Sparta High School Class of 2013 graduates

SPARTA — June 28 marked another year of smiling graduates taking the stage.

Sparta High School held its graduation this year in the SHS auditorium. Despite the ceremony being almost two weeks late because of Hurricane Sandy, the 285 graduates of the class of 2013 all received their diplomas.

Parents sat teary-eyed, and graduates teemed with excitement and memories as Salutatorian Maya Drummond, and Valedictorian Christine Scaglione made their speeches.

As the ceremony came to an end and Dr. Daniel Johnson spoke, he thanked the graduating class for a memorable first year at Sparta High School. Dr. Johnson left his first graduating class at SHS with words to remember. He said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Being inadequate would provide you with an excuse - with a way out... The class of 2013 has amassed a tremendous series of honors."

He mentioned the following:
They had national D.E.C.A winners for two consecutive years

As a class, have received over 20 million dollars in scholarship monies

Won 10 NJAC titles, four Division titles, five State Sectional Titles, and one State Championship

Six graduates have signed national letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college.

The band has won local awards and finished eighthin the State Championships

Sparta High School Jazz and Blues ensembles have both received superior rankings.

Sparta High School Choir received superior rankings

The class of 2013 took 105 Advanced Placement tests

Members of the class of 2013 will be attending schools including; Yale, Cornell, Bedouin, NJIT, Fordham, Seton Hall, Penn State, Bucknell, and Lafayette

Johnson concluded, "However as I have come to know you; as I have watched you during your senior year - I can say, without reservation, that you, as a collective, are far from inadequate."