| Long a local symbol of �� tradition, the Pirate mascot and signature colors of orange and black, nearly sufferered� extinction, but were saved by Community Support |  |
| When the Bristol High School was
required to merge with a neighboring school system in 1966, the tradition of the Pirate mascot and colors were left to be carried on by the elementary school. |
| But after a renovation of the school late in 1999, they proposed changing the mascot and colors to something more modern. They were not prepared for the outpouring of letters and phone calls from the community, protesting abandoning what was backed by years of tradition. | |
| The origin of the Pirates as the symbol of the Bristol High School mascot is lost in history, but most agree the tie was from the port city of Bristol, England, from which early settlers of the area came. Even today, Bristol in the U.K. has its own football club known as the Rovers, who have a Pirate for a mascot. | |
| A three month campaign beginning
with a challenge from the Bristol Pirate Heritage Society,� to the Elemetary School
Principal to take a vote on the issue, finally ended with a April 1st statement that there
would be no change. They had not expected the phone calls, the petitions in local businesses, the letters opposing the change from the Bristol Town Board and the Bristol High School Alumni Society, and the protests from a cross section of the Community that heightened the level of awareness that the Pirate faced extinction. The local media, all reported on the controversy, while bumper stickers urged supporters to "Vote Pirate."� Finally, the results of the poll held by the school � showed overwhelming support to keep the Pirate and the colors. While acknowledging that the opinion of those in the Community favored retaining the tradition and spirit that the Pirate represents, the school expressed the opinion that most students had wanted a change, although student backpacks displaying the "Vote Pirate" stickers were prominent throughout the school. However, it was conceded� that since the School was a part of the greater Community, the proposed change would not be made. Although the battle may be over, Pirate supporters know that they must be vigilant in the event that future school administrators may raise the issue again. The suggestions for incorporation of the Bristol Pirate into the fabric of current events, such as the upcoming Bristol Homecoming or Town Improvement Award are wise precautions to help insure that although school administrations come and go, there'll always be a Pirate. |
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| Not only was the "Year of the Pirate" chosen as the theme of the 2000 Homecoming event and featured on T-Shirts, �� the Bristol Community has responded with overwhelming support of a downtown banner program. to celebrate Bristol spirit and tradition | |
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The Bristol Alumni Association, led by the
Class of 1945, held a drive to fund Pirate banners at their recent annual dinner, in
response to a proposal from the Homecoming Committee. Energized by their example,a number of local businesses, organizations and individuals have reserved their own banners to celebrate the spirit and tradition of Bristol. Thirty black and orange banners featuring the new Bristol Pirate and the sponsor names will be hung in the downtown area prior to Homecoming� (July 6,7,8), remain for the summer season and will be reused next year. |
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