The ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentorship Program of Greater Chattanooga celebrated the creativity and dedication of high school students at its much-anticipated annual awards banquet. Students from the Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences, EMJ, Creative Discovery Museum and Lafayette High School showcased their architectural designs, developed over six months for a hypothetical project at 613 Broad St.
Officials said, "Under the mentorship of seasoned professionals in architecture, construction and engineering, these teams turned their visions into detailed proposals, demonstrating their potential as the next generation of industry leaders."
The team from the Creative Discovery Museum clinched the top honor with their comprehensive design featuring multiple buildings and parks, all aimed at supporting local nonprofits, showcasing their commitment to community and sustainability.
The School Team Lead Award was presented to Doug Rustay from Lafayette High School, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contribution to the program.
The event also highlighted the achievements of individual students through scholarship awards, totaling $35,000, to support their future educational endeavors in fields related to ACE.
The scholarships and their recipients are as follows:
• Anna Grace Im from Signal Mountain HS, awarded the Bruce Simonson Memorial Scholarship by Franklin Architects, Elemi, and ASA, for $6,000.
• Jocelyn Rocha from Ooltewah HS and Abigale O’Keefe, a homeschooled student, both part of the Creative Discovery Museum team, each received $6,000 from the Linda Allen Scholarship and contributors including MBI Companies, Hubbach Glass, and Lawson Electric, and Modus Build, Fulmer Concrete and Bock Drywall, respectively.
• Additional scholarships were awarded to Anniston Pierce, Harper Cowart, Jonathan Whitmill, Sofia Rossi, Liberty Cole, Jayda Mitchell and Graham Ryan, recognizing their exceptional talents and aspirations in architecture, construction, civil, structural, electrical and mechanical engineering.
For more information about the ACE Mentor Program, including how to participate as a student, serve as a mentor or sponsor the program, contact Executive Director Breanne Kintz at ChattanoogaTN@acementor.org.