Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wakefield Student’s Decal Design Ready to Roll in Arlington
- Public voting determined winner
- Four finalists honored today
- Winning entry will be displayed on 155,000 vehicles
ARLINGTON, Va. – Providence Smith is about to embark on the largest rolling art exhibit in Arlington. The high school senior’s design for Arlington’s 2010-2011 decals will have a prominent place on the windshields of all 155,000 vehicles registered in the County.
Smith, a Wakefield High School senior, was declared winner of the sixth-annual decal art work competition for Arlington high school students during a ceremony today at the Arlington County Board meeting.
Smith’s photo, “Come Together – W&OD Trail” – a view of a snow-covered bridge – was chosen from among four finalists. Wachovia Bank awarded Smith and each of three other finalists a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. A panel of 18 residents narrowed a field of 19 entries to four, and residents voted to choose the winner.
“This public participatory process is the ‘Arlington Way’ at its best,” said Treasurer Frank O’Leary, whose office issues vehicle decals.
The other finalists were:
- Cynthia Carson, a senior at Washington & Lee High School, with her entry, “Our Flag”;
- Sam Jones, a Potomac School 9th grader, with his entry, “Innocence Remembered”; and
- Patricia Murray, a senior at Washington & Lee High School, with her entry, “Arlington’s Center.”
Background
Arlington began local licensing of vehicles in 1949, in the form of a metal tag attached to the state tag. The first windshield decal was issued in 1967. In 2000, O’Leary’s office realized that a decal with color imagery could be produced at no additional cost. In 2002, residents were given their first opportunity to vote for that image. O’Leary began the high school art competition in 2005.
Smith’s winning design will be reproduced 155,000 times and displayed on every registered vehicle in Arlington County, as well as in other publications and items that the Treasurer produces.
Press contact: Denise Chauvette, 703-228-3057
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
