WA Mascot, Oskee, Gets First MERIT Achievement For 'Most School Spirit'

2013 Oct 18

In a surprise move today, Worcester Academy granted its first-ever MERIT Achievement Award to its legendary mascot, Oskee WA-WA. The Hilltopper, known to many as the Worcester's biggest SuperFan, was granted an achievement for 'Most School Spirit.'

According to Academy students, who were nearby when Oskee received an email announcement, the ram-ifications were instantaneous. The super-psyched big horn gave a victorious fist (really a hoof) pump and leapt in one fell swoop from the steps of Warner into the Quad. He then dashed back to his WA laptop to claim his personal MERIT Achievement page - and to post to Facebook!

Peter Dykeman-Bermingham, Head Monitor, said Oskee's award was a fitting way to begin using MERIT Achievements.

"I've known Oskee for years and no one is more supercharged about WA than he is," Peter said. "He's a great guy. If anyone deserves to be recognized for 'Most School Spirit,' it's Oskee."

MERIT, an online recognition program, is a special new service for Academy families that makes it easy to share student achievements, whether through traditional media (newspapers, yes, WA still does that!), or through social media.

Here's how it works.

The Academy creates highly customizable MERIT announcements for groups of students, who then receive email links that allow them to post accomplishments. The links come complete with unique and official WA badges that signify the achievements. The same announcements are then sent to local newspapers.

Announcements may include honor rolls, Cum Laude and academic awards, Presidential Service Medals, championship team rosters, and play casts, to name a few. As achievements are "granted," students and parents will receive emails with instructions for posting to Facebook, among other places.

The best part is that each and every accomplishment granted to a student will be stored online on his or her own MERIT page - a portfolio of achievements - ready to share anytime with friends, family, or others. Students need only to claim their pages when they receive their first email announcement.

Additionally, the Academy will have its own MERIT page that lists all of the achievements granted to date. You can find that page here: worcesteracademy.meritpages.com

So, be on the lookout. WA will granting more achievements very soon!

ABOUT WORCESTER ACADEMY

Worcester Academy is a co-ed day and boarding school for grades 6 to 12 and postgraduates that is committed to innovative teaching and learning, urban leadership, making a global impact, and achieving the honorable everyday. Find us on the web at www.worcesteracademy.org

For more information on Worcester Academy Athletics, contact Neil Isakson, director of external communications, at 508-754-5302 x135, or e-mail neil.isakson@worcesteracademy.org