River City Early College High School has expanded its identity as the home of the blue and green cougars.

The new high school of 60 ninth graders put their new mascot and colors to a vote this past week as students worked in groups of five to create a presentation on possible mascots and colors. Students were encouraged not to copy any regional collegiate teams and to be original from any area high schools.

“Some kids already had in their mind what they wanted. Some kids had no idea. So when they made their groups, we told them the first thing they had to do was decide on one within your group. It’s all about persuasive speaking. You have to win your group over to your idea,” guidance counselor Marian Richardson said.

Wolves, falcons, rams, warriors, Spartans, mustangs, catfish and cottonmouths were all in the running as possible mascots, but the cougars prevailed earning the most votes from students, staff and the community — who were asked to contribute to the vote Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hues of yellow, blue, green, purple, silver, gold, black and white were put to the vote as the dominate blue and green came to the forefront taking a little bit of both of the previously established high schools with them.

“These kids are creating the mascot and color that are going to outlive them,” Richardson said.

The new high school gives students the opportunity to either earn an associates degree, two years toward a bachelor’s degree or two-year professional certification for free while obtaining their high school diploma. To do this, the school will not offer any athletics, elective or extracurricular courses even though there will be time set aside on Fridays for students to work on robotics and art.

“They were all very courageous coming here,” Richardson said.

Vicksburg Warren School District superintendent Chad Shealy spoke to the students after the big reveal Friday morning and commended them for their bravery leaving behind what they knew for the unknown of a new school.

“There is something significant about the character of the students that are in in this room,” Shealy said.

By attending the new school, he said it shows a lot of maturity on the students part. “These are the type people I want to hire.”

Before Shealy had a chance to offer his words of encouragement, the high school students interrupted him and surprised their principal Tammy Burris with a flash mob of sorts dancing and singing “We’re All in this Together” from High School Musical.

“It was awesome. It exceedED anything I could have ever expected,” Burris said of the mascot reveal, adding the school year had gotten off to a great start. “It’s been the best two weeks. My staff is absolutely wonderful. I’m so very lucky.”

The students have enjoyed being a part of establishing their new school, too.

“It’s been fun, and it’s been an extraordinary experience,” student Leland Funches said, adding everyone has been high energy with positive attitudes.

“It’s great to be here. It’s better for me and for the rest of my fellow students to be here. We made history on the second week already.”