As a newcomer to the village, I have experienced and grown to appreciate the rich history, culture and tradition of this area. With all the great events, activities, programs and social organizations around, in my mind one image holds these all together. That's right, The Boy & The Boot placed in the center of the village. You know the one that has a display in the Ellenville library museum. The icon that is used both for the superb Ellenville Journal and Wawarsing.Net. The icon that is featured on the website roadsideamerica.com: a guide to offbeat tourist attractions, where it names all the places you can see The Boy and The Boot. Funny thing is, Ellenville is not mentioned on the site... Why is that? Maybe there is an advantage to being a newcomer! You see, we appreciate things that "Home growns" take advantage of. What may seem like little things to "home growns"... are the very things tourists would come miles around to see. Many more tourists would come see icons like the Boy and The Boot, while enjoying this beautiful scenic view...if only they knew. Can you imagine a tourist attraction in Ellenville that starts at the library's museum then walks over to the statue in the center of Ellenville, then stopping to shop and eat at local businesses, then concluding the tour (on selected week-ends of course) at the District Elementary School Mural of The Boy and The Boot.

A mural that would tell the stories, folklore and inspiration that comes from this icon. Stories like during the Civil War era, Captain Bailey of Ellenville befriending a little black boy and his family giving him a home. The District's main concern is not to change or enhance the Image of Ellenville, or even the Wawarsing area for that matter. But if they could and at the same time give the Elementary School their own mascot, with no cost to tax payers... Should they? Can you image Stewarts selling little icons of the Boy & The Boot with "Ellenville New York" engraved on it? There are no laws or regulations stating that the Ellenville School District cannot carry a mascot for the High School & Middle School (in this case The Blue Devil) and a mascot for The Elementary School (in this case The Boy and The Boot).

So with the Ellenville School tradition preserved and maintained, there is no reason why the Elementary School should not be able to enhance the District's already rich culture with the Historic Icon the Boy and The Boot- So on November 6, 2006, some concerned parents presented our wonderful Superintendent Lisa Wiles with a revised resolution. It called for the Elementary School to adopt The Boy and The Boot as their no-athletic based Mascot. This Mascot would capture the spirit of our little one, while showing neighboring school Districts the rich culture we have, if this measure passes. Concerned parents would pay (up to $300.00) for the Mural for the Elementary School. It would be designed and created by our High School Students.

Yes sometimes it takes newcomers to see things that are common to "home growns", as literal and cultural untapped goldmines. Some would ask the reasons why the Elementary School needs a Mascot. Well we've got seven- One, to give the Elementary School an identity outside of the Athletic arena. Two, to capture the spirit of youth and vigor of the students. Three, to embrace the history, culture, and tradition of the area. Four, Elementary teachers and the districts could utilize themes centered on the time period of this icon. Five, The District could utilize the creativity and skill High School Students have, by enlisting their help to create a mural for the Elementary School. Six, the District would show case its rich culture and uniqueness of the area. Seven, this would help to enhance the allurement of this area by capitalizing on the village icon.

So I ask all who support this measure to come out on the 28th of November at 7:30pm, and let the Board of Education hear your voice. And again to the Legions of Blue Devils, Keep the High School and Middle School Mascot! But enhance the Districts rich culture by giving a mascot to the Elementary School- A small matter like this could be good for the Schools, Good for the village, Good for business and good for Our Image! So please, don't look at the messenger... .listen to the message.

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