New Logo Reflecting Mascot Change On Display At SEHS

KLCC | By Brian Bull

Published August 1, 2018 at 11:52 AM PDT

The new mascot for South Eugene High School is now prominently part of the campus’ renovation.

Work crews installed the new school logo Monday, on the building’s main face. It replaces the “Axemen” with simply “Axe”.

The move follows months of debate and community input that started last year.

Critics of the near-century-old “Axemen” mascot said it was gender-exclusive. Backers disagreed, adding it was an important tradition for students and alumni.

In February, South Eugene’s principal recommended the change. The 4-J superintendent approved it.

A 4-J spokeswoman says most school athletic uniforms have since been updated with the “Axe” moniker.

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Brian Bull

Brian Bull is a part-time reporter for the KLCC News department, and first began working with the station in 2016. He's been a senior reporter with the Native American media organization Buffalo's Fire, and a journalism professor at the University of Oregon.

In his 30 years working as a public media journalist, Bull has worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (25 regional), the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from the Indigenous Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.

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