BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 Louisiana Aviation Art Contest, sponsored by the DOTD Aviation Section. The theme for this year’s contest was “My Favorite Air Sport.”

Students, ages 6-17, were encouraged to create artwork based on the use of this year’s theme in relation to the aviation world. Participants were also encouraged to visit and learn more about their local airports by visiting DOTD’s website and locating the airport nearest to where they live.  The intent of the contest is to encourage young people from throughout Louisiana to become more familiar with and participate in aeronautics, engineering, and science.  The art contest supplies a way for young adults to become familiar with aviation and the unlimited career opportunities offered in the industry.

The winners of this year’s art contest are as follows:

Ages 6-7              1^st Place - Mia Robichaux of St. John Primary School, Prairieville,

                              2^nd Place - Astrid Interiano of Chateau Estates School, Kenner, Louisiana

                              3^rd Place - Joel Charles of New Orleans Adventist Academy, New Orleans

Ages 8-9              1^st Place - Natalie Heflin of St. Theresa Middle School, Gonzales

                              2^nd Place - Isabel Bacas of St. John Primary School, Prairieville

                              3^rd Place - Mackenzie Stewart of St. Joseph School, Ponchatoula

Ages 10-11          1^st Place - Reed Brantly of Claiborne Academy, Haynesville

                              2^nd Place - Jillian Huber of St. Benilde School, Metairie

                              3^rd Place - Makayla Vining of Patterson Junior High School, Patterson

Ages 12-13          1^st Place - Reggie Bajoie of Good Shepherd School, New Orleans

                              2^nd Place - Johnny Williams of Good Shepherd School, New Orleans

                              3^rd Place - Hayden Pinho of Patterson Junior High School, Patterson

Ages 14-15          1^st Place - Lexie Vass of St. Theresa Middle School, Gonzales

                              2^nd Place - Emily Loisel of Mt. Carmel Academy, New Orleans

                              3^rd Place - Bailey Lavergne of Church Point High School, Church Point

Ages 16-17          1^st Place - Hannah Lemke of Tensas Academy, St. Joseph

                              2^nd Place - Jessica Taylor of Church Point High School, Church Point

                              3^rd Place - Lauren Lambert of Denham Springs High School, Denham Springs

Each year, completed artwork must be submitted to the DOTD 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 930 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.