North Carolina Winners of 2019 Aviation Art Contest Announced

Winning artwork from Junior Division winner Srinika Lingidi.

After receiving a record 2,793 entries, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has announced the winners of this year’s Aviation Art Contest.

This year’s theme was “My Dream to Fly” and after weeks of judging and voting, the winners in three age groups have been announced and can be seen below. 

Junior (born 2009-2012):

1st: Srinika Lingidi, of Mills Park Elementary in Cary

2nd: Abigail Santiago, of Berean Baptist Academy in Fayetteville

3rd: Jessica H. Wu, of Davis Drive Elementary in Cary

Intermediate (born 2005-2008):

1st: Kailyn Becker, of Lufkin Road Middle in Apex

2nd: Eve Bennett, of Kiser Middle in Greensboro

3rd: Madeline Grimmius, of Pine Lake Preparatory in Mooresville

Senior (born 2001-2004):

1st: Hyunmin Ra, of Berean Baptist Academy in Fayetteville

2nd: Haley Carter, of Massey Hill Classical High in Fayetteville

3rd: Jesus Mena, of Central Middle in Dobson

The winning art can be viewed on the Division of Aviation’s Facebook page. Art from all finalists will be posted on the NCDOT Flickr site.

The winners were selected over two weeks of voting by local art teachers, aviation experts and Division of Aviation Employees. The artwork was judged on creativity, adherence to the theme and technical quality.

In addition to cash prizes for the winners and their schools, the top three students in each age division will have their artwork submitted to the National Aviation Art Contest. Last year, a North Carolina student placed 2ndin the national contest and advanced to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s International Aviation Art Contest in Switzerland.

The 2,793 entries for this year’s competition represents more than twice the highest number of entries previously submitted. This year’s entries came from 243 schools in 67 counties. A total of 5,816 students have participated in the NC Aviation Art Contest during the last five years.