As time progresses, more people begin to examine the past with a new lense. For example, let's take a look at the name "Gaspar de Portola Middle School."

Do you really want to be associated with honoring the legacy of a colonizer who relied on genocide, forced labor, and cultural suppression/erasure to obtain glory?

Or do you want to proudly honor the legacy of an individual who paved a path to the stars? The first American woman in space, and youngest astronaut at the time, who spent countless hours on learning, research, and serving America from above; dedicated to helping children pursue their passionate quest for knowledge.

If you couldn't tell, I was talking about Sally Ride just now. And guess what? She went to Portola for her middle school!

Portola has already changed their official mascot from "The Conquistadors" to "The Phoenixes." So why not take it further? I propose we stop honoring horrors of the past and take on a name that will inspire students of the future.

Thank you.