COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio general assembly recognized a junior from Hubbard Exempted Village School District as the best high school mascot in the country.
Isaac Powell traveled from Hubbard, Ohio, to Columbus earlier Wednesday morning. He was recognized for his first place finish in the School Spirit Awards Show in May of last year.
He went to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the competition and won the title along with $4,000. He's already invested around $1,000 into his school's mascot.
Powell said his interest in becoming the mascot peaked in seventh grade when he participated in two pep rallies in middle school as the eagle. He didn't officially take on the role as the Hubbard eagle until his eighth grade year.
Senator Sean O'Brien said there has only been one other mascot recognized on the senate floor.
"There have only ever been two mascots on the senator floor: Brutus and today, it'll be Isaac, so he's in good company and it looks like he's got a great future ahead of him," O'Brien said.
"You get this honor by the senate and to think that Brutus Buckeye is as well, just an honor in my eyes as well as to so many others," Powell said.
O'Brien said that there is a lot of work that goes into being a mascot beyond the physical strength.
"He volunteers, he does very well in school. I was talking to his principle and superintendent and they were saying how he is good with meeting students and young kids," O'Brien said.
Powell's future goals are to continue his role as mascot for a professional team. He would like to be a part of The Ohio State Buckeyes and be Brutus, but he said if that opportunity doesn't open up, he's hopeful another will.
"I'm also a performer, not necessarily as a mascot but stage singing and acting, but I definitely want to focus more on the mascot side of things," Powell said.