By Staff
A stylized train and railroad track design by Hartselle High senior Joseph Graves will adorn Hartselle Utilities' new east side water tank.
Graves' design was selected from more than 100 entries from Hartselle school students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
The design depicts a train and tracks viewed from above with the word "Hartselle" spelled out in the cross ties of the railroad tracks.
"We will be presenting Joseph's design to our contractor to work out details," Hartselle Utilities General Manager George Adair said.
The new tank is under construction on Byrd Road east of town.
The tank and design will be easily visible from Interstate 65. Hartselle Utilities board members wanted a distinctive design to make the tank stand out for interstate travelers, similar to the water tower at Clanton in Chilton County. Clanton's tower is painted to resemble a peach and has become a well-recognized landmark on I-65.
Rather than commission the art for the tank, board members elected to sponsor a contest among Hartselle school students.
Graves' will receive a $250 savings bond for the winning design and his signature will appear on the tank along with his design.
While Graves' design drew on the significance of the railroad in Hartselle's growth as a city, many students submitted designs focusing on the exploits of Hartselle High School's athletic teams.
Taking second place honors was Hartselle High sophomore Melanie Hughes. Hughes received a $100 savings bond for her efforts.
Megan Graves, Joseph's sister and an eighth-grade student at Hartselle Junior won the third-place award of a $50 savings bond.
Individual grade winners were awarded $25 savings bonds. Grade winners were:
Jennifer Melson, HHS ninth grade; Megan Waldrep, HJHS seven grade; Laura Walden, HJHS sixth grade; Lily Sloan, Crestline fifth grade; Lesley-Ann Grammer, Crestline fourth grade; Cory Livingston, Crestline third grade; Aaron Wooley, Crestline second grade; Haley Patterson, Crestline first grade; Rebeca Romager, Barkley Bridge kindergarten.