Today, the 2025 “AEOP Veterans Appreciation Challenge”–a collaboration between the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) and Future Engineers–announced the competition’s 20 finalists, 10 students from grades four through eight and 10 students from grades nine through twelve. This year, thousands of students from across the country, U.S. territories, and DoD-supported schools overseas put their creativity and engineering abilities to work to express their gratitude to U.S. military veterans in the form of a 3D pin design. After reviewing the unique and thoughtful entries, the judges selected the top 20 designs to move forward in the competition, 10 finalists in each grade-level category. 

The 20 finalists will get their designs 3D printed, glued to pin backs, and handed out to veterans who visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio for the annual Memorial Day event. Finalists will also receive five prints of their design and a $100 gift card toward a professional 3D print. You can view the full submission gallery here. 

The 4th-8th grade finalists 

Kaylee An, Brea, CA: “Appreciation”

Breelyn Arnwine, Atco, NJ: “Stars For All”

Grant Booth, Elizabethtown, PA: “My Spinning Veteran Pin”

Chloe Daily, Carroll, OH: “Vet Pin”

Madison Felton, Cumming, GA: “Veterans Day Pin”

Beau Gaskins, Venus, TX: “Veteran Shield Pin”

Elise Kazee, Lancaster, CA: “Veteran Pin”  

Luke Lotte, Lithopolis, OH: “Thank You Veterans Pin”

Madison Watson, Clay Center, OH: “My Veterans Day Pin”

Austin White, Boca Raton, FL: “Flight Of The Eagle”

The 9th-12th grade finalists

Aiden Blanco, Hialeah, FL: “Keep Close What Matters Most”

Andrew Catchings, Houston, TX: “Thank You For Inspiring Many” 

Dexter Deleon, Miami Lakes, FL: “Guardian Wings”

Joshua Flores Benitez, Houston, TX: “Thank you for everything.” 

Jimmy Muhammad, Sugar Land, TX: “Veterans Pin”

Jaylynn Perez, Brooklyn, NY: “Veterans Wear Capes”

Reena Sotomil, Barrigada, GU: “COMMEMORATING VETERANS”

Natalie White, Austin, TX: “Veterans Day Pin” 

Maggie Yan, Ponte Vedra, FL: “Stars of Service”

Alexis Zapata, Portsmouth, NH: “American Eagle”

The two national winners, one from each grade band, will be announced on April 2, 2025. Winners will be selected based on the originality and quality of the 3D design, as well as the message of support and appreciation for veterans. The challenge winners will earn a trip for two to Columbus, OH, to attend a special event on Memorial Day at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Each winner will also receive a 3D printer donated to the U.S. school, library, or organization of their choice.

About the Army Educational Outreach Program

The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) seeks to provide an accessible pathway of STEM opportunities to attract, develop, and mentor the next generation of our nation’s talent through U.S. Army educational outreach programs. AEOP offers our nation’s youth, young professionals and educators opportunities for meaningful, real-world STEM experiences, competitions and paid internships alongside U.S. Army researchers. From elementary school through to post doctoral students and educators, participants of all proficiency levels, interests, economic and academic backgrounds are encouraged to participate in AEOP. For more information on AEOP, visit usaeop.com. Follow AEOP on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Battelle

Battelle is an independent nonprofit organization that advances science and technology to have the greatest impact on our society and economy. With more than 90 years of experience, we turn knowledge into profound innovation. And we use our proceeds to reinvest in the advancement of science and technology, as well as build schools to advance STEM programs. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle provides comprehensive scientific solutions to companies and government agencies across multiple markets, including: health, industry, national security, infrastructure, and environment. For more information, visit battelle.org. Follow Battelle on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

About Future Engineers

Future Engineers hosts online contests and challenges for K-12 students. Previous challenges have helped produce historic achievements – from naming NASA’s Perseverance rover to manufacturing the first student-designed 3D print in space. All challenges are offered free for student and classroom participation. For more information, visit futureengineers.org. Follow Future Engineers on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Media Contact:

Morgan Livingston

morgan.livingston@finnpartners.com