Contest gives students chance to design aircraft decor

ALASKA NEWSPAPER STAFF

June 05, 2008 at 9:00AM AKST

Artistic youth have all summer to gather inspiration for an Alaska-sized painting — well, an Alaska Airlines-sized painting anyway.

School-aged Alaskans will have a chance to submit an artistic design commemorating Alaska’s 50th anniversary and, if their design wins, it will be displayed on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-400.

Gov. Sarah Palin, along with representatives from the Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission, the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development and Alaska Airlines, announced a “Paint the Plane” promotion to commemorate Alaska’s 50th anniversary.

The contest, which will officially launch in August, will be open to every school-aged Alaskan from kindergarten through grade 12. Students can submit designs that best capture the theme of “The Spirit of Alaska,” with the winning design to be reproduced on the airplane.

“What better way to celebrate our great state’s past and spirit than to look to our future for creative inspiration,” Palin said. “With more than 150,000 school-aged children who can participate, we are sure to receive some wonderful ideas.”

The winning design will be revealed on Jan. 3 during the Alaska Statehood Gala in Anchorage marking the signing of the Declaration of Statehood. The Boeing 737-400 will be painted early in 2009 and fly for four to six years.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the state’s anniversary in such a dramatic way,” said Bill MacKay, Alaska Airlines’ senior vice president for the state of Alaska. “We are incredibly proud that our aircraft bear the Alaska name, and this plane will no doubt have a very special place in our hearts.”

Alaska Airlines is funding the effort, including the promotion’s Website, contest materials and painting of the aircraft.

The Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission will team with the state’s Department of Education and Early Development to communicate the promotion and collect all submissions.

“This contest is another great way to energize and excite our students about our state’s colorful past and bright future,” said Larry LeDoux, incoming commissioner of education.

The Department of Education and Early Development will work with schools across the state to distribute information and involve students in the effort. Home-schooled children can also participate. Information will be available at libraries and on the Website.

A Website, www.PaintThePlane.com, will provide contest rules, instructions and templates required to participate. Submissions are due by Oct. 18, and the finalist will be selected by the end of the year.