The Spartan Update

• Buy your 2027 yearbook before the price increases! The price for the yearbook is set to increase on Saturday (10/17). Yearbooks can be ordered online from Jostens.
• SJO Drama’s fall play, Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion, is THIS WEEKEND! Join us Saturday, October 24, at 7 PM or Sunday, October 25, at 2 PM for a fun, hilarious twist on the classic whodunit mystery! If you enjoy classic detectives like Sherlock Holmes, the Scooby-Doo gang, and Batman, or mysteries like Clue and Knives Out, this is the show for you! Tickets are available online or in the school office.
• Congratulations to Coach Duval for being the October IHSA spotlighted teacher! Thank you Coach Duval for everything you do for the students at SJO!

On October 21, in Mr. Beckett’s Civics class, senior Emerson Williams is working on her Committee Action presentation. Emerson taught the class about the Rules Committee and what bills were passed in this committee.

In Mrs. Carlin's English II class they are reading the book Animal Farm. Sophomore Tabby Brown enjoyed reading this book and thought it was very interesting. She said, “Animal Farm is one of the best books I have read, and it makes the whole class very fun.”

On October 21, Mrs. Hedlund’s A1 Geometry class prepares for the lesson. Sophomore Teagan Blacker said, “We learned a new lesson today, and I actually enjoyed it.”

In Mr. Brown’s Chemistry I class, sophomores Ava Overstreet and Char Barbee are working on their study guides at the classroom’s back table. The 4A class had a test in the next class period over how electrons behave as well as general trends on the periodic table. Char said, “The content of this unit has been pretty easy, and I think Ava and I are going to ace our tests.”

On October 20, freshman Geneva Vliet is finishing drawing her two-point perspective project in her Intro to Art class with Mr. Beccue. Geneva said that she liked working on this, and she is eager to start drawing something new soon.

Senior Jasper Marriott, junior Hunter Cler, and sophomore Lucas Stevens are kicking the ball around after playing kickball with Mrs. Ideus-Ehler's 1A PE class. Jasper said, “I like kickball, but I hate running.”

On October 19, in Mr. Skinner’s Business Law Class, the students are reviewing the Critical Thinking Contract case assignments. They reviewed why someone would sue for an unspecified contract so they can have an easier time differentiating between scummy and realistic deals.

The Spanish 4 class sits as Profe Lindsey teaches them a lesson. Senior Hadley McDonald said, “Our class is really small but it’s so much easier to focus on getting stuff done without all the extra noise.”

The students in Mr. Waterson’s Choir class are rehearsing the song "A Hive of Frightened Bees," by Andrea Ramsey. They were preparing for their fall concert on November 10.

Students in Mrs. Smith’s 3A FACS class work on their new project on October 20. The students used class time to complete their progress on their work.

Freshmen Elysse Reynolds and Emma Hammond are in the auditorium for the yearly Haunted Halls, which is run by the Student Council. Elysse and Emma were a part of the doll hallway. Elysse said, “As my first year doing this, it was so much fun and it's definitely something I will do the rest of my high school years.”

Freshmen Brinley Hallowell, Emma Hale, Chloe Bressner, Emma Hammond, and Blair Mathis join together to take a picture at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention. The girls were very excited for their first convention.

What classes do you teach?

Band, Choir, History of Rock and Roll, Guitar 1, Guitar 2, and Music Production.

How long have you taught at SJO?

This is my fourth year here.

What’s your favorite music piece you’ve ever taught? (Band or choir)

I’m gonna say… "Dies Irae" by Michael John Trotta.

What’s your advice for any incoming freshmen that want to join band or choir?

Go for it. Do it. You won’t regret it.

What classes do you teach?

Ms. Pick is the guidance counselor.

How long have you been at SJO?

This is my first year at SJO.

What’s your advice for freshmen?

My advice for freshmen is to try new things and step out of your comfort zone because you don’t know what you might be interested in until you try it.

The Spartans played a great game last Friday against Pontiac. They were able to get the win with a final score of 47-16. SJO is 9-0 entering the post season with a two seed. They will play their first playoff game on October 31, against the winner of Althoff vs. Harrisburg at home.

Junior Hunter Cler stands on his home field during practice. The Spartans defeated Oakwood 6-2 on Tuesday night. The will play Monticello at Monticello on Friday, October 23.

Junior Vivian Smith gets an ace for the Spartans against STM. In the end, the Spartans came out with a big win in two sets in their last home game of the season. Come support them in the upcoming post season.