The Official Student News Site of Orono High School

The Spartan Speaks
The back of a You Matter sweatshirt.
Guide to You Matter Week 2024
This is Brian Thompson the victim of this crime.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Slain in NYC
A new smart board displays the day's agenda.
New Technology Benefits Orono Students and Teachers
A poster for Anastasia the Musical
A Royal Mystery Takes Place on Stage: OHS Theater Presents ‘Anastasia’ the Musical
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
Live Updates: Election Night 2024
Live Updates: Election Night 2024
Election '24
Who’s Running in 2024? A Preview of the Presidential Candidates
Vice President and Democratic Nominee Kamala Harris, left, and Former President Donald Trump and Republican Nominee, right
Election ’24: Summer and September Update
Daniel Bremer takes his opponent to the mat displaying impressive strength in the moment.
Photo Gallery: Orono Wrestling at Andover
Parker Burckhardt catches the ball.
State Semifinals Photo Gallery: Orono Football vs Totino Grace
Head Coach Hall gives instructions to his team before their first game for the season.
Orono Boys Hockey Team Gears Up for Exciting Season Ahead
Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt discuss a game.
Tom Brady’s New Role as Broadcaster Splits Opinions
Parker Burckhardt catches the ball.
State Semifinals Photo Gallery: Orono Football vs Totino Grace
#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
Daniel Bremer takes his opponent to the mat displaying impressive strength in the moment.
Photo Gallery: Orono Wrestling at Andover
Head Coach Hall gives instructions to his team before their first game for the season.
Orono Boys Hockey Team Gears Up for Exciting Season Ahead
Spartan Excellence: Recap of OHS Winter Sports Season 2024
Spartan Excellence: Recap of OHS Winter Sports Season 2024
Skiing, particularly of the alpine discipline, is an activity enjoyed by many
Hitting the Slopes: Nordic & Alpine Ski at OHS
(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
The Boys' Tennis Team shakes hands with Wayzata after their section final win.
Orono Boys Tennis Wins Sections
The Dell Chromebook 3100
How Should OHS Invest More Towards Student Laptops?
Students parked in the high school parking lot
Juniors Take Over the Senior Lot
Robotics team members (pictured right to left) John Eberhardt, Adam Haislet, Hudson Reed, and Alex Peterson pose in front of their newly completed bridge after a practice competition.
Robotics Team Rises to Action
A Tech Buddies poster hangs on a locker.
Tech Buddies Empowers Orono Community
The neofetch from shortly after I got the server.
Review: The Dell R630 Proves its Value
High school student uses generative AI in school.
The Role of Generative AI in Schools: A Double-Edged Sword
Sophomore Davis Kelly using a Dell Chromebook 3100 2 in 1.
OHS Must Invest More Towards Student Laptops
Letter to the Editor: We Should Talk About Epilepsy
Letter to the Editor: We Should Talk About Epilepsy
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
On Cloud shoes come in many sizes and styles, such as the CloudStratus 2 shown in this photo.
Do On Shoes Really Propel You Into the Clouds?
A winter cabin.
December 2024 Crossword
Interview With Survivor Week Winner Eli Fish
Interview With Survivor Week Winner Eli Fish
Daniel Bremer takes his opponent to the mat displaying impressive strength in the moment.
Photo Gallery: Orono Wrestling at Andover
Should We Colonize Mars?
Should We Colonize Mars?
The Official Student News Site of Orono High School

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

The Spartan Speaks
All content by Joseph Mariani
Come this Friday and see two OHS seniors put on one-act plays they have been directing all semester!

Two OHS Students to put on One-Act Plays this Friday

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
May 29, 2024
Can you complete this master crossword to finish off the school year?

May 2024 Master Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
May 24, 2024
Need help with writing in a class? The OHS Writing Center has you covered!

Writing Center Opens for All at OHS

Joseph Mariani, Editor-In-Chief
May 10, 2024
Can you solve this April's crossword? See if you can beat your record!

April 2024 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Editor-In-Chief
April 19, 2024
Poster was drawn by Grant Hemenway.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” to go Wonderfully Awry at OHS

Joseph Mariani, Editor-In-Chief
April 17, 2024
Find out where OHS students are heading this spring break!

Where OHS Students are Traveling: Spring Break 2024

Joseph Mariani, Editor-In-Chief
March 21, 2024
Curious about what you can do to prepare yourself for the ACT? Read this article to learn more!

A Guide to the ACT

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
March 13, 2024
Play this month's crossword and see if you can break your record!

March 2024 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2024
Try out this month's fun crossword!

February 2024 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
February 16, 2024
A Valentine's Day celebration in Verona, Italy, the home of the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet.

Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World

Joseph Mariani, Editor-In-Chief
February 13, 2024
Guide to Orono Winterfest Week 2024

Guide to Orono Winterfest Week 2024

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
February 5, 2024
Start off the new year with this January crossword!

January 2024 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
January 18, 2024
This year's drama one-act play has been written by a student. Read further to learn more.

Orono Student Writes Play to be Performed

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
January 16, 2024
This is the schedule for the 2024 Live Unified Week.

Live Unified Week 2024 Schedule

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
January 7, 2024
The 2023 cast of Survivor Week. Who will be the sole survivor?

Orono Survivor Week 2023 Begins

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2023
Play this month's crossword below!

November 2023 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2023
Read the article below to learn about this year's OHS Fall Musical: Bright Star.

“Bright Star” to Shine at Orono High School

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
November 7, 2023
What are OHS students reading this fall? Find out in the article below.

Students Recommend Their Favorite Fall Books

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
October 31, 2023
Below is an account of the Class of 2024's opinions of homecoming week.

Seniors Share Their Final Homecoming Opinions

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
October 12, 2023
Read the article below to learn about Orono's 2023 Homecoming Week schedule.

Guide to Orono Homecoming Week 2023

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
September 29, 2023
back to school, school enrollment, school-2628013.jpg

September 2023 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
September 28, 2023
Read below to learn more about the successful first week of the Orono 2023-2024 school year.

OHS Starts School Year With Triumphant First Week

Joseph Mariani, Editor-in-Chief
September 18, 2023
Read the article below to learn what advice seniors have for their younger classmates.

Seniors Give Parting Advice to Underclassmen

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
June 5, 2023
Play this month's crossword about the upcoming summer vacation!

Summer 2023 Crossword Puzzle

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
June 1, 2023
Check out what Orono students’ summer plans are with this fun word cloud!

What OHS Students Plan to Do This Summer

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
May 31, 2023
Keep reading to learn about Orono's 2023 decision day!

OHS Seniors Announce Future Plans at Decision Day Celebration

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
May 23, 2023
King Charles III was recently coronated in Westminster Abbey. Read below to learn more.

King Charles III is Coronated

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
May 22, 2023
Read further to learn about Orono's Spanish, German, and Mandarin courses.

Orono’s Language Department: Overviewed

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
May 15, 2023
Read further to find a review of the famous Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey.

Classics Reviewed: Northanger Abbey

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
May 3, 2023
Read below to OHS teacher's reading recommendations.

Teacher Spring Reading Recommendations

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
May 3, 2023
Scroll below to play this month's crossword!

April 2023 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
April 18, 2023
OHS Student Spring Break Destinations 2023

OHS Student Spring Break Destinations 2023

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
March 23, 2023
Five new classes are being added to the OHS curriculum for the 2023-2024 school year. Keep reading to learn more about these new academic opportunities.

New Classes Starting in 2023-24 at OHS

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
March 21, 2023
Continue reading to learn about the Orono Math Team, its recent success, and the great opportunity it gives to math lovers.

Orono Math Team Goes to State

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
March 14, 2023
United Nations

UN Condemns Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
March 1, 2023
Interested in books involving pirates and adventure? Well, then Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson might be perfect for you!

Classics Reviewed: Treasure Island

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
February 28, 2023
Read below to learn about the long and intriguing history of Valentine's Day!

A History of Valentine’s Day

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
February 13, 2023
SPARKS is an amazing local tutoring and mentoring program for young Orono students. Read below to learn more!

SPARKS In Need of More Members

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
February 8, 2023
Check out the schedule below to see the events that will be taking place during the 2023 Orono Winterfest!

Guide to Orono Winterfest Week 2023

Joseph Mariani, Opinions Editor
February 3, 2023
Come and play this fun and interactive Valentine's Day crossword puzzle!

Valentine’s Day 2023 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
January 23, 2023
Test yourself today with these interactive trivia questions, similar to those found in Quiz Bowl tournaments. If you enjoyed this quiz, or just like trivia in general, then Quiz Bowl is perfect for you!

Test Your Knowledge with These Interactive Quiz Bowl Questions

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
January 4, 2023
A new club is emerging at Orono High School. Read down below to learn more about it!

Car Club to Teach Kids Essential Skills

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
December 14, 2022
Come and play this fun holiday season crossword!

Holiday Season 2022 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
December 7, 2022
Keep reading to learn about five different Christmas traditions across the globe!

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
December 2, 2022
Teachers across the country had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how Orono's own educators stepped up to the plate by reading further!

How OHS Teachers Adapted to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
November 30, 2022
Make sure to buy tickets to this year's Orono Fall Musical. If you want to learn more about it, make sure to read below for some interviews with the cast members.

“The Sound of Music” is Filling the Halls of Orono High School

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
November 3, 2022
Try out our interactive crossword puzzle for the month of November!

November 2022 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
November 2, 2022
The town of Orono has a long and fascinating history. Read further to learn more!

The History of Orono, Minnesota

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
October 18, 2022
Halloween 2022 Crossword

Halloween 2022 Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
October 7, 2022
Orono students march in the Homecoming parade on Old Crystal Bay Rd.

Guide to Orono Homecoming Week 2022

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
September 23, 2022
The British Commonwealth is in mourning after the death of their Queen, Elizabeth II. Read more to learn about her long and impactful reign and the future of the British Crown.

Queen Elizabeth II: Remembering 70 Years of Reign

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
September 16, 2022
While the Emirati metropolis may appear as beautiful as the emerald city, corruption and worker abuse are rife within. Read more to learn the truth about what is going on in Dubai.

Dubai: A Gilded Prison

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
June 6, 2022
Take a look at Orono students' summer plans with this fun word cloud!

Students’ Summer Plans

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
June 1, 2022
The Boys' Tennis Team shakes hands with Wayzata after their section final win.

Orono Boys Tennis Wins Sections

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
May 27, 2022
The Spartan Speaks has received multiple journalism awards from NSPA; keep reading to learn more about the exciting announcement.

The Spartan Speaks and Spartan Annual Win State Journalism Awards

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
May 22, 2022
Every spring, Orono elects its presidents and senators to help aid the schools in its many activities. Continue reading to learn more.

Student Senate is Looking for New Members

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
May 22, 2022
Orono May Crossword 2022

Orono May Crossword 2022

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
May 18, 2022
In 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state to join the union; read more to learn how it got there.

A History of Minnesota’s Journey to Statehood

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
May 11, 2022
There are many benefits to becoming proficient in another language; read more to learn about what they are.

The Benefits of Learning a Second Language

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
May 6, 2022
The Orono School District has recently created a new two-year contract for its teachers; read on to learn more about its significance.

Orono Schools Comes to an Agreement with Teachers

Joseph Mariani and Luke Wendling
May 2, 2022
Because of the recent Ukrainian conflict, support for Finland and Sweden to join NATO has increased massively; read further to learn more.

Finland and Sweden to Join NATO

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
April 20, 2022
Only Murders in the Building has become one of Hulu's most popular original series; read further to learn more about its intriguing, fast-paced story.

Only Murders in the Building: Reviewed

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
April 20, 2022
The Agatha Christie classic is being performed at Orono High School this spring. Read learn more about it.

Orono’s Spring Play Leaps Into Action

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
April 19, 2022
Easter is celebrated across the world, continue reading to learn about various regional customs.

Easter Traditions Around the World

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
April 11, 2022
Ukraine is part of the breadbasket of Europe, and the recent conflict has caused concerns about the continent's food supply.

Europe Bracing for Food Shortages Brought on by Ukrainian Conflict

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
April 8, 2022
The Great Gatsby is one of the most well-known novels written by author F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Classics Reviewed: The Great Gatsby

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
April 6, 2022
AP Exams can be stressful. Read here to learn about helpful resources to relieve some of that test anxiety and stress.

5 Free Resources for AP Test-Studying

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
April 4, 2022
The history of St. Patrick's Day is not well-known, read more about how it originated.

A History of St. Patrick’s Day

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
March 15, 2022
Screenshot 2022-03-14 110603

Where OHS Students are Headed this Spring Break 2022

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
March 14, 2022
Debate Team is Looking for New Members

Debate Team is Looking for New Members

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
March 7, 2022
The King’s Man: Reviewed

The King’s Man: Reviewed

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
March 7, 2022
Cameron MacPhail

Orono March 2022 Crossword Puzzle

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
March 1, 2022
iStock

Orono 2021 Thanksgiving Crossword

Joseph Mariani, Staff Reporter
November 29, 2021
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