Students from schools across the country competed Wednesday as a team of judges scored mock reroofing proposals for a prominent New Orleans landmark.

Now in its eighth year running, the 2021-22 Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition featured student teams from prominent schools around the country. The teams were tasked with preparing an estimate and proposal for reroofing the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, located on Bourbon Street.

Presentations were graded on the proposal’s merits and the strength of oral presentations.

The competition is sponsored by the Roofing Alliance, which is the foundation for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

“Roofing Alliance plays a vital role in promoting the advancement of roofing through research, education, technology and charitable programs,” said Allen Lancaster, the chair of the Roofing Alliance’s student competition committee.

The written presentation was worth 100 points, and the oral presentations, given at the International Roofing Expo in New Orleans, were worth 200 points.

“Each team has their mentor, and also guidance from their staff,” Lancaster said.

In total, there were eight teams of competitors. They included students from Bradley University, California Polytechnic State University, Clemson University, Colorado State University, Minnesota State University, Texas A&M University and the University of Florida.

Awards were presented to the winning teams after the NRCA’s annual meeting on Wednesday night.

“Because of the hotel’s strategic location on Bourbon Street, a big challenge was project logistics,” Lancaster said. “Planning for a safe work environment would be a critical part of the owner selection process.”

Lancaster said students had to research the project, review the plans and specifications, and they had to submit a full estimate and proposal to submit a qualified bid package.

The original slate of eight finalists was narrowed down to five at the awards ceremony, including California Polytechnic State University, Clemson University, Colorado State University, Texas A&M University and the University of Florida.

Second place was awarded to the students from Clemson University, who walked away with a team trophy, individual trophies, and a $2,500 scholarship for their school.

Texas A&M University took home the first-place prize. For their efforts, they also walked away with a team trophy, individual trophies and a $5,000 scholarship for their school.