Abingdon-Avon School District #276 unveiled its new mascot, Tommy Tornado, to boost student engagement and school spirit.
The mascot, inspired by the district’s ATOWN Tornado logo, will appear at school events, athletic competitions, and community activities at both the middle and high schools.
The initiative comes from the Full-Service Community School program in collaboration with the Regional Office of Education #33.
In early 2025, the ROE’s Full-Service Community School team conducted an asset and needs assessment with students, families, and community members in the district.
Survey results highlighted the need to boost school spirit, create more inclusive extracurricular opportunities beyond athletics, and strengthen community connections with the schools.
The previous mascot costume had become outdated and lacked proper branding, making it unusable.
While the Full-Service Community School team and Abingdon-Avon administration led the planning, students were included in the rollout.
Students can now apply to serve as the mascot or act as a handler, and they have the opportunity to join the newly created Tommy Tornado Pep Club.
The pep club will build leadership skills while promoting school pride, unity, and positivity throughout the school and community.
Kathryn Jennings, regional superintendent of schools, praised the collaboration.
“School spirit is the heartbeat of small towns, bringing students, families, and neighbors together with a deep sense of pride and belonging,” Jennings said. “It strengthens the bond between the schools and the community by celebrating the traditions, accomplishments, and shared spirit that make that hometown truly special.”
She added that she is grateful for the work of the Full-Service Community School team and the partnership with Abingdon-Avon to make this possible as the district begins its next decade as a consolidated entity.
The mascot supports the Full-Service Community School goals by improving the school climate and providing inclusive opportunities for all students.