From 200 brainstormed ideas to one high-voltage brand, see how our students spent a semester igniting a bold, student-led new identity for our gifted program: SPARK.

SPARK in progress: SPARK students meet with Infantree's Ryan Martin in November, pose with Mr. Nolt outside their classroom, and created a brochure and merch.

When L-S teacher Jeff Nolt left his fifth-grade classroom for a new role as the Martin Meylin Gifted Support Teacher in August 2025, he immediately noticed a branding problem. Was the program called “Challenge,” “Gifted,” or simply “Mr. Nolt’s class”? No one seemed to know. 

Inspired by a graduate course on creativity at Millersville University, which included a presentation from a local design studio, Infantree, Mr. Nolt decided there was no better time for a rebrand than the present. He invited students to join him on a semester-long journey to define not just what students do in the gifted program, but why it exists.

This wasn’t just a naming contest; it was a professional-level rebranding effort. Students analyzed global brands, conducted stakeholder surveys to gather perceptions from parents and teachers, and even studied other districts’ programs.

Throughout the rebranding process, the classroom featured a collaborative mood board where students could contribute colors, images, and words that captured the program’s spirit. After brainstorming nearly 200 names, the 8th-grade focus group narrowed the list to 30 favorites. After feedback and a final rank-choice vote, a winner emerged - SPARK.

Mr. Nolt’s vision came full circle with a visit from Infantree founding partner Ryan Martin. As an L-S grad and Martin Meylin gifted program veteran, he shared his professional expertise on brand development, helping students understand that a brand should communicate values and ideals. This collaboration helped students move past old stereotypes - like the idea that gifted programs are only for “nerdy” students - and toward a brand that feels fresh and inclusive.

After months of work, the Martin Meylin Middle School gifted program was proud to introduce SPARK to the school community. It is represented by a modern sparkplug logo and a tagline that defines the core pillars of creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. While “Challenge” serves elementary students well, SPARK represents the energy and innovation of the middle school experience. It’s more than a name; it’s a commitment to igniting the potential within every student.

Welcome to the era of SPARK!