For the many children of military veterans, it’s not every day one decides to create a pin that could impact others. But Gabrielle “Gabby” Gonzales was inspired by her father, an Army veteran, to do just that.
Gonzales, an Engineering Design and Development Senior at Great Plains Technology Center, created a pin honoring veterans. Gonzales was announced by Future Engineers as a finalist for the AEOP Veteran’s Appreciation Challenge.
Marcia Brown, Pre-Engineering Instructor at Great Plains, said her class was working on practical applications for 3D views on CAD software when they stumbled upon the competition.
“(In) this competition, students had to showcase making this pin that relates to veterans of the service,” Brown said.
Gonzales said the pin was inspired by her father.
“My dad, he’s a veteran in the Army, so I made a pin of an Army soldier,” Gonzales said.
According to the Future Engineer’s website, the pin shows a soldier striding toward the battlefield, which symbolizes the strength and unwavering courage of Army veterans. The soldier is accompanied by a red and blue eagle, which embodies the soaring spirit of the brave individuals. The soldier’s path is paved with words of gold: “March on, Brave Soldier…Your Sacrifice Echoes Through Time.” The words capture the bravery and sacrifices made by veterans.
Brown said the finalists were chosen by a panel from AEOP that evaluated the pins from submissions all over the country.
The website said winners will be chosen on April 3. There are two categories: Grades 4-8 and Grades 9-12. Winners will receive a 3 day, 2 night trip for two to Columbus, Ohio to attend a special event at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. They will also get a 3D printer donated to a school or organization of their choice on their behalf.
Gonzales said she wants to get a degree from OSU for Management Information Systems.
“I want to do something that involves coding and computers and technology,” Gonzales said. “I’ll be learning how to code with the concept of business, which I think is pretty cool.”
Gonzales said she has competed in robotics competitions since her sophomore year. One year, she won the Andy Easson Hall of Fame award.
“It’s awarded to one member of robotics each year,” Gonzales said.