William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman the image of an American Indian has been removed from the Onteora High School gymnasium, even as supporters of the former nickname resist the change. Objections were aired during a board of education meeting Tue., Aug. 2., by two supporters of the use of Indian imagery as the district symbol spoke, contending the issue should have additional public debate. One resident accused the board of "blindsiding" the school community with the decision, and voting June 7 to adopt “Eagles” as the Onteora nickname. Interim Superintendent Victoria McLaren said a painting of a fierce Indian breaking through a brick wall was covered over during recent updates to the gym. Other disputed images remain in the school cafeteria and press box. A speaker at the meeting Tuesday said the intent of adopting the former nickname was to learn the “best characteristics of the Indians — patience, an open work ethic, a practicality, holistic, spiritual, community cooperation...pride and honor.” The Onteora school board voted in early 2000 to retire the Indian name, but the decision was later overturned, and the matter went to a public referendum last spring. The state Department of Education has for the last 15 years urged local school districts to retire Indian symbols as mascots. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.