By Charlie Hilley

Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) has been a center for learning and discipline for students since its founding year in 2008, pushing academic standards while providing a safe and fun environment for students. The PVHS Athletics department has a reputation of providing the best in both coaching for student athletes and heightening of student enjoyment at sporting events. A year full of riveting rivalries, neck-and-neck games, and nerve racking comebacks keep the student body pride in our school strong. All the while, this sensational history of school pride has been spearheaded by a legendary, yet mysterious, figure that commands the crowds of students cheering our school on every Friday night… or so he used to.

Bruce the Shark, the masked mascot that embodies school pride, has not been seen at a single sporting event in years. Each and every Football game, Lacrosse Tournament, Basketball matchup, and Soccer Showdown has been void and empty of the age-old presence that once dominated the stands and cheered for the players as they stormed onto the field. So what has happened to the PVHS’s noble blue-finned friend, and why has he yet to appear at a sporting event in so long?

While many speculate the true identity of Bruce the Shark, those closest to them seem to be unwilling to forfeit such information following the PVHS Tiburon questioning. However, despite the identity of this mysterious mascot remaining unsolved, it has been circulated by several student and staff interviewees that appearances of Bruce the Shark are directly influenced and monitored by the PVHS Dance Team, known to the students as the Ponte Vedra Splash.

Splash is a very competitive and exciting asset to our school that not only competes on the state and national levels, but also stands as yet another symbol of school pride that encourages our students and players at both pep-rallies and athletic events. However, does this responsibility not also belong on the shoulders of our beloved absent mascot? 

Extensive interviews with members of the Dance Team such as junior, Edith Alford have shown that, “I think Bruce came with us to NDA Nationals in Orlando.” This event is dated to have taken place back during February 14-16, of the year 2025. Not only was this event over 140 miles away from the school building, but it is one of the only events that Bruce the Shark has appeared for in years. 

When the Offensive Coordinator of the Football team, Coach Conroy, was asked when he had last seen the Mascot at a game, he said, “I really don’t even remember, at least a few years.” Bruce the Shark has spent at least several years absent from the sideline, and we students can only hope that our beloved symbol of school pride may return to us soon. 

During an interview concerning the reason behind his disappearance with Splash Coach Mrs. Brandi Ahmad, she answered, “There simply hasn’t been anyone to specifically want to make appearances as Bruce. Find a person willing to be at events and Bruce can show up wherever is desired” This information shows that Bruce’s disappearance can be attributed to the lack of perceived necessity of his talents by any students who could be willing to claim the role. While in the past the mantle has been taken up by either Dance Team or Drama members, the position as Bruce the shark remains open to any who accept the challenge.

The disappearance of Bruce the Shark cannot be attributed to a lack of willingness among the staff, but instead among the very student body that once loved him. If one emboldened student were to rise to the challenge, then our beloved mascot would return to his rightful place among our students.

Any students who would be willing to fill this pivotal role can speak with either Dance Coach Brandi Ahmad, or Athletics Director Michael Harrison. This opportunity is open to all, and hopefully someday soon this mantle will be taken up by one of the many proud students of PVHS, so that Bruce the Shark’s legacy can live on.

Pictured: Bruce the Shark at a dance competition in Orlando.