Our J.H. Lea schools have their mascots!
After several weeks of public input and student creativity, Pelicans have been selected for J.H. Lea Elementary, and Marlins will represent J.H. Lea Middle School. The Pender County Board of Education approved both mascots during a special meeting on December 1, 2025.
The process began in October, when students from the three feeder schools, South Topsail Elementary, Topsail Annandale Elementary, and Topsail Middle School, submitted ideas for potential mascots. Each school narrowed its list to five favorites, giving the community a ballot of 15 unique options, all created by the students who will eventually fill the halls of the new schools.
From that first round of voting, the top three mascots for each school moved forward.
Elementary finalists: Jellyfish, Pelicans, and Seahorses
Middle school finalists: Marlins, Barracuda, and Whale Sharks
In the final round, which closed on November 26, voters chose Pelicans with 39.7% of the elementary vote and Marlins with 43.1% at the middle school level.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Breedlove said the participation from families and students played a defining role.
“This process was a great example of how our community shows up. Students helped create the options, families weighed in, and together they shaped something special for these new schools. The Pelicans and Marlins will carry that sense of pride forward.”
With mascots now confirmed, the district will begin developing school branding and spirit materials as planning continues for the opening of the J.H. Lea campuses in 2027.