By Megan Wehring
HAYS CISD — After the selection process was on hold for a few months, the new mascot for Hays High School will be selected by students when they return to school in January, following the winter break.
Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright said the new mascot name is slated for on or before Feb. 1, 2021, to plan for all potential spending costs.
“The students will be making that decision between Jan. 4 and Feb. 1,” Wright said. “We can order new band uniforms, athletic uniforms and replace logos at the school.”
The ‘Rebel’ is out as the mascot of Hays High School due to controversial connotations. The process to find a new one was originally delayed to focus on opening in-person school back in September. Wright also explained the district also wanted to hold off on replacing the mascot to prevent any distractions for the Hays High School football playoffs.
The estimated cost for the new mascot and rebranding of Hays High School is $800,000, according to Wright.