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.