Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is about to undergo an exciting transformation. The school board has received a grant worth $145,894.40 from the Native American Heritage Fund (NAHF). This financial aid will support the transition from their current mascot, the Chiefs, to a new one – the Cobras.
Canton High School is the recipient of this generous grant. The district officials expressed their appreciation towards the NAHF for the support. “We are thankful to the Native American Heritage Fund for its generous grant, enabling us to start a fresh chapter for Canton High School,” stated the district superintendent, Dr. Monica L. Merritt.
The grant will be used to cover the expenses related to the rebranding exercise. This includes updating uniforms, logos, and other related paraphernalia to match the new mascot, the Cobras.
This initiative was not taken up overnight. Rather, it began last year with a student-led movement to rebrand their school’s mascot. This effort was backed by the Plymouth-Canton Community School (P-CCS) board. The students were tasked with brainstorming and finalizing potential names for the new mascot. The majority vote in November led to the selection of ‘Cobras’.
It’s important to highlight that this change aligns with the P-CCS board’s policy, which promotes inclusiveness and respects all cultures.
The NAHF is a state body that aids schools, colleges, and local governments in their efforts to enhance the understanding of Native American issues. It supports initiatives for curriculum improvement, resources realignment, and revisions of mascots or imagery.
