The noise in the stands rose to a roar as the student body rose to their, cheering as loudly as possible. Teachers were on the side line with tears of joy brushing their cheeks. He lifted his wings into the air with a bright smile proudly grasping his award. Hard work and dedication prevails.

“I love being the mascot for everyone at this school,” senior Varsity Mascot Erich Gibson said. “I have a lot of pride, a lot of spirit.”

Gibson won a Certificate of Dedication for his role as the Argyle High School Varsity Mascot on Oct. 17 at the homecoming pep rally. This certificate was given to Gibson by request of fellow students like senior Payton Pels wishing to recognize his school spirit.

“They will probably never forget me,” Gibson said. “They say I have been the best mascot they have had.”

Seeing everyone on their feet to support the Eagles gave Gibson a sense accomplishment from completing his goals.

“I was so proud of myself,” he said. “I hope that I can get every single one of the audience up on their feet to cheer for their team.”

Gibson believes it was his dedication that enabled him to be the two-year varsity mascot.

“My hard work really paid off,” he said. “I worked so hard to get this mascot role and I did!”

As varsity mascot, there are many memories Gibson has acquired through his journey. However, there is a specific memory that stands out to the Eagle.

“When we made it to the state game I was so excited,” Gibson said. “When I walked out onto that field I felt alive, really alive.”

Through Gibson’s dedication and love for his team, he has been instilled with a sense of spirit and affirmation for himself.

“It made me proud for who I really am,” Gibson said. “A true eagle.”