Perry Central High School students from Commodore Manufacturing and Commodore Construction made waves at both the Governor's Workforce Cabinet (GWC) meeting in December and the State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting in Indianapolis this past week. The students presented their work, shedding light on the capabilities of high schoolers, particularly in a small, rural school setting.
Students Lucas Harth, Noah Benjamin, Gavin Wallace, Hunter Kellems, Elizabeth Harpenau, and Haylee Gehlhausen shared their projects, initially catching the attention of the Governor's Workforce Cabinet. The Secretary of Education, Katie Jenner, was impressed and extended an invitation for them to present at the State Board of Education meeting, which was live-streamed on the SBOE website.
To watch the students' presentation, click this link. Their presentation starts at the 58 minute mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WXXlDjBMJw
This January 10th meeting marked a significant moment for Perry Central, selected as one of two schools to present and the only students represented. The group, alongside Principal Jody French and Superintendent Tara Bishop, showcased the work happening in their student-led programs.
Commodore Manufacturing and Commodore Construction took center stage in Perry Central's educational approach. Students explained how Commodore Manufacturing has partnered with businesses like Waupaca Foundry and Boston International to create and sell products. The students manage the entire process from design to packaging.
Students from Commodore Construction updated the board on the house they are building in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The house will be built in two parts in Perry Central’s workshop and then transported to the lot. Since students don’t have to commute to the worksite, they are able to work on the house everyday during designated class periods.
Perry Central's commitment to preparing students for higher education and the workforce is evident in its 12 career pathways aligned to Ivy Tech Certificates and Industry-based Certifications. Notably, 75% of Perry Central's seniors participate in internships throughout the school year, gaining hands-on experience. Their high percentage of internships, despite their rural location, is made possible due to hard work of administrators and teachers who allow students to have flexible schedules. Every Wednesday, seniors spend the entire day at their internship sites, cutting down on time commuting and allowing them to spend more time in the field.
Principal Jody French summed up Perry Central's philosophy, stating, "At Perry Central, we believe that academic rigor mixed with technical skills will lead to success for our students." This belief was showcased in the presentations, emphasizing the school's dedication to fostering well-rounded individuals prepared for success in the real world.
As Perry Central continues to make strides in education, these presentations serve as an example for schools statewide, demonstrating what can be achieved with innovation, dedication, and a belief in the potential of every student.