Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
Over the past several months, something truly special has been unfolding in Barnwell County School District. As we prepare to open a new, unified high school and career center to serve students from across our county, we knew we needed more than just a building. We needed an identity. A symbol. A mascot that would reflect the strength, pride, and spirit of Barnwell County—and one that would unite us all under a shared vision for the future.
That journey began with a process led by our Chief Officer of Operations, Mike Beasley, who facilitated meetings with two vital groups: a student mascot committee that also consisted of school leaders and a community mascot committee. Both groups were deeply engaged, and both brought thoughtful ideas and genuine passion to the table. Mr. Beasley also incorporated feedback from districtwide student and community surveys into the meetings, ensuring that a wide range of voices helped guide the way.
This process was initiated after the district’s former transition board determined that a mascot committee should be formed to help create a meaningful identity for the new high school. When the newly elected Board of Trustees came into office, they chose to expand this effort beyond just a community-based group. They called for a student committee to be formed with student representatives from each middle and high school in the county. It was also decided that school leaders would join the students to help facilitate the conversation and support the decision-making process.
Each meeting revealed a growing sense of pride and purpose. What stood out most was the way the adults in the community group embraced the voices of our students. They shared their input generously, then stepped back and supported the students, recognizing that they would be the ones living this new school experience. They believed the students’ voices mattered—and they
were right.
The student committee, made up of two students from every middle and high school in the district, worked side by side with high school administrators in a series of collaborative sessions. These students blew us away. They came prepared, passionate, and ready to engage in deep, meaningful dialogue. They weren’t just excited about choosing a mascot—they were invested in what that mascot would represent for generations to come.
They discussed values like strength, unity, and community heritage. They wanted something that would honor our county’s agricultural roots and something that reflected the resilience and fierce competitive spirit they saw in themselves and their peers. They also considered mascots from schools across the state and region, wanting to ensure that Barnwell County High School would have an identity that was unique—not like any mascot our current schools compete against. They debated, evolved, and ultimately came to a unanimous decision: Barnwell County Bulls.
To these students, the bull is a powerful symbol of who we are—strong, grounded, and unafraid to charge ahead.
Mr. Beasley presented the top mascot choices and color recommendations—navy and Vegas gold—at the May board work session when the board was updated on district initiatives. Since then, he has partnered with Varsity Brands to begin the process of developing a full branding package to bring the Bulls to life.
On June 24, 2025, the Barnwell County School District Board of Trustees officially voted to adopt the Bulls as the mascot for the new high school, along with the chosen colors of navy and Vegas gold. These will proudly represent Barnwell County High School, which is set to open its doors in 2028.
And now, with tremendous pride, the mascot committees of Barnwell County School District bring forward their unified recommendation for the new high school and career center. This decision wasn’t made in a boardroom—it was made by students who dreamed big, listened well, and reminded us what public education is all about: giving young people a voice, a purpose, and a place to belong.
We are so grateful for the students, the school leaders, and the community members who gave their time to be a part of this process, as well as all of the individual staff, community members, and students who completed surveys and shared their input.
As our Board Chair Becky Huggins shared at the conclusion of the June 24th meeting:
“I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the motion that passed to finalize the mascot and school colors for the new Barnwell County High School. This decision was made with unity, care, and compassion — especially from our students across each of our schools and with valuable input from our community.
No one took this decision lightly. In fact, I’ll be honest — out of everything we’ve had to discuss related to the new high school, this was the one vote I personally didn’t look forward to. But what’s unfolded has been truly inspiring. Just like with every major step we’ve taken together, we’ve approached this one with respect and collaboration, and we’ve come through it even more united.
As a Board, we are honored to be part of this process and all that it represents for our students, families, and future. The opportunities this new school will bring to our youth are exciting and full of promise.
We look forward to finalizing our new brand and embracing the energy of our Bull mascot. We’re excited for this new chapter — one that reflects strength, pride, and unity. We are charging toward greatness. Go Bulls!”
We also acknowledge that change is not easy—especially when it comes to a new mascot. These symbols carry deep tradition, pride, and personal connection, and honoring that legacy has been an important part of this process. While we move forward with a new identity, we do so with
great respect for the past and with excitement for the future that lies ahead.
The Barnwell County Bulls will not just be a logo on a jersey. They will be a symbol of who we are—strong, determined, united—and who we are becoming, together.
