Addison Hopkins, who wears the Willy the Wildcat costume, says that movement is a key to being a good mascot. Hopkins has performed on stilts, roller blades and on a tricycle.
Addison Hopkins needed a way to move halfway across the country to live near his mother in Carson City. He also wanted to start his college education but didn’t have the means to do so.
Fortunately for Hopkins, Western Nevada College was seeking a mascot to bring energy and enthusiasm to its special events, and per chance, had a scholarship available for this individual. Little did Hopkins know that serving as a “Greenback” or Fighting Frog mascot in Pratt, Kan., would impact his future. Through a scholarship provided by WNC Foundation, Hopkins is living his dream of attending college and serving as Willy, Western’s Wildcat mascot.
All of the qualities sought on the scholarship application came naturally to Hopkins. He’s performed on stilts, roller blades and on a tricycle but doesn’t need a prop to perform. He follows several other mascot fundamentals when wearing the Wildcat costume.
Willy apologizes ahead of time if he doesn’t immediately acknowledge someone’s presence. To focus on the outside world, he usually looks out only one of Willy’s eyes.
Anonymity is one of the perks of being the mascot. His friends and members of student government know that he is Willy, but he believes a majority of students don’t know who he is — which is preferable.
One of the highlights of the school year for Willy was representing WNC at the Carson-Douglas rivalry basketball game in January. The game was an opportunity for WNC Foundation to promote the opening of its scholarship application, but it also provided Hopkins with a dance-off competition with the Carson Senator to the beat of House of Pain’s “Jump Around.”
Dancing, specifically ballroom dancing, was part of Hopkins’s youth. However, dancing became more appealing to him as he grew older. Consequently, the next Willy is either already on campus or possibly living somewhere within several thousand miles of the college.
WNC Foundation is seeking a sponsor to support the Mascot scholarship.
For information, call 775-445-3240. Students interested in becoming the mascot, call 775-445-3241 or email heather.rikalo@wnc.edu.
Foundation scholarship applications open until April 1
The deadline for the Western Nevada College Foundation scholarship application for the 2024-25 academic year is nearing. Current and prospective students can access the application form at https://wnc.awardspring.com/.
It must be completed by April 1 to be considered for more than 300 scholarships ranging anywhere from $500 to $5,000.
For information, email foundation@wnc.edu or visit www.wnc.edu/scholarships.
Continuing Education accepting course proposals
WNCs Continuing Education program is accepting proposals for July-December 2024 community education courses.
Courses are offered in Carson City, Fallon and online, and are open to any member of the community. These classes provide opportunities to learn new skills, advance careers and better lives in a low-pressure, encouraging environment.
To propose a course, apply at https://wnc.edu/continuing-education.
Nurses Association hosting 50/50 raffle fundraiser
The National Student Nurses Association is hosting a 50/50 raffle. Purchase one ticket for $5 or five for $20. Proceeds will help WNC nurses attend the national convention in Orlando, Fla.
The drawing is March 19, with the winner receiving half of the money collected.
To purchase tickets, call 775-445-4409 or email lisa.dunkelberg@wnc.edu.