Richland One Adopts Six-Foot Alligator as New Mascot of Extended Day Programs

A room full of students participating in Sandel Elementary's after-school programs welcomed a new mascot to the Richland One family Wednesday. 

Ex-Avier, a six-foot tall, 600-pound alligator, is the new mascot for the Office of Extended Day Programs. 

"Ex-Avier! Ex-Avier! We love Ex-Avier!" the students chanted before the green alligator burst through the cafeteria entrance. 

The students at the assembly are all involved in one of three after-school programs at Sandel Elementary: S.T.A.R.S Comprehensive Remediation Program (CRP), Community Childcare Associates or the S.C. Chamber of Commerce Eagle Academy Homework Center.

Before Ex-Avier made his grand entrance, several students shared facts on the importance of after-school programs. Involvement in a program improves school attendance and performance, they said. These programs also help keep children out of trouble. 

E-Avier is available for district and public events. To schedule an appearance, contact Traci Cooper-Young, director of Extended Day Programs, at 803-231-6842 or at trcooper@richlandone.org. 

Fun Facts about Ex-Avier:

• Birhtplace: White Rock, South Carolina
• Designer: Scollon Productions
• Height: 6 feet
• Weight: 600 pounds
• favorite book: "How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?"
• best friend: Cocky
• guardian: Office of Extended Day Programs