The XLCR Story

Excelsior Alumni Association of Florida

The central figure, Honorable A. Wesley Powell, O.J., founder of Excelsior (XLCR), was a visionary, a dreamer, an intellect, and a hard worker. He crystallized a pledge he made at 15 years old — a pledge to start a school for the poor and the over-aged. His determination was fueled by disappointment: he was refused entry to Calabar High School because he was deemed too old. The headmaster told his father, “Wesley is much too old for admission… sorry, you should have applied four years earlier.”

Thanks to that setback, an acorn was planted — and today, we have a mighty oak: EXED.

Excelsior School was founded on January 19, 1931, with five students gathered on the verandah of Mr. Powell’s parents’ home in Campbell Town. A sign hung over the gate, painted on a green background with bold yellow letters, reading “EXCELSIOR SCHOOL”, and below in smaller letters, “Kindergarten, Preparatory, Secondary and Commercial.” In hindsight, he was prophetic.

The school’s strong academic reputation, its willingness to rescue and recover academically challenged students, and its affordable tuition led to increased enrollment and the need for larger accommodations. Excelsior moved from Campbell Town to North Street, and finally to Antrim. Eventually, XLCR transitioned from a privately owned institution to one owned and operated by the Methodist Church.

Mr. Powell’s objective was to prepare his students for a lifelong journey. He focused on:

• Producing citizens of the world
• Promoting continuous learning
• Fostering exploration and development of each individual through home and community
• Catering to all socio-economic groups
• Promoting social awareness and commitment to counthe try

Our school crest, name, and motto continue to inspire us all. The crest — in green, silver, and gold, featuring an eagle at its center — holds deep meaning. The green represents youthfulness; silver and gold symbolize the fortunes awaiting successful Excelsorians; and the eagle, soaring with open wings and eyes toward the sun, inspires us to excel.

The name XLCR means “Yet Higher.”
Our motto, Age Animo, translates to “Do it with thy might.”

Age Animo!

The XLCR–EXED Story by A. Wesley Powell was used as a reference.