School Board adopts new mascot
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February 2, 2022
A NEW LOGO FOR A NEW AGE - Swinomish artist Jeanette Quintasket holds the new Braves mascot she designed after the La Conner school board approved it at its Jan. 24 meeting. Behind her are board members John Agen, Lynette Cram, Susie Deyo and Amanda Bourgeois, from left. Superintendent Will Nelson is in back. – Photo courtesy of La Conner School District
La Conner schools are big on tradition.
And the district’s newest tradition promises to be among the most significant in school history.
The bright blue image of an eagle bearing an interlocking L and C, created by Swinomish artist Jeanette Quintasket, was introduced during the Jan. 24 school board meeting as the new La Conner Braves mascot.
The colorful icon reflects regional Coast Salish artistic imagery and replaces prior Braves graphics that for decades depicted Hollywoodish Plains Indians caricatures.
Formal recognition of Quintasket and introduction of her artwork highlighted a busy 80-minute session.
Her design is a striking symbol reflecting La Conner’s cultural diversity and enduring status as “home of the Braves.” It was chosen from more than three dozen entries in a district-wide mascot design contest launched last fall,
The board also approved purchases of a portable, free-standing 2,300-gallon above ground fuel tank and new campus security cameras, reviewed cost estimates for upgrading the roof of the high school building and roof and siding at Landy James Gym, discussed the ongoing process for adopting a new district math curriculum, accepted a $2,000 donation from the La Conner Rotary Club, heard correspondence from the North Puget Sound Association of Realtors announcing selection of the school district as a 2021 Citizen of the Year Award recipient and a letter from Coupeville resident Renae Mulholland praising the La Conner High cheer team and sponsors for their spirited support of Braves teams.
After adjournment, board members were treated to a dinner prepared by culinary arts students as part of school board recognition month. Then it was on to a community presentation on campus by motivational speaker Nathan Harmon.
Unveiling the new Braves mascot and honoring Quintasket at the outset of the board meeting set the tone.
The district acted on 2021 legislation Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-Bow sponsored, giving local tribal governing bodies final say over use of Native American names, symbols or images to identify public school teams.
Last July the Swinomish Tribal Senate approved a resolution authorizing continued use of the name while tasking the district with developing a more authentic, less stereotypical mascot image.
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