We’ve all seen the Jamesville-DeWitt Red Ram logo. We know the ram has majestic curved horns and a cool stare for his athletic adversaries.
But soon, thanks to J-D High School’s student government, we will get to see the whole ram. We will be able to hug him and give him high fives or even just a thumbs up or a wave hello for those who may be a little shy.
Members of the high school’s student government selected a mascot design from Loonie Times, which produces mascot costumes for a range of companies and organizations, including schools and colleges. The students used funds from the student government’s student activities account to purchase a red ram mascot costume that will stand about 5’8”.
“We can use this anywhere and everywhere,” Principal Greg Lawson said.
Lawson, who joined the district in July, noticed the district didn’t have a mascot and suggested the idea of creating one to the students, who ran with it. He said the mascot could be used to build unity across the district. It could make appearances at the middle and elementary schools and help hype fans at sporting events.
“We just really hope to increase the connectedness within our community,” said Mark Bratslavsky, a senior and co-president of the J-D Student Government.
In addition to the mascot, the students also purchased a 7-by-9-foot “battle flag” to be used at events such as athletic contests. The flag is similar to what college cheerleaders use to build excitement at sporting events.
Ian McIntyre, a member of The Flock, the student-run group that organizes the high school’s student body in supporting J-D athletic teams, took the flag for a test run, literally, on the turf field during a sunny day after school. The red flag displaying the district’s familiar ram head logo billowed in the wind and trailed behind Ian as he sprinted down the field.
Both the flag and the mascot, which is still in production, will serve as symbols of district pride at events, said Zamora McBride, a senior and student government co-president.
Sean Rigdon, student government vice president, said he’s excited about the opportunity to further bring students together. As for who will wave the battle flag and wear the mascot costume when it arrives, students are still working out those details.