Students Win Big at International Builder Show

Celebrating the 2026 NAHB Student Chapters Award Winners at the IBS
The energy was high, the room was packed, and the future of the home building industry was on full display at the 2026 NAHB Student Chapters Awards Ceremony during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, FL.

From outstanding chapters and educators to the next generation of builders competing in our 35th year of the NAHB Student Competition — this celebration was all about YOU.

Let’s recognize this year’s winners!

STUDENT CHAPTER AWARDS

Outstanding Student Chapter Winners
For three decades the NAHB Outstanding Student Chapter Award has recognized the chapters that demonstrate exceptional leadership, engagement, industry involvement, and commitment to developing the next generation of home building professionals.

First Place: Auburn University
Second Place: California State University - Fresno
Third Place: University of Southern Mississippi

Outstanding Student Winners

These students, nominated by their faculty, were recognized for their leadership, initiative, professionalism, and impact within their NAHB Student Chapter.
• Analani Bacon, Brigham Young University - Provo
• Kaleizhanae Bell, Tuskegee University
• Chloe Chandler, Purdue University
• Megan Dang, University of Nebraska - Kearney
• Juan Diaz, Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo
• Smith Goracke, Raleigh-Wake County Student Chapter
• Valyn Johnston, Charles J. Colgan, Sr. High School
• Ryan Kirschner, UMASS Amherst
• Lily Morgan, University of Florida
• Deborah Rampoldi, Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo
• Marcus Rayner, North Carolina A&T
• Victoria Reynolds, North Carolina A&T
• Jacqueline Saucedo-Lujan, University of Denver
• Daniel Schlegel, University of Cincinnati
• Attley Stevens, Norwich University
• Gracy Weil, University of Denver
• Amanda Williams, University of North Florida
• Jayden Woullard, Tuskegee University

EDUCATORS & INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS

Outstanding Educator of the Year
This award recognizes an educator who goes above and beyond to mentor, guide, and champion students pursuing careers in home building.

Winner of Outstanding Educator:
Mark Zimpfer, Purdue University

Occupational Advisory Board Member of the Year
This award recognizes an NAHB member or HBA staff person who is actively involved in an advisory role at a secondary institution. This is a person who mentors students, assists with curriculum reviews to make sure it's relevant and reflects industry standards, plans guest speaker events and field-trips, informs school of knowledge and skills employers are looking for in the community, and informs the school of industry trends.

Winner of Occupational Advisory Board Member:
Michael Lohss, Jr., York County School of Technology/York Builders Association

Industry Advisory Board Member of the Year
This award recognizes an NAHB member or HBA staff person who is actively involved in an advisory role assisting to shape the classroom curriculum at a post-secondary institution. They are a mentor to students, assist with curriculum review, plans guest speaker events, and is involved with career fairs, among other things.

Winner of Industry Advisory Board Member:
Jim Deslandes, Jr., Roger Williams University/Rhode Island Builders Association

Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious award recognizes a career of lasting impact, dedication, and service to NAHB student programs and workforce development.

Winner of Lifetime Achievement Award:
Steve Nellis, Pres./CEO of American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)

NAHB STUDENT COMPETITION WINNERS

Celebrating 35 Years of the Student Competition
This year marked 35 years of the NAHB Student Competition - and the talent on display proves the future of home building is in very capable hands.

A huge thank you to our competition project sponsors and volunteer judges who dedicate their time, expertise, and industry knowledge to make this experience meaningful and real-world for our students. Your commitment to developing the next generation does not go unnoticed.

Congratulations to the 2026 winners!

Secondary Programs

Construction Management
First Place: Raleigh-Wake County Student Chapter
Second Place: Charles J. Colgan, Sr. High School
Third Place: Baldwin Preparatory Academy
Rookie of the Year: Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

Architecture:
First Place: York County School of Technology

Associate Programs

First Place: North Dakota State College of Science
Second Place: Front Range Community College (Team 1)
Third Place: Kirkwood Community College
Rookie of the Year: Lawson State Community College

Four-Year & Graduate Programs: Custom/Small Home Builder

First Place: Kennesaw State University
Second Place: Tuskegee University
Third Place: University of Oklahoma
Rookie of the Year: Appalachian State University

Four-Year & Graduate Programs: Production Home Build

First Place: University of Cincinnati
Second Place: University of Denver
Third Place: Texas A&M
Rookie of the Year: Collin College Technical Campus