Primo and Prima
Schedule the Palomino MascotsAmong their many duties as mascots, Primo and Prima visit Palominos and future Palominos around the community. Click below to request an appearance at your event. Please note, the deadline to submit your request is three weeks prior to your event. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Life. |
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Spot Primo and Prima at campus events or online by following Palo Alto College on social. |
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Meet PrimoIn the south side of San Antonio, on the vibrant campus of Palo Alto College, a legend was born on November 9, 2015. Primo the Palomino was introduced as the new face of school pride. Primo grew up in a nurturing environment at Palo Alto College, where students frequently visited him at the Student Center. It was in these moments that Primo’s personality began to shine. He quickly learned that his presence brought joy to others and had a unique ability to uplift spirits. His playful nature was infectious, and he often turned ordinary events into exciting celebrations. With a unique flair for dance, he captivated audiences at sports events, becoming not just a mascot but a beloved friend to all. With his innate curiosity, Primo enjoys acquiring new skills on his journey to becoming a well-rounded Palomino. He enjoys volunteering at the PAC Community Garden and, occasionally, sneaks a carrot or two. His love for all types of music keeps him dancing and moving, while his favorite foods, like chicken on a stick and corn in a cup, keep him energized and sharp. Primo continues to inspire generations of students, reminding them to celebrate life with vigor and enthusiasm, just as he does every day on his beloved campus. |
Bio Factoids
Name: Primo
Birthday: November 9, 2015
Birthplace: Palo Alto College – Student Center
Zodiac: Scorpio
Field of study: Business Management
Traits: Confident, Versatile, Calm, Amiable, Intelligent, Alert, Social
Mantra: Live, Laugh, Love, and Dance
Palomino species: Palomino is a color not a breed
Siblings: Prima
Favorites
Color: PAC Teal/Black/White
Season: Fall
Music: All genres
Foods: Chicken on a Stick, Corn in a Cup
Sports Teams: San Antonio Spurs, SA Missions, and all Palo Alto College Sport Teams
Meet PrimaIn a delightful twist of fate, a second legend emerged on the Palo Alto College campus, building on Primo’s legacy. Introduced in 2020, Prima the Palomino is Primo’s charming sister. Her arrival was celebrated with excitement, and she was destined to add her unique touch to campus life. Prima the Palomino is a bold, sassy spirit with a heart as strong as her gallop. A creative at heart, she shines in the arts, whether dancing in a Folklorico skirt or working with clay in the ceramics studio. She is dedicated to supporting women and girls. She believes confidence is contagious and uses her voice—and impeccable style—to uplift others and spark joy. Her motto? “Shine bright, speak loud, stay real.” With her inquisitive spirit, Prima loves discovering new spots on campus, preferably accompanied by her brother Primo. Together, they share moments of laughter, dance, and artistic exploration, making them not just family but inseparable friends. |
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Bio Factoids
Name: Prima
Birthday: 2020
Birthplace: Palo Alto College – Student Center
Zodiac: Aquarius
Field of study: Dental Hygiene
Traits: Intellectual, Confident, Sassy, Independent, Stylish
Mantra: Shine Bright, Speak Loud, Stay Real
Palomino species: Palomino is a color not a breed
Siblings: Primo
Favorites
Color: PAC Teal/Black/White
Season: Spring
Music: All genres
Foods: Chicken on a Stick, Corn in a Cup
Sports Teams: San Antonio Spurs, SA Missions, and all Palo Alto College Sport Teams
Primo and Prima’s OriginsPAL the Palomino was revealed in 1991 after a campus-wide naming contest to create the Palo Alto College mascot. Luis Mercado, an employee in the Learning Resource Center, submitted the winning entry to name the mascot. As the college expanded, the Student Activities Office saw an exciting opportunity to refresh PAL’s costume. The new design was much lighter and well-ventilated, allowing the performer to stay comfortable for longer periods, especially during outdoor events. With improved visibility and mobility, the performer could express themselves with bigger gestures, dancing, and a more vibrant performance. After 24 years of service, PAL the Palomino retired during a special ceremony on November 9, 2015. Primo, PAL’s cousin, made his debut in that same ceremony to continue the family tradition of building Palomino pride around campus and as a visible representative of Palo Alto College at events such as extramural sports games, high school football games, pep rallies for elementary, middle, and high schools, PACfest, and more. Primo's sister, Prima, was introduced in 2020 as a dynamic character designed to embody and amplify the female perspective. |
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