MAY 5, 2025 — A new flag for Butler County, Missouri, designed by Poplar Bluff Junior High eighth grader Hetansh Patel, will soon be raised at the county courthouse following a student-led design competition, reports the Daily American Republic.
The initiative originated in a high school design class, where students were challenged to create a new county flag over a three-day period.
40 of the strongest entries were submitted from the class to the Butler County commissioners, who selected four finalists.
Patel’s design earned first place, and received a $100 gift card and a plaque as recognition for his design.
“We are so proud of our students,” Poplar Bluff Junior High stated in a Facebook post celebrating the finalists.
While the final version is still being refined to include the date Butler County was established, Presiding Commissioner Vince Lampe praised the quality of the submissions.
“These are all some very talented kids. I can’t wait to see the finished product as a flag.”
Image: PBJHS via Facebook
