Artwork from Wichitan, East’s 1929 Yearbook
Wichita High School opened in 1923 and used “the Blue and the White” as its logo. How did the East mascot become the Blue Aces? The name was chosen to honor the courageous fighter pilots of World War I, who were often called the Aces. Supposedly, the newly renamed Wichita East started using the name in 1928, the year Wichita North opened and adopted the Indian as its mascot. The rivalry began, and East needed a definitive mascot, too. An image of a flying ace was designed as the new East mascot, and the pilot was named Blue Max. Although we have no actual evidence, the general consensus is that the excitement about the birth of the aircraft industry in Wichita prompted adoption of this mascot.
The evolution of “Blue Max” throughout the decades
The enthusiasm and visions of the future of the aircraft industry and for East students is highlighted in the 1929 Wichitan Yearbook with a variety of sketches and information about expanding air travel opportunities and the new corporations being established in the city, including Stearman, Beech, and Cessna. The flight theme used in the yearbook challenges the students to achieve.
“In the broad fields of student endeavor and the limitless space for achievement there have been flights spectacular and flights nondescript. In this aviation edition of the Wichitan we aim to record the details of the flight and to parallel student activities to an aeronautical adventure.”
“View with us the flight as it falls into three general divisions. As sophomores we made the take-off, a bit unsteadily to be sure. There were many things to master before the solo flight. As juniors we sailed along gaily in the air and as seniors we are landing. The flight is ended; the goal has been attained. ”
Symbols of Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors From the Wichitan
These images, pictures and references to flight from the 
Wichitan indicate the students’ inspiration from the nascent aircraft industry that “took off” in Wichita during the late 1920’s. Taking on “Blue Aces” as the school mascot immediately gave all the students an identity with the promise of the forthcoming success of the aircraft industry in Wichita.
“Where each day the students find returning, An open portal to the altitudes of learning.”
Editor’s Note: My thanks to Carol Weaverling Chambers, who has a copy of the 1929 Wichitan, and has been sharing its stories and images for these posts. – Diane Rusch Zinn
