High School iii students deserve a unique and creative mascot like Beasts!  Image a Panther, a Shark or a Bear squaring off against a Barracuda.  A fanged fish, Mythological God of the Sea, or Sea Monster are all oceanic themed and it is understandable but isn't it a bit forced?  Do we have to check the box of aquatic- theme in order to feel a part of our coastal geography?  

From a high schooler perspective, imagine the taunts that Kracken invites in a Florida school system?  Do we really want our kids to have a dialogue about crackers?  I can only find ONE high school in our nation with Beasts as their mascot.  It is unique!

Imagine claw marks slashed through the halls, glowing green eyes under the bleachers, T-shirts with fangs, shaggy fur, horns, scales, wings, or fire - or all of it.  This doesn't have to end with a school board decision alone.  Why don't we let the kids play an integral part in the Beasts-character development?  There could be logo contests, T-shirt contests, and student votes.  Students' creativity and school pride would flow!

Beasts are also a nod to the veterinary academy of our high school.  I happen to be a small animal vet, and I refer to my patients as little beasts all the time.  We also refer to our pets as the little beasties and we love them fiercely.  Veterinary academy students can play a role in protecting our mascot.  High School iii can play a role in protecting our local wild beasts.  Embracing a fictitious and somewhat undefined animal as our mascot allows us to align ourselves with furred, fanged, scaled, winged or horned beasts in our environment.  

An aquatic or oceanic theme is understandable, and the Beasts could be from the sea - the swamp or the land.  The possibilities are endless but the unique and creative nature of the idea is powerful.  If we really need to be oceanic - then Beachside High is perfect..... Beachside Beasts is even better.