Costa Mesa : Dolphin Is the New Symbol for School
Students at Whittier Elementary have decided to change their school symbol from an Indian warrior to a dolphin.
“We thought the idea of having warriors serve as (a symbol) in an elementary school where you’re trying to teach peaceful solutions . . . wasn’t appropriate,” Principal Juan de Jesus said.
The profile of a Native American, replete with feathered headdress, adorns many of the school’s folders and pens. A picture of a dolphin will replace the warrior by month’s end, De Jesus said.
Before the decision was made at the 700-student school, teachers asked parents for their input in a weekly newsletter, De Jesus said. In all, five suggestions were made, the four others being a shark, a wolverine, a star and a tiger.
Teacher and student council adviser Jennifer Peck said the students are now trying to raise enough money to have dolphin T-shirts made.
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