Urbana High School’s mascot, the Tiger, is well known. Tigers symbolize strength, toughness, fierceness; but it can also symbolize love and protection.
UHS is a melting pot of Tigers: Asians, Latinos, Caucasians, African-Americans. Each tiger has a different personality, a different skill, something that makes them unique from the other students.
What the Echo staff would like to know is: what does being an Urbana Tiger mean to you?
Junior Montez Harris said, “It means to be strong and proud of who you are, and being able to overcome and achieve your goal.”
This couldn’t be more true. On nearly every UHS sports team shirt, there is a “go hard or go home” theme. That same theme is repeated throughout every UHS activity; whether it’s a play, talent show, pep rally, or something else. It’s in every Tiger’s DNA to give it all, or give nothing at all.
“Thinking in terms of the animal, I’d say that being an Urbana Tiger means that we’re strong, competitive, and have a substantial amount of will-power,” said Sophomore Marisa Glenn.
This example can be seen at every home game. The Varsity Boy’s Football Team chant “Bang, bang! Ball game!” before the game, hyping up the crowd. Though the team doesn’t always win, but they have the “go hard or go home” spirit that every Tiger should have.
Lady Tigers have that same spirit. At every game, the Lady Tigers protect their name and prove their love for UHS by fighting for the goals and earning each point.
Sophomore Benitra Ayres is a cheerleader and sees the Tigers defend their title every football and basketball game. “To be an Urbana Tiger, I think it means to have strength, power, dedication, and ability because that’s what it takes to be on top and achieve your goals.”
Sophomore Ivan Villamar takes a different approach to it. “It means that we tolerate people no matter what race, sex, or interests as long as nobody messes with each other.”
Sophomore Njabulo Hlongwa sums up most Tiger’s feelings in two words: “Do right.”
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