Youngstown City School District announces name, mascot for merged middle, high school

YOUNGSTOWN The Youngstown City School District has decided on the new name and mascot for Youngstown Unified Middle and High School.

This announcement comes after the district revealed plans to merge East and Chaney Middle and High Schools into one campus known as Youngstown Unified.

The district tasked the public with coming up with the new name and mascot for the new school. Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor tells 21 News the district has decided on the nickname "Defenders" for its sports teams.

The mascot for the Defenders will be an owl with the city's skyline above its head. According to a press release, the owl represents the Defenders' spirit - watchful, resilient and ready to rise above adversity.

According to the release, the logo's colors of red, yellow, blue, white and black represent strength, unity and diversity.

The owl mascot will be used in school branding, athletic uniforms and throughout district communication.