Whitley County Consolidated Schools

Columbia City High School celebrated the success of work-based learning internships and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with the annual Internship Showcase with hundreds of students and community members. 

On May 27 at Columbia City High School, interns representing 175 internship experiences during the past school year presented their projects to Columbia City High School students, families, Whitley County Consolidated School administration, the school board, and internship mentors.

Internship students partner with area businesses and organizations to participate in intentional, meaningful, career exploration experiences. Students can be with their partnering business for a couple of weeks, a full semester, or even the full year. These intentional experiences are coordinated with the courses students have taken through the CTE program at CCHS. 

Students work with WCCS Talent Development Director, Lori Heuer as well as teachers from their respective CTE programs, to determine the best experience for their future goals.  “In meeting with the students, we work to find an internship opportunity that will help them navigate their future path.  Students benefit from these experiences in many ways including career pathway guidance, professional networking, practical application of employability skills, and learning about future opportunities.”

During the day, 21 seniors had a signing with their employers. These signings indicated continuing internship, apprenticeship, full-time employment, or part-time employment or enlistment.

Signing students included:

• Landon Atkins, Flow Tech Plumbing and Heating

• Zack Berry, Quality Finish Construction LLC

• Keiten Byram, C&A Tool Engineering, Inc.

• Elijah Braun, US Army

• Reed Chapman, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166

• Nick Chivers,  Milestone Contractors LP

• Angelo Cuccia, Milestone Contractors LP

• Kaleb Eiler, Brick Masons Union

• Vivian Gerard, US Army

• Aydin Good, Shambaugh and Sons Electrical Fabrication

• Zac Granados Vanderford, Michael Kinder & Sons, CMRCC

• Austin Henry, Dirig Sheet Metal/Sheet Metal Workers Local 20

• Ben Hyde, FCI Construction, CMRCC

• Carson Henry, Brooks Construction

• Kyle Hullinger, US Army

• Riley Lombard, US Army

• Jacob Mullett, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166

• Kylee Ousley, Home Enterprises, Inc.

• Eli Ralson,  Milestone Contractors LP 

• Brandon Richardson, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166

• Garret Shepherd,  Milestone Contractors LP

• Kollin VanEmon, Conte Wealth Advisors

“We are here to support Zac and formally welcome him to our team! As a company, we are investing in talent soon. Our relationship with the construction trades class and Mr. Krill, allowed us to identify students who would work well with us. MKS is just scratching the surface of our next laborers and we are excited about what’s up and coming,” said Kelly Glogas, Michael Kinder and Sons Talent Development Manager. 

Students choose internships based on their interests and classes and often find their true career interests through the experiences of the program. 

Businesses are invited to partner with Columbia City High School to host interns next year. Contact Lori Heuer at heuerla@wccsonline.com and learn more about our programming at wccsonline.com. 

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About Whitley County Consolidated Schools
Whitley County Consolidated Schools (WCCS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. Serving Columbia City and surrounding communities, WCCS believes in fostering a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and character development. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, our district offers a diverse curriculum, dedicated educators, and state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire and engage every learner. Through partnerships with families and the community, WCCS strives to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. For more information about our schools, programs, and initiatives, visit us at www.wccsonline.com.