Mars Area School District’s Fightin’ Planet mascot pumps up the student section during a football game in 2024 at Mars Area High School. Butler Eagle file photo

The Mars Area High School Fightin’ Planets have earned the title of Best High School Mascot in America as the winner of the 2026 National High School Mascot Brackets competition.

The Fightin’ Planet popped the Boiling Springs (Pennsylvania) Bubbler in the championship final, amassing a 899,296 official votes to the opponent’s 575,259. Voting ended Monday evening.

“A huge thank you to our amazing students, staff, and community for your incredible support and school spirit,” said Dr. Mark Gross, Mars Area School District superintendent.

Mars Area High School introduced the Fightin’ Planet as its mascot for the fall 2024 athletic season. The idea for the mascot came from the Mars Cheer Boosters the previous year.