Bend Middle-Schooler Wins Official Artwork Contest for the 2023 SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle

The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) and SELCO Community Credit Union announced that an eighth-grader from Morning Star Christian School in Bend won the artwork contest for the 45th Annual SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 13. Adalynn Rhyne, 13, won the annual contest by one of the closest margins in memory and in a contest that drew more votes than ever before, contest officials said.

Rhyne’s color pencil drawing is now the official logo of the 2023 SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, a Central Oregon tradition and one of the largest multi-sport events in the Northwest.

The winning logo — which includes snowy Mt. Bachelor in the background, fronted by the Old Mill District’s smokestacks, a pine-tree forest, kayaks on the Deschutes River and a pair of skis — received a late push from voters. The winning drawing was selected from 54 entries and received 2,984 votes, edging the runner-up entry by 90 votes. In all, nearly 11,000 votes were cast.

“Voters had the unenviable task of picking a logo from a wide range of submissions from some incredibly talented local artists,” said Amy Tarnow, executive director of MBSEF. “In the end, Adalynn’s creativity stuck out among so many wonderful entries. Her work was impressive, particularly in the context of her age, and it will now deservedly become an enduring part of the history of the event.”

The annual logo contest is among the annual traditions of the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle. Artists of all ages are asked to submit their artwork design, which is then judged on popularity, uniqueness and suitability for print, by a combination of public voters, MBSEF staff and SELCO representatives.

Rhyne is an avid snowboarder, stand-up paddleboarder and trail runner as well as a passionate, self-taught artist who finds inspiration from Central Oregon’s outdoors. She will receive $500 in prize money, a commemorative mug and official SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle logo wear featuring the winning design. Her artwork will appear on posters, apparel, prizes and other promotional and event-related materials. Registration for race participants began February 15. SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle organizers are also asking community members to share photos of their experiences in the event. The photos will then be used to help promote the 2023 SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle. To submit your photos, please email events@mbsef.org. For more information on the race, visit pppbend.com or call 541-388-0002. mbsef.org • selco.org • 800-445-4483