Leaders at Helias Catholic High School have rebranded the school's identity with two new logos and a new crest.
Ben Balk, the teacher who designed all three graphics, said the changes were needed to send a consistent message. He also noted that the simplified images will be easier to render on different media - letterhead, shirt embroidery, school supplies, etc.
"I think we were at a time when we had so many different versions that we really wanted to identify Christ as the center of all we do," he said.
The school's main logo - a golden shield - now has a small gold cross tucked in between a blue "H" and "C." Called the "Shield of Faith," the image is intended to remind viewers that "God is our protector," Balk said.
The school also has adopted a new image for a crusader on a white horse. Although the knight's stance hasn't changed, the new version is a cleaner, simplified line drawing and the figure is holding a shield instead of reins.
The school has used the image of a knight riding a white steed for decades. However, the "Shield of Faith" was born as an icon in 2010 when Helias included "Catholic" as part of the school's official name.
Finally, the school's crest has been simplified.
Balk explained he suggested changes to the school's crest after quizzing people about its meaning. The old crest was full of symbolic line drawings - a palm frond, a modified fleur-de-lis, a five-pointed star - but not everyone knew what they meant and the detail was difficult to print.
"There were some icons that weren't identifiable," Balk said.
The new crest has three main images: a book to represent the Bible and academic achievement; a hand holding a heart to symbolize love and a giving heart; and a cross to serve as a reminder of Christ's inspirational message. The new crest also drops the words "religion, morals, culture."
"The time has come for the historic traditions to be honored and revitalized," Balk said.
Helias also is working on the development of two mascot uniforms that will be consistent with the crusader on the horse and the Shield of Faith.
While redesigning the icons, Helias standardized the gold color. The school's navy blue will remain the same; however, the old gold is now Vegas gold. It's lighter and will be used as a secondary color to the navy blue.
If people want to buy clothing or other supplies with the school's logo, Balk said the school has a list of approved vendors. For more information about the changes, contact Balk at 635-6139.