CHS senior wins T-Shirt design contest

The different courses interwoven with red and ochre tulips in this year's United Way of North Idaho Spring Dash T-shirt image are symbolic of how the 2020 race will be conducted together, yet separate.

On Wednesday, Coeur d'Alene High School senior Joanna Hover was recognized and celebrated for the creativity that she used to produce this year's winning design. The winner was chosen from about 10 entries.

"It pulled in what was happening with the race this year. We’re doing your own course and your own time,” Spring Dash marketing chair Christi Fleischman said to Joanna during a video conference. “You can go on a treadmill, you can go out on the Centennial Trail, you can go anywhere and you can run the length of the race on your time, whenever you want to do that. Because we had to adapt a little bit, this design, we loved there were different pathways, and obviously we all love the flowers that you chose and the colors that you chose and the font you chose were great as well, but I think it really fit in with what the race is doing this year as a virtual race."

Joanna said she spent a good five hours on her design, but it evolved from her original attempt.

"I drew a road, kind of crossing itself with the flowers," she said. "I just liked it, so I went with my first sketch."

She said she's submitted her artwork in other contests, including one in Austria where although she didn't place, her work was put on display.

"They’re featuring my design on their webpage,” she said. "I’ve done some contests, but I’ve never really won any, so this was really cool.”

Joanna was awarded a $150 check, presented via Zoom by UWNI community impact director Keri Stark.

“We really wanted to gather everybody together, as best in person as we could, to congratulate Joanna on her work,” Stark said. “It’s another connection point for the Spring Dash and encouraging people to register and get involved. It’s still going to happen.”

When asked what she'll do with the money, Joanna said she's been doing some online shopping since the quarantine started.

"I think I’m going to try to save some of it, then I might just shop with it," she said with a grin.

Joanna enjoys graphic design and watercolor. When she's not immersed in her artwork, she loves playing tennis, playing guitar and cooking.

The Spring Dash is a virtual race this year, taking place Saturday through April 30.

Visit www.unitedwayofnorthidaho.org/springdash for details.

Proceeds will benefit the Coeur d'Alene COVID Relief Fund.