Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School students earn national honors at home-builders’ competition

The Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School National Association of Home Builders (NHAB) student chapter added another national accolade to its growing résumé by earning second place at the 2026 International Builders Show Secondary Schools Construction Management Competition, reinforcing the program’s reputation for excellence, professionalism, and persistence.

Competing against schools with established construction and technical programs, the Colgan High School team distinguished itself at one of the most prestigious gatherings in the home- building industry. The competition, held this year in Orlando, Florida, brings together students and professionals from across the country and evaluates participants as if they were real-world construction firms.

Colgan seniors Akeno Beach, Valyn Johnston, and Sakina Safi formed the core competition team, with Johnston earning additional recognition as an Outstanding Student for her leadership and performance. Sophomore Ewan Manis attended the event in a supporting role, gaining experience ahead of his anticipated leadership of the team in 2027.

“This placement is so meaningful because of the hard work we put in,” Johnston said. “Achieving second place against schools with extensive construction tracks is a huge accomplishment, especially since I joined the club with little to no knowledge in construction.”

Unlike many competing teams, Colgan’s students prepared entirely outside the school day. All members are enrolled in Prince William County Public Schools’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts, rather than a construction-focused program. Their commitment required evenings, weekends, and even practice sessions in hotel lobbies to refine both written proposals and live presentations.

The International Builders Show competition requires teams to develop a full construction management proposal based on a real-life home provided by a sponsoring company. Students must account for costs, schedules, and profits before submitting their written work in December. Finalists then deliver an in-person presentation before a panel of industry judges in February.

Safi said the experience helped her overcome long-standing fears and build confidence. “The practice I learned within NAHB for our competition presentation gave me a method to overcome my fears,” she said. “When I joined the club, I never imagined I would place on a podium in a national competition.”

Colgan’s performance drew praise from industry leaders, including Craig Tolson, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Virginia, who commended the team following its presentation. “Colgan was the only team representing Virginia at the national competition, further elevating the significance of its finish,” he said.

Manis shared that the result was especially meaningful given the team’s limited resources. “We, an art school, bested nine other schools who worked carefully in these fields,” he said. “That’s something you don’t expect in a national competition like this, and I’m very proud.”

Behind the sustained success is advisor and team sponsor Tim Mason, whose guidance has shaped the chapter since its inception. Over six competitions, Colgan teams have earned national recognition in four separate years, including Rookie of the Year in 2020, third place in 2022, first place in 2024, and second place this year. Colgan is also one of only two teams nationally to place three or more times.

“The success of the team year after year is the result of the students themselves,” Mason said. “Our chapter doesn’t attract a lot of students, but it attracts the right students.”

Mason credited the school’s leadership and culture for supporting the program and emphasized the broader impact of the experience. “I hope students take away what they can accomplish when they stretch outside their comfort zone and use their imaginations,” he said. “You can’t grow unless you are willing to do so.”

With another national finish secured and future leaders already preparing, the Colgan NAHB chapter continues to set a high standard for student achievement in construction management.