HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - For many, Friday nights in the fall mean cheering on the hometown team. For Jackson Goddard, a junior at Beech High School, it’s an opportunity for so much more.

Goddard, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2, has found his place at Beech High as the school’s beloved mascot, Buc-ee.

“I love doing the Buccaneer walk, running with the football players, and waving to everybody,” Goddard said. “My favorite part of Friday night is getting everybody pumped up by being the mascot.”

Four years ago, Goddard and his family made a 2,000-mile move from California to Tennessee. His mother, Rebecca Goddard, initially found the transition difficult but now sees the profound positive impact it has had on Jackson.

“Our move was hard for me, but it has been, by far, the b

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