Banners serve as a way for the citizens of Louisiana Boys State to represent themselves and their cities through artistry. There are so many excellently designed banners worthy of a spotlight. Consequently, we at the Daily Magnolia interviewed several of the artists responsible for these works.
Generally speaking, working on the banners seems to have been a positive experience for most Boys State Citizens. Kenneth of Franklin City in Cane Parish, despite having no pre-existing art experience, shared that he felt that working on his city’s banner alongside his fellow Franklinians were immensely fun and that it drew his parish’s citizens closer together, stating that “[he] honestly had a great time designing his city’s banner.” He and his peers even stayed up late to ensure that the banner would be finished in time.
For those who are artistically inclined, the project was also enjoyable. Christopher Frank, a reported artist, of Ouachita City in Pearl Parish, told a reporter that the Phineas and Ferb-themed banner chosen by the two cities was the perfect representation of Pearl’s internal rivalry. “It shows how even though they’re rivals, they’re frenemies. We’re competing between the two cities, but we’re still one.” The sentimentality of their work didn’t go unnoticed, with their thematic banners helping them win the flag two days ago.
Similarly, Jeremiah from the city of Cameron in Atchafalaya Parish shared that he had been in talented art classes since fourth grade and found designing the banner a fun exercise. According to him, “Our banner had a lot of ideas and concepts flowing.” The amalgamation of his peers’ ideas led to their standout banner. It was the perfect representation of their teamwork.
All in all, the banner seems to be a memorable part of the Louisiana Boys State experience and is cherished by us attendees.