OCTOBER 15, 2009 NEWS RELEASE - Father McGivney Catholic High School Invites the Public to Vote for a Mascot

Glen Carbon, IL – Father McGivney Catholic High School has officially kicked off the online voting for its mascot.  McGivney, a brand new Catholic high school scheduled to open in 2011 in Glen Carbon, has been collecting submissions for possible mascots since April.  Over 100 different ideas have been narrowed down to the final four – Golden Knights, Griffins, Patriots and Saints.

Golden Knights reference the Knights of Columbus, the fraternity founded by the high school’s namesake, Father Michael McGivney.  As a defender of faith and honor, the Golden Knight would make a fitting mascot.  Griffins are legendary creatures that have the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.  The Griffin has historically represented Jesus Christ, who was both divine and human, and the intimidating figure is often seen as a guardian or protector.  Patriots have a passionate love of country, just as Father McGivney did.  In fact, Patriotism is one of the four pillars of his Knights of Columbus and of the high school’s mission.  Although Father McGivney has not yet been canonized, he is on track for becoming a Saint as soon as within two years from now.  A fighting Saint – depicting the confident, strong men and women who have been canonized for defending their faith – might prove to be a powerful image as a mascot.

The whole community is invited to visit the McGivney website (www.frmcgivneyhs.com) to vote for their favorite.  “It’s a great way to give the community a chance to get involved in McGivney,” said Diane Villhard, PR/Marketing Chairperson for McGivney, “A school’s mascot helps define who they are, and we have four really appropriate, meaningful options for McGivney’s future students and teams.”

Each mascot choice is defined on the voting page of the McGivney website (www.frmcgivneyhs.com) and lists other IHSA schools with the same mascot and possible colors to go with each option.  Each registered email address is allowed only one vote, and voting will run from October 15th through November 30th.  The mascot with the most votes will be subject to diocesan approval and announced by the end of the year.

Over the next week, students at local Catholic grade schools (St. Boniface and St. Mary in Edwardsville, St. John Neumann in Maryville, Ss. Peter & Paul in Collinsville, St. Elizabeth and Holy Family in Granite City, and St. Paul in Highland) will be voting at school online at a special website just for them to make sure the future students of McGivney have a strong voice in the mascot choice.  “We designed a special voting page which doesn’t require any personal registration information from kids.  It protects the students’ identities while still giving Kindergarteners through eighth graders a chance to pick their future mascot,” explained Diane Villhard.

Father McGivney Catholic High School is named in honor of the Venerable Father Michael McGivney, an American parish priest and founder of the Knights of Columbus.  To learn more about Father McGivney Catholic High School or make a donation to the campaign, visit www.frmcgivneyhs.com.

For photo opportunities at local Catholic grade schools or further information,
Contact:   Diane Villhard, PR/Marketing Chairperson, Father McGivney Catholic High School, 618-531-6172 or diane@EdwardsvilleOnline.com