June 5, 2009

HAMILTON — Alicia Armacinski became Hamilton’s youngest ever Builder for a Day contest winner, beating out 400 competitors in the second annual Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association event.
The contest, which is the only one of its kind in any of the Ontario HBAs, invites local fourth grade students to draw and describe their dream home. The program is intended to encourage young people to consider a future career in the building industry.
“Alicia took a very imaginative approach to describing her dream home,” said Steve Spicer, president of the HHHBA. “Her description of the home’s features was interesting, well thought out and designed to entice people to ‘come on over’ and play — although she warned that visitors should first make sure their homework was done.”
Armacinski won a prize pack including tools, work boots and gift certificates for her efforts. She was also given the opportunity to tour a job site with fourth-generation builder, Brandon Campbell, of Starward Homes.
The winning entry featured a 25-acre, lake-front estate, complete with a 500 bottle wine cellar, go-kart track, tennis court, soccer field, driving range, ten-car garage, bowling alleys and three golf courses. Nevan Alexanian and Erica Pierce, both aged 10, were the first and second runners-up. Alexandra Rocci and Kiera Wassink received honourable mentions.