History of the Barnstormer

December 9, 2022

Barnstormers,

Today, as our school community prepares to celebrate Homecoming weekend, it seems fitting to reflect on the history of our mascot.

Legend has it that Louise Thaden discovered her passion for flight in 1919 (at age 14) when she took a ride in a biplane with a traveling stunt pilot known in those days as a barnstormer. There was much to admire in the pioneering spirit of barnstormers.  While thrilling audiences on the ground, they demonstrated the sturdiness and agility of the planes and gave important visibility to the capabilities of aviation technology, fueling the growth of the industry and inspiring future aviators like our Louise.

The barnstorming community was also remarkably diverse. Perhaps the barnstormer who took Louise on her first flight was Katherine Stinson – the “Flying Schoolgirl” out of Pine Bluff who is reported to be the first woman to complete a loop-the-loop. Or perhaps it was Bessie Coleman, who became the first African American and Native American woman to hold a pilot’s license. With principle and dignity, “Queen Bess” not only dazzled audiences with her aerial acrobatics but also refused to participate in events that prohibited the attendance of African Americans. 

The word “barnstormers” is also rich with metaphorical life. “Barn” speaks to our agrarian history and identity, and ‘Stormers rumbles with the meteorological excitement of Northwest Arkansas. This combination of the terrestrial and the celestial also resonates with our mission as a school that gives students “roots and wings” – strong connections to home and soaring aspirations.  

And what better personification of the Barnstormer spirit than our Barn Owl Ace. Owls are associated with wisdom and intelligence (the symbol of Athena), mysterious beauty, and quiet strength (these silent, nocturnal hunters have an uncanny sense of hearing). With its round face and great wingspan, the profile of a barn owl in flight also bears a cunning resemblance to our logo.

I truly wish I could be there to help our school release the screech on Homecoming weekend, but family duties are calling me back to my hometown, Kansas City. I will be there with you in spirit. 

Go ‘Stormers!

Clayton K. Marsh

Founding Head of School