Ocean City Alumni Association Opposed to School Logo Change

The Ocean City High School Red Raiders have a new logo, and not everyone is happy about it.

The Board of Education voted to change the logo for its athletic teams at its meeting Wednesday night, ocnjdaily.com reports.

However, on Wednesday, the Ocean City Alumni Association has expressed their opposition to this change.

The letter, sent to school board members prior to Wednesday night’s vote, reads in part:

“Ocean City High School has flourished through the years, building upon the strengths of the people, strong traditions and ongoing efforts from a very active and involved community. These elements are (and have been) proudly represented through the established Red Raider logos and emblems that consecrate who we love, support and cherish. As alumni, these symbols stand for the tradition that we were not only once part of, but also help create during our time at Ocean City High School. Every year, the meaning behind these symbols grows stronger.

“When the elected leadership of the Red Raiders embarks upon change for improvement of the Red Raider community, the majority of these decisions do not require consultation or consideration of the public, alumni or current student body. However, when the change impacts the entire Red Raider community as a whole, such as in the chosen representation of tradition, mnemonic cue of nostalgia and overall sense of pride of our past glory days, SOMEONE from the current leadership should have allowed (or at the very least) consulted the most dedicated supporters for their opinion.

“Henry James once said, “It takes an endless amount of history to make even a little tradition.” We have the history, the tradition and the emblem that for so many encompasses the pride of the Red Raider community. There may have been a need for change or editing of that logo, but not a disregard for the people who love, respect and cherish this symbol and wear it with pride, especially without consultation or contribution (of any kind) from the people you are asking to stand behind and support it.”

What do you think of the logo change? Should school alumni have had more of a say in the change? Sound off in the comments section below.