Mascot
Our mascot is the pelican. While some might find this odd, the pelican exhibits many of the admirable qualities the school strives to promote. The pelican is nurturing, generous and self-sacrificing. Historically, the symbolism of the pelican has been linked to Christ‘s sacrificial gift on the Cross. In times of famine, the female pelican is said to wound her breast in order to feed her starving young with her own blood. This act has been associated with the Eucharist, and is symbolic of Jesus‘ death on the Cross, which is commemorated through the taking of the bread (His body) and the wine (His blood). At Teso College, we help our students develop a relationship with Christ, and instil in them a reverence for Christ‘s work on the Cross. We encourage our students to practice the virtue of self-sacrifice towards each other, living it out in their daily lives.
Pelicans
There are seven species of pelicans in the world, all of which are similar in shape. The pelicans that are found in Soroti, Teso, Uganda are white in colour. Their large wingspan (2.3–2.5 metres) gives the pelicans a prehistoric look. Pelicans weigh between 4.0 and 6.8 kilograms and are 1.6 – 1.8 metres long. They may live from 10 to 25 years or more. Pelicans swim well, with their short, strong legs and feet with all four toes webbed. They feed primarily on fish. A pod of pelicans works together, especially when they are herding fish in the water.
In flight they can soar for a long time, using thermals to rise to considerable altitudes. Pelicans can remain in the air for 24 hours, covering hundreds of kilometres at heights of 1,000 metres, sometimes going as high as 3,000 metres. Pelicans can move from one thermal to the next, travelling long distances with minimum effort, reaching air speeds of up to 56 kilometres per hour. Pelicans portray many outstanding qualities and TCA has these qualities. Teso College soars in academics, athletics and national educational competitions. Once upon a time, TCA had a school band called The Pelicans. It was well known in the whole of the Eastern region.