New Ypsilanti district seeking mascot and school color ideas

The deadline for submitting mascot names is March 14.

Ypsilanti Public Schools' existing mascot is the Phoenix and its colors are purple and gold. Willow Run Community Schools is the red and white Flyers.

Suggestion boxes will be placed in the main offices of all middle and high school buildings in both the Ypsilanti and Willow Run districts. Residents also can submit their ideas electronically by emailing WISD Communications Director Emma Jackson at ejackson@wash.k12.mi.us.

The public can preview the proposed names and color suggestions at two community forums designed for feedback and to identify the top 12 mascots and school colors.

The forums will be:

• 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16 at the Willow Run Intermediate Learning Center, 235 Spencer Lane
• 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 at Ypsilanti High School Media Center, 2095 Packard Road

The selection of a new mascot for the combined Ypsilanti-Willow Run school district is being led by an advisory group of board and community members. Student focus groups on this topic also were formed at all of the secondary schools, and the adult committee has met with each of the student groups to get their feedback.

"The students have indicated they want to be involved in this process and they have lots of great ideas," Board Trustee Maria Sheler-Edwards, who is co-chairing the advisory committee, said in a media release Thursday. "The student feedback has been upbeat and positive and we are looking forward to working with the community to select a mascot."