The Phoenix Legacy
The Phoenix is a bird that can be found in Egyptian, Greek,
Hindu and Chinese mythology. Legends have it that only one Phoenix can exist at
any time with a life span of 500 to 1461 years. As its end approaches, the Phoenix
fashions a nest of aromatic boughs and spices, sets it on fire, and is consumed
in the flames. From the pyre miraculously springs a new Phoenix. Therefore, the
Phoenix symbolizes immortality, resurrection and life after death. Its flight has
been said to represent the capacity to leave the world and its problems behind,
flying towards the sun in pure clear skies.
This mythical bird is the mascot of the Career Academy. The selection was based
on the emergence of the school from the former vocational programs in the city and
county of St. Louis. Just as the first Academy was created by the Career Education
District as a new entity for vocational training in St. Louis in 1996, a new Phoenix
has risen with the resumption of the Boards control over Career Academy. Now our
Phoenix springs forth from the ashes of the desegregation with the St. Louis City
Board of Education responsible for the new Career Academy Phoenix.