While traversing North Penn’s crowded hallways during the beginnings of this school year, students may have noticed one quirky character whose name seems to be on the lips of every student. This eye-catching high school newcomer, known to many only as “the unicycle kid,” has become a true phenomenon in a short amount of time in the North Penn area. You may see him while riding on the bus into school. You may go out of your way not to hit him on your morning commute. You may even see him when you go grocery shopping or anywhere else around the community. So, the question is: who is this new North Penn legend?

“The unicycle kid” is none other than sophomore Kevin Birt, a name that, henceforward, will never be forgotten. Birt had no idea that he had become such a big sensation until about week ago. Facebook statuses, Twitter feeds, Instagram posts, Snapchats, Yik yaks, you name it – there was no doubt that at least a few references to Birt’s unicycling prowess have popped up on this variety of social medias, largely without his knowledge until recently. An instant North Penn classic, Birt is all the rage among North Penn students and faculty alike.

Some might say that unicycling is in Birt’s genes. Interestingly enough, his grandparents were attendees of a clown college. Despite this connection to entertainment, his grandparents were not the impetus for Birt’s unicycling. The hobby actually began because of his soon-to-be stepdad. Some might call it destiny.

A youthful Kevin Birt was handed his first unicycle by his soon-to-be stepdad at age eleven, and thus, the “unicycle kid” was born. Since then, Birt has practiced for countless hours perfecting his craft.

“Everytime I fell, I got right back up,” said Birt. This determined attitude has led to the unicyclist’s current level of skill, which certainly cannot be matched by many.

This North Penn sensation goes almost everywhere by way of unicycling. Birt says he regularly unicycles to the local Acme a few blocks away from his house.

Birt’s unicycle rides to the high school usually take about fifteen minutes per trip. He earns some daredevil status as he rides without wearing a helmet, but he does wear gloves to avoid injuring his hands if he does fall off.

Birt plans on riding the unicycle all year round – and, yes, that means during rain or snow. He says there should be no problem navigating snowy streets on his unicycle, despite possibly having to get a bit creative in his maneuvering.

According to Birt, his frequent unicycle rides are due to a genuine love of this unique form of transportation, not to invite attention or recognition. Even if he had a car and license, Birt says he would still rather ride on his unicycle as opposed to a gas-guzzling vehicle.

Birt has, however, had a few crazy experiences aboard his trusty unicycle: once, a deranged driver tried to hit the sensational cyclist.

“He ran a red light and seemed like he wanted to hit me!” said Birt. Thankfully, all involved came out unharmed from this brouhaha.

When Birt began riding to the high school, he did not expect to become an overnight hit among the students. He is still getting used to the limelight, finding it a bit odd that practically everyone in the high school knows him as “the unicycle kid” and not simply as Kevin Birt, a regular sophomore and, in his free time, an avid chess player.

This humble approach to the spotlight is not surprising to those who know Birt. He is not the type to be interested in becoming the face of North Penn or trying to earn fame among its students, but instead hopes only to pursue his unique interest out of sincere enjoyment.

Birt does, however, muse about one day becoming the founder of the first-ever North Penn Unicycling Club. Upon first arriving at the high school, he was a bit disappointed to find that there was none in existence. Realistically, this idea may not be terribly easy to accomplish: though Birt currently owns four unicycles, this would be hardly enough to accommodate the fans who would likely flock to learn from his tutelage. Each unicycle costs approximately four hundred dollars (from Birt’s vendor of choice, the aptly named “unicycle.com”), making unicycling skills such as Birt’s an even loftier goal for would-be copycats.

So, if you happen to spot him among the sea of faces in North Penn’s halls or classrooms, recognize the now-legend known commonly as “unicycle kid” instead by his real name, Kevin Birt. While you’re at it, perhaps offer some congratulations as well: doing what Birt does day in and day out makes him a man deserving of some appreciation. Whether you see Birt in the North Penn parking lot, around the community, or behind a desk, make sure to give some props for the awesome achievement of sticking to a hobby as unique and fascinating as unicycling.