After months of study and debate, a broad-based group of 18 community members, students, faculty and alumni voted to keep the Allagaroo but eliminate a controversial portion of the 103-year-old school cheer.
The final vote advocated striking the entire third stanza, thereby eliminating a controversial phrase while preserving the remainder of the unique yell.
The decision itself was not without controversy. Some committee members cited allegedly racial overtones in the original cheer and argued it should be completely banned. The prevailing vote reflected a competing belief that a modified version could eliminate any potentially racial references and preserve a cherished tradition.
In the weeks to follow, both positive and negative reactions to the decision were expressed. Some believed the committee did not go far enough while others argued that any modification whatsoever was baseless.
Although it may not please everyone, the compromise attempts to address some of the sincere convictions on both sides of the issue.
“From the get go I knew it would be a no-win situation,” said Cindy Knox ’80, president of the Hutchinson High School Alumni Association and co-chair of the study committee. “But I’m pleased that HHS continues to have the Allagaroo cheer.”
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