Columbia City High School

Last week, the Construction Trades CTE students attended the Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana Construction Career Academy Day at Ivy Tech Community College. They learned about industry overview and had trade presentations from Aluminum Glass and Glazing, Carpentry, Design and Engineering, Fire Protection, and Safety where they tried hands-on applications through the various rotations. Student Carson H. won several training competitions and they all represented Columbia City High School well. Thank you, Mr. Krill for leading this pathway and our community for the continual support of all our students. #WCCSExperience

This weekend CCHS will host the Columbia City Show Choir Cup Invitational and it's going to be an incredible showcase of talent! The competition kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday night. This is a ticketed event and they accept cash or card. As the competition host, Columbia City Show Choirs can't compete but they're performing for our community! Both City Lights and City Heat have had an incredible year- we encourage everyone to come and support these amazing students! Columbia City Show Choirs Performance Schedule Saturday, 5:50 p.m. City Lights (all-girl group) Saturday, 10:30 p.m. City Heat (mixed choir) Competitions begin Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and Final Awards are at 11 p.m. Tonight, middle school groups compete beginning at 6:45 p.m. Concessions are provided Friday evening and all day Saturday. A lot of family, alumni, and community volunteers help make this weekend happen -- come support the local talent at the Columbia City Cup Show Choir Invitational! #WCCSExperience

Several classes have taken advantage of the warmer weather by moving projects outside this week! Here, our CTE Construction Trades works on laying out building pads. #WCCSExperience #CTE #ConstructionTrades

Today is National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day! We're celebrating Chet Burch and Chad Ralston! They are the district maintenance technicians and help keep our buildings running day-to-day! “Chad and Chet are worth their weight in gold. They are given multiple projects, working together to create a beautiful space. One of the projects they have finished is the eSports room at ISMS. They both have their own sets of skills, and they learn from each other. These fellows have put their heart and soul into their work, which shows. As a corporation, we are very blessed to have these two guys on our team,” said Vicky Borders, WCCS Corporation Custodial Trainer. Read more about Chet and Chad and their work here: https://www.wccsonline.com/article/2069985 #EverydayEagles #WCCSRelationshipBuilders #WCCSExperience

The Fire Rescue students had mock interviews at the Warsaw Fire Department this week. It was a great experience to share their learning experiences and to learn from professionals. Great work, students! Thank you, Zach Rumsyre for your leadership and for leading this CTE pathway! #CTE #WCCSExperience

WCCS Career and Technical Education (CTE) recently hosted the annual partnership meeting with more than 60 community representatives present to hear about CTE updates and growth. 29 students shared their experiences. Parents and community mentors also shared their perspectives. All students are eligible to participate in CTE and work-based learning opportunities based on their CCHS career focus (BAC, HHS or MET). Students from each of the three academies shared how pathways have supported their learning and career development. With 165 interns in our community this semester, we couldn't do the work without our community partners. THANK YOU! To join our incredible work, contact Jennifer Reiff or Lori Heuer and visit our webpage at wccsonline.com/o/cchs/page/career-and-technical-education. Local partners are invited to join the CCHS College and Career Fair on March 27. Contact Lori Heuer to register. The next partnership meeting for Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology (MET) is April 24. Health and Human Services (HHS) and Business, Arts and Communication (BAC) will meet on May 20, 2025, each beginning at 7:30 a.m. at CCHS. #CTE #ExperienceWCCS #WorkBasedLearning #Interns #Community

In November, Columbia City High School and WCCS Career and Technical Education (CTE) announced a partnership with Garrett High School to offer the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) program for high school students. The innovative program, named Triple L, gives students the opportunity to earn non-restricted Class A CDL licenses. Since launching in November, the students have received their classroom instruction. Last week, all students from CCHS and Garrett passed the written portion of their certification! The students will continue their behind-the-wheel training in May. In compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Entry Level Driver Training Regulations, students have module training including control systems, hazard perception, ski control/recovery, roadside inspections, environmental compliance issues and so much more. To earn their CDL, students must show proficiency in vehicle inspection processes, alley dock backing, parallel parking, coupling, night operation, and more. Great work, students! #CTE #CDL

Notice: Radio Road, between SR9 and SR205, is closed March 3-7 for NIPSCO to complete some work. Please make sure you plan alternative routes and give yourself extra time to safely get to and from school.

Intern Spotlights | These internships have us dreaming of summer fishing and more time outdoors! Gavin wants to continue environmental sciences and interns with DNR Fish and Wildlife District 2. Julian wants to become a conservation officer and learns with the Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Division! Chain O Lakes State Park hosted Evan last semester! He plans to pursue a career as a Park Ranger! He completed the Criminal Justice Pathway with Mr. Sexton! #CTE #Classof2025 #ExperienceWCCS

Intern Spotlights | The healthcare industry continues to inspire students to pursue careers! Elizabeth and Jaycie completed their CCMA certification with the help of Mr. Bock's classes and have been accepted into Radiology programs to continue their education. They're currently interning with Parkview Whitley Hospital to learn real-world applications. Parkview Whitley provides a rotation experience for Jaelynn and now spends most of her time in the Med/Surg Department. In the emergency department, Kasyn continues her path to become a nurse anesthetist. Thank you, Parkview!

Intern Spotlights | The Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes at CCHS help students find and cultivate their interests. These students found joy in their classes and continued into their internship experience. Dawson interns with Ligonier Animal Clinic and hopes to become a veterinarian. Eden shares her love and knowledge for animal science at C.C. Vet Hospital. Hailey and Maddie learn from the team at Eel River Veterinary Clinic! Thank you, Mrs. Furthmiller for teaching these students and preparing them for their experiences! Thank you, veterinarian hosts! #CTE #Classof2025 #ExperienceWCCS #WCCSRelationshipBuilders

Intern Spotlight | Business, Arts and Communication Career Focus interns experience some of our best local businesses! Eleanor learns and expresses her creativity with Indigo Studios in art and graphic design. Minear Real Estate hosts senior Eli as he explores career fields connected to his business, management and marketing classes! Jeffrey prepares to continue his dream of becoming a lawyer with attorney Matt Shipman! #ExperienceWCCS #Classof2025

Intern Spotlights | Our Health and Human Services Career Focus includes medical and people-focused internships. Caydence, an Education Professions pathway senior, interns with the Center for Whitley County where she finds joy in helping children. Ava uses her CCMA at Miller's Oak Pointe where she has "gained great knowledge and experience in healthcare." In addition to her CCMA, Ava at Parkview is finishing her EMT program. She's where she wants to be after her opportunities! Senior Bailey interns at the Whitley County Sheriff's Department to finish his Criminal Justice Pathway! We are so appreciative of our community partners who help with our students' success! #ExperienceWCCS #Interns

Intern Spotlights | Addi interns with Parkview Regional Pharmacy and the experience has helped Addi know she definitely wants to pursue a career as a pharmacist this fall. Carson has a career focus in Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology and learns new skills from Clifford's Custom Collision. Thank you, PREMC and Clifford's Custom Collision! #ExperienceWCCS #Classof2025

Intern Spotlight | Makenna applies her business management and entrepreneurship skills at Sun Kiss Tanning. Continuing to pursue a career in physical therapy, Michela will be ready for her college classes with knowledge and experience from Benchmark Physical Therapy! Thank you for providing real experiences for our students this semester! Work Based Learning provides hands-on experience for students to use their classroom knowledge and continue to learn from their professional mentors. #ExperienceWCCS

We Continue to Celebrate Career & Technical Education at Whitley County Consolidated Schools! This February, we highlight the incredible opportunities our Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways provide for students to transform their futures during National CTE Month! At Whitley County, our CTE programs prepare students for real-world success through hands-on learning and industry-recognized credentials. We offer diverse pathways including: Agri-Science Automotive Biomedical Business Administration Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Civil Construction Computer Science Cosmetology Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Design Technology Early Childhood Education Education Professions Emergency Medical Services Engineering Fire and Rescue Horticulture Human & Social Services Marketing & Sales Precision Agriculture Precision Machining Radio & TV Welding Technology Why CTE Matters: Earn industry certifications Gain practical job skills Explore career opportunities Earn college credits Hands-on learning experiences Our students aren't just learning—they're preparing for successful careers right here in our community. Each pathway connects classroom learning with real-world application, giving students a competitive edge. These opportunities are available to our students in partnership with our local community! View more of our CTE Guide on our website wccsonline.com/o/cchs/page/career-and-technical-education. Proud of our students and the dedicated educators who make these opportunities possible! #CTEMonth #CTE #ExperienceWCCS

Notice: Radio Road will close March 3-7 for NIPSCO to complete some work. Please make sure you plan alternative routes and give yourself extra time to safely get to and from school.

Intern Spotlights | Our Work Based Learning programs provide significant impact for our student learning and our community mentors. This semester 165 senior students are in our community continuing their hands-on education. #ExperienceWCCS

February is CTE Month, which celebrates the accomplishments of CTE programs and the importance of CTE for students of all ages. At Columbia City High School, students have access to four nationally recognized Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). FCCLA and FFA are hosted at Indian Springs Middle School, too! Career and Technical Education (CTE) at WCCS helps prepare students for employment, enrollment or enlistment. Access to CTSOs allows students to continue their education and apply their skills through regional, state, and national level competitions with like-minded students. Thank you, CTSO advisors and leaders! Learn more at wccsonline.com/o/cchs/page/career-and-technical-education

To help connect area businesses to Whitley County high school students, CCHS is hosting a College & Career Fair on Thursday, March 27 from 1 -2:45 p.m. at Columbia City High School. Students from Columbia City High School, Churubusco High School, and Whitko High School have the availability to attend. Area businesses are invited to reserve an 8ft table/space (tables provided) to promote their career and to share any available summer or job opportunities to current and graduating students. We look forward to partnering with our community for this important student experience! Please reserve your spot by March 1. You can scan the QR code to complete the Career Fair Registration Form to reserve your spot!