Hancock Forward
For Students, For The Future. With no tax increase.
The leadership of Hancock County School District needed to communicate a complex bond issue to citizens in a way that felt forward-looking and student-focused rather than political.The campaign required a brand that would resonate with taxpayers, emphasizing the 'no tax increase' aspect while inspiring confidence in the district's vision for improved safety, academics, fine arts, athletics, and workforce development.
A District at a Crossroads
The need for a compelling campaign.
Hancock County School District faced a pivotal moment. With aging facilities and growing enrollment, district leadership knew improvements were essential. But bond issues often fail at the ballot box when they feel like political asks rather than community investments. The district needed a partner who could transform a complex financial proposal into a movement that citizens would rally behind.
Building the Brand
Rooted in heritage, built for the future.
We didn't start from scratch. We started from the heart of the district. The Hancock Hawks mascot, with its powerful outstretched wings, has represented this community for generations. We extracted the wing motif and evolved it into a forward-moving symbol that honors that heritage while pointing toward the future. The bold blue and red palette? That's Hawks pride, refined for a campaign that feels both familiar and fresh.
Five Pillars of Progress
Custom icons for every impact area.
Safety. Academics. Fine Arts. Athletics. Workforce Development. These five pillars form the heart of Hancock Forward. We designed a complete custom icon system that brings each focus area to life, from shields representing security to music notes symbolizing the arts. Every icon was crafted in multiple color variations to work across any application.
Hand-Drawn Character
Warmth and humanity in every detail.
To ensure the campaign felt approachable rather than corporate, we developed a library of hand-drawn graphic elements. Circles, arrows, checkmarks, and underlines add an organic, human quality that reminds voters this is about real students and real futures, not just budgets and buildings.
Digital Experience
The campaign website as information hub.
The hancockforward.com website serves as the campaign's central hub, featuring superintendent video messaging that puts a face to the vision. Clear navigation guides citizens through the five impact areas. The site is fully responsive, delivering a seamless experience from desktop to mobile.
Grassroots Activation
Bringing the campaign to every corner of the county.
A campaign lives or dies in the community, not just online. We designed a complete suite of grassroots and print materials: bold yard signs that catch attention from the road, posters for community centers and businesses, and collateral for school events. Whether someone sees a sign at their local coffee shop or at a Friday night football game, they immediately recognize the campaign. The hand-drawn elements shine here, making even a yard sign feel personal.
Doing Good Work
"Hilltree transformed a complex bond issue into a campaign our entire community could rally behind. The Hancock Forward brand makes our vision tangible and our message unmistakable."
