High school senior creates winning design for Fort Drum's Memorial to Monument Run T-shirt Contest

By Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public AffairsJune 3, 2019

High school senior creates winning design for Fort Drum's Memorial to Monument Run T-shirt Contest
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brooke Dorazio, a South Jefferson High School senior, was named winner of the 2019 Memorial to Monument Run T-shirt Design Contest at Fort Drum, New York. The run, scheduled for Sept. 14, is in its second year and is hosted by Fort Drum Family and Mo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
High school senior creates winning design for Fort Drum's Memorial to Monument Run T-shirt Contest
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brooke Dorazio, a South Jefferson High School senior, was named winner of the 2019 Memorial to Monument Run T-shirt Design Contest at Fort Drum, New York. The run, scheduled for Sept. 14, is in its second year and is hosted by Fort Drum Family and Mo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (June 3, 2019) -- Brooke Dorazio, a South Jefferson High School senior, was named winner of the 2019 Memorial to Monument Run T-shirt Design Contest at Fort Drum, New York.

The run, scheduled for Sept. 14, is in its second year and is hosted by Fort Drum Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, in partnership with the city of Watertown.

Dorazio said that her design was influenced by the FMWR logo, and she matched its colors and circular shape while incorporating a mountain top for the 10th Mountain Division. She chose bold fonts so the wording could be seen clearly from a distance. The design was created using computer software that she learned through the BOCES visual communications program.

"It was so much fun designing this," she said. "I just love doing this so much that it never feels like work. I'm so grateful for this opportunity."

Already an accomplished graphic designer, Dorazio's portfolio includes T-shirts for her class prom and a school color run, and the yearbook cover design.

"I've probably designed at least 15 T-shirts for school in the past two years," she said. "People around my community pretty much know this is what I love doing, so they come to me for T-shirt designs, tattoo designs, logos. I do a lot because I love it."

In March, she won the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation Envirothon T-shirt Design Contest. She placed first in the New York State SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championships in April for the pin design competition.

"I've always had a passion for it," Dorazio said. "When I was younger I used to draw pictures of dresses, and I've always been interested in creating a clothing line. I just think it is so cool when I see people walking by and wearing one of my designs."

Although not a runner herself - Dorazio described herself more as a long-distance walker - she said it would be a thrill to attend the Memorial to Monument Run and see people wearing her design.

"I'm so excited to see that," she said. "I'll definitely be snapping some pictures."

Jennifer Berry, FMWR special events coordinator, said that the judging was conducted by Col. Kenneth D. Harrison, Fort Drum garrison commander; Joe Butler, Watertown mayor; and a Soldier from the Fort Drum Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program. Of the 11 designs submitted, Dorazio was the only student entry.

"We really love what she came up with. She's so talented," Berry said. "When I first saw it, I thought that it just pops. There's a lot of details, but it's not hard to read."

Berry said that the intent of the contest was not just to find a great design for the commemorative T-shirt, but to get people talking about the Memorial to Monument Run.

"We really wanted to get the community involved and have people feel like they are a part of it," she said. "Also, this is an 11-mile run, and that can be intense for some competitors. We need to let our runners know so they can get this on their calendar and train for it."

The Memorial to Monument Run is set for 9 a.m. Sept. 14, starting at Memorial Park. A shuttle bus will be available at Thompson Park to transport runners onto the installation.

For more information about the Memorial to Monument Run and how to register, visit https://drum.armymwr.com/calendar/event/memorial-monument-run/3272412/35076 or call (315) 772-7864.

Related Links:

10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum

Fort Drum on Facebook