JULY 10, 2025 — A vibrant new flag designed by Darien High School graduate Harris Cavanna will permanently fly over Darien Town Hall in Connecticut, replacing the town’s longstanding white banner with its emblem, says CT Insider.
The navy and light-blue banner depicts seagulls soaring above Ring’s End Bridge, symbolizing Darien’s coastal heritage and community spirit.
After a two-month trial atop Town Hall flagpoles, positive public feedback prompted the Board of Selectmen’s unanimous approval on July 7.
Darien’s First Selectman, Jon Zagrodzky, praised the design for blending innovation with tradition. “It’s very exciting for the town to see something new and fresh that, at the same time, preserves a window of who we are as a town,” he said.
The redesign initiative began in Cavanna’s junior year, inspired by flag updates in other regions. Working alongside Zagrodzky and a professional graphic designer, Cavanna developed 14 concepts, refining them through town-wide surveys that garnered some 1,700 responses, says Patch.
“People liked the idea a lot more once they saw it in person. It wasn’t just an idea. We turned it into real life,” Cavanna reflected, noting the trial period in May helped cement public support.
During the selectmen’s meeting, Cavanna and Zagrodzky confirmed only slight adjustments to contrast are pending before full production. The town emblem will remain unchanged for use on pins and stationery.
Before the new flag is officially produced, its colours will be adjusted to create a higher contrast. The version flown during the trial period was a sample made quickly and not by the town’s usual supplier.
Selectman Monica McNally suggested the change, and the flag’s designer, Harris Cavanna, agreed he was open to “tinkering with the colours.” First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky confirmed that this final adjustment is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
Image: CT Insider
