DATE: Monday, October 20, 1997              TAG: 9710200046

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Column 

SOURCE: George Tucker 

                                            LENGTH:   82 lines

STUDENTS OFFERED OPPORTUNITY TO DESIGN HAMPTON ROADS FLAG

March 1998 will be a red-letter month for some talented Tidewater-area high school student. During that time, his or her prize-winning flag symbolizing Hampton Roads, which has gained worldwide recognition during its 400 years of recorded history, will be unveiled.

Meanwhile, art and history classes throughout the region's public and private schools are seeking some significant pictorial logo to be emblazoned on a banner that, if successful, will proclaim Hampton Roads to all parts of the globe.

Interestingly, the Hampton Roads area is the only American community with a population of 1 million or more that has ever undertaken such a project, even though a few much smaller ones have successfully done so.

As a lifelong booster of the historical and commercial importance of Hampton Roads, I have been asked for suggestions that receptive students might consider as characteristic icons symbolizing the area. Before doing so, however, I would like to point out that the term ``Hampton Roads'' in this particular case embraces a much wider territory than that part of the historic waterway that is bordered by Norfolk-area communities.

To make the contest as comprehensive as possible, its sponsors have specified that it will be open to all high school students (public, private or home-schooled) enrolled in grades nine through 12 in the following areas: Chesapeake, Franklin, Southampton County, Gloucester County, Hampton, Isle of Wight County, James City County, Mathews County, Newport News, Norfolk, York County, Poquoson, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, the Virginia Eastern Shore and Currituck County, N.C.

This is a challenging invitation for regional interpretation, since each community will have some pet historical or economic highlight it will want to stress. Even so, the directors of the Regional Identity Task Force, sponsored by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and corporate well-wishers, including The Virginian-Pilot, are prepared to resolve the multiplicity of suggestions into something eye-catching before mid-November of this year, when regional art and history teachers will submit their students' suggestions for consideration. Then, after a process of elimination, the winner will be announced next March.

And now for a few suggestions, historical and otherwise, that the designers might like to consider for an appropriate logo. Unfortunately, the seagull has already been used for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. But what about the cardinal or red bird or the dogwood blossom, the bracts of the latter being a natural for a stylized design. Also under the same heading, a simple shell or sand dollar, common to Virginia's beaches, or another characteristic bird like the osprey or great blue heron might be considered.

Drawing on the area's commercial activities, the designers might like to consider using one of the many types of tugs that guide the ships of the world to and from the area's piers. Then there are the graceful Virginia Pilot Association boats that have a history dating back to Colonial times.

Turning to historical suggestions, the choice is rich and obvious. Begin with the three ships that brought the original Jamestown colonists to Hampton Roads in 1607, but other history-making vessels that have been connected with Hampton Roads should also be considered. Notable among these is the CSS Virginia (the former USS Merrimack) and the USS Monitor. The combat between the two revolutionized naval warfare during the Civil War. Also, since the area is the site of one of the greatest naval centers in the world, how about considering the silhouette of an aircraft carrier? If this should prove too unwieldy for easy representation, the profile of a tanker or cargo vessel might be easier to render.

Still another possibility could be the Old Point Comfort lighthouse, dating from the earliest years of the 19th century, which still plays a vital role in guiding the thousands of commercial and naval vessels that enter and leave Hampton Roads annually.

These are only a few suggestions, but if you come up with anything better, Margo Mateas, who is overseeing the project for the schools, will be happy to answer questions. Call her at (757) 539-3508.

So, students, this is the challenge. Just remember there will be three top winners. The student whose flag design is accepted will receive a multimedia computer donated by the Tidewater Information Group. The second prize will be a $100 gift certificate from Circuit City, and the third prize will be a three-month family membership from YMCA of South Hampton Roads.

That's it. Remember, the Hampton Roads area has never had a flag of its own since the early Virginia settlers named the great waterway for Henry Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton (1573-1624), a personal friend of Shakespeare's. That makes it clear that ingenuity and talent will be required to remedy that deficiency. KEYWORDS: FLAG CONTEST HAMPTON ROADS

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