2011 Scholarship Winner

DCHBA awards $1,000 scholarship to local high school student.

 The Door County Home Builders Association (DCHBA) has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Baileys Harbor resident Aaron Zak, who plans to study electrical engineering at University of Wisconsin-Stout in the fall.

 Zak, 18, is a senior at Gibraltar High School. He was recognized at the DHCBA May general membership meeting. 

 The DCHBA annual scholarship program recognizes local students who show promise in the home industry. A requirement is preparation of an essay that addresses why the student plans to enter the building profession.

 In his essay, Zak said building has always been a "passion." He wrote about helping his dad with home projects as a child.  He participated in high school woodworking and cabinetry classes and was one of the top workers in the classes.

 "The building industry interests me because it is truly all about teamwork. It takes a whole team to make a product or a home," Zak wrote. "I hope to pursue my career in the building industry when I graduate from college," he continued.

 Also, Zak received awards from the Rotary and from his high school for his craftsmanship. He participated this year in the Door Kewaunee Business and Education Partnership (DKBEP) high school home construction project and received the Miles Zastrow Excellence in Building and Achievement Award.  He is also a state certified volunteer firefighter for Baileys Harbor.   

 "Aaron's energy and involvement in so many facets of home building as well as his commitment to the community impressed the DCHBA board of directors. We are proud to award him this year's scholarship," said Jack Gigstead of PortSide Builders and president of DCHBA.

DCHBA is a trade organization, chartered in 1979. Members include builders, who construct homes of all sizes as well as do remodeling, renovation and home additions. Also belonging to DCHBA are associate members representing local companies in flooring, finishes, heating and cooling, interior design, cabinetry, landscaping, banking and more. More information is online at dchba.org.