Sixty years ago, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, the Beatles ruled the airwaves and “The Sound of Music” hit theaters, East Midvale Elementary opened its doors to students for the first time.

This year, Principal Amy Sandgren kicked off the new school year with a special celebration, honoring that milestone. The event featured not only hot dogs and inflatable fun for attendees, but also the unveiling of a new school marquee and updated logos for the Eagles. Students joined in the festivities, receiving commemorative stickers, pencils and temporary tattoos.

“Throughout the evening, we connected, partied and celebrated generations of East Midvale Eagles because once an Eagle, always an Eagle,” Sandgren said.

Sandgren reflected on the school’s history and the many families who began their educational journey there. About a third of the people at the event were former students of East Midvale Elementary.

One attendee was Jeff Olsen, Canyons School District’s graphic designer, who was behind the creation of the school’s refreshed logos. He also designed a special version to commemorate the 60th anniversary.

Over the summer, Olsen collaborated with the school’s PTA, School Community Council, Community Schools facilitator, principal and school board member. Within one month, he finalized two new logos—one of a side profile of the eagle and another showing the mascot soaring above the mountain range.

The new graphics, which have been installed on the front windows of the school, mark a fresh chapter for East Midvale under its new principal while honoring its storied past, he said.

“The old logo needed a new look and a new feel. It's good to do this to coincide with the beginning of the year and with the beginning of a new principal, because it's a good way to introduce her to the community,” he said. “Plus now, the logos have the same unifying colors and fonts and can easily be made into a badge or patch or stickers. The logo with the eagle flying over the mountains ties back to the canyons in the mountains and to the name of our district. It’s cohesive; they work well together.”

The community cheers in celebration of the new East Midvale Elementary marquee sporting the new logo for the school’s 60th birthday bash. (Photo courtesy of East Midvale Elementary)