The Division of Aviation within the North Carolina Department of Transportation recently named the winners of the 2025 North Carolina Aviation Art Contest; an annual competition designed to inspire and engage young people in aviation through artistic expression.
[Above image via NCDOT]
This year’s contest, themed “Women With Wings,” encouraged students to celebrate the contributions of women in aviation, whether as pilots, skydivers, mechanics or engineers through their artwork.
The North Carolina Airports Association sponsored the contest and provided cash prizes for state winners and their schools. More than 1,000 students submitted entries showcasing historical and imaginative interpretations of aviation’s trailblazing women, NCDOT said, with those entries divided into three age groups: Junior (born 2015-2018); Intermediate (born 2011-2014); and Senior (born 2007-2010).
The top three artists in each age category will advance to the National Aviation Art Contest in Washington, D.C., where they will compete for a chance to advance to the international level, the agency noted.
“Aviation has been shaped by countless pioneering women and this year’s theme challenged students to bring their stories to life through art,” said Nick Short, interim director of NCDOT’s Aviation Division, in a statement. “It’s inspiring to see young artists explore aviation’s past while also envisioning its future.”
A panel of judges selected the winners based on creativity, technical quality and adherence to the theme. Judges reviewed this year’s entrants over several weeks.
The judges included local art teachers, aviation experts, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D), and NCDOT employees – including NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins.
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