CHS unveils new Stormi and Bolt mascots

RIO RANCHO — Maybe the new Cleveland High School Stormi costume won't feel so "stuffi" to wear anymore. And perhaps Bolt, despite his fierce eyes, will feel like the right fit for any CHS student willing to try him on.

Some Cleveland students had complained of the conditions of their school's mascot costumes, which had gone through wear and tear over the years. But now, students can celebrate with the arrival of the new Stormi and Bolt costumes, which were ready for their public debut Jan. 17 at the home basketball game against La Cueva High School.

"I'm just excited to see if people are going to notice their new costumes ... and be as excited as we are," Cleveland senior Rebeca Cuadras said in an interview prior to the game. 

CHS junior James Reed was curious to know if the new costumes are more comfortable than the old ones.

Cleveland senior Amy Aquino wondered how well she would be able to see out of the costumes.

Clements agreed with Aquino and Reed and added she was excited to see the mascots "represent (a) new beginning" for the Class of 2029 — the group of graduates who will help mark Cleveland's 20th anniversary.

The students said Bolt (2009-15; 2015-25) and Stormi (2015-25) had faced lots of "surgeries" in their lifetimes, but the new mascots, shipped from a Canadian company, won't have to lie down for any procedure.

Kathy Shallenberger, Cleveland's activities director, said she approached Cleveland's principal, Scott Affentranger, last year for permission to pursue purchasing new costumes. Funds for them were privately raised.

"They were falling apart ... so we got on it, the student body raised money, and we were able to purchase," Shallenberger said. 

When she saw the new Stormi and Bolt costumes in October, Shallenberger said she "loved them," even though they're similar to the old ones.

"These are going to be my babies," Shallenberger said. "I get to be with them until I leave this place."