WINTER SPIRIT

 Winter PEP

By Meghan Smith

The class officers and student council worked really hard to arrange a wonderful and fun pep rally to get the students excited about Christmas and winter break, and to strengthen our school spirit! The pep rally started with the introduction of the student council, class officers, and the winter sports teams! This year’s winter sports teams include Bowling, Boy’s Basketball, Competition Cheer, Girl’s Basketball, Hockey, Swim, Unified Basketball, Winter Track, and Wrestling. 

After the introduction of the sports teams, there were two stellar performances before the pep games began. These performances came from the Competition Cheer Team, who showed off impressive cheers and dance routines that included flags and signs. After Competition Cheer, Shacapella, Sparta’s lead acapella choir performed 2 of their songs: All I Want for Christmas Is You, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. 

As the student council set up for the pep games, Sparty the Spartan, and class officers tossed out free Sparta T-shirts.

After the performances, and some T-shirt launching, it was finally time for the pep games. The first pep game was snowman making. Teams of four from each class were given a roll of toilet paper, and some snowman accessories, down to the carrot nose, and were given a minute to create a fantastic snowman out of one of their teammates. The winner of this specific game was the Sophomore class!

After snowman-making were the relay races. Again, in teams of four from each class, students had to run down to the other end of the gym with presents on their heads, spin around a bat 5 times, and run back to tag the next teammate. The race was eventful and exciting, with the Senior class coming in first!

The last pep game, which was a crowd favorite at the last pep rally was another success at this one- Musical Chairs. As each round progressed, students got more and more desperate, and more and more competitive. Unit the final round, four students up against one chair. As the music stopped and the students brawled over the final chair, Gavin Denmead from the Senior class, bathrobe and all, won the game to end the pep rally. 

Photos by: Nathaniel Burke, Anthony Dionisio, Madison Campisi

MUSIC EVENTS AT SHS

 Music Events to Come at SHS

By Molly Englehardt

After the band’s amazing performance at their concert last week, many people are wondering what is to come in terms of music at Sparta High School.

Most up and coming is the Choir concert. It will take place on December 14, 2022, at 7:00 pm and will consist of the Blue Nights, Freshman Select Choir, Nightingales, and Shacappella choirs. There will be a large selection of songs, all of which are contained in different ranges, with different singers, and different styles. The Orchestra will be accompanying them for a number of songs throughout the night.

After that, there is the Orchestra concert. It will be taking place on December 22, 2022, and will consist of both the Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras, as well as various smaller orchestral clubs. They will be playing a wide variety of music, from Christmas to Classical. Some songs will additionally be accompanied by the band.

The next notable musical event is the Annual Spring Musical. This year it has been revealed to be The Little Mermaid, which has received an immense positive response. The cast is full of very talented singers, dancers, and actors, and it would be a shame to miss it. The dates and events are as follows:

Senior Dinner and Performance

3/1/23 at 4:30 PM

Regular Performances

3/3/23 and 3/4/23 at 7:00 PM

3/5/23 at 2:00 PM

All performances will be held in the auditorium.

All of the students who participate in these events will display a large range of talents and masteries. All of the performers are incredibly talented individuals, and their music even more so. If any non-performing students are free on any of the given dates, we urge you to attend as a way to support your fellow students and allow them to display the time and effort that has been put in.

The Music Department thanks you!

SPECIAL EDITION-SUPPORT MODEL UN

 Support SHS Model UN

By Kelly Groome

The Model UN club at SHS is hosting a fundraiser at Bubbakoos Burritos in order to offset costs for their upcoming trip. The fundraiser will take place on Thursday, December 15th from 11 am- 9 pm where 15% of the proceeds will be given to the club. 

This year the Model UN club is headed to Washington DC for the Georgetown conference in February. There, the delegates will participate in a series of different committees and interact with students from all over the world. 

Help support the Model UN club and head to Bubbakoos Burritos on the 15th!

Don't forget the DONUTS!!!

 DECA Krispy Kreme Fundraiser

By Kelly Groome

The SHS DECA club is hosting its annual Krispy Kreme fundraiser. Today, December 9th is the last day to order your donuts so reach out to any member of the DECA club to place your order.

Each box of a dozen donuts are being sold for $10. Orders will be available to pick up on December 15th, just before the holidays. Support the Sparta DECA chapter and help offset the cost of competition field trips!

TURKEY TROT WRAP UP

 2022 Turkey Trot 

By Annika Noel

This year's successful Turkey Trot began bright and early on Thanksgiving morning. For the past 16 years, the Turkey Trot has been part of the annual festivities happening in Sparta and it is always interesting to see! 

The weather this year was gorgeous and perfect for running a 5k or cheering someone on! The event itself was made possible by the runners, the sponsors, and all the volunteers that helped organize the Turkey Trot. 

All of the proceeds made by the Turkey Trot go to the SEF (Sparta Education Foundation), which then gives money back to the Sparta school systems. Given the Turkey Trots' charitable origins, it makes perfect sense why the event takes place on Thanksgiving morning. It makes it especially nice to see Sparta students, teachers, and families participating in the Turkey Trot when the cause is to help fund education. The wonderful tradition of the Turkey Trot and the joy that people get from it makes it something everyone can be thankful for even after Thanksgiving is over.

Donations Needed!

 Blanket Donations are Needed! 

By Olivia Flanz

Key Club and National Honors Society are collecting blankets for Wish Upon a Child, a non-profit organization that provides holiday assistance to families and children experiencing financial hardship or in need of additional support. These blankets will be donated and given to kids in foster care. Last year Sparta High School was able to collect over 65 blankets! 

Blankets MUST be brand-new! If you have a blanket donation please bring it to room 415. One blanket donation will count towards one hour of community service. Since the blankets are going towards foster care, kids will be receiving them from all ages so feel free to grab any color or pattern! Donations will be open until November 30th if you are out shopping for your friends and family please think about purchasing a blanket for the donation! 

Der Weihnachtsmarkt

 Der Weihnachtsmarkt

The 2022 German Christmas Market 

By Rachael Berghahn

Get in the holiday spirit with the German Christmas Market! 

For the second year in a row, it is being held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta. There you can get some of your Christmas shopping done, browse through vendors, grab some delicious food, and enjoy the holiday spirit. 

The market is open on the following dates:

• Friday, December 2nd, 2022 from 10am-9pm

• Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 from 10am-9pm

• Sunday, December 4th, 2022 from 10am-5pm

You can also come support Sparta High School’s German Classes who will be singing at 7pm on Saturday. 

For the first time, they will also be charging admission. Kids 12 and under as well as veterans have free admission. Adults and teens are $10 at the door and $8 online through 11/27. Seniors (65 and up) are $7. 

Buy your tickets at this link to save: https://tickets.njstatefair.org/tickets. 

Don't miss out on this holiday tradition!

Warming up for Winter Sports

 SHS Winter Sports

By Charlie Diamond

Winter sports are coming up and we’re very excited for them. SHS offers the following options for students interested in winter sports: 

• Basketball

• Bowling

• Ice Hockey

• Skiing

• Swimming

• Unified Basketball

• Winter Track

• Wrestling

High school students who play sports are less likely to drop out and their participation in sports results in a higher GPA. Former student athletes tend to earn higher incomes in the future and earn up to 40% higher on test scores. (source: https://www.atyourownrisk.org/benefits-of-sports#:~:text=Youth%20sports%20helps%20young%20athletes,school%20boy%20and%20girl%20athletes)

Many athletes treat a winter sport as their main sport and many participate as a form of a conditioning activity for spring or fall sports. Each team has a booster club and all of them need your help, so when you see them selling merchandise or having fundraisers, please contribute. Most need sponsors in order to pay for pricey equipment or travel expenses. 

I selected 3 sports to write about with a special mention to Unified Basketball and their head coach, Mrs. Schock who is not only an awesome coach but who was also recently recognized as the Teacher of the Month. Mrs. Schock’s dedication to Unified Sports allows students with disabilities to seriously compete and also have lots of fun.

Basketball: Sparta basketball is a hugely popular winter sport and Sparta is really great at it! Girls’ team is coached by Mrs. Wille and the Boys’ coach is Mr. Brennan. The SHS girls team were also 2022 NJAC American Division Champions.

Skiing: The Sparta Ski Team is an alpine racing team with Coaches Calafati and Moriarty. The team is a highly competitive race team open to skiers who are at least at intermediate level. They are awesome and they are winners. Check out their website: www.spartaski.com

Winter Track: This team is led by the wonderful coach Sierra Mitchell. The events are: distance, sprint, throwing, jumps,  hurdles, and other field events. They practice in the cold but most events are held indoors.

Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean you can chill. Participate in Winter Sports and don’t lose your groove.

AP GOV Students Create Site

Check out the “Sparta Votes” Website

By Kelly Groome

While many of us may be looking forward to making fun plans or having a relaxing day at home, next Tuesday, November 8th is not just a day off of school, but rather a vitally important day for the future of our country, county, and town. November 8th holds elections for the Congressional race, County Sheriff race, Sussex County Commissioner, Sparta Board of Education, and Sparta Town Council. 

To help us navigate through the numerous candidates and platforms being presented to us this election season, students enrolled in AP Government and Politics here at SHS recently created the “Sparta Votes'' website. The two class periods collaborated with one another to put together an easily accessible and maneuverable platform for any information regarding next Tuesday's elections. 

The project was brought to fruition by AP Government and Politics teacher Ms. Jozefczyk, who created a similar website during the 2020 presidential election. 

Due to all the positive feedback from 2020’s website, Jozefczyk said, “I knew that I wanted to replicate that type of project again this year to engage the students in the election process. This year I felt that creating an informational website would be beneficial since there were so many candidates running in the various races: and it would be a great way for the students to become knowledgeable on the positions within the local government, and the importance of all of these races.”

Within the website, accessible through Sparta.org, you will find information regarding each and every aspect of the election, where it is likely that all your questions will be answered.

First, you will find a General Information tab that details when to vote, how to vote, where to vote, different political parties, etc. Under the Congressional Race tab, you will find information regarding the candidates Tom Kean and Tom Malinowski, along with links to their campaign platforms. The County Races tab holds everything you need to know about the County Sheriff election as well as the Sussex County Commissioner election. Lastly, under town races, the Sparta Board of Education and Town Council candidates are listed along with their platforms. 

SHS'S OWN---- LIFEBOAT

An Interview with LifeBoat Band
By Charlie Diamond
If you’re as enthusiastic about music as I am, then you love it when somebody you know starts making music professionally. At our very own high school, a wicked rock band named Lifeboat was formed. In celebration of their first single, “Chasing After You”, I spoke with a few of the members to hear their story.
Interviewer: What are your names and the instruments you play?
“I’m Remi, and I play bass.”
“I’m Anthony, and I play lead guitar and vocals.”
“I’m Sawyer and I play piano.”
Anthony: 
“There’s also Abby who sings and plays rhythm guitar and Ryan who plays drums, but they’re not here.”
Interviewer: How did Lifeboat get started?
Remi:
“So it was me, Anthony, Ryan, and two of our other friends used to be in a different band, but that band ended up falling apart. After that me, Anthony, and Ryan would always jam together, and then Sawyer would play with us. After meeting Abby, We wrote a couple of songs together and we decided to make this a real thing.”
Sawyer:
“I think it was that one gig we played at a party. We were talking to this girl and were asked if we wanted to play a party and it was a ton of fun and that’s when we came up with a name.”
Interviewer: What would you say your musical inspirations are?
Remi:
“Me and Anthony have a lot of the same ones. We don’t really have a defined genre or sound. For the most part, our music is just supposed to be chill. I’d say Joe P, Lany, Surfaces, and more recently for me would be Forest Nolan and random producers on TikTok.”
Anthony:
“For me it depends. I mean I've been big into Joe P lately. For ``Chasing After You, a big one was Jeff Buckley and Coldplay.”
Sawyer:
“Yep.”
Interviewer: What was the writing process for Chasing After You?
Anthony:
“I was laying in bed one night at 11:00 pm and I came up with the idea for the guitar melody and then wrote the lyrics for it. I presented it to the band and they wrote their own parts, and the rest is history.”
Interviewer: What’s next for you guys as far as shows or new music?
Remi:
“I’d say next, we’ll start exploring the dissent multi-dimensional death jazz.”
Anthony:
“It’s a real thing. Look it up.”
Sawyer:
“It’s not even considered a musical genre. It’s just a lifestyle. Kinda like a cult of some sort.”
Anthony:
“On a real note, we hope to put out a lot of new music, hopefully soonish.”
Interviewer: If you guys could open up for any band in the world, what would it be?
Sawyer:
“What if we just opened up for an extremely heavy metal band with our music?”
Anthony:
“Yeah! We could open up for Exodus. I’d open for Joe P just because I love his music so much. There are so many older bands too like Led Zeppelin or Elvis.”
Interviewer: Is there anything else you would like to say to the camera?
Anthony: 
“Go stream our new single ‘Chasing After You’ available on all platforms.”

THE MAGIC OF BACK STAGE!

 A Look Inside the Tech Crew at SHS

By Lily Hoffman

While most people are focused on the magic on the stage, few stop to consider the great amount of effort it takes to run the play backstage. In every musical and play that Sparta has put on, there is a group of students backstage that take care of all the things actors shouldn’t have to worry about. This stage crew helps change scenes, cue actors, handle props, lighting, sound, and much more. I had the opportunity to sit down with Annika Noel, the stage manager for Sparta High Schools Production of the Crucible, and Kimberley Bellamy, the head set designer. 

Annika Noel Interview: 

Interviewer: 

How long have you been doing Tech for the Sparta High School dramas?  

Answer: 

“Every production since fall freshman year except for the virtual one which didn’t have tech”

Interviewer: 

What is your favorite part of doing tech? 

Answer: 

“I like everything about it! It feels really good to have accomplished something seeing the show be completed, especially for a play the setting and props can really bring it together in a way not quite as obvious in musicals; it’s also really relaxing to do something so different from what I normally do in school all day and I also find doing painting and making things for sets and props really relaxing. Also, the people are amazing I’ve made some really good friends doing shows and it’s always full of great memories”

Interviewer:

Do you have a favorite tech memory from the shows you have done so far?

Answer: 

“I can’t think of just one, we do a lot of stuff and there’s lots of great things, I can give you a couple of short ones. Freshman year all the tech kids also had fun trying to see how many of us could sit on one of the prop chairs at one time, we got like 7 up there. Last year, me and Paige basically chilled on that same prop chair between doing movements and played the wordle the whole time. That was really fun too even though she was constantly insisting the words I was typing weren’t real. “

Interviewer: 

What is the most difficult part of working for tech? 

Answer: 

“The hours can be kinda rough sometimes because it takes a lot of time to do certain things like painting.”

Interviewer: 

What would you say to a student thinking of joining tech in the future?

Answer: 

“Do it! It’s so much fun and you’ll have so many great experiences and meet so many people! It’s also fairly low commitment in the beginning so you can come to a rehearsal and see if it’s for you or not, but honestly, once people come to a meeting they usually keep coming. It’s a really great way to help make an amazing show while having fun and learning new things. I couldn't recommend it more.”

Kimberley Bellamy Interview: 

Interviewer: 

How many years of tech have you done?

Answer: 

“I’ve done it since freshman year- I did 39 Steps then Middletown and Is He Dead in 11th grade and now I’m doing both productions this year!”

Interviewer: 

What is your role in these shows? 

Answer: 

“I started out doing costumes for 39 but saw Luca and some others painting and decided to help them out after I finished my jobs as assistant costume designer- I really liked it so I came back once productions started back up I’m now headset design for both of this year's shows!”

Interviewer:

What is your favorite part of doing tech?

Answer: 

“I love all of it! I like being able to talk to the other tech kids and see how the actors progress without the stress of it- I love being able to create and paint the backgrounds of the scenes with others.”

Interviewer:

Do you have a favorite tech memory from the shows you have done so far?

Answer:

“Sitting in the plenum watching the shows is always fun- I remember having to sit in one of the plenums with another tech person with a life size stuffed dummy of one of the actors just waiting to set him, we even named him!”

Interviewer:

What is the most difficult part of working for tech? 

Answer:

“Scheduling- it’s a lot of work but it’s worth it!”

Interviewer: 

What would you say to a student thinking of joining tech in the future? 

Answer:

“Do it! It’s a really great atmosphere and everyone’s very friendly! Even if you don’t know anything about tech there’s so many different parts that there’s probably something you’d love- even if you don’t keep with it it’s good to get the experience than regret not having tried it!”

Thank you to Annika Noel and Kimberly Bellamy for participating in this interview! 

WHAT WILL YOU BE FOR HALLOWEEN?

 SHS Halloween Costumes 2022 

By Charlie Diamond

What’s hot in the Halloween costume category in the US and here, at the SHS?

Google Trends released its 2022 FrightGeist, which is a list of the top Google searched costumes.

The top 10 Halloween costumes of 2022 are mostly inspired by popular films and shows.

1. Witch

2. Spider-Man

3. Dinosaur

4. "Stranger Things"

5. Fairy

6. Pirate

7. Rabbit

8. Cheerleader

9. Cowboy

10. Harley Quinn

Variety magazine predicts that Eddie from Stranger Things will be the top 2022 costume.

What will Sparta be for Halloween? Let’s find out!

Collin: A professional athlete. And I have a jersey with a tie and glasses. My inspiration was my hero, Jeff McNeil.

Alek: A business goat. It’s a costume with a business suit and a goat mask. I wore similar costumes before. And goats are cool!

Ava: A pirate! I love the Pirates of the Caribbean. This is probably the last time I get to dress up for school so I wanted to do something I always wanted to do.

Jack: Skinny Pete from Breaking Bad. I’m dressing up with some friends as other characters in the show. I love the show.

Olivia: I’m probably going to wear a onesie because it’s easy and comfy.

Adam: I got a giant monkey costume. Monkeys are my favorite animal so I knew I had to get it when I saw it.

Grace: Belle the Disney princess. There is no specific reason that I wanted to do this costume. I was at first going to be a superhero but being a princess was just easier. My friends and I are going as a group of princesses.

Noah: Going as Connor from Detroit: Become Human.

We hope to see a lot of fun and creative Halloween costumes this year. Happy Halloween!

 

 

 

 

 

WE'VE GOT SPIRIT!!!!

 SHS Students Going Above and Beyond for Spirit Week

By Kelly Groome

Whether it be utilizing a kayak as an alternative to a backpack or wearing a white lie shirt with the words, “I'm not a cougar,” SHS students have certainly gone above and beyond for the annual Spirit Week. 

On Monday, students were tasked with wearing mismatched clothing (for some this wasn't too hard a task). The next day was “Tell a Lie Tuesday” in which students wrote a variety of lies on white t-shirts. 

On Wednesday students wore pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and Thursday was the ever-popular “anything but a backpack day.” Some notable ways students carried or rather attempted to carry their school supplies included a garbage bag, shopping cart, and even a mattress. 

Each day, homeroom teachers have been tallying the number of participants within their class. The winning homeroom displaying the most spirit will be awarded a free bagel breakfast!

On Friday, Spirit Week will end with a Pep rally, where attendees will watch their peers compete against one another in tug-a-war, musical dots, and more. 

Also, don't forget to vote for homecoming royalty, by Friday at 12 pm! The top two seniors will be named Royal Spartans at the dance on Saturday. 

 

Below are some additional pictures of SHS students celebrating spirit week:

THIS IS HALLOWEEN! Best Films to Watch!

 Ten Best Movies for Halloween

By Charlie Diamond

Happy October SHS! There are a lot of things to be excited for around this time of year, especially with Halloween approaching. Going to parties, haunted houses, dressing up like a monster or as your favorite TV character, and of course, watching spooky movies. Halloween and horror films have become such a staple for October, that I decided to compile a list of some of my favorite Halloween movies for you to watch this year. 

I’m not listing them in order nor preference; just a random assortment of movies I have personally experienced.

Halloween (1978): Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the movie literally called Halloween. Created by the legendary John Carpenter, this movie is an absolute classic and an essential among horror movies and slashers. 

The Shining (1980): A Stephen King classic, The Shining is arguably one of the most influential films of the horror genre. Unlike your typical horror movie with an obvious antagonist, what makes the Shining so scary is the imagery used and Jack’s transformation. Nicholson’s performance is amazing and he makes the movie out to be one of the scariest features ever.

A Quiet Place (2018): John Krasinski’s concept film, A Quiet Place, shows the story of a post-apocalyptic world run by creatures that attack anything that makes any sound. What this movie did was very bold. It took out all the cliches associated with many horror movies and introduced an idea that was very new. 

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996): This movie is a great collaboration of two mega filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino (writer) and Robert Rodriguez (director). The movie features George Clooney and Tarantino as two evil gangsters who marvel in bloodbath, cursing, and delusion. Once the two wanted individuals cross the border to Mexico, evil vampires have brutal fun with human visitors.

Ghostbusters (1984): A classic comedy that makes ghosts seem like cute pets. It’s a great horror parody with awesome humor and some 80’s megastars, such as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroys, and Sigourney Weaver. It’s a must-watch for any fan of film.

The Thing (1982): The Thing was a movie that focused on the paranoia aspect of horror. It shows a group of scientists in Antarctica with an alien that can take the form of anyone. Nobody knows who is who, not even themselves. What makes this movie scary is not the monster, but the mystery and lack of trust.

The Blair Witch Project (1999): A bit of an oddball, The Blair Witch Project shows 3 film students getting lost in the woods while filming for a documentary. In the following week, the crew encounters paranormal activity that progressively gets worse. This film was very ahead of its time because of how it was marketed. The concept was that the entire movie was found footage of the student's experience, making it feel very real.

Psycho (1960): Perhaps one the most influential horror movies, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is as classic as it gets. An absolute icon of a movie. The plot is relatively simple, but what makes this movie so chilling comes from the imagery and the uneasy atmosphere of the motel.

The Ring (2002): Based on a Japanese horror movie, The Ring is about an urban legend that if you watch a videotape, you will have 7 days to live. Nobody believes it until 4 teens watch it and die a week later, so news reporter Rachel Keller decides to watch it herself.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991): The Silence of the Lambs is a chilling story that is powered by Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter. When detective in training Clarice Starling talks to Dr. Lecter to gather information for a case, she is mentally tortured by him. Dr. Lecter is an intelligent and sophisticated sociopath and has no remorse, which is what makes his presence so terrifying.