August 30, 2026

The School’s Mascot Costume Hasn’t Been Washed Since the Reagan Administration

The School’s Mascot Costume Hasn’t Been Washed Since the Reagan Administration

Memorial High’s Marty the Moose mascot uniform has developed its own ecosystem, with microbiology students identifying 17 new species of bacteria in its armpits alone. The costume reportedly stands upright on its own when not in use and emits a mysterious glow during pep rallies. The school nurse has classified it as a biohazard, while the football team uses it to psych out opponents by placing it menacingly on their bench. A recent attempt at dry cleaning resulted in the immediate retirement of three industrial washing machines and what witnesses describe as ‘the smell that ended an era.’

Annabelle Bransford

Hi, I’m Annabelle Bransford, Memorial High School’s unofficial satirist-in-residence and proud founder of The Daily Detention—a publication so edgy it’s been banned twice and resurrected three times, like a sassy phoenix with a flair for detention slips. I write satire because someone has to hold the line between cafeteria chaos and gym class tyranny. Whether I’m exposing the secret emotional feud between our Algebra teacher and Euclid, or investigating why the pep rally feels like an ancient ritual sacrifice, I try to speak truth to hallway power. Sure, I’ve been called “disruptive,” but mostly by people who wear lanyards unironically. My work has been read by at least two janitors, my entire AP English class, and one substitute teacher who thought it was a cry for help. I consider that range. When I’m not sharpening my wit, I’m dodging group projects, winning banned book club trivia, or mentoring the school's AI Isn’t Funny Club (membership: just me and 17 bots I’ve emotionally manipulated). I’m also a National Merit Semi-Finalist, certified eye-roller at Student Government meetings, and the only girl in school who’s been accused of “weaponizing irony.” My goals? Keep writing, keep laughing, and one day publish a satirical exposé called Yearbook Superlatives and Other Lies. If you want something sugarcoated, try the bake sale. If you want the truth with a punchline, I’m your girl. I've landed a sweet job at Bohiney Magazine, so don't bother me. EMAIL: annabelle@bohiney.com

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