On Thursday, March 21st, the SGA and Class Council of Marriotts Ridge voted to change the school’s name. Gone are the days of Marriotts Ridge. Students, say hello to Chariot’s Creek and the Manafrogs, MRHS’s new name and mascot which will take effect at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. Marriotts Ridge’s name change and new mascot mark a period of change and rebrand for the school’s identity.
MRHS’s rebrand harbored a variety of opinions. SGA and Class Council members voted almost unanimously for a name change.
“This rebrand is a step forward for the school. Our old name was just a stupid combination of Marriottsville and Alpha Ridge. Our new name has passion, creativity and spirit,setting us apart from other schools throughout our local area and maybe even the nation as a whole, which will boost school spirit,” stated SGA member and senior Brynne Mellady.
However, the student body had differing opinions, with a poll conducted among students showing 48% of Marriotts Ridge’s students oppose the SGA and Class Council’s decision.
“This name change is just plain stupid. Why are we doing all this when there’s so many bigger issues to take care of? What is a ‘Chariot’s Creek’? The Marriotts Ridge name is iconic, so why are we changing it? I really hope the SGA reverses its decision,” commented senior Boston ‘Hog Daddy’ Brown.
The same survey showed that 17% of students are unsure about MRHS’s rebrand or had not heard of it.
“I don’t really know what to think about Marriotts Ridge changing its name. I’m graduating this year, this is only my second year and I guess I just don’t care enough about the school to have an opinion [on its name change],” voiced senior Jacob Riggs.
Like students, teachers and faculty members also had opinions about MRHS’s rebrand.
“I’ve been teaching here for seven years. My wardrobe is filled with Marriotts Ridge branded clothes, and I have every single piece of merchandise Marriotts Ridge has released in its near 20-year history, so it’s just utterly devastating to have to abandon my Marriotts Ridge collection after all these years with Chariot’s Creek,” commented English teacher Mr. Sullivan.
Regardless of whether MRHS’s overall consensus is in opposition to its rebrand, the SGA and Class Council have stated their decision is final.
“We’re really working hard to get this done. We’re printing new posters, repainting, designing new clothes, new sports uniforms, new benches– you name it, we’re doing it. It’s a bit too late to reverse our decision,” Mellady explained.
Whether or not you love the new name or hate it, the rebrand is coming, and only time will tell how it holds up. As summer draws near, students and faculty members are eagerly waiting for a new era in Chariot’s Creek next year and all the changes it might bring for both the current Marriotts Ridge Mustangs and the future Chariot’s Creek Manafrogs.