(KAIR)--Despite a last minute attempt to halt the naming of a new mascot for Atchison’s USD 409, including the submission of a petition said to contain 700 signatures, the Board of Education voted Monday night to name “Phoenix” as the new district-wide mascot.

“Phoenix replaces the former Atchison High School “Redmen” and Atchison Middle School “Braves.” Both names were retired in April on a unanimous vote of the school board, following long studies, and citing insensitivity toward Native Americans.

The school board Monday night voted 5 to 1 to approve the new mascot, with the 1 being school board member Dr. John Eplee who abstained following comments indicating a desire to slow the process.

Recent community surveys placed “Phoenix” as the top selection.