Three Local Architecture Students Win Stonehenge Achievement Scholarships

GAHANNA, Ohio (June 10, 2008)

Three senior students from the Eastland Fairfield Career and Technical School’s Architecture and Construction Management (ACM) program, which is housed at Gahanna Lincoln High School, earned “Stonehenge Achievement Scholarships” for their outstanding design-oriented senior projects. The scholarships are presented by community developer and builder The Stonehenge Company.

Ashley Hilyard, a recent graduate of New Albany High School, won the first-place scholarship ($1,500) with her design for a homeless shelter that incorporates “green building principles.” Her socially conscious project, which was called “Reach for the Change,” featured in-depth research, highly detailed three dimensional models and sound marketing ideas, according to competition judges. She plans to attend The Ohio State University where she will enroll in the Knowlton School of Architecture.

Kenny Kamieniecki took second place ($1,000) for an eco-friendly custom coach design. He will attend The Ohio State University and plans to study mechanical engineering. Aaron Breitfeller earned third place ($500) with a design for a luxury motor yacht. He will attend the University of Dayton. Both recently graduated from Gahanna Lincoln High School.

“This year’s scholarship recipients presented an impressive variety of design concepts with a particular focus on sustainability and social responsibility,” said Mo Dioun, president of The Stonehenge Company. “The winners’ commitment to superior quality, attention to detail and unique approaches reflects key principles at the core of The Stonehenge Company. Our team is delighted to support these budding architects whose innovative ideas incorporate some of the most prominent and important trends in development.”

Earlier this year, the ACM program challenged its senior class to develop an innovative design-oriented project that would benefit future generations. Twelve students selected professional mentors to guide them through the development process and presented their projects to an advisory panel made up of prominent members of the central Ohio architecture and construction community. The panel, as well as several of the participating mentors, selected the top three projects to compete for this year’s scholarships based on the overall entry presentation, design concepts and marketing ideas. Finalists then met with executives from The Stonehenge Company who awarded the scholarships.

According to Eastland Fairfield Career and Technical School architecture instructor Jeff Gilger, a 20-year veteran of central Ohio’s design and construction community who holds degrees in architecture and construction management, participation of organizations like The Stonehenge Company provides a unique and exciting opportunity to the students.

“Our students this year worked diligently to devise projects that were new, different and relevant to today’s architecture and construction standards, “ Gilger said. “We value the active involvement of our corporate partners, advisory board and mentors.”

The “Stonehenge Achievement Scholarships” are presented to seniors who demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of their future profession during their time in the ACM program. Since 2007, The Stonehenge Company has given $6,000 in scholarships to seven students through this program. The Stonehenge Company also recognizes alumni of the ACM program who pursue further education in a related field via the “Stonehenge Altitude Scholarship.” An additional $3,000 will be awarded to three ACM alumni this summer.