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
Published in 2024
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.
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.
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.
Note
Amanda Tolle Wolfe, personal communication, January 23, 2024.
Reference
"Amanda Wolfe Creates New Mascot." USDB Friday Newsletter, September 2, 2022.