For as long as anyone can remember, bulldog pride has thrived and driven Alden Central Schools.  Our mascot has been a tradition for our school to lean on and be proud of.  If you ask Alden alumni, whether it was in 1965 or 2015, they will be able to tell you, “Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!”

Unfortunately, as a sign of the times and issues with school mascots across the country, its beginning to hit home. Recent discussions have come about in our community and across Western New York regarding our mascot, the bulldog.  Recently, many schools across the U.S. have been forced to change their mascots to make them more sensitive or “politically correct”.

Many dog-lovers have complained that we portray our bulldog mascot in a manner that falsely shows the attributes that bulldogs have.  They believe that, “Bulldogs are inaccurately represented as mean and terrifying dogs, while in all actuality, they are fun, loving and trustworthy…”  said a group of dog supporters who took their issue to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).  They believe that our mascot should be changed because of the false portrayal of their pets.  Because of this portrayal, dog owners believe that people will become weary of their dogs as an effect.   PETA supports these claims and has recently approached the Alden Central Schools Board of Education about the matter.

After much discussion, public votes, and turmoil, a decision has finally been reached.  In order to account for the changing times, the Alden School Board has decided to change the name of our mascot.  Much thought was put into naming our new mascot.  The Board wanted to decide on a new mascot that would be un-controversial and at the same time still represent the power and pride of a bulldog.  A decision was recently reached that Alden Central Schools will adopt their new mascot, the Alden Emus.

The Emu is the second largest bird in the world behind its relative, the Ostrich.  The school board believes that this was the best choice for our new mascot because of it size and power.  They apologized for the controversy it has brought to the school community and to dog-lovers around the globe. They feel this resolution is best for all involved.

In addition, the board has nothing to do with any of this and neither does any one else in this nation.  April fools… “Once an Emu, Always an Emu”!