The Bend Tech Academy (BTA) has become a cornerstone of our community. Over the years, students and staff have poured their hearts into building a reputation that stands proudly recognized by everyone in our area. With the recent proposal to change the school's name as Realms and BTA merge, there is growing concern amongst community members, students, and alumni regarding the impact this change could have on our established identity.

Changing the name of a well-respected institution is not just an administrative exercise; it is an erasure of the history and hard work that thousands of students and staff have contributed to over the years. The name "Bend Tech Academy" carries with it a legacy of accomplishments, resilience, and community spirit that should not be so lightly altered.

The process of erasing 'Marshall' from our name was a challenging journey that required immense effort and collaboration. Now, we are faced again with the prospect of building a new identity, which is not only resource-intensive but also unnecessary. The brand BTA is well recognized and respected, synonymous with quality education and innovation.

Let us remember that a name is more than just a distinguishing feature – it is an integral part of our school's identity. It gives alumni a sense of pride, current students a sense of belonging, and staff a sense of purpose. Changing this name could sever the strong connections that have been forged over time, affecting the morale and cohesion of the student body and faculty alike.

We propose that instead of changing the name, the board considers keeping the Bend Tech Academy branding intact while exploring alternative ways of incorporating Realms into our community. This approach ensures that we preserve the essence of what makes BTA special while still embracing new partnerships and opportunities.

We urge the decision-makers to think deeply about the implications of the proposed name change on the school community, both now and in the future. Let us protect the heritage and the reputation that BTA has earned, and continue to thrive under a name that we've all come to love and respect.

Please join us in requesting the school board to reconsider their approach. Sign this petition to save the Bend Tech Academy name, and let us ensure that the identity we have built together remains untouched.