flag design contest would allow residents

 

BATAVIA, IL — A Batavia High School sophomore is the winner of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce's Community Flag Design Contest, officials announced.

Of the 107 designs that were submitted to the competition, Rachel Agro’s flag depicting a yellow windmill, akin to a sun, and blue waves came out on top. She was one of 46 students under the age of 18 to submit a design, officials said.

"It is meant to represent Batavia and its historical connection to industry along with its geography," read Agro's description of the design. "In addition to the windmill, the blue stripes represent the Fox River, which shapes the geography of the town. Lastly the windmill also takes up the shape of the sun. Batavia’s relatively flat geography makes it a perfect place to spectate its gorgeous sunrises and sunsets."

The student was surprised to find out she won during her graphics class, taught by Kathleen Tieri Ton, since "so many talented people and designes [were] submitted," she said, according to Chamber officials.

Mayor Jeffery Schielke said the flag represents Batavia well.

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"Batavia has a strong and unique history, so a Batavia community flag needs to reflect this," Schielke said in a statement. "I believe that this one does so, with a strong recognizable identity to it. I am happy that a flag will be available for anyone to purchase."

Schielke, along with other local officials, was a member of the flag selection committee.

Marty Callahan, chairperson of the committee and a member of the North American Vexillological Association, said the quality and quantity of submissions were "excellent" and surprised many of the judges.

"The fact that five of the top 10 were student designs is a point of pride that the younger generation is invested in their community," he said.

The purpose of the competition — it kicked off in November and ended March 1 — was to "demonstrate commitment and involvement in the community," Patch reported. Especially after the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disputed the lives of many Batavia residents and businesses, officials said the flag design contest would allow residents to show off their community pride.

Now that a design has been chosen, residents can purchase the flag in a variety of sizes. A 3-foot by 5-foot flag costs $50, and a garden-sized flag with a stake costs $35. Both can be bought online or at Batavia's Flag Day Celebration June 14.

The Chamber will donate 25 percent of the net profits from sales to the Fox Valley Patriotic Organization in support of the Batavia Flag Day Monument.

"I am honored that my flag was chosen to represent this wonderful community," Agro said. "Because I am thankful for all [Batavia] has given me, it is my hope that through my design I can give something back."

Editor’s note: The winner’s name, Rachel Agro, was originally misspelled in information provided to Patch. The article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling.