UTPB senior art student Karen Pecina Aguilar has won the City of Odessa Sports Complex logo contest!
The contest was open to all Ector County ISD, Odessa College, and UTPB students.
Aguilar’s design will be the logo for the new sports complex. She was also awarded a $1,500 scholarship.
She entered the contest with the goal of proving herself.
“I was curious to know if something I do could have an impact in society or the community. I wanted to know if I’m on the right path in my career and reassure myself that I have the skills needed,” said Aguilar.
Aguilar created the logo at the UTPB Residence and Dining hall.
“The first question I wrote down was, ‘what do people think of when they hear or read the words Odessa, or West Texas?’” said Aguilar.
Her research eventually led her to an oil derrick.
“I chose what most people in this area feel proud of, the oil field. It’s an industry that offers many job opportunities around here. An oil derrick is something most West Texans never get tired of and are always proud of,” said Aguilar.
She then turned to adding a sports related design, which included a soccer ball, volleyball, and baseball inside of lines seen as a football.
The news of winning the contest left her speechless.
“I read the message twice to make sure and I told my mom that I won the contest. She was so happy and surprised. It was a beautiful moment that I got to share with her and my hands were slightly shaking as I was holding my phone. It was pure bliss, and I couldn’t be more thankful to God and everyone that supported me along the way,” said Aguilar.
She says this accomplishment means the world to her because now she is leaving her mark here, literally.
“Knowing that I left a mark in the community where I’ve been doing my studies and met so many wonderful people, really warms my heart with joy. It is something I’m going to always be proud of and take with me everywhere as one of my first major accomplishments as a graphic designer,” said Aguilar.
Aguilar is thankful for her friends, family, and professors that encouraged and supported her.
“I feel blessed,” said Aguilar.
She is now planning on attending graduate school to receive her master's degree in graphic design.
