By Emily Blystone

Most seniors would be happy to have one high-profile position for their last year of high school. Pat Sites has three: He is the Highlander mascot, senior class president, and homecoming king.

As president, Sites hopes to make this a year to remember not only for the seniors but for the entire school. While doing so, he has made a point to involve many people, senior class co-sponsor Melanie Fisher said.

“He is conscientious to include everyone,” Fisher said. “Pat is outgoing and concerned about everyone’s opinion.”

He really cares about the little things, said senior Anthony Barbano, public relations for the class.

“He gives it his all and puts his heart into everything,” Barbano said. “He takes the extra time that other kids wouldn’t.”

His main goal for the year is to have fun.  The class officers are trying to raise school spirit and would like to put together a semi-formal dance for all grades. 

Also, he is working on getting a grant from Children’s Hospital that would educate students on drinking and driving and distracted driving. He has other plans as well, but is keeping them under wraps for now.

As president he is always keeping busy. “He has his hands in everything,” Fisher said.

Sites had been reluctant to run for president at first. He was nervous about the responsibility and pressure, but 2012 Senior Class President Elliott Rambo convinced him give it a try.

“I like the responsibility and being in charge for the right reasons,” Sites said.

He is outspoken, motivated, and above all cares about making this a great year for students, Barbano said. 

“He has great enthusiasm,” Barbano said. “We are always laughing and everything is more enjoyable with him.”

He is a true leader and is able to grab people’s attention and get them to listen to him, said senior class co-sponsor Michelle Kilburn.

Sites also gets students’ attention as the Highlander mascot. 

He began his career as mascot during last year’s basketball season, when he was approached by the cheerleaders.  They came to him thinking that he would be the perfect guy for the part. 

He loves the school and being active, Sites said. “I’m peppy and I thought it would be fun.”

Sites, who said his goal is to inspire school spirit, will continue as the mascot for the rest of the school year.

 If he had to choose between being the mascot or the president, he would choose the Highlander.

“But it’s awesome being called Mr. President.  I get that a lot,” Sites said.

The most rewarding aspect of being the mascot for Sites is the way little kids react to it.

“One kid even called me his hero,” Sites said.

As well as being senior class president and school mascot, Pat was also crowned homecoming king this year.

Sites has enlisted to join the Marine Corps. As of now he spends time working out and learning basic drills, but plans to one day honor his country by serving.

“I do it for the honor of being a Marine and defending one’s country,” Sites said. “I never had anything else on my mind.”