SANFORD, Maine — Less than 48 hours after Sanford High School’s boys track and field team claimed a Class A state championship, the school has a new mascot.
Superintendent David Theoharides announced in a release Thursday that the school’s new mascot will be the Spartans.
Other mascot candidates to replace the longstanding Redskins mascot were “Pride,” “Stampede” and “Cardinals.”
Students in grades seven through 12 voted for their choice. The Spartans mascot will be used starting with the 2012-13 school year.
The Spartans mascot garnered 587 votes from the student body, according to the release, while Pride had 423, Stampede 202 and Cardinals 113, respectively. The prospective names were proposed by members of the school’s sports teams and members of the community.
Sanford’s school committee voted 4-1 last month to retire the Redskins mascot. It was the last high school in the state with such a nickname.
“The new mascot becomes part of this new era for Sanford as we move towards a new vision for our school and community,” Theoharides said in the release.
Why would the Greek americans not be offended by this?
Because the United States government did not uproot, persecute and commit cultural genocide to Greek Americans. Native American Indians have suffered — tremendously — ever since settlers “discovered” this country.
I’m from Sparta, and I’m offended by this.
As a person of Greek descent, I am deeply offended by this name choice. This groups millions of diverse, intelligent people from Sparta into one category as a stereotypical fighting Spartan. Children need to be exposed to supportive, realistic images of Spartans, not a warmongering mascot with a helmet. Further, what message will it send to my kids when the opposing team yells “Spartans Suck” or “Kill the Spartans”? Sanford moves from offending one minority to offending another – returning us to the 1800s.
All Greeks need to join me in condemning this action.
They could (without offense) call themselves “Mainiacs” or “Damn Yankees” As a Dukakis supporter, I am offended by Spartans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qR0Uke2XNI
Our state has been 98% white for a long time. That’s changing quickly, here and everywhere else. This mascot issue is not going to go away, it’s best to address it and move on to what really matters-educating our kids.
lololol……..
Congratulations Sanford, on your new mascot. Brave and legendary warriors make great themes for sports teams. Enough with politics, get out on the field and play!
I wonder how long before the Greeks complain?