YONKERS, NY — October 28, 2026 — It is not hyperbole to say that Joe Panella has left an indelible mark on Yonkers Public Schools and the City of Yonkers. Panella has crafted logos, emblems, patches and poster art that are intrinsically a part of the institutional identity of the city and its schools. After a 35-year career as a graphic designer, Panella is retiring.
“I never thought I was going to be an artist,” Panella recalled. “I went to Saunders High School thinking I was going to be an architect— that’s what I majored in.”
After deciding he didn’t want to draft blueprints for building, Panella gravitated toward photo retouching and graphic design.
“An ad came out in the paper for a graphic designer in the Yonkers Public Schools,” he said. “My buddy was like, ‘Didn’t you go to the Yonkers Public Schools?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah.’”
The rest is history: a 35-year career as the creative visionary behind the Yonkers brand.
“I am probably most proud of the Saunders Trades and Technical High School logo,” Panella said.
The logo, which Panella redesigned, is prominently displayed on the façade of his alma mater. He preserved the three original elements: a gear, T-square and an electric bolt— symbols of the various disciplines offered at the school. Panella added the letter “S” and a circling electron to represent the ever-emerging technical programs that the school continues to develop.
Panella recalled, “In 2009, I got the opportunity to create it again, and that time I was like, ‘I have to hit a homerun here. This needs to be something that will carry on for the next 20 plus years.’ I worked really hard on that one and I love the way that it came out.”
Panella can also take credit for one of the most identifiable logos in the city. The “Open Book” has long been the signature symbol of Yonkers Public Schools. Panella’s contribution was the creation of a ligature. He fused the “N” and “K” in Yonkers into a single character. The second vertical line of the “N” became the backbone of the “K.” This simple union created a stylized abbreviation that stands out and attracts attention.
Panella is fiercely passionate about his creative process. He says creative ideas are always swirling about in his head, but all projects start the same way.
“My creative process always begins with a blank piece of paper and a pencil,” he said. “I start by sketching my ideas. Once I sketch them out, I work in a computer design program called Illustrator.”
In his final year, Panella was charged with creating the logo for the last public high school football team in the City of Yonkers. The Brave and Force merged into one team: the Guardians. Panella crafted an image that symbolizes strength and pride. The Guardians’ new logo features a plumed Corinthian helmet centered within a shield. The helmet’s nose guard and angled eye protectors combine to form the letter “Y.”
Although he is retiring from the City of Yonkers and the Public Schools, Panella is not giving up creative endeavors. He’s an avid photographer whose eye captures the beauty of the city he loves. Panella paints and has an interest in 3-D printing. He’s also an animal lover who cares for and protects cats, and he competes with the Ardsley Curling Club.
Panella admits his path wasn’t typical or predictable, but it has led to a fulfilling career. He advises young creative students to follow their hearts. “If it’s something you’re interested in and you like it or even love it, go for it.”
