Clarification added Thursday morning:
Manhattan/Ogden USD 383 School Board member Marcia Rozell stressed Thursday morning no action was taken on the mascot issue Wednesday night and the board is allowing the student body to determine the possible addition of a mascot caricature of another nature, but Manhattan High remains the Manhattan High School Indians.
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An update from the MHS Mascot Committee was discussed during Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, although no action was taken.
Manhattan Ogden USD 383 Superintendent Marvin Wade gave an update on the proposed memorial for Frank Prentup.
“The final written ballot moved the commons area at West Central campus for recommendation from the board,” said Wade.
Along with the naming, there could also be a scholarship for high school students and a grant. Wade also talked about the possible changing of the mascot.
“The recommendation of the committee would to have students involved in the identification of the mascot,” said Wade,” The student council would take suggestions by the student body and voted by the student body.
Wade also said the cost of any mascot and image change would be about $275,220.
Some of the intangible costs could be the changing of the fight song, club merchandise, and the Indians class donations. Wade discussed the timeline recommendations of any possible changes.
“Don’t drag it on for two years, start with a student generated mascot first, and look into charity and volunteer help from the community.” he said.
Other guidelines for any mascot change would include non human, gender less, and distinct from the Indian name and image.
