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.

Mr. Anderson- One of SHS's newest faculty

 Getting to Know Sparta's Newest Teacher: Mr. Anderson

By Kelly Groome

For the 2022 school year, Sparta High School welcomes the new marketing teacher, Mr. Anderson. Anderson will fill the position vacated by Mr. Mefford last year, taking on the Marketing and Management course, Marketing Applications course, and Advanced Marketing courses. Below is an interview with Anderson conducted on 9/29. He tells of his experience within the marketing field, his aspirations for the DECA chapter, and more!

Interviewer:

What is your background experience within the marketing field?

"I traditionally was in the banking sector in mortgages and eventually into commercial banking. Following that, I worked odd jobs just to put food on the table. I worked for Centenary University getting my MBA, helping in their marketing department and tutoring students."

Anderson continued by mentioning that he also helped his brother-in-law with his paving business. While physically assisting him with paving driveways, he was simultaneously working on marketing the business, getting it to flourish in the Vernon area. Following this job, he became a marketing teacher at the Sussex County Technical school for 11 years. Overall, Anderson has had sixteen years of experience within the marketing field. 

Interviewer:

What attracted you to a position at Sparta?

"What ultimately attracted me to this particular position at Sparta was when my family and I moved from Vernon to Sparta. We were looking for a better opportunity for our kids to be in a school district we believed in, that had the vision for growth and were investing in their programs."

Anderson further said that Sparta had a "sense of community" that he believed was lacking in his former town of Vernon. 

"I couldn't think of a better place to be a part of when the teaching opportunity came about than to be in the very district my kids were in and in a teaching capacity."

Interviewer: 

How has your experience been at Sparta so far?

"The experience has been exciting, exhilarating, and different. It's a much larger school district than where I came from."

He mentioned that he's still "getting the lay of the land” considering the expansive size of Sparta High School’s student body. 

With a total student population of over 1,000 students, Sparta High School is significantly more populated than Sussex County Technical school, which consists of a little over 700 students.

"It's a little overwhelming right out of the gate but I'm up for the challenge and to make my mark on the school and do right by my students."

Interviewer: 

Are you going to be involved in the DECA program this year?

"Yes, when it comes to the DECA program, I would love to be as involved as I possibly can be as long as my schedule permits. Whether that be going on field trips, helping the students prepare for the different DECA competitions, role plays, testing they have to take, different online simulations out there, or the fundraising DECA does, I want to try to be as involved as I possibly can. I didn't have DECA at my previous school, and I know that this school prides itself on the DECA program, and I would like to see it continue to flourish." 

Interviewer: 

What do you like to do in your spare time when you're not here teaching?

"When I'm not here teaching at Sparta, my life is pretty occupied. It revolves around my children. I have four children of my own, a twelve-year-old, a ten-year-old, a seven-year-old, and a one-year-old baby. I'm spread pretty thin after school with taking my kids to their different activities and if I'm not coaching one of my kid's sports, I like to do the announcing for the Sparta Football team and announce for the Lake Mohawk Swim Team. In addition, I podcast as a hobby so I'm well prepared to be the announcer for the swim team and football team.”

Editor's Note: Thank you to Mr. Anderson for participating in this interview! We look forward to seeing all that he has to offer for Sparta High School's marketing department. 

HOMECOMING COMING SOON!

 Get Ready for the Week of Homecoming! 

By Olivia Flanz 

With the start of October, also comes the preparations for Sparta’s Homecoming festivities! 

Spirit Week will  start on Monday, October 17th- details will follow soon from the Student Council. Be sure to check your email and the Student Council Instagram for more information @spartahsstudentcouncil in the incoming week.

And who can forget about the Homecoming football game? On Friday, October 21st, our varsity football team will be playing against Newton. This game will be one of the last home games and will take place the day before Homecoming. The game will start at 7:00 pm, as usual. Keep your eyes open for the student section theme! 

The Homecoming Dance will take place at Sparta High School on the 22nd! Tickets are $15 or $10 with 5 non-perishable food items to be donated to the Sparta Food Pantry.

Stay tuned for more information!