Ahfachkee School Unveils New Mascot

Seminole Warriors Show School Spirit

By Elizabeth Leiba

BIG CYPRESS — A week of school spirit activities culminated in the Ahfachkee School’s spirit rally, held at the Herman L. Osceola Gym on Sept. 27. At the rally, students and faculty alike had an opportunity to show their Seminole pride.

The spirit rally kicked off with opening remarks from Coach Randall Cleckler who served as emcee and led the crowd in a rousing chant of “Seminole Warriors!”

Students were acknowledged for their achievements in physical education, class spirit and individual spirit. Classes were also recognized for door decorating and their unique spirit cheers, which each grade level had an opportunity to showcase at the spirit rally.

Chairman Mitchell Cypress was in attendance and emphasized the importance of learning Seminole culture, commending non-Tribal teachers for making the effort to learn the culture.

“It’s good to learn Seminole culture. We learn your culture, so you can learn ours,” said Cypress with a laugh. “We share.”

Cypress expressed his pride in the Ahfachkee School for creating a new mascot to show their school spirit.

“Like I always say in the Seminole Tribe or anywhere, its teamwork,” he said. “Everything happens through teamwork and I’m glad to be part of it.”

Principal Terry Porter described the significance of spirit week and why the new mascot is so important to the school.

“Some other schools have what they call a homecoming week. This is like our homecoming week,” Porter explained. “This was the mascot that was selected, voted on by students. This is your mascot and it defines who we are.”

The long anticipated moment arrived when the new Ahfachkee School mascot was finally unveiled. Cypress, along with Tribal citizens Lenny Jim and Pedro Zepeda, assisted as the drape was removed from a huge banner that depicted the logo of a Seminole Warrior that will serve as the mascot for the school.

“Don’t ever forget who we are,” said Coach Cleckler. “Don’t ever forget our heritage. Seminole Warriors — that’s who we are.”