What is a Mascot? We can all look back at our time in education at whatever level and feel a connection to a character that represents the spirit of our school. Most are chosen for their outsized characteristics of strength, agility, or grace. Some mascots are chosen for the historic figures that contributed to the local area's legend or success. Whatever the reason, a mascot has been chosen, but only a few of us have ever been able to be a part of the selection process.
As the faculty sat discussing the monumental to-do list for the brand new school, a casual comment was made about choosing a mascot for the school. Waynesboro High School is the Giants, but our students come from all around Augusta County, Staunton, and even further. We needed something that shows our unique individuality and diversity.
The Search for Identity
Early suggestions included the Phoenix. With its supernatural ability to be reborn, it was an obvious choice for a recovery school—but sadly, it was already taken by Virginia's first recovery school in Chesterfield. Other animals, like the bear, were suggested for strength, or the Blue Heron for its grace and ties to the Valley.
Then, a staff member suggested the noble Otter. It was not an immediate hit. The consensus was, “Otters are cute, but is that what you want in a mascot?” Even Director Amy Christian confessed she was only a "5 out of 10" on choosing the otter.
A Shift in the Stream
However, the cuddly creature began to grow on the staff as we learned about their strong family ties and pack nature. Mr. Claunch, our math teacher, consulted a "mascot expert" and learned that the otter was unique among Virginia high schools. Soon, the staff's group chat was filled with videos of otters teaming up to take down larger predators—and even some otter-themed yoga classes.
Representing Who We Are
Unlike many of the mascots that have represented us in the past, the new mascot of River Ridge needed to represent more than just an ideal or admirable attribute. The new mascot needed to represent the values, character, and personality of the school community. With time short and a ribbon-cutting ceremony fast approaching, Dr. Cassell, the division superintendent, caught wind of our efforts and recalled a story he had recently read about the river otters being reintroduced to the Shenandoah River.
Quite possibly for the first time, a mascot has been chosen not to represent what we hope to be, but for what we are. Just like us, the otter is small but fiercely protective of its territory. Just like us, the otter will stand up to any adversary, no matter how big. Just like us, the otter relies on a close-knit family group for success, and just like us, the otter is fighting the battle for recovery in the Shenandoah Valley.
