Why Are We The Purples?

(4-1-24) So why is Kentucky’s Bowling Green High School mascot the ‘Purples‘? With the only green being in the name…not in the school colors.

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Why are we the Purples?

Many years ago, as our school was developing, a stronger and more extensive curriculum was desired. At the same time, Male High School in Louisville was also seeking similar standards for their students. The leadership of BGHS and Male met and began discussions of how their common goal could be achieved. Eventually a plan was created to meet the objectives and the two schools became the first comprehensive high schools in Kentucky.

As their common goals were met, it was also agreed they would share the following:

The school colors would be Royal Purple and Old Gold
The school mascot would be called the “Purple”
The block letter “H,” gold on a purple field, would identify the schools. As the only high schools in the area, H represented High School for students and the community.

In later years, Male High School would change their mascot to the Bulldog. However, both school colors have remained the same and both continue to use the H to honor the history of the schools.

Why the H?
Bowling Green High School was founded in 1908, with the first graduating class in 1912. The block letter H, for “High School” was worn by students and athletes to represent the only public high school in the area.

The ‘H’ is till used by the athletic department.