Mascot Search

Tentative Mascot Change Snapshot Timeline:


April 2023 - NYSED finalized regulation, effective May 3, 2023

May 2023 - Initial review of options and general input collection occurs in the community and schools 

June 2023 - IRCSD conducts first community “Mascot Survey” based on input from K-12 students & community

June 2023 - IRCSD Board of Education officially commits to changing the IR mascot by June 2025

October 2023 - IRCSD conducts second community survey with six choices to narrow original options

February 29, 2024 - IRCSD conducts final vote to select new IRCSD mascot

March 7, 2024 - IRCSD Board of Education approves recommendation for new IRCSD mascot

June 2024 - IRHS Class of 2024 graduates as the “Warriors”

September 2024 - IRCSD begins the new school year with the new Indian River Wolves mascot/logo/nickname (tentative)

September 2024-June 2025 - IRCSD transitions district signage and communication to the new Indian River Wolves mascot

IRCSD Mascot Vote Results - March 1, 2024

We are happy to report to you the results of the IRCSD Mascot Vote from yesterday, February 29, 2024 and so grateful to the thousands of members of the IRCSD Community whose votes contributed to this decision. There were 2977 votes cast in total by our students, faculty/staff, District residents, and IRCSD alumni.


FINAL MASCOT VOTE RESULTS:

Indian River Wolves - 1545 votes
Indian River Rapids - 1432 votes


The Indian River Wolves received 113 more votes than the Indian River Rapids. The voting process and these results have been cross-checked by multiple individuals with complete confidence in the data security and accuracy of the results. We are confident in the vote counts as well as the process itself.

Additional information and a breakdown of the voting results will be uploaded to the IRCSD Mascot Search website early next week. After authorization of the new mascot choice, we will move forward to the next steps of logo design and all of the necessary changes as we become the Indian River Wolves.

IRCSD's future begins today! We move into this new phase with renewed confidence and engagement, committed to preserving the Indian River spirit while exploring all of the new possibilities this change brings. We know this has been a long and challenging process, and we thank you for your support. We are One School, One Family, One Community. We are the #IRWolves!

Indian River Mascot Reveal.mp4

IRCSD Mascot Vote - February 29, 2024

We recognize and appreciate the deep connections our community has with the Indian River Central School District and our history. We are truly grateful for the valuable input you have provided during IRCSD's efforts to comply with new NYSED regulations limiting any indigenous-connected school imagery or mascots by June 2025. Our IR Mascot Committee, led and facilitated by current student leaders and including staff and community members, has narrowed survey data to two options for our final selection: Indian River Rapids and Indian River Wolves. We will remain Indian River Central, and our school colors will remain blue and white.

After a final mascot is chosen, great care will be taken to create a strong, respectful, and long-lasting set of professionally-produced images/logos that represent the spirit of our school and community. These logos will continue to reflect our unique background, diverse makeup, and deep appreciation for both the legacy and the future of our students and community.

Now it is time to make your choice. The final vote to select the new IRCSD mascot will take place on February 29, 2024. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone throughout the community whose participation and feedback has helped to guide this process. Thank you!

IRCSD Mascot Vote Flyer 2024.pdf

RESIDENT AND ALUMNI
IN-PERSON VOTING

Residents and alumni may vote at the Indian River High School Library (32925 US Route 11, Philadelphia, NY 13673) on February 29, 2024 between the hours of 9AM and 6PM. Please bring ID or proof of residency.

RESIDENT AND ALUMNI
ABSENTEE VOTING

Residents and alumni unable to vote in-person on 2/29/24 may sign up to vote as an absentee by completing the Absentee Voting Request Form or calling (315) 642-3441 during regular business hours (8AM-4PM) before 2/27/24.

FACULTY/STAFF/STUDENT
ELECTRONIC VOTING

IRCSD faculty/staff members and students will vote at school on February 29, 2024 electronically through a form to be distributed that day. Younger grades may receive paper ballots. More details coming soon.

IRCSD Mascot Committee BOE Briefing
February 1, 2024


The February 1, 2024 meeting of the IRCSD Board of Education included a presentation by several student members of the Indian River Mascot Committee. The PDF of their presentation and a video of their segment of the BOE meeting is presented here for the public. Thank you to Cesar Rodriguez, Abigail Frimpong, Mary Solar, and Mackenzie Gorski for taking the time out of their busy schedules to meet with the BOE and inform the community about this important issue and the progress we are making toward selecting a new mascot!

Indian River Mascot Committee Briefing (MP4)
Indian River Mascot Committee Briefing (PDF)
Indian River Mascot Committee Briefing - 2-1-24.pdf
IRCSD Mascot Survey - October 2023.pdf
Final - Resolution - Discontinuance of Native American Imagery and Names - June 2023 (1).pdf

October 2023 - Second IRCSD Mascot Survey

June 2023 - Resolution: Discontinuance of Native American Imagery and Names

Initial IRCSD Mascot Survey - May 2023.pdf
April 21, 2023 IRCSD Community Update - A Message from Superintendent Decker.pdf

May 19, 2023 - Initial IRCSD Mascot Survey

April 21, 2023 - IRCSD Community Update

NYSED Orders the Use of Native American Mascots to End - Spring 2023.pdf
NYSED Orders the Use of Native American Mascots to End.pdf

April 18, 2023 - NYSED Orders Use of Native American Mascots to End

November 30, 2022 - NYSED Mascot Change Memo Response