The Origin Story of Saint Ursula High School’s Mascot

The relatable and cute polar bear that has been sitting on Mr Suryo’s front desk for ages known as Samantha, has become a beloved icon to the students. Even with Samantha’s long history with the school, her origin on how she got to the school, along with how the polar bear received the iconic nickname, “Samantha” and why it became an icon to students, still remains a mystery.

Samantha first appeared on Mr Suryo’s desk between the years of 2000s to 2010s when the first flag hoisting troop was created in Saint Ursula Jakarta High School. Staying true to her character, her first appearance was an unsolved mystery. Samantha came unexpectedly. One day, a student came to Mr Suryo to report a lost item, which was a polar bear doll. Mr Suryo asked the student if it belonged to anyone, but she was clueless. Therefore, Mr Suryo put Samantha on his desk so that students could see the doll and someone might claim it. But she never left that desk ever since. The name Samantha was given by Mr Suryo. He has no particular reason for choosing the name “Samantha”. He thought it was the easiest name to remember the doll by.Samantha has definitely become an icon to Saint Ursula Jakarta High School. Samantha became more iconic when she was given school uniforms that matched students to complete her look. She became something that people can remember when they think about Saint Ursula Jakarta High School. Even the Alumnis that came back to school always remember to take pictures with Samantha. Since the appearance of Samantha, the school has even made Samantha merchandise and small Samantha bears to give to guests. Samantha has also been included in school events as one of the mascots. Hence, Samantha has made changes in school by becoming an icon to the students and alumni.According to Mr Suryo, Samantha can be seen as an encouragement to students, an icon to lift up school spirit, and strengthen the sisterhood of Saint Ursula Jakarta High School students. The students agree with Mr Suryo’s statement. They said that when they’re feeling down in school and pass by Mr Suryo’s desk they feel a little bit better after seeing Samantha’s
cute figure. Samantha has also become some kind of a good luck charm. Often, on exams week students actually pat Samantha’s head to give them encouragement. Students believe that with Samantha’s blessings and help they can pass the test with ease.The amount of love that Samantha receives from the students and all of the people that are in Saint Ursula High School are more than what people expect from a stuffed polar bear doll. Though the origins of this polar bear doll remains a mystery until who knows when, Samantha will always be a trademark for the school and holds a special place in people’s hearts especially the students of Saint Ursula Jakarta High School.

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