South Bend School District has moved to the next phase of the mascot selection process.

In 2021, a Washington state law signed by Gov. Jay Inslee banned all Native American related names and images from being used as school mascots within the state, forcing South Bend School District to replace Indians as the longtime South Bend High School mascot, according to a news release.

The current phase is now to take community input on identified mascot names/images. The mascot names receiving the most support from recent community, staff, student, and alumni polling conducted last summer include: Timbers, Bears, WarHawks and RiverHawks. The name Tsunami was dropped from consideration.

Image samples are installed at Koplitz Field House, where community members can view and provide input at upcoming home basketball games. Input can also be provided to school director Wendy Manlow at wmanlow@southbendschools.org.

A focus group will be appointed this month to review feedback and recommend two possible mascots to the South Bend school board of directors, who will make a mascot selection before March 1, 2023. After the mascot name is selected, final mascot imagery will be determined. Individuals who have interest in serving on the focus group can contact Manlow at the email address above.