Cumberland County Schools
a baby panther for a new beginning
Cumberland County Schools is one of AC’s longest-standing partners. Over the years, we’ve helped them rebrand district-wide, establish their foundation, and create custom assets to keep their story consistent. When the district began construction on a brand new elementary school, they knew the mascot would play a big role in helping students, families, and the community feel connected. That’s when they called us.
the challenge
The district faced three key challenges: honoring tradition, engaging young students, and strengthening brand consistency across all schools.
honoring a legacy
the old elementary school had been part of the community for decades. Families wanted to celebrate that history even as they moved into a brand new building.
creating a mascot for young learners
the district’s existing panther mascot felt too grown-up for elementary students. The architects’ first attempts at a redesign didn’t connect, leaving the district searching for a better fit.
maintaining brand consistency
with a district-wide rebrand already in place, the new mascot needed to align seamlessly with existing branding while also giving the elementary school its own identity.
the alchemy collaborative approach
listening first
our team started with the district’s feedback on the architects’ drafts, listening closely to what felt “off” and what values they wanted the mascot to carry.
keeping the panther roots
instead of starting from scratch, we built on the existing panther mascot, ensuring continuity across the district’s schools.
designing for kids
we created a “baby panther” version that was friendlier and more playful—designed specifically to resonate with elementary-aged students.
aligning with the brand
every detail of the mascot design was checked against the district’s established style guide to make sure it felt consistent and professional.
the result
The new baby panther mascot became an instant hit with students, staff, and the community. It honors the district’s history while giving the elementary school its own distinct identity. The mascot now appears across school signage, spirit wear, and promotional materials, helping to build excitement as the new building opens.
The new baby panther mascot became an instant hit with students, staff, and the community. It honors the district’s history while giving the elementary school its own distinct identity. The mascot now appears across school signage, spirit wear, and promotional materials, helping to build excitement as the new building opens.
"When we saw the baby panther, we knew it was exactly what our students needed. It’s fun, it’s friendly, and it still connects us to the panther pride that runs through our whole district." – Cumberland County Schools
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