Middleburgh, New York Unveils New Flag Designed by Local Student

OCTOBER 25, 2024 — The Village of Middleburgh, New York, raised its new village flag outside of Village Hall on Monday, following a design contest held earlier this year, reports News10.

The flag, created by 15-year-old Ava Shinaver, was chosen through a community vote coordinated between the Middleburgh Central School District and the village, according to the Daily Gazette.

It all started when Mayor Timothy Knight proposed the idea for a new flag to local teachers. “I’ll be very honest, I am a vexillological nerd,” Knight said. “I’ve always had a deep interest in flags, the symbolism and what they can represent for the community.”

“Ava’s flag makes us proud with its dynamic design and meaningful symbolism,” said Knight.

Shinaver’s design, which she described as something she is excited to see each time she walks through the village, features a combination of white, blue, and green, along with imagery that holds local significance.

A shire horse, Schoharie Creek, and the iconic Vroman’s Nose—a notable geological landmark—are depicted on the flag.

White represents peace, blue symbolizes resilience, and green stands for agriculture. The stars represent the towns within Schoharie County, with some shaded green to highlight the area’s agricultural roots.

At present, only one physical version of the flag exists, produced by Gettysburg Flag Works in Rensselaer County.

Image: The Daily Gazette