The Nebraska Builders Home and Garden Show took place at the Sandhills Global Event Center formerly known as the Lancaster County Event Center. This show has taken place for the past 53 years in Lincoln. Every February the Home Builders Association puts on the Nebraska Builder Home and Garden show. Allowing numerous businesses to come together and talk about all things home and garden. There are also design competitions being held that high school students can participate in as well.

This year three North Star students competed at this annual competition, one being senior Malique Mensah. Malique competed in the Residential Design category providing a design that was prairie style with modern aspects as well. But creating this design didn’t come easy. Malique had to work with Mr. Free countless times before and after school to perfect his design. He claims “It took about two to three months to be finished with the design.” When asked who his biggest help was throughout the design process he states “definitely Mr. Free.”

In the end Malique’s hardwork and dedication paid off. His design ended up receiving 1st place and high remarks from judges. Malique was the only North Star student to place as well. He also is the first North Star student to ever win first place in any Nebraska Builders Home and Garden Show competition. If you’d like to see Malique’s design as well as other North Star students check them out in the library.