Tupelo’s Golden Wave mascot was established in 1930 by the school’s community of students, teachers, and administrators. 

From THS’s founding in 1914 to 1921, there was no official mascot or football uniform. However, by 1922, a bullet mascot had been introduced, featuring the colors purple and gold. In 1927, they switched to the Tigers before reverting to the Bullets in 1927. In 1930, the student newspaper, The Hi-Times, introduced the Golden Wave, as well as the blue and gold, via a contest inspired by the wheat fields of Tupelo. 

“Golden Wave represents the wheat fields that were in town,” Administrator Landon Morse said

Although not originally from Tupelo, Mr. Morse has become a figure in the high school. 

“Well, I think that it brings, it’s unifying, and it brings us all together, because it represents the school and everyone in the school, teachers, students, all, employees, everybody. It encompasses all in one,” Morse said.

From being students at THS to coaching them to win a state championship or helping them pass a grade, what are the teachers saying about the Golden Wave?

“I hope that they will remember that our mascot is unique and very traditional. It holds a lot of tradition. I hope that it represents success on all the stages and all the fields, and just that he was kind of a fun mascot,” Earth and Space science teacher, Laurie Bishop, said

However, students would love to see the mascot play a more significant role in the school’s culture, be viewed in a new light, and be more visible on the sidelines.  

“I would love for the art department to maybe spruce it up,” senior Genesis De La Cruz said.

The varied history and perspectives of the Golden Wave hope to make people feel proud of being part of THS, just like the mascot.

“He’s happy, he’s excited, and proud to be part of the school,” Morse said.