Washington Principal Tom Ray standing with mascot.

By ALYSSA RICHARDSON
Communications Associate, Warsaw Community Schools

WARSAW — A Washington STEM Academy student noticed the school didn’t have a hornet mascot during school events and came up with a plan. Fifth grade student Graham Hoyle researched what it would take to bring a mascot back to Washington and formulated a proposal for Principal Tom Ray.

Graham wanted to give back to his school community by using his own money, earned from mowing, to acquire a mascot suit to donate to Washington STEM Academy. This morning the dream came to fruition with the unveiling of the new mascot during WSA’s Friday morning gathering.

Students and teachers cheered as the new mascot entered the gymnasium. Mr. Ray announced a “Name the Hornet” contest for the new mascot. More details will be released next week on the student contest for the new hornet’s official name.

Congratulations to Graham Hoyle for pursuing his dream and enriching the lives of others.