Officials approved a mascot and school colors for Liberty High School at an Iowa City School Board meeting Tuesday.

Students, parents, and officials decided on a lightning bolt to represent the new high school.

The colors, decided by the committee, will be purple, silver, and black, to continue the colors at North Central Junior High.

Last month, staff and community members of the district were encouraged to submit their suggestions for the future of the school.

Committee members, district students, parents, staff, and community members, discussed suggestions for the new schools mascot and colors.

The committee went through a process of elimination for about an hour to agree on a conclusion.

“We all had the same idea of what we want in a mascot,” said Ethan Seylar, a freshman at West High. “It’s unique, and students can rally behind and have pride for their school. We think this was a very good choice.”

Community member Deb Jesina said the committee worked hard to collaborate on thoughts and opinions on the decision.

“It wasn’t a parent choice, it was deliberated a lot,” she said. “Liberty Lightning just sounds right.”

— by  Grace Pateras