LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MASCOT WINNER SELECTED

(Los Angeles, California -- April 6, 2006) Three local middle school students recently were selected as first-, second- and third-place winners of the LAX mascot contest, which drew nearly 190 entries from students in airport-area schools.

The first-place prize went to Kenny Hoang from Will Rogers Middle School in Lawndale. Guy Labayen, also a student at Will Rogers, received second place. Heather Orellana, who attends Orville Wright Middle School in Westchester, earned third place.

Hoang’s class will receive a private tour of LAX, and the airport will use his mascot drawing in a new kids’ activity book and coloring book design – special acknowledgement for a middle school artist. His family will also receive complimentary dining at the award winning Encounter Restaurant located in the heart of LAX.

Orville Wright Magnet Coordinator Joy Kobashi, who served as a contest judge, says all of the school’s students who participated were very excited about getting recognized for their work. “For the students it brought a real sense of awareness of LAX,” she notes. "As a math-science aerospace magnet school, it’s nice to have that bridge."

LAX thanks and congratulates all of the terrific students who submitted entries!

To learn more about LAX programs for local schools, visit www.lawa.org/lax (click on "Community Relations") or call (310) 646-5742.