By Sheldon Spackman and Troy Gillard

West Central name change idea draws impassioned response

Oct 25, 2018 | 2:52 PM

A name change being considered for sports teams at West Central High School in Rocky Mountain House is generating a lot of reaction.

School officials say they are looking at changing from the long-standing “Rebels” nickname to “Wolves” after the idea was presented at a recent school council meeting by students supported by parents and teachers.

While the idea has received some responses from the community, WCHS Principal Stacey Wigley says there’s no disrespect intended.

“This has never meant to be disrespectful or malicious to history or tradition,” she tells rdnewsNOW. “It’s important to consider that we’re dealing with a generation of youth now who have an idea and wanted to take a risk and wanted the opportunity to represent their school and community in an inclusive and respectful and meaningful way, so having the dialogue and going through a process.”

In a lengthy post to the West Central High School Facebook page, Wigley provides some history on why the Wolves nickname is being considered. She says West Central is one of only six high schools in Canada, and the only public school among them, that has a Coat of Arms. Featured in it are wolves that are “symbols of family, perseverance, teamwork, strength and loyalty.”

small win for monique lagrange

Alberta appeals court sustains disqualification of former Red Deer school trustee

4h ago

Looking for witnesses

Red Deer RCMP investigating after victim hit over the head with lumber and then robbed

5h ago

Free event for families

Central Alberta Dream Drive set for Saturday, Sept. 12

6h ago

Wigley also points out in her post that about 15 per cent of West Central students are Indigenous and that having the school identify with and recognize their heritage is “essential.”

Also noted by Wigley is the fact that wolves are native to the Rocky Mtn. House area.

Wigley says things like ordering new jerseys and replacing the gym floor would be done gradually, possibly within normal evergreen and maintenance cycles in order to minimize the financial impact of making a name change.

With the idea being in its very early stages, Wigley says she’s not sure what the next step in the process might be.

“Ultimately, I hope that our students are able to learn a healthy process and that our community learns a healthy process for dealing with change and interacting in a productive and respectful way with each other.”

by Sheldon Spackman and Troy Gillard

West Central name change idea draws impassioned response

What's Trending