News

North Henderson carpenters win 'Pawrade of Homes'

Students in the Woodworking II class at North Henderson High School won first place in the ‘Pawrade of Homes,’ a competition that required the design and construction of doghouses.

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 20, 2026

A carpentry team from North Henderson High School was awarded first place and a $400 prize in the inaugural “Pawrade of Homes,” a workforce development initiative of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Students designed and built doghouses that debuted during the WNC Build & Remodel Expo, held March 21-22 at the WNC Agricultural Center’s Davis Event Center.

Enka High School placed second, receiving $200, and T.C. Roberson High School won third place and a $100 check. North Henderson also led all participants in raffle ticket sales, earning a tile saw donated by iQ Power Tools.

Other participating teams were from Asheville High School, West Henderson High School, East Henderson High School, A.C. Reynolds High School, Charles D. Owen High School, Clyde A. Erwin High School and North Buncombe High School.

North Henderson’s winning project was a collaborative effort led by instructor George Mraz and his Woodworking II class. Thirteen students participated in the build, working from initial design concepts through final construction. After reviewing specifications from BABRM, each student submitted a design idea; the class selected a final concept by group vote, developed construction plans and worked together to build the structure. Students were organized into teams responsible for framing, roofing, windows and trim.

“The students enjoyed working on the project as it was a break from our regular curriculum, gave them a chance to work outside, and involved on-the-fly decision-making as we encountered various unexpected situations,” Mraz said. “Overall, it was a great experience.”

Organized in partnership with the association’s workforce development committee, the program featured doghouses built by students from 10 high schools across Buncombe and Henderson counties. The structures were displayed during the expo, where attendees and industry professionals could view the work and participate in a raffle supporting participating school programs.

The designs reflected a wide range of creativity, from a bright red, Snoopy-inspired doghouse with hand-painted characters to a home with orange trim and floral accents. Others featured Craftsman-style details, clean lines and thoughtful finishes that mirrored full-scale residential design.