MATILDA RYDELL

Special to the Press

A
s the school year approach-
es, the boy behind the bill
reflects on his past, present
and future as the mascot for
Taylor High School.
Cooper Mendoza is a 14-year-old incom-
ing freshman at Taylor High School. He
enjoys participating in basketball and base-
ball. During the summer, he spent his free
time mowing lawns with friends. Although
he enjoys being a part of group activities,
Mendoza has one role that sets him apart
from everyone else. When not on a court
or field playing a sport, Mendoza can be
found underneath the green plumage of
Taylor’s most iconic duck, Waddles. (From left) Mikail Levitin, Waddles, Jasmine and Tiana Hennington take time for a photo at the Taylor Press 3-on-3
According to Mendoza’s mother, April Basketball tournament.
Young, Mendoza began his mascot
journey in the sixth grade after he saw years. The addition of Mendoza to the Since he was given the creative
a cheer tryout notification for Taylor middle school cheerleading team gave freedom to make his own persona,
Middle School. Originally, he had tried hope to the idea that he could start off Mendoza has adorned his Waddles
out for the cheerleading team as a dare, young and learn quickly. with calf length socks, converse and
but after making the team and attend- “I think the difference for Waddles is a goofy personality that enjoys inter-
ing the first meeting, it was decided that there wasn’t really anybody saying, acting with the crowd, especially the
being the mascot was more his thing. ‘This is how Waddles walks (for exam- younger audience members.
Prior to Mendoza’s Waddles, Taylor ple),’ so Cooper has been able to be “Growing a mascot character person-
had not had a consistent mascot for more creative,” said Young. ality takes time to develop,” said Young.

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