BAY MINETTE — Thanks to the creativity of three of its students, Bay Minette Middle School has a new flag, unveiled Jan. 27 at a special pep rally at the school.

"The contest was sponsored by the National Junior Honor Society. More than 40 entries were received and a unanimous decision was made by three judges," cheerleaders Jenny Hastings and Megan Duncan said during the ceremony.

The contest, co-sponsored by  teacher Bill Allen and the Technology Student Association, was held in November, open to all BMMS students. The winning design features orange, white and blue horizontal stripes atop one another and a paw print in the middle, with the letters BMMS in each toe print.

The winning design came from friends Bria Cox, Shavia Safford and Akirea Washington.

Cox said the Italian flag inspired the design, but ultimately it was the brainstorming of all three that resulted in the finished product, which will now be seen by all passing the school or attending games.

"We put each one of our ideas together," Safford said.

The girls said they are excited at the prospect of seeing something they created displayed so boldly.

"It's exciting," Safford said. "I don't know the word for it."

"It feels good, it's going to be there a long time," Cox added. "It's breathtaking."

Washington agreed the feeling was good, but for another reason. "It feels good to help with something in the school."

BMMS teacher Matthew Craig revealed the flag to students gathered at the assembly in true sporting fashion, running through a corridor of cheerleaders, and making a circuit around the gym as the flag fluttered behind him.

"The project is further evidence of the talented students at BMMS and the inspirational teacher leaders we are blessed to have in our building," Principal Tammie Fleming said. "Mr. Craig and Mr. Allen sponsor many activities to encourage our students to stay involved with more than just classroom work."