Anthony Wayne High School Architecture students once again made an impressive showing at the 75th Annual AIA Toledo High School Design Competition.
Held from early January through late March, the 10-week competition brought together 79 students from 18 area schools, with 11 AWHS students participating this year. After countless hours of dedicated work, often after the school day, our students submitted detailed architectural design proposals for this year’s real-world design challenge.
We are thrilled to announce that seven of our student participants earned 10 of the 31 total awards given this year, bringing home $3,050 in cash prizes and $3,750 in scholarships—a combined total of $6,800!
Please help us congratulate the following award winners and their instructor, Mr. Todd Heslet:
Adelina Lerch (Sophomore)
• 3rd Place – Sustainable Design (Cash Prize + Certificate)
Kacee Johnson (Junior)
• 2nd Place – Urban Design (Cash Prize + Certificate)
Max Gottschalk (Junior)
• 4th Place – Junior Overall Architectural Design (Cash Prize + Certificate)
Corra Osment (Junior)
• 3rd Place – Junior Overall Architectural Design (Cash Prize + Certificate)
Gavin Weis (Senior)
• 2nd Place – Material Innovation (Cash Prize + Certificate)
Carter Baker (Senior)
• 1st Place – Sustainable Design
• 2nd Place – Landscape Architecture Design
• 5th Place – Senior Overall Architectural Design
(All Cash Prizes + Certificates)
Ava Schimpf (Senior)
• 2nd Place – Digital Media (Cash Prize + Certificate)
• 1st Place – Senior Overall Architectural Design
(AIA Toledo Chapter Scholarship + Cash Prize + Certificate)
(Note: Ava also placed 1st her junior year!)
Kacee Johnson, Carter Baker, Corra Osment, Ava Schimpf, Adelina Lerch
The 2025 Project: The Aurora Project Expansion
This year’s competition centered around designing a new 4,000 sq. ft. Learning Center for Aurora Project, Inc., a Toledo-based nonprofit supporting homeless women and children. The design brief called for a creative expansion that would include training spaces, medical and counseling areas, support for children and multi-use community spaces. With historical context in mind—specifically the Vistula District—students were asked to incorporate existing site conditions and create a cohesive, community-focused design that would enhance services for those in need.
Participants were tasked with producing comprehensive design documents, including site plans, building elevations and sections, 3D renderings, and detailed descriptions—evaluated by a panel of professionals on technical skill, creativity, and innovation.
 Kacee's Board |
 Carter's Board |
 Corra's Board |
 Ava's Board |
 Adelina's board |
About the Competition
The AIA Toledo High School Design Competition, founded in 1950, is the longest-running program of its kind in the country and continues to be a platform for young design talent to practice their craft. Each year, the program partners educators with local architects and design professionals who mentor students throughout the process.
Past projects have included everything from museums to restaurants to community centers. This year’s challenge—with its social impact and real-world client—pushed students to think critically and creatively, and our students rose to the challenge. Congratulations to all of the award winners!