The Indiana Department of Education is honoring the entire Education Professions program and individual student Madison Eastridge today for the work each has done at the New Castle Career Center.
The Education Professions program, led by Leesa Myers, won the 2018 Award for Excellence in the Secondary Program category.
Eastridge has been chosen as the 2018 Award for Excellence Student winner for District 27. Eastridge is a student in the Health Science Education program.
NCCC Director Chris Lamb said it has been at least five years since the career center has had an individual student and a program both win the IDOE honors.
“Getting those two is a pretty big accomplishment,” Lamb said.
Lamb explained that the rigorous application process for the annual Awards for Excellence began in the fall.
The Education Professions class had to gather letters of support from local industury and post-secondary institutions that they provide college credit for. They also reached out to former students for letters of support.
All the students in the Education Professions program are placed in internships in the area that range from preschool classrooms up through sixth grade.
The students also run a state-certified preschool two days a week called “Shining Stars” out of their classroom at the New Castle Career Center.
Lamb said part of their state recognition came from the fiscal responsibility that Myers showed by running the program with a limited budget.
“The students of Indiana are truly fortunate to have access to the incredible opportunities that your program provides,” IDOE Trade & Industrial Education Specialist Davis Moore said in his announcement letter to Myers.
Eastridge had to submit a similarly detailed packet for her Award for Excellence application.
Teachers offered letters of recommendation for the New Castle High School senior, as did her principal. She also had to outline her volunteer and extracurricular activities.
“Maddy was chosen from among other CTE (career and technical education) students across the state,” the New Castle Career Center said in its announcement. “We are so proud of Madison’s hard work and dedication to her future!”
The Indiana Department of Education are honoring Eastridge and the NCCC Education Professions program today at a ceremony in Indianapolis.
For more information on the New Castle Career Center and its programs, visit nccareercenter.org or call 765-593-6680.
Source: The Courier Times, February 8, 2018
– Story by Travis Weik of The Courier-Times (February 8, 2018). Read more local stories at www.thecouriertimes.com