The Memorial High School Titan mascot has been a bit of a mystery this school year.

The student who dons the costume of the king of Titans, Cronus, complete with Spartan like helmet, “armor,” shield and “sword” stays in character and takes his responsibility of representing the school seriously.

Haykm Nelson, a senior, was originally a member of the Titan Crew which is the group that goes to football games, carries the MHS flag and helps setup the inflatable for the football team to run through.

Band director Trent Johnson felt Nelson would be a great candidate for the job of mascot.

“He has lots of school spirit and he interacts well with children and others he meets,” Johnson said. “Haykm also has some pretty good dance moves that he exhibits when he becomes Cronus the Titan. I am very impressed with Haykm and his school spirit, he is always eager, willing and ready to suit-up and show his Memorial Titan pride.”

Nelson had kept air of secrecy around his identity as Cronus as a way to respect the role. Port Arthur Independent School District Superintendent Mark Porterie saw Nelson as Cronus at a recent parade radiating pride.

“Even though Haykm wears his Titan gear with pride he does not mind taking time to stop and communicate with fans,” Porterie said. “I witnessed an example of this during the Friday night game against Baytown Lee. I was sitting next to a row of stairs and Haykm was walking past just as a young boy around the age of seven came running down the stairs. The boy leaned against the railing and reached out his hand. Haykm reached out and allowed this young boy to touch his shield. As the young boy walked away heading back up the stairs, you could see the pride in his face.”

When Nelson steps out in the Titan gear he represents a huge, hard to control force but in that moment Haykm represented compassion and gentleness,” Porterie said.

Nelson is a busy student who likes to meet new people and gain new experiences, he said.

An AB student, Nelson makes sure to prioritize different things in his life in order to be successful.

“I prioritize times and choices before I do anything,” Nelson said about how he juggles school, homework, being the mascot, work at Hobby Lobby and more.

He credits his mother, Gay McBride, for being there for him.

“I can count on my mom for everything. Without her I would not be here today. She makes sure I’m on the right path,” he said. “My dad (Osborn Gerard Nelson) helps out with words of wisdom.”

Annie Puerto, band manager at MHS, said Nelson brings spirit to a whole new level and that she’s proud of the job he’s doing.

Looking to the future, Nelson is undecided on whether to attend Sam Houston State College or Prairie View A&M University. He plans to major in biology and pursue a career as a veterinarian and one day own his own office.

Haykm Nelson is the son of Gay McBride and Osborn Gerard Nelson.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews