Students Elect New School Mascot

With a newly remodeled building, the students of decided to remodel the mascot, too.

The Chesterfield Owls became the Chesterfield Cheetahs as the student body and parents elected a new mascot in late November.

"You could hear cheers from outside the classroom," said Amy Finkbeiner, fifth-grade teacher and head organizer of the election. "We waited until the end of the day to announce the winner when two of our fifth-grade students announced it over the P.A."

Finkbeiner's class spearheaded the campaign. Students and parents chose from a selection of three animals: a cheetah, a cardinal or the original mascot, an owl. The cheetah won by a landslide, with more than 100 votes higher than the cardinal or owl. The entire school had the chance to vote. Students voted Nov. 16, while parents cast their ballots during parent-teacher conferences Nov. 17-18.

Like any election, not everyone was happy with the result

Fifth-grader Ethan Fraizer voted for the popular choice.

"I like the cheetah because it's fast and furious," he said.

Fellow student Allie Actis was not as thrilled with the new mascot.

"I voted for the owl," said the fifth-grader. "I wanted to keep him."

While her choice wasn't picked, she was happy to participate. "We got to help set up and I held the campaign sign," Actis said.

You can't vote just because you're old enough — you have to register

While the election was all fun and games, Finkbeiner hopes it showed the children the importance of the voting process. Part of the fifth-grade curriculum is exploring democracy. Students had to register to vote, wait in line at an election booth and cast their ballots.

"It taught the kids that you have to be registered to vote. You can't vote just because you're old enough," she said.

The new mascot symbolizes the school's updated appearance. Chesterfield Elementary was one of 18 schools in the L'Anse Creuse Public Schools district to be remodeled or renovated with bond money. The school has new kindergarten rooms, a media center, cafeteria and other improvements.

"The students enjoyed campaigning for their choice and appreciated the opportunity to vote," said Susan Strickler, principal of Chesterfield Elementary. "They were anxious of the outcome and I'm glad we found new ways to show school spirit through participation."