With the school year underway, students at Liberty have taken on various roles. Among these roles, new Captain Bolts have emerged. Created by Liberty’s National Honor Society (NHS), these characters serve as a symbol of the Bolt spirit.
“It started in 2018 after one orientation, [and] we believed something was missing then,” Sakinah Ellickson (she/her), science teacher and NHS Advisor, said. “We came up with the idea that we needed a mascot.”
The following year, a student designed a part of the current costume, the purple and gray capes. Initially, students in NHS took turns as Captain Bolts.
“It wasn’t until 2021 [that] we designated that two people were the ultimate Captain Bolts,” Ellickson said.
Years later, the tradition has continued. After a year of observing potential candidates, specifically a dynamic duo, two new Captain Bolts were chosen. Savannah Page (she/her), 12, and Tyler Dehart (he/him), 12, were selected in May by the previous title holders.
“I was very excited because it’s a chance for me to experience a new sight of NHS,” Page said.
Referred to by Ellickson as the “Bolt spirit,” these mascots serve as an example to other students through their high energy and leadership.
“I was interested in being Captain Bolt because I [felt] like that role would be super fun, and it is,” Dehart said. “I basically just run around, give energy and get people hyped in this school spirit.”
The pair officially took on their new responsibilities at New Student Orientation. As new students entered the building, the Captain Bolts were among the first to greet them. Throughout the day, Page and Dehart were responsible for maintaining high energy and participation levels.
“I learned that how I act affects other people a lot,” Dehart said. “If I’m giving a ton of energy, [the students] will give it back. But if I’m not, they won’t.”
For the remainder of the school year, the duo will continue to serve as a positive influence for their fellow Bolts and fulfill their roles.
“It makes me more aware of showing school spirit and being a good role model,” Page said. “I want to be entertaining as Captain Bolt, and I want to set a good example for other Lightning Leaders.”
