Every school has a mascot that they are associated with. The school’s mascot is intended to be a source of identity and pride. I grew up a few miles to the south as a Bluejay. Here in Osmond, we cheer for the Tigers, Lady Tigers, and even Marching Tigers.
The last few years we have changed our colors and competed as the Hawks for basketball. Next year will see our football team headed north to compete as Vikings.
These have become times of change to say the least. But it does bring up a question as to what is most important to a school? Is it providing quality activities for the students to participate in or maintaining the school’s identity through their traditional mascot?
The answers can become a little confusing and draw a wide range of answers and emotions depending on who is asked. Right now, Osmond Community School is a perfect example of these changing times.
Personally, I can appreciate the pride that comes with competing for a school and community and the mascot that is associated with that school.
We put mascots on shirts, flags, license plates, window stickers, mugs, and just about anything else that someone is willing to sell us.
This can become interesting when you are supporting multiple mascots within the same school and multiple colors in your wardrobe. But I also must remember that extra-curricular activities are designed to be another tool to teach with.
Teamwork, dedication, and communication are some obvious lessons. However, as a coach from my younger days, I truly enjoyed teaching life lessons through these activities. It was always intriguing to me how many times a season could mirror the challenges of life and prepare young people for the challenges that await in life after high school.
If you can’t tell by now, my focus is on how the Osmond Community School can offer quality extra-curricular activities to our students. Due to lower enrollment numbers, especially in the number of boys that currently walk our hallways, it has become increasingly difficult to continue to provide quality activities while maintaining our identity as a Tiger.
We have reached out to several area schools to help assist us in providing quality programs for our students in the past few years with varying degrees of success. The flip side in asking for help providing activities is there are now multiple mascots and colors associated with our school. Seems like a small price to pay for good memories and positive experiences.
