South Fork High School students recently put their creativity, collaboration, and technical skills to the test in a dynamic Construction Management Competition centered on designing a new cultural destination for the community.
Working in teams, students formed their own construction companies and developed full-scale project proposals that reflected real-world industry expectations. Guided by the challenge, students were tasked with designing a destination that enhances community engagement while preserving local identity, while also addressing sustainability, infrastructure, and feasibility .
Throughout the semester, students met biweekly with industry professionals who served as mentors, providing hands-on guidance in planning, design, budgeting, and project management. Mentors included Brent Martin and Riley Quinn from Morganti Construction, Samantha Ritchey from UES, and Brett Oldford from WGI Civil Engineering. Their expertise helped students think critically, refine their ideas, and approach projects with a professional mindset.
A special recognition also goes to Marc Turull, SFHS ACE sponsor, whose leadership and commitment to the program helped make this experience possible for our students. His support ensured students had access to meaningful industry connections and real-world learning opportunities throughout the competition.
The competition culminated in formal presentations where each team pitched their project to a panel of judges. Students demonstrated not only their design concepts, but also their understanding of construction timelines, materials, costs, and community impact.
The event welcomed distinguished guests, including Superintendent Michael Maine and School Board Member Christia Roberts, along with other leaders from the school district and local community. Their presence highlighted the importance of career-connected learning and the value of partnerships between education and industry.
After an impressive round of presentations, Vertex Design Inc. was named the winning team for their project, the Astra Peak Planetarium. Their proposal stood out for its creativity, feasibility, and strong alignment with the competition’s goals.
This experience provided students with invaluable real-world skills and a deeper understanding of careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. South Fork High School is proud of all participants for their hard work, professionalism, and innovation.
Congratulations to all of our students, mentors, and partners who made this event a success!