Goodness, gracious, here we go again — another move to undo the TFHS Indian identity. To be honest, I fail to see how the name can be insulting or rude. Athletes are brave and strong, are they not? Is a school community standing together (a tribe?) a bad thing? My three children, (all musicians) graduated from TFHS as “Indians” with no harm to themselves or to the world as we know it. Perhaps “Indigenous persons” resonates more positively?
Ah well, change will come as change always does. My hope is that those chosen to oversee this project will be very careful. Here is an example: The Belchertown schools have an outstanding Music Department. The high school mascot is the Oriole — a pretty orange and black bird. The band is known as the Marching Orioles. And guess what amusing picture comes to me as I watch and listen to this outstanding musical group — tubas, trumpets, the drum line,clarinets, saxophones — orioles with tiny instruments!
Turners could conceivably become the Turners Falls High School Eagles — we do have eagles nesting here — strong raptors. So I suggest, whatever comes up as “New” and “Politically correct,” please be aware of the overall picture that will be created in the eyes and mind of the public.
Estelle Cade
Greenfield