Lalitha Kuchipudi has earned an accolade that many people can only dream of – “Best in the world.” The 15-year-old student from Chantilly, VA, was awarded First Place in the “Senior” category of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s (FAI) Young Artists Contest.

Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FAI is known in the aviation community as the global authority on certifying aviation records and feats. Since 1986, the organization has been sponsoring this aviation art contest, which sees entrants from Bulgaria, China, France, India, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia and the United States.

Kuchipudi’s rise to earning an international gold medal began when she submitted her artwork to the Virginia Department of Aviation’s (DOAV) student art contest, where she also won first place in the “Senior” category. From there, she went on to earn second place on the national stage for the competition sponsored by the National Aeronautic Association, in Washington D.C. This sent the freshman student to the international contest and, ultimately, earning the honor as best in the world.

Working under the theme “Women with Wings,” Kuchipudi’s drawing depicts a young girl dressed in an astronaut’s flight suit, jumping on her bed while erupting in laughter. On the wall behind the girl are posters of astronaut pioneers, including Sally Ride, Valentina Tereshkova, and Jeanette Epps.

Kuchipudi said, “I wanted to focus more on women in aviation, instead of doing a single portrait of one woman. Their influence was really great on kids. I wanted to be an astronaut,” Kuchipudi said.
Greg Campbell, director of the DOAV, sees the significance of Lalitha Kuchipudi’s accomplishment.

“A Virginian represents not just the best of our nation, but the entire world. Our motto that ’Virginia is for Flying Lovers,’ is quickly becoming a fact,” Campbell said.

Kuchipudi was one of three Virginians to win honors at the national competition and advance to the international stage. Andrew Yang, 9, and Aspen Xing, 12, also represented the United States in the art contest.

Only one other American, Lottie Schmutz of Wyoming, earned honors in the international 2025 Youth Artists Contest.

The Virginia Department of Aviation congratulates Lalitha Kuchipudi and the rest of the winners of the FAI Youth Artists Contest.

Check for updates on 2026’s aviation art theme on doav.virginia.gov/va-art-contest/

May 13th, 2025