Allendale November 21, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 The Northern Highlands Regional High School Marching Band, led by Band Director Teddi Sotiropoulos, posted Highlands Marching Band earns state, national wins two impressive wins in competition last week, earning both a state and a national title. This is the first time Northern Highlands has placed first at nationals. On Nov. 11, the band won the U.S. Bands Open National Championship held at MetLife Stadium. Northern Highlands was one of 14 bands competing in the Group 3A category, and earned the overall first place award, along with first place awards for best music, best effects, and best percussion. The band earned a score of 96.25 in that event. The national win came just one day after Northern Highlands won the New Jersey State Championship, Group 3A at Washington Township High School in Sewell. Northern Highlands competed against 19 other bands in that event, and received a score of 95.25. That top score earned Northern Highlands first place overall and first place for best music. The Northern Highlands Band includes 75 members. Ryane Davis and Tony Min are the drum majors, and Tori Abramik and Justin DeParis are the Color Guard captains. The senior band members include Miriam Abramik, Victoria Abramik, Nickita Alexiades, Kaitlin Clifford, Ryane Davis, Mindy Gorin, Ellie Hart, Quentin Harvell, Rebecca Japko, Sammy Kelly, Ashley Kester, Sarah Kim, Suinn Kim, Rachel Lee, Tony Min, Alexa Pagliaroni, Erik Peterson, Alana Poser, Nick Puig, and Davy Vikner. (Photos courtesy of Ted Clark)