Olive Branch's system of segregation in public schools ended in 1970 with the combining of East Side High School and Olive Branch High School.  A committee of faculty was formed which decided the mascot for the new school needed to be human, not animal.  Humans, unlike animals, possess the ability to think for themselves and care for their fellow beings.

Because both races were equally important, neither a black nor a white mascot was chosen to represent this new school.  Instead, the committee focused on the first explorers of DeSoto County, the Spanish.

Conquistadors seemed appropriate since the name means "conqueror".  Olive Branch united in education to conquer racial division.  The Conquistador warriors were rugged adventurers who left a record of fantastic deeds of daring and showed ability to undergo unbelievable hardships.

Just as the Conquistadors explored the "new world", the educators and students of Olive Branch began to explore ways of improving relationships and to improve education.  Together, at OBHS and in our personal lives, we live up to the undefeatable spirit of the Conquistadors.