Board presented top picks for two new middle schools after community vote

Principal Randy Bennion and Principal Blair Powell presented the results of community surveys and committee voting on Aug. 7 for naming two new middle schools. The North End (Hyde Park area) committee recommended Canyon Ridge Middle School as the top name with 38.9% of the vote; its preferred mascot was the Fox (29.2%) and colors royal blue, gray and white (33.8%). For the Nibley school on the South End, the committee reported Hollow Creek as the top name with 40% of votes; mascot choices were close among hawks, coyotes and fireflies and the committee recommended blue and silver, leaning toward navy. Nut Graf: Principals described a multi-step process of public suggestion, randomized committee review, narrowing to top lists and a public vote; they emphasized community involvement and noted the committees’ desire not to duplicate high school color schemes where possible. Bennion said the North End committee considered potential name confusion after prior issues with Park Elementary vs. North Park Elementary but felt a middle-school/high-school pairing reduced that risk. Powell explained that Hollow Creek was chosen as a nod to local Hollow Road and the nearby Blacksmith Fork River even though there is not a flowing creek at the site. Board members asked clarifying questions about color specificity, possible similarities to Ridgeline High School, and whether Pantone hues should be specified; the principals said committees preferred flexibility on exact shades. A question from a board member raised past confusion about similar school names; Bennion said the committee discussed that issue and believed the age difference between middle and high school would limit confusion. Ending: The presentation provided recommendations only; the board did not take a final vote on names, mascots or colors at the Aug. 7 meeting and indicated it will decide later after reviewing the committee input and any facility/architectural color constraints.