This fall, a announcement was put out through the school alerting students that they could sign up to be the eagle mascot at a football game. The fuzzy mascot suit makes many students think of taking nostalgic pictures with the eagle as kids, friday night football games, and pep rallies in the fieldhouse.

There have been many events this school year in which different students have cheered under the mask, “I had a number of students inquire about the opportunity. Eagles were chosen on a first come first serve basis. So far we've had 8 people dress up as the eagle at football games,” said Lauren Jenkins, the teacher responsible for selecting which students wear the suit.

The eagle was also featured on Wood TV8’s Football Frenzy show earlier this October. An anonymous junior wore the eagle suit for the show, and later that night at the football game. “No one has any idea how hot it is in there! There’s a small fan located in the head, but other than that you just have to brave through the heat,” said the junior. The eagle suit reportedly has an unpleasant smell, “I think that they gave me some sort of spray to disinfect it. The smell wasn’t unbearable but it certainly wasn’t pleasant” said the junior.

A brand new eagle suit that is soon to be showcased is sure not to stink. “Student Council just purchased a new eagle that we will debut soon,” said Jenkins. A mascot suit is typically in upwards of 1,000 dollars, meaning that whoever wears the new suit will have one of the flashiest outfits on the field. The anonymity behind which student wears the eagle suit is a tradition for nearly every other school mascot as well. “I really loved the fact no one could tell who I was, I got to act crazier and I didn’t get embarrassed even when I was in front of the news crew in the morning, and then the entire school later that night at the game,” said the junior, “plus it was really fun to mess with my friends and not have them know who it was.” The school will continue to have its eagles remain anonymous, with only Jenkins and a select few knowing the identity of each eagle.

With only a few football games left, there are still chances for more students to be the eagle, “It's not hard! I'm always looking for volunteers! Just come see me and I'll add you to the list of people interested,” said Jenkins.” I'm looking for someone energetic, enthusiastic, and approachable. They should have expressive body language and be a crowd motivator. They need to understand that younger kids will want to give them high fives and take pictures with them. “ The eagle has been a symbol of the district for decades, inspiring students throughout all grades to soar and thrive in the school.