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01/29/2020 07:00 AMI have been following the ongoing discussions concerning the Guilford High School nickname the Guilford Indians. My daughter has lived in Guilford since 2012 and I have spent a good deal of time there with her and my three grandsons, who all currently attend Calvin Leete Elementary School.
Rather than becoming another voice in the sometimes emotional and heated debate, I would simply like to put forth the following alternative: The Guilford Indians become The Guilford Greens. I see the potential significance of this name as reflected in the following points.
The Guilford Green, the unique landmark, is an iconic meeting place and heart of the community. Green is also the word so often used to refer to what the sustainable future of our planet might look like. A topic that is heavy on the minds of many today, particularly the climate-conscious youth around the world.
Green is the color traditionally incorporated in the Guilford High School sports uniforms, logo, and assorted merchandise. Green is also slang for money, dollars. Perhaps this change could be a mini-boon to local merchants and suppliers of the aforementioned items.
Some of the profits might possibly be pledged to support local and regional Native American issues/events/activities.
Last, there is the matter of an accompanying logo. Perhaps this could be a design created as a joint effort between high school students and representatives of the local Native American communities, that might in some way reflect or symbolize shared cultural, historical, and future connections.
Final words: ‘Go, Greens!’
Paul Murphy
Guilford