Union Public Schools has narrowed down its search for a new mascot. The district is now seeking input on which of the top two finalists has the qualities that best represent Union Public Schools.

The district announced the two finalists on Tuesday and now the decision is between the Union Redhawks and the Union Bison.

According to the district, the school initially began soliciting ideas for a new mascot from students, parents, teachers, alumni, and the public on June 16. The district said that in that time, more than 320 ideas were submitted.

Now that the district has narrowed down its search, Union students, supporters, staff and community members are encouraged to participate in a "Thought Exchange," where participants will be asked to decide which of the two options has the qualities that best represent Union Public Schools.

“While there were a lot of great names submitted, these two emerged as the frontrunners,” said Chris Payne, Chief Communications Officer for Union Public Schools. “There were a number of people who nominated both the Redhawks and the Bison as the preferred name for Union’s new mascot. Many other names were suggested, and the Mascot Advisory Committee considered all of them, looking carefully at the qualities and characteristics to see how well they align with Union’s Core Values. We have compiled the attributes of these finalists as put forth by the people who nominated them, and seek public input to determine which one would best represent Union Public Schools. This input will be used to inform the design of Union’s future mascot. Ultimately, Union High School students will have the final say, as this is their mascot.” 

The Thought Exchange will offer district supporters the chance to share thoughts and rate the thoughts of others. According to district leaders, the exchange will enable the district to "determine areas of consensus around these mascot choices and provide insights that will guide the development of the new mascot." You can view a full list of mascot attributes as submitted by their nominators by Clicking Here.

Union Public Schools had previously asked supporters to share their thoughts on the characteristics and attributes that are critical in the new mascot. The district complied a list of the most highly rated mascot attributes after receiving input from over 1,100 people.

A full list of the most highly rated attributes can be found below:

Strength of character, standing up for Union’s beliefs

A mascot that represents the entire district (and not just athletics)

Proud and mighty

Resiliency/grit

Positivity, perseverance, excellence, Oklahoma history, pioneer spirit, high achievement, cooperation, fierce fighting spirit and sportsmanship

Wisdom, agility, and capability

“Something that connects us to Oklahoma or our history”

Tenacity and honor

Strong, courageous, and empowering for all students, faculty, and the community. 

The district said that it intends to retain its signature red and black color scheme, regardless of which of the two mascots is chosen.

Union Public Schools has had the "Redskins" mascot for 75 years and people in the community have been trying to get it changed for several years.

In November of 2020 the Union Board of Education voted to remove the mascot and logo.

The Thought Exchange will run until 11:59 p.m. on September 29. For more information on how to participate, Click Here.