School might be out for summer, but not for two New Castle Career Center students. Emmalee Wilkerson of Knightstown High School and Adam Nadler of Hagerstown High School spent a portion of their summer gearing up for the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Leadership Conference held in Anaheim, California. Both students placed first at the state level, guaranteeing them a spot at the national conference.

FCCLA is a national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Emmalee competed with her “Early Childhood Education” project, while Adam showcased his “Teach and Train” project.

While in Anaheim, the students made sure they had a little fun while working. In between competing and general sessions they were able to spend a day at Disneyland and take a chartered bus tour of Hollywood. During a morning swim they even experienced an earthquake that shook their world.

“Attending FCCLA National Conference was such a great experience for both Emilee and Adam,” Leesa Meyers, Education Careers Instructor, explained. “Since they are both juniors, I am excited for them to return next year. I can’t wait to see the confidence and leadership they extend to the younger students.”

During the awards ceremony, everyone came out a winner. Both Emilee and Adam received silver medals for their projects. Leesa also received the FCCLA Spirit Advising Award for demonstrating excellence in modeling FCCLA character in helping students achieve success. This success was shown firsthand by how successful her students were at the national level.

“I feel extremely honored to have received this award,” Meyers noted. “It’s always nice to be recognized for making a positive impact.”

School is almost back in session for New Castle Career Center students. Classes begin Wednesday, August 7, at the designated classroom location. Orientation will be held on July 29 at 6 p.m. in Bundy Auditorium. There is a list of forms located on the NCCC website that can be printed and completed prior to orientation. All student forms are due by August 15.

Early College classes begin August 26 at 8 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. at the Ivy Tech New Castle Location. The Early College orientation is July 29 at 7 p.m. in Bundy Auditorium. All books will be dispersed before classes begin.

Students who wish to enroll in dual credit courses must carry a 2.6 cumulative GPA. Students who do not hold a 2.6 cumulative GPA will need to take the Accuplacer test in order to enroll in the courses. Students can be tested at the Career Center July 30. Students or parents who have any questions or are unsure of the student’s GPA may contact Mrs. Jackson at (765) 593-6680.

Earn college credit before graduating high school? Check.

Learn a technical trade and build a resumé while still studying for the SATs? Check.

Save money on higher education while finding out if that dream job is really for you? Check.

The New Castle Career Center provides these opportunities to high schoolers from all every corner of Henry County and beyond.

Through the efforts of NCCC staff and teachers, the career center has earned an “Early College” endorsement from the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at University of Indianapolis.

The CELL Early College program in Indiana is specifically designed to help open educational pathways for kids who are the first generation in their family to go to college.

CELL Director of Early College Sandy Hillman announced the endorsement Monday during the New Castle School Board meeting.

CELL began the Early College initiative in 2003. In 2013, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education recognized CELL as the sole organization in the state to train, support and endorse Early College High Schools.

According to CELL, Early College high schools and career centers break down “the barriers that prevent students from attending college and replaces them with bridges to post-secondary success.”

Hillman said the Early College focus is growing in Indiana, with 30 endorsed Early College programs and 130 schools in the state network.

“New Castle Career Center is one of only four endorsed career centers in the state, which is quite an accomplishment,” Hillman said. “There are eight areas that they have to commit to and follow with fidelity. And they have done that and done a great job.”

The career center began pursuing the CELL endorsement in 2013 under the leadership of former NCCC Director Bob Hobbs and former Assistant Director Soni Jones.

Part of the CELL endorsement process includes building collaboration and partnerships with higher education and local businesses.

The New Castle Career Center became an official Early College site for Ivy Tech Community College in January 2016. The partnership with Ivy Tech means Henry County students can graduate high school with industry certifications.

NCCC is also developing partnerships with local employers through the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate (WEC) program.

In order to receive the CELL Early College endorsement, New Castle Career Center also had to graduate students from the program with at least 15 transferable college credits.

“They’ve done that. They’ve done more than that,” Hillman emphasized.

In the 2016-2017 school year, 17 students earned Ivy Tech credential from NCCC. That number increased to 60 students this recent school year.

“That’s really tremendous,” Hillman said. “It means that this staff (is) committed to ensuring that all students can earn a credential or degree leading them to a high in-demand, high wage job.”

Hillman also credited the leadership of NCCC Director Chris Lamb and Assistant Director Mackenzie Jackson for setting the tone and setting the bar high to make the career center a pillar of pride in the community.

– Story excerpt by Travis Weik at The Courier-Times. Read more local stories at www.TheCourierTimes.com. Email Travis at TWeik@TheCourierTimes.com.