It was a very happy birthday for Derek Menzin.
On the day he turned 12, the Eisenhower Intermediate School sixth grader won the New Jersey title of Lego 2025 Mini Master Model Builder.
A friendly competition hosted by Legoland Discovery Center at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford brought out the state’s best to compete for the title, but Derek’s build quickly stood out among their top seven.
He was declared the champion at the live build challenge, creating an impressive original build in 75 minutes based on the theme “Coolest Race Cars.” He chose to build a one-of-a-kind Transformer Race Car.
Derek Menzin, 12, of Bridgewater, has won the title of New Jersey’s 2025 Mini Master Model Builder.
“The contest was amazing and really fun, and it was cool to see people building on-the-spot, as it is different than with a time constraint,” Derek said. “It really showed people’s creativity, and everyone’s build was unique.”
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Derek’s big win was celebrated with a traditional “brick dump” that designates him as an official member of the Legoland family.
Building Legos since he was 4, Derek believes creativity is key when it comes to the bricks.
Derek Menzin, 12, of Bridgewater, is treated to the celebratory Lego brick dump after winning the title of New Jersey’s 2025 Mini Master Model Builder.
“I love Lego because it enables you to create whatever you want and is only limited by your creativity and level of dedication,” he said.
The attention now turns to an even bigger stage as Derek will be vying for the title of first-ever “Global Mini Master Model Builder.” He will be going head-to-head with Mini Master Model Builders from across the world to build something that best represents their hometown or city. This build will be sent to the Lego House in Denmark and will be on display with builds from all of the competing Mini Master Model Builders from each Legoland Discovery Center around the world.As an additional birthday treat, Derek helped launch the exclusive Lego F1-themed “Build the Thrill Event” by racing a Lego car down the Build Adventure ramp at Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Bridgewater 12-year-old wins NJ Lego competition