Clarence, the legendary mascot of Bonn American High School, has traveled a long and unexpected road to his final resting place in the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita, Kansas. But his story begins decades earlier, with a visionary woman named Ms. Ruby Anderson.

Ms. Anderson, the first principal of the American School on the Rhein, knew that a school needed more than just books and classrooms—it needed character. So, she introduced Clarence, setting him up for display as a proud symbol of the school’s spirit. When she left in 1963, Clarence stayed behind, watching generations of students pass through the halls, witnessing pranks, pep rallies, and the daily life of American kids growing up overseas.

For over three decades, Clarence remained a silent guardian of Bonn American High School—until the school’s closure in 1997. What would become of him? Bitburg High School had hoped to give him a new home, but fate had other plans. Dr. Sam Tyron swooped in, rescuing Clarence and taking him to the DoDDS District Office in Brussels, where he was kept safe while a more permanent home was found.

Then, in the spring of 2000, Clarence was carefully packed up and sent across the ocean to the American Overseas Schools Historical Society (AOSHS), ensuring his legacy would live on. But his journey wasn’t over yet. In 2002, he was loaned to the Museum of World Treasures, where he still stands today—a relic of the past, a link to thousands of students who once walked the halls of BAHS.

Though he no longer watches over a bustling high school, Clarence’s story isn’t forgotten. He remains a symbol of the enduring bond between alumni, a silent reminder of the adventures, friendships, and history that made Bonn American High School a special place.