Gar-Field High School Changes Mascot to Red Wolves

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Gar-Field High School announced Wednesday that its new mascot name will be Red Wolves, with the name change taking effect with the 2021-22 school year.

School officials said earlier this year that they planned to retire the Indians mascot at the end of this school year at the request of student leaders who called on the school to make the change “to promote a culture of respect and expand understanding for all.”

On Wednesday, the Woodbridge school said the renaming process involved a selection committee composed of students, staff, alumni and a community preference survey.

“Gar-Field High School is very excited to announce our new mascot: the Red Wolves!” the school announced on Facebook Wednesday. “The new mascot will be effective for next school year.”

The logo design process is currently underway and upon completion of the official design, Gar-Field High School will hold a launch event later this summer.

Last month, Gar-Field High School identified four finalists for its new mascot: Red Wolves, Red Hawks, Phoenix, and Griffins as the new mascot options.

Red Wolves was included as one of the finalists because Gar-Field High School community members "are part of a pack, which represents the closeness of the Gar-Field community."

In March, Gar-Field High School Principal Matthew Mathison wrote in a letter to the school community that it is important to note “that the intent of Gar-Field High School has never been to disrespect or disparage Native Americans or their cultures.”

But Mathison wrote that it is “imperative” the school address the impact of the mascot on the school community. “Gar-Field High School represents a diverse school community, which not only accepts but celebrates the many cultures represented by our families,” he wrote.

Established in 1953, Gar-Field High School, with a student enrollment near 3,000, is located on Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.

RELATED: Gar-Field High School Announces New Mascot Finalists