Student-Led Flag Contest Accepting Submissions In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown has launched a design competition to create an official town flag, and residents are encouraged to participate by submitting original flag designs.

The new flag, which will serve as a representation of Morristown, will be designed and approved by residents, thanks to the inspiration of one high school student.

Max Bellamente, a senior at Morristown High School, suggested the idea of a flag design competition during a town council meeting last fall, citing a lack of community pride.

Bellamente claimed that seeing Madison Borough's pride in its own borough flag gave him the idea for this initiative

The town is now accepting flag design submissions through Apr. 1 via a survey on the Motown Flag Instagram page and the Morristown website.

According to Bellamente, the survey requests that residents name and describe their flag, including the color scheme and symbols used, as well as provide a rendering of the design.

The survey also includes a link that provides tips on how to create an effective flag design, such as meaningful symbolism and limited colors.

A committee comprised of Bellamente, Morristown Council President Sandi Mayer, Morristown Library director Chad Leinaweaver, and flag salesman Joe Pugliese will review all submissions and select three to five that best represent Morristown's core values while also being aesthetically appealing.

According to Pugliese, a sales representative for Gates Flag & Banner in Clifton, the committee will also seek advice on the project from the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), which specializes in the history, design and usage of flags.

"We will be consulting the members of NAVA, getting their feedback as well, so that we have actual expert, solid advice on our three to five finalists… and pick a design from there," Pugliese said.

The four-member selection committee will announce the finalists to the public on Apr. 21, giving residents time to decide on a favorite.

The public will be able to vote on the final set of designs chosen by the committee from May 1-7, 2023. The winning design will be announced and codified into law at the council meeting on May 9, according to Bellamente.

The winning design will reflect Morristown's pride, rich history, and promising future while also embodying what makes Morristown special and unique.

According to Bellamente, only Morristown residents will be able to submit and vote on design submissions. Additionally, voters will only be able to select one flag design as a potential winner.

Members of the council praised Bellamente for his hard work and commitment to this community project.