Midlands Technical College Students Earn SARA California Merit Award and Educational Grants for Architectural Design Project

(L-R) Joseph Lucido, Edu. SARA, CCCAP President; Midlands Technical College Students Karina Rendon, Cynthia Aranda, Magdalena Aranda Ojeda; Emily Hoskins, Saatva VP of Creative Production; James Vaccaro, FSARA, SARA CA Council President 

Three Midlands Technical College (MTC) Architectural Engineering Technology students have received a SARA California Merit Design Award from the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) and will advance to nationals. Each student also received a $1,000 educational grant from the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs (CCCAP) and mattress company Saatva.  

The students’ winning conceptual project, “El Encuentro” or “The Finding,” reimagines a textile mill in Greenwood, South Carolina into a community hub offering spaces for entrepreneurship, fellowship, and youth activities. The project would empower the local community by addressing economic and social disparities in the historic mill town.  

The students – Cynthia Aranda, Magdalena Aranda Ojeda, and Karina Rendon – accepted their awards and grants at a gala in Los Angeles this May. Their travel was made possible by GMK Associates. 

Chris Clark, senior architect with GMK Associates, said, “GMK Associates was proud to sponsor these MTC Architecture students as they traveled to Los Angeles to attend the SARA California Design Awards and receive recognition for their award-winning design.”   

Clark, who is also a member of the Midlands Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees and a 1987 Midlands Technical College alumnus, added, “As first-year students, Cynthia, Magdalena, and Karina have already demonstrated exceptional ambition and excellence. GMK Associates is honored to support these emerging leaders as they pursue careers in the architectural profession.” 

“This partnership with GMK Associates is incredibly valuable in connecting students with professional opportunities,” said Nancy McKinney, CEO of the MTC Foundation. “We are grateful for their investment in MTC.” 

Fabiyan Pembelski, National Executive Director of SARA, said, “SARA is proud to partner with Saatva and CCCAP in supporting the next generation of architects. This sponsorship reflects our mission of Architect Helping Architect by investing in mentorship, education, and opportunities that empower students and emerging professionals across our network. Together, we’re helping foster a stronger and more connected future for the profession.” 

In 2025, MTC Architectural Engineering Technology students received a National Student Design Award from SARA as well as grants from CCCAP and SARA. 

 (L-R) Chris Clark, Senior Architect, GMK Associates; Allen Sharpe, MTC Senior Director of Philanthropy; Cierra Davies, MTC Professor of Architectural Engineering; and MTC students Karina Rendon, Magdalena Aranda Ojeda and Cynthia Aranda.