Interesting Finals

by Tesia Moore

Check out our first audio report!

http://vimeo.com/8261208

Winter Sports Project

Every winter Jamie Adams had her students do a winter sports project in the class Sports and Entertainment Marketing. This winter she continues the project and still has the same plans for this project. The students try to complete this project by splitting up into even groups. Then they will come up with an event for a certain sport and try to make it happen. They will make it happen by calling up business' and meet with the owners to get them to sponsor the event.

When Adams was asked how this project can benefit the students she replied, "It can benefit students by learning to communicate and sell, it helps you set up events and that will help you a lot later on in life because you will have to set up events, and hopefully it can increase attendance for the game".

The main focus of the project is to increase the attendance for the sports event. If that happens it can benefit so many different things. It can benefit the business' that sponsored the event, the school, and also expose the sports out to the public which could increase the attendance for other games too.

Rodney Tello was asked what he thinks of the project he answered,"I think it is okay because it is such a great experience to learn of how to set up events and other things".

Many students and Adams are excited to see of how this project ends. If it is successful or unsuccessful it would be a great experience for the students to have either way.

Academic Decathlon

Academic Decathlon

Sparta High School's Academic Decathlon has been training hard for their upcoming regional competition at UW-Stevens Point. The regionals will take place on Friday, January 8th. "The students will be preparing for a planned speech and impromptu speech, interview and the multiple choice questions," Lori Hagen, Sparta's Academic Decathlon team advisor, said. "Students are tested in ten categories: Art, Economics, Essay, Interview, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Science, and Speech." According to United States Academic Decathlon website (USAD.org)

Sparta High School's team members are Kristin Barclay, Elliot Quast, Kaitlyn Quade, Davis Pratt, CJ Anderson, Sarah Rodgers, Skye Wikkerink, Alexa Thesing, Brittany Anderson, and Katelynn Bollig. Hagen said, "We meet twice a week at 6:30 am to prepare for the competition, which means we practice interviews and speech, create questions for one another, review online and read together."

The Academic Decathlon is competition that is based out of High Schools in the United States, and school teams compete against each other.Sparta's team has 12 students, three of which are Honor students who need a GPA of 4.00 to 3.750. Then there are three Scholastic with the GPA falling around 3.00 to 3.749, and then there are the three varsity students who have a GPA between 0.00 to 2.9999. The other three students are alternates. CJ Anderson, a varsity student in the Decathlon, said, "The Academic Decathlon is a group that reads and studies a topic, learns about it, and has competitions against the topic." Each year they learn a new topic to compete on, this year is the French Revolution. The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens was also read and studied upon for the competitions.

Academic Decathlon is not just to increase your knowledge on certain subjects but to carry on your learned information and new people skills when in college and getting a job. "The mission of the United States Academic Decathlon is to promote learning and academic excellence among students of varying achievement levels by developing and providing multidisciplinary academic competitions using USAD-based curricula." stated USAD.org. The Academic Decathlon at Sparta High School has done many things for the students in the group. Stated Anderson, "It is a very good program, and it looks great on college applications."

Deer Gun Hunting

Deer Gun Hunting

It’s that time of year again were the hunters get to show their skills of getting a big buck. Deer Gun hunting starts at sunrise Saturday the 11th till sunset Sunday the 29th. In the throughout the middle of Wisconsin the deer management is heard control that means you don’t have any regulations on what sex of deer you shoot. The southern part of Wisconsin is earn-a-buck that means you must shoot a doe before you shoot a buck, and in northern Wisconsin it is the regular unit which means you have a limited number of anterless deer tags. “This year is my first year going hunting and I’m excited to see if I get one” said Abby Lund a senior at UWL.
Wisconsin is nationally known for its great deer hunting season but you can also hunt other animals like raccoon, bear, squirrel, and fox. You can also hunt deer in two other different ways, bow, which is Sept. 12 – Nov. 19 and Nov. 30 – Jan. 3, 2010 and muzzleloader which is Nov. 30 – Dec. 9,

Sparta High's Own

By Natasha Mason

Sparta High School's Evan Wiedemann is 1 out of 3 students in the school who are currently active in the military. Wiedemann signed up with the Air Force on September 1, one day after taking the ASVAB test, which is a test that is required for anyone interested in joining the U.S. Military. so why did he sign up for the Air Force, and what are his plans?

"I signed up to serve the country, get an education, and to move out of my house," Wiedemann said. "I will be a firefighter."

In order to be able to join the Air Force, prospective recruits must score a minimum of 50 on the ASVAB, stay within weight limits, have good eyesight, be physically fit, and be able to lift 45 pounds above your head.

Wiedemann is very excited for his future. This decision effects more then just him, though.

"My parents were kind of afraid," he said. "They asked if I was sure about it."

Wiedemann also has a little brother, Carson Wiedemann, who had a strong opinion about the decision.

"I think he made a good choice by going in there, " he said. "I think it will help him with his life outside of the Air Force also."

Evan starts his Air Force career September 27 of next year. He will be going to Texas for basic training.

winter clothing

Dressing warm for winter is very important for your well being. If you don't dress appropriately for winter weather you could got frost bit or hypothermia. Ashley King a junior at Sparta high school stated, "You should dress warm for winter to keep warm and so you don't get sick." Kelsey Thurston echoed King's statement.

King also stated that, "If you don't dress warm for winter you could get sick." Thurston also agreed with that and said they would be cold.

King stated, " I don't think the students dress appropriately for winter weather." Thurston said, "not everybody dresses appropriately for winter, I see people wearing skirts and that's not winter clothing."

Melissa Moore a nurse stated that, " People could get hypothermia if they don't dress appropriately for winter." She also stated that, "You could die from it depending on the severity of hypothermia.

"You get frostbite when your outside your body gets cold and the blood don't get to your fingers because more blood is circulated to your organs to keep them warm." stated Mrs. Moore.

Mrs. Moore said, "getting frost bite could be as bad as losing a finger, toe, hand, and your nose could even get frost bite if your not careful."

Moore also stated that, "There is no estimated time it takes for you to get frost bite, it depends on what you are wearing and how long you are outside and if you are wet you can get it faster within seconds depending on how cold it is outside."

Scholarship Advice For Seniors

Natasha Mason

Deadlines are approaching for seniors interested in applying for scholarships. If how to apply for scholarships is still questionable, there are a few things students should know. First off, students can start looking for scholarships at anytime, doesn't matter what grade. The Sparta High School website has information on this, and the guidance department is the place to go if there are still unanswered questions.

Once a senior, students should really start looking at state and national scholarships. Scholarship opportunities can be found on the school's website, along with the common application, which applies to 99% of local scholarships.

Any other things to consider? According to Anne Fimreite, guidance counselor, there are plenty of other factors to consider."Each college has different requirements and different application deadlines, so students should stay on top of those," Fimreite stated. "Many local scholarships need letters of recommendation, so start thinking about who to ask that could speak to your college potential."

Fimreite also encourages students to look into scholarship opportunities at work or their parents work.

Still want more information? On January 13th there will be a presentation called "Scholarships 101." This will be held during Grad Groups and will be about general scholarship information. Another presentation will be held January 27th, also during Grad Groups, and will be about local scholarships.

If students have any other questions concerning scholarships, Femreite encourages them to come and talk to her.

Student Illness

Kristin Piotrowski

Student absences due to illness at Sparta High School this year have been many and often. Many students have been absent due to all types of illnesses such as influenza, most types of cold, streptococcal pharyngitis also commonly known as strep throat, and H1N1. Although many students are actually sick there have been quite a few trying to play sick as well. "A few, I can't tell yet." Emily Merow, Sparta High's temporary receptionist, quoted on students trying to excuse themselves. Merow also said, "I get about twenty phone calls on average in the morning from parents calling in their children."

The students that are gone for a full week have a lot to catch up on, and usually when they are gone for that amount of time they have homework collected for them. "Two weeks ago there were a lot of kids out with H1N1, I believe on average there were 100 students out for the whole week." Merow stated. A student who misses and is in a math usually have a difficult time because they miss the notes and examples and the assignment. Ed Flasch, math teacher, stated, "My classes have not been hit that hard by the sickness." Flasch also talked about what its like when a student is gone, "It is a little extra work to go back and look at the assignments but I put a lot of it on them too, to get the notes from another student."

A student should stay home when they are sick because it is important for them to get well and to keep any other students from getting sick. "Even if it is more work to be gone and you really are sick then you should stay home." Flasch said. To avoid missing school and being sick there are many things that you can do without coming to school in a mask. Washing your hands can be the most helpful. You should wash your hands when ever you sneeze, cough, touch anything that many other people touch, and of course when ever you use the rest room. Washing your hands is not always an option, so you can use hand sanitizer. Other things you can do to prevent getting sick are keeping your immune system high by eating heathy foods, and avoid touching your face as often as possible. To learn more about preventing the flu you can visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.

Blood Drive at SHS

The SHS council is having a blood drive on Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 9am- 2pm. In the main office the students can pick up a packet which includes a consent form for minors under 16, parental information on blood donation, and a FAQ sheet on 16-year-old blood donation.

The consent form asks you to state your name, birth date, address, city/state/zip, and phone number where a parent can be reached during donation. All donated blood is tested for ABO blood typing, syphilis, HIV, West Nile virus, and hepatitis B and C. Students and parents must read a disclosure of screening test results, they must sign the form and turn it into the office.


The parental information on blood donation paper talks of the donation process which includes registration, medical evaluation, blood collection and testing, and refreshment and relaxation. During the registration process the donor is required to present a picture ID with date of birth and complete a list of health-related questions. The medical evaluation in to ensure safety to the donor and recipients so the donor must weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in good health. A donor specialist will check the donor's blood pressure, temperature and pulse, and do a blood count test by taking a small drop of blood from the donor's finger. Then its time for collection and testing, a sterile needle is inserted into the donor's arm to collect the blood which usually takes 10 minutes. All donor information is confidential but if any of the tests come back positive the Blood Center will inform the donor and their parent.


Finally its time to relax; after donation the donors are encouraged to go to the refreshment areas and get a snack and drink which are provided to replenish energy levels. With in the next 24 hours it is important for the donor to drink plenty of fluids.


Donors can also donate plasma; the liquid portion of blood. It is composed of proteins and salt which can affect blood pressure. There is about a half pint of plasma in ever pint of blood.


FAQ; on this sheet it answers questions like do other states allow 16 year olds to donate blood, why is parental consent required for 16 year olds but not 17 year olds, how often can you give whole blood, and why you should give blood. It also talks about the benefits of donating; you can save up to three lives, a mini physical exam is done during donation, and donors receive a donor identification card. During the physical they determine for hematocrit levels, blood pressure, temperature, and blood screening tests.


There are some potential risks to donating which include: discomfort, swelling and bruising at the needle site, fainting, convulsions, injury to blood vessels and nerves, infection, and local blood clot. These risks are said to be relatively uncommon.


Many students say that they are afraid of needles so they wont donate blood, but some freshman want to donate and don't have that option. They feel that if they get parent consent they should be allowed to donate even if they are only 15, they feel they are old enough to make their own decisions.


For more information you can visit their website at www.bcw.edu or call the Blood Center of Wisconsin at 414-937-6070

Trick or Treat Street

Kimberly Becker

Trick or Treat Street was inside the Barney Center on October 30, 2009. It is traditionally outside on Osborne drive.

Trick or treat street, organized by the Boy's and Girl's club, is a fun and secure place for kids to go and celebrate halloween and get tasty candy. Breanna Johnson , program staff, said, "It is a safe place for kids to be and get some candy."

Trick or treat street was inside. People who went are divided on weather or not it was better to have inside. "It is better outside," said Elizabeth Becker, Senior, "The line goes by faster outside."

Levi Rybarkczyk, junior, said, "I like it better inside. It was warm."

The turn outs were still good even though it was in a new place. Johnson said, "I think there was more people than usual."

Several people said that they would go back next year. Becker said, "I would go back if it is outside." Rybarkczyk said, "Yes, I would go again."

Sparta Soccer Does It Again!

These boys had a great season and got very far in it. The boys ended up winning their sectional final game against Osceola 3-0. This then proceeded them to state.

Sparta soccer is in Division 2 for their conference. This is the first year that soccer has ever made it into the state competition. Senior Captain Kevin Rasmussen stated, "All of our adrenaline were pumping and holding the plack that made us sectional champs and we're now going to state."

The big game was on October, Friday 30th down in Milwaukee at the Uihlein Soccer Park. The team ended up facing Fox Valley Lutheran. This was so big game that a fan bus was even sent down there as well. "It took a while to set in but it was just over all awesome. The best way to end a season," stated Kevin Rasmussen.

The game started out on a good note when our boys scored in the first half. That person being the goalie Jordan Stanek. He made a kick so big that it made it into the other goal end and right over the opposite goalie. "This was very exciting and having all of the fans there made it even better," Rasmussen explained.

But then came the other half of the game. They held Fox Valley off pretty well until now. Then they ended up scoring a few goals on the Spartans. This made the final 1-4 with everyone still putting on a good fight. "I was thinking did this really just happen were we really playing at the state competition? It was just an amazing feeling and just being so happy it was awesome," Kevin Rasmussen concluded.

Fox Valley Lutheran ended up winning state for Division 2 and for the Sparta boys, they're still loving the fact that they made it to state and will never forget this moment, especially for the seniors. Congratulations to our soccer boys! You all had a great season. And as the team says, "Sparta soccer was keepin it sexy this year!"

Winter Driving

By CJ Anderson

Winter is just around the corner, and that means everybody will have to make adjustments in their driving. Snow will cover the ground, ice will blanket the roads, and, for some, vehicles will be all over the road.

When asked about preparing for winter driving, high school English teacher Sue Bartlett said,"I make sure my tires are good, both with air pressure and and tread size. I also make sure I have a scraper for the ice, jumper cables, and a blanket or extra cloths for warmth" School secretary Melissa Kogutkiewqicz said, "I drive slower, and I'm more cautious."

Of course, being prepared for winter driving and dealing with the conditions are two different things. "Black ice is hard because its unexpected and hard to see, avoiding drivers who don't know how do drive, and visibility are all issues" said Bartlett, on the hardships of winter driving. Also Kogutkiewqicz cautioned drivers to "slow down when the roads are slippery."

Some of the best advice anyone could get is driving in the winter. "Drive according to conditions. pace yourself, watch for deer, and if possible, stay off the roads if the conditions are bad. Also, give yourself a lot of time, and don't rush", said Bartlett. Also, Kogutkiewqicz said, "slow down"

Younger drivers are at a disadvantage when it comes to winter driving, simply because they don't have the experience advantage that other drivers have. There is good news, however. "The majority of the students are careful, but there is too much of the minority that speed and are reckless," said Bartlett, and Kogutkiewqicz said that students drive "fairly good" during the winter. They both said that they considered themselves to be good winter drivers as well.

Texting and Driving In Wisconsin

As of September 18, 2009, 18 states have banned texting while driving. Wisconsin is not one of these states. The state currently does not have any law against this growing problem. According to Sparta High School students and staff, this is an issue.

When senior Storm Treu was asked if he texted while driving, he quickly replied, "No." His thoughts on the subject? "Many people do it, it's not safe. It's probably the cause of my brother's accidents."

Mr. Sands, a math teacher at the school, had very strong opinions on the subject.

When asked if there should be a law against it, he answered, "There should be a law, absolutely."

Sands was asked what he thought about the issue, "Because it takes your eyes off the road it is very dangerous, for not only that person but everyone on the road. That 5 to 10 second text can cause an accident," he said.

Sands also believes that texting while driving is, "becoming a bigger problem".

When asked if he has ever texted while driving, he replied, "I have not while driving, I have as a passenger."

While it is not a law yet, Wisconsin seems to be on its way to stopping cell phone use on the road. State representative Jerry Petrowski has proposed bans on teens using cell phones 3 times.

There is also a pending legislation on the issue. Wisconsin Senate Bill 103 would prohibit texting while driving. If passed, the cost of breaking this law would be $100 to $400, for the first offense. Whether these actions, or any others, will stop the problem, it is yet to be known, but hopefully until then common sense can fill the gaps where the laws are lacking.

Youth Options

Youth Options is a program for highly driven high school students, that includes a student taking classes at a college around the area and taking classes at the high school. "Youth Options is a state program, and all public high schools must advertise it to their students." Greg Benz, high school counselor, stated. He said, "In order for a student to be eligible for Youth Options they must have exhausted all of the options at the high school."

When filling out the application, a student chooses classes that they are interested in taking, but the student has to have already taken that class at the high school and can go no farther into it. Also a student could take a class at the college if the high school doesn't offer the students that class.

Natasha Mason, a Youth Options student that attends Sparta High School and University of La Crosse gives good insight on what this program is about. "I attend Sparta High School and am a youth options student at the University of La Crosse. In Sparta I take three courses in the afternoon; Pre-Calculus, Government, and E Writing; and at UWL I attend two classes in the morning; Philosophy and Minority Cultures." Natasha Mason stated.

"The applications for the semesters are always due March 1st and October 1st, then they are sent to the school board for approval of classes." Mason stated. After the school board approves the classes that you are eligible for, you wait until all of the college students have chosen their classes, and work with a counselor at the college you're attending to choose the classes that best works with your schedule," Mason said.

This program is mainly for seniors, but juniors can attend as well with a high recommendation for it. "Last year six students were in the program for the whole year, this semester there are four students in it, and next semester five kids have applied for the program." Benz said. This semester the four students who are in the program are; Natasha Mason and Kristin Barclay who attends UWL, Seth Kaffka who attends Western Technical College, and Kristin Piotrowski who attends Viterbo university.

University of La Crosse, Viterbo University and Western Technical College are the three schools that you can apply for when at Sparta High School. All three of these colleges have different requirements such as ACT score, grade point average (GPA), and the students recommendations. "For some kids Youth Options is a really good program, and others it might not be," Greg answered.

Natasha said, on about recommending other students to try this program, "Definitely, Youth Options has given me so much confidence for next year and has helped me prepare for what is ahead of me. This program has done more for me than the classes I would've taken in Sparta just to fill the time."