Help Offset Cost of Mascot Change, School Replaces Redskins Mascot with CCS Hawkeyes
Pictured from left are Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter, Cooperstown Central School Board President Dr. David Borgstrom and Cooperstown Central School Superintendent C.J. Hebert.
(Cooperstown, NY – May 15, 2013) Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter presented a check for $10,000 to the Cooperstown Central School District, Wednesday, May 15, as a contribution to help offset the cost of the school’s change of mascot from the Redskins to the CCS Hawkeyes. The presentation took place at the Board of Education meeting.
The Cooperstown Central School Board of Education voted in March to remove the Redskins mascot from its interscholastic athletic, extracurricular and academic programs. The move was prompted by a vote by the student body, asking that the mascot be changed. The Oneida Indian Nation was so moved by the actions of the Cooperstown students, that a contribution was offered to help offset the cost of changing mascots.
Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said, “The thoughtful and compassionate decision by the students and administration to change the school’s mascot speaks well for the way Cooperstown is enlightening its youth, and speaks well for the future of their community. The Oneida Nation is honored to lend its support as the school transitions to a more inclusive mascot. All New Yorkers should be proud of the Cooperstown Central School for standing up for something bigger than themselves.”
Cooperstown Central School Superintendent C.J. Hebert said, “We are very pleased that our students are able to critically examine issues of social consequence and feel comfortable expressing their opinions, even in the face of potential resistance. The Cooperstown Central School District has devoted significant effort and resource toward its character education program, and the results are unmistakable. Students, staff, alumni and community members are also to be commended for their active participation in this move toward a more culturally acceptable nickname. We very much appreciate the support of Mr. Halbritter and the Oneida Nation, both during the deliberation phase of the change, and again tonight in a financially supportive format.”
The CCS Hawkeye mascot will officially be adopted July 1. The Oneida Nation’s contribution will help the school district purchase new uniforms for its athletic teams.