Meet Ryan Seth, a 15 year old freshman from NPHS. You may encounter him strolling down the hallway to first period Spanish or seventh period study hall. You may encounter him casually eating a chicken wrap, Gary’s special, during sixth period lunch, while simultaneously tapping buttons on his iPad, playing Candy Crush, trying to attain those valuable three-star bragging rights. You may also encounter him in the spotlight of Friday night lights, bolting across the track, waving the pristine green-and-white banner in sync with the glorious uproar of the crowd, orchestrating the wild team spirit that the relentless Pioneers are known and feared for. Seth is our Pioneer mascot, the kid behind the costume that represents unyielding determination, loyalty, leadership, and restless passion. As the costume represents these outstanding characteristics, so does the character behind it.
Without the cheeky grin and oversized head, Seth can be found getting straight A’s in his favorite class, Financial Literacy, and managing his Boy Scout troops as quartermaster. Helping to facilitate troop activities or organizing equipment is easy for Seth, as is finding the real interest rate for a certain bond or the price-to-earnings ratio of Tesla Stocks.
“Ryan is very enthusiastic during class, and if he has an opinion or insight, he makes sure to vocalize it,” comments Financial Literacy teacher Mr. Kempner. Like a true Pioneer, Seth reflects Pioneer values such as hard work and leadership. He definitely harbors a passion for learning.
“I’m enjoying a lot of my classes,” smiles Seth.
For Seth, donning the mascot costume and performing under the Friday night-lights is second nature: “I love performing in front of crowds, especially if I show my green-and-yellow pride.”
This enthusiasm is contagious. George Daniel, Junior and committed fan of the New Providence Pioneers has noticed: “Ryan never fails to pump up the crowd, [and] he brings a new type of spirit to our school.”
Next time you catch another picture perfect Pioneer moment: a shut-out victory, a crucial win on the road to the championship, or even a profound personal moment in the green field of dreams, take a moment to soak in the sounds and sights of the explosion of good feelings in the stands, then take a glimpse at the bottom of the bleachers at the man in the cleft-chin mask waving your alma mater’s white-and-green banner, the mascot who is largely responsible for reminding us all what that Pioneer spirit is all about.