From the moment the public-private partnership was struck to make a new high school in Lorton a reality, the name "South County" has been attached. Now, the name can really stick.
Fairfax County School Board members voted at their March 10 meeting to affix the name "South County Secondary School" to the school, which will open with grades 7-11 in September.
"It clearly was preferred. I was looking for a name that was the overwhelming choice that represented our people, our community and our culture," said School Board member Daniel Storck (Mount Vernon), who cast a pivotal vote at the meeting, since his district contains the school itself and most of the students who will populate it.
The name, which was the majority choice of the community at a naming meeting in February, beat out "Lewis and Clark," which was supported by several of the board members as being slightly more imaginative than South County.
"We need a name that reflects the desires of the community, but inspires us as well," said Stu Gibson (Hunter Mill), who voted for "Lewis and Clark."
With the name decided, and less than six months to go until the doors open, school administration is focusing on the next milestone — choosing a mascot and color scheme for the school's athletic teams. Principal Dale Rumberger and director of student activities Robert McKeag will make the decision, then begin ordering uniforms for all sports teams.
"I think anytime we make a definition like that, whether it's the name, mascot, colors, that adds just a little more dimension to what we see as the direction of the school," said Rumberger. He added that the administration is currently interviewing teaching candidates, but hopes to have a decision made on the mascot by the end of the week. A survey was posted on the South County school Web site from Friday, March 11 through Monday, March 14, for members of the community to vote on their choices for mascot and color scheme. Among the possibilities for mascot were "timberwolves" and "lions." From the survey results, Rumberger and McKeag will make their choice.
"I'm appreciative of the time I think community members have taken to be involved in the process, and there are an awful lot of people who have been involved, which is a really good sign," said Rumberger. The main criteria in determining a mascot is that it not belong to another school in the county, and that the color scheme be distinct.
"I will carefully look to see where the community is giving us feedback. There were people who were interested in the development of the south county who have kept track," said Rumberger, who promised, "We won't be the bulldogs and we won't be black and gold."
Members of the South County Secondary athletic and arts boosters both conducted meetings on Tuesday, March 8, as the school moves closer to opening day.
Those who supported the name South County felt it represented the diverse communities who will feed the school.
"The name has become comfortable," said Storck. "It's not to say it's an elegant name. It's not to say it's the fanciest name. But it's a name people feel represents their community."