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The SKDPrep seal is the result of a student logo design contest, launched at the announcement of the new school on April 22, 2013. Because our students were impacted by the decision to close the school, we felt that they should have a role in the shape and design of the new school which is best reflected in the final Crest. After receiving many submissions by the students, the 5116 Magazine St. Board found that two seals best represented the character, vision, and goal of Drexel Prep.
As such the final crest is the result of two images blended together to form one unified seal. The crest adopted by the governing board was designed by two Drexel Prep students- Maya Evans, c/o 2013 and Taylor Williams, c/o 2015.
Maya’s contribution to the seal consists of the inside crest. Maya came up with the design after she conducted research about St. Katherine Drexel’s Family history. In her research, she noticed that most of the Drexel Family’s crest was shaped as represented in the previous school logo. The Drexel crest consisted of four sections.
Consistent with the general design, Maya, placed a tree in the first quadrant, upper left, which represents the "Tree of Life."
In the second quadrant, upper right, she placed a feather pen to symbolize one of the first writing tools.
In the third quadrant, bottom left, she placed an open book which represents the dedication St. Katharine Drexel had for teaching.
Finally, the fourth quadrant, bottom right, she placed the infinity symbol which represents St. Katharine Drexel’s legacy continuing forever.
In her submission, Maya noted that it was a stressful time for many students, parents, teachers, and faculty at Xavier Prep when we heard the school would close. She stated, “I believe many of us prayed for God to save our school. I prayed that whatever He did, it would be what was best for us. If He chose to let us have a new name, then that is what is best for us.”
Finally, she notes that she decided to write our motto as the Latin phrase, Nobiscum Deus, which means “God with us.”I believe God was, and is, and will be with us, Maya writes.
Taylor Williams, a freshman at the time, designed the outer rim of the seal. In it, Taylor saw fit to add the Fleur-de-lis, representing our New Orleans Culture influence. In honor of, the school's historical prominence, she added the tagline, “Continuing the Drexel Dream” since the original school was created some 98 years ago and Drexel Dream continues at the site pursuing and achieving the original dream of St. Katharine Drexel.
Because of their creative and hard work both Maya and Taylor received an IPAD as their award along with a certificate from the school for their contribution to the continue the legacy of St. Katharine Drexel. They also both receive the continued recognition of having designed the new logo which will be proudly worn by all of the young women who cross through the doors of the "PREP."
Those participants whose designs were not selected received a thank you letter from 5116 Magazine Street Corporation and an iTunes Card.