There’s a new Bruin in town.
Bruno debuted on Aug. 19 as Padua Franciscan High School’s new and improved mascot during a school rally and home football game on the school’s Parma campus.
His suit was created by BAM! Mascots, which has created numerous custom costumes for professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Several school administrators were part of the creative process, including Dave Stec ’86, Padua’s president; Principal Bob DiRocco; Kevin Leigh ’89, athletic director; and Rachel DeGirolamo ’02, vice president of strategic communication.
“We are so excited to share the new Bruno with the Padua community,” said DeGirolamo, who oversees the school’s branding. “This project has been a labor of love for many months. We looked at dozens of bear and grizzly costumes from teams all over the country. We picked some of our favorite characteristics from each one in order to come up with this one-of-a-kind design. We hope Bruno brings joy and pride to our students, alumni and future Bruins too – for years to come.”
Student performers participated in a mascot training camp led by the Cleveland Browns’ mascot Chomps on July 22 where they learned acting skills, crowd interaction and sportsmanship. Teacher Rebecca Simna scheduled the workshop and plans to schedule Bruno’s appearances throughout the school year.
Padua Franciscan, a college-preparatory, coeducational high school with 760 students, was founded in 1961 by the Franciscans. It bases its educational philosophy on the life and spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi. The school’s mission is to develop the unique talents of each student, while giving them the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.