OC HIGH : STUDENT NEWS AND...

Ah, the mighty knight, a fearless warrior that symbolizes strength, courage, valor and stoicism. Clad in shining armor, he is the one who valiantly rescues the “damsel in distress,” defeats the evil villain with a fatal whisk of his sword and always wins the heart of the beautiful princess. The epitome of honor and fortitude, our Foothill Knight now faces a battle he might lose . . . to a llama.

Inspired by Mission Viejo High School’s controversial change back to its original mascot, a devil (El Diablo), some Foothill students have been circulating a petition to replace the knight with the largest member of the camel family indigenous to South America.

If enough signatures are collected, the initiative must be approved by two thirds of the Associated Student Body and then by a majority of the entire student body.

But why a llama? According to advocates of the change, the llama is a peaceful animal, while the knight represents violence and bloodshed.

Yet contrary to popular belief, the llama is not an amiable animal. In fact, it has a mind of its own. If a llama feels it has worked hard enough or its pack is too heavy, it will lie down and refuse to move. If provoked or attacked, a llama will spit foul-smelling saliva in its enemy’s face.

I, for one, do not want to be associated with a recalcitrant mammal that spits odorous saliva. It seems degrading to have our alma mater read “We are the loyal Llamas of Foothill High” and shout “Go, Llamas, go” at sporting events. I find it horrific that one day I might work for a school newspaper called the Llamalife.

If members of ASB and the student body seriously feel the need to have FHS represented by a “peaceful” mascot, why not choose a teddy bear, parakeet or worm? The motives behind this mascot debate appear to be prompted by political correctness and the hope of publicity and not by concern for FHS’ image.

Oh, by the way, what is that smell?