Amanda Tolle Wolfe, a Deaf Designer
of the Phoenix Mascot of the
Elizabeth School of the Deaf
Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2025
Published in 2025
Author's Note
I would like to thank Amanda Toole Wolfe for designing the wonderful Phoenix mascot for the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf. As a proud parent of two adult Deaf children, Joshua and Danielle, who have since graduated from the Utah School for the Deaf, I only learned about this beautiful creation when I stumbled upon Amanda's post on Facebook in 2024. Seeing the Phoenix mascot was a delightful surprise, especially since it was created in 2022!
I contacted Amanda to learn more about the design process and the inspiration behind her choice of the Phoenix. She kindly shared all that information with me. The mascot is a fantastic addition to the school's history website, and I can't thank you enough, Amanda! Your work truly makes a difference.
I also want to give a big shout-out to Dr. Michelle Tanner, the Association Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, for helping to bring this project to life. Please take a moment to check out the pictures below — they are fantastic! Thank you, Amanda and Michelle!
Jodi Christel Becker
I contacted Amanda to learn more about the design process and the inspiration behind her choice of the Phoenix. She kindly shared all that information with me. The mascot is a fantastic addition to the school's history website, and I can't thank you enough, Amanda! Your work truly makes a difference.
I also want to give a big shout-out to Dr. Michelle Tanner, the Association Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, for helping to bring this project to life. Please take a moment to check out the pictures below — they are fantastic! Thank you, Amanda and Michelle!
Jodi Christel Becker
The Creation of the Phoenix Mascot for the
Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf
Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf
In August 2022, Dr. Michelle Tanner, the Associate Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, approached Amanda Tolle Wolfe, a talented Deaf designer from Washington State and an employee of the school, for a special project. The task was to create a mascot for the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf (EDS) on the USDB campus in Springville, Utah. Amanda, known for her passion for designing logos, enthusiastically accepted the challenge. Her dedication and creativity were evident in the vibrant Phoenix mascot she crafted for EDS, a design the school quickly adopted and celebrated.
The Phoenix Mascot of the
Elizabeth School of the Deaf Designed by Amanda Tolle Wolfe
In Greek mythology, the Phoenix symbolizes immortality and rebirth, rising from the ashes of its predecessor to start anew. Amanda carefully considered this powerful symbolism when designing the Phoenix for EDS. Her design now serves as a symbol that inspires and connects the EDS community.
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 of the Deaf
Following Amanda's presentation, the Elizabeth DeLong School community actively participated in the mascot selection process. Staff and students were given the chance to vote for their preferred design, and the Phoenix emerged as the clear winner. This collaborative decision-making process not only validated Amanda's design but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride within the EDS community.
In September 2022, the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf introduced its new mascot. The staff and students, filled with enthusiasm, welcomed this exciting addition to their school community. The mascot, affectionately nicknamed Phoebe, quickly became a symbol of unity and pride. Two months later, Amanda was invited to the EDS campus in November to be recognized as the mascot designer, as shown in the photo above. Elizabeth DeLong, a renowned Deaf female leader in the Utah Deaf community and the inspiration for the school's name, would surely be pleased with the new mascot. The EDS community is grateful to Amanda for creating a mascot they are proud to call their own.
In September 2022, the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf introduced its new mascot. The staff and students, filled with enthusiasm, welcomed this exciting addition to their school community. The mascot, affectionately nicknamed Phoebe, quickly became a symbol of unity and pride. Two months later, Amanda was invited to the EDS campus in November to be recognized as the mascot designer, as shown in the photo above. Elizabeth DeLong, a renowned Deaf female leader in the Utah Deaf community and the inspiration for the school's name, would surely be pleased with the new mascot. The EDS community is grateful to Amanda for creating a mascot they are proud to call their own.
Elizabeth DeLong. FamilySearch.org
The students and staff at the Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf are viewing their new Phoenix mascot. USDB Friday Newsletter, September 2, 2022
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.
