Ossining Pride Unveiled: District Adopts New Mascot

The Ossining Union Free School District has officially adopted a new mascot and visual identity centered around Ossining Pride—a bold, unifying symbol that will represent all six schools. The final lion mascot design, created through a collaborative and community-informed process, marks the culmination of a years-long effort to establish a cohesive identity that reflects the district’s strength, unity, and deep community roots.

The new mascot was developed with input from students, alumni, families, staff, and community members, and was supported by a partnership with creative agency Joy Riot.

Ms. Yoojin Lin, Ossining High School art teacher, served as the lead designer for the final mascot. Her creative vision and deep connection to the school community ensured that the design reflects both the district’s spirit and its roots in Ossining’s history. Through focus groups, surveys, and multiple design iterations, stakeholders helped shape a symbol that reflects both the district’s storied past and its forward-looking mission.

The lion was selected by a wide margin in a district-wide survey, receiving over 70% of the overall vote and more than 80% of student support.

“This lion represents so much more than a mascot—it’s a unifying symbol created by our students, for our students,” said Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter. “Through years of collaboration, community feedback, and creative thinking, our students honored Ossining’s proud history while paving the way for a bold new future.”

The final lion design is a powerful symbol of Ossining’s strength, resilience, and unity. Inspired by the district’s long-standing “Pride” identity, the mascot reflects the spirit and diversity of the school community. Its minimalist lines and use of negative space give it a modern, timeless quality, while the gender-neutral presentation ensures inclusivity. The design not only aligns with professional branding standards, but also pays homage to Ossining’s legacy—bold, forward-thinking, and student-centered.

Additionally, the mascot design subtly incorporates iconic elements of Ossining’s Town and Village, including the distinctive double-arch bridge and the pathway that winds through the community. These design details are reflected in the lion’s mane and overall silhouette, grounding the symbol in the district’s physical and historical landscape. This thoughtful integration ensures that Ossining Pride not only unites the schools but also pays tribute to the place students and families call home.

From the earliest focus groups to the final vote, students played a central role in shaping this identity, ensuring it resonates with both tradition and a vision for the future. Beyond its visual impact, the lion also honors Ossining’s deep community roots and enduring commitment to student voice.

“This process has been a remarkable example of what can happen when we listen to our students and value their voice,” said Board of Education President Christine Mangiamele. “Their leadership, along with input from alumni, families, and educators, has resulted in a mascot that reflects the heart of who we are as a district—resilient, inclusive, and proud.”

The district will now begin rolling out the new visual identity across schools, athletic programs, signage, and digital platforms. The lion will serve not just as a mascot, but as a symbol of unity and shared pride for the Ossining community.

The Ossining Union Free School District extends its heartfelt gratitude to the students, staff, families, alumni, and community members who shared their voices and perspectives throughout this process. From focus groups and surveys to design feedback and spirited discussions, this initiative reflects the collective pride and unity of the Ossining community.

The district also thanks the Board of Education for its unwavering support and active participation throughout the journey. Board members thoughtfully reviewed community input, design presentations, and student feedback at every stage, ultimately approving the final lion mascot design. Their dedication to fostering a strong, inclusive identity for all six schools was instrumental in bringing this years-long endeavor to fruition. With a new mascot and logo, the district moves forward together—stronger, bolder, and more united than ever.