Aiken Scholars Academy Students Become the Phoenix

AIKEN, SC (07/05/2018) Students at Aiken County's newest school, which will be located on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus, have selected The Phoenix as their new mascot. The Aiken Scholars Academy debut of a new logo and colors is the result of a student branding session at USC Aiken May 3.

The school's first class of students decided on red, orange and gray as the colors for their Phoenix. Students enjoyed the experience the branding session offered, where they were guided through the art of developing an identity.

"The meaning of the Phoenix is fitting for our school," stated Principal Martha Messick. "It's a unique creature representing an elite new educational experience in South Carolina."

"The traits used to describe the Phoenix are focused, hopeful, driven and bold - this is a perfect description of our student body," Messick added. "The mascot truly exemplifies the unequaled excellence and uniqueness of our students, and that of the school itself."

The first 50 Aiken Scholars Academy students will begin their high school experience at USC Aiken this fall.

"The significance of the branding exercise was enormous. By letting us pick our brand we got to build our own identity for the school, and for the many classes to follow that will share this identity," commented ASA student Morgan Fields. "This is a rare opportunity for a student to be a part of, which makes it even more special."

The three-hour branding exercise resulted in a pair of high-flying mascot finalists, which included "The Falcons" in addition to "The Phoenix".

The students' ideas were further developed and focused under the artistic direction of Ron Turner with the Alison South Marketing group. Students had the final vote, and selected "The Phoenix" to represent Aiken Scholars Academy.

"I selected The Phoenix because it is a unique and special bird that no other school in our area has utilized before. It is a bird that soars high in the sky," ASA student Jumanah Al-Soudi stated. "It also symbolizes our school's uniqueness. The Phoenix represents the fire that we will bring to ASA and to the rest of Aiken County."

"I think the Phoenix shows a power and strength which I think represents our school well considering we are a one-of-a-kind school," added ASA student Kinsley Mullins.

Aiken Scholars Academy is a partnership between the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) and Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD) to create an elite academic school of excellence for qualified students. The Academy will offer advanced students an engaging educational experience that introduces and then immerses them into the collegiate environment.

For more information about applying for the 2019 class, visit https://www.acpsd.net/aikenscholarsacademy.

Posted Thursday July 05, 2018 at 01:12 pm by USC Aiken
Last Updated Thursday July 05, 2018 at 01:12 pm