Charlestown council approves climate commission logo and honors student designer

The Charlestown Town Council on April 28 approved a certificate of achievement recognizing a high school student whose design will serve as the Charlestown Climate Resiliency Commission logo.

Sally Fratini Hess, representing the Charlestown Climate Resiliency Commission, told the council the commission invited Cherry Hill High School graphic-design students to submit logos to help brand the commission’s public materials. “The students were able to really use a practical in real life project to further develop their professional skills,” Fratini Hess said.

The commission selected a sandy‑colored logo designed by Gianna Fitts, identified in the meeting as a senior and four‑year graphic-design student who will attend the University of Connecticut this fall. The council read a certificate into the record that names “Gianna Fitts” and recognizes her contributions to the commission’s logo development. The council also noted the commission plans to use the logo on signage, educational materials, social media and stickers intended for local outreach.

The council voted 5–0 to approve the certificate and place it on file; the motion was made by Councilor Sarah and seconded by Councilor Marr. The commission will issue a $250 honorarium to Fitts and credit her as the logo designer; the student was not present at the meeting.

The logo project began in December 2024 when the commission reached out to local high‑school staff. Fratini Hess credited teacher Donna Castor and the students for the submissions; the commission received about nine entries.

The certificate will be delivered to Fitts and the commission plans to begin using the new logo in its outreach materials.