He’s got more muscles than most, wears a back-dated outfit that was way cool back in ancient Spartan times and – no matter the weather – the man wears his helmet. Who is this guy? He’s Maximus, our school mascot.

But not just anyone can wear the helmet and shield. Last year Nicholas Durham and Julian Price were mascots. And if you think passing an IB economics class is hard, try being Maximus for a day. “It’s a lot less glamorous than it seems,“ Durham said.

Sophomore Julian Price talked about how relying on his friends didn’t make it easier for him. “They would help me get in the suit, but I had to get myself out of it,” he said.

Among the occupational hazards are hassling from students, seeing is a bit of a challenge, and it’s hotter than July in Atlanta when you’re inside the heavy suit.

The school is currently abuzz with questions about who will get to wear the much-coveted, prestigious helmet and shield. Tryouts to be Maximus were held on August 21, and the judging panel is still in the process of choosing. The announced winners are – duh! – not going to be announced because school officials don’t want the public to know who Maximus is. “The idea is that, well, Maximus is Maximus,” said Deanna Hasty, an English teacher and SGA advisor.

Job duties for any would-be Maximus are attending pep rallies, football games and other sports events, as well as making cameo appearances at other school events. Maximus’s job is to create school spirit and to get students enthusiastic about North Atlanta and Warrior athletics.

“I’d say one adjective to describe Maximus would be energetic,” said Durham said.” The best part is everyone wanting to take pictures with you and give you high fives.

He said a down side is being pushed. Durham explained that he once accidentally ran over a fellow student because he couldn’t see where he was going. But the mascot upsides way outweigh the mascot downsides. “It’s your job as to spread Warrior pride, and at the end of the day it’s totally worth it.”