Gar-Field High School

[EPJr]

We are all very fortunate to be part of the Gar-Field High School community, which has a long and storied history, as well as many dedicated alumni and students who are very proud of their school. Over the years, many cherished traditions have developed as each class of Gar-Field graduates has left their mark on the school and community. Traditions include the development of the “Big Red” slogan in the 1980s and the “School of Champions” motto since the early 1990s.

Another part of our school history is the mascot. The “Indians” mascot originated at Occoquan District High School and was transferred to Gar-Field when it opened in 1953 as Occoquan’s successor school. It is important to note that the intent of Gar-Field High School has never been to disrespect or disparage Native Americans or their cultures. And, it is imperative that we address the impact of the continued use of the mascot. Therefore, I am writing today in response to increasing calls for our school community to address the “Indians” mascot.

New Gar-Field Mascot

gar-fieldhs.pwcs.edu

 

[EPJr]

Gar-Field will gather community input following a similar process as other PWCS schools who have undergone mascot changes in recent years. We will form a selection committee comprised of representatives from all stakeholder groups and will welcome student and community suggestions. Connection to Gar-Field history and traditions will be a very important factor in the selection process. We will follow a three-step process as outlined below:

1. Community submission of mascot suggestions: Students, staff, alumni, and community members are invited to submit suggestions through April 4th.
2. GF Students and Staff click here for the submission form. Alumni and Community Members click here for the submission form
3. Mascot Selection Committee: A committee of representatives from our stakeholder groups, including students, staff, alumni, parents, and community members, will evaluate mascot suggestions and identify finalist mascot submissions.
4. Community Preference Survey: GFHS will survey stakeholder groups to express their preference of the finalist mascot submissions.

There will be a cost associated with changing the mascot. The Gar-Field High School community is very fortunate to have the support of PWCS leadership in this matter. Associated costs, which can include murals, signage, uniforms, and other items, will be covered by PWCS.

 

[Bounty13]

There will be a cost associated with changing the mascot. The Gar-Field High School community is very fortunate to have the support of PWCS leadership in this matter. Associated costs, which can include murals, signage, uniforms, and other items, will be covered by PWCS taxpayers.

Fixed it for you.

 

[EPJr]

Fixed it for you.

of course

 

[Researcher27]

Call Stafford High. Ask them how they handled it. You will be surprised.

 

[EPJr]

Call Stafford High. Ask them how they handled it. You will be surprised.

they did what Florida State and Illinois did and that is partner with the local natives to make them comfortable with your mascot choices

 

[Researcher27]

Making them comfortable is IMO an understatement. They worked with the local tribe to develop a mascot image that was a positive reflection on the tribe that was native to that area. The local tribe completely supports the use of the name "indians" because it is reflecting the tribe in a positive light.

 

[SPL311U]

Here is a link to a contemporary article about the changes mentioned at Stafford HS and how it was handled...

Stafford High gets real with Indian mascot

For more than 30 years, Stafford High School’s Indian mascot seemed to walk straight out of a John Wayne Western—with a full-feathered headdress.When the new Stafford High opens next year,

fredericksburg.com

 

[OldIndian81]

Stafford may have had an advantage that Gar-Field might not possess - in '52, Stafford High opened as the successor to the old Falmouth High School and inherited that lineage including the colors and name "Indians" - the Falmouth area could be described as southeastern Stafford, which along with King George/Northern Neck area is the ancestral home of the Patawomeck tribe - there are multiple generations of tribal members and their descendants (self-included) who went to Stafford High and still go there. Fairly certain that doesn't exist for Gar-Field. It's interesting about the changes, I looked at my dad's yearbook from '56 - any illustration of Native Americans looked like ones that you may expect eastern Virginia tribal members to have looked like rather than the western or Plains look that any characterization took later on.

 

[EPJr]

In addition to identifying these finalists, the committee also discussed the importance of maintaining important aspects of Gar-Field’s identity. Regardless of the outcome of the community preference survey, Gar-Field High School will maintain our school colors, the “School of Champions” motto, and the use of the “Big Red” theme with the new mascot. Below the finalist options are listed, each with a few important considerations and sample logo designs:

The next step in the selection process is a community preference survey. The preference survey will be open through Tuesday, May 11th. There are separate survey links for staff, students, and community members. To participate in the survey, please click on the appropriate link below:

• Student Preference Survey Link
• Staff Preference Survey Link
• Alumni & Community Members Survey Link

I encourage all members of the Gar-Field School Community to participate in the survey as we look to select a mascot that reflects our community values and identity. Thank you again to our committee members for their thoughtful deliberation and consideration in determining these finalists. I look forward to announcing the final selection in the near future and to an exciting 21-22 school year!



Sincerely,
Matthew Mathison
Principal