On March 20th, 2023, NASH students were greeted by an unexpected guest during their lunch periods–a mysterious armadillo from Texas Roadhouse. The story of this intriguing guest was shrouded in mystery, so The Uproar decided to investigate. 

The process of gathering information on this odd visitor was actually quite circuitous. First, The Uproar was provided with a photo of the armadillo by NASH junior Isabella Velasco. Upon further inspection, a name was spotted on the armadillo’s bandana: Andy.

An investigation on the circumstances that brought him to NASH soon followed. A message was delivered to the School Board Secretary, Ahlam Weidman, who redirected questions to the district’s Communications Department. 

Soon thereafter, an official response was received from NA Public Relations & Communications Specialist Brandi Smith, who shed light on the unusual visitation.

“On March 16 [at NAI], North Allegheny School District and the NA Citizen’s Advisory Committee kicked off a broad effort to build awareness about summer employment, internships, and/or volunteer opportunities in our community,” Smith said.

The success of the initial fair (which was held at NAI) was overwhelming, with over 300 attendees.  

Smith stated that the event was “part of the Community Connections program, sponsored by the Citizens Advisory Committee and District Administration.”

Texas Roadhouse–and Andy the Armadillo–would not be the only vendors visiting NA high school students from March 20th to March 31st.

Smith listed the other employers, including North Allegheny Facilities, David’s Bridal, UPMC, LaRoche University, and McDonalds, all of whom are eager to hire high school students on a part-time basis.

Smith also described the opportunities that NASH and NAI students can take advantage of from these vendors’ visits. 

“Vendors will discuss job, career, and volunteer opportunities within our community for students,” she said. “For our students, part-time jobs during the school year or summer jobs give students the opportunity to explore careers and establish a resume. In addition to earning a paycheck, students can learn invaluable lessons that will prepare them for success beyond North Allegheny.”

Officially, it would seem as though the Texas Roadhouse armadillo was merely a part of a greater mission to spread awareness about job opportunities for high school students at NA. But while the vendors and the event continue to hold noble ambitions, suspicions have risen over Andy himself.

NASH junior Teoman Kan described his first impressions of the creature.

“As soon as I saw his soulless, dead eyes, I was wondering, ‘What is he doing here?” Kan said.

Kan also noted his doubts over the notion of Andy’s supposed loyalty to the spirit of the Career Opportunity Fair and Texas Roadhouse. 

“I think he’s planning on gaining secret agents for Texas and then overthrowing the United States in the name of the Second Texas Republic,” he added. “I would not put it past him. This sounds like something he would do. One look in his eyes can tell you exactly what you need to know about him.”

On the other hand, Velasco held Andy in much higher regard.

“I was shocked, but I was so happy,” she said. “His smile was so wide, so beautiful.”

When questioned about Andy’s alleged ulterior motives, Velasco firmly opposed such a notion.

“I don’t buy it,” she said. “I think Andy’s a good person, and I think people are being close-minded just because he’s not human. I think people are jumping to conclusions based on the fact that he is another species, and that’s wrong.”

Velasco made her support of Andy very clear.

“I trust him one hundred percent,” she said. “I trust him with my life.”

As the Career Opportunity Fair, which ends on Friday, continues to provide a wealth of job opportunities for NASH students, the mystery of Andy still lingers. Andy the Armadillo has not made a return to NASH since March 21st, leaving many questions surrounding his existence and his motives unanswered and ambiguous.

Regardless, no student at NASH can resist longing for the day of Andy’s return, the day when the mystery is finally solved.