For the 2026 Aviation Art Contest, participants were asked to create original artworks inspired by the theme “Fly to Save Lives”.
Nearly 1,000 student entries were submitted from 45 counties across North Carolina.
Winning Entries
Entries were divided into three age groups. The top three finishers in each age group advance to the national competition, hosted by the National Association of State Aviation Officials in Washington, D.C.
Junior (born 2016-2019)
| - First Place: Leia Scarborough, South Mebane Elementary School
- Second Place: Aaron Chen, Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, Charlotte
- Third Place: Enya Thomas, First Impressions Academy, Fayetteville
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Intermediate (born 2012-2015)
| - First Place: Carolynn Kim, Apex Friendship Middle School
- Second Place: Lexi McGrath, Valley Springs Middle School, Arden
- Third Place: Ellie Yoon, Morris Grove Elementary School, Chapel Hill
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Senior (born 2008-2011)
| - First Place: Soyoon Kim, Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill
- Second Place: Avaya Morrison, Elkin High School, Elkin
- Third Place: Ada Sain, Lincoln Charter School, Lincolnton
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