Mascots are more than just characters in a costume, they are the living embodiment of school spirit, pride, and unity. ‘Chet is the newest addition to the school’s new mascot only being named last year. He Is seen throughout the year in assemblies and football games. No one knows who is in the costume since the bear doesn’t speak. Another reason that no one knows who the bear is because the bear changes height every so often. But many do not know his back story. 

‘Chet’s story began in the lush Lower Woodland area, close to where the school is nestled. Legend has it that a young black bear cub escaped from the Woodland Park Zoo and wandered onto the school’s campus in 1995. Students and faculty rallied to care for the cub, nursing it back to health and adopting it as their unofficial mascot. But sadly the school had to release him back into the wild. Just last year, he was caught breaking into the school and eating all the vending machine snacks. He was met with open arms from the school because they needed a new mascot.  

During Blachet’s second game verse O’Dea, the bear was seen dancing with the cheerleaders and taking pictures with fans. One student, Nolan Hiese who is a junior on the varsity football team said, “Everybody on the sidelines was asking each other if they knew who the mascot was.”

Well-beloved teacher Mr. Turner said that “Graduates will remember the memorable moments they’ve shared with ‘Chet, from dancing together at halftime shows to celebrating important victories of various  sports teams at Blanchet.”

‘Chet the Bear isn’t just a mascot, he’s a symbol of unity, pride, and the backbone of spirit in our school. Chet has secured his place as an irreplaceable symbol in our school’s history. We are looking forward to seeing Chet at school events and hope that he can always bring the spirit up for the school.