The Marching Spartans: More Than Just a Band

 

(Photo- Facebook)

The Marching Spartans: More Than Just a Band

By Brendan Coombs | October 20, 2026

The Sparta High School Marching Band has experienced its share of highs and lows over the past four years, but through dedication, hard work, and teamwork, the Marching Spartans have built a program that continues to find success both on and off the field.

In the fall of 2025, the marching band won the New Jersey State Championship for USBands Group 3A. With that success comes dedication. Being part of the marching band takes up a lot of time, but for its members, the commitment is worth the triumph they feel after winning a competition, especially when they earn the highest score of the entire event.

This year, the Marching Spartans have placed first in every competition they have attended and are looking to earn a second consecutive state title, with hopes of finding success at regionals as well.

However, the band's impact extends far beyond its own competitions. The Marching Spartans also play an important role in creating the atmosphere at Sparta High School football games, working alongside the cheerleaders and energizing the student section.

Senior football kicker Hayden Denmead recognizes just how important the band is to the game-day experience.

"Without the marching band the atmosphere of our crowd is much less lively. At the Passaic Valley football game, we had no marching band, and the game just wasn't the same."

Not only does the marching band compete at a high level, but its members also provide entertainment and work alongside the cheerleaders to help maintain the energy and overall morale throughout football games.

Head director Joseph Lombardo believes the band's accomplishments go beyond the scores they receive at competitions.

"The Marching Spartans have had great success this year not only in their performance, but also in building a positive culture. We demand that all of our students are always kind and respectful, find ways to step in and step up to help the band, and perform every rep with the right balance of focus and intensity. While we have been receiving high scores at our competitions, we believe that the most important and valuable aspects of our program cannot be calculated through a scorecard."

Senior drum major Armani Gutierrez echoed those sentiments, expressing pride in the band's accomplishments and the people who have helped make the season successful.

"I couldn’t be prouder of how the marching band has turned out this season. Their hard work, talent and passion are truly remarkable and their efforts have brought home wins at every competition of the year so far. I especially want to highlight our incredible directors and student leadership team, without them we’d be nowhere near as successful."

With the season coming to a close, Gutierrez also encouraged students and the community to support the band at its final home football game on Friday, October 23.

"As our season comes to a close I want to encourage everyone to come cheer us on at our last home game this Friday 10/23 and also encourage any students in grades 7-11 to come to our annual day at the game where they can learn more about being in the band by rehearsing with us after school and sit with us during the game! It’s super low stakes and it’ll be a fun time for everyone who shows up."

The relationship between the marching band and the cheerleading squad is another important part of the Friday night football experience.

Senior varsity cheerleader Claire Cioce, who has cheered for four years, reflected on what working alongside the marching band has meant to her.

"Cheering with the marching band over the past four years has been such a fun experience! One of my favorite parts has been coordinating our dances with the band’s music. I love how the band is always changing up the songs because it gives us as cheerleaders a chance to work together, be creative, and come up with something new every week. It’s always so exciting celebrating touchdowns together, and nothing beats the feeling of celebrating a win at the end of the game. It’s definitely something I’m going to miss about high school!"

Sophomore cheerleader Lauren Goff shared similar feelings about the band's role in creating a positive atmosphere.

"The marching band is made up of such an amazing group of people. They are so dedicated, talented, and always brighten up the game especially for the cheerleaders. We have so much fun dancing a long to the band and they are so supportive to us as we cheer. Working with the marching band is a really amazing experience and we are very lucky to have them in our stands and on the field."

The marching band's connection to Sparta football doesn't stop with the players and cheerleaders. Its presence also makes a difference to the students cheering from the stands.

Junior Evi Gomez is a dedicated Sparta football fan who regularly attends home games. Although she is not a member of the band or cheerleading squad, she recognizes the role the marching band plays in keeping the student section engaged.

"I think that the marching band is what keeps the student section going, without them, the stands would be quiet when the game gets slow. When the marching band is up, then so are we. They are what truly hold the atmosphere and support cheer along with us students."

For the students who participate, marching band offers an opportunity to experience some of the best parts of high school. Members get to compete against and watch other talented bands, develop friendships, and experience the excitement of football games from the stands while feeling connected to their school community through music.

The Marching Spartans' success is certainly reflected in their competition results, but their influence reaches well beyond trophies and scorecards. From the practice field to competitions and Friday night football games, the band brings together students, athletes, cheerleaders, and fans.

For the Marching Spartans, marching band isn't just an activity. It's an experience, and one that helps make the high school years memorable.

Sparta High School Wellness Fair Encourages Students and Staff to "Paws", Reflect and Recharge

 

Sparta High School Wellness Fair Encourages Students and Staff to 

"Paws", Reflect and Recharge

-By Oracle Staff

9/29/2026

Sparta High School students and staff had the opportunity to pause, recharge and focus on their well-being during the school’s Wellness Fair, held in the Library during lunch on Monday, September 28.

The fair gave participants a chance to learn more about mental health resources available at the high school while taking part in activities designed to reduce stress and promote healthy ways to reset during the school day.

Students were also encouraged to reflect on the wellness tools they already have and the strategies they can use when school, activities and everyday life begin to feel overwhelming. Sometimes taking a few minutes to step away, talk with someone, spend time with friends or simply slow down can make a difference.

One of the most popular visitors was Jeter, Sparta’s favorite support pup, who provided plenty of smiles and some much-needed quality time with students and staff.

Mrs. Feldmann, a retired Helen Morgan School teacher who now works at the Sparta Public Library, also joined the event and brought supplies that allowed participants to build their own wellness kits. Students could choose items and resources to take with them as reminders of different ways they can manage stress and care for themselves.

The Wellness Fair also highlighted the many resources available to students throughout the school year, including the Align Wellness Center, Child Study Team and School Counseling Departments.

“Today’s Wellness Fair was a reminder that you are never alone,” Mrs. Hutesbaut said. “The Align Wellness Center, Child Study Team, and School Counseling Departments want you to know that there are people here who see you, support you, and are always willing to help.”

She also reminded students that struggling does not mean they lack resilience.

“Resilience doesn’t mean you never struggle. It means remembering that you have the strength to keep going, the courage to ask for help, and people around you who care,” Mrs. Hutesbaut said. “Choose positivity, keep going, and remember that you don’t have to face the hard days by yourself!”

The Wellness Fair served as an important reminder for both students and staff that mental health matters and that asking for help is a sign of strength. With resources available right here at Sparta High School, no member of the school community has to navigate difficult moments alone.

In the middle of a busy school day, sometimes taking a little time to reflect, recharge and connect is exactly what we need.

Sparta Girls Tennis Serves Up Second-Place Finish at HWS Tournament

Sparta Girls Tennis Serves Up Second-Place Finish at HWS Tournament

By Sachi Paniker

9/28/2026

On Friday, September 25, the Sparta Girls Tennis Team competed in the HWS tournament as the defending champion after winning the team title in 2025. Riding high from their tough wins this season against Morristown, Morris Hills and Montville, the girls team secured a second place finish with 18 team points. In second singles, co-captain Sara Schwarz won first place in an upset over Voorhees player, Schuyler Abramson. Sparta also found success in first doubles, where top-seeded Juliet Shim and Brinnley Moriarty secured another win. 

Emily Dondero, co-captain, competed in the first singles and Layla Boohoff competed in the third singles. Julia Schwarz, the only freshmen on the team, and Brooke Evelyn competed in the second singles. The team is rounded out by alternates Sunny Young, Reese Bruno and Karina Matteson

The current team record is 6-5 but the season isn’t over yet. State tournament matches start this week so make sure to show your support for the girls! 

(Photo Credit J.Derricks)

Taking a Break: Bananagrams in the MRC

Taking a Break: Bananagrams in the MRC

by Hayden Denmead

9/25/2026

School days can feel long, especially by the time eighth period comes around. After classes, assignments, tests, and everything else students have going on, sometimes you just need a break.

Lately, students have been finding that break in the MRC.

During eighth period, Bananagrams has become a pretty big thing. What started as a few people playing a quick game has turned into something students look forward to. People gather around the table, grab their letters, make words, and try to be the first to use all their tiles.

And it gets competitive pretty quickly.

Mrs. Tafuri says one of the best parts is the competition. “It’s fun to compete and argue about what is a real word,” she said. Those arguments are definitely part of the game. Someone puts down a word, someone else questions it, and suddenly everyone has an opinion.

Senior Brendan Coombs enjoys the social side of the game. “It is fun to play with friends and teachers,” he said.

That's what makes it a good break during the school day. You're still thinking, but it doesn't feel like an assignment. It's also a chance to put down the Chromebook or phone, talk to people, laugh, and take your mind off schoolwork for a little while.

Taking a break during the school day is important. Sometimes a few minutes doing something different is all you need to reset and be more focused when you get back to work.

The MRC is a place to study, research, read, and get work done, but it can also be a place to take a break.

And right now, during eighth period, that break usually involves friends, teachers, letter tiles, a few arguments over whether a word actually exists, and eventually someone yelling “Peel!”

JOIN THE ORACLE!

JOIN THE ORACLE!

Sparta High School’s News Source

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Report on the amazing people, events, teams, clubs, and activities that make up the Sparta High School community!

Join The ORACLE and help us share what’s happening at SHS!

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No experience necessary. Just bring your ideas, creativity, and Spartan spirit!

The ORACLE: Your School. Your Stories. Your Voice.

Sparta High School Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of September 11

9/14/2026

by The Oracle Staff

On Friday, September 11, 2026, Sparta High School came together to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks through remembrance, reflection, and a powerful firsthand account of service.

The day began at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Student Council President Valerie Kopco delivered a moving statement to the Sparta High School community, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost and recognizing the extraordinary courage of the first responders, ordinary citizens, and countless others who stepped forward to help that day. The school community then observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims and their families.

The commemoration continued during lunch in the Sparta High School Library/Media Resource Center, where the Law Enforcement Club, in partnership with the Library, hosted a special viewing of a 9/11 anniversary documentary.

Librarian Mrs. Angela DeLuccia opened the program by providing students with historical context and reminding them why, 25 years later, it remains important for a new generation to learn about September 11. For today’s high school students, 9/11 is history rather than a lived memory, making firsthand accounts especially meaningful.

Following portions of the documentary, students had the opportunity to hear one of those firsthand accounts from a familiar member of the Sparta High School community.

SHS Security Guard Kevin Radday was a member of the New York City Police Department when the attacks occurred and participated in the rescue and recovery efforts that followed. Radday shared his experiences with students, providing a personal perspective on the courage, sacrifice, devastation, and humanity he witnessed during one of the most difficult moments in American history.

He also shared artifacts connected to those experiences, including items from fellow SHS Security Guard Robert Kelly, who also served with the NYPD.

The artifacts and personal stories brought history beyond the pages of a textbook or images on a screen. Students were able to hear directly from someone who answered the call to serve and to better understand the experiences of the first responders who rushed toward danger while so many others were trying to escape it.

While the program remembered the tragedy and tremendous loss of September 11, it also focused on what happened afterward.

In the days and months following the attacks, communities came together. First responders, volunteers, neighbors, strangers, and people from across the country worked side by side to rescue, recover, comfort, and rebuild. Differences seemed smaller, and helping one another became more important.

Radday ended the program by challenging students to carry that lesson forward in a simple but meaningful way: pay forward an act of kindness.

Twenty-five years later, that message remains an important part of the legacy of September 11.

For Sparta High School, the anniversary was not only an opportunity to remember a defining moment in American history, but also to remind a new generation that even in the darkest moments, courage, service, compassion, and unity can make a difference.

We remember those we lost. We honor those who served. And we carry their legacy forward through how we treat one another.

Sparta Boys Lacrosse Makes History

Sparta Boys Lacrosse Makes History as Group 2 State Champions

June 16, 2026

by- Oracle Staff

(photos courtesy of Mr. Sean Peterson)

The Sparta High School boys lacrosse team has achieved something truly special. After a season defined by hard work, determination, and teamwork, the Spartans are officially the 2026 NJSIAA Group 2 State Champions.

The championship journey began with a dominant 12–4 victory over West Morris Central in the North Jersey, Group 2 sectional final. With that win, Sparta advanced to the Group 2 State Championship game at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), where they faced Ocean City, the South Jersey Group 2 champion.

On one of the biggest stages in New Jersey high school lacrosse, the Spartans rose to the occasion. Playing with confidence, composure, and heart, Sparta defeated Ocean City 9–5 to bring home the Group 2 State Championship trophy.

The title caps an extraordinary season for the Spartans, who finished with an impressive 16–5 overall record. Along the way, the team also captured the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex (HWS) Championship, further solidifying its place among the state's elite programs.

Head Coach Sean Peterson shared his pride in the team's remarkable accomplishments, noting that their championship season was built on hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one another. He praised the players for their dedication throughout the year and for creating a season that will be remembered as one of the finest in Sparta lacrosse history. The historic championship run not only showcased the talent and determination of the team but also brought tremendous pride to the Sparta sports community, giving students, families, alumni, and fans a season to celebrate for years to come.

Throughout the season, the Spartans demonstrated the qualities that define championship teams: selflessness, resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Whether facing tough opponents, overcoming adversity, or competing in pressure-filled moments, the team consistently rose to the challenge.

As the final whistle sounded at TCNJ, the Spartans celebrated more than just a victory; they celebrated a season that will be remembered for years to come. Their accomplishments have brought tremendous pride to Sparta High School and added another remarkable chapter to the school's athletic tradition.

Congratulations to Coach Peterson, his staff, and the entire Sparta boys lacrosse team on an unforgettable season. The Spartans are HWS Champions, Group 2 State Champions, and forever a part of Sparta history.