The current Grey Ghost image is the work of a student who won a design contest. While some see a phantom, Antonelli said the color gray and the hood evoke other connotations, including of the Civil War, or hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. Michele Shannon, executive vice president of client services for New York Leadership Academy, and a parent of students in the district, wanted to volunteer in the schools. Shannon -- who was a finalist for the school superintendent position -- volunteered to facilitate discussions with students about the mascot. Shannon conferred with students in a voluntary focus group; Murphy said Shannon is set to host focus groups next week for BIPOC students -- Black, indigenous and people of color.