Evanston has a new flag. And a 1st grader designed it.

Bernie Allen-Harrah’s design is said to have been inspired by an aerial view of the city

EVANSTON, Ill. — Residents in the North Shore city of Evanston have a new flag. And they have a 1st grade student to thank for it.

After nearly a year-long search and more than 200 submissions, the design by Bernie Allen-Harrah, a talented 7-year-old at Dawes Elementary School, was unveiled as the top choice at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

“I hope when people see my flag they will think about how to take care of Evanston’s nature for a really long time!” the young winner was quoted as saying.

Allen-Harrah’s design is inspired by an aerial view of the city. A forest green background is dissected on the right by a white star flanked by single bands of gold and blue. The star represents the city’s historic Grosse Point Lighthouse with the bands symbolizing the sandy beaches along Lake Michigan.

A selection panel of area graphic designers was said to be impressed with the design’s simplicity, symbolism, and aesthetic appeal.

The effort to find a new municipal flag began last August, with elementary and high school artists and designers from around Evanston submitting more than 200 designs by the end of the year.

Nine entries were chosen earlier this year as finalists by a group of area professional graphic designers. The designers were then paired with the finalists who helped the young artists perfect their visions. Allen-Harrah was paired with Keith Glantz of Glantz Design.

“What a joy this process was! I was beyond impressed by all the young artists, and I can’t wait to see what they continue to create,” Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said in a statement. “Bernie’s flag will fly high, capturing the spirit of Evanston for years to come, and Bernie’s passion should serve as an inspiration to all of us.”

It was not immediately clear when the new flag will be used as a municipal symbol or if an act of the city council is necessary to make it official.