The Blue Jay Who Named the Blue Jay
Wild Photo Archives Posted April 18th, 2023 Last updated April 18th, 2023
At morning assembly on Monday, April 17, today’s Blue Jays were treated to a visit by a legendary alumnus, Dr. John Ernst ’58. As a pre-freshman in 1953, Ernst was one of hundreds of students who submitted an entry to the contest to “Name Pogo’s Pal” after cartoonist Walt Kelly sketched a Fighting Blue Jay at the request of the art staff of The Blue Jay Magazine. His suggestion was the winner, and the now-70-year-old mascot was officially named Jayson. Dr. Ernst shared some wisdom with the students about the meaning of success and the virtue of humility.