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Canandaigua schools will soon decide on new nickname after dropping ‘Braves’

After dropping the “Braves” nickname in use since 1949, Canandaigua school district is nearing its decision on a new athletic team nickname.


The district has narrowed down the choices to Gray Wolves, Cardinals, Bears, or opting to use only “Canandaigua” without a designated moniker.

Superintendent Jamie Farr told the Finger Lakes Times that he hope for the community to unify behind the eventual choice. “I hope all stakeholders get involved and will get behind whatever the choice is,” he said.


The selection process included multiple surveys, with voting ending Sunday. The school board, after reviewing survey results, will confidentially finalize the nickname on Oct. 30, with an announcement set for Nov. 3 via a “reveal” video on the district’s website.

In response to a state Education Department mandate against using Native American names or imagery, Canandaigua joins neighboring districts in adopting new nicknames.

In recent changes, Waterloo transitioned from “Indians” to “Tigers,” and Romulus shifted from “Warriors” to “Royals.”