Monroe High School

For schools with a similar name, see Monroe High School.Monroe High School is a public high school in Monroe, Washington. Since 1999, the school has been located on Tester Road. Formerly, it was located on Main Street in downtown Monroe.MascotMonroe High School's mascot is "Benny the Bearcat". The term "Bearcat" was originally the nickname of the amateur turned semiprofessional boxer. Dode "Bearcat" Bercot. In the 1920s and '30's, this boxer from Monroe fought in over 100 main event fights and won 42 by knockout. However, before turning pro, Bercot's career was cut short after an opponent put a thumb in Bercot's eye, leaving him partially blinded for life. He was given the nickname "Bearcat" because he was said to be strong as a bear and fast as a cat. The school colors are orange and black.ActivitiesThe school boasts a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Students participate in everything from academic quiz competitions to leadership and community service organizations. Examples of these are the academic quiz competition teams, Hi-Q and Knowledge Bowl, and the community service-based Key Club. Monroe High Schools' Hi-Q team is a perennial powerhouse and in recent years has consistently made the semifinal and/or final round of the state competition. In 2011, Monroe's Hi-Q team won the Washington State Championship and participated in the National Championship.The most well-known and largest club at Monroe is DECA. The Monroe High School DECA Chapter has been the third largest DECA chapter in the United States since the 1990s. DECA is a national marketing club and Monroe sends multiple students to the Washington State (SCDC) and National (ICDC) competitions every year. Monroe DECA has also proven to be a large part of the high school's community service efforts, having helped fund and maintain the Monroe Miracle League Field. Each year, Monroe DECA students serve as base-buddies for the players in the Miracle League games.