Venice High School holds a special place in just about everyones heart that had the privilege to graduate from here. I know I do not speak for myself when I say that the pride I take in this school has extended well beyond my graduation date (which happens to be 12 years ago). And of the many things that make my sense of reverence swell when I hear others talking about how fantastic the programs at our beloved school are, is the Indian. The mascot that for so many years we looked up to, we exalted when we won (and even those rare times we lost), that we admired and respected. That we had the privilege to present to the rest of the state as our idol; the only mascot that is fitting enough to pay tribute to be what we are, that perfectly exemplifies the physical embodiment of the honor and dignity that Venice High strives for. There was never a time that any action taken by the school ever made me feel that they were making fun of such a proud people. I knew that the roots and the foundations of this country came from the Native Americans and I was (and still am) proud to say that I was a Venice INDIAN. It had meaning to me then and it holds meaning to me now. How this could ever be seen as anything less to a great school paying homage to a great people blows my mind. So it is with greatest esteem that I petition that the mascot forever remain the Indian. Allow Venice High to retain the history and legacy of such a people. There is nothing shameful in this school striving for the perfection it demands of both its students and its athletes. And furthermore there is nothing derogatory in the symbol that has the courage to stand alone against all opposition. When I think of the Indian I think of pride, when I think of pride I think of Venice High and when I think of Venice High I think of excellence. Let the Venice Indians remain, let the legacy live on.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 22:08:19 +0000