Redhawks, Bison set as finalists for mascot
Nearing the end of what is described as “an extensive search,”
Union Public Schools officials has the narrowed its list of possible new mascots to two finalists: Redhawks and Bison.
Since mid-June, Union has solicited suggestions from students, parents, teachers, alumni and the public.
More than 320 ideas were submitted. Other examples included the Union Raptors and the Union
Red Lightning. However, the Redhawks and Bison emerged as the two most frequently suggested
mascots, after having been vetted by Union’s Mascot Advisory Committee.
“While there were a lot of great names submitted, these two emerged as the frontrunners,” said Chris Payne, chief communications officer for Union Public Schools. “There were a number of people who nominated both the Redhawks and the Bison as the preferred name for Union’s new mascot.”
In a Thought Exchange platform, Union is seeking public input
on the final selection of the mascot. The Thought Exchange page may be accessed before Sept. 30.
“Ultimately,” Payne added, “Union High School students will have the final say, as this is their mascot.”
In November, the Union Board of Education voted unanimously to discontinue the use of the Union Redskins mascot, which
had been in place for more than 75 years. Since November, Union’s teams have been referred to only
as “Union.”