A STORM of Controversy
Opinions Mixed but Most Schoharie Alumni Not Happy with Choice for New Mascot
By David Avitabile
SCHOHARIE – Now that the Storm has been chosen as the new mascot for Schoharie Central School, what does the public feel about the name?
In a very unscientific Facebook poll conducted by the Mountain Eagle, most people do not like the choice for the new mascot which replaced the much beloved (by most) Indian. The state education forced state school districts to remove Native American names and images under penalty of loss of state aid and removal of officers.
Schoharie Central School asked for ideas for a new mascot and received hundreds of suggestions. In a public vote, the Storm finished first ahead of the other semi-finalists Coyotes, Titans, Vales, and Hawks.
A sampling of the opinions on the new names:
* Robin Rowlison, “We have beautiful Eagles that have moved into the valley…Not sure why Eagles wasn’t even a choice. Since it HAS to be replaced, doing so with one Majestic icon for another would be way better than Storm….” Other posters noted that Duanesburg is already the Eagles.
* Midge Diamond Howland, “Worse name ever! Now we will forever be reminded of the damage the storm caused and affected so many Schoharie County residents! I am a Schoharie school alumni from 1969 and I will forever be a Schoharie Indian. How that name was even put into the voting is beyond all reasoning..”
* Mike Taccone, “Poor choice to name it after something that had a negative impact. Heard this name floating around before the committee was even formed so it is what it is unfortunately.”
* Jennifer Crewell Alescio agreed, “Yes you are correct !! I believe it was set way back and we just went through the process !!! My opinion !!”
* Tammi Puchala Cammer, “I was hoping for something historically accurate. (Revolutionaries, Patriots, etc.)”
* Gammie Pals, “It’s ridiculous. My opinion.”
* Shari Brienza Carr, “I understand how some people feel ‘triggered’ by the implication of storm. I see it has we survived the storm. It shows strength and resilience..”
* Dave Yorks responded, “Oddly enough, Indians showed strength and resilience to most people. In my 69 years never heard anybody say that it was offensive….Some ‘woke’ people at the state-level forced the change.”
* Jake Davis answered, “The Native Americans are the ones who find it offensive and they are vocal about it (to anyone who cares to listen). That’s why it’s being changed.”
* Frank N Tucker responded, “‘Woke’ means caring, supporting others, having compassion.”
* Lora Newell, “The larger issue is: Why we are allowing ourselves to be bullied by the state?”
* Travis Hofmann was direct and concise with his opinion, “It’s s**t.”
* Rachel Bernhardt, “I agree. They have left it as Schoharie Indians. There was nothing Wrong with this School Mascot. We will always Be The Schoharie Indians No Matter What!!!”
* Amy Wilber Wayman, “I am not at all happy with having to change the mascot. I want to know if anyone took the time to research contacting a Native American tribe to see if they would give the ok to keep the Indian since that was an option? As an alumni I will always be a Schoharie Indian.”
* Katie O’Brien, “My opinion is almost anything is better than the old mascot. Educated change is good!”
* Raema Obbie, “I think it’s unique and pays homage to this valley’s resilience. It sure beats the mascot my high school came up with when we had to do away with the Indians mascot I grew up with… ahem… 19 years ago! People are always going to take issue with a change like this because of the sentimentality of the old mascot – it’s understandable. But it’s long overdue.”
*Joe Nastasi, “Okay folks, so to all that want to keep the name, Indians is another slag term pertaining to the Native Americans. Does anyone see a team called the Hispanics or the caucasians. I don’t think so.”
* Bonita Mickle, “It’s always been Indians so leave it alone.”
* George L. Diamond “Personally I don’t like Storm, too much of a reminder. Being around Schoharie area there was Foxendorf and Foxenkkill and Fox Creek, just seems like I could come up with something using a fox and smart as a fox, I think Storm is terrible.”
* Dee Meese, “It doesn’t fit…”
* Susan Margas Miers, “Don’t like it!!!”