A look back at the most viewed articles by Spartan Times writers in 2024

By Maddie Osborne and Olivia Tremblay

Sanford, MAINE – 2024 was a very successful year for The Spartan Times. The website received 48K likes, a 25% increase from 2023, and welcomed 21.8K visitors to the page, a 33% increase from last year.

While the Home Page achieved nearly 15,500 views, let’s take a look at the top performing articles of the year.

10. Introducing Our New Principal: Mrs.Gibson

Mrs. Tracy Gibson, the new principal at Sanford High School, is a familiar figure in the Sanford School System. A mother of four, she enjoys outdoor activities and has a background in administration, teaching, and social work. Her goals for the year include improving student achievement, preparing students for life after high school, and fostering Spartan Pride, with a focus on safety and giving everyone a voice.

9. SHS Abroad Reveals 2026 Location

Sanford High School (SHS) Abroad has announced the destination for the Class of 2026’s senior trip: Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and London. The trip, which is part of SHS’s travel abroad program, is set for February break of 2026, spanning nine days and eight nights. Students will visit key landmarks in each city, including the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the London Eye. Transportation will primarily be by coach buses and trains.

8. Just For Fun: Staff-Celebrity Look-Alikes

During Teacher Appreciation Week, SHS has some fun by matching teachers and staff with celebrity dopplegangers. The article invites readers to check out the comparisons and see if they agree with the choices. It also encourages people to share any missed doppleganger suggestions in the comments for future editions.

7. Three SHS Administrative Assistants Retiring

At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, three longtime administrative assistants at Sanford High School (SHS) are retiring: Marguerite Smith, Joanne Bourassa, and Donna Cormier, SHS expresses deep gratitude for their years of service and wishes them all the best in their retirement.

6. SHS Abroad Travels to Greece

Sanford High School’s SHS Abroad program is set for its second trip to Greece from Feb. 17-25. Seventy-five travelers, including 49 students, 15 parents, and 10 chaperones, will visit Athens to see major sites like the Olympic Stadium and Parthenon. The group will then tour Tolo, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, and Delphi, with highlights such as the Temple of Poseidon and the Temple of Apollo. The trip will conclude with a Greek dinner in Athens before returning home.

5. Meet the Class of 2024’s Top 10

On Wednesday, May 8, the Sanford Elks held its Annual Youth Banquet to celebrate the academic achievements of students in the Sanford School District. The event recognized the top 50 academic performers from Sanford High School’s Class of 2024, announced the Top 10 graduates, and presented various honors, awards, and scholarships.

4. Sanford Elks Hosts Class of 2024 Top 50 Students

On Wednesday, May 8, the Sanford Elks Lodge held its annual Youth Banquet to recognize the top 50 academically ranked high school students. The event also highlighted the top 10 graduates and presented additional student awards.

3. Senior Prank Slows Down Student traffic

The class of 2024 pulled off a memorable senior prank on May 22 by having students intentionally double-park or park crooked in the student lot. Just before 7 a.m., senior Jack Sevigny added to the prank by parking his car at the front door, but it was quickly moved by a forklift.

2. SHS Announces New Building Plans 

In second place, with more than 1,300 views, was our April Fools Prank Article. Sanford High School purchased and is renovating the old Burger King on Main Street to expand its facilities. Students will be required to wear clown costumes to access the space. Happy April Fools Day from The Spartan Times. 

1. Hall of Honor Announces First Class of Inductees

Our top performing article with nearly 1,650 views, released the Sanford High School Athletics Hall of Honor’s first class of inductees, consisting of nine outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and community members.