All city schools deserve a proper place in history

All city schools deserve a proper place in history

EDITOR:

A Jan. 24 letter in The Vindicator bemoaned the loss of East High School and the Rayen School’s long and proud athletic histories. I largely agree with the sentiments expressed in that letter. I want to comment on how and why I believe this happened.

First of all, let’s remember that it was not just two high schools that were consolidated in 2007 (East and Rayen); Chaney and Wilson were consolidated as well. In the case of the latter two schools, there was no loss or dilution of Chaney’s colors and mascot to pacify former Wilson students or alumni. The scarlet and gray of the Chaney Cowboys remains intact. The East Golden Bears, however, enjoyed no similar respect or consideration. Why? Was it because the images of East and Rayen were so much worse than Wilson and Chaney? Or was it because the school wasn’t renamed P. Ross Berry?

I talk to other East High alumni on a regular basis who would like to be more supportive of the “new” East, but who find it difficult because of how all the proud history that came before was trashed in favor of the opinions of the current few, who now poorly define everyone for the future. The mishandling of the Rayen and East transitions has alienated many alumni who could provide a deep well of support to East in particular and the city schools in general.

Finally, I agree that the championship banners of both East and Rayen need to be restored and proudly displayed, not just to remind us of the “High Flyin’” Rayen Tigers, but also the “Hard Chargin’” East High Golden Bears.

MIKE NAKLEY

Struthers

X The wrtier is a member of the East High Class of 1978.