In 1958, Robert G. Heft, a 17 year old boy from Saginaw, MI, was given an American history homework assignment. Heft had always been fascinated with American history and followed the news that Alaska and Hawaii might soon join the union. As his project he designed a flag for fifty states.
His teacher at Lancaster High School was unimpressed and gave him a B- for his efforts, telling him “if you don’t like the grade, get it accepted in Washington then come back and see me”.
In 1959, that’s precisely what happened. Heft’s design was selected to be the latest iteration of the American flag. Heft stood beside then President Eisenhower during the adoption ceremony in Washington DC. His teacher promptly changed the grade to an A.