Whiz Kid Creates CruiseFest Logo

Jennifer McLenon

Age: 15

School: Entering sophomore at

Hometown: Berkley

Accomplishment: Jennifer McLenon designed the logo for this year's .

The Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the Berkley CruiseFest Committee chose Jennifer's design to appear on the event's T-shirt. She also won a $50 Visa gift card. Other competitors included Berkley High School art students Alex Bogdan, Jordan Mozal, James Kaurala, Jack Schumacher, Ian King and Kylie Weiner under teacher Kimberly DePaulis' instruction. All the entries will be displayed at the in the teen room for the rest of the month.

“We always get a lot of really good designs, so it is hard to make a decision,” Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julie Melrose said. 

'I've enjoyed art my entire life'

When Jennifer was asked to design a logo for the Berkley CruiseFest, she knew exactly where to draw inspiration.

“I decided to use a photo of my grandpa's (Richard Dreist of Royal Oak) 1967 Pontiac GTO,” she said. “He is the original owner and it was my mom's family car when she was young. We enjoy cruising around in it during Dream Cruise.”

But, the family won't be cruising it in the parade this year, as it needs repairs; at least it still will be represented Friday during Berkley CruiseFest in the form of Jennifer's sleek, contest-winning logo.

Jennifer said she made the classic stand out by constructing a unique design, which includes a vivid orange background. Using Photoshop, she said she worked hard to manipulate the photo of the GTO, turning it into a piece of graphic art.

“I also chose a font that I thought would be easy to read and look nice with the car,” she said.

The project was a creative effort that showcased Jennifer's interest in art. Of all her hobbies and interests in school, art tops the list, she said, and she especially is drawn to visual art and music.

“I spend a lot of free time drawing, painting occasionally, and making friendship bracelets, as well as having taught myself piano and guitar,” she said. “I really enjoy creating graphic designs.”

Jennifer is not new to the world of art, either, and has sought out courses that suit her interests.

“I've enjoyed art my entire life,” she said, “and have taken many art classes at school. I looked forward to the specialized classes in high school. Any free space in my school schedule is usually filled with art classes.”

For the future, Jennifer said she is hoping a few more of her digital projects will be entered in a scholastic competition. “In the coming school year, I plan on taking drawing and painting classes, as well as participating in the school's Art Club again,” she said.

Where to get a shirt

Berkley CruiseFest T-shirts are available at the , , , , , and , so get them fast before they are sold out, Melrose said.

They also will be available for purchase Friday near the Berkley theater marquee for $12 (youth and unisex sizes), $14 (2X) and $15 (ladies' tanks and 3X).