SHS GIVES BACK

 SHS GIVES BACK

- SHS Student Council

12/8/2025

Sparta High School recently wrapped up a food drive that ran from November 10 through November 24, with donations collected in English classrooms, the MRC, and the School Store. A district-wide Jeans Day on November 12 helped raise awareness and encouraged even more participation, as students and staff united to support families in the community. Teachers promoted the effort throughout the building, and the school responded with generosity across the two-week drive.

The impact of the collection was significant: multiple carloads of food, hygiene products, and household essentials were delivered to the Sparta Food Pantry, helping to restock shelves during a time of increased need. This year, Dr. Galipeau’s classes stood out by contributing the largest number of donations overall. Their enthusiasm, along with the shared efforts of the entire student body and staff, made this year’s Food Drive an especially meaningful success.

School Leader Panel Engages Students in Meaningful Discussion

Panel Engages Students in Meaningful Discussion

by Grace Miller

11/25/2025

(Photos by Mrs. V Szabo and Dr, E Lazzara)

On Friday, November 21, during the Student Activity period, Sparta School District leaders joined students from Peer Development and Student Council for an engaging panel discussion. The panel featured Board of Education members Mr. Chad Wood, Vice President and Mrs. Kaitlin Gagnon, President; Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Beck; and Sparta Education Association President Mrs. Angela DeLuccia. They were welcomed by an audience of attentive and enthusiastic students.

After brief introductions, the discussion transitioned into a Q&A session led by the Executive Board of Peer Development—Ling Mei Chen, Haley DiFilippo, Mia O’Hare, Christian Layman, and Grace Miller. Their questions covered a range of topics, including school improvement, effective teaching practices, and the 2024 cell phone policy. Each panelist responded with thoughtful, candid insight, offering students a clearer understanding of the reasoning and collaboration behind district decision-making.

As the conversation progressed, the floor opened to audience questions. Inquiries from student Evelyn Andres and educator and advisor Caitlin Jozefcyzk broadened the discussion even further, prompting enthusiastic and meaningful responses from the panel.

The event concluded with applause, reflecting the students’ appreciation for the panelists’ time, guidance, and encouragement. The conversation not only provided a glimpse into the district’s vision for the future but also inspired students to remain engaged and active within the Spartan community. The afternoon proved both informative and energizing for all who attended.

Sparta High School Choirs Spread Holiday Cheer Across the Community

Sparta High School Choirs Spread Holiday Cheer Across the Community

by Emily Molbury

11/24/2025

*updated

The holiday season has arrived, and the Sparta High School choirs are excited to share music, joy, and community spirit throughout December. With several performances scheduled across the county, students have been working diligently to prepare a lineup of festive pieces they are eager to present.

Saturday. December 6  7:00–7:30 PM — German Christmas Market- The choirs will help kick off the holiday festivities at the German Christmas Market, held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. The annual event features local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment, making it a favorite seasonal destination. Attendees are encouraged to stop by and enjoy the music as the choirs officially welcome the start of the season.

Saturday, December 13  4:00 PM — Toys for Tots Performance- On December 14, choir members will perform at the Sparta Train Station in support of Toys for Tots. Community members are invited to enjoy classic holiday selections while contributing to a meaningful cause. Those who are able are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to help brighten the holiday season for children in need.

Wednesday, December 17 7:00 PM— Sparta High School Winter Choir Concert  -The month concludes with the annual Winter Choir Concert at Sparta High School. This year’s program features performances by all of the school’s talented ensembles: Honors Choir, Treble Choir, Men’s Choir, Sirens, Nightingales, and Shacapella. Under the guidance of choir director Mrs. Lopez, students have collaborated to prepare a diverse and inspiring collection of music.

This year, the concert will also support The Weekend Bag Program, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food and essential items to community members facing hardship.

The Sparta High School community is invited to attend, celebrate the hard work of its student musicians, and share in the spirit of giving this holiday season.

Sparta High Fall Sports Recap

 Sparta High Fall Sports Recap

by Alyssa Ciaburri

11/19//2025

Sparta High’s fall sports season was full of excitement, achievements, and memorable moments. Our student-athletes showed incredible skill, dedication, and school pride, making the season one to remember.

Football
The football team had an outstanding season, finishing second in the Patriot Red Division with a 4-1 league record. Their playoff run ended in a close 21-20 game against Wayne Hills, but the team’s effort and determination were inspiring. Brady Shagawat earned the Young Man of the Year award, Christian Brevig set a new school record with 959 receiving yards, and Shane Hoover threw for over 5,000 career passing yards—an incredible accomplishment.

Girls Soccer
The girls soccer team faced a competitive division all season, which prepared them perfectly for the HWS Tournament. They triumphed over Vernon 3-0 to win the championship! In the playoffs, they defeated Jefferson 4-0 and played a hard-fought 1-0 match against Pascack Valley. Riley Molbury set a school record with 598 saves, showcasing her talent and dedication.

Boys Soccer
Tim Connors celebrated his 100th career win on October 7—a remarkable milestone that reflects his skill and leadership on the field.

Girls Tennis
The girls tennis team capped off a successful season by winning the HWS Tournament, demonstrating teamwork, focus, and determination.

Volleyball
Coach J reached an impressive milestone with her 100th career win on October 9—a true testament to her leadership and commitment to Sparta High athletics.

From record-breaking performances to championship victories, Sparta High’s fall athletes and coaches showed what it means to work hard, support each other, and take pride in their accomplishments. Congratulations to everyone for a season filled with success, teamwork, and school spirit!

Sparta High School Drama Club Presents “Puffs”

 

Sparta High School Drama Club Presents “Puffs”

-Oracle Staff

11/19/2025

This week, the Sparta High School Drama Club invites students, families, and community members to step into a world of magic, laughter, and adventure with their production of Puffs. Featuring a glorious and mysterious cast of characters and wizards, this play promises fun for all ages and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of Hogwarts’ most underappreciated heroes.

Performances are scheduled for Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, at 7:00 PM, with a matinee on Sunday, November 23, at 2:00 PM. The show is a perfect opportunity to enjoy incredible performances by our talented student actors, creative set designs, and enchanting costumes.

Don’t wait—tickets are selling fast! Secure your seats online here.

All aboard for an unforgettable and magical experience!

Auditions, Applications, and All the Last Firsts

 Auditions, Applications, and All the Last Firsts

By Jenna Flake

11/18/2025

(stock photo)

As a senior, this year so far has been filled with the bittersweet awareness of all their “last firsts”—the first day of school, pep rallies, homecoming, and Friday night football games with close friends. Each experience feels a little more meaningful as they savor time with classmates they have grown up with, all while wondering where life will take them after graduation.

Alongside these moments comes the whirlwind of college applications. The stress of the Common App, recommendation letters, and endless deadlines fills the air. While the pressure is expected, many students are surprised by how different the process can be depending on a chosen major.

For students pursuing acting and music programs, the journey looks very different from most. In addition to the Common App and essays, auditions are required for every program applied to. The process often begins with prescreen video auditions, which determine whether a student is invited for an in-person audition. Senior Caiden Loyer summed it up well: “The college application process is challenging for any student, but applying for performing arts adds a whole new layer of intensity.” Balancing prescreen deadlines alongside regular early action applications is demanding, but the process teaches more than patience—it reinforces organization, communication, and self-advocacy. And it is not unique to the arts: students pursuing sports in college face similar challenges. Senior Alyssa Ciaburri noted, “What surprised me was how many coaches I had to email and reach out to.”

Many students are also surprised by how expensive the process can be. Every application, prescreen submission, and audition comes with a fee, and applying widely quickly adds up. This reality underscores how the process can be inherently inaccessible to talented students from lower-income backgrounds—a barrier that many believe needs to change.

Despite the intensity, the college application journey teaches valuable lessons about perseverance. While the experience looks different for every student, at its core it is about finding the place where they can continue growing and become the best version of themselves.

UNIFIED LUNCH

Unified Lunch Resumes at Sparta High School

By Elsa Riley

11/14/2025

Unified Lunch is returning to Sparta High School this year, offering students a welcoming and inclusive space to connect. Below is an overview of the program and recent updates.

What Is a Unified Champion School?

As a Unified Champion School (UCS), Sparta High School promotes social inclusion among students of all abilities. UCS programs aim to support three key areas:

• Inclusive Sports: Students with and without disabilities train and compete together as teammates.
  
  

• Inclusive Youth Leadership: Students take on leadership roles through UCS activities.
  
  

Whole-School Engagement: The school community participates in events that foster inclusion for everyone.

How Did Unified Lunch Begin?

Unified Lunch was introduced in 2024 after student Nick Stoddard proposed the idea as a way to strengthen inclusion at Sparta High School. The program launched during the 2024–2025 school year under the supervision of Coach Jennifer Schock. Several students contributed to the planning committee, including Jamie Brylawski, Sarah Darmiento, Zach Frisnia, Rylan Papageneres, Elsa Riley, and Nick Stoddard.

While many students enjoy spending lunch in the cafeteria, others prefer a calmer environment. Additionally, scheduling conflicts or limited space can prevent some students from joining Unified Sports. Unified Lunch serves as an alternative—a place for students to eat, play games, talk, and relax in a safe, friendly setting.

Information About Unified Lunch

Unified Lunch is open to all students on any day it is held. There are no requirements or long-term commitments—only an expectation of positivity and a shared goal of having fun.

The program has a few updates for the 2025–2026 school year. It is now supervised by Mrs. Jeanna Walsh and meets on Day 1s in Room 215. Information and updates are posted on the Google Classroom page, which can be joined using the code 7fmm33h.

Due to school policy, students leaving the cafeteria during lunch must carry a pass. For convenience, passes are posted on Google Classroom for students who miss the bell.

Unified Lunch sessions often feature themed gatherings, and student ideas are always welcome.

The next themed event—the Thanksgiving celebration—will take place on Monday, November 17. The group looks forward to welcoming all who attend.