Rebel name will stay, but mascot changes ahead

During a July 15 Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to keep the VHHS Rebel name but stated they will enter into an aggressive process with a professional firm to rebrand the mascot.

Superintendent Sheila Phillips stated the recommendation to an at-capacity meeting room with many waiting outside the Board of Education doors to hear.

"Just to be clear, this recommendation is not a response to the media hype and rhetoric," said Phillips. "It is in response to and about our school district and community and an issue that continues to be a source of contention and division for us in what can appear to be a no-win situation."

Phillips said that the decision came after meeting with multiple community stakeholders, reading more than 200 emails and having numerous telephone conversations. She said she had read all social media posts, every email and every letter, viewed several videos and reviewed every news article sent or brought to her attention. She also referenced the July 8 community forum, where many expressed their concerns on both sides of the issue.

"With any strong and progressive company or organization that must continually refresh its image to represent the direction it is going, to ensure that it reflects the future and does not lose its competitive edge, logos change," said Phillips. "It doesn’t change who you are, it modifies how you are branded."

Philips said the process of rebranding the mascot will involve stakeholders and focus groups, and input from students. They will also study other schools, colleges, universities and businesses that have been through the process.

"In this community, our children, our students, our youth come first," Phillips said. "Their voice matters, and all we do in this school system should and will be focused on them and their endeavors."

Rising VHHS senior and football player Stone Brooks said he is proud of the school system and he he hopes his children will attend VHHS. He said while the outcome was not entirely what he wanted, he respected the board's decision.

"While we wanted no change, we are still glad to be called the Rebels because of the tradition," he said. "It's not going to change how others perceive us or who we are. We hope to stay involved in choosing the new mascot."

1976 VHHS graduate Dean Paugh said he was part of the group of students that selected the Rebel name and mascot and for them, it symbolized a healthy rebellion from another school.

"I am disappointed by the decision, but I think we will all move on from this," Paugh said.

Phillips said that they are still in the planning process regarding logistics for uniforms and other items with logos in the upcoming school year. She said while they will no longer endorse the purchase of anything with the Rebel mascot, they do not expect brand new uniforms with the Rebel logo that have been bought to be immediately re-ordered. She said the process will occur in phases.

"My hope and belief is that the goodness within us will prevail as we work to heal form the divisiveness we have witnessed," said Phillips. "We will regain our unity. If someone wants to make an example of this school system and community, let it be that.