KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Nearly a year after students raised concerns about the statue in front of Kaukauna High School, a new sign has been added with the hopes of providing a bit more context regarding the unique galloping ghost mascot.
Several students voiced their concerns last spring, saying they were worried that people may see similarities between the hooded figure and members of the Ku Klux Klan.
Rather than suggesting the statue be completely removed, the students proposed relocating it to the back of the school or adding signage to explain the mascot’s origins.
But after sign options were estimated to cost between $20,000 and $32,000, the project stalled until some alumni stepped in.
The sign out front of the high school now was built by alumni who work at Team Industries. Because of their support and funding from the Alumni Association, the new sign was built at no cost to the school.
“So, after having initial conversations and seeing some price points of signs that were quite high, somebody from Team Industries reached out and basically said, ‘Hey, we don’t make signs, we’re more into pipe fitting, you know, that way, fabrication. But we think we can do something for you,’” explained Kaukauna High School Principal Chris McDaniel.
McDaniel hopes the collaboration sets an example for students.
“I think just being able to have something that shows a great skillset and a great pride in the school,” he said. “[It] is something we’re really hoping for with our students too.”
The new sign simply states, “Home of the Galloping Ghosts” in large, orange lettering.
An older sign provides more detail about the mascot, explaining that the Galloping Ghost was born in the 1920s in references to the football team’s “speedy running backs.”
The tradition was furthered when 20 years later, a cloaked student rode onto the field to present the game ball to the referees. This tradition continues to this day.
