A year ago, one spirited student stepped into the furry paws of SVCC’s iconic mascot, Johnny Paws, and unknowingly launched a journey filled with school pride, personal growth, and a whole lot of jumping.
It all began at a new student orientation event, where Elizabeth Farrell of Meherrin, first donned the suit and brought Johnny to life. Since then, she has been the energy behind the mascot, electrifying crowds and embodying the pride and enthusiasm of SVCC. Whether at club events or campus celebrations, Johnny’s signature move—joyful jumping—has become a familiar and beloved sight to all.
“It’s really hot in that suit,” she admits with a laugh, “but it’s so much fun. I love how people light up when they see Johnny. Everyone wants a picture, and there’s this outstanding sense of school pride that fills the space.”
Maintaining the mystery of Johnny’s identity has been one of her biggest challenges. “Especially when you’re a blabbermouth like me,” she jokes, “it’s hard not to tell everyone!” Still, she embraced the role wholeheartedly, keeping the focus on the magic of the mascot rather than the person behind the paws.
One of her most memorable moments came during a club day event. “I was giving out high fives, and just seeing all the smiles made me realize how much joy Johnny brings to people.”
She offers this advice to the next student who takes on the role: “Keep moving, keep jumping, show your energy, and enjoy every second. You’ll make so many fun memories.”
Being Johnny taught her something deeper, too. “You don’t have to make an impact by being loud. Sometimes, just showing up, spreading joy, and being present is enough.”
As she passes the paw-print baton to the next Johnny Paws, she reflects on her time at SVCC: “This is a great place, a close-knit family. As you grow into the family, it’s amazing.”
The SVCC community celebrates her dedication and the unforgettable spirit she brought to campus as Johnny Paws. Here's to the student behind the mascot — and the legacy of joy she leaves behind.
Farrell graduated from SVCC in May with an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Education. Thanks to SVCC’s strong academic foundation and seamless transfer pathways, she looks ahead confidently to further her education at Longwood University in the Fall.
