NEW HOME OF THE HUSKIES

Bill Simmons: Students dedicate new school mascot in honor of retiring principal

ONEIDA, N.Y. » The North Broad Street Falcons are no more.

In tribute to retiring Principal (and avid University of Connecticut sports fan) Bill Simmons, the elementary school elected to choose a new mascot in their departing leader’s honor during a surprise ceremony on Monday, retiring the Falcon in favor of the Husky.

“I’m so touched and honored that they would let go of the Falcons for the Huskies,” he said after the presentation.

An educator through and through, Simmons loved the mascot and logo; however, his favorite part of the new Husky digs at North Broad Street was the podium emblazoned with the face of a husky that will be used in future North Broad Street-Durhamville Elementary public speaking competitions.

“It means more to me that they have the podium for public speaking,” he said, advocating the importance of youngsters being comfortable and able to speak in front of an audience as they pursue higher levels of education.

Competition, Simmons said, is fun and can be used to create a sense of culture and community, something he believes is

of the utmost importance in education.

“The staff at North Broad is wonderful. You can’t ask for better care, they truly put the students first,” he said, deflecting any praise. “Establishing partners in the community is important. They’ve done a great job building a strong and caring culture.”

Following his graduation from alma mater University of Connecticut, Simmons left behind his beloved UConn Huskies in search of a career in education.

His search brought him to the Oneida City School District, where he embarked on 31 years of service educating City of Oneida youngsters.

First a special education (Seneca Street) and third grade teacher (Durhamville), Simmons started working at North Broad Street in 1999. Upon his arrival, Simmons, a consummate fan of sports and the life lessons imparted through competition, pushed for a school mascot to further build a sense of community spirit at North Broad. Once the polls had closed in 1999, North Broad was home to the Falcons.

“Eighteen years ago, the Huskies came in second. It broke my heart,” Simmons said jokingly.

Though he was in what could be called “enemy territory” and surrounded by Syracuse Orange fans, Simmons shared his passion for sports, competition and community with the students he will miss dearly. In addition to encouraging enthusiasm among students for the North Broad Street teams, the UConn alum would also try to sway potential Orange fans with his Husky pride in order to create a pocket of Husky fans in the district. Though there were a few students who became life long fans, the task was a difficult one.

“I would do everything I could to convert them. If I could get one student to switch allegiances, it was well worth it,” Simmons said tongue- incheek.

PHOTOS BY JOHN BREWER — ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH Retiring North Broad Street Elementary Principal and UConn Huskies fan Bill Simmons was honored by the school on Monday as North Broad adopted the Husky as its new mascot.

North Broad Street’s new mascot gives out high fives during a special ceremony on Monday.

PHOTOS BY JOHN BREWER — ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH North Broad Street students celebrate their new mascot with retiring Principal Bill Simmons.

Retiring North Broad Street Principal Bill Simmons shares a word with recovering Oneida City Mayor Leo Matzke who was on hand to honor the long-time educator.