The Chiefs Stand Firm
Students at Massapequa High School have made their stance clear to Governor Kathy Hochul: “Once a Chief, always a Chief.”
This bold statement, painted on a large mural outside their school, aims to challenge state education officials who are considering taking away their Chiefs nickname due to a recent Board of Regents decision banning Native American logos.
“We all love the Chiefs,” said 12th grader Brody Smith, while holding a paintbrush. “We’re proud of our school, our staff, everything. People often honk and cheer when they see us.”
Traditionally, students have used their art classes to create fun projects for the school, but this year feels different. Instead of just artwork, they expressed their sentiments about a hefty ultimatum directed at their district—spend nearly $1 million rebranding the mascot or risk losing state funding.
“This belongs to them. They design it, choose it, and paint it,” remarked School Board President Kelly Wachter. “It’s not forced. This is who they feel they are, and we’re going to fight for them.”
Massapequa is currently involved in an ongoing legal battle with Albany that spans both federal and state courts. Interestingly, they have garnered notable supporters, including the anti-woke Native American Guardian Association and former President Trump, who expressed his support while wearing a Chiefs sweatshirt in the Oval Office.
“Long live Chief Massapequa!” he proclaimed on social media last year.
New York’s Education Department representative Linda McMahon visited the school and noted how passionately the community is striving to maintain its cherished name. “They’re unbelievably determined to keep their identity,” she commented.
For students like 11th grader Rowan Silva, the term “chief” symbolizes leadership. “If you go to school, you can become a chief,” he commented. “If you drop out, then you’ll probably become a police chief. It’s straightforward.”
Even if the state pushes for the removal of the Chiefs name, they can’t erase the students’ mural because it’s on private property nearby.
Wachter emphasized the futility of Albany’s efforts. “You might strip it from our sports teams, but it’s entrenched in our community—fire departments, the village itself—people will keep wearing Chiefs sweatshirts,” she insisted. “It’s simply not going away. Their aim will never fully succeed.”
If this truly is the final chapter for the Chiefs, Smith finds comfort in the legacy they’re leaving behind. “It would be amazing if this became a cherished memory for the Chiefs,” he said.
