Down with "Knights"!

I am curious about how the name “Knights” was selected as the official mascot for the new Creekside High School. At least the selection of “Creekside” had the appearance of some public input. The public was alerted by the Saint Johns Sun that a name was to be selected, when it was going to be selected, and by whom. We were given some time and opportunity to register our opinions in this matter. But what about the mascot name? Why was this decided without the same solicitation of input? Whose idea was it and when was it voted on? Was it voted on at all, or did someone make an executive decision?

I have several problems with the name “Knights” in addition to the lack of public contribution. First of all, “Knights” have nothing to do with our area or our history. As far as I know, there have never been any knights in Northern Florida, or anywhere in the U.S. – that is – except for the Knights of the KKK. We (many of us) already live in a place called a “plantation”. Might it not be wise to avoid such a possible future misconstrual of our intentions in naming our schools?

There is another set of negative connotations that come along with “Knights” – that which includes crusaders, invaders and holy warriors. In this day and age, might it not be wise to consider more carefully the image we project?

Lastly, the mascots for the other high schools in the county are: Bears, Falcons, Yellow Jackets, Panthers, Bucks and Sharks. In light of the obvious zoological trend we have already established, in addition to the possible problems listed above with the name “Knights”, perhaps we should reassess the mascot name for Creekside High and possibly consider an animal name. I can think of numerous good, locally-relevant, possibilities such as: Armadillos, Manatees, Otters, Mosquitos, Fire Ants, Eagles, Vultures, Moccasins, Rattlers, Dolphins, just to name a few.

I admire Principal Abbatinozzi for “hitting the ground running”. And I realize he is anxious to begin selling t-shirts and coffee mugs as soon as possible. However, this decision is critical to how we as a community broadcast ourselves to the larger world. So, before we start printing stationery and stenciling football helmets, might it not be wise to reconsider this decision?