LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools' EPIC Esports program wrapped up an award-winning school year with a final competition that brought digital design and real-world construction expertise into the same room. The "LEXtreme Makeover" series, developed in partnership with Boone Contracting, challenged students to solve authentic design problems using Minecraft Education while learning from industry professionals.

The district was recently recognized as the 2025 Esports District of the Year by PlayVS, a national honor reflecting EPIC's expansion to 24 elementary schools and six middle schools. The program, formally known as Engaging Players in Inclusive Competition, uses esports to develop STEM skills and explore career pathways with students.

Throughout the competition season, students competed in design challenges hosted within Minecraft Education, including "Our Old Kentucky Home," where they renovated a historic Lexington property while balancing preservation with modern accessibility needs. The capstone event, "Rickhouse to Penthouse," tasked students with converting a historic distillery rickhouse into a sustainable, fully accessible apartment complex designed for five families with different lifestyles and needs.

Representatives from Boone Contracting, a Lexington-based residential and commercial construction company, participated as expert judges during the live finale held at the University of Kentucky's Esports Lounge. The company's involvement extended beyond judging—representatives visited schools throughout the season presenting trophies and awards. Boone Contracting also funded the 3D-printing filament used to create custom trophies for winning teams.

Teams from Athens-Chilesburg Elementary and Leestown Middle School earned top honors in the competition. Shad Lacefield, a district STEM learning coach, emphasized the program's broader mission. "Our esports program continues to strive to show our students that gaming is so much more than playing," he said. "It is an avenue to gaining real-world experience and exploring future careers right in their community."

The partnership demonstrates how Minecraft Education can build problem-solving skills and career awareness while engaging students in competitive, collaborative learning. By bridging local industry with classroom instruction, EPIC Esports and Boone Contracting have created a model for connecting student learning to community resources.