The Seal

Tazewell High School
Tazewell, Virginia

During the 1944-45 year, the school held a contest for the designing of an emblem, or seal, to represent Tazewell High School. One of the top-ranking members of the senior class, Mary Jane Floyd, submitted the winning design.

When the school's first yearbook was published in the spring of 1945, the new school seal appeared on its title page. The seal has remained unchanged since its creation, and appears in almost every publication of Tazewell High, as well as on the letterhead of official school correspondence. A painting of the seal hangs prominently in the front foyer. At each year's spring Awards Assembly, the final event is the transferring of the school seal from officers of the graduating class to officers of the junior class. The presentation is effectively dramatized by the use of hand-held objects which replicate the items found in the seal.

The symbolism of the seal is multi-faceted with each element having significance. In the middle of the seal is a large mountain, symbolizing The Peak. This prominent Tazewell zenith represents power, strength, and beauty, which rises above the commonplace. Four stars represent a student's four years at T.H.S. as well as the four elements of student life: scholarship, athletics, citizenship, and activities. A candle standing for the light of wisdom stands upon a book which signifies learning and knowledge. Surrounding the seal is a laurel wreath, an ancient symbol of honor. Within the seal is the motto: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills," taken from Psalm 121, and drawing our attention once again to the beauty and inspiration of Tazewell's mountain surroundings.

The school seal is unique to Tazewell High School, and has been maintained and honored through the years with its symbolism appropriate to guide THS and its students into a meaningful tomorrow.
 

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