WOULD you be surprised to know that the Lancer isn’t the school’s only mascot? For almost two years, a group of teachers has been feeding stray cats in the back parking lot. This lovely group of ladies has a rotating schedule to feed the cats.

Ms. Roberts-Nikyema is one of those responsible for feeding the cats. Her day to feed them is on Wednesday. She loves keeping their bowls clean. Even though she has only seen one of the cats twice, she still enjoys being a part of the group and keeping them well fed. She also said she’d love for students to join her when feeding the cats, since she’s always out there by herself. Ms. Roberts-Nikyema has only been feeding them for about a year and a half, but she is sure that this has been going on for much longer.

Ms. Hartman was the teacher who started it all. About two years ago, during a staff meeting, somebody mentioned that a stray cat was living on campus. They named the little orange cat, Lancer! Since it was winter, Ms. Hartman was concerned about the cat and decided to email other staff members to see if they would be willing to help feed the cat with her. And so, the teachers devised their feeding schedules. She also thought it was a good idea to make a shelter for it. Since then, two other cats have been seen roaming around campus. A little grey one and a black one.

Tracy Sutherland, another one of these sweet ladies, is in charge of feeding the cats on Saturday. She also comes during breaks when school is out to make sure the kitties are well fed. Sutherland said she volunteered despite being allergic to cats because she thinks they are the cutest. Sutherland also noted that the cats sometimes roam the courtyard when students aren’t in school. She is running a poll for students to decide what the black cat should be named. Be sure to check it out in the library.

Ms. Christensen is also in charge of feeding the kitties. Her assigned day is Thursday, but she also comes on Sundays when she can. She volunteered to help with the cats because she imagined being ‘in the cat’s paws’. “They’re all alone out there with no food or shelter. I don’t like the idea of not doing anything and leaving the cats alone,” Christensen said. She hopes that, with students’ awareness of their feline friends, they will be kind and careful.

Finally, and most importantly, if students are interested in helping with feeding the cats, teachers would greatly appreciate donations. Contact Ms. Hartman or find her in room G204 on A days or room G203 on B days after school. In addition, if students are interested, coming during breaks when school is out to feed the cats would be appreciated.