The Official Student News Site of Orono High School

The Spartan Speaks
A poster hangs for the play "You Can't Take It With You"
Explore the Sycamore Family in OHS Drama’s ‘You Can’t Take It With You’
Read on to learn more about the week's dress-up days.
Exclusive: Dress-up Days for Prom Week Revealed—Tuesday Will Shock You
Annalisa Tedlund “Tessa Canuck”, Acrylic
Students Compete in Congressional Art Competition
A Googler user is prompted to sign in to Chrome.
OHS Password Change Begins Today—Here’s What to Know
The 2025 Prom theme was revealed today during lunch.
The 2025 Prom Theme Is Finally Here—And It’s Not What You Expected
A storm rages above the trees.
Outdoor Sporting Events Cancelled Due to Severe Weather
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison getting drafted in 2023 as the 23rd pick of the first round.
2025 NFL Draft: The Lifeline for a Vikings Dynasty?
Distance Track Team gearing up for a winter run.
Long-Distance Track Team Prepares For Upcoming Season
Nolan Groves jumps for a lay-up.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball State Quarterfinals vs DeLaSalle
Mitchell Kauch rushes to rushes to the basket.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball Section Finals vs BSM
Parker Burckhardt catches the ball.
State Semifinals Photo Gallery: Orono Football vs Totino Grace
The Orono Spartans line up against Mound.
Photo Gallery: Orono vs Mound Football Game
#27 Frankie Stevenson runs the ball.
Photo Gallery: Orono Football vs Providence
Orono football lines up against Providence Academy.
Orono Routs Providence 24-13 in Friday Night Showdown
Orono student section waves Spartan flag.
Photo Gallery: Homecoming Football Game
Nolan Groves jumps for a lay-up.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball State Quarterfinals vs DeLaSalle
Mitchell Kauch rushes to rushes to the basket.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball Section Finals vs BSM
Nolan Groves goes for a dunk.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball Section Semifinals vs Richfield
--- ducks under his opponents stick in a battle for the puck.
Photo Gallery: Boys Hockey State Semifinals vs St. Cloud Cathedral
The girls cheer on their teammates.
Photo Gallery: Girls Basketball Section Finals vs BSM
A storm rages above the trees.
Outdoor Sporting Events Cancelled Due to Severe Weather
Distance Track Team gearing up for a winter run.
Long-Distance Track Team Prepares For Upcoming Season
(From left to right) Sindri Bonner, Taylor Walsh, Alivia Uselding, and Ryanne Andreen pose after winning their 4x800 race.
Making a Stride Into the 2024 OHS Track and Field Season
Mens and Womens Lacrosse Look Ahead to an Exciting Season
Mens and Womens Lacrosse Look Ahead to an Exciting Season
With winter sports coming to a successful end of their seasons, OHS can look forward to spring sports kicking off!
Spring Sports Spring into Action
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison getting drafted in 2023 as the 23rd pick of the first round.
2025 NFL Draft: The Lifeline for a Vikings Dynasty?
#8 Rams linebacker Jared Verse tries to grab the football following a fumble from #14 Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.
Vikings Eliminated in Devastating Playoff Loss Against Rams
Detroit defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) sacks Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14).
Vikings Suffer Week 18 Loss, Look Forward Towards Playoffs
Sam Darnold on the field after getting sacked, resulting in a safety on Sunday, October 27th.
Vikings Fall to 5-2 in Week 8 Loss
Vikings running back Aaron Jones running into the end zone for a touchdown.
Vikings Lose in Week 7 Heartbreaker Against Lions
OHS's newest counselor, Ms. Condry, smiles in her office.
Championing Student Success: Meet Ms. Condry, OHS’s Newest Counselor
The Orono parking lot near the front entrance
Ditching Parking Spots and Rocking Parking Lots: Students React to New Parking Policy
Where OHS Students are Traveling: Spring Break 2025
Where OHS Students are Traveling: Spring Break 2025
The Calvin Church where SPARKS occurs.
Inspire, Educate, Lead: Make a Lasting Impact With SPARKS Mentorship Program
OHS students can choose between Spanish, German, and Chinese for world languages.
Which Language Class?
A person holds a phone with TikTok opened on it.
An End to the Trend: Why a TikTok Ban Would be Devastating
Students write essays in AP Seminar.
AP Research Should Count as an English Credit. Here’s Why
The OHS Media Center is a great place to study--but how many students can access it?
Unlocking the Media Center: A Space for all Students
The Orono senior parking lot
Parking Perils at Orono: Let’s Number Those Spots!
Letter to the Editor: Orono Should Not Purchase New Computers
Letter to the Editor: Orono Should Not Purchase New Computers
Vikings receiver Jordan Addison getting drafted in 2023 as the 23rd pick of the first round.
2025 NFL Draft: The Lifeline for a Vikings Dynasty?
Timothée Chalamet plays Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown."
Run To Movies Now and Watch Bob Dylan Biopic: “A Complete Unknown”
Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt discuss a game.
Tom Brady’s New Role as Broadcaster Splits Opinions
The neofetch from shortly after I got the server.
Review: The Dell R630 Proves Its Value
Tacos By the Bay: Lago Tacos Packs a Punch
Tacos By the Bay: Lago Tacos Packs a Punch
Acrylic. “Replacing what was Stolen”
Photo Gallery: Orono Entries in Congressional Art Competition
Where OHS Students are Traveling: Spring Break 2025
Where OHS Students are Traveling: Spring Break 2025
Spring Break 2025 Crossword
Spring Break 2025 Crossword
Nolan Groves jumps for a lay-up.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball State Quarterfinals vs DeLaSalle
Mitchell Kauch rushes to rushes to the basket.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball Section Finals vs BSM
Acrylic. “Replacing what was Stolen”
Photo Gallery: Orono Entries in Congressional Art Competition
Nolan Groves jumps for a lay-up.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball State Quarterfinals vs DeLaSalle
Mitchell Kauch rushes to rushes to the basket.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball Section Finals vs BSM
Nolan Groves goes for a dunk.
Photo Gallery: Boys Basketball Section Semifinals vs Richfield
--- ducks under his opponents stick in a battle for the puck.
Photo Gallery: Boys Hockey State Semifinals vs St. Cloud Cathedral
April 2025 Jigsaw Puzzle
April 2025 Jigsaw Puzzle
Test your skills in this April-themed word search.
April 2025 Word Search
Spring Break 2025 Crossword
Spring Break 2025 Crossword
Test your skills in this March-themed word search!
March 2025 Word Search
A Winterfest poster
Winterfest 2025 Crossword
The Official Student Newspaper of Orono High School
Since 1952
The Official Student News Site of Orono High School

The Spartan Speaks
The Official Student News Site of Orono High School

The Spartan Speaks
Ethan Weiss

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief

Hello! My name is Ethan Weiss and I am the Editor-in-Chief of The Spartan Speaks. I am currently a sophomore and this is my 2nd year with The Spartan Speaks. I am excited to write about Orono news events and student life. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, reading, and spending time with friends.

All content by Ethan Weiss
Read on to learn more about the week's dress-up days.

Exclusive: Dress-up Days for Prom Week Revealed—Tuesday Will Shock You

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
April 24, 2025
OHS's newest counselor, Ms. Condry, smiles in her office.

Championing Student Success: Meet Ms. Condry, OHS’s Newest Counselor

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
April 22, 2025
April 2025 Jigsaw Puzzle

April 2025 Jigsaw Puzzle

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2025
Annalisa Tedlund “Tessa Canuck”, Acrylic

Students Compete in Congressional Art Competition

Ethan Weiss, Editor-In-Chief
April 17, 2025
Acrylic. “Replacing what was Stolen”

Photo Gallery: Orono Entries in Congressional Art Competition

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
April 17, 2025
The Orono parking lot near the front entrance

[Photo] Ditching Parking Spots and Rocking Parking Lots: Students React to New Parking Policy

Kayla Seely, Staff Writer
April 15, 2025
A Googler user is prompted to sign in to Chrome.

OHS Password Change Begins Today—Here’s What to Know

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2025
Test your skills in this April-themed word search.

April 2025 Word Search

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
April 10, 2025
The 2025 Prom theme was revealed today during lunch.

The 2025 Prom Theme Is Finally Here—And It’s Not What You Expected

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
April 9, 2025
OHS students participate in the polar plunge.

Unified Club Hosts Polar Plunge to Promote Inclusion

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2025
Students write essays in AP Seminar.

AP Research Should Count as an English Credit. Here’s Why

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
April 2, 2025
Spring Break 2025 Crossword

Spring Break 2025 Crossword

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
March 21, 2025
Test your skills in this March-themed word search!

March 2025 Word Search

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2025
#6 Orono defeated #3 Northfield on Wednesday to advance to the state semifinals.

Boys Hockey Routs Northfield, Progresses to State Semifinals

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2025
Digital Drawing. “Porcelain shell”

Students Showcase Their Talent in Arts Exhibition

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2025
Acrylic Painting. “Scuba Diving Cats”

Photo Gallery: Orono Entries in the Metro West Arts Exhibition

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2025
The Calvin Church where SPARKS occurs.

Inspire, Educate, Lead: Make a Lasting Impact With SPARKS Mentorship Program

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2025
A Winterfest poster

Winterfest 2025 Crossword

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
February 25, 2025
A poster for Winterfest

[Photo] Guide to Winterfest Week 2025

Lauren Steiner, Staff Writer
February 21, 2025
#2 Orono beat #7 Fergus Falls on Wednesday to advance to the girls hockey state semifinals on Friday.

Girls Hockey Defeats Fergus Falls, Advance to State Semifinals

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
February 19, 2025
OHS students can choose between Spanish, German, and Chinese for world languages.

[Photo] Which Language Class?

Liam Barkley, Features Editor
February 13, 2025
Test your skills in this Valentine's Day-themed word search!

Valentine’s Day 2025 Word Search

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2025
The Spartan Closet

What is the Spartan Closet?

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
January 30, 2025
Finals Week is this week.

Guide to Finals Week: Schedule, Study Tips, and More

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
January 21, 2025
School is closed tomorrow, January 21st.

School Canceled January 21st Due to Cold Weather

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
January 20, 2025
New Years fireworks

January 2025 Crossword

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
January 19, 2025
The 2023 Winterfest Court

Winterfest Moved to Last Week of February, Court Replaced With Variety Show

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
January 15, 2025
#8 Rams linebacker Jared Verse tries to grab the football following a fumble from #14 Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

Vikings Eliminated in Devastating Playoff Loss Against Rams

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
January 13, 2025
A photo of the Orono Unified Club wearing Be Kind shirts during Live Unified Week 2024.

Guide to Live Unified Week 2025

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
January 13, 2025
Presidential portrait of the 39th President Jimmy Carter.

Former President Jimmy Carter Dies at Age 100

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
January 6, 2025
A winter cabin.

December 2024 Crossword

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
December 20, 2024
The back of a You Matter sweatshirt.

Guide to You Matter Week 2024

Ethan Weiss, Editor-In-Chief
December 13, 2024
This map shows which Minnesota counties voted for Donald Trump (red) in the presidential election and for Kamala Harris (blue). The darker the color, the greater the percentage of people in those counties voted for the candidate.

Election ’24: Key Races, Shifts in Power, and Historic Outcomes

Ethan Weiss, Editor-In Chief
November 25, 2024
Live Updates: Election Night 2024

Live Updates: Election Night 2024

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2024
A Youth In Action display case with a "We Scare Hunger Food Drive" Box.

Annual We Scare Hunger Food Drive to Battle Local Food Insecurity

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2024
A Tech Buddies poster hangs on a locker.

Tech Buddies Empowers Orono Community

Ethan Weiss, Editor-In-Chief
October 22, 2024
Fall landscape.

October 2024 Word Search

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
October 18, 2024
Election '24

Who’s Running in 2024? A Preview of the Presidential Candidates

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2024
High school student uses generative AI in school.

The Role of Generative AI in Schools: A Double-Edged Sword

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
October 14, 2024
Vice President and Democratic Nominee Kamala Harris, left, and Former President Donald Trump and Republican Nominee, right

Election ’24: Summer and September Update

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
October 1, 2024
Pencils on top of a book next to an apple.

September 2024 Crossword

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2024
The 2024 OHS Homecoming Court poses for a photo in the plaza.

Guide to Orono Homecoming Week 2024

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2024
OHS students at home football game on Friday, September 13th. Theme is "Tackle Cancer" and "Pink Out"

OHS Starts School Year Off on Right Track; Adjusts to New Changes

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
September 17, 2024
Joey Mariani

The Spartan Speaks Bids Farewell to Editor-in-Chief Joey Mariani

Ethan Weiss, Editor-in-Chief
June 3, 2024
The Spartan Speaks is recruiting for next school year and we want YOU to join!

The Spartan Speaks is Recruiting for Next School Year and We Want YOU to Join!

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
May 29, 2024
Mr. Aman (right) standing with freshman Toby Schwingler (left) during Spring Break in Monterosso, Italy

OHS Saddened by Associate Principal Mr. Aman’s Departure

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
May 29, 2024
OHS's new Associate Principal, Ms. Head

OHS Art Teacher Ms. Head to Assume Role of Associate Principal

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
May 29, 2024
Elite dancer Mishe Long (right) and his partner Capri Johnson (left).

Orono Student Mishe Long to Compete at the Emerald Ball Dancesport Championships

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
May 2, 2024
OHS Prepares to Watch the Total Solar Eclipse

OHS Prepares to Watch the Total Solar Eclipse

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
April 8, 2024
Spartan Excellence: Recap of OHS Winter Sports Season 2024

Spartan Excellence: Recap of OHS Winter Sports Season 2024

Ethan Weiss and John Eberhardt
April 1, 2024
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Who is Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
March 20, 2024
Nutrislice Finds a New Home in the Spartan Speaks

Nutrislice Finds a New Home in the Spartan Speaks

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
March 15, 2024
(From left to right) Trump, Biden, Haley

Super Tuesday in Review: Trump and Biden Win Big, Haley Drops Out

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
March 7, 2024
Embracing the Promise of AI: A Balanced Perspective on its Societal Benefits

Embracing the Promise of AI: A Balanced Perspective on its Societal Benefits

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
February 21, 2024
Michael Phelps swimming the butterfly after a successful taper.

What is Athletic Tapering? The Dos and Don’ts of a Successful Taper

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
February 21, 2024
Marianne Williamson (left), "Write-In Joe Biden" (middle), Dean Phillips (right)

The New Hampshire Primaries: Paving the Path to the White House

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
January 25, 2024
Iowa Caucuses Lead the Way for the Republican Nomination

Iowa Caucuses Lead the Way for the Republican Nomination

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
January 17, 2024
Social Media Editor Ethan Weiss holding an old edition of the Spartan Speaks

The Spartan Speaks: The History of Orono’s Cherished Newspaper

Ethan Weiss and John Eberhardt
January 1, 2024
December 2023 Crossword

December 2023 Crossword

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
December 13, 2023
State Flag Finalists/New State Seal Photo Gallery

State Flag Finalists/New State Seal Photo Gallery

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
December 5, 2023
Submission F277

Minnesota to Get New State Flag

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
December 5, 2023
Want to learn more about this Minnesota-born running for U.S. president? If so, read the article below.

MN Rep. Dean Phillips Announces Bid for Presidency

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
November 20, 2023
Read further to learn about OHS' fun, new Halloween festivities

New Halloween Festivities Foster Student Spirit

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
November 11, 2023
Read the following article to learn about Orono's newest counselor, Ms. Handrick.

Meet OHS’s Newest Addition, Ms. Handrick

Ethan Weiss, Social Media Editor
October 18, 2023
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