The “AEOP Veterans Appreciation Challenge,” a collaboration between the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) and Future Engineers, today announced the 20 finalists with the top 3D pin designs. Students from grades four through 12 across the nation showcased their ingenuity and engineering ability by crafting 3D pins to express gratitude to U.S. military veterans. Previously the “We ♥ Veterans Pin Design Challenge,” this program encourages students to express their creativity and build their 3D design skills.

The top 10 finalists in each grade-level category, fourth-eighth and ninth-12th, 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 

• Kairon Baguia, Deptford, NJ: Spectacular Veterans 
• Dhruv Goyal, Houston, TX: Revolving Selector Pin 
• Asitai F., Cary, NC: Valor Pin 
• Daniel Grinman Rivera, San Antonio, TX: “Your Service is Timeless” 
• Aarushi Khadka, Shreveport, LA: Blooms of Valor 
• Avery Garrett, Powell, OH: Honor with Braille 
• Alexis Thompson, Jackson, OH: Power and Striking Force 
• Matthew Bain, Marietta, PA: Home of the Free Pin 
• Thomas Villarreal, Cranford, NJ: Veteran Appreciation Challenge 
• Allison Guzman Perez, Venus, TX: Homage to veterans 

The 9th-12th grade finalists

• Caleb Hassebrock, Duluth, MN: “Honoring Heroes” 
• Eddie Pham, Houston, TX: An Award for Their Service 
• Darwin Skalski, Williamsville, NY: Veterans Coin 
• William Randolph, Utica, KY: Veterans’ Pin 
• Megan Mellinger, Friday Harbor, WA: Honor and Appreciation 
• Gabrielle Gonzales, Lawton, OK: Eagle’s Embrace: Commemorating 
• Austin Alberd, Cumberland Furnace, TN: Veterans Appreciation Pin 
• Jaxon Singleton, Woodstock, GA: Veterans for the World 
• Aaron Warren, Spokane, WA: Guardians of peace 
• Kira Clark, Friday Harbor, WA: Handing Love to Veterans 

There will be one winner from each grade band; the two national winners will be announced on April 3. 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 diverse 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, ethnic, 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