Spartan Voices

Spartan Voices is a student-run newspaper that brings you the stories happening behind the scenes and beyond the classroom.

Red-Eared Slider

The red-eared slider or the Trachemys scripta elegans, is a semi aquatic freshwater turtle who is native to the Mississippi River basin. It is easily recognized by its bold red stripes behind each of its eyes, olive brown skin, and yellow striped shell. Adult silders typically grow 5-11 inches long and can live up to 40 years in captivity or 20 years in the wild. These turtles are omnivores—adolescents eat more insects and animals while adults eat more aquatic plants, algae, and carrion. Red-eared sliders prefer slow-moving or still water, like ponds, marshes, and canals; they often lie on logs are banks to thermoregulate. Though these are popular as pets, they present environmental risks when released into the while; they can compete with native turtles for habitat, spread disease, and disrupt ecosystems.

Students in Regents Chemistry traded their notebooks for lab coats this Halloween to engage in a series of "Spooky Chemistry" stations that brought core scientific concepts to life. The hands-on activities explored a range of topics from sound waves to static electricity, all under a festive, ghostly theme.

Among the featured stations, students learned about charge and electron transfer by making a paper ghost float and "dance" using static electricity . They also put on "Prism Glasses" to break down white light into its spectrum, connecting their observations to atomic structure and the science behind the Northern Lights. Another station revealed "secret messages" using goldenrod paper and a basic solution, demonstrating real-world applications of acid-base indicators. Another station required students to research the chemistry of blood and pumpkins, comparing the iron-rich composition of hemoglobin to the vibrant carotenoids responsible for the pumpkin's iconic orange hue.

The day also included dramatic teacher demonstrations centered on "dry ice," which is solid carbon dioxide (CO2(s)). Students observed the phenomenon of sublimation—the transition directly from a solid to a gas—which produced classic billowing fog . The discussion covered why it’s called dry ice and included a practical lesson on converting temperatures from Celsius to the Kelvin scale, a fundamental concept in gas laws. The event successfully proved that chemistry can be both educational and thrilling!

Q: How did she decide to become a teacher?

A: She grew up on a farm and got a degree in business management, but no one was hiring because 9/11 had just happened so she went back to school and got a master’s in technology education.

Q: What is her background?

A: She grew up on a farm and went to York Collage of Pennsylvania and Buffalo State.

Q: Who are the important people in her life?

A: She is married to Mr. Bell, who is also a technology teacher and has a son, Sam, who is nine years old and a daughter, Magret, who is 7 years old.

Q: What is her favorite place to spend a weekend?

A: Outside in a garden with her family.

Q: What is her favorite food?

A: Anything with cheese.

Q: What is her favorite hobby?

A: Reading and cooking.

Section V is running a “Caught in the Act of Kindness” program in which schools can attempt to recognize and celebrate the positive moments that happen on and off the field. Luke LeClair was "Caught in the Act of Kindness" for helping the opposing player to their bench, checking on the player to see if they were ok after the game and calling the opposing teams coach to see how the player was doing days later. Luke went over and beyond with his kindness and deserves the recognition!

The English 12 Multimedia students took a field trip to 13WHAM for a behind-the-scenes look at careers in broadcasting and journalism. Students watched a live broadcast of the 12 o’clock news, spoke with reporters, sat in on a production meeting, and talked with the weatherman, Mark McLean, and anchorwoman Stephanie Joseph. Before leaving, they also had the opportunity to chat with Scott Hesko, who runs the 13WHAM Sports Podcast.

James Rollins's The Judas Strain is the compelling and fast-paced fourth entry in the Sigma Force series, expertly mixing the thriller genre with elements of science fiction and ancient historical mystery. The novel centers on a race against time to stop a deadly global outbreak linked to a mysterious genetic strain, allowing Rollins to expertly weave together complex scientific theories about viruses and genetics with deep dives into archaeology and biblical history. This creates a narrative that is both imaginative and grounded, avoiding excessive jargon while keeping sophisticated readers intrigued. Featuring the resourceful and engaging members of the Sigma Force, the book sustains exceptional momentum, captivating twists, and a thoughtful exploration of the ethical dangers involved with scientific progress, making it a satisfying read for anyone who enjoys action that is as smart as it is suspenseful.

The Gates Chili Boys Volleyball team, led by Coach Leclair, was the last Gates Chili team standing in the Section V Playoffs this fall season. After a 12-7 Season, and being the 5th seed in the playoffs, they defeated higher seed Brockport and advanced to the Sectional Semifinal where they fell to the eventual Class B! Champions, Spencerport. I sat down with Section V Libero of the Year and First Team All-County Hitter Tremier Lewis to discuss the season.

Interview with Luke Leclair- “I went into the season knowing our team’s potential, we had guys like Tremier Lewis and Chris Amesbury, we had guys that no other teams had.” Luke described the Spartans team as “unorthodox” yet tough and hardworking. On paper the team might seem weird, however as Luke said, “Good teams make it work, and when we played our game there was no team that could stop us.” What set the Gates Chili Volleyball team apart from everyone else in Section V was their intensity, and competitiveness in practice. “We had guys trash talking each other in practice who would go grab something to eat after practice like best friends. You want that, because you only grow when you acknowledge that something needs work, and when you push each other there.” We asked Luke about his award of being Section V Libero of the Year for a 3rd year in a row, and what motivates him to achieve that goal. “I was not aiming for that goal at the start of the season, after being moved to a different position I thought that was out of the question. The main thing that motivates me is that there are hundreds of thousands of people who are worse off than me who would wish to be in my position. Why wouldn’t I do it tired, when I’m sad, or upset? Every day is a blessing from God to grow as a human being, an athlete, and an individual.” Luke appreciates his father for pushing him to be great, as well as his other teammates for helping him achieve his goals. “When you chase growth, that’s when success comes.”

Interview with Tremier Lewis

Gates defeated Brockport in a nail biter in the Quarterfinal, winning in the 5th set. “The intensity was so hot, it was amazing.” The team’s main goal going into it was to have fun, no matter the outcome. That is exactly what they did. “It wasn’t about chasing outcomes; it was about the growth from when you succeed on the road.” Tremier was a football player for many years, being brought up to the Varsity team as a freshman. Last year he made the switch to Volleyball and regards it as the best decision he has ever made. “Thanks to Luke Leclair, he convinced me to play, and it turns out I was way better than I ever thought I could be. I owe that to working hard and I’m grateful to be playing with some of my best friends.” Tremier remarks it was an amazing feeling in his Senior Year to achieve All-County status and make it that far into Sectionals. “That was one of my goals I always strived for. Being next to everybody on the team that I know and love, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Gates graduated 10 Seniors this season. Rising stars Ethan Christopher and Alexis Gonzalez lead the pack next year. Can they go back to Sectionals and have a chance to win a brick for Gates Chili?