RAPID CITY, SD – Central High School’s Karl the cobbler had emerged as the winner of the 2025 America’s Best High School Mascot Tournament hosted by the 64. Karl outlasted sixty-three other mascots from across the county in a bracket-style competition through weeks of online voting fueled by community support.

In the weeks during the competition, School spirit had been growing at Central. Teachers and students had been encouraging each other to vote every day, building a stronger sense of community in the school. When the news that Karl was the winner began to circulate, Central High School was electric, warranting an extended lunch for the day.

On Thursday night, Karl was honored during the halftime of a home varsity basketball game. Cheered on by his fans, Karl, Jordan Baur, and Kayla McCaskell, took center court to accept a ceremonial check valued at $6,400, as well as another check of $2,500 for the mascot performer. The presentation of the giant checks faced roaring applause from the stands, uniting the students and faculty of Central High School.