A Ribbiting Victory: Star Earns Frog of the Year Honors
North Seattle College’s beloved mascot, Star the Pacific Tree Frog, has officially hopped to the top.
Jomboy Media recently selected Star as the inaugural recipient of its Frog of the Year award in the Professional Division, recognizing the mascot’s extraordinary contributions to the North Seattle College community and beyond. Star beat some 50 other nominees, including Webbly, the Everett AquaSox mascot, and Señor Frog, of bar and grill fame.
The honor followed a spirited nomination submitted by the college that celebrated Star's role as more than a mascot. For years, Star has served as a symbol of opportunity, resilience, and growth for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters. From welcoming new students during orientation to celebrating graduates and representing the college at community events, Star has become one of the most recognizable and beloved figures on campus.
“This is a proud moment for our entire North Seattle College community,” said Dr. Rachel Solemsaas, President of North Seattle College. “Star represents the perseverance, optimism, and sense of belonging that define our college. While we may be slightly biased, we have always believed Star was Frog of the Year material.”
The award announcement came in a YouTube message from the Jomboy Media committee, which praised both Star and the nomination submitted on the mascot’s behalf. The announcement starts at approximately 5:15 in the YouTube video. Star's reaction when Bralyn Beathea, Director of Student Leadership and Engagement, gave them the news begins at 8:07 of the video.
In its message to North announcing the honor, the committee stated, “Following extended deliberation, the committee is pleased to inform you that Star has been selected as the inaugural Frog of the Year in the Professional division. The nomination file was reviewed in full, and the committee found it, and Star, to be without peer.”
According to the nomination, Star distinguished themself through adaptability, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to community.
Unlike many frogs whose daily schedules might consist primarily of lounging on lily pads and catching flies, Star maintains an active calendar of appearances, welcomes future students, cheers on graduates, and serves as an ambassador for higher education. The nomination also highlighted Star’s Pacific Northwest roots and commitment to serving others rather than seeking fame.
“Leadership is not about being the loudest frog in the pond,” the nomination stated. “It is about creating a welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
The recognition is especially meaningful because Star represents a species with deep ties to the college's history and campus environment. Introduced as North Seattle College's official mascot in 2020, Star reflects the Pacific tree frogs that have long inhabited the college's wetlands and green spaces. The mascot was selected by students, employees, and alumni as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and connection to the natural world.
While the award may come as a surprise to amphibian communities worldwide, members of the North Seattle College community are unlikely to be shocked by the outcome.
Every year, thousands of students begin or continue their educational journeys under Star's watchful gaze. Through moments of challenge and celebration alike, Star has come to represent the determination and sense of community that help students achieve their goals.
As for what comes next, Star has remained characteristically humble about the achievement and is expected to continue carrying out mascot duties with the same enthusiasm and professionalism that earned this prestigious recognition in the first place.
After all, awards come and go.
Being a Tree Frog is forever.