Oriskany CSD to hold vote for new mascot

Official mascot to be revealed June 7

ORISKANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — A new era at Oriskany Central School is about to begin, as the district will vote on a new mascot on Wednesday, May 29.

Oriskany was one of 11 local schools that fell under a New York State mandate — enacted last year — that required districts to change Native American Mascots. Most recently, Indian River High School, in the Watertown area, was the latest school to change their mascot, changing from the Warriors to the Wolves.

Oriskany will hold an advisory poll to determine their new mascot on Wednesday, May 29 at the Davis Gymnasium Atrium Lobby at Oriskany High School. The vote will run from noon to 7 pm on Wednesday, and all students and staff are encouraged to vote. Community members may also participate in the vote but must provide proof of residency with proper identification.

The four choices for a new Oriskany mascot are Patriots, Raptors, Skyhawks and Wolves.

In the last school year, three local schools have changed to non-Native names:

• Sauquoit Valley officially changed their mascot in February to the Red Hawks from the Indians.
• West Canada Valley changed from the Indians to the Nighthawks in December, and
• Waterville officially became the Eagles in December, changing from the Indians.

More recently, Morrisville-Eaton’s Board of Education adopted a new mascot as well. The Board voted that the school will adopt the Morrisville-Eaton Mavericks as their new mascot, effective on Monday, July 1. According to Morrisville-Eaton Superintendent Gregory Molloy, students are now providing input on the new logo throughout the month of June for the unveiling.

The announcement and vote leaves only one district to make a move to change. The Whitesboro Central School District has yet to change their mascot but has held a period of public input to change their name from the Warriors.

According to the district, Oriskany’s new mascot will be unveiled in a ceremony on Friday, June 7 at 1:30 pm at Bernie Block Field on the campus of N.A. Walbran Elementary School. The final logo will be drafted after the board of education has approved the mascot.