It is my pleasure to introduce you to Blaze, Forsyth Technical Community College’s new mascot! Blaze, a two-toned gray fox that is native to North Carolina, will lead the Forsyth Tech Trailblazers as they forge new paths forward in our community. Blaze will represent Forsyth Tech’s 9 campuses and diverse student body of 21,000, and met the community at the Welcome Back Bash on Forsyth Tech’s main campus on August 19. 

The Welcome Back Bash brought students, faculty, staff and community members together as Forsyth Tech greeted Blaze. Also in attendance were well-known and loved Winston-Salem celebrities, including the Wake Forest Demon Deacon, the Winston-Salem State Ram, Winston from the Carolina Thunderbirds, Bolt from the Winston-Salem Dash and the Carolina Disco Turkey. Blaze enjoyed a warm Winston-Salem welcome, with food, t-shirts, games and prizes. Students were able to meet faculty and staff, take a photo with Blaze and pick up new Trailblazer t-shirts. 

The decision to adopt a new mascot was a unanimous one. Forsyth Tech leadership conducted focus groups among students, faculty and staff to determine who would best represent the 61-year-old institution. Ultimately, Blaze, with her infectious can-do attitude, won everyone over. 

Devin Purgason, Director of College Relations, Marketing and Communication says, “Forsyth Technical Community College is a catalyst for equitable economic mobility, empowering lives and transforming communities. That is our vision, and we believe that we are truly blazing a trail for our community by focusing on student success and economic equity. A trailblazer has to be fierce, fast and fearless, which is exactly what we are at Forsyth Tech. Blaze the Gray Fox represents that idea perfectly for us!”