Introducing Lawson Lightning — Metro Schools’ newest mascot

Bellevue’s James Lawson High School is set to open next school year 📚

Rendering of a high school

Fall 2022 progress photos. | Photo via MNPS

MNPS announced the mascot, school colors, and alma mater for Bellevue’s James Lawson High Schoolalso known as Lawson High School — scheduled to open in time for the 2023-2024 school year. Say hello to the Lawson Lightning. 👋

With help from pro athletes Mark Borowiecki, Corey Levin, and Walker Zimmerman, officials also unveiled the school colors: midnight navy blue, Columbia sky blue, and sunny yellow. Watch the full announcement here. Here are some fast facts about the school:

  • The campus, which will replace Hillwood High School, spans 273 acres off of I-40 in Bellevue.
  • The district voted last year to name the school after civil rights leader and Vanderbilt alum Rev. James Lawson.
  • The $150 million project broke ground in May 2021.

Take a virtual tour of the campus to see what’s in store + peep these new progress photos.

More from NASHtoday
We’re asking our readers to submit their top questions about Nashville. We’ll do our best to answer them in 2026.
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Whether you’re looking forward to Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, here are some ways you can celebrate around town this year.
It may not change for you, but if it does, expect a new pickup day starting in early February.
Billy Strings? Check. Rascal Flatts? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
From plows to color-coded routes, Nashville has outlined how it will handle whatever winter brings.
A grassroots effort is helping Middle Tennessee properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out and so is our annual roundup of your year in local news.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Eastpoint is the new name for the mixed-use district planned on Metro-owned land along the East Bank.