Friday night lights at East never fail to bring the energy. Football players battle it out, the marching band pounds out the fight song, and the crowd buzzes in anticipation. It is not just the game, however, that gets the crowd on their feet. With every stomp and cheer, it is The Hawk mascot that gets the crowd pumped, and levels up the school spirit.
“There’s something special that happens when our Hawk shows up,” East Principal Matt MacFarlane told Spark. “You can feel the energy shift. Students get pumped up, younger kids get excited, and families lean in a little closer. The Hawk brings joy, pride, and a sense of connection that goes beyond the event itself.”
East students and staff similarly describe the Hawk as someone who completely shifts the energy at every event it’s at.
“Whether it’s cheering on our athletes or showing up at school events, the mascot helps bring our values to life in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and memorable,” MacFarlane said.
East Athletic Director Jill Meiring says the Hawk leaves a positive impact on the crowd and elevates the competitive spirit and comradery at a variety of athletic events held at East throughout the year.
“The mascot is always a fan favorite at Friday night football games, pep rallies, and Future Hawks Nights at football and basketball games,” Meiring told Spark. “These are moments where the mascot truly shines and connects with the crowd.”
Whether it is cheering for the football team, dancing in the halftime show with the East Dance Team, or taking pictures with excited families, the Hawk reminds the community that it is not about who is under the mask, it is about the energy that connects the crowd. Keeping the Hawk anonymous adds to the fun and spirit for the whole community.
“The Hawk is more than just a figure on the sidelines—the Hawk is a symbol that represents the strength, pride, and unity of our school community. It brings energy to our events, helps build school spirit, and reminds us that we’re all part of something bigger,” said MacFarlane.
Under the feathers of the Hawk, no one knows who is bringing the energy to the stadium, but everyone can feel it. Some students say the Hawk’s moves give away a background in dance—while others say they recognize the energy of a certain senior’s pep. But the truth is that only a few people know for sure.
Many students wonder: How does a student become the Hawk every year? East staff describes this process as one of meticulously finding someone to perfectly fit the role.
“We look for someone who embodies the values of East—enthusiasm, leadership, and a genuine love for our community,” said Meiring. “The final decision is made collaboratively by staff members involved in student activities and athletics.”
Varsity cheerleader, Lacie Burk, says the cheer team carefully picked out a senior who notoriously brings the energy and would honor the tradition of the Hawk.
“Specific qualities we look for would be [having] a lot of school spirit, can get people hyped up, isn’t shy, and loves to be the center of attention!” Burk told Spark.
The Hawk seems to always know the right time to get the crowd hyped up. Some students speculate that this could indicate that the Hawk could have a lot of experience in the student section. “I like to get people hyped up for events and get people’s energy up with the environment that our student section brings,” the Hawk told Spark.
Meiring also explains that being the Hawk mascot leaves a positive impact on the student under the mask just as much as they do the crowd.
“Being the mascot is a unique and transformative experience. It allows students to step into a leadership role in a fun and creative way, often helping them build confidence, public speaking skills, and a deeper connection to the school community,” Meiring said. “I’ve seen students grow tremendously through this role—some come out of their shell, others discover a passion for performance or leadership. It’s a special opportunity that leaves a lasting impact.”
