Much like its bird relative, the Phoenix, our school’s Kadet is making a glorious return. As of the past four years, Air Academy High School’s crucial spirit factor has been absent in attendance at various events. While spirit is certainly not something the Kadet Kulture lacks, the very being that separates Air Academy from the other basic schools is our legendary mascot: the Kadet bird. The Kadet bird is a bright blue mythological creature resembling a baby falcon with both a yellow beak and claws, holding a tan club and a needle piercing through. The Kadet’s facial expression appears ferocious and ready to tackle whatever competition foolishly stumbles amongst its path. The tremendous icon missing in our stands now can be seen on the field, in the gym, and even the courtyard thanks to senior, Jessica Hendricks.

Jessica contacted Athletic Director, Diane Shuck, and arranged to become the next Air Academy mascot. Full of energy, dedication, and fierce dance moves, Jessica is the perfect candidate to fill the exceptional role of the Kadet mascot. When asked what motivated Jessica to fill the exceptional role of the Kadet mascot she explained (other than busting some sick moves) she, “wanted to add another unique experience to [her] senior year.” Jessica recalls back to when she was in middle school, “I remember when my brother was in high school and I would go to sporting events and see the mascot cheering on the different teams, I knew at some point in high school that would be me behind the beak.” Ms. Shuck responds to the four-year drought of a Kadet mascot saying, “Having a mascot is awesome! I love having both the cheerleaders and a mascot to cheer on all of our teams.” Since the beginning of the fall season, Jessica has made various appearances to rival games against teams like Pine Creek and Cheyenne Mountain, putting the other schools’ spirit status to shame.

Air Academy, being the second oldest high school in Colorado Springs, appreciates the continuing of traditions, including the mascot itself. From the establishment of Air Academy High in 1957, the school has had a mascot on and off throughout the years since. Luckily, there’s no need to fret fellow Kadets, for the standard for Air Academy school spirit is back to the tradition of excellence. The presence of the popular, Kadet mascot follows the motto, it’s a matter of pride, and maintains the high standards set in years prior, as well as those soon to follow.