Andrew Rivera is a fourth-grade student at Ripon Elementary School.
During a visit to Colony Oak School, he noticed the school yard fencing that featured the school mascot, the Cougars.
When Rivera was at Ripona Elementary School for a music function, he saw that the campus also featured its mascot, the Mustangs, along the fencing.
At Ripon Elementary, Rivera approached Principal Michael Larson as to what it would take for his school to have the Chiefs mascot similar to that of Colony Oak and Ripona.
“Instead of waiting, I was impressed on how he took it upon himself to follow through,” said Larson at Monday’s Ripon Unified school board meeting.
The funding for this endeavor was about $200. Rivera helped get the money, with Ripon Elementary PTC matching.
The youngster also obtained a photo of the mascot online.
As a result, Rivera made possible the Chiefs mascot on the side fencing on Acacia Street but on the back of the softball field as well.
For that, he was recognized by the school board for his efforts.