Gomez

Jack Hill

Julia Juan

Daniel Maher

Ryan McEllen

Edward Sandgran

Thomas Schottland

Isabella Sportelli

Claie Xue

           Congratulations to all graduating members and new inductees of SHS STEM Academy!

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Movies To Look Forward To

Written by: Emily Fitzgerald 

2019 has been a great year for movies so far, but the year is not over yet! Here are three that you should definitely look forward to. 

1. Frozen 2 

Disney has finally decided to make a sequel for their modern animated classic, Frozen, and the teasers do not disappoint! In this movie, the beloved Frozen characters leave Arendelle to go to an enchanted autumnal forest. Frozen 2 is coming out on Nov. 22. 

Source: New York Times

2. Cats 

Based on the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cats has been adapted into a movie. This film is about cats presenting themselves in front of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles to see who will go to heaven. This star-studded cast includes James Cordon, Idris Elba, Rebel Wilson, and Taylor Swift. Want a sneak peek of the music in the film? A new song called "Beautiful Ghosts" released on Nov. 15.

 

Source: Amazon

3. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Releasing simultaneously with Cats, The Rise of Skywalker is the final movie of the Star Wars trilogy. This film is directed by JJ Abrams, and stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Adam Driver. Star Wars fan or not, this film is bound to be spectacular. Don't fret-- this isn't the last you'll see of the Star Wars universe. Disney is developing new content in their new show, The Mandalorian.

Source: Box Office Pro

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Special Olympics Held Another Successful Vendor Fair and Craft Show

Written by: Sawsan Srour 

On Nov. 2, the Sparta Special Olympics Club held its second successful and memorable Vendor Fair and Craft show. It was located in the Sparta High School cafeteria and consisted of a wide range of vendors offering a variety of products. Those fundraising for the cause included but were not limited to are the Bulldog Kissing Booth, face painting with Mrs. Mase and the National Art Society, a Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elf station and area 3 special Olympics group.


Source: Jordan Bucenec

Coaches Mrs. Schock and Mrs. Johnson expressed gratitude in regards to the success of the event: “It was a huge success and so many volunteers gave their time to sell food (donated by many generous bakeries and pizzerias), welcome community members, and talk about our awesome club.”

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The Truth About TikTok Fame

Written by: Liv Canova

TikTok– the app that started out as a joke now has millions of people obsessed with creating and watching content.

Teens have become sensations with their 15-60 second videos about anything and everything and some of those sensations are right here at Sparta High School.

Sophomore Evan Oleinyk, better known as @grannysdillpickle to his 16.3K followers, is one of the many who have found fame on the app by making funny content. With his most viewed video at 71.1K views, Oleinyk has definitely gained some clout and had meaningful thoughts about the app and his fame. 

How does TikTok affect your life in and out of school?

“Sometimes I'll get noticed around town. Sometimes in school I have people coming up to me, but it's usually people asking, ‘Do you want to make a TikTok?' It's miniscule things like that, coming from people I don't usually talk to.”

What does TikTok mean to you?

“It's just an app to have fun and be yourself. There are so many different people making so many different jokes and it's just another way to connect people.”

Do you enjoy the attention?

“I like the attention. I feel like everyone likes the attention. You always want to be known for something funny.”

What's one thing you don’t like about being TikTok famous?

“It can be annoying sometimes because some people just really don’t know their limits. I had this one kid be genuinely mad at me because I didn’t make a TikTok with him when he asked. It's weird what people will do for attention and fame, even if it is small fame. Sometimes people just want to have TikToks made because they think it’ll get them money, not because they wanna be my friend.”

Do you think it will last?

“TikTok has fifteen second videos, that's how long the fame is going to last.”

If you have a TikTok, make sure to check out @spartythespartan and support the school’s mascot! And go check out the pages of the other famous TikTokers from our school! 

Source: TikTok

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Sparta Wins Big On Senior Night

Written by: Eric Dau

Sparta Football's Senior Night rolled around on Nov.1 and the Spartans didn't disappoint. Fans were ecstatic when Sparta defeated Morris Hills High with no issues. Final score-- 28-0.

Everybody did their part for Friday night's win, and it started with the man running the show. Quarterback Austin Frattura completed 21 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Austin Castorina also had a big game as he rushed for over 100 yards and scored a touchdown. Brendan Cina was Austin's main target. He caught the ball seven times and crossed the end zone twice. 

Don't count out the defense-- they certainly played their part. Sparta's secondary held Morris Hills to no points and intercepted the ball twice, creating havoc through the night. Both interceptions were made by Junior James Maloney. Senior Sam Bushey had a great game with nine tackles as well Joe Batton with a sack and eight tackles. Sophomore Parker Williamson also had a sack with six tackles and recovered a fumble.  

The Spartans looked strong on Friday night, but there is more in store for them. Sparta will most likely end up the one seed in the playoff bracket, so that means more football ahead and more competitive atmospheres every single time they take the field. Sparta finished the regular season with a record of 8-1. They cruised the entire season, beating almost every team they faced by 20 points or more. Their only loss was the first game of the season against Ramapo.

The fanbase will have to keep supporting our Spartans every game to keep striding. Go Spartans!

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Sparta Ice Hockey Players Selected to Attend New Jersey Devils Captain's Night

Written by: Noelle Hanek

On Friday, Oct. 25, the New Jersey Devils hosted the 14th Annual Captain’s Night at the Prudential Center during the Devils vs. Coyotes NHL game­­­.  The two Senior Captains who had the honor of representing our high school were Alex Cohen and Logan Hanek, both outstanding and dedicated players.  This exciting event celebrated the kick-off of the 2019-2020 NJSIAA high school season. 

The captains were invited to spend some time with Devils’ alumnus Grant Marshall and Kenny Daneyko who spoke about the great responsibilities of being a team captain-- being a leader and showing strong character to set a positive example for the team.  Then, the captains went onto the ice during the first intermission to be celebrated and to kick off the high school season.  This was the most exciting part of the night with lights flashing, music playing and the crowd cheering to celebrate the captains.  To finish off the night, the young captains enjoyed watching the remainder of the Devils vs. Arizona Coyotes game. In March, the high school ice hockey state championship will be held in the same spot.  



A select group of Northern New Jersey Ice Hockey Captains lines up for a photo.

Source: Hockey Clan