AASHTO Journal - Winners Named in NCDOT 2026 Aviation Art Contest

The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation recently named the winners of the 2026 North Carolina Aviation Art Contest; an annual competition designed to inspire and engage young people in aviation through artistic expression.

[Above image by NCDOT]

This theme of the 2026 contest, “Fly to Save Lives,” challenged students to imagine how aviation can help save lives, such as by delivering food and medicine, fighting wildfires, and rescuing people and animals in emergencies.

“The talent and imagination our students show each year is truly inspiring,” said Nick Short, director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation, in a statement. “The artwork submitted for this year’s contest was exceptional. Through their creativity, these students captured the many ways aviation serves communities and saves lives.”

Sponsored by the North Carolina Airports Association, the contest provides cash prizes for state winners and their schools.

Participants competed within age-based categories, with winners selected based on creativity, technical quality and how effectively their artwork reflected this year’s theme.

The 2026 contest winners are:

Junior (born 2016-2019):

1^st – Leia Scarborough of South Mebane Elementary School in Mebane
2^nd – Aaron Chen of Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy in Charlotte
3^rd – Enya Thomas of First Impressions Academy in Fayetteville

Intermediate (born 2012-2015):

1^st – Carolynn Kim of Apex Friendship Middle School in Apex
2^nd – Lexi McGrath of Valley Springs Middle School in Arden
3^rd – Ellie Yoon of Morris Grove Elementary School Chapel Hill

Senior (born 2008-2011):

1^st – Soyoon Kim of Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill
2^nd – Avaya Morrison of Elkin High School in Elkin
3^rd – Ada Sain of Lincoln Charter School in Lincolnton

The top three artists in each age category will advance to the National Aviation Art Contest sponsored by the National Association of State Aviation Officials, where those students will then compete for a chance to advance to the international level. Since 2017, 19 North Carolina students have placed in the top three nationally, and three have earned international honors.