NEW LOOK — The Brooke High School Bruin Bear greeted 3-year-old Crew Ewusiak and other children at last week’s football game. With him were his grandmother, Sharon Ewusiak, and Antoinette Perkins, Brooke County board of education member. Braydon DeMaria, the school’s mascot since last year, is wearing a new suit thanks to the support of many. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — The Brooke High School Bruin is wearing a new suit thanks to the support of many businesses, residents and students.

When Braydon DeMaria of Weirton stepped into the role of the school’s mascot last year, he was eager to do his part in sparking school spirit.

But the suit he stepped into was well worn since it was 17 years old and also a bit stinky.

Braydon’s mother, Kristina, said she tried various remedies to reduce the odor with little success and when she approached a dry cleaner about cleaning the suit, there were concerns it could fall apart.

So Braydon, now a sophomore at the school, and his family set out to raise funds for a new one, generating about $4,000 through the sale of Bruin related items and donations.

The biggest contributor preferred to remain anonymous, making a donation in memory of Debby DeMaria, Braydon’s grandmother.

Others included members of the Helton family, whose donation was in memory of Ida Helton, former Brooke High School secretary; AMCOM, Trinity Medical Center, First Choice Federal Credit Union and Wellsburg Primary School.

Kristina said the school, led by Principal Stephanie Zimmer, raised its donation through a Chinese auction and photos with the Bruin mascot on a day when pupils were encouraged to bring their teddy bears.

Other contributors included Lombardi Development, Mark John’s Pre-Owned Autos, insurance agent Jack Fowler, Dr. John Columbus, A.G. Lucas Consulting, the Brooke High School swim team and Braydon’s siblings: Hailey, Kaitlin, Joey and Jimmy.

With the money raised, an order for a custom-made suit was placed with a Hurricane, W.Va. business.

The new suit comes with wider openings for Braydon to see through, which greatly improves his mobility and a battery-powered fan in the head to help keep him cool, Kristina said.

There also were sufficient funds to order two heads: one bearing pointed teeth, as seen on the school’s stationery; and another with a more child-friendly appearance that is on the way.

Braydon said most children are eager to see the Bruin though some smaller ones are a bit hesitant at first.

Tim Pannett, the school’s principal, said “We’re very excited to have an updated mascot.”

He said in recent years, the Bruin was played by various students as needed and it’s nice to have one dedicated to the role.

“Not only is that young man completely invested in being the mascot, but he also has invested efforts into fundraising for the new suit.”

Braydon said he hopes to make more public appearances this year though he also wants to recruit someone to fill in for him when he is participating in wrestling. He also competes in cross country and track and is a Key Club member.

Braydon said being the school mascot is a lot of work but also a lot fun.

“It’s a lot of sweating. You’ve got to be very energetic,” he said as he prepared to step onto the athletic field for the school’s first football game of the season.

But he added, “I love doing this. It’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve made since I came here.”

Braydon said as mascot, he has participated in the school’s football assemblies and escorted the school’s 2016 homecoming queen when she returned to crown the 2017 queen at last year’s homecoming game.

Asked his favorite part of the job, he said, “Just all the little kids being happy to see you.”