Before the North Springs High School Spartans took the field on Friday, September 11, the school began the evening with a moving memorial to 9-11. Led by the school's JROTC color guard and accompanied by bagpipers from the Atlanta Pipe Band, the Spartan marching band, cheerleaders and students carried a huge unfurled American flag across the field. Sandy Springs police, firefighters and first responders stood at attention on the sidelines. 

VIP guests also included Sandy Springs' mayor Eva Galambos, school board vice president Julia Bernath and area superintendent Leonard Box. Following  the national anthem, senior Cinnamon Murray read an original tribute to the heroes and to the fallen of September 11, 2001. She closed with the line, "we will never forget 9-11."  Following cheers and applause of appreciation, the memorial included and the game began.