Applicants sought for ad hoc group
By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – A counter petition has been submitted to the School Committee regarding a previous request to have the committee approve a change to the Shrewsbury High School (SHS) mascot, “The Colonial”.
The original petition had been submitted by SHS junior Louisa Scott. In the counter petition,
The counter petition was submitted in an email from Shrewsbury residents Peter and Ani Manolakos who are opposed to changing the school’s Colonial mascot.
Fryc said that a 15-member SHS Mascot Ad Hoc Study Group has been formed and will be overseen by School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Sawyer. The group will consist of three members from the following categories: SHS students, SHS faculty/staff, current SHS parents, SHS alumni, and SHS administrators (the administrators will be the principal, an assistant principal, and the director of athletics).
“I’d like to remind the community that we want this to be as transparent and thoughtful of a process as possible and that we also expect everyone involved, no matter where you fall on this issue to be respectful and really kind to each other. This is something that is going to take a lot of work….” Fryc continued.
Sawyer followed suit and shared similar thoughts and concerns.
“I have been deeply disappointed that some have been using social media to communicate in ways about this issue that are less than respectful and I am also asking everyone in our community who cares about this issue to take a step back, to be mindful of what you choose to say how you say it,” he said. “I also ask that you remember that this issue was initially brought forward by some very thoughtful students and would urge all of us who are the adults in our community to consider how we might model civil discourse, respectful dialogue and a thoughtful approach to the young people who are watching this debate unfold.”
To be considered as a member of this group, an application must be filled out online and be completed by Monday, Nov. 30. To access the application, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXjA0kdZVPLiShcw6MCcjq0Pv0tDrBrMS7mj6bmMZyxGjhnw/viewform.
