2 minute read
WHO IS BENNY?
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High School Mascot is a Big Part of our School Spirit but Students Wonder Who is Behind the Costume.
Story By: Daniel Hoffman, Staff
No matter the sport, no matter the day, Benny the Bengal is always there. But the real question is.... who is behind the mask?
“I know who it is,” Kelan Thomas, sophomore, said. “No you don’t, because it changes,” Bella Lizairre, sophomore, said. Barnegat High School is situated uniquely between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pine Barrens. The school, however, picked a mascot that isn’t part of either of those locations - a Bengal Tiger. (According to MaxPreps, there are 11 “tiger” mascots within the state of NJ) The school colors, orange and black, are reflective of the colors of a Bengal. With pictures, stuffed animals, and logos all over the school, the bengal has become a part of every day life at Barnegat. One Bengal, however, stands out - Benny - the walking, dancing, mascot that appears and dissapears between school events.
“I get mad at people who don’t tell me who it’s is because I think
whoever it is should not be a secret.” Maira Lopes, sophomore, said.
Speculation has flown around who Benny really is. Whether walking the field on Friday Nighy Lights, on dancing with the BHS Dance Team at Pep Rallies, Benny’s identity remains a well kept secret.
“Benny can be anyone at anytime. Benny can be sitting right next to you!” Ms. Tammy Nicolini, Spirit Club Advisor and Phys. Ed Teacher, said.
“I like Benny! I think it’s a good thing to have for the children that come to our football games.” Gianna George, sophomore, said.
Since the High School’s opening in 2004, Barnegat has been known as the Home of the Bengals - and now Benny.
While his true identity has yet be known, what is known is the love for Benny throughout our school and community.
“I love Benny. I love that we have a bengal as our mascot.” Carly Schoenberg, sophomore, said.
The staff asked students who they thought Benny the Bengal was... here are some of the answers. “Some cheerleader in a costume”
