After spending the last five years as the official Tyrone Golden Eagle mascot, senior Dakota Miller will graduate next week and officially “go pro” this summer.
When DelGrosso’s Amusement Park visited TAHS in March for a job fair, Miller noticed that portraying the park’s official mascot, “Buddy Bear,” was among the summer employment options listed on the application form.
Naturally, he was very interested.
“I was looking for a job for the summer, and I saw the position was open, and I was like, that would be perfect for me,” Miller said. “I had experience doing it, and it is something I enjoy, so I jumped at the opportunity.”
Miller interviewed with operations team leader Jared Gaylord, who was excited to learn that Miller actually had mascot experience.
According to Miller, Gaylord said the park had never had someone with previous mascot experience apply to be Buddy Bear.
Miller thought his time as a mascot was over, but he is looking forward to experiencing some of his favorite mascot moments this summer, while actually getting paid to do it.
“My favorite part [of being a mascot] is seeing the kids’ joy when I interact with them and take pictures with them,” Miller said, adding that he is really looking forward to being Buddy Bear.
Miller’s interest in being a mascot began as a spontaneous decision in eighth grade and turned into an unprecedented five-year run as the official Tyrone Golden Eagle mascot.
The job typically goes to a high school student, so as far as Miller knows, no one has been the mascot for as long as he has.
“My sister was a cheerleader, and the person who was the mascot at the time was quitting. She told the coaches I wanted to do it, so it kind of just happened,” Miller said.
Since eighth grade, Miller has been a recognizable and energetic presence at football games, school assemblies, and community events.
Whether hyping up the crowd or posing for photos, Miller helped build school spirit and create memorable moments for students and families.
“I wanted to do something fun that was different from what anyone else was doing,” Miller said.
While he has enjoyed the experience, Miller admitted that being the mascot can sometimes be difficult.
According to Miller, the hardest parts of the job are dealing with the heat inside the costume during summer and early fall events and the limited visibility from inside the suit.
Despite the challenges, Miller has embraced the experience and made the most of every moment.
“My favorite memory was when I fell down an escalator while wearing the eagle feet in front of a large crowd of people,” Miller said.
Before stepping away from the role, Miller shared some advice for whoever becomes the next Golden Eagle.
“My advice to the next mascot would be to just live in the moment and not worry too much about it. Just have fun,” Miller said. “Being the Golden Eagle was very fun. I would give it a ten out of ten and recommend it to anyone who is energetic and doesn’t mind the heat.”
While Miller’s time as the Golden Eagle is coming to an end, his impact as the mascot will not be forgotten.
When a new student takes his place next year, they will have some big shoes— and wings — to fill.
