National Park College on Wednesday announced Nighthawks as the second mascot in the school's history.
A pep rally in the NPC Wellness Center gymnasium Wednesday concluded a four-month process to determine a new mascot. Jason Hudnell, dean of enrollment, said a new mascot was sought to add another dimension of belonging to the NPC community.
"Currently, you have to say you are a National Park College student," Hudnell said. "We can do better than that. You can do better than that.
"So at National Park College, we decided we need a mascot. We need something we can all belong to because we have one heartbeat, we have one vision, we have one goal and that is your success, students. That is what we are here for."
Nighthawks garnered 54 percent of the vote among the final three choices. A total of 640 votes were cast, including 499 by students and 141 by faculty and staff members.
The option for the mascot to be the Rangers received 34 percent of the vote. Another 11 percent voted for Explorers.
The search began during the summer as 162 different concepts were submitted for consideration. NPC President John Hogan said he was impressed with how the process was conducted and its effect on campus.
"I have been around for a long time and the energy that came from the students about it, it surprised me that it's gotten this much attention," Hogan said. "I think that's one of the things that makes the college really special is you support it, many people support it and the students get the benefit of that. They get infected by that energy."
The 162 submissions were reviewed by the NPC Mascot Selection Team and narrowed down to 10 finalists. The administration worked with the NPC Student Government Association to select the top three concepts.
SGA President Michelle Godwin said students discussed the search extensively on campus. Godwin and Hogan said they voted for Nighthawks in the final round.
"I think this is great," Godwin said. "This brings back positivity and atmosphere I think the students need. The students are excited about it."
Guests, faculty, staff and students filled the bleachers and lined the walls of the gym Wednesday during the pep rally. The drum line of the Lake Hamilton High School Power Band of Arkansas kicked off the event.
High school cheerleaders were also involved from Caddo Hills, Cutter Morning Star, Fountain Lake, Hot Springs, Jessieville, Lake Hamilton, Lakeside and Mountain Pine. The college presented a video to make the final announcement with the new mascot design.
The college has not used a mascot since the early 1990s when the sports programs were discontinued due to statewide changes in higher education. Garland County Community College competed as the Lakers in various sports since the college was founded in 1973.
The original green and gold color scheme was maintained through the merger with Quapaw Technical Institute in 2003 and the two became National Park Community College. A rebrand campaign in 2015 changed the color scheme to the current shades of blue, white and black.
Lakers and Rangers were among the first submissions after the search was announced. Both advanced to the top 10 along with Bathers, Bears, Bison, Explorers/Conquistadors, Mountain Lions, Nighthawks, Thoroughbreds and Thunderbirds.
Hogan said he nominated a different concept, but felt Nighthawks was better than his submission. He said he was proud of how the college worked with students throughout the process.
"Our team is doing a really good job of staying in touch with them and trying to hit them on what their needs are and what they want this school to become," Hogan said. "I'm really impressed. I'm impressed with our team and how well it has worked."
Hudnell said the two questions he is asked most often are: "Why do you need a mascot?" and, "Are you bringing back sports?"
"The answer to the second question is, 'Maybe,'" Hudnell said. "The answer to the first question is we need a mascot because a mascot is more than just sports teams. A mascot is about belonging to something. A mascot is about all of us being a part of one thing. All of you remember what you were in high school."
Free shirts were distributed to many guests and students in attendance. Social media users can use the hashtag #NPCHawks to discuss the new mascot online.
Hudnell recognized Hot Springs Baptist Church, which donated lunch, as well as KT Production for help with sound during the event and ESPN Radio, which broadcast live from NPC throughout the day.
Local on 10/27/2016