A Digital Media Student Leaves His Mark on Utah Flag History
In late 2022, Conner Pearson, a student in Mountainland Technical College’s Digital Media program, submitted a design for the new state flag - an initiative from the state and an encouraged assignment from his instructor. Pearson enjoyed the assignment but could not have predicted that the Utah State Legislature would ultimately select his draft to inspire the final design.
“My biggest inspiration was that I wanted the beehive. I was inspired by local tradition of putting letters on mountains, so that’s where I got the idea of having the big mountain in the center,” explains Conner.
Conner Pearson, MTECH Student
Conner Pearson, MTECH Student
In late 2022, Conner Pearson, a student in Mountainland Technical College’s Digital Media program, submitted a design for the new state flag - an initiative from the state and an encouraged assignment from his instructor. Pearson enjoyed the assignment but could not have predicted that the Utah State Legislature would ultimately select his draft to inspire the final design.
“My biggest inspiration was that I wanted the beehive. I was inspired by local tradition of putting letters on mountains, so that’s where I got the idea of having the big mountain in the center,” explains Conner.
Pearson submitted the design, but after not hearing anything about the submission for a couple weeks - he moved on, not thinking much of the project. That's when an email notifying him of his amazing accomplishment took him by surprise.
When asked about the moment he found out his design was chosen, Pearson said, “I was very surprised and very excited. I rushed into [my mom’s] room and said, ‘Hey! I got it!’ We were all very excited.”
On February 7, 2023, a special honor was conferred upon Pearson at the Utah State Capitol, recognizing him for the dedication and time contributed to the project.
He talked about the experience at the capitol, stating “It was surreal to see all the other designs and see how mine measured up against them. And, you know, be a part of this small bit of history.”
Like other programs here at MTECH, the Digital Media program (soon to be called Digital Design) has the opportunity to merge curriculum with industry-driven needs and incorporate current events happening within the community.
“The biggest thing is [students] have the opportunity to really get their hands into a lot of different aspects,” explains Digital Media instructor James Harward. “I want to give students opportunities like this where they walk away with something that shows ‘okay, I can do this.’”
The new flag is set to be flown at all state buildings, including schools, on March 9, 2023. Mountainland is proud to have one of their own play a part in this piece of Utah State history.
James Harward and Conner Pearson
