Meet Rusty the Wildcat!

Rusty officially joined the Grove family in March 2014. The Grove cheerleaders led the effort to adopt a new mascot, and the entire student body got involved in choosing a name. Initially, students submitted name ideas that were narrowed down by grade-level votes to three finalists. Students then voted by placing donations into one of three labeled 5-gallon water bottles.

Surprisingly, “Rusty” wasn’t among the original three options—until the 2014 eighth grade class made a last-minute $268 donation in support of their own name choice: “Rusty.” As word spread, students across the school quickly rallied behind the name, and “Rusty” was officially adopted.

Since then, Rusty the Wildcat has become a beloved presence at ballgames and school events, bringing spirit and fun wherever he goes!