FORWARD
A symbol is defined as something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible. For example, the bald eagle is the symbol of the United States and the globe and anchor symbolize the United States Marine Corps. Another important and proud symbol is the “Yakoo” which symbolizes North Quincy High School. A mascot is defined as a person, animal, or object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an organization such as a sports team. For all their apparent differences, today’s cuddly mascots can be seen in the same light, as agents working their respective magic to gain victory.
In schools and teams across the world we see the adoption of mascots from various symbols. Often the choice of a mascot reflects a desired quality in competition. It is usually one that captures a fighting spirit. Some famous mascots include: “Lucky” the Boston Celtic, the Dallas “Cowboy”, the Yale “Bulldog”, the Florida State “Seminole”. We can’t forget the most famous mascot from North Quincy High School, the “Yakoo”.
The “Yakoo” has been the North Quincy High School symbol and mascot for fifty years and over this time many have forgotten its origin and purpose. This is a history of the “Yakoo”, his creation, his reason for being, and why his creator designed the “Yakoo” as he did. These facts are to be told by the artist Pete Fredericksen and the model Al Yacubian.
“YAKOO”
(An American Icon)
Let’s go back to Miss Agnes Berry’s Family Living and Health Class. The year is 1957 and it is a late September day, with sun shining bright. Principal Mr. James Collins had just retired and Assistant Principal Mr. John Walsh was starting his first year as principal. Student Al Yacubian entered the room and was asked by his classmate Pete Fredericksen to take his glasses off. Pete had an idea. The student council under the direction of Advisor Mr. Murray Roberts, President Gene Schumaker, (Class of 1958) and Treasurer Jim Greene, (Class of 1958) were in search of a symbol for their high school. Students from North Quincy High School were initially known as “The Reds” and then later referred to as “The Red Raiders”. As many other schools (college and high school) were known as Red Raiders the student council wanted a symbol that would be unique to North Quincy High School, separating the North Quincy “Red Raider” from all the others, with a personality all his own. Al Yacubian’s presence put Peter’s pencil in motion.
Al acknowledged Peter’s request by asking how he should pose. Al asked, “How do you want me to pose, smiling, serious, or on the attack?” Peter had thought about this project, and answered “No, this is legit.” “North Quincy High School is not a large school but one that is small in number, and small in size.” We need a symbol that expresses a commitment to working harder than other schools to achieve success. Through its determination and fight, and its legendary school spirit, the school became a very successful underdog. Pete wanted to show this perseverance and hard work. What he wanted was a raider, a warrior who showed these characteristics.
Pete wanted to depict a warrior who reflected working the land and being committed to hard work. To portray this hard work this symbol should have a tool, not a weapon and so he incorporated a stone hammer. Pete never placed a tomahawk or hatchet in “Yakoo’s” hand. In fact he avoided using a bow and arrow, and nowhere do you see a knife, the “Yakoo” overcomes with hard work, not with weapons. General Custer would have liked that. The Red Raider should carry a banner, with school colors, similar to the Marine Gideon to symbolize the representation of small unit pride.
Rather than a symbol which would be stationary, Pete wanted to show a new symbol in motion, going forward, carrying the school colors, hammer in hand, with a look of perseverance and hard work. With the raider’s legs in forward movement, and realizing the magical features of the feathers, Pete placed the feathers in a forward mode to enhance the forward movement of the character. This caricature’s body is smaller than the head again representing the fact that North Quincy High is a small school and to go forward must work harder.
Decal was exact to Pete’s drawing, the only change was the block printing.
After many corrections by the artist and an accurate pose by the model the North Quincy Red Raider came to life. Classmates Dennis Murphy, Jim Baldwin, Dick Murphy, Greg Galvin and Jerry Jernegan all gave their suggestions and stamp of approval. The symbol was in need of a name and soon the students began to refer to the symbol as “Yacu” after the model Allan Yacubian. The original drawing was finalized using a pencil and arithmetic paper and labeled, “Red Raiders” in block lettering. The North Quincy High School Class of 1958 now had symbol and mascot that separated them from others and enhanced their mission of hard work and perseverance. The student council would sell window decals that were exact to the Fredericksen drawing later that year.
(1957)
The two friends were perfect for the job. James Peter Fredericksen was chosen for his artistic talents and was soon to be recognized for his endowed ability by the Disney Corporation. Allan Yacubian was well liked by all the students and had a profile that exemplified the desired outcome. His good natured character and energy combined with his ability to be constantly involved with school life made him the perfect choice.
(1957)
Soon the student council presented the design to art teacher, Miss Ann Sawitsky and the art class created a four foot high paper mache statue of the symbol and a poster sized water colored painting was created to be used when presenting the new symbol to the students. ( The painting was recently found and preserved by Joe Gillis (Class of 1959). On November 29, 1957 in front of the entire student body, the newly named “Yakoo” was presented to the school and was adopted as its official school symbol. The symbol was accepted by the students, the active alumni, and all those that lived in the north end of the city.
The families living in the north end of the city had to fight hard to get a high school, and for a long time felt that they were not treated equally with the older and much larger Quincy High School. Later, Quincy High School would aid North Quincy High School considerably in the ensuing “Battle of the Yakoo”.
As a result of this perceived injustice North Quincy High School’s pride and spirit became legendary, giving North Quincy an edge resulting in a reputation for not giving up, not quitting, and playing hard to the end. North Quincy now had a symbol that would reflect the community’s great pride and commitment to success. “Yakoo’s” purpose was to stand for those same qualities and symbolize the schools history and excellence in both sports competition and academics as they success fully competed against much larger schools.
In the 1960`s North Quincy High School began the practice of selecting a senior student as “Mr., Yakoo”. This honorable service fell to the highest vote getter within the student body. Soon “Mrs. Yakoo” followed and now, forty years later both mascots lead the Red Raiders in competition, especially during the annual Thanksgiving activities.
The Class of 1968, as a class gift, gave a four foot cast stone likeness of the “Yakoo”. This gift was in recognition of the symbols tenth birthday. It became a tradition on the eve of Thanksgiving for the students of Quincy High School to capture the statue as the North Quincy High School students would try to capture the Quincy mascot statue of “Appeal to the Great Spirit”.
Statue was painted all gold – repainted and repaired by Pete Fredericksen in 1976
Originally had 2 concrete feathers that were replaced with 2 real feathers.
Impression of Al Yacubian’s left hand was used to make replacement hand for statue since the left hand was missing.
In the late 70`s North Quincy High School underwent a renovation project. The hardships of double sessions and busing faced the students. It was a time that truly tested the pride of a great school. In fact, the “Yakoo” and other historic and valuable memorabilia were slated to be discarded and thanks to Security Guards Jack Kenny (Class of 1958) and Bob Crehan, the “Yakoo” statue was saved from destruction. Artist Pete Fredericksen was called on, once again, to restore the abused and neglected statue. It was decided by Principal Peter Chrisom, (Class of 1948), that the restoration would be in safer hands and the task was given to Al Yacubian. This decision was especially important to the symbol’s well being as the clouds of political correctness were now forming.
When the students returned to their new school they wanted to maintain the traditions of the past. Fortunately, Principal Peter Chrisom and Assistant Principal Eileen Feeney were graduates of North Quincy High School and understood the great traditions of the past. The school song and many of the old cheers were dusted off and re-echoed under their administration. A one of a kind plaque was made to honor the students for their hard work in preserving the traditions. The plaque carried a limited edition bronze casting from a Yacubian design and cast by Roger Clapp (Class of 1956). The castings were done one at a time, by hand, with the bronze poured in sand molds, making each unique and truly one of a kind. Only a few of these bronze castings were made!
Made for Football 1987
Preserved by Ken McPhee (NQ ’67)
The students recognized the “Yakoo” as a symbol that preserved the past and passed on the great tradition to those newly arriving students. Through the “Yakoo”, the halls of North Quincy High School echoed the spirit and pride that was emulated from generations past. The pride and spirit of North Quincy High School was once again energized with “Yakoo” leading the students in academic and athletic excellence.
The 1990’s brought political correctness debates over the symbol’s appearance and meaning. The school department banned the symbol even though the com munity at large overwhelmingly opposed the decision. The Quincy High School statue “Appeal to the Great Spirit” was also locked in a closet in order to not be offensive. A larger copy of this work of art remained in full view at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Speakers came to the school to talk to the students. A guest from the Chilne Native American Reservation flew in from Arizona to express her positive feelings about the “Yakoo”. In fact, her understanding of the symbols meaning prompted many on the reservation to desire to have the “Yakoo” as the reservation school symbol. She also pointed out that the majority of Native Americans like to see Native Americans used as school symbols, “If we are there, you will think of us. If we are not there, you will forget us.” Polls show only a small minority of Native Americans oppose Indian or Native American nick names in sports. Students spoke out and referenced its value and high esteem status. Students asked, “Why do people want to take the “Yakoo” away since it is such a positive image and symbol?”
From the 1960’s through 1995
Massive efforts were undertaken by North Quincy High School to counter the interpretations that the “figure” depicted evidence of racial prejudice. Those concerns were answered with dignity, understanding, respect and accuracy. The students at North voted almost unanimously to keep the “Yakoo” as its symbol and the community celebrated from the decision.
In conclusion, the United States Department of Education ruled that North Quincy High School’s Native American like mascot does not violate the Federal Civil Rights Act, closing the books on a four year review of the Red Raiders symbol, the “Yakoo”. The “Yakoo” has no negative value and only promotes good in its interpretation. This decision would mean that no Federal funds would be withheld from the Quincy Public Schools and that no further investigation by the United States Department of Justice is necessary.
At the time of this report, the “Yakoo” is not being used as the school’s official symbol and all the banners carrying his likeness have been removed, however, the students still wear him proudly on yearbooks, shirts, team uniforms and jackets. Mr. and Mrs. “Yakoo” are still chosen annually. The tradition continues and like the original intent of the word mascot, it serves as an agent working its respective magic to achieve excellence.
Done by Artist Leo DePolo (QHS ’48)
Done by Artist John Naylor (QHS ’56)
The year is 2020, and the feisty little guy will celebrate his 63rd birthday. More important “Yakoo” will have been an integral part of the tradition of excellence of a very spirited and proud school over those 63 years. From his humble creation “Yakoo” has evolved into an icon, traveling the world, and proudly serving with North Quincy High Alumni. Those salient memories have always impressed that there exists neither bias nor racial tones depicted in the symbol “Yakoo”. Indeed the “Yakoo”, after countless debates, interviews, surveys and votes ascertained unequivocally that this symbol is quite distinct, and portrays the values of dedication, spirit, determination and inspiration. These traits equate with those traditions embedded in our nation’s heritage and history.
From left to right: Jerry Jernegan, Jim Greene, Al Yacubian, Greg Galvin, Pete Fredericksen and Tom Morrissey
Bibliography:
North Star November 27, 1957
Patriot Ledger July 19, 1995
New York Post February 22, 2007
1958 North Quincy Manet
Webster’s Dictionary
As told by Allan Yacubian and James Peter Fredericksen
The contents of this web page originally constituted “Yakoo” 50 Years and Counting As told by Allan Yacubian and James Peter Fredericksen Originally Published 2007 Used with permission by the authors
Acknowledgements
North Quincy High School has had a great and illustrious history. This is a result of how hard the teachers, the administrative personnel, and especially the students have worked to achieve a level of excellence that is academically and athletically second to none. This level of excellence comes from an attitude that evolved from the early years of North Quincy High School. Until the early 1930’s the north end of Quincy only had a junior high school, and after pleading their case to get a high school an addition to the existing building was completed and the junior high school and senior high school were now housed in the same building. In 1961 the Atlantic Junior High School was opened. Since the North students spent six years in one school, they developed a spirit of pride and camaraderie with their fellow students. They were like a family. As they were a new small school the early occupants of this new school studied and played with a “chip on their shoulder” attitude. The teachers demanded high standards of study and would not accept anything less. The administrative staff also would accept nothing less than good conduct. As a result North students got into the best schools, and were sought after for the best jobs.
A great debt is owed to those students and resulting alumni that set the tone for all those that followed. They set the standard; they went way beyond what was expected, and just assumed that was normal. These were the young people called on to serve their country in whatever manner and now are recognized as part of the” Greatest Generation”.
After the war they picked up and went on with their lives and continued to show by example, setting the standard very high. In the late forties and into the fifties the North Quincy High School and Quincy High School Thanksgiving games were played to sell-out crowds as a result of great loyalty to their school.
Times change and yet the North Quincy High School alumni of the thirties, forties and fifties have received and accepted the “Yakoo”. For this we recognize them for being very loyal to North Quincy High School, and supporting the “Yakoo”. A special thank you is given to the students of Quincy High School for their great support at a time when the “Yakoo” came under attack. We are rivals on the field but off the field we support each other as we all represent a great city. A huge thank you is extended to all the North Quincy Red Raiders past, present and the future for supporting and protecting the “Yakoo” and carrying on the great traditions of a truly great school, North Quincy High School.
Also thanks to:
Peter Chrisom (Princpal N.Q.H.S.)
Bob Laing (N.Q. 40)
Frank Santoro (Principal Q.H.S.)
Arthur Yacubian (N.Q. 49)
Bob Fraher (Q.H.S 63) Photographer
Mayor Jim Sheets
Nick Loscocco
Henry Bosworth (Q.H.S.)
Lou loanilli (Principal NQHS)
Eileen Feeney (Principal NQHS)
Yakoo Brotherhood 