Pelicans and Marlins selected as mascots for new J.H. Lea Schools

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — Pender County Schools approved two mascots at Monday’s special meeting for the J.H. Lea Elementary and J.H. Lea Middle Schools after a public vote.

The Pelicans will represent the elementary school, and the Marlins will be the official mascot for the middle school.

Students from South Topsail Elementary, Topsail Annadale Elementary, and Topsail Middle School submitted ideas for potential mascots in October to start the selection process.

For the elementary school, the top three finalists were Jellyfish, Pelicans, and Seahorses and for the middle school they were Marlins, Barracuda, and Whale Sharks.

After final voting closed, Pelicans received 39.7% of the elementary vote and Marlins received 43.1% for the middle school.

“These selections weren’t made in isolation, our students and families truly shaped them. The Pelicans and Marlins reflect the creativity and enthusiasm we’ve seen throughout this project, and they’ll help set the tone as we prepare to open the doors of the J.H. Lea schools,” Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove said.

The school district plans to move forward with developing logos, branding materials, and spirit items.