Amid reports that Loudon County High School is planning to change its existing mascot name of Raiders to a name yet to be determined, questions have arisen as to whether Appomattox County High School might also take a name change under consideration.

Earlier this week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam compelled schools named after historical connections to the Confederacy to change their names, mascots and logos in response to the growing national movement to remove symbols associated with the slavery era in America.

In American Civil War times, the term "raiders" referred to a band of fighters, or guerrillas, who supported the Confederacy. These bands of men were sometimes known as "bushwhackers." Quantrill's Raiders, of Missouri, are one of the best-known groups of Confederate raiders. They were led by William Quantrill and once included infamous outlaws Frank and Jesse James among its members.

However, the Appomattox Raiders mascot appears to portray a pirate. The patch over its eye is a symbol commonly associated with pirates, such as with the logo of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders (formerly Oakland Raiders).

Appomattox County School Board Chairman Bobby Waddell said he has never heard any complaints regarding the Raiders name.

Waddell said the school mascot was once "Rebels" but was changed to Raiders many years ago.

ACHS Principal Poldi Moreno stated, "I am not aware of any conversation related to changing our Raider mascot."

The Times Virginian attempted to reach several other Appomattox County Public School officials for comment today but has not yet received a response.

The Appomattox County School Board's next meeting is scheduled for Monday, but it is unclear if the Raiders name will be addressed.

The Times Virginian will update this story as more information is provided.

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