2026 Halloween Parade

Parade Grand Marshal: Coach Mike “Pap” Papenberg

Mike Papenberg is a lifelong Riverton resident, a Palmyra High School graduate, and an educator entering his 22nd year at PHS. He and his wife, Kim – a fellow Palmyra graduate and former middle school field hockey coach – have two daughters, Adelaide and Mina, who both play soccer and basketball for Pal-Riv.

Papenberg’s career is built around the belief that education and athletics help young people grow not only as students and athletes, but also as teammates, leaders, and members of their community. Since beginning as a teacher in 2005, he has influenced generations of Palmyra students through his work in education and athletics. He has served in several roles at PHS, most recently as athletic director, assistant principal, and boys’ varsity soccer coach.

As a coach, Papenberg has earned more than 275 wins, three NJSIAA sectional championships (2005, 2009, and 2023), and one NJSIAA Group 1 state championship (2009). In 2024, he was named South Jersey Coach of the Year by the SJSCA and New Jersey State Small School Coach of the Year by the SCANJ and USC. In recognition of his commitment to Palmyra student-athletes, he was named the Burlington County Scholastic League’s Athletic Director of the Year in 2023.

Papenberg’s contributions extend well beyond game days and athletic administration. He has supported student development, athletic programs, community communication, youth soccer, and the continued growth of Palmyra athletics. He also coaches Pal-Riv’s U-12 and U-9 girls’ teams and has run Panther Soccer Camp for nearly 20 years, offering young athletes from kindergarten through eighth grade the opportunity to learn and play.

His accomplishments reach far beyond wins and losses. Through teaching, coaching, administration, camps, and community involvement, Papenberg has helped young people build confidence, learn teamwork, and take pride in representing their school. His legacy is reflected in the students and athletes he has coached, the programs he has helped lead, and the strength of Palmyra’s athletic community.

In recognition of his sustained service, leadership, and dedication to young people, the Palmyra Halloween Committee has chosen Coach Papenberg as Grand Marshal of its 2026 parade.