Prior to this consolidation, Garden City High School was known as the Panthers with the colors Royal Blue and Gray (and/or White).

West Senior High School was known as the Tigers and were Black and Orange.

When the 2 schools consolidated, the first graduating class chose the new colors and mascot.

The seniors coming from West Senior High School chose the mascot (the Cougar) and the seniors from Garden City High School chose the colors (Royal Blue and Orange), even though it should have remained the Panthers with the colors staying Royal Blue and Gray (and/or White).

In 2008, Garden City High School made the decision to switch to the trimester academic system, which saw advantages as well as disadvantages.