Ocean Beach Elementary School has a new chapter in its identity and a new mascot: a parrot.

After a Nov. 5 schoolwide vote, students and staff selected the colorful and vocal parrot as their new school symbol replacing the orca by a 253-184 vote.

The election was a lively all-day event at OBES, with students and staff participating in the democratic process by creating voter registration cards and casting ballots. Voting booths were manned by student members of the Student Lighthouse Team, who facilitated the election as part of their first schoolwide project.

Students reacted to the recent change in OBES’ mascot.

“A small thought I had led to a big election that created a major change. Thanks to a pencil and paper, plus perseverance and teamwork, OBES will be known as the parrots.” – Sloane, a fourth-grader who spearheaded adopting a parrot mascot.

“I think a parrot is good because it represents the school and the qualities of the students – kind, smart, and a little bit mischievous.  – Jamie, third grade.

“I liked getting to pick what we wanted most. I was nervous it was going to be the orca, so I was happy the parrot won.” – Ophelia, kindergarten.

“It was a really fun opportunity to share our opinion. I got to help out in the process by writing the introduction about the election to share with the whole school. I also got to deliver ballots to classrooms. It was a very good opportunity to participate.” – Eleanor, third grade.

“I was super excited that I got to help pick the new mascot for OBES and that I got to participate in an election. When the winner was announced everyone screamed and was so excited.” – Christopher, fourth grade.

“Parrots are local to OB and something that I love seeing when they are here. I’m glad that we were able to vote on a mascot that represents Ocean Beach.” – Daniel, fourth grade.

“I liked being able to vote.” – Addison, kindergarten.

“I made the ballot box. It was fun to work together. I feel good about the parrot winning. I thought it was going to win because it was really popular.” – Nora, third grade.

“The Student Lighthouse Team is a student-run team of third and fourth graders who look for opportunities on campus to lead and improve the OBES community,” said Marie Wright, third-grade teacher and one of the teacher leads of Student Lighthouse Team.

“The team has four smaller-action teams that work with adult leads to help bring their ideas to life. The students are excited to have a new mascot and are already brainstorming ways to make it a visible presence on campus.”

Following the announcement of the winning school mascot, OBES principal Marco Drapeau said: “I’m thrilled that the parrot has been chosen as our new school mascot. Parrots symbolize intelligence, teamwork, and resilience – qualities we value in every student here. Now, let’s come together to think of a great name and how we will display our new mascot with pride.”

The journey to select a new mascot began in the spring during a revamp of the school’s mural. Local artist Rob Tobin collaborated with OBES families to incorporate both an orca and a parrot into the mural’s design, which sparked a discussion about the school’s identity and mascot.

Many students and staff were initially unaware that the orca was the school’s official mascot. A few students took the lead, talking with teachers, gathering signatures, and presenting the idea of a new mascot at the PTA meeting. The Mascot Election Committee was formed within the Student Lighthouse Team and student leaders made posters and campaign videos to showcase the two nominees, orca and parrot.

As the newly chosen mascot, the parrot will become a key symbol for OBES’ school pride and identity. The Student Lighthouse Team will take the lead in integrating the new mascot into school materials, logo wear, and other branded elements, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the school community.
The Student Lighthouse Team, composed of third and fourth-graders, focuses on campus improvement and leadership opportunities. The Student Lighthouse Team is part of the Leader in Me program, which helps empower students, educators, and families with essential leadership and life skills, preparing them to excel.

The school is also looking to get donations to purchase a parrot costume to use for events.