New North Haven Mascot Down To 6 Finalists

NORTH HAVEN, CT — After receiving more than 300 submissions, the new North Haven mascot is down to six finalists, according to officials.

The North Haven Mascot Committee recently announced the six finalists are Fisher Cats, Nighthawks, Phoenix, Ravens, Storm and Wolfpack.

The committee met on Nov. 16 to review more than 300 submissions from students and residents for new mascots.

“Each of the submissions were checked against the guidelines and considered carefully as they needed to be a symbol of North Haven town pride, exciting, authentic, meaningful, and sensitive,” officials wrote in a news release.

The committee narrowed the list to the six finalists after hours of discussion, according to officials.

The town has been searching for a new mascot to replace its "Indians" name and mascot since July, when the Board of Education unanimously voted to scrap a name that had been a source of controversy for years. In addition to being deemed offensive and culturally insensitive, the town stood to lose nearly $87,000 in annual state funding provided by the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, according to the New Haven Register.

The North Haven Mascot Committee released the following descriptions of the finalists:

Fisher Cats

Fisher Cats are indigenous to North Haven and can be found in our wooded residential areas. They are known for their speed and fierce nature.

Nighthawks

These expert hunters can be found along the rivers and open fields of North Haven. Nighthawks are known for their persistence and stamina. They never give up.

Phoenix

The immortal mythical bird of fire known for obtaining new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor. Also the name of the North Haven High School newspaper.

Ravens

These intelligent birds can be found on cliff faces as well as buildings within North Haven. They are experts at teamwork as they are often found in pairs.

Storm

After the recent bout of hurricanes and tornadoes, it is apt to pay homage to one of the most fearsome forces of nature, the storm.

Wolfpack

Previously indigenous to the area, these avid hunters are known to be highly social animals that form tight-knit packs. Wolves are all about their community.

Students and residents will soon be able to vote on the finalists. Students will vote via Google form the week of Dec. 6, while Google forms will be available for residents between Dec. 6 and Dec. 10. Paper ballots will also be available at the Senior Center, Library, and Town Hall. Proof of residency (such as a photocopy of a driver’s license or bill showing a North Haven address) will be required for all non-student citizens to “ensure this is truly a community effort,” according to officials.

The new mascot will be announced at a special Board of Education meeting on Dec. 13 where all are invited to attend. Links to the Google Forms and paper ballots will be available as the vote approaches.

“The NHMC would like to sincerely thank all those who submitted their ideas, even if they weren’t chosen,” officials wrote. “The level of participation is a clear indication of the commitment to community many have here in North Haven.”