Welcome to the twenty-first edition of the column Leaving A Legacy. In this column, we honour the Legends that made their way into the CPA Hall of Fame. For this edition, we will take a step back in history with McHappy and the Army of Club Penguin.
Designed by Master DS
Back in time
McHappy started his journey in Club Penguin Armies back in 2008. He found his way into the CPA life by joining Fort Ghost Record in the spring of 2008. He explored army life before leaving after a short period. After a pause, he went on his search of existing armies. On December 20 of the same year, he joined the Army of Club Penguin, showing a lot of interest and determination to climb the ranks.
His determination reflected his potential to become the next leader of ACP. On December 7, 2010, he had the chance to prove himself as a potential leader. During this period, he lead Army of Club Penguin towards the victory of the tournament Holiday Smackdown. While showing his potential, McHappy obtained the record, now broken, of a max of 130 online. His temporary leadership demonstrated his potential for the army.
Holiday Smackdown – ACP vs Nachos
McHappy & acp
McHappy became the leader of the Army of Club Penguin after Bobcat‘s retirement, making him the 19th leader of the Clovers army on January 1, 2011. During his first term, he led the way to his first war victory against the Ice Warriors. One of his exploits during his first term was the World War V or War of the Titans against Night Warriors. It ended with a victory of the green army on February 26, 2011, after Night Warriors’ surrender. Three months after being in place as leader, on March 26, 2011, McHappy stepped down. Not too long after him stepping down, he received the role of High Command. He came back to his army as the 21st leader in July 2012 and a third time in April 2013 as the 27th leader of the Clover army.
World War V battle plan
In 2019, McHappy bring back Army of Club Penguin on track. He helped them change to the new era of CPPS. He led his army until April 2023, when he officially stepped down but McHappy did not leave the CPA community just yet. During his CPA days, he joined the reporting team. He officially retired from Chief Executive Producer on August 4, 2024, and left his CPA days behind him.
McHappy Most Achieved
2011 award
During his CPA career, McHappy obtained twice the Medal of Honour in the Army of Club Penguin, CPA Legend in 2011 for all his work, ACPRC Legend, ACPTR Leader, ACPTR Legend and Most achieved from the Summer Awards in 2011.
INTERVIEW
Club Penguin Armies had the opportunity to discuss with McHappy.
What does ACP mean to you?
It goes without saying that the Army of Club Penguin means a lot to me. Growing up in the age of an expanding internet culture, I was always drawn to these small pockets of community you could find on the web. It not only offered me a safe space but it offered me wisdom. I contribute a lot of my world views to the experiences I had in ACP, meeting all kinds of people and learning to lead a community as vast as it. With the Army of Club Penguin being the first “official” army, I genuinely believe that the army itself represents a great deal to everyone and anyone in armies. I tend to have green-colored glasses on when it comes to ACP but I truly think that the army is the epitome of what makes this community so great. There’s no one like the “OG” and I love seeing the army continue to pave a way for not only new generations of kids that were like me, but pave the future for the community in general.
What is one of your favourite moments in the army community?
The battle against Ice Vikings on December 31, 2010 will forever be my shining achievement, greatest battle. However, rather than defining moments, I can think of a few “eras” that really mean a lot to me. Getting really close with the Army of Club Penguin crew that continues to stay in contact today. Meeting my best friend who quite literally altered the course of my life, Etac14. The rebirth of ACP in 2019 and the nostalgic simplicity the community had in the early revival days. And, honestly, being an admin at Club Penguin Armies– a decision that I truly think changed the course of the community (many big thanks to Wynn).
Is there something that you would have done differently?
I would not have been such a neurotic kid and step down from leading so many times! It was always a dream of mine to challenge Oagalthorp’s reign as a Commander in Chief. However, that simply was just not in the cards back then compared to now. We were literally children. “Sorry guys, got to quit, I am going into high school so it’s time for me to be a big kid now.”
What is something you would say to someone who would like to become leader of an army?
Be unique. We are closing in on over 20 years of armies. By now, thousands of personalities can claim to have led a penguin army. If you don’t plan to bring your own perspective then you’re not really much of a leader. Make good connections by listening to others and keep marching on in the face of adversity.
Do you think there’s something you would’ve wanted to achieve and you couldn’t?
I am very thankful (but also a keen embarassed) by how much I have “accomplished” in this community. Nonetheless, I am comforted by the thought that I’ve done much and helped many.
It would’ve been nice to have not personally sunk my chances at POTY 2024.
Any advice to your home army who celebrated its nineteenth anniversary?
Keep marching on until the end of time. Continue to show the community what it means to be THE Army of Club Penguin. Throw more snowballs.
Do you miss your CPA days?
Honestly… sometimes. I look back really fondly on my time at Club Penguin Armies. I know that I’ll always be viewed as the “Army of Club Penguin guy” but, for a few years there, I truly felt like the “Club Penguin Armies guy”. The organization truly means a lot to me, almost on the same level that I have for ACP. To this day, I try my best to check the website once a week to see what the community is up to. And, if I feel like it’s needed, I’ll even message Jojo Teri to offer words of advice. Hopefully my time in the organization left a good, long-lasting impression as it continues to build upon its legacy. Congratulations to their team for continuing the most successful army news organization since Club Penguin Army Central.
Do you have anything else to add?
Thank you for taking interest in setting up this interview, and caring enough to put effort and time into looking at my chaotic history, Kath. If anybody wants to add me to their Hall of Fame or Shame pages, please know that I fully accept with honor and grace.
With all his history and experience, McHappy officially retired in 2024 and put his CPA days behind him. His army knows that if they need him, he will come chat. What do you think will happen to the Army of Club Penguin, who is going on their twentieth birthday? Will McHappy’s legacy and influence keep growing in the army? Who else would you like to see in this column?
Kath
Reporter
More Information
Reporter in training for CPA