“Rising Star”: Walter Johnson Junior Earns Professional Remodeling Organizations Award

When more than 200 industry professionals gathered for the Professional Remodeling Organizations (PRO) Annual Awards Gala on Feb. 7, the spotlight shone brightly on Nicole Chang.

Nicole, a junior at Walter Johnson High School and a dedicated student in the MCPS Construction Trades Foundation (CTF) architecture program, was presented with PRO’s inaugural “Rising Star” Award. The honor recognizes her exceptional design talent, leadership and promise as a future architect.

Her achievement builds on an already impressive year. Nicole recently became the first junior to win the local SkillsUSA architecture title at Thomas Edison High School of Technology for her design project. Through her coursework and competition success, she has distinguished herself as both a creative thinker and a driven learner.

During her acceptance speech, Nicole reflected on the significance of the moment: “I think it’s amazing that you’re giving opportunities for teenagers like myself to connect with the professional world.”

Nicole’s recognition also highlights the partnership between PRO and CTF, which creates meaningful industry connections and scholarship opportunities for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Through this collaboration, PRO has pledged ongoing financial support to future CTF Rising Star recipients and additional scholarships for CTF students — ensuring that students like Nicole continue to have pathways from the classroom to successful careers.

The Construction Trades Foundation is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) that works in close partnership with local design and construction leaders to guide MCPS construction curriculum and provide a seamless transition from secondary to post-secondary education and/or help students begin their career.