UPDATE - MAY 19:
A well-known Sparks landmark just received a visible update to mark its 100th anniversary.
Over the weekend, approximately 60 volunteers gathered to repaint the iconic “S” on the eastern hillside, continuing a tradition that began with Sparks High School students in 1925.
This year’s effort went beyond a fresh coat of paint, as 180 solar-powered LED lights were installed to illuminate the “S” every night, creating a lasting symbol of Sparks pride visible across the city.
The project brought together a wide range of community members including Sparks High School alumni, current students and coaches, TMCC Promise Scholarship recipients, and supportive residents.
“This is more than just paint on a hillside,” said Councilman Donald Abbott, a Sparks High School alumnus and president of the Sparks High School Foundation. “It’s a symbol of our community’s pride, spirit, and commitment to honoring our history while lighting the way forward.”
Sponsors and supporters of the event included the following:
- Sparks High School Alumni Foundation – for purchasing the insurance
- Painters Union 567 and Palafox Painting – for their time and professional equipment
- Sherwin-Williams – for donating all the paint
- Coffee N Comics – for bringing the Thirst Hearse with coffee and muffins
- Sparks Grocery Outlet – for donating food and drinks for the volunteer BBQ
ORIGINAL STORY - MAY 12:
Sparks City Councilman Donald Abbott and Gregg Shugar, Registrar and Varsity Baseball Coach at Sparks High School, are leading a community effort to repaint the iconic “S” on the eastern hills of Sparks to mark its 100th anniversary.
Both Abbott and Shugar are alumni of Sparks High School and long-time supporters of the school.
They have played significant roles in maintaining the landmark and are committed to preserving it for future generations.
The community event will take place on Saturday, May 17th, starting at 9:00 a.m.
Volunteers will assist with tasks such as weeding, re-stacking rocks, and applying a fresh coat of paint to the “S.”
All community members are encouraged to participate in this celebration of Sparks Pride.
Supplies, including paint, will be provided for the project, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves.
A BBQ will follow the work session, and volunteers are invited to bring a chair to enjoy the event.
The event presents an opportunity for the community to celebrate a century of tradition, pride, and spirit while helping preserve this symbol for generations to come.
For more information, visit Sparks High School's website.
