Student captures the flag

Port Washington will soon be sporting a new flag on its flagpole.

The flag was adopted on Oct. 18 by the Common Council at the behest of Mayor Ted Neitzke, who spearheaded a contest to select the winning design for the flag.

The overwhelming winner of the contest is Ben Laurin, an eighth-grader at Thomas Jefferson Middle School — and the person who initially suggested the city adopt a flag of its own.

“I’m really proud that one of our middle school students reached out and advocated for this,” Neitzke said.

There were four finalists for the flag design, and Laurin’s design was the first choice of 58% of the 244 people casting votes and the second choice for 46% of those voting, Neitzke said.

Laurin’s design shows a calm blue Lake Michigan with a bright yellow sun rising, with the city’s distinctive lighthouse and breakwater on one side.

Although Laurin’s flag showed the lighthouse in black, Neitzke said it will be white on the banner to reflect the true color of the structure.

When asked where he got the inspiration for his design, Laurin said, “The idea just came into my head. I am very happy.”

Neitzke said a graphic designer is working to translate Laurin’s design into the flag, and the banners will then be created.

Locally Inspired is expected to have the flags in time for holiday shopping, he said.