High School mascot gets new look

Brighter, more intense eyes. Sleek, prominent jaw. A horn lift. No doubt about it, the Sonoma Valley High School dragon has had some work done.

The redesigned mascot debuted this month as the school began its 125^th year.

“I absolutely love it,” said Booster President Alice Shimm. “The Dragons have come to play!”

The new-look dragon is part of a “visual identity” program undertaken over a year ago by an all-volunteer committee. The redesign project aimed to present a clearer picture to the community of the merits and strengths of the school. Previously, no singular signature logo or unified visual identity had been in place. (Old look at right)

Feedback was solicited from students, faculty, parents, parent groups (Boosters, ELAC, and parent coffees) and alumni organizations through focus groups, design presentations and over 1,300 surveys.

“Taking the time to get input from all stakeholders groups was a key part of the process,” said SVHS Principal, Kathleen Hawing. “It was essential the new dragon design express the identity and aspirations of the high school.”

More than 900 students completed the survey. “It’s exciting to know our feedback contributed to the design direction of our new dragon,” said Student Voice, Hannah Ford-Monroe (shown above with mascot Dean Dunham; Photo by Liam Handron).

The overall consensus was that the new SVHS mascot logo should convey four key virtues: Pride & Nobility; Strength (shown through confidence, not fangs and fire); Academics; and Tradition.

Designer Lori Winter with student members of the project committee, Jose Zamora-Saldana and Alison Gray.

The shield is a contemporary nod to an academic symbol used throughout SVHS’s 125-year history, expressing the dragon’s role as protector and guardian.Local designer and district parent Lori Winter of Explore Creative donated her design services to the project as did SVHS alum Megan Kaplan as project manager.

The new mascot logo will be appearing on faculty polo shirts, students Dragon Day t-shirts, flags, on all communications and the soon-completed gym floor.

— Val Robichaud