MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette Senior High School Sentinels now have a logo to go with their new nickname.
The Board of Education revealed the new Sentinels logo, designed by MSHS alumnus Matt Sia, during a special meeting Monday evening. Board members voted 7-0 to adopt the new logo, which features a block “M,” paying tribute to the block M used by the school for many years, within the shape of a helmet.
Board president Kristen Cambensy said in a public Facebook post that she is proud of the work that went into choosing the new name and logo.
“I know not everyone will be happy with this and I respect that,” Cambensy wrote. “I, however, am looking forward to seeing what our students, teachers, staff, and community can do with this.”
The board voted 4-3 in July 2023 to retire the “Redmen/Redettes” nicknames. After months of discussion and community input through public surveys, the board narrowed dozens of suggestions to select the Sentinels as the new mascot by a 6-1 vote in January 2024.
The Sentinels selection saga has not come without contention.
Following the decision to retire the former nicknames, a recall effort was filed against two board members, Jennifer Ray and Jennifer Klipp, which ultimately was rejected by the Marquette County Election Board.
Marquette resident and 109th State House District candidate Margaret Brumm then claimed to have filed a trademark for the Sentinels nickname in an effort to prevent the school district from being allowed to use it as its mascot. Brumm also revived the effort to recall Klipp and Ray, which was again denied by the county election board in April.
The next MAPS board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 20.
