Collierville, Tenn., student has winning helicopter design

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. - Officials say a Collierville High School student has been named grand champion in the national Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge.

Shelby County Schools officials say sophomore Vance Hudson submitted a design for the competition, which challenges students to design an innovative helicopter for the year 2050 that can address a global issue. The annual competition is open to students age 9 to 16.

Hudson designed 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.

Hudson will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a trip to Sikorsky headquarters in Connecticut.

Collierville junior Sabrina Curley was also notified this week that she was one of only four national finalists in the competition.

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