2025 Tribute to Youth

On Tuesday, April 8, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL), honored the young people who have excelled in programs we sponsor. HBAL takes very seriously its dedication to youth and to housing and we feel we have some outstanding programs which foster an interest in and love for homebuilding.

Our High School Interior Design and CAD Residential Design Contest recently completed its 53rd year. These student entries were judged and displayed at the Nebraska Builders Home and Garden Show. Megan Dreyer introduced the winners and recognized the staff in attendance from Lincoln Public Schools.

• Stan Haas, Assistant Curriculum Specialist: Skilled & Technical Sciences
• Kristin Vest, Assistant Curriculum Specialist: Family & Consumer Sciences
• McKenzie Geier, Lincoln Southwest High School
• Cory Free, Lincoln North Star High School

Residential Design Contest Winners:

• Sophie Westburg, Lincoln East High School, placed third and receives $100.
• Kiyori Lauer, Lincoln East High School placed second and receives $150.
• Malique Mensah, Lincoln North Star High School, placed first and receives $200.

Judges for this contest were Dan Loeck (Loeck Designs), Greg Smith, Dayna Hoch and Aubrey Wassung (Davis Design) and Marlene Stroup (Schwinn Homes).

• Kaya Wagener, Lincoln Southwest High School placed third and receives $100.
• Reese Miller, Lincoln Southeast High School placed second and receives $150.
• Emma Shaeffer, Lincoln Southwest High School placed first and receives $200.

Judges for this contest were Pam Magner (Reynolds Design and Remodeling), Megan Dreyer (Personal Touch Designs), Kelli Fleek (True North Custom Homes) and Heidi Polacek (Lincoln Cabinet).

The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors who are entering college to pursue a degree related to construction. We also support students enrolled at SCC-Milford in construction programs in several ways. In addition to the three scholarships awarded annually, a new scholarship has been established to honor Nadine Condello who was the long-time Executive Director at HBAL. These scholarships will provide funding for the necessary tools for incoming students in Building Construction Technology.

The following recipients each receive a $1,000 HBAL/ Remodelers Council Scholarship.

• Deacon Valenta – Deacon attends Lincoln Christian High School and plans to attend Southeast Community College majoring in Plumbing and HVAC. After graduation Deacon hopes to build a successful career as he enjoys working hands-on jobs and using his problem-solving skills to fix complex challenges. He is active in basketball, works at Dairy Queen and detassels in the summer.
• Isaac Brox – Isaac attends Pius X High School and plans to attend Southeast Community College majoring in HVAC. After graduating Isaac hopes to find a job with an HVAC company on their service team. Isaac is active with Pius X soccer, Hawks FC soccer and participates in the annual catholic service camp.

The $2,000 President’s scholarship is awarded to a student who has a parent or relative who is a member or employed by a member of Home Builders. This year’s winners are Karter Gabriel, son of Billie and Kyle Gabriel with Avid Realty. Damien Johnson, son of Amy and Justin Johnson with Hoppe Development and Kent Krueger, son of Rebecca and Kelly Krueger with Rainwood Interiors.

• Karter Gabriel – Karter attends Lincoln Christian High School and will be attending Southeast Community College majoring in HVAC. Karter hopes to complete his journeyman’s license in the next 5 years and begin working for an HVAC Company. Karter is active with wrestling, golf, theater, marching band, works with the maintenance supervisor at Lincoln Christian and at Auto Zone. He is interested in pursuing a career in construction because he enjoys working with his hands and wants to stay active. Karter credits the maintenance supervisor at Lincoln Christian for his interest in construction. He learned not only how to do many construction related tasks, but also that he could have fun while doing them.
• Damien Johnson – Damien attends Pius X High School and will be attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln majoring in architecture. Damien hopes to find a job at an architecture firm working on residential projects. Damien is active in National Honor Society, Track, Choir, band, theater and boy scouts. He has worked at Raising Canes, UNL events and Capital Lawn Care and enjoys volunteering.  Damien’s interest in construction started at a young age when he would accompany his father, Justin to jobsite tours. Justin would explain the different stages in the construction process and show him details before drywall was hung. Damien also joined his father to help with the HBAL Santa Cop projects where he was able to help build the toys, knowing he was making a difference. Damien says he has always heard if you get a job you love doing, you won’t work a day in your life, which is why he has chosen a career in architecture.
• Kent Krueger – Kent attends College View Academy and plans to continue his education at Union Adventist University. After graduating he aims to apply his college experience and knowledge to help grow the family business. Kent is active in basketball, soccer, and campus ministries, makes and sells cutting boards, and installs flooring and tile. Kent has always enjoyed making and building things, from lamps to cutting boards and other projects. He has worked for his father at Rainwood Interiors since he was in 8^th grade. There he discovered a love for working with his hands and has enjoyed learning the tile trade. He finds great satisfaction in completing jobs.

We encourage everyone to share information about the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation Scholarships with future candidates who you may know or meet throughout the year.