It’s Hard Work Being a Leopard, But La Grange Mascot Named All-American, Earns Invite to the Citrus Bowl

The football players aren’t the only ones putting in a lot of effort on Friday nights.

During a recent game La Grange High School freshman Julia Melton said she worked so hard she chugged “five or six” bottles of water.

Her job? She’s the La Grange High School mascot Lulu the Leopard.

And Melton is not just charming La Grange fans.

This summer she was named an All-American Mascot at the cheerleading camp at the University of Texas. Earning that honor got her an invite to perform at halftime of this year’s Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve in Orlando Florida.

For all the effort Melton’s been putting in, we’re proud to honor her as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week. We caught up with her recently to find out more about her special role.

“I tried out in middle school to become the middle school mascot and I just fell in love with it in 8th grade,” Melton said. “I tried out in high school and ended up making it.”

She hopes to continue being the mascot all through high school. Melton said the key to being a good mascot is high energy.

“You have to keep the crowd’s energy high, so whether we are losing or winning, you need to do something funny,” Melton said. “Whether it’s tripping yourself or playing with the cheerleaders it’s all about being a good character – and that energy.”

Consistently bringing that energy is really tough in those August and September games. The temperature in her Leopard costume is always way higher than the air temperature.

“With the heat from the weather and your body heat, it’s hard to stay cool,” Melton said.

But Melton (who says she wants to do something agricultural related after graduation) always brings something special to the sidelines, just like she did at UT to earn that All-American designation.

“My All-American skit was one I also did recently at a pep rally, Lulu starts off ready to get in the football game but when she sees how big her competitors are, she’s scared and runs away,” Melton said. “She’s losing at halftime, but after the halftime pep talk she’s able to come back in and win the game.”

Even as Melton is handling her school and mascot duties, she’s already turning her attention to getting to the Citrus Bowl. It’s going to cost about $5,000 for her and her mom to attend the festivities this Decemeber.

“I’m selling cookie dough for $12 a dozen on my mom’s Facebook page and mine,” said Melton, who can be contacted through her mom Jessica (phone number (512) 784-8148) or via email at: lglulutheleopard@gmail.com for cookie dough orders or donations. “Anything is appreciated and helps a lot.”

“It’s really an honor to get to represent La Grange and my high school at a national level.”

To make a cookie dough order or donation to help Julie Melton get to the Citrus Bowl contact her mom Jessica (phone number 512-7848148) or via email at: lglulutheleopard@gmail.com Or scan the below link to make a venmo donation