CTE Celebrates 2025 Graduates

West Central Indiana Career & Technical Education proudly hosted its annual Workforce Signing Event at the Crawfordsville Country Club last week, honoring the achievements and future commitments of graduating high school seniors who have secured full-time employment, enrolled in technical schools or enlisted in the military.

This annual event, modeled after athletic signing ceremonies, shines a spotlight on students choosing to enter directly into the workforce or pursue hands-on training after high school. Attended by educators, employers, local leaders, and proud families, the celebration recognized a generation of young professionals ready to contribute to the vitality of the local economy.

Dr. Rex Ryker, Superintendent of Crawfordsville Community Schools, addressed the audience on behalf of the participating school districts. He commended the students for their dedication and acknowledged the collaborative support system of educators, families and employers who helped guide them to choosing a path of service.

Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton delivered heartfelt remarks, emphasizing the importance of building a future within the community and acknowledging the impressive accomplishments of the students. “Your hard work, dedication and persistence have paid off and you are to be commended,” Barton said. “You are entering a world filled with opportunity … truly unprecedented opportunity, and the opportunity is yours for the taking.”

Rylan Huckstep, a Crawfordsville Firefighter and CTE program alumnus, returned as the alumni speaker. He shared his journey from classroom to career, offering encouragement to the next wave of graduates and affirming the real-world value of career and technical education.

The event’s keynote address was delivered by PJ McGrew of Ascend Indiana, an organization focused on connecting talent with career pathways and employers in Indiana.

This year’s honored students include:

• Xavier Whaley – AHW – Crawfordsville High School
• Richard Moit – C & F Fabricating – Crawfordsville High School
• Naomi Plunkett – C & F Fabricating – Crawfordsville High School
• Allie Clark – Hobart Institute of Welding – Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School
• Rowan Endicott – IU Indy – Southmont High School
• Kale Garver – Ivy Tech – North Montgomery High School
• Drake Timmons – Lakeside Book Company – Athens Virtual Academy
• Isaac Clark – Lincoln Tech – Southmont High School
• Tripp Wathen – Nucor Steel – North Montgomery High School
• Landyn Hardee – Sugar Creek Malt Company – Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School
• Luke Hayes – United States Army – Southmont High School
• Samantha Rivera – United States Navy – Crawfordsville High School
• Charity Shelton – UNOH – Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School
• Chase Collier – Vincennes University – Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School

The City of Crawfordsville congratulates these students on their achievements and wishes them continued success in their next chapter. Events like this affirm the community’s dedication to supporting the next generation of skilled workers, innovators and leaders.