Someone’s design will soon be the new logo for Richmond County Schools. Could it be yours? There’s a cash prize of $350 for the artist who puts it forward.

The school system and board of education are putting out a call for entries in its District Logo Art Contest to find that new design. This call is directed at all ages, skill levels and throughout the community.

“We would like to find a logo that will help us identify who we are as a school district and community, and to add consistency to all documents and publications associated with our district,” RCS Public Information Officer Ashley Simmons told the board of education at their meeting Tuesday night.

The contest is open for anyone to participate, and submissions are already being accepted until April 30.

However, there are guidelines.

The logo must be identifiable directly to Richmond County Schools, the original work of the person who submits it, be usable in black and white with only two or three colors, convey appropriate attributes of the school system and include RCS’s motto: “HOPE for every student.”

Richmond County Schools current logo features a Great Seal with a triangle inside it. On top of the triangle are the words “Teaching - Learning” and below is the phrase “Touching Tomorrow Today.”

On the three legs of the triangle are the words “Parent,” “Teacher,” and “Child.” Inside the triangle are the letters RCS embossed over what appears to be a pine branch.

The seal is dated 1967.

Some ideas for submissions are found in the district’s vision and core beliefs.

The vision of the system is: “Richmond County Schools, an exemplary system, graduates students who successfully compete regionally, nationally and globally for high quality social, political and economic opportunities.”

There are eight core beliefs of the system:

Every student is challenged to his or her highest potential.

Literacy is the foundation for student learning.

All staff members exhibit high standards of professionalism.

Education is a collaborative effort that requires a personal investment by all stake holders.

All decisions are made in the best interest of students.

All students and staff have access to emerging technology.

Every individual has worth and value, and diversity is respected.

Safe, orderly and nurturing school environments enhance student learning.

The winning design will be featured on the district’s website, printed publications, letterhead and promotional items like t-shirts, pens, cups and other materials.

Each submission should be a high resolution, print-ready artwork, and include the full name, telephone number and e-mail address of the person submitting the logo design.

An entry form can be obtained at the district’s central office located in Hamlet.

They should be mailed or delivered to that location on or before the deadline of April 30, with the heading: Richmond County Schools attn. Public Relations, 118 Vance Street, P.O. Box 1259, Hamlet, N.C. 28345.

It is important contestants understand the school district will take full copyrighted ownership of the winning entry, and designs will not be returned to those who submit them.

If you have any questions about this contest, please contact RCS Public Information Officer Ashley Simmons at (910) 582-5860.