Olympic Continuation HS gets a mascot - the Phoenix

Although Olympic Continuation High School opened in 1975, the school has never had a mascot to represent its spirit, culture and values. Last year, students and staff and the school began meeting to discuss a potential mascot and students voted on three recommendations submitted by students and staff: Pegasus, Unicorn and Phoenix. Several other ideas were also proposed by students, staff and community members during the feedback period, resulting in a final survey asking students to choose between the Pegasus, Phoenix, Lions, Torch and Owls. The Phoenix was the winner, attracting 40.5% of students' votes.

Principal Courtney Lyons and Leadership teacher Scott Ananos presented a proposal to adopt the Phoenix as the school's official mascot to the School Board last Wednesday, where it was unanimously approved by the entire Board, including Student Board Member Crystal Ochoa, who attends Olympic HS. "We know that a school mascot represents more than a symbol," Lyons said. "It embodies the spirit, pride and unity of our school community."

Previously, the Torch has unofficially been used as a school symbol, but the current campus community has not identified strongly with that, Lyons said. The Phoenix has been incorporated into a more recent mural on campus as a symbol of rebirth, along with butterflies and flowers. But the school wanted to get input from students and work with a professional logo designer to come up with an official mascot image, which will be used on future murals and signage, as well as a mascot costume for school events, Lyons said.

The Board enthusiastically embraced the idea. Board Member Cherise Khaund said she appreciates the way the school works with students, staff and community members to get buy-in for its initiatives. "It's really beautiful and it really represents the kinds of things that you and your community have been talking about at your school," she said. Board President Erin McFerrin agreed, saying, "The symbolism is so beautiful and I'm really excited." Board Member Keisha Nzewi echoed their sentiments, adding that the symbolism of the Phoenix rising reminded her of Trustee Ochoa's journey to Olympic and she looked forward to seeing the mascot costume. Student Board Member Ochoa said she voted for the Phoenix herself during the student survey and she appreciated that the staff included all the students in the decision instead of implementing it themselves. She also had the honor of making the motion before the Board vote.
 
"Olympic High School is dedicated to nurturing students who are empowered to reach their full potential, who demonstrate resilience and tenacity, and who possess the competence and confidence to make decisions that positively impact their communities," the Board-adopted resolution says. "The students and staff at Olympic High School have thoughtfully engaged in a mascot selection process, choosing the Phoenix as their symbol - a representation of hope, renewal and perseverance, perfectly reflecting our commitment to second chances and the transformative power of education."

You can find out more about Olympic HS at the school's Open House and Resource Fair from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19th on the campus at 2730 Salvio Street in Concord.