What Happened to Gus the Griffin ?

For many one highlight of the 2019 year was the appearance of a proposed Tpaa mascot. Making its wave on Instagram as a profile declaring itself under the mascot name, “Gus the Griffin” -- followed many students on the social media platform.

Many student were intrigued and humorously shared the profile on their snapchat and

twitter. For the most part many took it as a serious consideration when the page boasted being followed by TPAA leaderships Instagram page. All about the account seemed valid.

Until students furthermore were informed that the page had no relation to any campus supervisors or endorsement from any Tpaa body.

Aleeya Fitzgerald -- an editor of the Gazette was concerned of the matter and her journalistic skepticism kicked in. She had noted that the page was starting a ‘gofundme’ account in attempts to “help hatch gus the griffin”. In other words donate to the campaign to financially support the shipment of the griffin costume with a goal of $ 1,800.

“ Every stock image of a costume they advertise isn't a griffin, it’s either an eagle or another creature”, she remarked eagerly.

She also noted that a gofundme page was a peculiar way of promoting such a thing for TPAA. Stressing that if the school was really up for a mascot they would have funded it fully.

Given that the account was not formally “verified” by the school and the contrary of claims; something smelled treacherous.

While no malice seemed to be intended, Aleeya having “lived vicariously” among people she . knew get scammed -- upheld her keen implications.

“If admin didn’t get involved, who knows where the funds would of gone”.

While to some it is unknown who started the page, many on campus allege that it was a Junior or Sophomore.

As of now the page has a disclaimer in the bio indicating that it is “ organized independently”.

Should Tpaa have a mascot ?

Senior Shaun bautista brought to attention the spirit of the school. Tpaa is a mix, because if you look at the juniors there's a ton of spirit, but seniors..” he gestured with a bit of disappointment.

“ Look at other high schools that do have mascots, you see their enthusiasm and energy get bigger.”

Senior Kenny Barrios also raised the same interest -- with a great deal of ecstacy.

“‘You see how spirit weeks goes”, he mentioned.

“It sounds like a really ‘dope’ idea”

Among one of the pros of having a school mascot, Mr Brophy sees Gus the Griffin as a potential influencer.

“Our mascot could go see not just the highschool students, but the elementary. It will allow them to encourage Tpaa spirit and show them what our school is all about.. Design, create, and explore.”

Segment with Gus the Griffin :

The person behind the proposed mascot, who chooses to remain “anonymous”-- appears to have garnered the interest of many students. But what prompted him to bring upon the idea ?

“ We deserve one”

Gus exclaimed that our rival school had a mascot and they were a “chromy school. It seems to be an essential for many students to enhance spirit and our identity as an achieving school.

However some students weren’t fond of the inconsistencies in the design, as different mascots are shown in each of the pages post.

“We been playing with the design for a while, as we want it to be something that everyone can accept and love”, he mentioned to the lash.

To conclude most students are looking to get a laugh out of a promising icon for Tpaa.

“We definitely want someone to represent school, athletics, and robotics and that is all represented in Gus”.