Tonawanda public school teachers, students discuss new mascot

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Students and teachers walked into Tonawanda schools Tuesday excited to start the new year.

"I'm very excited," said sophomore Marian Shepler. "I'm happy to be back."

"I'm mainly excited, but there's always a little nervous," said fifth grader Everly Ulmer. "But I know I have some friends in my class so very excited."

Along with a new year, a new chapter has begun as they celebrate their new mascot, the Timberwolf.

"Obviously the Warriors has a lot of pride and tradition and history in it," said High School Principal Lyndsey Todaro. "We have had some really positive feedback from the community about changing the directive, being in agreement with State Ed and becoming the Timberwolves."

"Warriors will always be near and dear to my heart," said Laura Opalinski, an English high school teacher. "But I'm excited for this next chapter as Timberwolves, we're really embracing it, the new logos and everything out in the school so it's an exciting change for sure."

In their process of deciding a new mascot, Tonawanda schools started by accepting suggestions from the community and then had a vote with students having the final say on their schools' new image.

"Warriors, Timberwolves, it's all the same," said junior Jackson Shepler. "We're Tonawanda, we're united, it doesn't really matter what mascot we have."

"I like it," said senior Laila Pembleton. "It's going to be different, especially because I'm a cheerleader, so we have to change everything, but it's something new."

"It just means that we're changing kind of who we are, but I'm very excited to figure out who we are and excited to see how it's going to change pep rallies and stuff like that," Shepler said.

"I think it's a fresh start for Tonawanda," said Jared Northup, the director of physical education, health athletics and nurses. "I know there's a lot of history and tradition here, but it's going to be a great start for all of our athletes here and kind of a new beginning for a lot of people."

Throughout some of their hallways and their newly renovated gym, branding has changed as they represent what it means to be part of the wolf pack.

"What do you think it means to be a Timberwolf?" asked Rob Ross, the principal of Tonawanda Elementary School. "I think that's what we're going to build this year. I think it's about being respectful and being there for your friends and your family."

"I think it means pride," said Kristine Strible, the principal of Tonawanda Middle School. "Coming together as one, being united and serving and loving the people around us and just working together as a collaborative team to be successful in all areas."