How does a school adopt or change its mascot?

The mascot is a community decision because the community is who will chant its name. Most schools that change mascots run a variation of the same process: an open call for ideas, a shortlist reviewed by a committee (including athletics and administration), and a vote by students or the wider community. The winning character then needs two things to become real: a visual design, and a costume.

A typical adoption timeline

1. Announce the process and collect mascot suggestions from students and staff.
2. Screen suggestions for feasibility: can it be drawn, trademarked, and worn?
3. Shortlist 3-5 characters and share simple concept sketches.
4. Vote (student body or community) and finalize the character.
5. Define the visual identity: pose, expression, and official school colors.
6. Order the costume - stock if a close design exists, custom if not - against your event calendar.

Once decided, the costume question is practical: a common animal may be available as a ready-made design in your colors, while a unique character will need custom mascot design work. Either way, order early enough to have the costume in hand for the unveiling - a new mascot introduced at a pep rally or homecoming lands far better than one introduced by press release.