After numerous debates and polls throughout the NC administration and student body, the school finally decided to get rid of the Warrior mascot, and replace it with a much more suitable name to represent the school as a whole: an Oompa Loompa.  

“Once we realized that many students and teachers felt a need for change, the discussion of a new mascot sparked. My only concern was that we stayed with the theme of ‘We Are Orange.’ Other than that, all ideas were open to talk about,” Principal Bucky Horton said.

The idea of bringing in an actual Oompa Loompa began after NC’s field trip to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. This inspired many students, influencing them to want to take one home for themselves. Despite Willy Wonka’s strict regulations on his Oompa Loompas in the workplace, Horton opened his mind for a possible exchange to benefit both sides.

“Wonka was up to barter, so we told him we’d play one football game a year in his factory in exchange for a full time Oompa Loompa mascot. Now we just have to find an opponent to play there,” Horton said.

Once the word got out, students became quite excited about the new mascot. To show their excitement, many students and teachers gathered in the courtyard to greet NC’s new friend who arrived in a Wonka-copter.

The Oompa Loompa, named Charles, speaks very little English, only knowing the words to the Oompa Loompa theme song, but I got the chance to briefly discuss his new role as high school mascot.

“Oompa Loompa doompety doo. The people here are very nice to you. Oompa Loompa doompety dee. This will be very exciting for me,” Charles said.

With the school year coming to an end, Charles will undergo basic mascot training and protocol. Through this, he will learn his role during football games and attempt to understand all the NC chants. To make it easier on him and help the school get used to the change, Horton and administration decided to change the fight song to the Oompa Loompa theme song.

“This really gives a whole new meaning to We Are Orange,” former student Tyler Queen said. “I’m really considering coming back from college again to be an Oompa Loompa, I really think it just fits me so much better than a Warrior.”

The Warriors will officially change to the Oompa Loompas starting in the 2017-2018 school year. Until then, students will live their last few months with warrior pride, hoping to not get made fun of when people realize they go to a school with an Oompa Loompa as a mascot.

April Fool’s, you fool!

XOXO, The Chant