EACH year, Tamborine Mountain State High School’s captains leave a legacy for their peers, and in 2025 that legacy will be Ric the water dragon mascot.
Ric is based on the water dragons commonly seen around the campus, and his name reflects the school’s values of Respect, Integrity and Care.
The new mascot will be a full costume character, designed to appear at events such as sporting carnivals, assemblies and celebrations, becoming a visible symbol of school pride and culture.
School captains Ella Parker, Maeve Rodrigues, Bilin O’Connor-Bowrey and Saxon Kirkham decided on the mascot after weeks of brainstorming and narrowing down ideas.
Ella said the choice came after considering how different projects might impact the school.
“It took us a few weeks and then we just decided the mascot was probably the best way to go in terms of being able to get the whole school involved,” she said.
“Some other ideas were good, but they would have only affected a small group. The mascot represents everyone.”
Maeve said the aim was to create something students could connect with.
“We really want to have this mascot as a thing because it gives students that figure to look up to and be excited to see,” she said.
“Whether it’s at soccer excellence, netball or athletics carnival, it just adds to the atmosphere.”
With the costume expected to take about 12 weeks to produce, the goal is to have Ric ready in time for the school formal.
Students will then be able to audition for the role of wearing the mascot, with the possibility of creating themed costumes for different occasions, from sports events to Valentine’s Day.
Principal Jessica Keavney said she sees the mascot as one of the most significant legacies the captains have left.
“I’m really excited because this is going to be a legacy from these students that helps with our school culture forever,” she said.
“Last year the legacy project was Tambo Tickets, which build house points and celebrate positive behaviour. That was important, but this is even bigger.”
Mrs Keavney said mascots play a vital role in shaping school culture.
“It’s an investment in the future because they last a long time if you look after them,” she said.
“I’ve seen mascots in other schools and how much students love when the mascot comes in. I think about grade sevens on their first day being greeted by Ric – it’s a fun way of building belonging.”
For the captains, the hope is that Ric will become a long-term figure of pride, passed down from one year to the next.
“It’s pretty exciting to think that in ten years we might come back for a reunion and Ric is still part of the culture here,” Ella said.
“My brother’s coming here next year and he was so excited when I told him – we want Ric to be something the whole school owns and loves.”
