Grafton High replaces former Indian mascot with a Gator
Go Gators!
Grafton High School students have chosen a new mascot: the Grafton Gator, which won out over contenders the Grafton “G,” the Grafton Grizzlies, the Grafton Green Wave, and the Grafton Lakers. The names were among several nominated by students before they were whittled down to the five finalists.
The final form of the Grafton Gator has not been decided — the image above is the Russell Sage College Gator as modeled by GHS alum Megan Paluzzi — but the school plans to work with an outside group to develop 2-3 options for students to vote on once again.
The Gator replaces the Grafton Indian, which was removed in July by the School Committee on the request of Superintendent of School Jay Cummings and members of Nipmuc Nation. It was part of a national wave of teams in professional, college and high school sports that abolished mascots based on Native Americans.
I am not a fan of the “Gators” nickname and mascot for Grafton school teams. But what about the nickname of surrounding towns? I have not researched how other towns chose their nicknames, but off the top of my head, only Millbury remains with a nickname that reflects their history – Woolies – a term used to describe employees in the local woolen mills decades and/or centuries ago. Maybe Shrewsbury does too with Colonials. But think about it – what is the historical significance of Sutton’s Suzies and Sammies? How many Pirates sailed the seas, rivers, lakes and ponds of Oxford? What period of time was Uxbridge inhabited by Spartans? What is the history of Rams in Northbridge? If there is any history or significance, someone please speak up and educate us. I’m not crazy about Gators but I’m willing to let it slide. In the meantime, I go on record as saying that whenever I wear any article of clothing that reflects Grafton’s history as it pertains to native Americans, I am doing so with pride; with respect, honor, and dignity directed to our native American ancestors.
Maybe we should be the Grafton Erasers – we seem to want to erase all history anyway…
Seriously! How about a survey of students and alumni. I don’t think Grafton Gators would even work in Florida
Ray Mead Class of 71
Nothing wrong with the Indian, it was our history. Get rid of history what do we have. Nothing.
WW class of 74
GHS ’66… Hear me out please.
Students, would you review logo choice one more time? I am hearing concerns about merchandising and relevance. Cost of changing logo is high, and must appeal to the broadest audience possible.
1. I love and support our teens for their great contributions as citizens of our town: social justice, drug abuse prevention, ecology, diversty, and taking a role in recent elections.
2. Times change: its time for a new mascot reflecting what Grafton is now. I am OK with the you making the choice. I am surprised at the choice of the gator that is not loal wildlife.
3. Would you give more thought to a local mascot in tribute to our natural beauty were here in the times of Native American heritage as well ?
4. Perhaps the Eagles? Hawks? Bears (we have them but not Grizzlies). These symbolize Grafton’s conservation accomplishments of hard work by all of us, volunteering, local land grants, foundations and the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. It gives us activities- hiking, fishing, water sports, and hunting.
5. Fundraising potential is greater because a local logo has broader appeal than the gator on gear, cups flags etc. It’s more floridan.,e
Thanks for hearing me out.
Beth Ryerson Stinson, GHS 1966
This is not Florida. Pick a native animal. I’m sure the students chose this as joke. No school pride whatsoever.
really a gator decided by whom when the indian was a mascot for over 50 years decided by a few newbies to be removed from the grafton history