Two Americans Take First Place Honors In NASAO Competition

The NASAO Center for Aviation Research & Education proudly announces that two U.S. students are among the nine winners of the 2014 International Art Contest for young people, sanctioned by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and managed by the NASAO Center. The art contest is designed to motivate and encourage young people to become familiar with and participate in aeronautics, engineering, and science. The winning entries were selected during FAI’s April meeting in Switzerland.

Jessica Ahn, from Gaithersburg, Maryland, received the FAI Gold Medal in the Junior category (Ages 6-9) and Justin Lee, of Reston, Virginia who competed in the Senior category (Ages 14-17), received the FAI Silver Medal.

The news that their artwork had been selected was well received by state aviation officials in those states. “We are delighted that Justin has earned 2nd place in the Senior category in the International competition,” said Randall Burdette, Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation.  “His placing 1st in the Commonwealth of Virginia and then placing 1st in his category nationally was very inspiring, but his placing 2nd Internationally is an achievement he can be proud of for years to come.”  Burdette said Justin’s artwork showing how “Flying Saves Lives” is amazing in its detail and as it is seen throughout the international scene, believes it will inspire other youth to consider service to others through aviation.

FAI reported that competition was fierce due to quality artwork and the significant rise in participation. The number of FAI Member countries taking part increased to 21 this year, up 7 from the previous year. Participating countries included: Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Finland, India, Italy, Japan, Libya, Lithuania, Mongolia, Nepal, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and USA.

More than 5,000 students from 28 states submitted their artwork for the U.S. National competition. The first, second and third place winners were then forwarded to NASAO Center headquarters in Washington for national judging.  The three U.S. winners from each category were sent to Switzerland for the international judging.

(Pictured Top: Winning entry from Jessica Ahn. Bottom: Winning entry from Justin Lee)

FMI: www.nasao.org