Ossining Schools Moves Ahead with Mascot Development Process

The Ossining Union Free School District (OUFSD) has reached a major milestone in a comprehensive mascot development project. On June 5, the Ossining Board of Education greenlit a lion mascot, marking a significant milestone in the student-led initiative.

This endeavor, many years in the making, was a collaborative effort involving both current and former Ossining students. Their collective input and dedication have been instrumental in bringing the new mascot to life, reflecting the community's shared vision and pride.

In collaboration with the consulting agency Joy Riot, the district will now enter the next phase of the process to develop detailed designs that represent all facets of the student body, including athletics, arts, and STEM programs. Multiple options will be presented, refined based on feedback, and ultimately lead to the final mascot design.

The decision to develop a mascot was fueled by several factors. For the past 20 years, Ossining lacked one cohesive mascot, with various disjointed symbols representing the six different schools. This fragmentation even resulted in the high school’s Cheerleading team losing points at a recent competition due to the absence of a mascot. Recognizing the need for a unifying symbol, students rallied for change and led a campaign to identify a mascot that reflected the voices and desires of the Ossining student body.

During February, March and April of 2024, Joy Riot conducted thorough research and toured the district’s schools to understand their unique cultures and values. The process included focus groups and communication meetings, as well as a comprehensive quantitative survey to gauge broader community sentiments.

The survey, which included 2,779 responses from current students (Grades K-12), parents, guardians, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members, revealed an overwhelming desire for a new mascot. The majority opinion favored a single mascot or a version thereof for all schools in the district. Community members emphasized the importance of a mascot that represents local pride, while students highlighted the value of a symbol embodying pride and unity.

The lion emerged as the top choice, with 70.1% of the overall vote and 80% of student votes. The lion symbolizes courage, bravery, freedom, and leadership—qualities that resonate deeply with the Ossining community. The concept of a "pride" of lions further reinforces the values of unity and family, mirroring the collective strength and perseverance of the district.

"The lion embodies the spirit of Ossining—we are courageous, we persevere, and we take pride in our community," said Adrienne Kantrowitz, a student involved in the mascot selection process. "Having a unified mascot will strengthen our identity and bring us closer together."

"We are thrilled to introduce the lion as our new mascot. This choice symbolizes the values and spirit of our district—strength, unity, and pride. It's been incredible to see our students lead this initiative, and I'm confident that the lion will inspire and unite our community for years to come," said Interim Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter.

The district extends its heartfelt thanks to all current and former students for their effort and dedication in making this project a reality. United by the strength of a new mascot, students are now poised to pounce on new opportunities and persevere through challenges, exemplifying the true spirit of their pride.