From first-generation college students to future architects, this year’s recipients reflect the depth and diversity of tomorrow’s building industry.
On June 18, the GHBA celebrated 23 deserving students at the Mid-Year Forecast Luncheon at Bayou City Event Center, awarding $92,000 in scholarships through the annual GHBA Scholarship Program, powered by the Associate Council. Each recipient received a $4,000 scholarship to support their post-secondary studies, made possible by a generous group of donors committed to the future of the industry.
These scholarships go to college-bound children of GHBA members and participants in official GHBA Workforce Partner Programs. The awards wouldn’t be possible without the support of companies and individuals who continue to invest in both the next generation and the communities they’ll help build.
For first-generation college student Lena Pham, the recognition meant something beyond the dollars.
“Receiving this scholarship was one of those moments where all the hard work, long nights, and sacrifices felt seen,” Lena said. “It reminded me that there are people willing to invest in students like me, and that is something I will never take for granted.”
That sentiment echoed across recipients. “Receiving a GHBA scholarship not only recognizes the hard work of students but also provides an opportunity to connect with others in this field,” said Juan Alvarez. Kevin Luis, pursuing a career in real estate development, added that being supported by an organization rooted in the homebuilding industry carries special meaning as he works toward his goals.
For others, the award carries the weight of what’s possible. Reagan Beard reflected on the doors the scholarship opened: “I am so grateful for the generous donors who have invested in students like me who wish to make a positive impact on our communities and shape a better world.” And Breeleigh Hamilton, who plans to study landscape architecture, said the encouragement from GHBA fuels her drive to “design a better, more sustainable future for our city.”
This year’s program also reflects the continued commitment of its donor community, long-time supporters and first-timers alike.
Several donors have become cornerstones of the program. Don Klein and the Chesmar Homes Foundation are donating four scholarships in their eighth year of participation. The Manners/Coole Foundation is contributing five scholarships in their fifth year. Jeff Hunt of Jeff Hunt Construction, a former GHBA scholarship recipient himself, is donating for the 13th consecutive year. Newmark Homes’ Bill Ulrich Memorial Scholarship, funded by employee contributions, marks its 12th year. And the Carl Stephens Memorial Scholarship — established four years ago when friends and colleagues of the late Carl Stephens raised more than $60,000 — will again be awarded to two recipients this year.
ACES Builders Warranty returns for the fourth year with a scholarship honoring their founder, Max Hoyt, who served as GHBA CEO for nearly 20 years and was a tireless advocate for the industry. Builders FirstSource is awarding two scholarships in their third year of participation. The GHBA Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship, funded by former presidents including Brian Binash, Lisa Clark, Mike Dishberger, Kevin Holland, Jim Jenkins, Jennifer Keller, Keith Luechtefeld, Harry Masterson, Edward Martin Jr., and Michael Pizzitola, returns for a second year. Burgess Construction, Legends Architectural Stone, and the Professional Women in Building Council are each donating in their second year.
Three donors are joining the program for the first time: Laurie Wilson with First American Title–Homebuilder Division, LeBlanc Custom Homes, and a new fund established in memory of the late David Mullins by his friends and colleagues in the industry.
Layla Brown, recipient of the Professional Women in Building Scholarship, spoke to the deeper meaning of the award: “This scholarship not only helps support my educational goals, but it also encourages me as I pursue a future in the construction industry. I am grateful for the investment in my future and the opportunities it will help create.”
Sarah du Preez, whose work in a tiny homes project for veterans earned her recognition, captured what the scholarship represents beyond the classroom. “As an immigrant from Africa, it proves that I can persevere through hard times and adversity,” she said. “I am so fortunate to be a part of a program that gives to veterans while teaching students important life skills.”
Scholarship honorees received their awards onstage at the Mid-Year Forecast Luncheon. Congratulations to all 23 recipients. The GHBA looks forward to watching what you build!
Meet the Winners
Mason Spector: Mason is receiving the ACES Builders Warranty, Max Hoyt Memorial Scholarship. He will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall, majoring in Civil Engineering. In high school, he was an Eagle Scout, Youth Worship Team Leader, and Track Team Captain. His parents are Nick and Erika Spector. Nick is a partner at Alair Homes.
Linley Adams: Linley is receiving the Builders FirstSource Scholarship. She will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall, majoring in Biomedical Science. In high school, she was a drum major and a clarinet player in her high school’s band and played softball. Her parents are Jeff and Amy Adams. Jeff works for Lennar.
Weston Bailey: Weston is receiving the Builders FirstSource Scholarship. He will be attending Southwestern College in the fall. He will be majoring in Business and minoring in Marketing. In high school, he was a two-time 2nd Team All District Baseball, and a 1st Team All District Baseball recipient. His parents are Anthony and Ginger Bailey. Anthony works for Builders FirstSource.
Dane Solomon: Dane is receiving the BURGESS Cornerstone Scholarship. He is a participant in the GHBA Workforce Partnership with Humble ISD Big Heroes Tiny Homes. Dane will be attending Texas A&M University, where he will be majoring in Construction Science and minoring in Business. In high school, Dane was the varsity football captain, played varsity basketball, and was a member of National Honors Society. His parents are Wes and Courtney Solomon.
Juan Alvarez: Juan is receiving the Carl Stephens Memorial Scholarship. He is a participant in the GHBA Workforce Partnership with Humble ISD Big Heroes Tiny Homes. He will be attending the University of Houston in the fall, where he will major in Construction Management. In high school, Juan was part of the Kingwood High School NJROTC program and spent two years involved in the Kingwood High School Tiny Home program. His parents are Juan and Cecilia Alvarez.
Kevin Luis: Kevin is receiving the Carl Stephens Memorial Scholarship. He is a participant in the GHBA Workforce Partnership with Texas A&M University’s NAHB Student Chapter. He attends Texas A&M University, where he is getting his Master’s in Land and Property Development. During his time at Texas A&M, Kevin participated in Texas A&M NABA Student Competition team, where their team placed third nationally, is a member of the Real Estate Development Association, serves as Alumni Relations and Guest Speaker chair and has participated in the ULI Hines Student Competition. His parents are Alejandro and Maria Luis.
Zachary Barras: Zachary is receiving the Chesmar Foundation Scholarship. He will be attending Texas Tech University, where he will major in Mechanical Engineering. In high school, he participated in tennis and orchestra. His parents are Randy and Julie Barras. Randy is with M/I Homes.
Sarah du Preez: Sarah is receiving the Chesmar Foundation Scholarship. She is a participant in the GHBA Workforce Partnership with Humble ISD Big Heroes Tiny Homes. She will be attending Texas Tech University in the fall, where she will major in Architecture. In high school, Sarah participated in cheer and track and was the lead architect for this year’s tiny home project. Her parents are Jannie and Karen du Preez.
Ronan Flaherty: Ronan is receiving the Chesmar Foundation Scholarship. He is a participant in the GHBA Workforce Partnership with Humble ISD Big Heroes Tiny Homes. Ronan will be attending Lone Star Community College in the fall. He will be majoring in accounting. He was part of the Kingwood Park varsity soccer program, the varsity football program, and a member of the tiny homes program at Kingwood Park High School. His parents are Tommy and Majella Flaherty.
Carter Roehling: Carter is receiving the Chesmar Foundation Scholarship. He will be attending Blinn College in the fall, where he will major in Construction Science. During high school, he played baseball all four years and volunteered at local community events, including the local little league. His parents are Chad and Carrie Roehling. Carrie works for Johnson Development.
Kensy Hernandez: Kensy is receiving the David Mullins Memorial Scholarship. She is part of one of our GHBA Workforce Partner Programs, participating in the architectural design program through Spring Branch ISD. She will be attending the University of Houston in the fall, where she will major in Architecture. In high school, Kensy participated in National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Orchestra. Her parents are Luis Hernandez and Xiomara Martinez.
Sadie Patterson: Sadie is receiving the GHBA Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship. She will be attending Panola College in the fall, where she will major in Business. She participated in rodeo and takes pictures and videos at rodeos with her brand, Short Go Media. Her parents are Denny and Sara Patterson. Denny is with Lone Star Air Systems.
Nuray Demessinova: Nuray is receiving the Hustle and Heart Scholarship. She is a participant in the GHBA Workforce Partnership with the University of Houston’s Stanford Alexander Center for Real Estate. Nuray is currently attending the University of Houston. She is majoring in Finance and Supply Chain Management, with a certificate in Real Estate. During her time in college, Nuray has been a member of Undergraduate Real Estate Scholars, Supply Chain Professionals Organization, and Emerging Leaders Academic Success Program. She will also be serving as an Assistant Program Manager for Career & Industry Engagement at the UH Stanford Alexander Center for Real Estate (SACRE) starting in August. Her mom is Aigul Demessin.
Morgan Pierce: Morgan is receiving the Jeff Hunt Construction Scholarship. He will be attending Tarleton State University in the fall, where he is going to major in Construction Management. In high school, Morgan was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, on the Alpha Omega Academy Football Team who won the TAPPS Division II Six-man State Championship and was Academic All-State for Football. His parents are Amy and Jason Pierce. Amy works for LP Building Solutions.
Emma Wilson: Emma is receiving the LeBlanc Custom Homes Scholarship. She is currently attending Texas Tech University, where she is majoring in Agricultural Communications. At Texas Tech University, she is a member of Chi Omega Fraternity, volunteers and fosters animals through South Plains SPCA, while also working. Her parents are Pat and Melissa Wilson, who own Legends Architectural Stone.
Grayson LeBlanc: Grayson is receiving the Legends in the Making, Legends Architectural Stone Scholarship. He is currently attending the University of Oklahoma, where he is majoring in Finance and Energy Management. He is involved in Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, OU Investment Club, and the Finance Student Association at the University of Oklahoma. His parents are Todd and Meredith LeBlanc. Todd owns LeBlanc Custom Homes.
Reagan Beard: Reagan is receiving a scholarship from the Manners/Coole Foundation. She will be attending Texas A&M University, where she will major in Urban and Regional Planning, and minor in Environmental Science. During her time in high school, she was a participant in Varsity Choir, Girl Scouts, and National Art Honor Society. Her parents are Kenny and Amber Beard. Kenny works for Central Bank.
Breeleigh Hamilton: Breeleigh is receiving a scholarship from the Manners/Coole Foundation. She will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall. She will be majoring in Landscape Architecture and minoring in Urban Planning. In high school, Breeleigh was the secretary of the Latin Literature Society, involved in theatrics, being known for her acting and stage management skills, and the President of the Katy Live Oak 4-H Club. Her parents are Todd and Cherish Hamilton. Todd works for DCCM.
Ethan Haugen: Ethan is receiving a scholarship from the Manners/Coole Foundation. He will be attending Blinn College and majoring in Biomedical Engineering. During high school, he started a fundraiser called Toys for Tiny Heroes that raised $5,000 worth of toys for kids battling cancer and donated them to MD Anderson, so kids would get Christmas gifts. His mother is Megan Ogden. Megan works for Builders FirstSource.
Lena Pham: Lena is receiving a scholarship from the Manners/Coole Foundation. She is a participant in the GHBA Workforce Partnership with the University of Houston’s Stanford Alexander Center for Real Estate. She is attending the University of Houston, where she is majoring in Business Administration in Finance, with a concentration in Commercial Real Estate. During her time at the University of Houston, she is currently a summer Real Estate Management Intern, a Private Property Investor, and the Assistant Program Manager and student participant for the Stanford Alexander Center for Real Estate.
Blake Talley: Blake is receiving a scholarship from the Manners/Coole Foundation. He will be attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall, where he will major in Sports Business. In high school, Blake played basketball and enjoys working out. His parents are Scott and Nikki Talley. Scott works for Amailey Plumbing.
Kaylah Phillips: Kaylah is receiving the Newmark Homes, Bill Ulrich Memorial Scholarship. She is a participant in the GHBA Workforce Partnership with Prairie View A&M University’s NAHB Student Chapter. She is currently attending Prairie View A&M University, where she is getting her Master’s in Architecture. In college, Kaylah was the 2025-2026 President of the PVAMU Chapter of AIAS, the 2025-2026 Partnership Chair for AIAS FORUM Denver, the 2024-2025 Vice President of the PVAMU Chapter of AIAS, and Secretary of WIA (PVAMU Chapter). Her parents are Kevin Phillips and Sherry Gasaway-Phillips.
Layla Brown: Layla is receiving the Professional Women in Building Scholarship. She will be attending Texas State University in the fall, where she will major in Construction Science and minor in Business. During her time in college, Layla has been involved in Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority as their Program Council Member and Intramural Chair and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Her parents are Nathan and D’Ann Brown. D’Ann works for Strucsure Home Warranty.
Thank You 2026 Scholarship Donors
ACES Builders Warranty (Max Hoyt Memorial)
Builders FirstSource (2 scholarships)
Burgess Construction
Carl Stephens Memorial Fund (2 scholarships)
Don Klein & The Chesmar Foundation (4 scholarships)
Friends & Colleagues of David Mullins
GHBA Past Presidents
Jeff Hunt Construction
Laurie Wilson, First American Title- Homebuilder Division
LeBlanc Custom Homes
Legends Architectural Stone
Manners/Coole Foundation (5 scholarships)
Newmark Homes (Bill Ulrich Memorial)
GHBA Professional Women in Building Council (PWB)
Supporting Donors
Craig Jones, Long Lake, Ltd.
Amanda McIntire, Highland Homes Houston, LTD
Lori Pace, ADIM Media, LLC
On-Target! Marketing & Advertising
Past Presidents Leadership Scholarship Donors
Brian Binash
Lisa Clark
Mike Dishberger
Kevin Holland
Jim Jenkins
Jennifer Keller
Keith Luechtefeld
Harry Masterson
Edward Martin Jr.
Michael Pizzitola