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Tesla STEM students pick Python as new school mascot
Summary
Students at Tesla STEM High School presented the mascot selection process to the Lake Washington School Board and announced the student‑chosen mascot: the Python, selected after a district‑approved process and student runoff voting that drew more than 80% participation at Tesla STEM.
Students from Tesla STEM High School presented the board Monday to announce the school’s new mascot, the Python, the result of a student‑led selection process that included nominations, district review and a runoff vote.
Kavitha (ASB president) introduced the student committee and described a multi‑step process co‑led by Principal Karkonen and the committee. The group solicited mascot nominations from the student body via a Microsoft form with guidance requiring animal mascots and culturally appropriate choices. From nominations the committee narrowed options to five finalists — axolotl, hummingbird, python, lightning bolt and salmon — and then ran a schoolwide vote that produced 483 responses, representing “over 80%” student participation according to the students’ presentation.
Because no candidate earned more than 50 percent in the first round, the school held a runoff between the top two: the Python and the axolotl. After the runoff and student outreach that included a video and a student news announcement, the students announced the Python as the new mascot and noted connections to STEM (programming language Python and other symbolic links), adaptability and resilience as reasons for the choice.
Students said the Python symbolizes creative and analytical thinking and growth (the ability to shed skin). Principal Karkonen and Dr. Holman (superintendent) were thanked by student speakers for supporting the student‑driven process. The students distributed Python‑inspired treats to the board after the presentation.
