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Jetty poses with students and staff at the 2022 Island Bowl. (Photos by Horizon Publications and Leo Li)
While the Horizon staff browsed through old yearbooks, they discovered several jet mascots from various years and wondered, “When did the student body last see a jet mascot?”
Since the first mascot debuted in 1955, the Encinal's jet mascot has undergone several different appearances. In 1998 "Jet Man” appeared at the Island Bowl, created with the help of Encinal’s Drama department.
Left: Encinal's first jet mascot in 1955. Right: "Jet Man" makes his debut at the 1998 Island Bowl. (Photos: Horizon Publications)
“It was my 2nd year at EHS. I’d taken over as the leadership teacher, looking to change many things, and the idea just came to me of having a mascot,” said retired Encinal Drama teacher Gene Kahane.
As the years progressed, “Jetty” developed into what it is today. But who revived the legacy of the Jet mascot? None other than Horizon's yearbook staff. Some staff members had the idea to bring back Jetty during Publication Design where groups created pitches for the Instagram account. Senior Sadie Merry took the lead in the effort.
“My original idea was to jump scare people with it. It kind of just came out of nowhere, like we should get a mascot to jump scare people… I just had to take the leap. I had to do it. I found [the costume] for $280 (which was originally $500) so I saw that as a sign that I should do it,” said Merry.
On September 21, Jetty debuted at the Encinal vs Alameda volleyball game. Originally, Jetty was supposed to make its debut at that week's Island Bowl, but plans changed, and the Jetty took flight two days earlier. Many students are pleased with the mascot’s return.
“I'm super excited about it. I think it’s a fun way to promote school spirit throughout our school and it’s really funny too,” said Horizon Editor-in-Chief Isa Anderson.
Jetty's appearance at the Island Bowl was a surprise to many.
“I was shocked. I didn’t know we had a mascot. But I think that we should invest in a better mascot because Jetty was crashing into a lot of people at the game,” said senior Kevin Calles.
Overall, Jetty was well-received by the crowd, including administration.
“I actually got a sneak preview of Jetty at the women’s volleyball game against Alameda High and boy was I pumped. Finally, we got a mascot. I’ve been here 19 years and we’ve been mascotless. We needed a mascot, I think it’s absolutely phenomenal and it brings so much jet pride, it is super fun,” said Athletic Director and Leadership teacher Kevin Gorham.
A mascot brings identity to a school and Jetty has brought entertainment and joy to Encinal Jr/Sr High School. So many students have connected with Jetty. But more importantly, Jetty has rekindled Jet pride on campus.
Since Jetty's debut, several Encinal students have donned the convivial costume. On October 7, leadership student Min Ly was Jetty at the Encinal vs. St. Joesph's Dig Pink match.
"Being Jetty was a bit chaotic," said Ly. "But I enjoyed it a lot. Hearing people cheering for me as Jetty was a really crazy feeling. It felt like I was lowkey famous."
Junior Jonah Abrami was one of the first students to be Jetty, wearing the wings at this year's Island Bowl.
"The overall experience of being Jetty was really fun," said Abrami. "Running around in the costume and having everyone in the stands cheering you on is an awesome experience."
Encinal's Jetty squares off against Alameda's Buzzy during the 2022 Island Bowl. (Video credit: Min Ly)
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