16-Year-Old Sitka High School Student Wins 'Paint the Plane' Contest
Alaska Airlines announced today that Hannah Hamberg, 16, of Sitka is the winner of the State of Alaska's "Paint the Plane" contest. Her artwork will adorn an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-400 jet in honor of the state's 50th anniversary in 2009.
The talented artist, dancer, cheerleader and community volunteer unveiled her winning artwork today at a statehood ceremony held at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage.
Accompanied by her parents, Barth and Mary Alice Hamberg of Sitka, the teen was honored by Governor Sarah Palin as well as representatives from Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission and the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, who supported the contest.
Hamberg's design depicts a musher and sled dog and features other icons symbolic of the state.
"Growing up in a small town in Alaska, I've seen how Alaskans work together and help each other," said Hamberg. "I came up with the idea of a musher being pulled by several sled dogs. Then I looked at my sketch and thought about all the amazing things that surround me every day -- the wild animals, the people, and culture."
Hamberg's final drawing depicts a ferry, Native Alaskan canoe, bear and whale in place of some of the sled dogs, indicative of the state's unique heritage.
Hamberg's design was one of thousands submitted by students in grades kindergarten through 12 from public, private and home schools throughout the state. A selection panel comprised of artists and other dignitaries from throughout Alaska selected the winning entry.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the state's anniversary in such a dramatic way," said Bill MacKay, Alaska Airlines' senior vice president for the state of Alaska. "We are incredibly proud that our aircraft bear the state's name, and this plane with Hannah's artwork will no doubt have a very special place in all of our hearts as we usher in the state's Golden Anniversary."
In addition to having her design chosen to grace the airplane, Hamberg, along with finalists from each grade level, received a trip to Disneyland Resort. In all, 13 trips for four to Disneyland Resort were awarded, which include round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations and tickets to the park.
To view the winning design, and those of grade-level finalists, go here.
__________________ I am never snarky, either - but after Jan. 3, 2010, anything goes!!!
cool especially how the hooded eskimo is still on the tail but why do they seem to enjoy painting the 400s so much? Put it on an 800 thats going to have a longer longevitiy in the fleet
cool especially how the hooded eskimo is still on the tail but why do they seem to enjoy painting the 400s so much? Put it on an 800 thats going to have a longer longevitiy in the fleet
That was the only plane I saw from the runner-ups that had the Eskimo on the tail They must paint the 400's since there is no 800 that needs a paint job?
Pretty spiffy looking though, I like the dog on the front. Wonder what it will look like looking head on. There was also one that makes the plane look like an eagle, would love to see that one as well.
Regarding the -400 vs -800 question, I wonder if it'll be one of the combis. Those aren't going out of service anytime soon and they're unique to Alaska service, so it's a good match.
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Originally Posted by ANC
cool especially how the hooded eskimo is still on the tail but why do they seem to enjoy painting the 400s so much? Put it on an 800 thats going to have a longer longevitiy in the fleet
I think the 400s spend a lot more time in their home state than any of the 737NGs. Looking at the schedule the majority of the service out of SIT are on 400s.
Regarding the -400 vs -800 question, I wonder if it'll be one of the combis. Those aren't going out of service anytime soon and they're unique to Alaska service, so it's a good match.
if the pictures are accurate its going on N705AS. I guess its one of the newer 400s at 10 years old
if the pictures are accurate its going on N705AS. I guess its one of the newer 400s at 10 years old
According to the FAA registration, this aircraft is leased. New aircraft are normally leased for 10 years and that 10-year mark passed sometime in 2008.
So, if they plan to actually paint this particular plane, that probably means that they have renewed the lease for some substantial period of time. I would imagine it's at least 6 years, since painting has to be re-done every 6-7 years (perhaps more often in the harsh Northwest/Alaska climate).
*Sigh* I was hoping the 400s were on their way out. The NGs are so much nicer inside. At least it's going to be beautiful on the outside. Multiple airlines (United, Continental, etc.) have announced plans to retire their classic 737s, but I guess they will fly awhile longer with Alaska.
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Originally Posted by Seat 7D
According to the FAA registration, this aircraft is leased. New aircraft are normally leased for 10 years and that 10-year mark passed sometime in 2008.
So, if they plan to actually paint this particular plane, that probably means that they have renewed the lease for some substantial period of time. I would imagine it's at least 6 years, since painting has to be re-done every 6-7 years (perhaps more often in the harsh Northwest/Alaska climate).
*Sigh* I was hoping the 400s were on their way out. The NGs are so much nicer inside. At least it's going to be beautiful on the outside. Multiple airlines (United, Continental, etc.) have announced plans to retire their classic 737s, but I guess they will fly awhile longer with Alaska.
The website states:
First off, we’d like to congratulate Hannah Hamberg for winning the grand prize! Hannah’s design will be painted on an actual Alaska Airlines 737 jet. Her work of art will be flying all over North America for over four years. It will be seen by millions of people! And there’s more! She also gets a vacation for four to the Disneyland® Resort. Hey, maybe they’ll even fly there in style on the plane she designed!
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First off, we’d like to congratulate Hannah Hamberg for winning the grand prize! Hannah’s design will be painted on an actual Alaska Airlines 737 jet. Her work of art will be flying all over North America for over four years. It will be seen by millions of people! And there’s more! She also gets a vacation for four to the Disneyland® Resort. Hey, maybe they’ll even fly there in style on the plane she designed!
well... guess the website was wrong... sounds like the livery will miss the East Coast, Florida and Hawaii...
When the contest was first announced... it was to be on a 400 series A/C... it was also mentioned IIRC other designs might be implemented down the road
"It will fly all over the West Coast. It will be seen from one end of the state to the other," said Bill MacKay, Alaska Airlines senior vice president."
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I think it'd almost be better to fly it outside Alaska and serve as advertising for visiting the state! We here all know about the wonders of Alaska, but New Yorkers and Floridians might be inspired to check out a trip up here by a cool plane with a bunch of wildlife on it!
I am never snarky, either - but after Jan. 3, 2010, anything goes!!! 
but why do they seem to enjoy painting the 400s so much? Put it on an 800 thats going to have a longer longevitiy in the fleet 
They must paint the 400's since there is no 800 that needs a paint job?
