Palmam Qui Meriut Ferat

Knights of Sparta supports students with our Community Service “Torchbearers of Tomorrow” Education Award.

Please see our application form for more information.

Meet Our King

Hail to His Royal Majesty, King Sparta LXXI, Dr. Scott Matthew Taranto! ALL HAIL THE KING!

King Sparta LXXI, Dr. Scott Matthew Taranto, native of Atlanta Georgia, has a deep passion for historic architecture and has made a significant impact in the field of historic renovations, particularly in the New Orleans area. His achievements, such as being named the Garden District Renovator of the year in 2022, demonstrate his dedication to preserving and restoring historical properties.

His interests in sports, including University of Georgia football, the Atlanta Braves, New Orleans Saints, and New Orleans Pelicans, reflect his love for the local sports scene.

Moreover, his love for traveling to auctions to find period piece antiques and restoring historic homes in his free time further highlights his commitment to the preservation and appreciation of historical artifacts and architecture.

Scott Taranto has led a remarkable life, marked by a dedicated commitment to both his successful medical career and his deep passion for historic preservation and sports.

Scott is married to Missy Taranto and has two daughters, Evie Lynn Taranto and Jessica Sylest Taranto.

He earned his MD (Doctor of Medicine) from Cambridge Overseas Medical School in 2000 and then completed his residency in physiatry at Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2005.

He is the owner of New Orleans Millworks, which is involved in historic renovations and specializes in architectural millwork. Additionally, he owns Nola 1 Source.

ALL HAIL THE KING! King Sparta LXXI, Dr. Scott Matthew Taranto!

Photos by Darryl Schmitt Photography 2023

Meet Our Queen

Her Imperial Majesty, the Queen of Sparta for 2024, Her Majesty, Miss Jaycee Lynn Hopkins. She is the daughter of the daughter of Mr. Keith Michael Hopkins and Mrs. Karen Michelle Hopkins.

Queen Jaycee’s journey and achievements are truly remarkable and inspiring. Her dedication to her education, evident from her early graduation with honors from West Ouachita High School, showcases her commitment to academic excellence. Receiving the Central Federal Credit Union Centric College scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding academic and leadership qualities, which undoubtedly supports her pursuit of a nursing degree at Louisiana Tech University.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Queen Jaycee’s active involvement in her community and faith demonstrates her strong sense of social responsibility and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Her participation in the Baptist Campus Ministry and teaching preschool religion at Ouachita Baptist Church highlights her dedication to her spiritual life and her commitment to the education of young minds.

Queen Jaycee’s passion for reading aligns perfectly with the Spartan Bal Masque and parade theme of “Inspirers of Imagination,” and her aspiration to become an author of literature for children is admirable. The world of children’s literature plays a vital role in shaping young minds and nurturing creativity, and her dedication to this cause reflects her commitment to education and the enrichment of young readers.

Queen Jaycee is a multifaceted individual who excels academically, actively contributes to her community and faith, and has a deep love for literature and a passion for inspiring young minds. Her dedication and ambition make her an outstanding member of the Louisiana Tech University community and a promising future author in the world of children’s literature. Her journey is an inspiration to all.

Hail to Queen Jaycee Lynn Hopkins! Her accomplishments and dedication are truly worthy of celebration. May she continue to shine brightly and inspire others with her achievements and aspirations.

Remembering Louis Reese

We are deeply saddened to announce that the Knights of Sparta has lost an officer, a brother, a friend and an all-around great guy. Louis Reese lost his long fight with cancer on June 9, 2023. Although still here in spirit, his presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Louis was an inspiration. He was a very strong man; a devoted father, husband, and son, and a courageous man who fought to the end. No matter what life sent his way, Louis had an amazing ability to stay optimistic, supportive, positive, upbeat and cheerful.
Louis served proudly in the Air Force; he had a deep love of Mardi Gras and was a devoted member of the Knights of Sparta. It was a privilege to have served alongside of him as an officer. Our lives are truly richer for having known him.
Our hearts and prayers are with his wife (Tara), his children (Max and Maylee), and his mother (Pam), as they traverse this difficult time.

Spartan Society © 2023