MCPS News

Woodward Wolves: Honoring a Rich History, Building a New Legacy

Posted On November 11, 2026

Charles W. Woodward High School is preparing to welcome students for the first time in nearly 40 years. Recently, the school unveiled its new mascot and colors — purple, white and gold  — establishing the school's identity, while recognizing its history.

Woodward first opened in 1966 along Old Georgetown Road in Rockville. For 21 years, the school was home to the Woodward Wildcats, whose purple and white colors became a source of pride for students and alumni.

When the school closed in 1987, its students were consolidated with nearby Walter Johnson High School, which adopted the Wildcats mascot.

Even after Woodward closed, its alumni remained connected to the school and one another.

"Woodward has a very active and proud alumni community, and many alumni still live in the area," said Principal Robert Sinclair Jr.. "Working with them, I have learned how close this community was and still is."

Many alumni hoped the school would bring back its original Wildcats mascot. However, with students coming from several school communities, Sinclair wanted to recognize Woodward's past while giving future students an opportunity to establish their own identity.

“This has been interesting, challenging and rewarding work,” said Sinclair. "It is unique because we are creating an identity for a school that is not new."

The selection process began with a workgroup of future parents, students and alumni who helped guide the conversation about Woodward's new identity. With two rounds of surveys and over 1,600 responses, school leadership narrowed the choices from six finalists to one winner.

"The Wolves belong to this community because this community helped choose them," Sinclair said. "I believe the wolf is a great representation of what we are looking for. Wolves look out for each other. They are resilient, they adapt and they are always looking for a place to belong."

For Sinclair, creating that sense of belonging is important as Woodward prepares to welcome students from different schools and communities.

While the Wolves are a new mascot for Woodward, the school's colors and logo include several connections to its history.

Purple and white, the school's original colors, received overwhelming support from the community. Gold was also selected as an accent color, adding another connection to Woodward's past.

The new Wolves logo also includes a few details that may not be noticeable at first glance.

The letters "CWW" on the shield version recognize how the original school was known. Between the wolf's eyes, a patch of gold fur forms the letter "W" for Woodward.

"Woodward is part of this wolf's DNA," Sinclair said.

When Woodward reopens in fall 2027, the school is expected to welcome its first 9th and 10th grade students.As the school's first students, they will have an opportunity to establish traditions and build a school community that future generations of Woodward Wolves can carry forward.

"As our founding class, they will build the foundation and traditions that Woodward Wolves will carry for years to come," says Sinclair. 

For alumni, Woodward's reopening brings back a school name they have proudly carried for decades. For incoming students, it means becoming part of a school community and helping shape what comes next.