Move over all you cats and birds! We have an electrifying new mascot

Move over all you cats and birds! We have an electrifying new mascot

Blog Landing chevron_right Move over all you cats and birds! We have an electrifying new mascot chevron_right

Just in time for our annual Water Buffalo Day, and as we approach our 70th anniversary next fall, Bolt (aka: “Walter the Water Buffalo”) is back! Bolt is an inspirational mascot who we’ve been working on for many months.

The story of “Bolt” is rooted in LCS legend from 2017 when our campuses were visited after he escaped the first time from the farm property beside us. Ever since he was struck by lightning, he sometimes gets free again and comes to visit us.

LORI CARPENTER – LCS ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

After escaping and rampaging through every campus, farmer Brad came and gathered the water buffalo up and returned him home. Ever since that day, LCS students celebrate Water Buffalo Day in January by wearing buffalo plaid. Farmer Brad from Tesfa Farms brings some baby water buffaloes every year in homage to that special day.

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING, BOLT IS BACK!

Some days ago, struck by lightning, he’s escaped again and is back to support our school with his superpowers—to connect, help students thrive, and encourage them in their gifts and bold faith! We want to thank LCS alumni Riley Bugg (2017) for creating an inspirational video capturing Bolt’s origin story.

Why Mascots Matter?

Research on school mascots highlights their powerful role in fostering school spirit, unity, and identity. A well-designed mascot creates a sense of belonging, strengthens school culture, and provides students with a shared symbol. Studies have shown that mascots can increase student engagement, boost morale, and contribute to a positive and cohesive school environment. Bolt embodies these qualities—offering encouragement, excitement, and a tangible connection to LCS values and history. The name “Bolt” was given because he bolted from a farm, he’s powered by a lightning bolt, and he shines God’s light where ever he goes!

Why Settle for a Bird or a Cat?

Eagles, ravens, falcons, bobcats, cougars, hawks, gators and kodiak bears… we get it, there’s a lot of schools that like things with claws that crawl around and stay out of the fray! Ever bold, LCS went in a different direction—a water buffalo struck by lightning with superpowers. Now that’s a mascot with some personality!

Bolt isn’t just about looking tough—he’s about resilience, strength, and standing boldly in faith. Plus, let’s see some falcon or an eagle make good chocolate milk or mozzarella cheese for pizza!

Adam Woelders – Head of School

You will eventually see more of Bolt … each time he is freed from the farm he lives on … around the school, as an ambassador and cheerleader at school events, comforting our elementary students, visiting LCS, and sharing all the amazing things our families and faculty are doing for the God-inspired, big vision of LCS!

Each time our students Free the Bolt, we’re unleashing the Lightning! #FREETHEBOLT