After four years behind the mask, Evan Ramirez says goodbye to Stryker the Cobra.
At the beginning of his freshman year, Ramirez was asked by USD 335 Superintendent Jim Howard to don the snakeskin and take on the role of the beloved Jackson Heights school mascot. “Being Stryker these four years has been really special to me,” said Ramirez. “Just seeing the excitement on the face of younger students at every game, when they saw Stryker, brought so much joy to my life.” Ramirez’s Stryker became well-known for his high-energy performances and kind persona. In his four years on the job, Ramirez never shied away from the high fives, hugs, or abundance of attention he received from the Cobra community.
With his high school career in the rear view, Ramirez has officially passed the torch to a new Stryker. Ramirez says he is hopeful his replacement will continue to bring big energy to the role, and to take the time to connect with younger students. “Making time to show the kids some attention is so important. Even though they don’t know who Stryker is, they look up to him,” said Ramirez. “It’s just really special.”
Ramirez has left some big shoes to be filled, not only as the school mascot, but also as a student. “Evan is one of the best students I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He was highly engaged, very supportive, and exactly the kind of young man we hope all our students will grow to become,” said Superintendent Howard. High school principal Kevin Vanderbilt also offered his praise for Ramirez. “Evan is such a good role model for kids. He never complained about anything, and he did what needed to be done. He has high integrity and his leadership will be missed here at Jackson Heights. He took great pride in being the school mascot and putting smiles on the faces of so many,” said Vanderbilt.
Big shoes and an empty snake suit aren’t all Ramirez leaves behind at JHHS; he also left this advice for his successor: “Just keep the energy up. If you get that energy and excitement flowing, the crowd will join in. And keep finding the joy in what you do. That’s really important.”
Ramirez graduated from Jackson Heights, with the class of 2026, last Sunday.