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Fairfax County students captured every first-place award in the 2025 Virginia Aviation Art Contest, leading a strong local showing that will send eight young artists to the national competition.

The Virginia Department of Aviation announced the results Feb. 19. Lena Shi of McLean, Ivan Li of Herndon and Lalitha Kuchipudi of Chantilly won their respective age divisions.

Nearly 70 entries explored this year’s theme, “Women with Wings.” Judges from aviation, art, education and media evaluated the artwork for creativity, color, composition and connection to the theme.

The local honorees ranged from 9 to 16 years old.

“Our students’ talents are stunning. So many of these pieces of art could go in a museum,” Virginia Department of Aviation Director Greg Campbell said.

First-, second- and third-place finishers advance to a national contest sponsored by the National Aeronautic Association. National winners can move on to an international competition in Lausanne, Switzerland, organized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

In 2024, two Vienna students earned international honors. Eric Shen, then 8, placed second in the junior category, while 14-year-old Iris Xie finished third in the intermediate division.

Junior division

Lena Shi, 9, of McLean won first place, and Andrew Yang, 9, of Great Falls took second. Aiden Zhang, 9, of Falls Church received an honorable mention.

Intermediate division

Ivan Li, 13, of Herndon earned first place. Ryan He, 13, of McLean finished second, and Aspen Xing, 12, of Vienna placed third. Adrian Qin, 12, of McLean received an honorable mention.

Senior division

Lalitha Kuchipudi, 14, of Chantilly took first place. Ava Zhang, 15, of McLean earned second, while Janet Li, 15, of Herndon placed third. Shirley Wang, 16, of McLean received an honorable mention.