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To the Editor:

Since when are the words Warrior and Chieftain derogatory or inflammatory? Defined in any possible way, these names signify strength and unity and were chosen at time where the originators could have picked any other name as a mascot.

Hall High School opened in 1924 and could have easily chosen the word Doughboys, for example, to honor the young soldiers fresh out of the trenches in the first world war. But they didn’t. Hall chose Warrior, despite the losses in battles incurred by Native Americans and perhaps because it, the sentiment of the word connotes a fighter engaged in a conflict or struggle – one who does not give up easily. There is no disparagement in the definition or intention of the word. It is, in fact, a title of admiration and respect.

Ask yourself would you rather be a Warrior or a Cougar or maybe a Beaver? Call me a Warrior and I will say thank you and walk away, head held high.

Andrew Schwartz
Hall High – Class of 1978
Salisbury, CT