The Competition
All of Triton has some pretty adorable pets. Over 50 students and staff submitted pictures of their pets and why they should win during a competition over the past two weeks. From the 50 submissions, the 2025-2026 journalism class chose 14. The students and staff of Triton were supposed to choose 3. From dogs, to cats, to snakes and horses, but there is only one first place. This is how the competition turned out:
#3 (Tie): Gronk the Frenchie
Coming in 3rd place, Coach Mac’s dog, Gronk! Gronk is a 9-year-old goofball. Placing 3rd overall, this little frenchie is one silly guy. Mac took this snazzy little guy home 8 ½ years ago, getting the name “Gronk” because of how crazy he is. “He’s a little crazy, just like (former New England Patriots Tight End, Rob) Gronkowski,” said Mac. While it may not be 1st place, Mac is still very happy with Gronk’s acknowledgement. “It’s fun he got acknowledged,” said Mac.
#3 (Tie) Frankie the Pomsky
Tied with Gronk in third place was Frankie! Frankie is an adorable bundle of energy, belonging to Ms. Julie Scarfo. She brought him home on December 31, 2024. Frankie is still a puppy in his heart, even though he is a year old. He is very well trained. “He rings a bell to go out,” said Scarfo. Frankie has a lot of fun quirks. One is his need to stand on his head whenever he is excited, and of course his best friend, Benny the cat. While it isn’t first place, Ms. Scarfo is still happy that this opportunity was provided. “I thought it was a great idea,” said Scarfo.
#2: Arwen the Tabby
In 2nd place, Dr Adam Lothrop’s cat, Arwen. Arwen spends her day stealing food from her dad, and spending time with her little brother, Ben Lothrop, who has given her the nickname “Cat-Cat.” Arwen is not your usual cat. “She is remarkably friendly,” said Lothrop, “She’s generally not afraid of people.” While Ben is Lothrop’s first born, Arwen will always be his first baby. She was a Covid kitty, coming into the Lothrop household in October of 2020. While she may not be 1st place, Lothrop is still very happy she got 2nd. “I will take that,” said Lothrop.
#1: Elliot the Bunny
First place goes to a very unique pet. Elliot is a bunny who found his forever home with Alex Burns and his family in October of 2020 when he was just 6 months old. For his first competition, Elliot definitely won by a long shot, earning 20 percent of the votes between 13 other pets. Elliot may be 5 years old, but that has not slowed him down at all. “He will do crazy jumps when he gets excited or happy,” said Burns. Out of all the pets submitted, Elliot was definitely the least expected winner. Even Burns was shocked when he found out! “I feel great,” said Burns, “I’m still shocked he won.”
Honorable Mentions
I would like to take a moment to mention the pets of the English hallway, and the Triton Journalism class. Shoutout to: Mr. Joe Colbert’s dogs, River and Indigo; Mr. James Allen’s dog, Baisel; Sadie Deveau’s Dog, Tucker; CJ Weisenstein’s cat, Midnight; and my (Willow Murnahan) rats, Hot Dog and Chicken Wing.
