Sophomore Vance Hudson of Collierville High School has been named Grand Champion in the national Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge. The competition challenges students to design an innovative helicopter for the year 2050 that can address a global issue. The annual competition is open to all students in America who are age 9-16, but only four finalists and one grand prize winner are named each year.

Hudson will receive the 2013 “Youth Innovator Award,” along with a $1,000 scholarship and a trip to the Sikorsky headquarters in Connecticut, where many of the world’s military and commercial helicopters are designed and manufactured. Hudson impressed judges with his design for a semi-autonomous aircraft that could be used for humanitarian missions. The “S-2050,” as he calls it, would also help reduce carbon emissions and environmental waste.

CHS junior Sabrina Curley was also notified this week that she is one of only four national finalists in the Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge. She calls her helicopter “The N.U.W.O.R” (Nuclear Waste Obtainer and Rescuer). It’s designed to reduce radioactive materials, as well as locate and treat survivors in the event of a nuclear meltdown. Curley will also receive a prize package from Sikorsky, and both students will have their designs featured on the company’s website.

For more information about the Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge, go to http://helicopter2050.com/?opt=home.

(Note: 2013 winners have not yet been announced on the site.)