TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Tonawanda City School District Board of Education has approved a new mascot.
Known as the Warriors for decades, the district has now opted for a new mascot, the Timberwolves.
This change is the result of the NYS Board of Regents voting unanimously in April 2023 to ban Native American mascots, team names and logos in public school districts.
READ MORE: Board of Regents approves ban on Native American logos, mascots in schools
In August, community members had the opportunity to submit ideas for a new mascot, and the twelve most popular choices were voted upon in October.
The top three choices were presented to students to vote on in November.
"I'm pleased to announce that our Board of Education approved the Tonawanda Timberwolves as the new name and logo for the district. Our commitee worked extremely hard to engage our entire community in this process,” Dr. Timothy Oldenburg, Superintendent of Schools said.
"I'm grateful for the continued support and pride that our students, staff, families, and community hold for our district."
The logo will still showcase the traditional Tonawanda maroon and white color scheme.
Other districts have announced changes as well.
The Iroquois Central School District, previously known as the Chiefs, will now be known as the Red Hawks.
The Cheektowaga Central School District, previously known as the Warriors, will now be known as the Chargers.
In May 2023, the Seneca Nation approved the Salamanca school district's continued use of the "Warrior" name and its logo despite the ban. Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. said the district represented “the most unique of circumstances” because of its location on the nation's Allegany Territory, and large percentages of Native American students and staff.
