Being an athlete for our school comes with immense pride and dedication. There's a unique bond that forms when you don the school's colors, embody its spirit, and represent its history. But that connection is partly shaped by our emblem – our mascot. For many of us in Canandaigua, NY, that mascot has always been the Braves. It's a symbol of our traditions, our competitive spirit, and the community's long-standing history of resilience and unity.

In recent times, the mascot was changed, and while the intentions behind this decision may have been guided by considerations of political correctness, it inadvertently erased a piece of our heritage and identity. Restoring the Braves as our school's mascot is not just about revisiting tradition, but about acknowledging and honoring the culture and history that the name Braves encompasses.

The term 'Braves' originated as a tribute to the bravery, honor, and fighting spirit of Native American warriors. It represents strength, valor, and respect, qualities that we strive to instill in every student and athlete at our school. By bringing back the Braves mascot, we aim to foster a deeper connection with these values and proudly carry forward a name that inspires future generations.

It's vital to note that the intent to restore the Braves mascot is not to be insensitive to cultural perspectives but to celebrate and educate our school community about the powerful heritage and positive attributes associated with the term. 

With the ruling of the Federal Government that outlaws the banning of high school sports mascot names it is time that we stand together to restore a legacy that echoes pride, strength, and unity. Sign this petition to bring back the Braves as our school mascot, reinforcing our identity and honoring the spirit of our teams and community.