The community is invited to submit suggestions for a new mascot for Columbia River High School. The school’s Chieftain mascot was officially retired on Sept. 8 by the Vancouver Public Schools’ Board of Directors. The action to retire the Chieftain mascot was recommended by former students, community members, the Washington State Board of Education, the American Psychological Association and local tribal leaders who support the removal of Native American mascots.
Community members, parents and staff members can submit suggestions using this survey. Current Columbia River students will receive a separate link for suggestions. Both student and community surveys will be open until October 31.
Suggestions must follow VPS board policy and procedures for mascots.
Suggestions should:
- Reflect the geographic or historical features of Hazel Dell, Vancouver, Washington state or the Pacific Northwest
- Avoid names that would cause confusion with other local school mascots, logos or images
- Celebrate the rich traditions and history at Columbia River High School among the students, alumni and community members
A mascot transition team made up of Columbia River High School students, alumni and staff (current and past) will review suggestions for the new mascot and oversee the transition process of changing the mascot.
Timeline:
- Oct. 31, 2020 – Deadline for submissions
- Dec. 17, 2020 – Transition team reviews suggestions and chooses three to five finalists to put forward to the superintendent
- Jan. 14, 2021 – The superintendent brings the finalists to the board of directors for final approval
- Feb. 26, 2021 – Columbia River High School students selects new mascot by a majority vote
- March 2021 – Transition team solicits and selects graphic artwork for mascot
- March 2021 – Event to honor Columbia River history and milestones
- April 2021 – Transition team presents mascot to the community
