Clover Park School District Responds To Recommendation To Change "Warrior" Mascot

(Editor's note: I just got this response from the Clover Park School District to the state Board of Education's recommendation for schools to change American Indian mascots)

Clover Park High School’s warrior identity does not pertain to a particular culture, ethnicity, race or heritage.

Every society in all hemispheres from ancient to modern times depended on its warriors, the Warrior Code and the attributes they embody. Those virtues common to all heritages call us to be better, to strive, to value others, to persevere against odds, to work for the common good.

At Clover Park High School, these virtues are part of the Warrior Way, a common belief system that has concrete meaning for students to see, practice and carry forward whether in the hallway, the classroom, at home, or in the stands cheering for one’s team. Clover Park High School students represent nearly every part of the world. We honor the various warrior codes that have shaped our students’ cultures and heritages.

A current Clover Park High School student said it best, “‘Warrior” isn't a word or a mascot, it's a way of life.”