I understand that in these trying economic times that hard decisions have to be made to save money for cities.  The lower enrollment of students in the Canton City School District has merit in wanting to consolidate programs and save money.  However, by merging the two high schools together under the name "McKinley",  you would be negating the existence of all the Timken alumni and the alumni from Lincoln and Lehman High Schools.  If/when the school merge, they should be renamed, with new colors, and a new mascot that reflects the history of both schools and the great state of Ohio itself.  There is one suggestion from Bill Trbovich, 1956 Timken alumnus, which would allow all alumni to be represented in the new school. 

Here's my suggestion:

School will become named "Canton Senior High School"

Colors will become Red (representing Lehman and McKinley) and Gold (Timken and Lincoln)

Mascot - Buckeyes

I urge the Board to not let the agenda of one person completely destroy the history of so many.  I ask that you also inform Mr. Adrian Allison of his need for a history lesson in regards to the naming of McKinley High School.  It was named for both President McKinley and his sister, Anna, who taught for thirty years in Canton.  As a school, I believe the bigger honor is Anna's name, not William's.  I would also remind Mr. Allison that the purpose of a school is education.  The rankings of a school's sports teams should have no impact on the naming of a new school. 

My thoughts of Mr. Allison were developed through the following article in the Canton Repository.

http://www.cantonrep.com/article/20150114/NEWS/150119661/10875/NEWS/?Start=1

Sincerely,

Kristina (Brady) Passerini

1993 Timken Alumnus (who happened to graduate #1 in her class)