BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Louisiana Aviation Art Contest, sponsored by the Aviation Section. The theme for this year’s contest was "Louisiana: A Celebration of Statehood and Aviation!"
Students, ages 6-17, were encouraged to create artwork based on the history of aviation in Louisiana. Participants were also encouraged to visit and learn more about their local airports. The intent of the contest is to encourage young people throughout Louisiana to become more familiar with and participate in aeronautics, engineering, and science.
The winners of this year’s art contest are as follows:
Ages 6-7 1st Place - Cooper Ancale of St. John Primary School
2nd Place - Meghan Gauldin of St. John Primary School
3rd Place - Kyle Hertel of St. John Primary School
Ages 8-9 1st Place - Riley Richard of St. Theresa Middle School
2nd Place - Natalie Heflin of St. Theresa Middle School
3rd Place - Gage Lobell of St. Theresa Middle School
Ages 10-11 1st Place - Caroline Daigle of Ridge Elementary School
2nd Place - Hannah Patin of St. Theresa Middle School
3rd Place - Delaney Borne of Riverdale Christian Academy
Ages 12-13 1st Place - Lexie Vass of St. Theresa Middle School
2nd Place - Sam Dinnat of Brame Middle School
3rd Place - Aimee Petitbon of Ursuline Academy
Ages 14-15 1st Place - Jamie Jenkins of Bayou Chicot School
2nd Place - Patricia Bandy of Brame Middle School
3rd Place - Tamirra Wheeler of McKinley High School
Ages 16-17 1st Place - Rachel Hava of Mount Carmel Academy
2nd Place - Vy Ho of McKinley High School
3rd Place - Sarah Beth Selph of Mount Carmel Academy
Each year, completed artwork must be submitted to the Aviation Section to be judged for its creative use of the year’s theme in relation to Louisiana aviation events. Local and state aviation officials then select three winners per age category, resulting in a total of eighteen winners. Winners receive aviation-related prizes donated by the following aviation associations.
1. Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates (LAMA) has donated prizes such as iPods, model airplanes, and remote control airplanes.
2. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has donated prizes such as free website training sessions, hats, and books.
3. Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has donated introductory flights for children ages 7-18 through a national program called the Young Eagles Program. The introductory flights are awarded to first place winners in each category. Through the contest, DOTD facilitates communication between the winners and the local pilots of each EAA chapter closest to where the winner lives.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.
For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD's Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).