The true embodiment of school spirit and loyal mascot to Washington High School is our beloved Bernie the Blue Jay. But who is the person behind the beak putting on the suit before all of the varsity football and basketball games.

“I wanted to become the mascot because I was in eighth grade and I was about ready to start high school. I wasn’t involved in anything at the the time, so I tried out for [our] mascot,”sSenior Curtis Peffermann said.

With only one person acting as mascot, being the mascot is harder than it looks and comes with challenges and a lot of dedication.

“It’s really hot in the suit, it’s hard to see wearing the suit and my mobility is restricted,” Peffermann said. “With multiple people being the mascot, it [would] give the opportunity for them to actually enjoy being in high school and to have a job and more free time.”

However, Bernie doesn’t let this stop him from pumping up the crowd at games.

“I like being the mascot because it’s something completely different that not many people get the opportunity to do,” Peffermann said.

Who will be the next Bernie to cheer on our Blue Jays and pump up the crowd? Peffermann hopes others will become Bernie and share the fun of being a Blue Jay.

“I would encourage others who are really peppy,” Peffermann said, “and have a lot of school spirit [to be Bernie].”