Chardon Schools’ new logo features a bearded and feather-capped Hilltopper shouldering a pick against a backdrop of rugged hills, which was unveiled at the Dec. 17 Chardon Schools Board of Education meeting.
Chardon Schools’ new logo features a bearded and feather-capped Hilltopper shouldering a pick against a backdrop of rugged hills, which was unveiled at the Dec. 17 Chardon Schools Board of Education meeting.
The change comes after a reconfiguration and consolidation of school buildings earlier this year, and Superintendent Michael Hanlon said the consistent typeface and color choices create a unique Chardon identity.
“We had a lot of discussion about whether the Hilltopper is a person or isn’t a person,” Hanlon told the board.
The most important aspect of the new logo and typeface is consistency, he said, adding the new logo came about after a committee extensively worked to agree on the new look.
A document containing guidelines and standards for the new logo also explained the idea behind the update.
“Creating a strong, unified and attractive visual identity helps demonstrate to students, alumni, staff, media and the community at large that we are linked by a common heritage, a common future and a common commitment to the education of young people for a successful life in the world of the 21st century,” the document said.
Board of education President Karen Blankenship thanked Hanlon and other members of the committee for the decision, saying the new look will also help guide outside groups like parent boosters.
“This is long overdue,” Blankenship said. “I know when I was president of boosters, there was always an issue with the logos.”
She said she was surprised while researching the design to find how many other schools in the country use a Hilltopper as their mascot.
While most of the updated fonts and logos feature a block-style script, the group also unveiled a whimsical Tiny Toppers logo that will give Chardon preschool students their own Hilltopper identity.
At the same meeting, the board recognized officer Mike Shaw for his service as school resource officer, a position he is set to leave as he has been promoted to sergeant by the City of Chardon.
Chardon High School Principal Doug Murray said Shaw won’t say it, but he is also an educator.
“He cares for kids,” Murray said, adding from working on the legal side of school updates to working with the culture of the community both inside and outside the school building, Shaw defined the SRO role.
“I am very proud to see him truly grow into the new role as sergeant, where he’ll continue to protect our community,” Murray said. “I am very grateful for his service and I know that he’ll be able to protect not only our kids, but also the community.”
Also honored was Chardon Middle School physical education teacher Julie Kenny, who was recognized in October as the Ohio Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Ohio Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
“Having worked in four previous districts, I can tell you that Ms. Kenny is absolutely deserving of this award,” said Chardon Middle School Principal Tim Velotta.
He outlined some of her achievements, including adapting PE games to be inclusive, yet challenging to students of all ability levels.
