On March 17, the Battle of the Brick competition begins, giving CKI members the chance to vote for their favorite brick created by the CKI Board of Trustees! This year’s theme is Pittsburgh, so get ready to celebrate the Steel City, where we’ll forge the future of CKI! Below you’ll find each brick’s photo and description.
Trustees will compete to secure donations. The contest will feature a variety of awards, but the trustee with the most donations will receive the ultimate prize: status as the coveted winner of the 2025 Battle of the Brick.
Starting March 17, you can vote for your favorite brick by donating to Brick x Brick — CKI’s project in support of UNICEF USA. Our goal for the event is to raise US$1,500. We need you to help us get there!
All competition proceeds will go to Brick x Brick, which helps women create recycling networks to collect plastic waste. That material will then be manufactured into bricks to build classrooms in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, for the 1.6 million kids — mostly girls — who cannot currently attend school.
The project will also help train teachers, provide school supplies and build latrines and handwashing stations at schools.
Voting will close March 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The winner will be announced in April via CKI’s social media channels.
Name: Amber Morgan
Home District: Florida
Brick’s Name or Theme: Pittsburgh Penguins
What makes this brick special? My brick stands out because it combines the fun and energy of Perry the Penguin, our Sistrict’s mascot, with the spirit of Pittsburgh’s iconic hockey team, the Penguins. It captures the essence of the city’s pride and love for sports in a creative way.
Why should people vote for this brick? People should vote for my brick because it represents the heart of Pittsburgh and the teamwork we value in our Sistrict. It’s not just a symbol of creativity but also a reminder of the victories we achieve together through collaboration and participation.
Name: Jonathan Huang
Home District: New England
Brick’s Name or Theme: Pittsburgh Steelers
What makes this brick special? This year, my brick is based off the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the top football team within the NFL! With a record-breaking six NFL victories, the Pittsburgh Steelers represents one of the biggest pride and joys of the state. The brick itself is adorned with multiple glittery sections that shine bright, representing the hope and joy of the city.
Why should people vote for this brick? As we’re gearing up for ICON this year, my brick helps to capture the essence of Pittsburgh through their football team! Consider voting for my brick to support our annual Battle of the Bricks initiative AND to celebrate our exciting ICON location this year. Let’s give the Steelers one more victory through a win in our annual competition!
Name: Kamryn Eller
Home District: Carolinas
Brick’s Name or Theme: Abby Lee Brickler
What makes this brick special? Abby Lee Brickler built her dance empire in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Dance Moms originally took place. The show is credited with revolutionizing competitive dance and inspiring young dancers worldwide, despite recent controversies. I danced briefly when I was four—not competitively—but I always appreciate when Dance Moms clips pop up on my Instagram explore page! 🙂
Why should people vote for this brick? I found Abby Lee Brickler in a pile of bricks that has been around since before my family’s house was even built—meaning she quite literally predates my birth. Since she had been sitting around for so long, I had to give her a good bath to clean her up, so a lot of dedication went into making this masterpiece. She’s not just a brick; she’s a piece of history. And how many people can say they gave their brick a bath?
Name: Madison Burt
Home District: Florida
Brick’s Name or Theme: Mission CKI – Shoot for the Moon (this is based on the Pittsburgh Moonshot Museum)
What makes this brick special? My brick is inspired by the Pittsburgh Moonshot Museum which celebrates the possibilities of innovation and space exploration. It embodies the spirit of “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” showcasing what we can achieve when we unite to push the boundaries of possibility.
Why should people vote for this brick? People should vote for my brick because it a tribute to those who dare to dream big and take action. It captivates the idea of reaching for the stars, something that CKI members strive to do every day. Just like space exploration, CKI is about pushing limits, embracing challenges, and making a lasting impact.
Name: Matthew Yuro
Home District: New Jersey
Brick’s Name or Theme: “Yo-Ho Yo-Ho A Pirates Life For Me”
What makes this brick special? My brick is special because it combines my love of Disney, as well as represents the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighting both my passions of CKI and traveling across the seas to every Disney theme park. My brick stands out with its unique, one-of-a-kind pirate ship, and finding the CKI treasure at the end of the hunt.
Why should people vote for this brick? Sailing in the seas of service is no easy trip! Find that CKI treasure and reflect on yourself as a leader as you prepare to join us at ICON in Pittsburgh! Your voyage awaits from June 25-27, 2025.
Name: Priyanshu Saxena
Home District: Carolinas
Brick’s Name or Theme: Pitt Panthers
What makes this brick special? Decked out in signature Pitt blue and gold, this Brick proudly represents Panther pride while adding a unique flair with a stylish top hat and sleek shades. More than just a tribute to the university, this Brick embodies confidence, charisma, and a touch of mystery—ready to steal the spotlight. Whether it’s hyping up a gameday crowd or dazzling the population with its effortless coolness, this Brick is a true champion in both spirit and style!
Why should people vote for this brick? Voting for and donating to this Pitt Panthers-themed Brick isn’t just about supporting a competition entry—it’s about backing a true icon of school spirit and creativity! With its sharp top hat, cool shades, and unmistakable Panther pride, this Brick brings charisma and energy like no other. Every vote and donation fuels the enthusiasm behind this one-of-a-kind creation, helping it shine as a symbol of teamwork, determination, and fun. Show your support for the boldest Brick in the game—because champions aren’t just born, they’re built!
Name: Srishti Khadilkar
Home District: Eastern Canada
Brick’s Name or Theme: Andy Brickhol
What makes this brick special? My brick represents Andy Warhol’s AMAZING modern art pieces. Being a pioneer in the pop art movement, Warhol showed the significance behind everyday objects. Similarly, this common brick symbolizes the incredible work CKI is doing for the Brick x Brick initiative!
Why should people vote for this brick? Vote for Andy Brickhol because just like Warhol’s art, this brick is bold, iconic, and impossible to ignore! It brings a pop of creativity to the competition, proving that even a simple brick can be a masterpiece!
Name: Supraja Mallapuram
Home District: Texas-Oklahoma
Brick’s Name or Theme: Brik Khalifa (Wiz Khalifa)
What makes this brick special? Brik Khalifa is dripped out in gold chains and face tattoos. He’s a rapper living his best life with hits like “Something New” and “Black and Yellow”. The best part is that he’s always giving back to his hometown of Pittsburgh.
Why should people vote for this brick? Because it’s lit, both literally and figuratively. Brik Khalifa stays solid, never crumbles under pressure, and brings the party wherever it goes. Plus, if you don’t vote for it, it might just drop a diss track about you.
Name: Taylor DiCicco
Home District: Alabama
Brick’s Name or Theme: Bricktanical Garden of Pittsburgh
What makes this brick special? My brick symbolizes everything CKI embodies this year in Pittsburgh—growth, light, and the connections we cultivate along the way. Just as a flower flourishes in a botanical garden, students blossom at every International Convention, finding new opportunities, friendships, and purpose.
Why should people vote for this brick? People should vote for my brick because it represents the heart of CKI—growth, connection, and transformation. Just as a flower thrives with care and community, CKI provides students with the support and opportunities to flourish. My brick isn’t just a symbol; it’s a testament to the impact CKI has on its members, making it the perfect choice to represent this year’s International Convention in Pittsburgh.