BURBANK, Calif. – "I’m at a loss of words," Nazeli Khodaverdyan said as tears streamed down her face.  It was the first time the teen had seen her artwork hanging on the tower of Hollywood Burbank Airport.

“I just like burst out crying because I didn’t really think that I’d make it this far," Khodaverdyan said.

Khodaverdyan is one of the winners of the Student Art “Tower Banner” contest, run by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority.  Each year they select a winner from three school districts and take turns displaying their pieces on the tower. It is a big moment and a big banner.

“You know, that is 16-by-26-feet," said the Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Hollywood Burbank airport Lucy Burghdorf.

Khodaverdyan had no idea the banner would be that size. The 16-year-old is going into her junior year at Burbank High School. Her animation teacher gave students the option of entering the contest and Khodaverdyan took off from there, working through the night at her computer.

The theme this year was Heroes of Aviation and airport officials said her design captures it beautifully.

“From Amelia Earhart to the Wright Brothers to..I believe that’s Neil Armstrong," Burghdorf said, "but she really did truly bring her work to life.”  

The contest, which has been going on for 12 years, was Burghdorf’s idea.  The airport gets a fresh look every few months and in turn, gives each of the three school district’s $3,000 to support their arts programs.

The airport also gives the winners a boost of confidence that may be just what they need to help them take flight.  

Standing in front of the tower, Burghdorf told Khodaverdyan, "You’ve got a major accomplishment here."

Khodaverdyan, who is considering a career in animation, said, “I think it clearly shows me that I have probably have some place in this hard business.”

For now, she is basking in the moment. This summer, her art will be seen by tens of thousands of people every single day.

“They won’t know who did that," said Khodaverdyan, "but I’ll know who did that, and I did that.”

It is an accomplishment that will keep her spirits sky high for some time.