FLYING THE CAPE FLAGS

Ten-year-old Samantha Roussel isn't sure what to tell her cross-town niece who wishes a Cape Girardeau Youth Flag flew atop her school.

Roussel designed the winning youth flag in a citywide contest last year. An adult flag was also designed, but the flags are flown at just a few places.

The youth flag is flying at Clippard Elementary where Roussel attends the fourth grade, but none of other schools in the city.

"When they put it up everyone was around me saying I did a nice job and congratulations," Roussel said. "But I don't want to act like it's a big deal."

Melvin Gateley, who helped coordinate the contest, says the flags are a big deal. He is stepping up efforts to get Cape Girardeau's flags flying around town.

The idea for a city flag originated in 1992 when a group of students suggested the city needed a flag. A contest sponsored by the Class of 2000 and Vision 2000 was held last year for local artists to submit their designs for an official city flag as well as a children's flag.

Organizers said the flags symbolize Cape Girardeau's heritage and foster city pride. They also represent Cape Girardeau's place in Missouri and national history. Cape Girardeau resident Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver designed the state flag.

Two winners were selected following a public vote in March after a panel of judges narrowed the designs to five adult's and three children's entries. Roussel and Cape Girardeau artist Jim Parker submitted the winning entries.

Roussel is the daughter of Bill and Sue Roussel. Her children's flag design featured the Mississippi River, Cape Rock and roses.

Parker, a local artist, is the founder of the University Museum. His design for the official city flag featured the Common Pleas Courthouse and roses.

"We hoped the schools the libraries and other kid-friendly sites would be interested in the youth flag," Gateley said.

The adult flag was designed for businesses, community buildings and homes.

"We have a marketing plan to get the flags out," Gateley said. "We have made presentations to PTAs and other groups. We hope the spirit of Cape Girardeau will prevail and people will think about a community flag."

Both styles of flags are for sale at the Convention Visitors Bureau. Pennants are $5. Banner size flags are $50 and regulation size flags are $75.

"As we approach the year of 2000 and culminating activities for Vision 2000 and as Vision 2020 is on the drawing board, this is an exciting time for Cape Girardeau. We hope citizens will get caught up in spirit of patriotism for our city. And we'll be glad to sell them a flag."