Amanda Tolle Wolfe, a Deaf Designer
of the Phoenix Mascot of the
​​Elizabeth School of the Deaf

Written by Jodi Becker Kinner

​Published in 2024 
Author's Note 
I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Amanda Toole Wolfe for designing the beautiful Phoenix mascot for the Elizabeth DeLong School for the Deaf. As my two adult Deaf children, Joshua and Danielle, had moved on from the Utah School for the Deaf system, I was unaware of this creation. Seeing Amanda's Phoenix mascot post on Facebook in 2024 was a pleasant surprise, two years after its creation in 2022. I contacted Amanda to learn more about the design process and the rationale behind the Phoenix mascot's selection. She graciously shared this information, which is a valuable addition to the history website. Amanda, your contribution is truly significant, and I'm grateful for your work. Please take a moment to view the pictures below. 

Thank you, Amanda, as well as Michelle Tanner, Association Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, for making it happen.

Jodi Becker Kinner 
The Creation of the Phoenix Mascot for the
​Elizabeth DeLong School for the Deaf
In August 2022, Michelle Tanner, associate superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, asked Amanda Tolle Wolfe, a Deaf employee from Washington State, to design a mascot for the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf (EDS), located on the USDB campus in Springville, Utah. Amanda, who enjoyed designing logos as a hobby, created the Phoenix mascot for EDS, which the school ultimately chose.
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The Phoenix Mascot of the ​Elizabeth School of the Deaf Designed by Amanda Tolle Wolfe
According to Greek mythology, the Phoenix symbolizes immortality and rebirth. It rises from the ashes of its predecessor to give it new life. Amanda consulted with Michelle Tanner regarding the mascot style that would work best for EDS. Afterward, she had two weeks to create the character. The picture above shows the design that she came up with.
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Amanda Wolfe Unveiled New Phoenix Mascot for the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf. USDB Friday Newsletter, September 2, 2022
The Ceremony Marks the Unveiling of the Phoenix Mascot for the Elizabeth DeLong School for the Deaf
In September 2022, the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf introduced its new Phoenix mascot, which the staff and students received with great enthusiasm. The mascot is affectionately nicknamed Phoebe. Two months later, in November, Amanda was invited to the EDS campus to present herself as the mascot designer, as seen in the photo above. Elizabeth DeLong, a renowned Deaf female leader of the Utah Deaf community and the inspiration behind the school's name, would undoubtedly be pleased with the new mascot. The EDS is grateful to Amanda for designing the mascot, which they are proud to call theirs.
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Elizabeth DeLong. FamilySearch.org
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The students and staff at the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf are viewing their new Phoenix mascot. USDB Friday Newsletter, September 2, 2022
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The Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf students and staff. USDB Friday Newsletter, September 2, 2022
Note 
Amanda Tolle Wolfe, personal communication, January 23, 2024. 
Reference 
 "Amanda Wolfe Creates New Mascot." USDB Friday Newsletter, September 2, 2022.