The Mahopac Mascot Committee has been convening over the past couple months to finalize 3 mascot options that was voted upon by the current K-12 Mahopac student body on May 16th. As reported by Emile Menasché, Editor at Mahopac News:
“There were three names on the ballot: Mavericks, Mustangs, and Wolf Pac,” said Superintendent Christine Tona. “The Mascot Selection Committee brought approximately 30 different names forward and the committee worked diligently to narrow it down to three choices for the student vote.”
The new name was announced at the May 18 school board meeting, which included presentations by students on the committee.
Committee members Daniel Walsh (sophomore), Sophia Butironi (junior), her sister Lexi (freshman), and Ava Van Norwick (senior) spoke about the process of choosing the new mascot.
“We all had the objective of adopting a new mascot that embodies the spirit of Mahopac,” Van Nortwick said. She added that the committee hopes the mascot will “invoke pride and enthusiasm within all parts of the Mahopac community.”
“I think it’s great that it was decided with a committee made up of students and community members with different views and perspectives,” said school board President Ben DiLullo, who was re-elected to the board on May 16. “Go, Wolf Pac!”
Starting with the 2023-24 school year, the Mahopac School District teams will be known as the Wolf Pac—the name chosen by a districtwide student vote on May 16. The Board of Education is expected to make it official by adopting the new nickname at its June 15 meeting.
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Let us remember that harmful stereotypes of marginalized communities have no place in society and especially in educational environments. Mahopac Central School District donning a mascot, imagery, and iconography that does not propagate cultural appropriation or discrimination, paves a genuine path for inclusivity of all families in their schools.
This is only the first step in needed conversations about proper ways to honor indigenous nations within our community. I look forward to future efforts by our administrators, board of education, and greater community to ensure the voices of indigenous people are centered within education and throughout our municipality.
Thank you all for your continued support for equitable environments that allow all students to thrive!