Highland students win USS Arizona Legacy Foundation crest contest

Two students from Gilbert’s Highland High School have won the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation’s Crest Design Competition.

Freshman Elyse Hansen took home first place while sophomore Kaylee Gerhauser finished in second place. Safford High School’s Madison Deadmond took third place.

In adherence to Naval tradition, each ship carries its own distinctive emblem, the ship's crest, which serves as the official symbol of the vessel throughout its service life. Like a coat of arms, the crest is prominently displayed on the ship's brow banner for all who come aboard and go ashore to see. The crest will eventually appear on stationery, plaques, patches, coins, hats, shirts, uniforms, and other items.

The competition saw more than 165 unique submissions from high school students in grades 9-12 across Arizona. The selection process evaluated criteria such as simplicity, meaningful symbolism, use of color and distinctiveness.

Each winner will receive a certificate from the foundation, acknowledgment in its monthly newsletter and across its social media platforms.

Additionally, their design will be forwarded to the Commanding Officer of the submarine, serving as inspiration for the official crest of the USS Arizona SSN-803.

“Inspiring the next generation to honor the past while forging a legacy for the future is at the heart of the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation, USSALF President and CEO Nicole LaSlavic said in a release. “The creativity and dedication shown by these young artists ensure that the spirit of the USS Arizona will continue proudly into the future."

Those interested in more information on each winning design can visit www.ussazlegacy.org .