When phrase acquired out Thursday night time that the varsity board had chosen Hopkinsville Christian County Academy because the title for the consolidated highschool slated to open in 2024, there was a response not simply from that neighborhood, however from folks throughout the state.
It might not seem to be it now, however quite a lot of criticism relies on respect. Kentuckians who observe highschool sports activities know that the Hopkinsville Tigers and Christian County Colonels aren’t any slouch on the subject of athletic competitors. Each colleges have the state championship banners and particular person data to show it. Barring the odd out-of-town season, no out-of-town group expects to return into this neighborhood and have a straightforward time in opposition to any of the general public colleges in any sport.
To place it bluntly, the title that the varsity board permitted went viral on social media.
“I'm embarrassed to even retweet it. Such a horrible title,” the Lexington Herald Chief sportswriter stated when, nicely, he retweeted a message from Hopkinsville resident Chris Jung, a former Kentucky New Period sports activities editor who continues to observe and help native highschool expertise.
Extra feedback adopted, together with “Yikes,” “Gee Whiz,” “Oy,” and some eyeballs.
“It actually doesn't roll off the tongue,” stated one other observer, reacting to the selection.
I agree that Hopkinsville Christian County Academy just isn’t doing nicely. It sounds clumsy—like a mix that was created in order to not offend anybody who may really feel disregarded. It’s a determination made based mostly on present issues – not in regards to the future the place this faculty will exist. For my part, Christian County can be one of the best by itself. Nonetheless, I perceive why many college students, dad and mom and educators wished to name the varsity an academy. It refers back to the progressive sort of faculty that directors are dedicated to creating. The idea is bold, correctly.
My solely hope is that the neighborhood doesn't return to utilizing the initials because the precise title of the varsity. I’m already dreading the information experiences which I worry might be filled with “HCCA”. Argh!
Maybe the title that naturally evolves might be revealed through the ball video games.
When sports activities announcers are calling a basketball recreation and the motion is quick and thrilling, how will they confer with the group through the reside broadcast? I'd guess it gained't be the complete title and it gained't be HCCA. (Lord, please don't make it HCCA.)
I understand that anybody who calls the sport can use the mascot's title (if we even get to that), however how about saying the quick conversational model of the varsity's full title? This might be mandatory on occasion. Perhaps it goes one thing like this: “Hopkinsville simply stole the ball and we're tied 10 seconds into this recreation, of us!”
Or will or not it’s “The Christian Area?” Any bets on “Hopkinsville Christian County?”
College students may even have their say. What’s going to they chant and shout from the stands at soccer and soccer video games?
It’d seem to be I'm making an excessive amount of of it. However how the neighborhood refers back to the consolidated highschool might be big by way of its id.
And now the mascot.
It wasn't fully clear at Thursday's assembly, however board members appeared intent on selecting the Wolves or Wolfpack because the mascot and royal blue and black as the colours.
In an enormous nod to native historical past, the mascot is outwardly adopted from Attucks Excessive Faculty, the county's solely highschool for black college students throughout segregation. Attucks opened in 1916 and graduated its final class in 1967. At this time, the constructing at First and Vine streets stands in a tragic state of continued decay.
This selection of mascot ought to include some reflection and respect. I hope that district directors will discover a chance to fulfill with former Attucks college students, together with athletes, band members and cheerleaders who had been the unique Wolves on this city. It could definitely be inspiring for college kids on the new highschool to listen to the private tales of Attucks college students. Many Attucks graduates are nonetheless with us, however fewer yearly. We should always not overlook this chance whereas it’s nonetheless inside attain.
I consider some kind of ceremony can be acceptable on the christening of the brand new faculty – some sort of handover from Attucks, Hopkinsville and Christian County alumni.
Additionally, the legacies of Attucks, Hopkinsville and Christian County excessive colleges may very well be honored on the consolidated highschool by commissioning a outstanding mural within the new constructing. It could be a significant tribute and an indication of unity for the neighborhood. And proper now we’d like such a connection that connects the previous, the current and the longer term.
