•2009+YAM+Flag+Competition

THANK YOU to all of the students who created flag design entries and to the educators who sent in their students' artwork to be considered for Tennessee's 2009 YAM Flag.

Our **Grand Prize Winner** is **Jayne Plescia**, an **7th grade student** at **West Valley Middle School** in **Knoxville, TN**. Her art teacher is **Debra Belvin**. Congratulations, Jayne!!!!

Jayne's design was selected to represent our state because of its vivid colors arranged in a lively composition to illustrate our theme, "Art Ignites...". After all, the act of ignition is not passive; something has to happen! There is a transfer of energy, an event. Our winning design depicts a "keeper of the flame" who is tending a creative spark and going somewhere with it--embarking on an exciting journey.

Jayne and Mrs. Belvin are transforming Jayne's vibrant design into a handmade 3' x 5' flag to send to Washington D.C., and will be attending an awards ceremony at the Capital on March 4, 2009. Stay tuned for photos!

In addition to our Grand Prize Winner, we are pleased to announce that Division Winners have been selected for the Primary, Intermediate, Middle, and High School levels.

Our Primary Division Winner is a 2nd grade student of Mrs. Orange at Lakeland Elementary School in Lakeland, TN Our Intermediate Division Winner is a 5th grade student of Jackie Wright at Carter Elementary School, Knoxville, TN. Our Middle School Division Winner is a 7th grade student of Mallory Hillis at Schilling Farms Middle School in Collierville, TN. Our High School Division Winner is a 12th grade student of Flowerree Galetovic at Bearden High School, Knoxville, TN.

Our competition was juried by Tennessee designer Kelly Keener, whose professional experience ranges from large-scale (retail display and interior design) to small (jewelry design). She specializes in textiles but also works in paint, metals, and wood. Mrs. Keener was co-host of the DIY Network's "Material Girls" and co-authored a book by the same title. She is known for her bold, bright, and whimsical approach to design.