Mascot is part of the Penfield 'family' | News

Kenny Moriarity can be shy — sometimes.

The 29-year-old is disabled, but has learned to shake off the physical and emotional limitations to become known as one of the most popular and well-loved people in the Penfield school district.

You may have seen Kenny around town. He works at the Panorama Home Depot and serves as the equipment manager for the high school lacrosse team. Most people know him, however, as the Penfield Patriot mascot.

For the last three years, he’s sported the red and white eagle suit at a range of athletic events, from football and basketball games to cheerleading competitions, to the recent regional track meet at RIT.

Whether it’s giving out high-fives or autographs to kids in the crowd, he’s a magnet for attention.
“Anybody who knows Kenny knows that he loves the opportunity to put a smile on people’s faces at games,” said varsity football coach Greg Geesler.

And it’s not just the games. Kenny lends a helping hand at practices, filling water bottles, encouraging the athletes or tracking down injury tape. He’s a regular at homecoming festivities and sports awards dinners.

Fans and coaches say it wouldn’t be the same without him.

“He’s an extension of our football family,” said Geesler. “He brings enthusiasm that’s contagious.”

When he’s not pumping up the crowd from the sidelines, one of Kenny’s favorite hobbies is singing. This has gotten him on stage at the German House in Rochester, where he’s not only sang and acted in musicals, but continues to volunteer his time helping children with special needs.

When he and a group of other CDS residents went to Disney World in December, he got the chance to sing in front of judges at the “American Idol Experience” attraction, that allows guests to mimic the real TV program.

When it was his turn, Kenny proudly belted, “My Girl” for the judges.

“It makes me feel good when I sing,” he said. “Sometimes when I’m down, I sing and it makes me not feel down.”

While he was different from other kids his age growing up, Kenny said he didn’t let his disability hold him back from reaching outside his comfort zone.

“I had more guts to go out there and give it my all,” he said.

Courtesy: PenfieldPost.com