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As SEHS Transitions From "Axemen" To "Axe", Principal Credits Years Of Community Input, Forums

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

South Eugene High School’s principal says as the community responds to the change in its mascot, it’s important to know the decision follows years of discussion with students, alumni, and families.

Andy Dey says the switch from “The Axemen” to “The Axe” isn’t from the actions of just one person or group. 

“There’s lots of things that had to go into place in order for us to arrive where we are now," Dey tells KLCC. "It has been a conversation at some level, sometimes a loud one, sometimes a not so loud one, for 30, 35 years.

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
/
KLCC
Just over a hundred students, relatives, and alumni gather inside the SEHS auditorium for a January 31, 2018 forum.

"So I’m hoping as people grow accustomed to thinking about South with a different team name, they take some time to think about the long history, and what’s gone into getting us where we are today.”

Dey says they’re still working on cost estimates for the change. He adds that he hopes the community remains invested in South Eugene High beyond mascots.  This includes homeless students and graduates thriving in good colleges and jobs.

Copyright 2018, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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