He's Got Spirit

“Don’t let the teams down.” These words come from East’s new Kodi Bennett Spirit Award winner, Ian Mlakar. Each year, one senior is chosen by the Association to win this award, which celebrates outstanding school spirit and commitment to East. It was started in 2007 as a tribute to Kodi Bennett, who led the way in spirit her senior year. This year, Kodi’s legacy has been passed down to Ian.

Ian is a senior at East and has shown his true colors of red and grey since he arrived at this school. His leadership and continued support of the volleyball team has tremendously increased fan attendance at games, and Ian can always be found near the front of the crowd, leading cheers and getting people excited.

“[Winning the award] was a roller coaster of emotion. I was happy but also sad; other people deserved it too. But the love from the crowd was amazing,” he said when asked how he felt when his name was announced at the homecoming assembly on October 9th.

While at East, Ian has been involved with many activities. He has participated in Student Forum as well as the Executive Board. This year, he is the president of DECA. He has also been an active member of intramural sports. Needless to say, Ian is a dedicated sports fan and a very proud Greyhound.

“Ian deserves the award because he shows up at every game and does great deeds,” said Karl Palm, who is a friend of Ian’s and works with him on the Executive Board.

“He invented the ‘churn’ cheer. That is his glory,” said senior Ryan Bujold, who is also a member of Exec Board.

When asked how he would define school spirit, Ian said, “Blood, sweat, and tears define school spirit. Show up to the games and let your spirit shine.” What is Ian’s favorite part of East High School? “The people. Our fans are a proud breed. The atmosphere we bring to games and activities is second to none – which is first.”

East is known for its school spirit because of people like Ian Mlakar. Maybe all East Greyhounds should take a page out of his book. How about this one: “School spirit is about being there, so show up and let your spirit shine.”

Tags: duluth east, greyhound news