The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission announced the names of 12 students who placed in the Oklahoma 2019 International Aviation Art Contest.

Among them was a Kingfisher High School student.  

The state-level Aviation Art Contest, sponsored by the Aeronautics Commission, encourages youth, ages 6 to 17, to reflect on aviation by designing a piece of art based on the year’s chosen theme. This year’s contest theme was “My Dream to Fly.”  

In the Junior Division, ages 6 to 9, Brecker Tubbs, from Ator Heights Elementary in Owasso, took home first prize. This year’s second-place winner was Chloe Childs from Community Christian School in Norman, while third place went to Haven Herrod, from Latta Public Schools in Ada. Ruby Nix received an honorable mention from the judges and is a student at Holy Trinity Lutheran School in Edmond.

Channing Reames from Guthrie, a student at Guthrie Upper Elementary, took top honors in the Intermediate Division, ages 10-13.

Taking second was Faith Lawson from Willard Elementary School in Ada, while Anneliese Weir, also from Ada and a student at Willard Elementary School, placed third.

Receiving an Honorable Mention in the division, Marcelo Casas, Jr., is a student at Hooker Public Schools in Hooker.

Guymon High School’s Adamariz Veleta from Guymon finished atop the Senior Division, ages 14-17, followed by Omar Lira, also a student at Guymon High School. Ashlynn Buchanan from Enid High School took third.

Maricza Lopez from Kingfisher High School received an honorable mention in the division.

“Recently we learned from a comprehensive economic impact study of aviation and aerospace activity, that aviation and aerospace has become the second largest industry in the state providing over 206,000 jobs. We must have skilled and competent workers for that industry to remain viable,” director of aeronautics Vic Bird said.

“The annual Oklahoma Aviation Art Contest is critical to stimulating aviation interest among young minds.  If we can reach them at the earliest of ages, we can guide them into STEM based education and aviation and aerospace careers.”

First-place winners in each of the three age categories receive $200, while the second-place winners receive $150.

A cash prize of $100 is presented to students who place third, and honorable mention will receive $50.