A New Era for Otis the Buffalo

Otis the Buffalo has long been the cherished mascot of Old Trail School, serving as a symbol of the school’s spirit and unity.

More than a mere mascot, he embodies the resilience and strength of the American bison, reflecting the qualities that the school imparts to its students.

A seven-foot-tall statue of Otis, initially obtained for the school by former OTS Headmaster Peter Wilson, proudly stands in the corridor between Alderfer and Morgan Hall. Over the years, Otis has warmly greeted Early Childhood students and families each morning and inspired countless art projects. Otis has also appeared on school apparel, in yearbooks and newsletters, and in physical form at various school events.

Despite his prominent role in fostering school pride and community connection, Otis lacked a consistent and distinctive look. However, this changed dramatically last spring with the unveiling of a reimagined and custom-designed version of the school’s iconic figure. The new look honors Old Trail’s storied past while embracing a modern and more kind aesthetic.

Tradition Meets Innovation

The new design’s inspiration comes from the original artwork created by Kathie Jackson Holland, the mother of three Old Trail School graduates, Willard ’17, Callia ’19 and Lyra ’21, and the wife of former OTS board member Will Holland. Kathie’s artistic vision, originally created to celebrate the school’s centennial year, was instrumental in capturing the warmth and playfulness of the new model.

“I wanted to create a versatile character to spice up written materials or liven up factual information in the fun, expressive way an animal graphic can,” Kathie said. “I researched buffalo and bison for anatomical reference but took some artistic license to create a character that is more friendly than fierce.”

With Kathie’s artwork serving as the foundation, a three-dimensional model was created and production of the new suit began. The entire process, which was a secret to all but a few individuals on campus, spanned seven months.

A Joyful Introduction 

With Kathie in attendance, Otis made his grand debut at Community Assembly on May 7. Following the assembly, Otis roamed the hallways, popped into classrooms to meet students and then bid them farewell at dismissal. The sight of Otis generated big, infectious smiles and lots of hugs, creating lasting memories for the children and bolstering the strong sense of community that defines our school.

“I was delighted to see the new Otis rise off the page from a 2D model to become a furry, six-foot-tall, energy-filled mascot that is beloved by the students,” Kathie added.

The unveiling of Otis and the warm reception that followed marked a new chapter for Old Trail. His presence at events and special activities will continue to inspire a sense of belonging in our students, families and staff and reinforce a shared sense of pride for OTS.