On Tuesday, April 21, 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.
Click here to view the highlight reel from Tribute to Youth.
Our High School Interior Design and CAD Residential Design Contest recently completed its 54th year. These student entries were judged and displayed at the Nebraska Builders Home and Garden Show. Pam Magner, chair of the contest, introduced the winners and recognized the staff in attendance from Lincoln Public Schools.
- Kristin Vest, Assistant Curriculum Specialist: Family & Consumer Sciences
- McKenzie Geier, Lincoln Southwest High School
- Travis Simpson, Lincoln Southwest High School
- Jolene Schlemmer, Lincoln Southeast High School
Residential Design Contest Winners:
- Evan Vondrak, Lincoln North Star High School, placed third and receives $100.
- Conner Boyle, Lincoln Southwest High School placed second and receives $150.
- Avery Stohs, Lincoln Southwest High School, placed first and receives $200.
Judges for this contest were Dan Loeck (Loeck Designs) and Marlene Stroup (Schwinn Homes).
- Becca Woods, Lincoln Southeast High School placed third and receives $100.
- Emily Hinze, Lincoln Southwest High School placed second and receives $150.
- Silvy Munn, 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), Heidi Polacek (Lincoln Cabinet), Jenny Huls (Willet Construction) and Amy Vahle (Rainwood Interiors).
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. The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation funds six $500 scholarships annually, along with five $1,800 scholarships to provide funding for the necessary tools for incoming students in Building & Construction Technology. The tools scholarship was established last year in memory of Nadine Condello who was the long-time Executive Director at the Home Builders Association.
The following recipients each receive a $1,000 HBAL/ Remodelers Council Scholarship.
- Matthew Williams – Matthew attends Wilber-Clatonia High School and plans to attend Northeast Community College majoring in HVAC. After graduation Matthew plans to build a successful career working for an HVAC company. Matthew is active in FFA, 4-H and the trap team at Wilber-Clatonia. Matthew credits several of his family members who have successful careers in HVAC for his interest in a career in construction.
- Matthew Goldfish – Matthew attends Shelton High School and plans to attend Northeast Community College majoring in Building Construction Technology. After graduating Matthew sees himself growing his skill set through a successful career in construction. Matthew is active in several sports, FFA, youth group at his church, and works for Green Brick LLC. Matthew enjoys problem solving, working as part of a team and seeing the direct results of his effort at the end of the day. Matthew realized a career in construction would give him stability and a chance to build something meaningful in his community.
- Porter Woita – Porter attends Southeast High School and plans to continue his education at UNL. After graduating, he aims to expand the family business. Porter is active with golf, Spec Car racing, his church and works part-time mowing lawns and working for Woita Homes. Porter credits his father as the person who influenced him the most to pursue a career in construction. He hopes to continue the family legacy while working alongside his dad to learn, grow, and evolve the business.
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 Alex Firestone, son of Liz Firestone and Matt Firestone with Sportscape Construction. Jack Harrison, son of John Harrison and Michaela Schwarten with Home Builders and Brody Jones, son of Bo and Amber Jones with Tru-Built Construction.
- Alex Firestone – Alex attends Lincoln East High School and will be attending UNL majoring in Construction Management. Alex hopes to complete his degree and continue working for Kingery Construction as a project manager. Alex participated in wrestling at Lincoln East and works part-time as a concrete laborer and construction intern. Alex is interested in pursuing a career in construction because it is a field where his skills and long-term goals align the most. He grew up in a family deeply involved in the construction industry and credits his dad’s work ethic and professional accomplishments as the biggest influences for his decision to pursue a construction related degree.
- Jack Harrison – Jack attends Lincoln East High School and will be attending SCC-Milford majoring in HVAC. After graduation Jack hopes to be working for a local HVAC company. Jack is active in soccer, baseball, youth group at his church, volunteers and works part-time for Red Custom Homes and RDM Landscapes. Jack has been surrounded by the construction industry his whole life as his dad owns his own roofing company and his mom works for HBAL, along with uncles and an aunt in the industry. Jack also has fond memories of spending days with Mike Kinning when he was in elementary school, learning about residential construction sites. Jack has enjoyed his summer jobs working in framing and landscaping and realizes he would be best suited for a career in the construction industry.
- Brody Jones – Brody attends Lincoln Southwest High School and will be attending SCC-Milford majoring in Building Construction Technology. After graduating, Brody plans to work with his dad at Tru-Built Construction. Brody is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, football, Jr. Saltdogs Baseball and works for Tru-Built Construction. Brody has always been fascinated by the construction industry. Watching his dad work hard, problem solve and create something from nothing has been inspiring. Brody credits his dad for teaching him skills needed for construction and the importance of hard work and looks forward to being a part of the Tru-Built team.
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.
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- Home builder professional presenting a house floor plan and design samples at a Lincoln industry event.
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- Home builders and professionals showcase a new house plan with attendees at the Lincoln Home Builders Association event.
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- A young woman stands next to a large architectural display board showcasing house plans and design options at a home builders event.
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- Three young men smiling at a professional gathering in Lincoln, Nebraska. They are dressed casually and appear to be enjoying the event.
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- A group of three people, two men and one woman, smiling and posing together at a professional networking event for home builders and industry professi.
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- Members of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln at a networking event in Lincoln, Nebraska, showcasing community engagement and professional conne.
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- A group of three people, two men and one woman, smiling and posing together at a professional event in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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- Group of professionals at networking event in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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- Young woman presenting a home design project with fabric samples and floor plan at a Lincoln Home Builders event.
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- Attendees gathered in a spacious, well-lit conference room for a professional event hosted by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln.
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- A woman speaks at a podium during a professional event for home builders and industry professionals in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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- Students receiving awards at a Home Builders Association event in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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- A man presenting awards or certificates to three young women at an indoor event, celebrating achievements in the home building industry.
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- Home Builders Association of Lincoln recognizes outstanding students and professionals.
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- Five individuals, including two adults and three young men, stand together in a room, celebrating achievements at a professional event.
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- Young professionals receiving awards at a home builders event in Lincoln, Nebraska. Celebrating achievements in the local construction industry.
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- A man in a light gray suit and glasses speaks at a podium during a professional event. The background features beige curtains and a neutral wall.
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- Two smiling men in business attire standing together at a Lincoln event, representing the Home Builders Association of Lincoln.
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- A young man and a woman pose together, smiling, at a Home Builders Association event in Lincoln, Nebraska, with an American flag in the background.
