School Told To Change Look Of Mascot

RENTON - The "Indian" mascot familiar to Renton High School for 78 years should be retained but given a more local look, a school committee has recommended.

In its report to the Renton School Board, the advisory committee suggests scrapping the current logo of a Native-American face in favor of a logo using a Pacific Northwest Indian. Students should be taught about the origins of the mascot and about Duwamish history and culture, Principal Kay Hermann reported in a summary of committee recommendations.

The School Board will discuss the report at its regular meeting tomorrow.

Committee members were appointed in May and June to advise the School Board how to respond to the State Board of Education's request that mascots and nicknames be reviewed for racial stereotypes.

The Indian mascot was adopted by members of Renton High's 1916 championship basketball team in recognition of team member Henry Moses. Moses, a Duwamish Indian who died in 1969, was a great-grandnephew of Chief Seattle.

The School Board also is expected to adopt a 1994-95 budget at the meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. in the administration center at 435 Main Ave. S., Renton.