Eagle Mascot Takes Flight on Tnemec's 2008 Tank of the Year
School mascots, logos, a lighthouse and cosmos theme were among numerous water tank designs judged in Tnemec's 2008 Tank of the Year competition. In January, the winning entry depicting a high school's eagle mascot was officially recognized during a ceremony at the Lake Villa, Ill., City Hall.
"The project is unique both for its aesthetic design and for the special community involvement that went into making it a reality," according to Doug Hansen, Director of Water Tanks for Tnemec Company. "The village determined its color scheme after The Lakes Community High School Booster Club launched a fund drive to upgrade the design to include the 'Home of the Eagles' artwork. This tank reflects the pride these high school boosters have in their school and community."
The award-winning design features the artistry of Kenneth Brend of Jetco, Ltd., who duplicated the school's logo and mascot design by drawing it in pencil directly onto the tank using a sketch as a reference. He spent two weeks applying the logo and 16-foot tall by 12-foot wide mascot using Tnemec's advanced fluoropolymer finish coat, Series 700 HydroFlon, which provides unprecedented long-term gloss and color retention and resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Brend also painted the rose graphic on Tnemec's 2006 Tank of the Year selection located in Rosemont, Ill., which also featured the HydroFlon finish. "We were using nine-inch rollers on the Rosemont tank and blending huge areas," Brend recalled. "But as far as minute detail, the Lake Villa tank was infinitely more detailed. We tried to bring out every feather in the eagle's wing. I think it turned out beautiful."
And judging from the reaction of Lake Villa residents and elected officials, they agree. "I have not seen an event that has drawn the community together like this," stated Lakes High School Principal Jim McKay in an article published in the News Sun. "It is spectacular."
Lake Villa Mayor Frank Loffredo told the newspaper, "I never thought the community would get that excited about a water tower. I was surprised by how the community embraced the project and the booster club took ownership of it. This is an example of the process exceeding the project."
Tnemec's Tank of the Year Contest is designed to recognize and celebrate beautiful, creative and innovative uses of Tnemec coatings on water storage tanks. New construction and maintenance projects may be nominated and all tank styles are eligible. Judging is performed by a panel of water tank enthusiasts and is based on several criteria including artistic value, significance of the tank to the surrounding community and challenges encountered during the project. To request a nomination form and instructions, contact your Tnemec coating consultant or send an email to marketing@tnemec.com.
