Everyone on campus has seen Driller Man around the campus, particularly at special events like rallies. However, not everyone knows who is behind the mask this year.
Meet the man behind the mask: Diego Ayala, a BHS senior.
Getting to know Driller Man
Ayala’s favorite thing to do as Driller Man is to make all the little kids excited at school events. He also loves playing rock, paper, scissors with the students at the rallies.
Ayala states that he enjoys these interactions the most because he likes making other people feel involved; he wants everyone to look forward to something during the rallies or any other school event, and he’s happy if these quick interactions serve that purpose for some people.
Driller Man without the mask
Starting BHS as a Chipman Junior High grad, Ayala has attended BHS all four years of high school; he recognizes himself as a Driller through and
through.
Ayala is involved with ASB, the BHS student leadership group, and the Fashion Club. He is an officer with the title of “liaison.” His job is to communicate for the club and reach out to other clubs for collaborations.
He describes Fashion Club as a calming environment, and enjoys teaching people how to sew or complete other tasks.
Ayala was previously involved in cross country, baseball, and theater; he found himself cutting back on some of his extracurriculars for his senior year.
Off campus, Ayala can be found working part-time “Stars Dinner Theater” here in town. He works every weekend when they perform a play.
One of his favorite hobbies is playing his guitar. He started off with an acoustic guitar five years ago, and then he started playing an electric guitar two years
ago.
Ayala’s BHS Experience
Ayala describes his high school years as a fun blur; he doesn’t really remember a lot, but he remembers having lots of fun.
He feels like he has been more involved these past two years, and recognizes that he wasn’t as active on campus during his freshman and sophomore years. Staying involved keeps him busy, and that’s what Ayala ultimately enjoys doing.
Some of his most notable moments include performing in the annual BHS Talent Show as Johnny Cash and winning first place for “People’s Choice.” He also got to play the national anthem with his electric guitar at one of our school rallies this year to promote the Talent Show. To end the year, Ayala was involved with Driller Drama’s “Hadestown” production, proudly describing his job controlling the sound for the musical.
Ayala after high school
After high school, Ayala plans to join the Marines. Ayala states that he wants a steady career and a steady foothold in adulthood; he wants to make sure he’s on the right track for his future, and he thinks joining the military is a great pathway for that. He acknowledges that he also wants the benefits of being a veteran after he has completed his service.
Ayala ultimately dreams of moving to Washington or Oregon; he loves that both states are pretty and filled with nature.
A final message from Driller Man
As Driller Man prepares for the impending graduation, his final piece of advice for the Drillers that will remain on campus is to stay involved during their time at BHS.
The more involved Drillers are, they have the opportunity to make more memories, friendships, and share more laughs during their high school experience.
Ayala also encourages Drillers to just have fun and be themselves.
“Once a Driller, always a Driller,” Ayala stated as his final farewell.
