Photo Courtesy of Brendan Knox

 If OCSA Had a Real Mascot

Celine Ngo

If a stranger were to step into OCSA, they’d immediately absorb the campus energy of unlimited artistic dreams and cultural diversity. David Lyons  (MT ‘25) explained that "OCSA has a culture and a sense of community and camaraderie that unites its students to be passionate, excited, capable and ready for the future."  

But as one further walks down the sidewalk, they see OCSA's mascot: a set of squares.

Squares are sharp and rigid. They leave no room for warmth or artistic freedom.

For decades, students and faculty at OCSA have lived through the confusing identity their mascot represents; students often wonder what OCSA’s mascot would be if it were more conventional, namely an animal. After randomly surveying 56 students, potential passion animals have been discovered, ones that overall reflect the dynamic spirit OCSA brings. 

The options posed were Starfish, Flying Squirrel and Chameleon. Starfish and Chameleon tied with 24 votes each, while Flying Squirrel resulted in 8 votes. 

The appeal to each animal differed, but one aspect they all had in common was a new artistic reveal in their school community. 

  1. Starfish: Whether academically or artistically, students are shooting stars, working hard toward their future. Abriella Nicolalde (MT ‘25) and Brooke Kabashima (MT ‘25) felt so passionate about this animal that they both "could not imagine another option!"

  2. Chameleon: Ana Sofia Gomez Garza (MT ‘25) explains how chameleons are "versatile, adaptable and diverse," just like the OCSA community and atmosphere.

  3. Flying Squirrel: Although this animal wasn't the popular vote, one might consider flying squirrels to represent the playful, risk-taking personality of many OCSA students. 

Despite the square's existence, this survey sparked new ideas within the OCSA community. Do they now crave a mascot to align with their bubbly personalities and vibrant culture?

It is now for you to think. Do the squares represent you? What other animal do you think would better represent you and your community here at OCSA?