April 2, 2025 – The AEOP Veterans Appreciation Challenge, a joint effort from the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) and Future Engineers, today announced the winners of the 2025 competition. Out of thousands of 3D pin design submissions, the two winners are Elise K. from Lancaster, California in the fourth to eighth grade category, and Jimmy M. from Sugar Land, Texas in the ninth through twelfth grade category. 

The annual challenge, now in its fourth year, invites students in grades 4–12 from across the country and in DoD-supported schools around the world to design unique 3D pins that celebrate U.S. military veterans. Last month, AEOP announced the top 20 finalists, which included 10 finalists from the two grade bands, fourth through eighth and ninth through twelfth grades. The finalists’ submission gallery is available here. 

Elise’s winning design, “Veteran Pin,” honors the veterans who risk their lives to keep the U.S. safe. You can view the design here. 

“I used the person and an oval shape to create the hand signal of respect,” explains Elise. “Furthermore, I used the U.S.A. colors since this will be for veterans that operated for the United States of America. I also wanted to write something meaningful that showed my gratitude so instead of ‘Thank you for your service!’ I put ‘Salute to All Veterans’ which I believe has a much deeper meaning.”

Jimmy’s winning design, “Veterans Pin,” despite its simple design, he says, encourages people to recognize, honor, and express gratitude to local veterans for their services. You can view his design here.

“This Veteran’s Day pin was designed to look like a veteran’s medallion,” says Jimmy. “The center star mimics the stars on the American flag, and symbolizes bravery and valor, and the ring surrounding it, which also resembles the white stripes on the American flag, acts as a scarf for the star, protecting it, has the words “honoring those who served,” symbolizing the strength and patriotism within the country.” 

This May, Elise and Jimmy will travel to Columbus, Ohio on a fully funded trip to attend the prestigious Memorial Day event at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. The two challenge winners will have the opportunity to present their pins to veterans and will also be gifted a high-tech 3D printer to donate to a school, library, or organization of their choice.

The 20 finalists will also see their designs come to life as 3D-prints, which will be distributed alongside Elise and Jimmy’s pins at the Memorial Day event. Additionally, each finalist will receive five copies of their design and a $100 gift card for a professional 3D print. Learn more about the challenge and how to join in the next competition here. 

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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