Columbia City High School Eagle Tech Academy (ETA) has been recognized as a Spotlight School by the New Tech Network (NTN), a national organization supporting innovative, student-centered schools across the country.
ETA earned this distinction for its strong Supportive and Inclusive Culture, with the application also highlighting College and Career Readiness and Meaningful and Equitable Instruction. The recognition affirms ETA’s commitment to creating a school environment that is academically demanding, inclusive and supportive for every student.
The announcement was made at the New Tech Annual Conference, where ETA facilitators Melanie Mason and Rebecca Mapes discovered the news when they saw a congratulatory display. Jim May, Senior Vice President of NTN, praised ETA’s “sustained creativity, commitment, and innovation” and called the academy “a paragon and champion for students.”
“This recognition is affirming. We believe in the work we do with kids by building a small learning community where students feel connected and supported, while being pushed academically. It feels good to be recognized by the national network,” said Kelly Renier, Eagle Tech Academy Director.
ETA Academy Coach Tina Luckey added, “We pride ourselves on digging in with students and creating our culture. We applied for recognition in relationships, but this also opens doors for instruction. It’s motivating to know our work is being modeled in other schools.”
As part of the Spotlight School honor, ETA will receive a banner to display, be featured on NTN’s website and social media channels, and receive complimentary registration for next summer’s conference. Additionally, after presenting at the 2025 National Conference this summer, Mason and Mapes have been invited to appear on NTN’s podcast to share insights from their session on community engagement and ETA’s Senior Impact course.
Renier credited the achievement to the dedication of the entire ETA community. “This honor reflects the hard work and passion of our facilitators, staff, and students. It’s proof of what can happen when a school truly invests in relationships, equity, and high expectations,” Renier said.
Eagle Tech Academy is a part of New Tech Network and has been foundational in project-based learning for WCCS high school students for the last 15 years. Since last school year, the high school is organized into small learning communities, collectively known as “The Academies of Columbia City.” The academies were created to ensure a welcoming, inclusive environment within the high school setting and to improve student success in post-secondary programs and careers, which was modeled so well at Eagle Tech Academy. Learn more about our academy structure at wccsonline.com/o/cchs/page/academies.
The New Tech Network includes more than 350 schools serving 100,000+ students nationwide. Spotlight Schools are chosen for their exemplary commitment to the NTN mission and their ability to serve as models for others in the network.
Rebecca Mapes (left) and Melanie Mason discover ETA as a Spotlight School at the New Tech Network National Conference this past summer.
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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.
Media Contact
Dr. Laura McDermott, WCCS Superintendent mcdermottla@wccsonline.com
Kennedy Saggars, WCCS Communications saggarskt@wccsonline.com