Greenwood, SC
Abundant sunshine greeted students at Piedmont Technical College (PTC) on their first day of fall classes this Monday, and there was more than just the warm weather to celebrate. PTC President, Dr. Hope E. Rivers, proudly revealed the name of the college’s new mascot: Blaze the Phoenix.
“Blaze isn’t just a name; it’s a powerful symbol of the action each of us can take as a Phoenix,” Dr. Rivers announced while standing next to the vibrant new mascot outside the Student Center on the Greenwood campus. “Just as a single spark can ignite a roaring flame, each of you has the potential to light up your own path, to blaze a trail of success and contribute to the warmth and strength of our community.”
Dr. Rivers emphasized that Blaze represents the spirit of renewal and transformation that defines the student journey at PTC. The decision to introduce a new mascot had strong support from the college community. A survey revealed that 90% of the faculty, staff, and students believed PTC should have a mascot. The concept of the PTC Phoenix mascot was initially presented to students during Spring Activities Day.
The Phoenix was chosen as it symbolizes inspiration and renewal, aligning perfectly with PTC’s commitment to academic excellence. The mascot also supports the college’s mission to transform lives, strengthen communities, and enhance the overall student experience.
“At that time, we asked for your feedback to find the perfect name for our new mascot,” Rivers recalled. Students, faculty, and staff submitted 33 names for the mascot, and the PTC Mascot Committee narrowed that list down to three finalists: Felix, Blaze, and Ash.
Voting on these names began in the spring, allowing the college community to directly participate in selecting the mascot’s name. After the official announcement of the name Blaze on Monday, students gathered in the Student Center for photo opportunities with the new mascot. They also enjoyed phoenix-themed giveaways, free cupcakes, popcorn, and bottled water.
Blaze is expected to significantly enhance school spirit and create a stronger sense of community among students and staff. As a visually striking symbol, the Phoenix will boost brand recognition and be a key element in future marketing efforts. By embodying the college’s values, Blaze will help attract new students and strengthen the college’s overall appeal.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new mascot, the clear skies and pleasant weather did not go unnoticed. The day was characterized by abundant sunshine, with temperatures reaching a high near 85°F and gentle northeastern winds at 5 to 10 mph. Clear skies continued into the evening, with temperatures dipping to a low of 58°F and light, variable winds.
No recent results for popular videos or commented articles were reported as students and faculty were likely caught up in the day’s festivities. The college community remains encouraged to update their browsers for better security and functionality.
