Douglas students win aviation art contest

Five Douglas County students are among the Nevada winners in the 2007 International Aviation Art contest by the Nevada Department of Transportation's Aviation Division.

NDOT awarded plaques to first-place winners Tim Hanifan of Jacks Valley Elementary and Julia Hagen of Douglas High School. Second-place winner Julie Pozun and third-place winners Mike Colyer of Douglas High School and Ben Penwell of Jacks Valley Elementary also received plaques for their aviation art entries.

The state presented certificates, signed by NDOT Director Susan Martinovich, to all other participants. Two southern Nevada students also received plaques.

All Nevada contest winners go on to compete in a national competition from which one winner and two runners-up will be named from each of three age groups.

"I was surprised, especially since this was for the whole state," said Colyer, who is considering a military aviation career.

The nationwide contest invited youth in separate age groups of 6 to 9, 10 to 13 and 14 to 17 to create original paintings depicting an airfield theme. Sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration, National Aeronautic Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration, the annual contest strives to inspire young people to learn more about aviation and aeronautics.

Through annual safety inspections and education programs, the Nevada Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Planning is responsible for helping ensure that Nevada's general aviation public and private-use airports meet applicable safety requirements and provide a viable, balanced and integrated system of aviation facilities for all users.