Mascot controversy

After a banner for Shawnee Mission North was removed from the Lawrence High School gym at the request of the LHS Inter-Tribal Club in 2017,^[9] the Shawnee Mission school district responded that the school has had the permission of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma since 1992 and had no plans to review the use of their mascot.^[10] Upon being told about the LHS action, the current Chief of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe stated that she appreciates that Shawnee Mission North showed respect in 1992, however the use of images of Plains Indians rather than Woodland Indians is inaccurate and the use of the "tomahawk chop" by fans at games is inappropriate.^[11] The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma's business council on March 10, 2017 approved a resolution formally rescinding the permission granted in 1992 for the use of the Indian as a mascot.^[12] The school district superintendent responded that there would be conversations concerning the mascot.^[13] In 2020, there was a renewed push to replace the mascot before the school's centennial in 2022.^[14] The Shawnee Mission USD 512 voted unanimously in January 2021 in favor of a policy that school mascots be culturally and racially sensitive and appropriate. In addition to Shawnee Mission North, three elementary schools will change their mascots.^[15]

In May 2021, it was announced the mascot would change from Indians to Bison by fall 2021.^[8]

Liberty statue

See Strengthen the Arm of Liberty Monument (Overland Park, Kansas)

The high school grounds play host to one of the many replicas of the Statue of Liberty as a result of the Strengthen the Arm of Liberty campaign by the Boy Scouts of America.^[16]

Other monuments

The campus contains other monuments and points of interest, many which were donated or funded by various graduating classes from the school. Some such items include the entry sign (pictured) and stone benches.

Theater

In 2011, Shawnee Mission North's theater department won four awards and was given the honor of being named the top high school drama department in the Midwest by Stage Directions magazine.^{[citation needed]}

In 2011, Shawnee Mission North's production of Hairspray was nominated for several awards by Blue Star Awards, including one for Outstanding Overall Production of 2010–2011.^{[citation needed]}

In 2012, Shawnee Mission North's production of Little Shop of Horrors was again nominated by the Blue Star Awards for Outstanding Overall Production of 2011–2012.^{[citation needed]}

In 2013, Shawnee Mission North's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was nominated by the Blue Star for a third year in a row for Outstanding Overall Production of 2012–2013.^{[citation needed]}

Journalism

SM North puts out three publications, a magazine known as "The Mission", an art & literary magazine called "Indian Lore", and a student-created yearbook known as "Indian". Indian has won numerous publishing awards, including national competitions.

Marching band

In 1958, the Shawnee Mission North "Marching Indians" were nationally televised as they marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.^{[citation needed]} In 2013, the band held its first ever Shawnee Mission North Marching Invitational, which has continued every year since.^{[citation needed]}

Athletics

The Bison compete in the Sunflower League and are classified as a 6A school, the largest classification in Kansas according to the KSHSAA. Throughout its history, Shawnee Mission North has won many state championships in various sports. Many graduates have gone on to participate in Division I, Division II, and Division III athletics. In 2016, the boys basketball team won the first state basketball title in SM North history.^{[citation needed]}

State championships

Traditions

The school colors are Cardinal Red and Black, and sometimes white. The mascot at sports events was two Native Americans, one a Princess, and one a Warrior, and was portrayed by one male senior and one female senior student. However, this practice was stopped after the school came under scrutiny for cultural appropriation. The mascot was changed to Bison, and now a senior portrays the Bison, regardless of gender.^{[citation needed]}

During the alma mater, students stand and hold up their right index fingers while singing. The Indian head time capsule (in front of the main office), which was gifted to the school by the class of 1965, is roped off and not to be stepped on. The week of homecoming, Shawnee Mission North stages a large parade. Different clubs, groups, and alumni create floats to parade down Johnson Drive.^{[citation needed]}

SM North is located in northern Overland Park and serves much of northeastern Johnson County. The SM North area has a population of approximately 52,000. It includes the communities of Merriam, Mission, northern Overland Park, Roeland Park, Countryside and Eastern Shawnee.

Every year around February, a senior male is selected as "Northman" by his classmates. This title is much like "Homecoming King" at other schools. Originally called "Big Man on Campus", the winner was crowned at the annual "Women Pay All (WPA)" dance. In 1979 the title was considered outdated and changed to Northman. North has won 5 state championships in football (1969, 1970, 1971, 1974) under the coaching of Larry Taylor. Recently, North's NJROTC program has ranked first nationally in the Drill (in 2007, 2009 and 2010) and in the Armed Regulation (2008) divisions.^{[citation needed]}