Communitynow Petition launched to save ‘cherished’ Viking mascot

CorneliaNaylor cnaylor@burnabynow com

As the completion of the new Burnaby North Secondary School draws ever closer, renewed fears about the fate of a 16-foot steel and concreteViking head that has stood guard outside the old school for nearly three decades has sparked a petition to save the mascot

“Preserving this cherished symbol is not only an act of respect for tradition but also a way to honour the collective memories and experiences shared by countless individuals throughout the school’s history,” states the petition

Keerthi Herath, an ex-Burnaby North parent, contacted the NOW to say there seems to “a renewed conversation and apprehension among the kids regarding the potential removal of the mascot ” Herath would like the mascot, which they de- scribe as “beloved,” to be preserved for future generations

But fears about the loss of theViking are still premature, according to the school district, as no decision has yet been made about its fate.

“We understand and appreciate that there are strong feelings about the Viking head,” Burnaby North principal Curtis Hodgson said in an emailed statement

An eight-year project started by now-retired shop teacher John Clarke to challenge his welding students, theViking has been a polarizing figure since it was unveiled on June 1994.