Strong winds, MTV and someone threatening to build a store are not the only things that can cause a stir in Highland.
Many Highland residents are not too happy with some of the names proposed for the new junior high school being built in the city. Since the school is located in Highland, they want it to carry the city's name.However, students from Alpine also will attend the school. The new junior high in Lindon was recently named Oak Canyon Junior High School because parents and educators there felt naming the school after Lindon or Orem would segregate students from the other city.
Two weeks ago a committee of parents and educators from the Highland and Alpine areas were ready to recommend to the Alpine School Board that the school be named either Canyon Heights or Mountain Ridge. However, several Highland parents protested that their voice was not being heard, and the committee agreed to hold another public hearing and accept more input.
Because of such differing views, the name committee decided to have residents vote on the new name. Ballots listing six proposed names were sent home with all students who will attend the new school next year. Ballots also can be picked up at any school serving the new school's attendance area and at the city offices of Highland and Alpine. All ballots must be returned by 3 p.m. March 30.
"This is an important enough decision to residents from both communities that we decided to get as much input as we could," Worthington said.
The six proposed names are: Highland, Heritage, Canyon Heights, Lone Peak, Silver Lake and Mountain Ridge. Only one ballot will be counted from each household.
"The name that gets the most votes will be presented to the Alpine Board of Education for approval at its April 6 meeting," said Sheldon Worthington, principal of the new school.
When the school opens next year, students will vote on a mascot from seven choices. The mascot names under consideration are: Centurions, Huskies, Jays, Knights, Rams, Scots and Wolves. The school colors will be navy blue, green and burgundy.
"The colors are a done deal because of deadlines we faced in ordering equipment and supplies," Worthington said.